Friday 12 June 2015

June Dress Week Style Challenge: Black Maxi Dress and Plaid Office Wear

I'm jumping ahead a little with outfit pics as I want to post as closely as I can with my blog buddy Kiki. I'll just put the rest of the Fox in Flats style dare pictures on hold and get back to posting them later in June. I'm a few days behind Kiki's posts, but we are both participating in the JuneDressWeek challenge on instagram! You can follow along with #JuneDressWeek1 for this week, and of course go check out Kiki's blog or instagram and give her some encouragement for her first ever style challenge!

What I wore:

winter black maxi dress acne pistol boots chevron cardi LV speedy Bandouliere

Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere with chevron print cardi
CardiganJeansWest knit cardi in long sleeve zig zag
Singlet: Supre green singlet under dress
Dress: thrifted black Jeanswest halterneck maxi dress (new purchase)
ShoesAcne pistol boots in "skin"
Bracelets: the usual
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

The challenge for the day was 'maxi Monday'. You can see Kiki's take on the challenge here. It was a public holiday Monday, so we planned a stroll on the beach and the in-laws came over for a while. I had wanted to wear the new teal printed maxi dress I bought again, but I felt I should wear this black maxi dress I picked up from the same sale instead as I hadn't worn it yet. As I mentioned when I bought this dress, I had previously decided I only needed one black maxi dress in my wardrobe but bought this one anyway (bringing me up to 2 black maxi dresses) as it was 'fill a bag for $2' so it made no difference in price if I added the dress to the bag or not. Plus it was Jeanswest and NWT....

I'm not really seeing a need for this dress in my wardrobe though. I don't think I'll end up wearing it twice in a month after buying it (as per my shopping goals) so it really wasn't the smartest purchase. On the other hand, it was such a bargain and there's not anything wrong with it other than the fact that I don't see myself wearing it an awful lot. So I'm keeping it, but going to pay close attention to how much wear it gets.


This cardi has only been worn three times on the blog (herehere and here), and only a handful of times before I started blogging. It's been in the donate bag twice and twice I've pulled it out. I took it out of the donations pile recently as I wanted to wear it with something, and I ended up picking another outfit instead. When I wore it this time, I remembered why I keep trying to get rid of it. I really don't have any scarves that go with this, so it's tricky to wear and as nice as the print is, I just don't wear it enough.  I only ever wear it with black and grey. It's pretty to look at but not easy to wear for me, so it's going back in the donate pile and staying there!

Leaving My Wardrobe: chevron cardi

Away From Blue Blog 1 Chevron zig zag print knit cardi 4 ways 4 outfits



Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, chevron cardi, Acne pistol boots, Louis Vuitton Speedy B. First time I've worn the black maxi dress as it was a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: chevron cardi with stripes and a baby bump, similar black maxi dress in summer, Pistol boots and a red shift dressspeedy bandouliere and denim.






What I wore:

away from blue plaid peplum navy dress trench winter office wear

Rebecca Minkoff Moon navy blue medium MAB tote
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
ScarfAlexander McQueen magenta skull scarf in roses print
Dress: ValleyGirl navy plaid peplum dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs two tone flats in blush and black
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale, 40% off!)

Why I wore it:

The style challenge for the day was 'a great deal' and I wasn't sure I would be able to find a dress that would fit the theme and still work for the office. (My fill a bag for $2 maxi dresses were certainly deals, despite being too casual for work!) Then I remembered this gem hiding in my wardrobe. I bought it about 6 years ago I think. It's been a great dress for the office, and it's lasted a lot longer than I expected a $7 dress to! Check out Kiki's great deal dress.

I had a personal training session in the park the evening before so my legs weren't up to wearing heels. I had actually wanted to wear black flats with this, but I couldn't find them when rushing out the door in the morning, so wore these pink and black ones I hadn't tidied away after their last wear. I think it looked okay, added some more colour, and I wore them like that with this dress last time too.


Last worn: trench coat, Alexander McQueen skull scarf, plaid peplum dressMbMJ colour block flats, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote.

Other ways to wear: trench with an Aztec print dress, skull scarf in spring with a LBDplaid dress in summercap toe flats and skinny jeans, RM MAB tote with pencil skirts for office wear.




Linking up with Passion for Fashion, Casual Friday, That Friday Blog Hop, Favourite Fashion Friday, Fashion Friday, Fab Favourites, Mix It Up Friday, Fashion Friday, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Friday Favourites, Modest Monday, Let It Shine today.



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50 comments:

  1. That maxi dress is wonderful and I really like how you styled it...that lovely cardi is a great choice to match with it.

    In the second outfit, I especially like the scaf because it adds an element of unexpected.

    http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/

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  2. you look so pretty, and the doggy is so so cuuuute :)

    Bisous from France,
    *-* Sand. *-*

    www.taimemode-fashionblog.com

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  3. Yay June Dress week! I was so excited to see this in my feed this morning. Love your laid back casual maxi look. I only own 4 maxis none of which really fit the casual setting. I wear the one I wore Monday a ton of the weekends, but it's so busy I wouldn't consider it very casual. I've pretty much phased out all of my printed cardigans for the same reason. Too hard to match with.

    I love your deal dress! Looks like it has a bit of a peplum look to it? It's stunning for the office. (: Drooling over your MJ shoes. <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was excited to get the post up, haha! Thanks for your patience! I'm wearing the outfits in advance to be able to link up more closely with you next week ;) Sneaky...haha!
      I definitely think I need plain cardis to ensure that I will wear them more! :)

      And yes the dress does have a peplum detail, it's great for a post-baby body ;)

      Delete
  4. Its funny how that cardi keeps making a come back into your wardrobe !
    From my many closet edits I only have ONE item that I keep going back to, its a pair of jeans that is actually too tight for me to wear, but I just give everything away and keep it...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think everyone has a piece (or two...) that they keep holding onto! I'm sad to see this cardigan go, but honestly I want easy pieces in my wardrobe that all go together, so I need to get rid of things that don't work.

      Delete
  5. I love that maxi dress/cardigan combo. I love cardis and maxis but never know if I'm pairing them well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Always worth just giving it a try, you never know until you try :)

      Delete
  6. I absolutely love your second work outfit! I am surprised to see that gorgeous navy peplum dress is from Vallygirl! I could never find anything there whenever I go back to Aust! Must not be looking at the right corner lol! Always love your fuchsia McQueen scarf lady! Hope you are enjoying your weekend <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Yun! I'm having a great weekend, hope you are too!
      I only have a couple Valleygirl pieces in my wardrobe - but they are great ones, like this!

      Delete
  7. This sounds like a fun challenge! I love your Louis Vuitton & navy blue bags! I'm stopping by from the Casual Friday Linkup!

    Crumbs & Curls

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  8. I'm sorry to hear about the black maxi dress that you're not crazy about! I do agree with your decision about the chevron cardigan. It's a bit busy. At least you got your use out of it first!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right, I did get a couple wears out of it! It will go onto someone who will love it even more I'm sure :)

      Delete
  9. Oooh! Fun challenge! You styled this maxi perfectly! Thanks for linking up for Passion4Fashion :)

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  10. That cardigan is super lovely but I can see why it would be a pain to style. It demands and commands your sole attention. Shame to see it go but I understand the annoyance of such pieces myself. I have one or two AND almost brought another the other day lol.

    Sxx
    www.daringcoco.com

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    Replies
    1. haha yes I need to stop buying them! :)

      Delete
  11. Funny, I had a black and white chevron cardi that I thought would be awesome because I like chevron patterns and black and white together. I couldn't get it to go with anything and it just never worked for me, so off it went in the donation bag! Also your skull scarf reminded me I have a dark burgundy version that I haven't seen for a while, I must dig that out . . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is just something so tricky about chevron! I think it always wants to be the statement piece, haha!
      Hope you do give your scarf a wear! :)

      Delete
  12. That bag in the last outfit is GORGEOUS, and I'm i love with your maxi! Such great looks!

    May x • THE MAYDENbloglovin'

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  13. I love the scarf in your second outfit, adds a nice pop of color for summer.

    http://www.mintnotion.com

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  14. Totally love your black maxi and your dog :)
    xoxo Lynda
    www.fashion-petite.blogspot.com

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  15. Patterned cardigans are so cute, but I agree-they can be difficult to wear! I love the mint you added to the first outfit with that tank top. What a great way to add color to the look!

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  16. amazing outfits! the second one is my favourite :D xoxo

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  17. Farewell chevron scarf! I love those pink and black flats and that maxi dress was a bargain! You can't even buy a bottle of water for 2 bucks! I love that you have a personal photo bomber! Thanks for linking up with the Ultimate Rabbit Hole.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am sad to see the cardiagan go, but better for it to go onto someone who will wear it often!
      The maxi dress was definitely a bargain, but I'm trying not to clutter my wardrobe...we will see how long it hangs around! :)

      Delete
  18. Your reasons for letting go of the cardigan make total sense, although it's still fun to see all the previous ways you wore it! I also just love your second outfit. So classic!
    Gina || On the Daily Express

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  19. I love maxi dresses and the one you are wearing in the first shot is so nice! The second look looks very cozy for the fall :)

    RedLip&Love

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  20. Love this cardigan. Pretty outfits. xx

    Nina
    http://www.ninasstyleblog.com

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  21. haha yes it's a big temperature difference getting up early to commute instead of just getting out the door in the morning when baby is ready!

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  22. Thank you all for your kind comments!

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  23. always good to meet a fellow scarf lover! Scarves are such a great accessory...and they can really be worn in any season.

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    Replies
    1. They are a very versatile accessory indeed! :)

      Delete
  24. I love maxidresses :) They're always perfect :)

    http://lovelyattitude.com

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  25. That maxi dress is very pretty! :)

    I'm following you on GFC :)

    mystylishcorner.blogspot.com

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  26. I have so many items like that, which just circle around the donate bin, but I really like the chevron cardigan, and I think it would look great with a pair of white jeans - and why not a solid scarf?
    Chic on the Cheap

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't have many solid scarves !I think I only have 2, haha! I prefer printed scarves :)

      Delete
  27. I love the maxi dress with that chevron sweater!

    https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com

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  28. You have some of the best bags out of everyone I know. Seriously, I'm super jealous of them! Sorry for not commenting lately, it's been a crazy few weeks.

    Dayna
    So Fashionably Frugal

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  29. Love how that chevron cardigan has served you well for so long! Love how versatile such a printed piece can be! You look amazing in both outfits my dear!

    be the plebeian

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  30. So many lovely things again, that maxi dress is stunning!

    xx -n
    Naomi in Wonderland

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  31. You have such a cute unique sense of style. You wear these looks so well. I'm now following you via GFC, hope you can come check my website and see if you'd like to follow back! xo

    MY LATEST POST
    bloglovin

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  32. I love seeing all the ways you have styled your cardi. Looks great with your maxi. I am loving that peplum dress.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  33. The chevron sweater is a great way to add some flavour to your black dresses!

    Sincerely,
    Sabrina

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  34. That scarf is absolutely beautiful! Love the color.

    Connie | Sponsored by Coffee | Bloglovin’

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  35. You look nice in both outfits but more especially in the second. :)

    Have a nice day! :)

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

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  36. I love both of these looks--both dresses are so great for layering! My favorite is that cute peplum dress--it looks great on you!!

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  37. Love the chevron cardigan and your latest outfit is my favorite with it. I am in love with the very Autumn second look though. Perfection!

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  38. i love a basic black maxi and so great with the chevron cardi!

    cute & little

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  39. Love the chevron card and how you styled it so many different ways! And wow, I love your second look and how you wore the skull scarf with such a preppy, classic look. That contrast is such a pleasant surprise!

    Thank you for linking up with Friday Favorites!

    Christie
    The Closet by Christie

    www.theclosetbychristie.com

    ReplyDelete

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