Monday 9 October 2017

Ruffle Dresses for the Office with Chloe Paddington Bag

If I like something I'll buy multiples of it. While I'm a bit more discerning now and I wait until something has proved its worth in my wardrobe before I buy another version of it, there are a handful of pieces in my wardrobe that I bought different prints of at the same time, like these dresses!

These ruffle dresses were purchased at the same time and both are must-haves in my wardrobe. While they are identical styles, just different prints, I find them both useful additions to my wardrobe. Neither of them are breastfeeding friendly so they have been packed away while I was on maternity leave. They are perfect for the office though and it's been good to get them out again. I decided to wear them with a little worn bag, my Chloe Paddington.

What I wore:

blush pink blazer, ankle boots, animal print ruffle dress and Chloe paddington brun chocolate brown bag | Away From Blue

animal print dress, Chloe Paddington bag in 2007 Brun | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram ruffle animal print dress pink bazer ankle boots Chloe Paddington
JacketJeanswest Nadine 3/4 sleeve dusky pink blazer
NecklaceZanele 40 handmade rope necklace
DressJeanswest ruffle neckline animal print dress
ShoesAcne pistol boots in "skin"
BagChloe Paddington in 2007 Brun

Why I wore it:

The style challenge for the day was 'spot my shoe style' so I decided to wear my favourite boots, my Acne Pistol ankle boots. Last time I wore these to the office I really enjoyed wearing them again. While they have a high heel they are so comfortable, and I had no issues wearing them last time on a quiet day in the office. This time round I ended up unexpectedly rushing around the office to and from meetings in these and by the end of the day I was wishing I'd picked flat shoes! My feet were comfortable, but my weak knee, used to wearing flats during pregnancy and on maternity leave, was a little sore as they are quite tall.

Knee problems aside, I loved everything else about this outfit. The pastel pink blazer works perfectly with the print on the dress, and it was fun carrying my Chloe paddington again. It was my first ever designer bag purchase, over 10 years ago!


Last worn: blush pink blazer, ruffle printed dress, Acne Pistol Boots, Chloe Paddington bag.

Other ways to wearblush pink blazer and olive tank, ruffle printed dress and red accessories, Acne Pistol Boots and bodycon dress, Chloe Paddington bag with graphic tee and jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: blush blazer and maternity pencil skirt in third trimester, printed dress hiding 4 month baby bump, pistol boots in third trimesterChloe Paddington in first trimester.



Ruffle Detail Dresses Under $50:








What I wore:

jacquard blazer with pink ruffle neckline dress, gold mouse flats, Chloe paddy bag | AwayFromBlue

Chloe paddington gold hardware padlock bag in Brun chocolate brown 2007 | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram pink ruffle dress with yellow statement necklace business casual office wear spring
JacketJeanswest Cassandra jacquard jacket
NecklaceStarfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
DressJeanswest deep pink ruffle neckline dress (updated version recently released)
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black!)
BagChloe Paddington in 2007 Brun

Why I wore it:

The colour of this dress is always so hard to capture! It's a really berry pink, looking hot pink and red in different lights. I thought the fun yellow statement necklace would look great with it, and the embellished blazer kind of has stripes on it for the 'team stripes' style challenge that day.


Surprised to look up and see that the last time I wore this dress was over 2 years ago though! No idea why it's been so long between wears.

I was wearing my trusty gold mouse flats instead of heels, which was definitely needed. As I shared on my Insta stories, daycare lost a lovey/comforter/snuggly whatever you want to call it. As we didn't have a backup, I had to rush around the city stores at lunch time trying desperately to find a replacement. Without any luck sadly! I was more than a little annoyed, especially as it's not the first time I've made this frantic shop!

Thankfully I liked my outfit, even if I did go home empty handed with no replacement cuddly toy. Daycare eventually found it again a couple days later. And we also now have a back up one!


Last worn: jacquard blazer, ruffle detail dress, gold mouse flats, Chloe Paddington bag (above).

Other ways to wearjacquard blazer and maxi skirt, ruffle detail dress and purple bag, gold mouse flats and skinny jeans, Chloe Paddington bag and printed pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: jacquard blazer in second trimester, mouse flats and maternity wrap dress, Chloe Paddington in second trimester.



Where To Buy a Chloe Paddington Bag:




While the Chloe Paddington is no longer in production, there are plenty of trusted places to get it second hand!



How You Can Wear It:

Need a quick and easy outfit for work? Grab a pretty dress and add a blazer and your fave bag, simple and professional!
If you're buying multiples of clothes for work, dresses are a good option. Different prints and colours make it look like a whole new outfit, even if they are the same style of dress, like the two in this post.


Linking up with Confident Twosday, Style Sessions, Oh Hey Girl, Style On the Daily, Fashion Frenzy.



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51 comments:

  1. I am definitely with you on buying multiple colourways if something is really good / fits well. Although sometimes it's weird how a different colour or print isn't quite as good as another even if it's the exact same item!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it's funny how we have favourites even though they are identical!

      Delete
  2. Hi Mica! I really like both dresses. I love how you paired the animal print with soft accessories. The bag compliments both looks perfectly. I pray you have a beautiful week ahead!

    Tiff
    http://www.dashoffashandfinance.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would never have thought that these are the same dresses, the different colors/print make them look like completely different styles.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think them looking so different is why I've kept them both! :)

      Delete
  4. Great dresses! I can see why you bought both, and I think it was a wise decision! I am always hesitant to buy two of the same item, but I have regretted not buying the second one a few times...

    I hope your week is off to a good start!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it's hard to know when an item will be a winner until you've tried it on at home I think!

      Delete
  5. I wouldn't say their identical. If you hadn't mentioned they were the same dress I never would have guessed because the print of the first one hides the ruffle detail a bit, hehe. And yayyy for the mouse flats!
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They do look quite different even though they are the same style! :)

      Delete
  6. I would have no idea that these were the same style dress! It is so beautiful on you!!

    By Lauren M

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm so obsessed with leopard print right now and so this ruffled dress ticks ALL the right boxes! You look lovely and perfectly prepared for Autumn :)

    aglassofice.com
    x

    ReplyDelete
  8. I agree with the previous poster that I would have not known they were the same! But I can see why you like them! They look great! And that bag is gorgeous! I love that it's had staying power in your collection for so long!
    Carylee | http://morepiecesofme.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They do look different enough with the colour and print! I think that's why I've kept both! :)

      Delete
  9. Cute dresses and love that handbag!
    ~Samantha
    http://goldcoastgirlblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Everyone needs a couple of basic dresses for all occasions! I love the ruffles but the print of the first one is amazing! I maintain that leopard is a neutral but it certainly makes a statement! Love them!

    xo Deborah
    Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh no, I hate it when a lovey/treasured object disappears! Jona used to carry around this Jake and the Neverland Pirates figurine everywhere, but he left it at a restaurant one day. I did eventually get him another one, but he never loved it quite as much.
    I love both of these dresses and I don't blame you at all for buying multiples. They're so pretty on you--I love the printed version and that bright color!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it's so frustrating when it happens! I need to have backups now, haha!

      Delete
  12. I have the same habit as well when it comes to buying multiples. I like the dress, especially in the animal print.
    LaToya
    www.toyastales.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ah yes those Jeaswest dresses are perfect for the office, I can see why you like them. And like that they go to your knee and are not too short. And that bag is gorge! The over-sized padlock is a cute detail.

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They really are perfect office dresses! :)

      Delete
  14. You look great in both outfits.

    Bernie, xx
    The Style Fanatic

    ReplyDelete
  15. Both of these are lovely dresses, and I agree with commenters that they do not look like the same dress! I hear ya on the heels - nothing like a surprise busy day to make a shoe suddenly less comfy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I think them looking so different despite being identical styles is why I've kept them both so long! :)

      Delete
  16. You look so pretty in these dresses, love the bag too.

    Nina's Style Blog

    ReplyDelete
  17. Both dresses are adorable and I wouldn't have noticed that they are the same cut! What really gets me is that you said your purse is 10 years old. It looks fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Chloe paddingtons tend to age really well, it's the thick leather! :)

      Delete
  18. Okay I used to do that and now I don't. There are just too many styles and fits out there. I love those boots in the first look and see why they are your favorite!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very true - I've been trying to move away from doing it so often!

      Delete
  19. Well chosen! The two dresses look completely different despite being the same style. I'm trying to add some ruffle and interest to my work wardrobe and am now inspired.

    SSG xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad I could give you some inspiration! :)

      Delete
  20. I love this style of dress! Both of these look so lovely on you! Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oooh I love the choice of colors and prints on that first outfit!

    annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Dresses and cardigans will always be a favorite of mine! So good. You look great, and I love the bag.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    ReplyDelete
  23. The second is my fav! The yellow necklace goes stunningly with the red dress!

    Jo
    www.outlanderly.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Girrrrl, that bag is such a classic!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    ReplyDelete
  25. the style of the dress is really pretty mica. you did the right thing buying several. my favorite is the first one! looks gorgeous on you. love the muted tones.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm loving both of these outfits, especially the second one; you know I'm loving red and brown this season! Thanks for sharing and I hope you're having a great week so far!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    THE STYLE CONTOUR

    ReplyDelete
  27. I just love ruffles!! Both of these dresses are adorable and you styled them perfectly! Great looks Mica!

    xx, Elise
    www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love the feminine vibe ruffles add to an outfit. These are two gorgeous dresses and I am glad you are able to wear them again! The yellow necklace looks amazing with the second dress!

    ReplyDelete
  29. You look gorgeous! Love the leopard print dress and boots combo. I hope you get to recover from your weak knees. I have been suffering from weak knees too due to an injury a few years back.


    xoxo,
    Gelleesh.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks :) My knee is usually pretty good, but every now and then I have a flare-up if I haven't looked after it properly!

      Delete
  30. Lovely dresses! I am also guilty of buying several of the same items in different colors if I really like the cut and fit or style of a particular article of clothing. Love your bag too!

    -Katie
    http://www.hellokatiegirlblog.com/

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love both dresses. And the Paddington handbag is truly gorgeous.
    Hugs
    Miri

    https://currentlywearing.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I have become obsessed with ruffles and I love these two dresses with the ruffles!

    Life is just Rosie
    Instagram

    ReplyDelete
  33. Both of those dresses are great! So easy to style and you look gorgeous in both!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

    ReplyDelete
  34. Love the ruffle dresses! I do love a ruffled detail and it makes work dresses much more interesting and less "stuffy".

    You know I ended up selling my Pistol boots for the reason you mentioned above. I loved them so much but having been used to wearing flats and sneakers during pregnancy and mat leave they were just too high for me and I ended up with sore calves at the end of the day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I'm sad you sold yours, btu I can see why. When I was used to heels these were nothing, but after wearing flats consistently for the past couple years they are taking some getting used to again, haha!

      Delete
  35. Two great look. My fave is the beige with the pink blazer. I am so glad Chloe Paddington is out, it's a shame it got little wear.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really needs more wear, it's a beautiful bag!

      Delete
  36. Mica... both of these dresses are gorgeous... I adore the printed one and I love the bright orange one too... I would own both of them too xox

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks all for your lovely comments- these are such great dresses and I love that they look so different even though they are identical styles! :)

    ReplyDelete

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