December Purchases and 2017 Spend: Yearly Budget

Not too many purchases to share with you for December! I hope 2017 has been a good year for you, and 2018 is even better!


I did end up purchasing something off my wishlist from Rebecca Minkoff in the Cyber Monday sale, but as it didn't arrive until December I've included it in this monthly wrap up instead of November's purchases. With an extra 35% off and the items I wanted already reduced before the discount, I got a bargain! Both items together and shipping were still much less than the bag at full price. I love the Rebecca Minkoff sales!

What I Bought:

Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon worn 4 times
Rebecca Minkoff Crystal Star Shoulder Guitar strap worn 3 times
Jeanswest Brianna basque hem tank in black (gift card purchase, worn once)

How I Wore It:

It's easy to achieve my goal of wearing things twice in the month I buy them with accessories, they are frequently reworn. While I technically bought the bag and guitar strap in November, as they didn't arrive until December I count that as the month they arrive. Since I bought the tank in the post-Christmas sales at Jeanswest I didn't get a chance to wear it twice, but a good basic black tank like this is sure to get a lot of wear over the coming months.

Fashion Spend For The Year

See what I bought in August, in October, and in November.

In January I set myself the goal of 6 months without shopping. And I exceed that, managing 7 months without shopping in the end. I was curious how much more I'd save this year as a result. This year I spent $1,696.53. Only $127.58 less than last year.

Not the massive savings I'd expected, but I did excitedly splurge on an expensive bag that to be honest made up most of the total spend! I'm still pleased I managed to spend less this year, even with the splurge on the drool-worthy bag!

What I'm doing in 2018

I'm not doing another 6 months without shopping. I did have a lot of fun with it in the end. It was amazing that I could change my shopaholic ways and not only achieve but exceed the goal I set myself.

While I'm not setting myself another no-shop challenge, I am continuing with my #30wears goal. This means continuing to blog my daily outfits so I can look back and tally up how many times I've worn things, with the goal of sharing monthly something I've hit 30 wears on. The only way I can continue to do this with my clothes (I've hit it with so many of my shoes and bags already!) is to buy less.

So 2018 will be a buy less and rewear more year. You're likely to keep seeing the same few pieces on frequent rotation as I get closer to 30 wears of them. Also going to try to spend less in 2018 than I did in 2017, and continue the reduction in my spending.

Blogaversary

2018 also marks 6 years of blogging for me and 1165 posts, wow! Hope you're having as much fun reading as I am writing. I don't see myself stopping blogging any time soon, it's nice to have a little relaxing time to myself each day to browse blogs and write posts while the boys sleep.

Thank you all for your clicks, comments, shares and follows over the past few years. Have a happy new year!


Linking up with Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, Friday Favourites, Style Elixir.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Tailoring Thrifted Pieces: Is It Worth It? Opshop Finds and Denim Jackets

While I'm not a massive opshopper (thrift shopper for my American readers!) I do like browsing when I can and occasionally getting a bargain. Back in October, my local store had a 'fill a bag for $2' sale. I took the rare opportunity to leave the boys home with hubby and have some time to myself to browse. I didn't try anything on, just filling my bag with things that looked good and I guesstimated would work.

I've shared before that I sometimes wonder if it's worth buying less than perfect pieces at the opshop with the idea of spending more to get them tailored to fit. But with two of the thrifted pieces I'm wearing below I decided to go ahead and spend more on getting them tailored. They worked out at 67 cents each so even with the average $14 tailoring price for both they were still bargains.

What I wore:

 

Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Wilma teething necklace in pale daffodil
Tank: Jeanswest brown marle singlet
Skirt: Thrifted tribal print maxi skirt (new purchase)
Shoes: slim gold Havaianas
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold

Why I wore it:

This beautiful tribal print skirt used to be a strapless dress. It looked nicely made, but you could see where the fabric had been pulled from someone constantly adjusting it. I couldn't get past the gorgeous print and colours, it looked lovingly handmade too so I added it to my bag, reasoning I could wear it as a maxi skirt. When I got it home and tested this theory out, I realised it was going to need a bit of elastic sewn in to keep it in place as a skirt. Luckily my tailor was happy to do that for me. While it's not quite maxi skirt length, and is more an ankle grazing length on me, I adore it. I've never seen anything like this in the stores and being cotton it's sure to get a lot of wear over summer.

It's made me think about getting my red maxi skirt fixed up - it's a bit too long (#petiteprobs!) but I usually just get around that by wearing it higher on my waist.

Wore this out for an errand filled day with the boys, trying to cram everything in before a predicted storm was due to arrive. Thankfully it passed right by us. I did a little detour in the morning and stopped by the Jeanswest sale again, and picked up another little something which you'll have already seen in my November purchase post.


Last worn: denim jacket, brown marle tank, gold Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff Micro Regan. First time I've worn the skirt as it was a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: denim jacket and maxi dress, brown marle tank and wrap dress, Rebecca Minkoff Micro Regan worn 30 ways.

Perfect for pregnancy: denim jacket and hidden baby bump, brown tank in third trimester, gold Havaianas and maternity bermuda shorts.

---

Denim Jackets Under $50:

---

What I wore:

Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Tee:  thrifted mix apparel black space dye tee
Shorts: Thrifted pastel pink cotton shorts
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey

Why I wore it:

Both the tee and the shorts I picked up at the same $2 sale! The super soft tee was perfect as it was, so no alterations were needed there. I got it to replace my black tee which I accidentally destroyed by sticking it in the wrong wash cycle one too many times!

When I saw these shorts I was drawn to the colour and felt positive when I saw the size label was my normal size. I threw them in the bag. After having my colours 'done' pastels were one of the things suggested to keep away from my face, so I thought these shorts would be a nice way to add some pastels to my summer outfits.

I was disappointed to get them home and realise that they were either labeled incorrectly or a different sizing standard, as they were much too big. After debating if I could belt them, I decided to go ask my tailor if she could do anything. And she could! I felt pretty good about giving these shorts a new life, slightly tapered off by then seeing very similar shorts on sale for less than half the cost of the alterations.

The way I see it though, I supported a charity buying them in the first place (even though it was just $2...), and supported a local business with the alterations. So I don't feel too bad that there are similar styles available cheaper. $14.67 is a pretty good price for a cute pair of shorts!

Wore these out to playgroup, where the boys had chocolate chip cookies and of course my shorts were smeared in chocolate. Hopefully these light shorts will fare better next time I wear them!


Last worn: denim jacket (above), black marle tee, black Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag. First time I've worn the pastel pink shorts as they are recently back from the tailor.

Other ways to wear: denim jacket and printed maxi skirt, black marle tee and olive shorts, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag and floral maxi dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: denim jacket in third trimester, Love bag and maxi dress in third trimester.

---

How You Can Wear It:

It can be tricky to find your size when op shopping. While there are ways around things being slightly too big like belting or wearing skirts higher on your waist, you can always alter something to make it fit. If you're not crafty or are a bad sewer like I am, finding a local tailor is a good idea. They can give you ideas and advice on ways to change garments and make them work for you. Something to try when you love something so much you don't want to leave the store without it. (Tia is my local tailor who I recommend if you're in the Brisbane bayside and this post was not sponsored, she doesn't even know I'm writing it).


Do you buy things knowing they will need alterations, or do you leave them on the opshop rack and hunt for other treasures that fit?


Linking up with Turning Heads, On Trend, Confident Twosday, Style Sessions.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

November Purchases

While I didn't buy a lot in October, I did do a lot of shopping in November!

There are a couple reasons for buying so much this month:

• Doing Christmas shopping meant more exposure to stores and more temptation to shop
• I love spring/summer clothing and it makes up the bulk of my wardrobe as I find ways to wear it year-round. And there have been some really nice new season pieces.
• I've been decluttering and downsizing my wardrobe So I'm starting to feel there are 'gaps'.
• Jeanswest had a 40% off sale and I still had unspent gift cards that I had been setting aside for after my 6 months without shopping challenge at the start of the year.

The Jeanswest sale being the biggest reason if I'm honest, considering that's where I bought everything! I'm such a sucker for a sale! There's another 40% off sale on right now too!

What I bought:

• Jeanswest Tessa olive embroidered shorts 
• Jeanswest Parker printed shirred short 
• Jeanswest Sara distressed hot short 
• Jeanswest Anika foil stripe tee in white and silver 
• Jeanswest Maya gather back tank in chartreuse 
• Jeanswest Maya gather back tank in mid turquoise
• Jeanswest Evy dangly earring

How I Wore It:

I have a rule that whenever I buy something I have to wear it twice in the month I bought it. I couldn't do that with all of my October purchases, as one arrived over a month after I ordered it, and some had to be taken to the tailor first. I had better luck this month though, as you can see below. The only thing I haven't worn twice are the earrings as I'm saving them for Christmas.

The idea behind wearing things twice in the month I buy them is that I have to come up with two ways to wear it immediately before I buy so I know it will be useful in my wardrobe. I no longer have things new with tags sitting unworn for years and I have to really love it to want to wear it so frequently right away. I've slowed my shopping and gotten more use from the pieces I've bought since I've implemented this rule so I'm keeping on with it.

I'm feeling pretty wardrobe content for the moment! Not sure if I'll buy more in December or just get those final few Christmas presents I need to buy for people. The Iconic usually have their big boxing day sale so I'm sure to be tempted by that, especially if Rebecca Minkoff is included!


Linking up with Mix It Monday.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Aztec Print Dress Worn Two Ways for Different Seasons

While I managed to complete my 6 months without shopping challenge (and even added an extra month!) there were a few things I was eager to buy as soon as the challenge was over in August. This cute tiered little black Aztec print dress was one of those pieces.

I'm wearing it for different seasons in the two outfits below. It shows how versatile the dress is, but also how crazy our weather was near the end of winter. Within a few weeks it went from winter, to summer to winter again. Now it's spring it's thankfully continuing to warm up again.

What I wore:

Jacket: thrifted SES Fashions mustard yellow cardigan
Necklace: Starfish Project Hannah turquoise bead necklace (new purchase)
Dress: Kmart Aztec print tiered little black dress (new purchase)
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold

Why I wore it:

When I first saw this dress I instantly thought of wearing it with tights, ankle boots and a mustard cardigan. I was lucky to find this one at the start of August as I'd missed out on my dream mustard cardigan in an opshop as I was doing my no-buy challenge! It was so good to be able to wear the outfit I'd dreamt up when I first saw this dress. I thought the green necklace was another nice touch of colour with the mustard yellow.

It was a bit of an eventful day for Toddler T. His first trip to the dentist (he did really well!) and then his first play. There was a local production of 'Going on a bear hunt', one of the books he loves reading.

We finished the day with dinner at the in-laws. I liked how well this outfit worked for everything in the day, and at night. It was really cold in the evening so I was glad I wore the tights!


Last worn: mustard cardigan, black ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan. First time I've worn the dress as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: mustard cardigan and grey maxi skirt, black ankle boots and rolled skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan worn 30 ways.

Perfect for pregnancy: ankle boots in second trimester.

---

Little Black Dresses Under $50:

---

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry

Necklace: Nibbly Bits BB plum silicone teething necklace (C/O)
Dress: Kmart Aztec print tiered little black dress
Shoes: Purple high top Converse look-a-likes
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in pink, 43% off!)

Why I wore it:

In complete contrast to the outfit above, this was a much warmer day. I added the cardigan because it was a little windy in the morning, but with 30 degree weather when we went for a walk in the park the cardigan quickly came off. It was nice to get a little taste of summer near the end of winter. I'm looking forward to wearing this dress again with Converse now it's spring in Brisbane.

While it's very similar to the outfit above, I think the beauty of a little black dress is that you can make it look a little different each time just by changing the accessories.

Since I like to review everything I buy after wearing it twice to see how it's working for my wardrobe, my review of this little black dress:

I love this dress. It swishes beautifully when I wear it, although as you can see I haven't been able to capture a pic of that yet! I stumbled across it in Kmart while looking for shoes for baby Boy, and I hoped it would be there once my no-shop challenge is over. When it was still there I figured I'd wait until it went on sale. After checking the stock levels each time I went in and constantly thinking about it I decided to go ahead and buy it at full price. It was only $15. I don't like buying things full price no matter the cost, but it was only $15 and it has now sold out in my size without being reduced so I'm pleased I got it. I have so many outfit ideas in mind for it!


Last worn: purple cardigan, Aztec print dress (above), purple high tops, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag.

Other ways to wear: purple cardigan and pink tank, purple high tops and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag and pink maxi dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: purple cardi and stripes in first trimester, mini MAB tote bag in third trimester.

---

Colourful Cardigans Under $50:

---

How You Can Wear It:

A classic little black dress in any style is widely regarded as a wardrobe staple. You can make it look different each time by changing the accessories you wear with it. Both these outfits followed a very simple formula, picking a colourful cardigan and similar accessories. Just like kimonos in summer and scarves in winter, cardigans are good for adding a little colour in those in-between seasons. To keep things simple, you can wear a colorful cardigan with neutral layers, like a little black dress.


Linking up with Friday Faves, Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, Friday Favourites.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

What I Bought After a No Shop Challenge: The End of 7 Months Without Shopping

There's been a lot of interest in what I'd buy after I managed to complete not just the 6 months I'd planned but 7 months without shopping.

I'd had one big splurge planned but other than that I wasn't really sure what I wanted, as I tended to overthink most things I went to buy. I ended up making a few impulse buys. I've actually had quite a lot enter my wardrobe too, mainly from my sister's wardrobe clear out.

What was added to my wardrobe during my no-shop challenge:

• A knitted dress from my Grandma's wardrobe (worn here)
• Purple high top Converse look-a-likes from my sister (worn here and here)
• Jeanswest two tone boxy oversized tee from my sister (worn here and here)
• A floral ruffle detail tank from my sister (worn here and here)
• A trio of band tees from my sister (not yet worn)
• Jeanswest Cecile dove grey skinny jeans a very generous gift from a special someone who is surprising people with their savings from the $5 money challenge (worn here and here)
• Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
• Nibbly Bits BB plum silicone teething necklace (C/O)

What I Bought in August:

• Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag 
• Starfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
• Starfish Project Hannah turquoise bead necklace
• thrifted SES Fashions mustard yellow cardigan
• thrifted billabong red printed maxi skirt
• Kmart Aztec print tiered little black dress 
• Jeanswest Flavia foil printed polka dot tee deep iris (gift card purchase)

As you can see, only one of the things I bought was with one of my end-of-challenge gift cards. I'd asked for gift cards for Christmas and set them aside to spend at the end of my no-shop challenge. I just haven't seen anything I had to have that looked as good as I imagined when I tried it on (with the exception of the impulse buy polka dot tee, which is SO soft). With more spring and summer stock coming into the stores as winter ends I'm sure I'll have spent them before they expire in December. Being in Brisbane, winter clothing isn't a priority for me to buy as I tend to wear my summer pieces year-round, just with a few extra layers.


I still have my 'wear it twice in the month I bought it' rule to ensure that everything I buy and add to my wardrobe will work with what I already own. While there might have been a few impulse buys, I'd mostly been thinking about adding similar pieces for a while, and I've hit two wears on everything this month.

The Kmart dress is the only thing I bought full price. I probably could have waited for a sale, but seeing it while I was on my no-shop challenge and then starting to notice the stock levels falling in my local store made me go snap it up before I missed out quite quickly in August! It was only $15 so I'm not too upset I paid full price - still a bargain! And out of stock in my size now in my local Kmart so a good purchase.


The Starfish Project necklaces were an impulse buy too, I was a few days into August and hadn't bought anything yet when I stumbled across the brand on Instagram. From their website, 'the Starfish Project restores hope to women escaping human trafficking and exploitation in Asia.' They provide shelter for women and their children, counselling and employment and education. For every piece on their website that you can buy, it tells you exactly what that money can do. The yellow Veronica necklace is equal to the cost of 5 days of room and board at the Starfish Project shelter. The turquoise Hannah necklace is is equal to the cost of 1 week of counseling for an exploited woman.

This isn't a sponsored post, I bought the necklaces with my own money - but I wanted to share as with Christmas coming up it's a lovely gift idea - especially as you get a little note with each purchase. A nice way to help someone look and feel good when they unwrap your gift on Christmas day! I may have added a gift for someone special to my order too...

How I Wore It:

Balenciaga purple work bag / Starfish Project yellow necklace / Starfish Project turquoise necklace

Balenciaga purple work bag

thrifted billabong red printed maxi skirt / Jeanswest polka dot tee

Starfish Project turquoise necklace / thrifted mustard yellow cardigan / Kmart little black dress / Jeanswest polka dot tee

What I'm Buying in September:

I'm going to try Beth's #noSpenderSeptember now! With some hand-me-downs coming into my wardrobe during my no-shop challenge, and having bought a few pieces in August, I'm pretty wardrobe content at the moment. I still have a lot of gift cards to spend though so we will see what happens...

Linking up with Weekend Wear, Friday Faves, Flashback Fashion, Passion for Fashion, Friday Favourites, Style Nudge, Mummy Monday, Mix It Monday, Hello Monday, Modest Monday.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Wearing A Colourful Bag to the Office with Textured Pencil Skirts and Black Shirts

After I completed 7 months without shopping, I celebrated in my usual fashion and bought a new bag! 😂 Although it's big and purple, I still think it's perfect for the office - you don't have to stick to neutral bags for work.

I wore it to the office the other week with a classic black shirt and textured pencil skirt outfits, wearing more of my office pieces that were packed away while I was on maternity leave.

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Dixie collarless jacket

Necklace: freshwater pearl necklace and long freshwater pearl strand necklace
Shirt: French Connection verity voile black short sleeve shirt (with Target grey marle tank top underneath)
Skirt: Cotton On 'Mica' mesh spot skirt in dusty pink
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs howlite and hematite beaded bracelets
Bag: Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag (from my bestie's wardrobe!)

Why I wore it:

I felt really lady-like in this outfit! Which helped counteract some of the awkwardness I felt when I stepped back from setting my tripod up in the morning to get a blog photo and realised I'd just been standing in my bemused neighbour's way (you can see them jogging away in the background!). So awkward. I never know what to say when people see me taking outfit photos so I just kinda smile and shrug.

I've worn this top and pencil skirt together before. Back then I was hiding an early baby bump, this time around I'm using the outfit to disguise my mum-tum 😉
This pencil skirt was one I saw in a magazine a few years ago and thought it was nice, so I checked out the price details. When I saw it was called the 'Mica' skirt I just had to get my namesake. It's perfect for the office and one of those pieces I'm glad I impulsively bought. Despite the top layer being textured polka dots on a fine mesh, it's held up well over the years and I'm impressed by the quality, considering I bought it 5 years ago.

I hadn't planned a necklace to wear with this, I'd set out the clothes and thought I'd pick one at the last moment. I was still unsure as I was getting dressed until I added the tweed blazer I knew I had to go for my pearls. They are actually two different freshwater pearl necklaces! The shorter one is from my jewelry designer friend and I've worn it as a bracelet before.

Last worn: tweed blazer, French Connection shirt, grey target singlet, pink polka dot pencil skirt, Marc Jacobs black flats. First time I've worn the bag as it's a new purchase. 

Other ways to wear: tweed blazer and skinny jeans, black shirt and peplum skirt, grey target singlet and striped maxi, pink polka dot pencil skirt and striped tee, Marc Jacobs black flats and skinny jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: boucle blazer in third trimester,grey singlet in third trimester, shirt and pencil skirt hiding first trimester bump.

---

Textured Pencil Skirts Under $50:

---

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo

Scarf: Marc by Marc Jacobs mauve square scarf
Shirt: Forever 21 sheer black ruffle detail shirt
Skirt: Warehouse navy jacquard pencil skirt
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bag: Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

I've been wearing blue and purple together often recently! I really like the combination. This purple scarf was the perfect topper to my black and navy outfit, and tied in nicely with my purple bag.

This black shirt is another one that hasn't been worn for a while. It's button up so would work for breastfeeding, but it feels a bit 'fancy' for stay at home mum wear so it was packed away with all my office clothes while I was on maternity leave. It's a little hard to see in the pictures with all the layers but it's got a fun ruffle detail down the front. You can see it better when I previously wore it here, again with the same skirt!

This jacquard pencil skirt is one of my favourite textured ones - it's a very pretty design, even if the skirt rides up a little as I walk! A ruffle shirt, textured pencil skirt and purple accessories might sound a bit much for the office, but I think all the pieces work well together.


Last worn: navy macintosh, purple blanket scarf, sheer ruffle shirt, jacquard pencil skirt, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats, Balenciaga work bag (above).

Other ways to wear: navy macintosh and striped dress, purple blanket scarf and chambray dress, sheer ruffle shirt and pink skirt, jacquard pencil skirt and grey tee, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats and wrap dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: jacquard pencil skirt in first trimester, ballet flats and maternity jeans.

---

Purple Tote Bags Under $200:

---

How You Can Wear It:

Neutral bags are a good choice for the office, but if you have a relaxed work environment with a business casual or smart casual dress code, it's easy to add a little extra colour to your outfit with a bright bag. While there are some exceptions, my general rules for picking a bag for work are to:
Carry a neutral bag if -  I'm going to be travelling for work, either across the city or to another state, and I'll need to carry my bag into meetings.
Carry a bright bag if -  I'm going to be in meetings in the same building all day leaving my bag behind at my desk and I'd like something fun to look as I work.

Don't be afraid to add a little colour to your office wear with a bright bag.


Linking up with Style Sessions, Turning Heads, On Trend, Confident Twosday, What I Wore, Style on the Daily, Oh Hey Girl, Fashion Files.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Navy and Burgundy: Dresses In Winter With Tights and Boots

After trying and loving navy and burgundy together a while back, I was looking forward to wearing the colour combination again. I stuck with a brown bag this time too, using my Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere instead of my Chloe Paddington bag. The cold weather gave me a chance to wear and enjoy this Jeanswest Mac at last, after buying it for less than $20 in the Cyber Monday sales last year and setting it aside for winter.

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo (purchased last year)

Scarf: Forever New Skye Foil Feather scarf in berry / gold (on sale!)
Dress: Jeanswest Rachel Lyocell chambray dress (C/O)
Shoes: Asos Cleo leather boots in tan
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

While I usually have the 'have to wear it twice in the month after buying it' rule for all new purchases, this jacket is one of the exceptions (along with a dress I outgrew too quickly in pregnancy). With over $120 off, I couldn't resist buying it, knowing it would come in handy for winter as I was selling my old black trench.

Winter weather did take a while to arrive in Brisbane so I waited longer to wear this coat than I expected, but I'm still glad I bought it last year and to be able to wear and enjoy it now, it kept me perfectly cosy.

It was a great topper for my sleeveless chambray dress and the navy is perfect with the burgundy feather print scarf. The style challenge for the day was 'layer player' which worked out perfectly weath-wise as it was a cold and rainy day in Brisbane. We had Baby Boy's weekly weigh in the morning then spent some time with my mum and sister in the afternoon.


Last worn: maroon feather foil scarf, chambray dress, ASOS Cleo boots, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere. First time I've worn the jacket although it was purchased last year.

Other ways to wear: feather print scarf with stripes, chambray dress in spring, ASOS Cleo boots and skinny jeans, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere and shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: chambray dress in second trimester, speedy bandouliere and maternity wrap dress.

---

Chambray Dresses Under $50:

---

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo

Dress: French Connection star dancing jersey dress in red rust/almond
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere
Nails: OPI Russian Navy

Why I wore it:

No style challenge for this one, but another excuse to wear navy and burgundy together again. Since I liked the dress and boots combo above with the navy jacket, I wore it again with black ankle boots and my burgundy jersey dress. It was a pretty quiet day with just a few errands to run, but I did wish I'd added a scarf to this as it was a little chilly in the morning.

This burgundy dress hasn't been worn in awhile - one of those pieces I had boxed away as it's not breastfeeding friendly. Worked well in pregnancy though!

As it's the second time I've worn this jacket and I try to review everything I buy after I've worn it twice, my purchase review:

I like this jacket. I love the colour, it's cosy for winter, and will be perfect for the early morning commutes to the office. The only thing I don't like is how the lapels kinda stick up a bit - but I'm sure that will settle down with more wear. It looks really nice belted (came with a belt) but I haven't been able to wear it that way and still show what I'm wearing underneath it!

Last worn: Jeanswest Mac jacket (above), jersey dress, ankle boots, speedy Bandouliere (above).

Other ways to wear: jersey dress and pistol boots, ankle boots and printed jeans, speedy Bandouliere and printed jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: jersey dress and leggings in third trimester, speedy bandouliere and maternity pencil skirt.

---

More Jersey Dresses Under $50:

---

How You Can Wear It:

Navy and burgundy look beautiful together, but you could apply this style tip to any colour combination you enjoy. Look at the pieces you have in your wardrobe that will allow you to wear the colours year round. First time I wore navy and burgundy it was with a tank, kimono and pants in autumn. It was easy to wear the same colour combination again in winter with season-appropriate pieces.

While both of these dress and boots outfits include the same navy jacket, by changing the other pieces and sticking to the same colour scheme I've created two outfits that look different while wearing a familiar combination. Thinking of different ways to wear a colour combination you love is a good way to come up with new outfit ideas in your wardrobe, without having to buy anything new.


Linking up with Thursday Fashion Files, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Wear, Fab Favourites, Passion for Fashion.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It