Showing posts with label Winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winter. Show all posts

Monday 18 September 2017

Printed Blouses and Black Pencil Skirts: Cold Weather Office Wear

I try to get the most out of my wardrobe by wearing summer pieces year-round and making things work as both office wear and stay at home mum style. There are a few pieces I keep strictly for work wear though.

Both printed tops I'm wearing below were packed away when I outgrew them in pregnancy and left aside while I was on maternity leave. It's been good to unbox them again now I'm back in the office! Printed tops pair so nicely with black pencil skirts.

What I wore:

navy ruffled printed blouse with black pencil skirt colourful accessories winter office outfit | AwayFromBlue

navy trench, Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue colourful witner office otufit polka dot ruffle blouse purple bag yellow necklace
JacketJeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo
NecklaceStarfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
BlouseJeanswest 'Ricky' ruffle front top in midnight
SkirtJeanswest zip detail ponte pencil skirt
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

While I'd been going without tights in the mornings, the not quite spring weather didn't hang around long so it was a bit chilly this morning, back to tights and ankle boots. Despite it being a very cold morning, I still wanted a cheerful and colourful outfit.

With the navy polka dot top and the purple bag, the outfit was already colourful, but I thought I'd add the yellow statement necklace for a finishing touch. I really liked this outfit combination. Nothing like a bit of colour to cheer you up on a cold morning!


Last worn: navy macintosh, polka dot ruffle top, black zip detail pencil skirt, black ankle boots, purple Balenciaga work bag.

Other ways to wearnavy macintosh and chambray dress, polka dot ruffle top and red jeans, black zip detail pencil skirt over a dress, ankle boots and little black dress, purple Balenciaga work bag and textured pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: ruffle top hiding an early baby bump, pencil skirt in first trimester, ankle boots in second trimester.



Printed Blouses Under $50:







What I wore:

trench coat, printed blouse black pencil skirt purple balenciaga work bag | Away From Blue

Trench coat, pencil skirt, Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram trench coat printed blouse black ponte pencil skirt purple bag
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
NecklaceRoie Designs pearl and antique gold long necklace
Top: Target ruffle sleeve dog print blouse
SkirtJeanswest black ponte pencil skirt
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

I always have a hard time remembering the differences between these two black pencil skirts when I write blog posts! The one above has an exposed zipper detail on the back, and this one here has elastic panels displayed at the waist but it's hidden under the trench coat. Despite these minor differences they do look identical - but with so many printed tops in my wardrobe a couple of black pencil skirts are a necessity for easy office outfits.

This dachshund print top was an impulse Target buy a few years ago. It didn't get worn an awful lot when I first got it as I found the stitched on waist belt a bit limiting with how I could wear it. A comment from Sheila on her blog about how she removed a similar belt gave me the idea to take the belt off. Removing the stitching and the belt was my first ever DIY attempt with a top, and I love how it makes this top a lot more wearable.

The purple in the print made this purple Balenciaga work bag an easy accessory to pair with it!


Last worn: camel trench, dachshund print top, ponte pencil skirt, camel ballet flats, Balenciaga purple work bag (above).

Other ways to wearcamel trench and skinny jeans, dachshund print top and red jeans, ponte pencil skirt in summer, camel ballet flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga purple work bag and blue dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: camel trench in the first trimester, dachshund print top hiding a second trimester bump, ballet flats in third trimester.



Black Pencil Skirts Under $50:







How You Can Wear It:



A black pencil skirt is an easy base for an office outfit. You can add some colour and fun with a printed top, and go a step further with colourful statement accessories too like in the first outfit. Not all printed outfits need to be overly colourful, sometimes keeping things simple and picking one colour from the print to wear in your accessories too works as well like in the second outfit. A black pencil skirt is one of those must-have pieces in your office wardrobe.


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


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Friday 15 September 2017

Using Accessories to Update Your Favourite Outfit: The Power of Colourful Cardigans

Sometimes you love an outfit combo so much you want to repeat it all over again. With a few changes of accessories you can make it feel like a whole new outfit!

The outfits below are identical, except for picking a different colourful cardigan and bag each time. Accessories are a great way to change up an old favourite outfit - cardigans are good for spring, autumn or winter layering, so easy to take off when the day warms up (as it did both times I wore this outfit).

What I wore:

gold coast winter red cardigan floral tank with ruffle, nibbly bits necklace, jeanswest cecile grey skinny jeans | AwayFromBlue

awayFromBlue isntagram red cardigan floral ruffle tank grey skinny jeans Rebecca Minkoff MAM
JacketJeanswest long red drape cardigan
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
Top: Dotti floral ruffle detail tank from my sister's wardrobe
JeansJeanswest Cecile dove grey skinny jeans
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey (on sale in pink!)

Why I wore it:

It was a really warm day when I wore this and I actually regretted the decision to wear jeans at lunch time as we sat by the sea. The cardigan came off pretty quickly after the photo above by the water was taken!

Had deliberately picked a red cardigan to wear with this even though the abstract floral print tank doesn't have any red in it. It was to tie in with the day's activities. Toddler T loves all kinds of vehicles, but he has a soft spot for emergency service vehicles. His aunt arranged for him to have a day out on a fire truck for his birthday. Took a while for everyone to be free for it, but it was worth the wait.

It was an incredible day out riding around in the fire truck, seeing the sights and getting a chance to play with the hose.

The bag was another practical choice for the day - we were keeping the experience a secret until the very last moment for Toddler T, so I had to hide my camera as well as his little Fireman dress up uniform.  This Rebecca Minkoff MAM is perfect for carrying all my usual things and leaving room for a little extra too. First time I've been without the baby bag in years, as Baby Boy stayed with my mum and she had the bag and stroller. I was pleased with how much this bag held.

While this outfit was a little warm for the day which heated up so much in the afternoon, it was otherwise very comfortable and I liked the combination so much I wore it again similarly not long after.


Last worn: red cardigan, grey skinny jeans, Converse, Rebecca Minkoff MAM. First time I've worn the tank as I recently got it from my sister's wardrobe clearout.

Other ways to wear: red cardigan and maxi skirt, grey skinny jeans with pink and purple, Converse and flares, Rebecca Minkoff MAM and monochrome maxi skirt outfit

Perfect for pregnancy: red cardi and hidden second trimester bump, MAM bag and maternity office wear, Converse in the first trimester.



Colourful Cardigans Under $50:







What I wore:

mustard yellow cardigan micro Regan bag skinny jeans converse floral tank | Away From Blue

Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram floral ruffle tank mustard cardigan grey skinny jeans
Jacket: thrifted SES Fashions mustard yellow cardigan
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
Tank: Dotti floral ruffle detail tank
JeansJeanswest Cecile dove grey skinny jeans
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
BagRebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold

Why I wore it:

Since I liked the outfit above so much, I decided to wear it again and just swap out the cardigan and bag. While the base outfits are identical (even wore Converse and the same necklace with both) I think this looks different enough with the yellow accessories instead of red.

It was slightly amusing that I ended up taking the cardigan off during the day too as it heated up. I headed out to my first Babes & Picnics event - worth checking out the organisation if you're an Aussie mum. The event was a fundraiser for the RSPCA cupcake day so of course we had to enjoy a few cupcakes with our picnic lunch! By the time we sat down to eat though the boys and I were shedding the layers - the overcast morning quickly cleared up to a warm day.

I frequently wear this mustard yellow cardigan and Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag together, it's a nice combination even though they are different shades of yellow. And I really want to get as much wear as possible from this cardigan before the warmer spring weather sticks around.


Last worn: mustard yellow cardigan, floral ruffle tank (above), grey skinny jeans (above), Converse (above), Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wearmustard yellow cardigan and maxi skirt, grey skinny jeans and purple cardi, Converse and a printed dress, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag and denim shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: Converse and second trimester travel.



More Colourful Cardigans Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:


Repeating outfits is a quick and easy way to get dressed when you're pushed for time in the mornings or you're feeling uninspired. If you loved wearing something once, it makes sense to repeat it again! It's only an outfit rut if you're bored with it, other wise it's a style uniform! 😉 If you do want to change up your outfit you can easily swap out the accessories and make it look a little different. Plain but colourful cardigans can be an instant update to an old favourite outfit combination.


Linking up with Friday Favourites, Mummy Monday, Modest Monday, Mix It Monday, On Mondays We Link Up.



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Wednesday 13 September 2017

Embroidered Tops, Black Jeans and Rebecca Minkoff Bags

I'm pleased that the embroidery trend is continuing! Gives me more justification to wear these lovely embroidered pieces from my wardrobe. I'll still wear them when the trend dies down, but it's nice to be able to wear something I'm constantly reading about in blogs. An embroidered top and black skinny jeans is an easy stay at home mum outfit, but to add extra interest to each outfit I have wore additional prints and texture too.

What I wore:

embroidered khaki tank with black skinny jeans boucle embellished jacket spring outfit | Away From Blue

Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram boucle blazer black skinny jeans khaki embroidered tank
Top: Target embroidered khaki tank
JeansNobody Denim Siren skinny super high-rise jeans in power black denim (C/O, on sale!)
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
BagRebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold

Why I wore it:

Hadn't worn this jacket for a while so it was nice to get it out again! I wasn't sure if the embellishment paired with the embroidery on the top would be too much, but I quite liked the resulting outfit. It was a nice change from last time I wore this embroidered top with black jeans too. Now that it's spring and warmer weather, I can hopefully wear this jacket more. It's a bit thin for winter.

I like how this jacket dresses up a casual outfit a bit - even if I was just popping out for a little shopping while hubby watched the boys.


Last worn: boucle jacket, embroidered tank, Nobody Denim skinny jeans, black ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag

Other ways to wearboucle jacket and fit and flare dress, embroidered tank and denim shorts, Nobody Denim skinny jeans in monochrome outfit, black ballet flats in the office, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag worn 30 ways

Perfect for pregnancy: boucle jacket and maternity pencil skirt.



Embroidered Tops Under $50:







What I wore:

embroidered blouse, converse and chevron print black skinny jeans purple accessories | AwayFromBlue

Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue Instagram windy day embroidered blouse and printed jeans comobo
JacketJeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry
BlouseJeanswest Elise longline embroidered shirt in coconut blue
JeansSass & Bide Playman skinny jeans
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in pink, 43% off!)

Why I wore it:

I've tried to wear other prints with these chevron printed Sass & Bide jeans in the past and not been entirely happy with the results. Just like the first outfit, I decided to try something different by pairing the chevrons with the detail on this embroidered top. I liked the result, but not enough to want to wear it again, haha! Will stick with wearing plain black jeans with this embroidered top next time.

Even though the embroidery and print together was busy enough, I added a little extra texture with the cardigan. I love the purple accessories with this - the cardigan is so cosy and wearing the cardigan and plum mini MAB tote bag together is a favourite combination of mine. Kept me warm on a very windy day.

The plan was to go to the in-laws for dinner, but after baby boy wasn't his usual happy self when we went out in the morning, we decided to stay home at night and let him rest and feel better. It's been such a tough winter with illnesses, I'm glad it's spring now as I'm hoping the warm weather and sunshine keeps the bugs at bay.


Last worn: purple cardigan, embroidered blouse, printed skinny jeans, Converse, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB tote.

Other ways to wearpurple cardigan and chambray dress, embroidered blouse and flares, printed skinny jeans worn two ways, Converse and shift dress, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB tote and pink dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: purple cardi and stripes in first trimester, Converse for second trimester travel, mini MAB tote and maternity denim shorts.




Black Printed and Plain Jeans Under $50:







How You Can Wear It:


Black jeans are a great base for any outfit! The are the perfect backdrop to let an embroidered top or jacket shine. You can mix things up a little by buying black jeans with a print on them if you feel plain black is too boring.


Also, I'm thrilled to share that another of my posts was featured on Links a la Mode!

Links à la Mode, September 7th
SPONSOR: Amazon's Shopbop AGOLDE, Petersyn Tops, DVF Clothing, Senso, Cafune, Ryan Roche, Corsets, Large Totes, Wrap Dresses, Men's Paterson


Linking up with Fashion Files, Weekend Wear, Fabulous Friday, Flashback Fashion, Passion for Fashion, Friday Faves.



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Monday 11 September 2017

Office Outfits: Blue Printed Dresses, Purple Balenciaga Work Bag and Starfish Project Necklaces

I've been back at work for 2 months now and I still have unworn office pieces in my wardrobe! Working part time I definitely have less need for strictly office clothing in my wardrobe. I was so excited to unbox my office pieces from storage near the end of my maternity leave, but now I'm wondering if I really need all of them.

I had a mini wardrobe declutter recently where I went through the still unworn office pieces and pulled a few out to donate or sell on ebay, but these dresses will definitely be staying in my wardrobe. Blue is my favourite colour, so there's always room in my wardrobe for a blue dress or two. Blue looks so good with purple too.

What I wore:

navy mac and Aztec print dress with purple Balenciaga work bag g21 hardware office style | AwayFromBlue

Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram navy aztec print dress mac jacket winter office outfit | AwayFromTheBlue
JacketJeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo
NecklaceStarfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
DressJeanswest Aztec print dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag


Why I wore it:

If I had to pick just one favourite office dress, this would be it! Can't believe it's been a year and a half since it was last worn, but it's not breastfeeding friendly so was packed away while I was on maternity leave. I love the navy colour and the print. I usually wear a belt with this, but I'd decided to wear a long necklace so took the belt off. I changed my mind at the last minute and picked this yellow Starfish Project necklace instead. It met the style challenge prompt of 'V' as it's the 'Veronica' necklace! I do think this dress looks much better with a belt though!

I love blue and yellow together, and blue and purple, but I wasn't sure about the purple bag and yellow necklace together. I figured that they were far enough apart in my outfit that it didn't matter and I could wear it anyway. Still not sure I'd wear the two colours together again, but it doesn't look too bad here.


Last worn: navy macintosh, Aztec print dress, Marc by Marc jacobs tan flats, Balenciaga purple work bag.

Other ways to wearnavy macintosh and monochrome outfit, Aztec print dress and tights, tan flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga purple work bag and pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: Aztec print dress in third trimester, tan flats in third trimester.


Blue Printed Dresses Under $50:







What I wore:

statement beaded necklace, ankle boots, paisley print shift dress trench office style | Away From Blue

beaded accessories, Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram acne pistol boots trench coat french connection paisley print dress
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
NecklaceStarfish Project Hannah turquoise bead necklace
DressFrench Connection blue Paisley print dress
ShoesAcne pistol boots in "skin"
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

Another take on the same outfit formula, with a blue paisley print dress this time and a long turquoise Starfish Project necklace. Just like in the outfit above, I was happy to wear a statement beaded necklace with the printed dress. You can wear statement necklaces with more than just plain basics.

It was a little cooler when I wore this too so I got another old favourite out of my wardrobe, these Acne Pistol boots. I wasn't sure I could handle the whole day in heels, even though these are very comfortable they are quite high. I was pleased my weak knee held up well despite not having worn tall heels in a very long time. Over 2 years!

Just like the paisley print dress, these ankle boots haven't been worn in such a long time as they aren't ideal stay at home mum style. While I probably could run in them if I had to, I prefer to chase toddlers in flats, ha! Wearing Pistol boots and dresses is a spring outfit favourite of mine, so I'm sure you will see these pop up more now as I wear them to work. I'm thankful for a business casual dress code that lets me wear ankle boots!


Last worn: camel trench, paisley print dress, Acne pistol boots, Balenciaga purple work bag (above).

Other ways to wear: camel trench and fit and flare dress,  blue printed dress and pink accessories, Acne pistol boots and printed shorts, Balenciaga purple work bag and pink skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: trench coat in first trimester, paisley print dress in second trimester, pistol boots and maxi skirt in third trimester.




Starfish Project Beaded Necklaces:







How You Can Wear It:


Printed dresses make getting ready for work in the mornings easy as they are instant outfits. You can still add accessories though, colourful statement necklaces work just as well with printed pieces as they do with plain basics. These Starfish Project necklaces support a very good cause too!



Linking up with Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, On Trend, The Style File, Style on the Daily, Wardrobe Wednesday, What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl.




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Friday 8 September 2017

Open Knits and Colourful Jeans with Converse and Cross Body Bags

It's spring now in Brisbane but I still have some older winter outfits like these to share.  A cosy knit and colourful jeans is a simple cold weather outfit. I didn't wear my knitted jumpers a lot over winter as dry clean or handwash only pieces aren't my first choice for wearing around two toddlers! They worked perfectly for work from home days when I do the daycare pick up / drop off.

What I wore:

SAHM style ombre open knit purple skinny jeans leopard print scarf white converse | AwayFromBlue

purple skinny jeans, Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue ombre open knit purple skinny jeans leopard print scarf LV speedy instagram
ScarfASOS crinkle oversized leopard print scarf
JumperJeanswest 'Serena' ombre knit
JeansJeanswest blackberry super skinny jeans
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

I absolutely loved this outfit - it's taken me a while to get around to posting it on the blog though! I wore this when it was really chilly in the middle of winter, so the extra scarf was necessary for the cold morning. I wasn't sure what scarf to wear with this at first, the purple jeans and ombre knit are a busy enough outfit on their own. I've worn the ombre knit with leopard print before though so I grabbed this one. I really liked the way this looked.

Nice and cosy (with a long sleeve tee under the open knit) and colourful with the purple jeans, but comfortable and quick to pull together in time for dropping the kids off at daycare before working from home for the rest of the day.


Last worn: leopard print scarfombre knit, purple skinny jeans, Converse, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere.

Other ways to wear: leopard print scarf and red shift dressombre knit and burgundy pantspurple skinny jeans with matching scarf, Converse and printed jeans, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere and maxi dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: ombre knit at 40 weeks pregnant, purple jeans in first trimester, Converse and dress in second trimester, speedy bandouliere and maternity pencil skirts.



Open Knit Jumpers Under $50:







What I wore:

Wildfox Couture rainbow dreamer Lennon distressed knit colourful winter red skinny jeans outfit | Away From Blue

Red skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram colourful winter rainbow knit red skinny jeans outfit
NecklaceUniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
JumperWildfox Couture rainbow dreamer Lennon distressed knit
Jeans: thrifted Emerson red skinny jeans
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
BagRebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold

Why I wore it:

This distressed knit is either a love or a hate, I don't think there's any in-between! First time I wore it I shared that Baby Boy kept getting tangled in the distressed pieces. Last time I wore it I rolled and tucked to hide the distressing a little more. Since I didn't get a proper blog photo first time I wore it, I was eager to wear it in all its raw ripped glory again. A work from home day with the boys at daycare was the perfect chance - no little toddler hands grabbing and pulling on it! A day to myself meant I could wear a 'grown up' beaded necklace too, even if I did have to take it off in the evening as baby boy kept trying to play with it like he does with my teething necklaces.


I loved how colourful this outfit was with the rainbow knit, red skinny jeans and yellow bag. Felt a little 'wasted' as I only worked from home and didn't see many people, so I'm sure I'll wear this combination again next winter.


I feel a little sad when I look up the previous times I've worn these knits as they've been worn so rarely. I've actually downsized my jumper collection this year, rather than buying more. Usually June is a big spending month for me coming into winter and stocking up on winter pieces, but as I was doing my no-shop challenge I haven't added any wintery things. I'm sure I'll return to loving my knits more next winter when the boys are bigger, but right now I've been preferring layering up summer pieces and sticking to wearing things that are machine washable. Two toddlers can be messy!


Last worn: Wildfox Couture distressed knit, red skinny jeans, Converse (above), Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan.

Other ways to wearWildfox Couture distressed knit and maxi skirt, red skinny jeans and graphic tee, Converse and floral dress, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan worn 30 ways.


Perfect for pregnancy: Converse and maternity denim shorts, skinny jeans in first trimester.




Colourful Jeans Under $50:









How You Can Wear It


Cold morning and in a rush? Grab a favourite knit, add some bright jeans and you're ready in an instant! I like the winter days where it's warm enough to just wear a jumper and jeans, it's the simplest and easiest outfit formula and keeps you cosy no matter what the day holds. Maybe just stick to machine washable knits if you're spending time with toddlers!


Linking up with Mix It Monday, Modest Monday, On Mondays We Link Up.




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Wednesday 6 September 2017

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:

Little black tiered dress in winter mustard yellow cardigan tights ankle boots | Away From The Blue

Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram black tiered dress tights mustard yellow cardi ankle boots
Jacket: thrifted SES Fashions mustard yellow cardigan
NecklaceStarfish Project Hannah turquoise bead necklace (new purchase)
Dress: Kmart Aztec print tiered little black dress (new purchase)
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
Bracelets: the usual
BagRebecca 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 wearmustard 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:

little black dress with purple cardigan accessories Converse high tops | AwayFromBlue

Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram purple cardigan converse high tops accessories with little black dress
JacketJeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry
Necklace: Nibbly Bits BB plum silicone teething necklace (C/O)
Dress: Kmart Aztec print tiered little black dress
ShoesPurple high top Converse look-a-likes
BagRebecca 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 wearpurple 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 trimestermini 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 FavesFashion Files, Fun Fashion, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, Friday Favourites.


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