Showing posts with label belt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label belt. Show all posts

Monday 6 June 2016

Maxi Dresses and Denim Jackets: Easy Breastfeeding Outfits

When I want to look a little more pulled-together I tend to reach for a dress. Not all of my (many!) dresses are suitable for breastfeeding though. While pretty much any top can be breastfeeding friendly by pulling it up (with a nursing tank layered underneath for coverage if needed), you can't do that with a dress. It's nice to wear dresses still though.

Below are two maxi dress options that work perfectly for breastfeeding. One expensive, one opshop bargain. I didn't buy a lot of maternity clothes for any of my pregnancies and I'm happy I didn't have to spend a lot on dedicated nursing pieces for afterwards either.

What I wore:

AwayFromBlue | Mothers En Vogue nursing dress denim jacket easy breastfeeding outfit

AwayFromTheBlue | Purple Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag pink dress
SunniesRay-Ban new Wayfarers (30% off at Nordstrom!)
Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
NecklaceTai gold alphabet necklaces
DressMEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Jeanswest black braided belt
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in navy!)
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in pink!)

Why I wore it:

Wore this for an afternoon out with baby boy, toddler T and his grandmothers. I wanted to dress up a little bit, so this nursing friendly dress was a good choice. I know I say this almost every time I wear it, but this dress is amazing and has seen me through two pregnancies and afterwards. It is a pretty, easy piece to wear and I love the bright colour. It always makes me feel good when I wear it. I've worn it with a denim jacket before, I think it's a nice combination.

While it can be expensive buying a dress specifically for nursing, I'm glad I have this in my wardrobe and although it was C/O, if I'd paid full price for it I'd still be feeling like I was getting my money's worth.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, denim jacket, braided belt, pink nursing dress, gold mouse flats, purple Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB.

Other ways to weardenim jacket and a maxi dress in winter, braided belt and a summer dress, pink nursing dress at 39 weeks pregnant, gold mouse flats and jeans, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB and denim shorts.



More Maxi Dresses You Can Breastfeed In:








What I wore: 

AwayFromBlue | Autumn outfit black halterneck maxi dress denim jacket purple RM bag

Away From The Blue | Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum
Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
Dress: black Jeanswest halterneck maxi dress
NecklaceTai gold alphabet necklaces layered with Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in navy!)
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in pink!)

Why I wore it:

Unlike the dress above, this is a regular non-maternity dress that I picked up at the op-shop as part of the 'fill a bag for $2' sale. It's a halterneck style with adjustable ties so it's easy to loosen for breastfeeding. Although you do need two hands to properly tie it back up again...I floundered a little bit with baby boy until I realised I wasn't going to achieve it one handed!

I'm glad I kept this in my wardrobe, after being unsure about needing multiple black maxi dresses before. Although not a dedicated nursing dress, and much cheaper, it was perfect for a busy day travelling and visiting some family. With the same jacket, shoes and purple bag as the outfit above, because I really wanted something simple and liked the combination.



Last worndenim jacket (above), black halterneck maxi dress, gold mouse flats (above), purple Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB (above).

Other ways to weardenim jacket and a skirtblack maxi dress and a chevron cardi, gold mouse flats in the office, purple Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB and a blue printed dress.





Linking up with Modest Monday, Hello Monday, Mix It Monday, Turning Heads, Mums that Slay, Confident Twosday, Style Sessions, What I Wore.




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Wednesday 20 April 2016

Final Pregnancy Outfit: Maxi Dress and Vintage Chanel Bag

This is the last pregnancy outfit I took photos of for the blog! While baby arrived a couple of weeks ago, I've been sharing the backed up outfit photos.

I've mentioned before, when I had baby T, that dressing to care for a newborn is all about just finding something clean to wear and doesn't really make for blog worthy outfits. Most of the time you want to stay at home anyway, and not get dressed up and go out. Having a little backlog of outfit posts has let me relax and not feel any pressure to get back into 'normal' clothing, and embrace the pyjama days and newborn snuggles as much as possible. Adjusting to two under two is a big change, blogging has not been at the front of my mind.

What I wore:

AwayFromBlue | MEV Havana maxi dress evening pregnancy date night outfit

AwayFromTheBlue | Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap bag
DressMEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Kmart thin black glitter belt
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Disney Couture Winnie the Pooh bangle
BagChanel vintage quilted lambskin flap

Why I wore it:

Wore this out for a date night with hubby. Back in the first trimester, I'd optimistically booked tickets to a show just a few days before my due date. My reasoning was that I didn't want to be stuck home feeling sorry for myself, missing a sold-out show and being heavily pregnant. When I didn't go into labour the day of the show or the day after, I was glad I'd bought the tickets! It was nice to get dressed up for an evening and enjoy spending some time together before our second son arrived.

I don't see myself using my vintage Chanel bag when looking after a baby and a toddler, so it was good to have a reason to use it before packing it away for a little while.


This dress has been worn a lot over both my pregnancies, and afterwards too as it's nursing friendly. It was nice to take a final pregnancy photo in it, although I didn't know it at the time!

AwayFromBlue | Final Baby Bump Update Photo 39 Weeks


Thank you for following along with my pregnancy journey.


Last wornMothers En Vogue maxi dress, black glitter belt, Havaianas, vintage Chanel flap bag.

Other ways to wearmaxi dress and a Louis Vuitton scarf, glitter belt over a cardigan, vintage Chanel flap bag for a house party.






Linking up with A Labour of Fashion, Throwback Thursday, Fashion Files, Thursday Moda, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Flashback Fashion, Fab Favourites, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Shoe & Tell, Let It Shine, Hello Monday, Modest Monday.


Want more outfit inspiration and advice on how to come up with a wardrobe plan for your pregnancy? The ultimate guide, How to Have a Stylish Pregnancy On a Budget is available now!




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Friday 1 April 2016

Louis Vuitton Neverfull, Maxi Dresses at 38 Weeks Pregnant

While baby has arrived, I've got a few more pregnancy outfits scheduled to share on the blog. Being behind with blogging has worked out well, I still have posts to share while I'm spending the majority of the newborn days in my PJs!


First up, although it's April I won't be doing a budget post wrap up. I didn't buy any new clothes or accessories in March, instead shopping for a few things for baby.

Since I didn't buy anything, I won't be sharing my purchases and just doing a my regular post with what I've been wearing. I tried to schedule as much as possible at the beginning of my maternity leave, so I had a busy couple of days of appointments and running errands. My Louis Vuitton Neverfull was a great bag to just throw everything in, and maxi dresses were easy fuss-free outfits.

What I wore: 

Away From Blue | 38 weeks pregnant Mothers En Vogue Havana maxi dress LV neverfull

AwayFromTheBlue | gold beaded bracelet stack Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull
DressMEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
Shoesslim gold Havaianas
Bracelets: the usual plus beaded neon and gold and black and gold bracelet set
BagLouis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Why I wore it:

I may have been a little over enthusiastic with fitting everything in on this day! I had scheduled 4 appointments and spent the morning rushing around between them. Wanted something easy and simple to wear so a maxi dress was my first choice - instant outfit, no further thought needed. At 38 weeks pregnant I can't help but wonder if the next time I'll be wearing this dress I'll be picking it as it allows for easy breastfeeding.


Last worn: glitter belt, MEV maternity maxi dress, gold Havaianas, Louis Vuitton Neverfull.

Other ways to wearglitter belt with a blue dress, maternity maxi dress and sequins for Christmas, Louis Vuitton Neverfull and a graphic tee.


Where to buy the Louis Vuitton Neverfull (Pre-Owned Bargains):







What I wore:

Away From Blue | 38 weeks pregnant autumn outfit Jeanswest Elodie tie dye maxi dress LV NF tote

AwayFromTheBlue | Louis Vuitton damier azur MM medium neverfull tote on shoulder
Necklace:  Jeanswest Taki necklace (C/O)
DressJeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus turquoise and silver beaded bracelet set
BagLouis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Why I wore it:

Unlike the outfit above, this dress wasn't my first choice for this day. I'd planned to wear my maternity denim shorts but rain got to the washing outside before I could and my shorts were too wet to wear that morning. Again I picked a maxi dress for simplicity.

It was nice to be a little dressed up for dinner with my parents at least, and this dress is great to wear, even if not what I had planned. I've used the Louis Vuitton Neverfull as a baby bag before, but this time I tried it out with just the bare essentials and it was much more comfortable.

I'm trying to go out now and then with just a little pouch inside my handbag with everything toddler T needs, instead of carrying the baby bag as well as my handbag. While a newborn will mean I'll definitely need to carry the baby bag around with me, limiting what I carry will be helpful with needing to take things for a newborn and a toddler. I'm terrible at over-packing and carrying more than I need!


Last worn: tie dye maxi dress, black Havaianas, Louis Vuitton Neverfull (above).

Other ways to weartie dye maxi dress for a night out, Louis Vuitton Neverfull and skinny jeans.









Linking up with Flashback Fashion, Passion for Fashion, Fab Favourites, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Modest Monday.



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Wednesday 9 March 2016

Maxi Dresses, Clutches, Louis Vuitton Bandeau Scarf as a Belt. Third Trimester Pregnancy OOTD

Dressing a baby bump is fun but can be challenging at times, especially in the third trimester. So when you find an outfit that works for you, you repeat it again quickly! I wore both these maxi dresses one weekend, accessorising with my Louis Vuitton bandeau scarf as a belt and a clutch bag.

What I wore: 



NecklaceTiffany diamonds by the yard necklace
DressMEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
BeltLouis Vuitton "comete" bandeau scarf
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Balenciaga classic double tour bracelet in pearly grey
BagSash & Belle India fringed cross body bag in black (C/O)

Why I wore it:

You might remember this 'travelling bag' from my previous post. As well as wearing it cross body for a casual day out, I was able to use it on a dinner date with hubby. We went to see Zoolander 2, which was awesome and just as silly and funny as I hoped it would be.

While I was hunting for a belt to wear I saw this rarely worn bandeau scarf and figured I'd better wear it now, as once baby arrives it will be a while before I'll be wearing silk again! I've worn this scarf and dress together a few times, I love the colours with the bright dress.


Last worn: MEV maternity maxi dress, Louis Vuitton bandeauHavaianasSash & Belle fringed bag.

Other ways to wearmaternity maxi dress and ballet flats, Louis Vuitton bandeau as a headscarffringe bag worn cross body.



More pretty oblong silk scarves:







What I wore:


NecklaceTiffany diamonds by the yard necklace
DressJeanswest 'Sierra' embellished black maxi dress (on sale!)
BeltLouis Vuitton "comete" bandeau scarf
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale in blue!)

Why I wore it:

As I really liked the outfit I'd worn above, I decided to wear the same combination again for a birthday BBQ. I wasn't too sure how the busy printed scarf would look paired with the embellished neckline of the maxi dress, but I really liked the combination.

Also took the chain strap off of my Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag to wear as a clutch. Which just made it even easier to slip into the baby bag, as baby T was coming along with us.


Last wornembellished maxi dress, LV bandeau scarf (above), Havaianas (above), Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wearembellished maxi dress layered for winter, LV bandeau scarf with a little red dress, Havaianas (above), Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC bag and skinny jeans.






Linking up with Fresh Fashion, What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl, Style Me Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, Fashion Files, Labour of Fashion, Fun Fashion Friday, #StalkHerStyle, Fabulous Friday.




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Monday 22 February 2016

Bright Maxi Dresses, Rebecca Minkoff Cross Body Bags

I've been wearing my Rebecca Minkoff bags a lot! They are perfect for wearing cross body, allowing me to be hands-free which is essential for chasing after a toddler.

What I wore: 

AwayFromBlue | Third Trimester summer BBQ outfit MEV Havana maxi dress magenta purple bag

AwayFromTheBlue | Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum with faux fur pom pom charm
Necklace: Eye Candy LA gold and turquoise cuff necklace
DressMEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
Shoesslim gold Havaianas
Bracelets: the usual plus Disney Couture Winnie the Pooh bangle
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in blue!)

Why I wore it:

After a busy morning rushing around trying to get everything cleaned and organised, we had a wonderfully relaxed afternoon. We had a few friends around for a BBQ, so I knew I wanted to wear this maxi dress. It makes such a simple outfit. Comfortable and just as perfect during pregnancy as it is post-baby, plus I love the colour.

I've worn the magenta dress and purple bag together before, it's a colour combination I really like.


Last worn: maternity maxi dress, gold glitter belt, gold Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote.

Other ways to wearmaternity maxi dress and a sequin scarf, gold glitter belt and maxi dress without a baby bump, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote and skinny jeans.


Beautiful bright maxi dresses under $100:




Maternity maxi dresses under $100:






What I wore:

Away From Blue | Aussie Summer pregnancy outfit Jeanswest 'Chantelle' crochet detail blue printed maxi dress

AwayFromTheBlue | Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC
SunglassesRayban new Wayfarers
NecklaceHouse of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey (on sale here!)
DressJeanswest 'Chantelle' crochet detail blue printed maxi dress
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale, also on sale in yellow!)

Why I wore it:

In contrast to the outfit above, when I wore this dress I hadn't been planning the outfit in advance. I threw this on because it was hot and humid and despite feeling terrible, I had to take toddler T and myself to the doctors as we were both unwell. The maxi dress seemed like the easiest option to be as unrestricted as possible. The wonderful air conditioning at the doctors was a welcome reprieve from the heat too.

Kept the accessories simple - my metallic mini MAC bag and House of Harlow necklace which always look good together.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, blue printed maxi dress, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wearblue printed maxi dress for a first birthday party, print mixing outfit and Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC.






Linking up with Modest Monday, Hello Monday, Mix It Monday, Style Sessions, Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday, Fresh Fashion.



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Monday 18 January 2016

Rebecca Minkoff Love Bag and Casual and Dressy Festive Second Trimester Outfits

Two very different pregnancy outfits with the same bag. A dressier one for an evening out, and a casual one with shorts for daytime. You can see I'm a little behind with blogging as I wore one of these outfits on Christmas eve!

What I wore:

Away From Blue | Second Trimester Dinner Outfit Purple Maxi Dress RM Love Bag

AwayFromTheBlue | Mixed metal bracelet stack Rebecca Minkoff charcoal grey Love cross body bag
NecklaceTai gold alphabet necklace layered with Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace
DressMEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Kmart thin black glitter belt
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats
Bracelets: the usual plus silver charm bracelet, Disney Couture Winnie the Pooh bangle
Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey (on sale in emerald!)

Why I wore it:

Wore this out to a family birthday dinner. I've mentioned before that this dress is one of those maternity pieces that always makes me feel good, it was the perfect option for an evening out and getting a little dressed up.

The style challenge for the day was 'big hair don't care', but messy waves are as 'big' as I can get my hair to be. Luckily I was having a good hair day to take the close up for Instagram, ha!

You can't really see my shoes very well, they are clearer on Instagram, but this is the second time they've been worn on the blog. I'm trying to be more thoughtful with what I buy and reviewing everything after I've bought it twice, so my purchase review:

I really like the look of these shoes. I had a pair of cheap Rubi shoes silver ballet flats I'd been missing ever since I wore them to the ground, so was happy to spot this silver pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs flats in the Shopbop sale (with an extra 25% off!) right before Christmas. The only problem I have with these flats is that they seem a little tighter than the other Marc Jacobs flats I have. Not sure how much of that is due to pregnancy feet swelling and the crazy swelling because of the humidity over summer though! I'm hoping they relax a little the more I wear them. Overall, a great purchase as I've been missing a pair of silver flats, just not as comfortable as my other pairs quite yet.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, Mothers En Vogue maxi dress, black glitter belt, Marc Jacobs tuxedo ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff Love Bag.

Other ways to wearmaxi dress for a Christmas party, silver ballet flats and a black dress, Rebecca Minkoff Love Bag and skinny jeans.


Where to buy the Rebecca Minkoff Love bag:







What I wore:

Away From Blue | Festive Santa Christmas Tee Aussie Summer Maternity 2nd Trimester outfit

AwayFromTheBlue | Silver and turquoise tiffany bracelet stack Rebecca Minkoff quilted Love cross body bag
Tee: festive glitter Santa tee
ShortsJeanswest Georgie maternity boyfriend shorts (available in non-maternity also)
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus turquoise and silver beaded bracelet set
BagRebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey (on sale in sapphire!)

Why I wore it:

My long overdue to be posted Christmas eve outfit! It's a tradition in the family to spend the day doing something crafty for Christmas, baking and decorating cookies, and watching Christmas movies. Of course, while we do this, we wear our festive glitter tees that my sister bought us one year. Met the 'holiday glitz' style challenge nicely! Usually I wear some Christmas bracelets too, but I completely forgot about them this year. I had picked them out and set them aside, but in the hurry of getting everything and everyone ready to go to my parent's place I forgot to put them on. There's always next year!


It's the second wear for this blue printed kimono too, so my purchase review:

I picked up two kimonos in the Asos sale, this one being one I was sure I'd love, and the other I wasn't 100% sure would look good, but wanted to give it a try anyway. Surprisingly, I've gone for the other one more. I do love the colour of this (of course, it's blue!) but it doesn't seem to be worn as much as my other kimono. I'm confident it will still get a lot of wear in my wardrobe though, so it's staying. It's just interesting how the piece I thought I'd love the most from my order is being worn the least! Even after a year and a half of looking at my spending habits I still surprise myself.


I like how the Rebecca Minkoff love bag goes equally well with a dress to go out for dinner, or casually with denim shorts. It works in both of these outfits as it's a great all-rounder bag!

I have a video review on my youtube channel for it too:




Last worn: blue printed kimono, Christmas Santa glitter tee, Jeanswest maternity denim shorts, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag (above).

Other ways to wearprinted kimono and a white tank, Christmas tee trio, Jeanswest maternity denim shorts and ConverseRebecca Minkoff Love bag with a purple cardi.


Linking up with Let It Shine, Mix It Monday, Classy Monday, On Trend Tuesday, Turning Heads, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday, Fresh Fashion, What I Wore.




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Friday 8 January 2016

Second Trimester Evening Outfits: Jersey Maxi Dresses & Pregnancy Weight Comments

As much as I love a good singlet and shorts combo for being pregnant over summer, you can't beat the simplicity of a maxi dress for looking put-together. They are perfect for feeling dressed up enough for going out for dinner, while still being incredibly comfortable and accommodating to a baby bump.

What I wore:

Away From Blue | Second Trimester jersey maxi dress Christmas party outfit vintage Chanel bag

AwayFromTheBlue | Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap bag
NecklaceTai gold alphabet necklace layered with thrifted pearl and heart charm long necklace
DressJeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
ShoesBalenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH (on sale!)
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow sunburst wrap bracelet in cobalt and Disney Couture Winnie the Pooh bangle
BagChanel vintage quilted lambskin flap

Why I wore it:

This is what I wore to hubby's work Christmas party. We went out for dinner, and I had planned to wear one of my dressier non-maternity maxi dresses, but quickly found I couldn't squeeze the bump into it! Clothes that zip up are generally are not pregnancy friendly. Tried on a few and settled on this one instead. Stretchy jersey so I knew it would fit (I wore it through the third trimester last time) and I just added some glam accessories with my vintage Chanel bag.


Last worn: tie dye maxi dress, Balenciaga studded sandalsvintage Chanel flap bag.

Other ways to weartie dye maxi dress without a baby bump, Balenciaga studded sandals and a chambray dress, Chanel bag and a purple maxi dress.


 Marvellous maxi dresses under $50:






What I wore:

AwayFromBlue | Mothers En Vogue Havana Maxi Dress LV beandeau scarf as belt

AwayFromTheBlue | Accessories: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC Hermes clic clac
Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette layered with Chanel necklace
DressMEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Louis Vuitton "comete" bandeau scarf
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes pink clic clac
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

We had a dinner out with friends booked for a while and I was looking forward to it, but so much more after the Christmas party the night before. There were a lot of 'you're huge!', 'it must be twins!' and 'are you sure it's not twins?' comments from strangers at the party and it was getting to me a little, with all the pregnancy hormones! While my OB reassures me I'm measuring right on track, I still think I look a couple weeks bigger than at the same point in pregnancy with baby T. I know you'll always look bigger in subsequent pregnancies too as your abdominal muscles aren't as taught as they were the last time, but so many comments seem designed to put pregnant women down for the natural and normal weight gain that comes along with growing another human.

I am completely in awe and so grateful for a growing baby, and I'd happily have a belly twice the size if that means baby is growing as it should. Being pregnant is a blessing I am thankful for every day. It still stings a little to be constantly told how huge you are though, especially at a time when emotions are already a little unstable!
I don't want to appear ungrateful, I just want to highlight that there are nice ways to say things and not-so nice ways to say things and that when someone is pregnant suddenly all the weight comments start flying, with very few filters. Commenting that the bump is growing nicely or has gotten bigger since you last saw it is a lot politer than saying that pregnant women swell up like massive puffer fish, haha.

It was awesome to put on a pretty dress I knew I would fit, look good in, and laugh and joke with my friends for the evening. I am so blessed to have friends that know exactly how to compliment a pregnant lady, giant baby belly and all ;)


Last worn: purple maxi dress, Louis Vuitton bandeau, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC.

Other ways to wearmaxi dress in winter without a baby bumpLouis Vuitton bandeau worn in hair, studded sandals and denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC and skinny jeans.





The Asos 70% off sale includes some really pretty dresses if you're after some more maxi dress bargains.







Linking up with Fab Favourites, Flashback Friday, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Link Up, Let It Shine, Shoe and Tell, Modest Monday.



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Friday 1 January 2016

Happy New Year! Festive Maxi Dress Outfits With a Sequin Scarf and Quilted Bags

Happy new year!

I can't believe this post marks 4 years of blogging! 863 posts, countless outfits... thank you all for following along and supporting me. Thank you to everyone who reads what I write, who leaves a sweet comment, and who adds value to my blog. It's readers like you that have encouraged me to keep this blog going each year. I truly value your friendship and thoughtful comments.

I've enjoyed being able to share my real everyday style with you over the years. In a world of perfectly posed, professionally shot and photoshopped pictures, I've enjoyed sharing my quick little snaps taken before I leave the house each day, puppy and toddler photobombs sometimes included! It's been wonderful reading along with all my blog friends too. I highly recommend you check them out.


While trying to wear more of my wardrobe and think more about what I buy, I hope I've inspired you to try to wear more of your wardrobe and to re-wear and remix what you already own. Through my numerous outfit fails, I've shown that not every outfit is perfect. Not everything is or has to be perfect, despite appearances on social media. Fashion is all about fun - or we wouldn't have so many pretty things stuffed in our wardrobes! So enjoy what you own, have fun with what you wear, and remember that at the end of the day clothes are only clothes. We get to take them off each night and start fresh every morning.

Here are your favourite OOTD shots from 2015 too, my #2015bestnine:

Outfit posts:
purple maxi dress: still to be blogged | pink and burgundy | maternity shorts and maxi cardi


2015 has been a big year, here's hoping 2016 is bigger and better and full of everything you wish for!



Figured now was a good time to share my Christmas outfits - I added some sparkle to them with my sequin scarf worn as a belt. A great accessory for a maxi dress, and anything with sequins seems so perfectly festive for Christmas and New Years.

What I wore:

Away From Blue | Second Trimester Christmas Maxi dress outfit RM Love bag MEV Havana

AwayFromTheBlue | Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey silver tiffany charm bracelet stack
NecklaceTai gold alphabet necklace layered with Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace
DressMEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: white and silver sequin scarf worn as a belt
Shoes: Asos 'five star' leather sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus silver charm bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey (get an extra 40% off at Rebecca Minkoff with code 'BYE2015'!)

Why I wore it:

We were lucky enough to celebrate Christmas twice this year! For previous years we've visited both sides of the family on the same day, but this year was just like last year and more relaxed with each family celebrating on a different day. This is what I wore to celebrate early with hubby's side of the family. I wore this maxi dress last year on Christmas day, without the baby bump, but as we didn't visit hubby's family that day I figured I could re-wear it for this year. I made it a little different by swapping the belt for my sequin scarf. Accessories are so great for making 'new' outfits out of old favourites!


Last worn: purple maxi dress, sequin scarf, Asos leather sandals, Rebecca Minkoff love bag.

Other ways to wearmaxi dress layered up for winter, sequin scarf as a headband, Asos leather sandals and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff love bag and skinny jeans.



Where to buy pretty sequin scarves:



And pretty sequin snoods:






What I wore:

AwayFromBlue | Second Trimester Pregnancy Christmas Day Maternity Outfit black embellished maxi dress

AwayFromTheBlue | Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap mixed metal bracelet stack
NecklaceTai gold alphabet necklace layered with Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace
DressJeanswest 'Sierra' embellished black maxi dress (on sale!)
Belt: white and silver sequin scarf worn as a belt
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats (new purchase)
Bracelets: the usual plus silver charm bracelet and Disney Couture Winnie the Pooh bangle
BagChanel vintage quilted lambskin flap

Why I wore it:

This was what I wore for Christmas day. I had really liked wearing the sequin scarf as a belt previously, so thought I'd add it to this dress too. It already has a pretty embellished neckline, but Christmas is a time for sequins and shimmer and glitter! I gave it a go and was pleased that it didn't feel like too much sparkle. We spent the morning at home together and then headed over to my parents for lunch and more present opening.


Last worn: embellished maxi dresssequin scarf, vintage Chanel bag. First time I've worn the flats as they are a recent purchase.

Other ways to wearembellished maxi dress and a denim jacketsequin scarf with a printed tankvintage Chanel bag and jeans.




The Asos sale continues, and with further reductions it's now up to 70% off!




Linking up with Fabulous Friday, Fab Favourites, Passion for Fashion, Labour of Fashion, Shoe and Tell, Hello Monday, Let It Shine, Modest Monday.



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