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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