Friday 13 October 2017

Printed Dresses and Ankle Boots for Spring with Neon Pink Mini MAC Bag

Even though we had a pretty mild winter, it's always exciting to start wearing dresses with bare legs again. When it's the start of spring and still a little cooler, ankle boots are an essential.

My neon pink Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag is a cute and colourful accessory, but I don't just reserve it for spring, it works brilliantly year-round.

What I wore:

aztec print back dress, ankle boots, denim jacket pink cross body bag for spring | Away From Blue

neon pink rebecca minkoff mini MAC bag with little black dress | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue isntagram little black dress denim jacket and ankle boots for spring with pink bag
Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Dress: Kmart Aztec print tiered little black dress
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs pearl, howlite and hematite beaded bracelets
BagRebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC

Why I wore it:

The style challenge for the day was pretty in pink, which made the pink accessories an obvious choice. I love how the neon pink mini MAC looks with the little black dress too. It's funny, I was in Kmart the other day and saw that they have this same style dress in pink now. I still think this black dress will work nicely in spring and summer, but if you want something a little brighter for spring definitely check it out!

Wearing the denim jacket with the dress is one of the outfit combinations I thought of when I first bought this dress. I have so many outfit ideas still, definitely a good buy.

I just wore this to work from home and do the daycare drop off and pick up, but I added the teething necklace anyway. While I wasn't around the boys during the day, I love the colours of this necklace with the mini MAC bag, and the colour it adds to the black dress.


Last worn: denim jacket, black tiered dress, black ankle boots, neon pink mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: denim jacket worn 30 waysblack tiered dress worn two ways, black ankle boots in the office, neon pink mini MAC and denim shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: denim jacket and hidden first trimester bump, ankle boots and pregnancy announcement.



Ankle Boots Under $50:







What I wore:

navy stripe tee dress for spring with Chelsea leather ankle boots neon pink mini MAC | AwayFromBlue

navy stripe dress with cobalt bracelet and neon pink Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram spring stripe tee dress and ankle boots pink mini MAC
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
DressAtmos&Here navy stripe tee dress
ShoesAsos leather Chelsea boots in tan
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow sunburst wrap bracelet in cobalt
BagRebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC

Why I wore it:

A warmer spring day so the extra layer of a denim jacket needed above wasn't necessary. Still good to have ankle boots on though, and the long sleeves of this dress came in handy. I felt this dress was due another wear. One of my favourite pieces a few years back, it's been neglected recently as it was boxed away during pregnancy and breastfeeding. With the thick fabric and longer sleeves, there might not be many more opportunities to wear it again this year so I took the chance while I could. This time I wore it is still one of my favourite outfits ever.

Was a busy morning, errands, groceries and taking toddler T for a haircut before going out for lunch followed by dinner at the inlaws in the evening. I ended up using my Ergo baby carrier in the backwards position so that I could back carry Baby Boy and still wear my bag easily without it slipping off my shoulder. I'm thrilled to have a new way to babywear after learning at the ABA mum's group recently.

Much like the dress, this cobalt bracelet hasn't been worn a lot recently. Last time was when I was pregnant! I didn't overly accessorise while Baby Boy was little, but now that the boys are getting bigger it's nice to pick out some extra bracelets to wear. Although teething necklaces are still the safest and most practical neckwear option to wear around the toddlers!


Last worn: navy stripe tee dress, Chelsea leather ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff pink mini MAC (above).

Other ways to wearnavy stripe tee dress in winter, Chelsea leather ankle boots and burgundy pants, Rebecca Minkoff pink mini MAC and maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: stripe dress and second trimester bump, Chelsea ankle boots and chambray in second trimester.



Printed Dresses For Spring Under $50:








How You can Wear It:


Dresses and ankle boots is such a simple and quick outfit idea for spring. It works just as well in autumn too, although as the weather cools you may need to add an extra layer like a denim jacket or even tights.


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


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Wednesday 11 October 2017

Easy Spring Outfit Formula: Purple Cardi, Skinny Jeans and Printed Top

The upside to having a backlog of outfit pictures is that I can get on top of blogging and schedule posts in advance. The downside is that the outfits don't always make sense afterwards!

As I'm typing up this post, I'm enjoying the beautiful 35+ degree weather (95 fahrenheit) and I'm contemplating turning on the air con... while I look at these photos taken earlier in spring just a couple weeks ago with jeans and cardigans!

Currently sweltering weather aside, these outfits are a great spring outfit formula for a colder day. I've shared similar ones before, it's such easy SAHM style.

What I wore:

purple cardigan polka dot tee skinny jeans pink bag SAHM spring mother's group outfit | Away From Blue

Rebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram purple cardigan navy polka dot tee skinny jeans
JacketJeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry
Necklace: Nibbly Bits BB plum silicone teething necklace (C/O)
TopJeanswest Flavia foil printed polka dot tee deep iris
JeansJeanswest prima denim super skinny jeans in absolute black
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
BagRebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC

Why I wore it:

I wore this to attend my local ABA mum's group meeting and run a few errands. It was a slightly cooler morning so I added the cardigan, although I took it off when it warmed up in the afternoon. The group topic was babywearing, which was perfect for me as I wanted to see if there were different ways to wear my Ergo baby carrier. I learned how to back carry which is awesome, as when you back carry it's easier to sling a cross body bag over. I find when I front carry the thick shoulder straps make it tricky to get any bag to stay put for long.

I really like this navy polka dot tee with the black skinny jeans - in the past I was alway unsure about wearing black and blue together. It was actually an ASOS sale purchase that convinced me, a colourblock dress I no longer have but you can see waaay back at the start of my blog! Since seeing the dress and subsequently buying it, I realised navy and black looked pretty good together, and I've been wearing it since. Sometimes just shopping opens your eyes to new combinations!


Last worn: purple cardigan, navy polka dot tee, prima black skinny jeans, Walnut Melbourne flats, Rebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC.

Other ways to wearpurple cardigan and embroidered tunic, navy polka dot tee and maxi skirt, prima jeans and embroidered tank, Walnut Melbourne flats and pencil skirt, Rebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC and maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: purple cardi in first trimesterskinny jeans and a belly band in second trimester, ballet flats and maternity pencil skirt.


Striped Tanks and Polka Dot Tees Under $50:






What I wore:

jeanswest cecile grey skinny jeans stripe tank purple cardigan daycare drop off pick up style | AwayFromBlue

slouchy Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram purple cardigan with monochromatic stripe tank skinny jeans spring outfit
JacketJeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry
NecklaceHouse of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
TankAtmos & Here Oregon stripe tank
JeansJeanswest Cecile dove grey skinny jeans
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats
BagBalenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

Wore this to work from home, with a cold morning making me reach for my favourite cosy cardigan for daycare drop off. By lunch time I'd taken the cardigan off, although I did need to wear it again for the daycare pick up in the afternoon.

I don't usually carry such a big bag on my work from home days as even when I run errands before daycare pickup I don't need to carry much. I was pretty tired that morning though so grabbed the bag I'd used for work the previous day. The Balenciaga part time is a cross body bag, but I prefer smaller cross body bags that are closer to my body when I'm wearing a bag around my boys, even just for daycare drop off and pickups.

If you're unsure about colourful cardigans, a monochromatic outfit like this is a good time to wear them. It lets the purple be the only pop of colour in your outfit and you know everything will go together nicely. Easy, fool-proof mum style when you're too tired to function in the morning and put a lot of thought into your outfit!


Last worn: purple cardigan (above), striped tank, grey skinny jeans, silver ballet flats, Balenciaga part time bag.

Other ways to wearpurple cardigan and chambray dress, striped tank and maxi skirt, grey skinny jeans and Converse, silver ballet flats and chambray skirt, Balenciaga part time bag and striped dress.


Perfect for pregnancy: purple cardi in first trimester, ballet flats and maternity wrap dress, Balenciaga part time bag and maternity pencil skirt.



Purple Cardigans Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:

Need a way to switch up that mum staple of skinny jeans? Try a printed top like I have in the outfits above. You can go one step further and add colourful accessories - a bright cardigan is a good option for a spring day and the fluctuating temperatures that occur. If you're worried about matching colours, just throw on your colourful cardigan with a monochromatic outfit full of neutrals. Easy!


Linking up with Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Modest Monday.



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Monday 9 October 2017

Ruffle Dresses for the Office with Chloe Paddington Bag

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

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

What I wore:

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

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

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

Why I wore it:

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

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


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

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

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



Ruffle Detail Dresses Under $50:








What I wore:

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

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

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

Why I wore it:

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


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

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

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


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

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

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



Where To Buy a Chloe Paddington Bag:




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



How You Can Wear It:

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


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



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