Hermes Twilly Scarf Worn 2 Ways With Fit and Flare Dresses For Work

One of the benefits of being a working mum is having the day in the office to wear pieces that wouldn't be a wise idea to wear at home with two toddlers. This Hermes silk twilly scarf is dry-clean only so not a good option for a stay at home mum day. Perfect for the office though, where the chances of a grown up smushing their banana into your outfit is a lot lower!

What I wore:

Scarf: Hermes twilly worn as a headband (Confettis D'ex-Libris from 2009)

Necklace: Jeanswest Taki necklace (C/O)
Dress: Jeanswest tucked ponte black dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats
Bag: Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

I wore this for Melbourne Cup day in the office. It's the 'race that stops Australia' and it means that at some point in the afternoon everyone stops work to watch the horse race. Victorians even have the day off for it! Up in Queensland, we settled for a free lunch, some office sweeps and a little distraction in the middle of the work day.

In the past there have been best dressed or best hat competitions in the office, but the celebrations this year were a lot more subdued. Lunch was drastically under catered (luckily I brought my own as a back up) and no prizes or awards. I did get into the spirit and wear my Hermes Twilly scarf as a headband though, a subtle nod to Race Day fashion! Every time I wear scarves in my hair like this I get so many compliments - I felt pretty good about this outfit all day.

I was a little late to work that morning because of the twilly though! The day before I'd thought of the twilly and gave it a try, tying it in a perfect bow on my head first go. So of course in the morning rushing to work I assumed it would be just as easy. It wasn't, and I got to work 15 minutes later than normal! Luckily I start 30 minutes early every day.


Last worn: Hermes twilly, black fit and flare dress, silver ballet flats, purple Balenciaga work bag.

Other ways to wear: Hermes twilly and jeans, black fit and flare dress in winter, silver ballet flats and skinny jeans, purple Balenciaga work bag and blue dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: Hermes twilly in second trimester, black dress in second trimester, silver flats and maternity jeans.

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Hermes Twilly Silk Scarves:

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What I wore:

Jacket:  Jeanswest grey jersey blazer

Necklace: Eye Candy LA 'Sasha' statement necklace
Dress: Jeanswest 'Rita' stripe jersey dress
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes twilly worn as a bracelet (Confettis D'ex-Libris from 2009)
Bag: Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

Another day in the office, another fit and flare dress. Had to get this one out again after loving wearing the black one above. Rather than wearing my twilly scarf in my hair again I wrapped it (a little sloppily) around my wrist. I like wearing my twillies like this, but I so rarely do as it's definitely not a good idea when you're around toddlers - would get much too dirty there. Still was nice to wear it like that for a day in the office.

I liked the statement necklace and fit and flare dress outfit combo above, so added this pretty neon statement necklace with the striped dress. I've worn these two pieces together before, it's a combination I really like.


Last worn: grey jersey blazer, striped fit and flare dress, Hermes twilly (above), Walnut Melbourne ballet flats, Balenciaga purple work bag (above).

Other ways to wear: grey jersey blazer and floral dress, striped fit and flare dress and denim jacket, Hermes twilly and pink dress, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga purple work bag and pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: Hermes twilly and second trimester bump, striped dress in second trimester, ballet flats and second trimester bump.

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Fit and Flare Dresses Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

Fit and flare dresses are such an easy option for work, and really don't need much accessorising. It's easy to throw on a statement necklace and go. If you want to add a little extra colour, you can try a brightly coloured bag like this purple Balenciaga work, or wrap a twilly scarf around your head or wrist for a fun pop against a neutral outfit.


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November Purchases

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

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

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

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

What I bought:

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

How I Wore It:

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

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

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


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Gift Guide: Mum and Mum to Be Under $50

The ultimate gift guide for a mum or mum to be, under $50! I thought it might be helpful to compile a list of budget-friendly gift ideas for your pregnant friend or new mum, with things I recieved or wished I received when pregnant and some mum-approved picks.

I know not everyone loves gift guides so I'm only going to do a couple this year just like last year, and you can always check out my previous post if you prefer just seeing outfits.

Pregnancy Gift Guide Under $50

Pampering is key here. Pregnancy is an incredible miracle, but you don't always feel like you're glowing and floating gracefully through your pregnancy!

Pictured in the guide:

Pregnancy Style on a Budget eBook

The ultimate guide to having a stylish pregnancy on a budget, gift this to your pregnant friend to help her continue to stay true to her personal style through pregnancy, and start each day looking and feeling great! Plus it's under $5! (I think it's the best value ebook ever but I may be biased, being the author!)

Pregnancy Body Pillow

$50 at Overstock
I got through a pregnancy without this and thought it was maybe a little gimmicky, but when I was given one for my last pregnancy that all changed - they are SUCH a good way to have a comfortable sleep! Highly recommend these!

Body Moisturiser Gift Pack

The Body Shop Shea Butter Set or Body Butter Gift Set both under $35
Whether you believe it helps stretch marks or not, a daily ritual of moisturising the growing bump becomes an essential part of pregnancy. It's a good way to sooth stretched skin, so a little pamper pack like this will gt a lot of use. Just be sure to double-check before you buy - pregnancy aversions may mean previously loved scents aren't tolerated any more. Bio-oil and shea butter are pretty popular but any lovely moisturiser can be used.

Confetti Water Bottle

Under $30 at Shopbop
Pregnancy is thirsty work, and it's easy to get your increased daily intake of water when your water bottle is as cute as this! I have the confetti tumbler version at home and love it, so sparkly.

Organiser/Agenda

Kate Spade Under $40 at Nordstrom
Essential to record all of those appointments, track pregnancy milestones and keep a daily-to-do list. Baby brain is real, having things written down helps.

Happy Wishes Jar

Gift Boutique Happy Wishes Jar at Shopbop
A cute jar to start recording happy wishes for baby - this makes a nice idea for a baby shower too.

Cute Sleepwear

'Mama Bird' maternity sleepwear set from BooHoo
Not for in labour, because that gets messy, but something nice she can wear now and pack in her hospital bag for later. There are a lot of cute bump-specific slogan sets, but 'mama bird' works for pregnancy and afterwards! More cute sleepwear at The Iconic.

Cosy Cardigan and Blanket Scarf

Open knit purple cardigan under $50 and tartan blanket scarf under $50
Because cardigans you don't have to button don't have to be maternity ones, she can wear them open over the growing bump. Add in a cute scarf to keep her warm while the cardigan is open and she'll be able to see through a cold weather pregnancy in style. As a bonus, the scarf can double up as a breastfeeding cover-up post baby!

A Roomy Handbag

Monogram stripe tote under $50
A big tote is a nice idea - to hold the snacks, bottles of water and to-do lists that you cart everywhere with you in pregnancy. Something monogrammed is a nice personal touch. You could even consider buying a baby bag too if you know what one she's picked out already.

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Mum Gift Guide Under $50:

When you're a mum it can be hard to find time to yourself or to justify splurging on yourself instead of your kids, so little things to make her feel special are a good idea. And with any time-consuming activity, an offer of free babysitting to accompany it is so incredibly thoughtful! It's much easier to use movie tickets or spa vouchers if you know your kids are in good hands.

Pictured in the guide:

Coffee Mug

But First Coffee Thermal Mug under $25
A mug is nice, but an insulated tumbler that will keep coffee warm for longer is a mum essential, especially in those sleep deprived early days. Coffee vouchers are a good idea too for caffeine on the go.

Line a day journal

Sentence a Day from Kikki.K under $30 or Sentence a Day for mothers under $20
It's hard to find time for anything when you're a mum, but recording a sentence a day is definitely doable, and a sweet memento to look back on when the kids are bigger. A good way to keep track of things even in the early days of motherhood!

Treat Yourself Voucher

Little book of love vouchers under $10
Movies, spa treatments, mani/pedis, personal style sessions, there are so many options. A personal stylist session is a great gift for a mum who is feeling a little lost in her wardrobe post-baby! As mentioned above, make sure to include an offer of babysitting with your voucher, or find a local child-friendly beauty salon.

Beauty Advent Calendars

Under $20 at Target
There are so many nice ones around - The Body Shop do a lovely all-rounder that contains a few different beauty products, and I won a very luxe Charlotte Tilbury advent calendar last year. Something with lots of little beauty things to try in sample sizes lets mum work a new product into her routine whenever she has a moment, and the advent calendar idea is a good way to encourage her to take an extra few minutes to herself each day. If mum's not a fan of beauty products, what about a tea advent calendar? A nice spin on the traditional chocolate calendar.

Silicone Teething Necklaces

Under $30 at Nibbly Bits
I love gifting these to my mum friends! Find ones made with food grade silicone that meet Australian safety standards like Nibbly Bits, and they are the perfect accessory to wear safely around kids. Both my babies loved gnawing on these, and as you wear them you always have quick access to them when they get grizzly. Perfect for teething too. You can find some nice handmade ones on Etsy.

Scented Candles

Wish upon a star candle under $40 or patterned jar candle under $35
These might not be the best idea for mum friends with inquisitive toddlers, but for those with older or younger kids a great scented candle (I love Glasshouse vanilla caramel) is a sweet gift idea. It's a nice way to make a house feel more relaxing, no matter how many toy trains are scattered around.

Sentimental Jewelry

Initial disc necklace on Etsy, Mother Alex and Ani bracelet
There are so many options here from initial necklaces to personalised bangles. Anything that has charms to represent her family is a nice idea, especially if it can be added to later if her family expands.

Chocolate

Lindt 100 Chocolate Balls Gift Pack or Chocolate Coated Oreos
Covering off all the mum essentials, with coffee before and now chocolate - a little stash of chocolate she can enjoy once the kids are in bed for the night is a lovely idea! Lindt is my go-to for luxe chocolate treats.

A Cute Scarf

Kate Spade Scarf Under $50 or a cute neck scarf if it's summer
A big blanket scarf doubles as a breastfeeding cover for a breastfeeding mum, or can simply be added to an outfit to hide spit-up and other baby related marks you don't always notice until after you've left the house! Really handy to keep in the nappy bag.

Cross Body Bag

Leather Cross Body Bags Under $50 at Asos
A small cross body bag is perfect for any mum - it can hold all her essentials nice and close while keeping her hands free for kid-wrangling, and can also be slipped easily inside a nappy bag when her kids are babies. Rebecca Minkoff is a good luxe choice here.

Hope you got some good Christmas present ideas from my post. Everything selected still has plenty of time to be purchased and shipped to you or your recipient before Christmas, especially if you buy it this week!

Is there anything you would add to either gift list?


Linking up with Style on the Daily, Oh Hey Girl, Fashion Frenzy, Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Passion For Fashion, Flashback Fashion, Weekend Wear, Style Elixir, Friday Favourites, Shoe & Tell, Modest Monday, Hello Monday, On Monday We Link Up.

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