Friday 11 May 2018

Two Ways To Wear Rebecca Minkoff Ruana Poncho with Shorts: Adding Autumn Layers to Summer Outfits

When I stumbled across this Rebecca Minkoff knit poncho / kimono in the Shopbop sale I couldn't get it out of my head. I have no shortage of kimonos in my wardrobe, but it is different from any of the ones I already owned. From the fall/winter collection, it's a thick and cosy acrylic knit that I knew would be perfect for autumn or winter outfits when it gets too chilly to wear my thinner kimonos.

I hadn't planned to wear it with shorts, I was thinking of cooler temperatures and jeans! But it was good to take advantage of the cooler mornings and evenings in this mild Brisbane autumn and throw it on as an extra layer with my shorts.


What I wore:

 Rebecca Minkoff Ruana poncho in monochrome shorts and tee outfit print mixing with foil stripes | awayfromblue

tassel poncho and Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC | awayfromtheblue

Necklace: silver heart long pendant necklace
TeeJeanswest Anika foil stripe tee in white and silver
ShortJeanswest Sara distressed hot short
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC

Why I wore it:

Kept things simple this time I wore the kimono. As it was predicted to rain, I thought this would be perfect to keep cosy as we ran a few errands before and after our Australian Breastfeeding Association mothers group. Picked the Converse as a practical choice too, although we were lucky to get home just before the storms rolled in, the rain and thunder chased us home!

I was going to wear a colourful necklace with this, one of my baby-friendly teething ones, but decided at the last moment to keep things completely monochrome and went with a silver necklace to match the silver foil stripes on the tee and silver bag. I ended up having a conversation with a friend about how I might just stick to baby friendly necklaces for the group in future - this necklace got tugged on quite a few times, and that was just by my boys!

Usually I'll add a little colour to a monochrome outfit, but with the print mixing with the print on the kimono and the striped tee, I felt my outfit was busy enough. I really liked this outfit, and I'm looking forward to wearing this kimono more as the weather continues to cool in Brisbane.


Last worn: foil stripe tee, distressed denim shorts, Converse, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC.

Other ways to wearfoil stripe tee and olive short, distressed denim shorts in capsule wardrobe, Converse and swing dress, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC and purple jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: Converse in second trimester, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC in third trimester.


What I Bought Last Month:

(Including some action shots of me wearing the kimono in different ways)






What I wore:

Rebecca Minkoff Ruana poncho print mixing with mustard tank shorts autumn SAHM style | away from blue

silver bracelet stack, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold | away from the blue

awayfromblue print mixing Rebecca Minkoff Ruana poncho mustard and blue tank and shorts micro regan bag
JacketRebecca Minkoff Ruana poncho
Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
TankJeanswest Maya gather back tank in chartreuse
ShortsJeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold

Why I wore it:

This was a much more colourful outfit to wear with the black and white kimono. This had seemed like a great idea in my head, but I felt it was a little busy when I looked back at the photos. I did really like the mustard tank under the kimono though, I'm going to have to give that a try again.

Was a busy day with daycare drop off and pick up and working from home, but at the last minute Baby Boy's specialist appointment was postponed so that freed up the evening a little and gave me a little more time to do the daycare pickup and get dinner organised.

Although it's the first time I've worn the kimono with these pieces, I have worn the tank and shorts together before. I like wearing these blue shorts with yellow, so cheerful and colourful.


Last worn: Rebecca Minkoff kimono (above), mustard tank, blue printed shorts, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wearmustard tank in the office, blue printed shorts in monochrome outfit, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag and little black dress.



More Black and White Kimonos Under $50:



This poncho I'm wearing has just been added to the 75% off Rebecca Minkoff Online sample sale too!


How You Can Wear It:

Cosy knitted ponchos or kimonos make great layers when the weather starts to cool in autumn or when it hasn't warmed up enough in spring. A classic black and white one works just was well with a monochrome outfit as it does with a bold and colourful one, so it's easier to wear more often.


Linking up with Lizzie In Lace, Shoe & Tell, Hello Monday, Mix It Monday.


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Wednesday 9 May 2018

Long Sleeve Tops and Shorts with Rebecca Minkoff Neon Pink Mini MAC

While waiting for autumn weather to arrive in Brisbane, I tried to make my outfits a little more autumn-like by wearing longer sleeved tops with my shorts. It's a good option for a day that's not too warm, not too cold.

I didn't love both of these outfits the same though, even though they followed the same outfit formula and I carried the same neon pink Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC with them both.

What I wore:

blue and white embroidered blouse soft shorts outfit with neon pink mini MAC bag | awayfromblue

Blue printed shorts, OPI Koala bear-y polish, Rebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram neon pink mini MAC bag with blue soft printed shorts embroidered white blouse
BlouseJeanswest Elise longline embroidered shirt in coconut blue
ShortsJeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC
NailsOPI Koala Bear-y

Why I wore it:

After spending a few days in bed unwell, on Friday I felt like getting out of the house. I was lucky to have my mum help me with the boys. It was school holidays so we took them along to one of the free activities at the shopping centre, a dinosaur exhibit. They both loved it! By the end of the day though, I was exhausted and felt I'd pushed myself a little too far - had a cruisy weekend after that!

I was so sure I'd worn this embroidered top and the blue soft shorts together before. With them being blue and white, and loving a bit of matchy matchy, I was so sure I'd have already worn them together. I was surprised to look through the blog and find out I hadn't! I really liked the combination. In the cooler morning and air conditioning at the shopping centre, the longer length sleeves were perfect. Of course I couldn't resist adding a little pop of colour, so brought out my neon pink mini MAC bag again. It's been a little while between wears, so it was definitely overdue a wear.


Last worn: embroidered blouse, blue printed shorts, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff neon mini MAC.

Other ways to wearembroidered blouse and maxi skirt, blue printed shorts and star print tee, Rebecca Minkoff neon mini MAC and khaki tank.


My Rebecca Minkoff Handbag Collection

I have just a few mini MAC bags.... 😂






What I wore:

Grey long sleeve tee, Jeanswest Tessa olive embroidered shorts neon pink bag SAHM style | away from blue

olive shorts, neon pink rebecca minkoff mini MAC bag | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram | SAHM style long sleeve grey tee with olive embroidered shorts pink bag Cooper
NecklaceRoie Designs long freshwater pearl necklace with tassel
TopAtmos&Here grey Arizona zip tee
ShortsJeanswest Tessa olive embroidered shorts
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
BagRebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC
NailsOPI Koala Bear-y

Why I wore it:

Following the same outfit formula as the one above, picking a longer sleeved top and pairing it with my soft shorts. I didn't like this outfit as much as the one above. It was a relaxed day with a couple of errands so loose light layers seemed like a good idea in the morning. It was also unfortunately a very hot and humid day, and I was wishing I hadn't gone with such a warm top! It was the last touch of summer before the rain and cooler autumn weather arrived, 32 degrees (90 fahrenheit).

I did like the colours of this outfit though - I love grey and pink together, and have started to try wearing olive and pink together too. The neon mini MAC was such a fun splash of colour. And it was a perfectly comfortable outfit for sitting around playing with the boys after we ran all our errands.


Last worn: grey long sleeve top, olive embroidered shorts, studded sandals, neon mini MAC (above).

Other ways to weargrey long sleeve top and denim shorts, olive embroidered shorts and striped tee, studded sandals and navy dress, neon mini MAC and maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancygrey long sleeve top in first trimester, studded sandals in second trimester.



Soft Shorts Under $50:




How You Can Wear It:


Long sleeved tops and shorts work well together in spring or autumn where it's not warm enough to bare arms and legs at the same time. If it does heat up through the day, you can always push or roll the sleeves on your top up too.


Linking up with Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, Friday Faves.


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Monday 7 May 2018

Blue Dresses and Black Accessories: Mimco Button Bag and Rebecca Minkoff Velvet Double Wrap Belt

Last month I picked up the cute Rebecca Minkoff Liv double wrap belt in the Shopbop sale. A complete impulse buy, I was just looking for something a little different to update my wardrobe as I am feeling pretty content with all the clothes I have. And I looked at accessories as the weather wasn't cooperating with all the dreams I had for buying cosy knits, it was a very warm start to autumn!

I wore the belt to the office two slightly different ways, with the same bag each time. My Mimco black button bag is a classic most Australians would recognise, and my very first 'expensive' (triple digit) handbag purchase.

What I wore:

black velvet belt over pink vest blue aztec print dress mimco button bag office outfit | awayfromblue

JORD Cora Wood Watch with Mimco Black monochrome button bag original size | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram velvet belt pink vest blue aztec print dress for office
JacketJeanswest Peri drape sleeveless jacket (on sale!)
Necklace: gifted Swarovski heart pendant
DressJeanswest Aztec print dress
BeltRebecca Minkoff Liv double wrap velvet belt (new purchase)
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
BagMimco black button bag
NailsOPI Koala Bear-y

Why I wore it:

With the cooler mornings and evenings, and a bit of rain, I was excited autumn may finally be arriving in Brisbane. I did want to get more wear from this vest before it got too cold though. I find vests better suited for warmer weather. When it's cold, I want my arms covered. If was the perfect day to wear this vest though. Cool, but not too cold. When I first bought this vest, I thought of belting it. I see bloggers belting vests all the time, so that's probably what gave me the idea. This is it's tenth wear though, and the first time I've belted it!

I really liked this outfit! The dusty pink of the vest worked perfectly with the blue Aztec print in the dress, with the black belt matching the black in the dress print as well as the Mimco button bag and black ballet flats. I'm surprised it took me so long to belt this vest as I love the look. I'm glad I eventually gave it a go! The outfit was practical too - had the flu shot at work in preparation for the upcoming winter and needed my arms uncovered.


Last worn: pink vest, Aztec print dress, black ballet flats, Mimco black button bag. First time I've worn the velvet double wrap belt as it's a new purchase.

Other ways to wearpink vest and graphic tee, Aztec print dress and purple bag, black ballet flats and wrap dress, Mimco black button bag and pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancyAztec print dress in third trimester.



Review and Contents of the Mimco Button Bag (original version)







What I wore:

office french connection paisley print sheath dress black accessories and mimco button bag | away from blue

paisley print dress and mimco black button bag original on shoulder | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram | black accessories and button bag with blue paisley print office sheath dress
NecklaceHouse of Harlow 5 station necklace in black and silver
DressFrench Connection blue Paisley print dress
BeltRebecca Minkoff Liv double wrap velvet belt
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
BagMimco black button bag
NailsOPI Koala Bear-y

Why I wore it:

I didn't like this outfit as much as the one above. The blue Paisley print of this dress is beautiful, but I felt the black accessories didn't look as good as they could have with it. I was really liking the outfit until I went to pick a black necklace. I don't have many, and this was the best one I could find. The velvet belt has gold hardware and this necklace has really prominent silver. I felt a little mismatched all day. I don't mind mixing gold and silver in bracelet stacks or when layering necklaces together, it just felt a little 'off' having the different metals on different accessories.

Just a minor thing, but next time I'd spend the time to hunt out a gold necklace and I'm sure I'd like the outfit better!


Last worn: Paisley print sheath dress, Walnut Melbourne flats, Mimco Button Bag (above).

Other ways to wearPaisley print sheath dress and tote bag, Walnut Melbourne flats and printed skirt, Mimco Button Bag and monochrome outfit.

Perfect for pregnancyPaisley print sheath dress in second trimester, Walnut Melbourne flats and maternity skirt.



More Velvet Belts Under $50:





How You Can Wear It:

A really easy way to change up the look of your favourite dress is to add a belt. It doesn't require buying anything new, as you probably already have a couple belts you could try it with. In these photos above I matched the black belt with black accessories, but you could also add a belt that contrasts with your outfit and other accessories for a pop of colour.



Linking up with Turning Heads, Fashion Frenzy, Style On The Daily, Oh Hey Girl, Modest Monday.



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