Wednesday 10 June 2015

Corporate Style: Scarves and Rebecca Minkoff MAB Tote

I've only been back at work a few months, so I have lots of summery work outfit ideas. I'm trying to wear them and go bare-legged as long as possible. It's certainly warm enough to do during the day, but it is pretty cold in the mornings!

Two autumn work outfits, one that got a lot of love on instagram despite how much I hated it in person, and another I really liked!

What I wore:

Print Mixing Office Outfit Leopard print scarf black pink grey dress trench coat

Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote saffiano leather JORD wood watches
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
Scarf: Grey and pink leopard print scarf from Paddy's Markets in Sydney
Dress: Leona Edmiston Jemima fern print dress
Shoes: Wittner 'Bloomy' black heels
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale, 40% off!)

Why I wore it:

I really did not like this outfit. I liked the idea in my head, and it met the style challenge theme of 'a hint of pink' with both the dress and scarf...but it just felt really bulky on. It was all too much with the layers and the print mixing. Cosy with all the layers, just didn't feel very confident in it, felt a bit 'bleh'. Thankfully I didn't need the scarf indoors, and I was able to change as soon as I got home.

Everyone on instagram really seemed to love this outfit though! It even got more likes than Baby T's newborn photo! Maybe the print mixing didn't look as bad as I thought.


Last worn: trench coatleopard print scarf, Leona Edmiston printed dress, ankle strap heels, Rebecca Minkoff navy MAB tote.

Other ways to wear: leopard print scarf with skinny jeans, trench coat with jersey dress, ankle strap heels with pencil skirts, navy MAB tote with a monochrome blue outfit.









What I wore:

pastel blazer and printed pencil skirt with bright blue top for office RM MAB Tote

Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy
Jacket: Zara cream jersey blazer
ScarfAlexander McQueen modal and cashmere skull scarf
Tee: Thrifted valleygirl blue 3/4 sleeve tee (new purchase)
Skirt: vintage pencil skirt from The Thrifty Kitten
Shoes: Wittner 'Lumen' heel in patent leather
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy

Why I wore it:

The next style challenge was 'powerful' and I don't really think I have any clothes that make me feel powerful. Confident I do though! Like most people, I tend to think heels make me feel more confident. Heels, a pencil skirt and a blazer is a staple work wear combination for me so I feel pretty confident in it.  Just might have been a little cosier with the trench coat on top rather than the blazer, as I was bare-legged. Winter temperatures are definitely here in the mornings!

This top is one of the new-to-me ones I got from the 'fill a bag for $2' op-shop sale. I wanted to wear it like this as I remembered the comment Kiki had made last time I wore this skirt about how nice it would look with cobalt blue. I've worn it with whitebrown and purple before but this is the first time I've tried it with blue. This top isn't cobalt, but I did really like the blue with the printed skirt.


I'm always so grateful when you leave constructive criticism or outfit suggestions - it's good to get some ideas from an impartial third party about how things look, and some different things to try. As I learnt in my wardrobe detox session with the personal stylist, I'm not always using my wardrobe to it's full potential or dressing in the most flattering outfit combinations. But just like the terrible outfit above, I'll still share what I wore anyway - and think of different ways to wear things in future so I am back to feeling confident and happy with what I'm wearing.


Last worn: cream blazer, skull scarf, printed pencil skirt, nude heels, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote (above). First time I've worn the tee as it's a new purchase.

Other ways to wear: blazer with skinny jeans, tan skull scarf with red, printed pencil skirt in summer, nude heels with a printed dress, navy tote with printed dress and pink blazer.





Linking up with WIW, Style Me Weekly, What I Wore, I Feel Pretty, The Wednesday Pants, Trendy Wednesday, Oh Hey Girl, Wardrobe WednesdayThursday Fashion Files, Throwback Thursday, Thursday Favourites, Look What I Got today.



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58 comments:

  1. scarves are my favourite accessory because they can be worn so many ways....I think my friends took cue because I usually get scarves (or books) for my birthday.

    You look fantastic dear! amazing looks...the first one is my fav because it looks so professional and polished!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sounds like you have great friends! I always like getting scarves as gifts :) Makes me smile when I wear them, remembering who gave them to me and why :)

      Delete
  2. That's such a lovely purse! I'm in love.

    xx -n
    Naomi in Wonderland

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  3. That bag is beeeeeeautiful. Also, I think the first outfit looks great, too! I can understand about feeling too bulky, though (although I personally don't think it looks it). If I'm not comfy in what I'm wearing, forget it! But that's why I'll never be a fashion blogger...!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rachel! I am glad I could change it up a little by taking the scarf off when I was working, that helped me like the outfit more.

      Delete
  4. Oh i love the first one.
    So corporate chic looking.
    XO

    Check my new post.
    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin

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  5. Ooh, the print of that first dress is awesome! and I love it with the scarf.
    I need to wear my scarves more often (although not right now since we're going into Summer, ha hA)
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha yes every winter I always think I need to wear my scarves more often! Like you I can't wear them in the heat of summer either.

      Delete
  6. I really like the print mix in your first outfit, but I can relate when you just don't feel confident in something!

    Fizz and Frosting

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So nice that you're open for constructive criticism, Mica! With that said, I really understand why your first outfit got so many likes! I The color combo of it is gorgeous an really unique - I love how your scarf, the bag and shoes work together! And the coat adds the right amount of statement!
      Adore how you played with neutrals on your second look! Gorgeous with a pop of color! <3

      xxx Ira
      JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN

      Delete
    2. Thanks Ira! I'm always open to input and constructive criticism - helps me learn a little more about style and combinations! :) I'm pleased other people liked the outfit, even if it isn't something I'll be repeating :)

      Delete
  7. You are making me jealous with all your warmer clothing. It is still not the hottest here but it is slowly becoming hot! I really like your coat in the first look x

    Florals&Smiles
    Twitter

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hehe, usually people are jealous of the summer weather, not the winter weather! A nice change :)

      Delete
  8. Okay, isn't it SO funny how you feel "meh" about an outfit and it will be popular on Instagram (or blog or wherever). I guess we just see ourselves differently sometimes. I do think both outfits are great here though! Classic, polished, professional!
    Gina || On the Daily Express

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is interesting! I find it really fascinating, and I learnt a lot from that in my personal stylist session too. Interesting to get an impartial view on an outfit sometimes.

      Delete
  9. I think we all get a little nervous when it comes to pattern mixing, but it's becoming more and more of a "thing" that those awkward "does this match," moments are fleeting. I happen to love your pop of pink scarf and think it really compliments the trench. And you know I LOVE those shoes. (;

    That blue turned out amazing with that skirt! Isn't it awesome how one color change can transform an outfit? We should always feel confident in what we are wearing. If something makes me feel less than 100% I get rid of it. There's no need for me to hold onto something that doesn't make me happy. Also, when making new purchases, I always get rid of something old. Out with the old and in with the new. (:

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the one in one out rule is a good one! I need to implement something like that, I'm starting to feel swamped in my wardrobe again!
      Glad you liked the blue with the skirt, I enjoyed wearing it, thanks for the advice!

      Delete
  10. I like the "powerful" style challenge. You look amazing, The first outfit is my favourite, the trench, the bag, and all looks like an outfit that I would wear to the office. Sometimes I wear thinner scarves so that it can fit in my handbag as well.
    Summer Giveaway

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  11. What an amazing scarf and bag!! You look so cute and professional!! Happy Wednesday beautiful!!
    livingoncloudandreanine.blogspot.com

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  12. I too like the first outfit. It looks very pulled together. Maybe it's the tote? Or the trench :P The print mixing is just right I think, as the print of the dress isn't too busy or overwhelming.

    Have a great week!

    Alex - Funky Jungle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Could be both! You can never go wrong with a great bag or coat! :)

      Delete
  13. The first look is so chic, I love the scarf and of course the coat :) The second look is also very chic and I love the skirt :)

    RedLip&Love

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love the tote bag!

    -Audrey
    http://audreyallure.blogspot.com

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  15. that bag is just soooo sophisticated and classy!! cant go wrong with that!

    Animated Confessions

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  16. Love your terrible outfit! It looks just fabulous xx

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  17. You are adorable! I love them both--totally polished and classy. XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  18. I think that first outfit is so professional and chic! I adore the heels you wore with it! The second outfit would make me feel confident too! The colors are gorgeous together!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I really like the first one. ciao gloria
    Gloriadressup

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  20. Both are lovely! Those bags are incredible. I love that light pink printed skirt in the second look. Such a great piece!

    https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com

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  21. Oh yes, I hate dressing up when it's chilly in the morning but hot later on.These are some great tips though. Love that tote!

    Have a lovely day!

    Paulina

    shenanigan-ska.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is strange weather to have to dress for, being such different temperatures during the day!

      Delete
  22. Love the bag :) you always have great ones :)

    http://lovelyattitude.com

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  23. I adore RM. She makes the best bags & they are overly expensive for great quality!

    michellespaige.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Did you mean they aren't overly expensive? I find you can get some great bargains in sale time! :)

      Delete
  24. You look amazing. Love this blue bag. xx

    Nina
    http://www.ninasstyleblog.com

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  25. Fist look is my most favorite, classic and chic.
    xoxo
    Christy

    http://www.am2pmchic.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love that trench coat and scarf together. Looks so good Mica. I love beigey camel colored coats. They just go with everything. Very classic. Told you your new bag would go with everything. That was a good investment. Really pretty second outfit. Love that lace skirt.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hehe thanks Kim! It was a good investment, perfect for the office!

      Delete
  27. Two lovely looks! I adore that chic trench and how fabulous your vintage pencil skirt is! T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  28. Those heels in the first outfit are TO DIE FOR! I love them!

    Connie | Sponsored by Coffee | Bloglovin’

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  29. I love your bag! It's so cool and look so great with your work attire. Those heels in the first outfit are incredible. I always feel better in heels too. I like your second outfit too though. I think you are being too hard on yourself.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Amy! Sometimes we can be our own worst critic. Just clothes though, easy to change up! :)

      Delete
  30. I love both outfits because these are equally beautiful <3

    Have a nice day! :)

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

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  31. I have been known to get dressed for work, get into town and by that time hate my outfit so much, I go to the "Emergency Shop" - a cheapy place that opens at 7.30am - and get anything from a new top, pair of pants or whole new outfit and wear it out! For the record, I like your outfit but I understand . . . not feeling your look is the worst and impacts the whole day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I'm glad you know how I feel! And I'm jealous you have an emergency shop point, haha! I've often wanted to go replace my outfit in the middle of the day....once I had to do that when my dress split on me, eek! Of course I bought 2 dresses to replace it haha ;)

      Delete
  32. Loving the pop of color and personal style you add to your corporate styles!
    xoxo
    Brooke|LookBrooke

    ReplyDelete
  33. I like both your outfits and feel like we are often far more critical of our looks than others, partly because how much we like what we put on depends on our mood as much as the clothes themselves. I also agree that a pencil skirt, blazer and pumps make for a perfect power outfit.
    Chic on the Cheap

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're so right Lydia! Our moods really affect our outfits and what we feel about them. I was having a horrible day in that outfit, maybe why I hated it so much!

      Delete
  34. I always hate when an outfit you had pictured in your mind doesn't turn out the same way in real life! But I really love that second outfit, the scarf accents your jacket beautifully :)
    And confidence = power in my mind!

    Enter to win a $50 giftcard!
    The Dragonfruit Diaries

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hello girl! So you are back to work! Hope all goes great for you and that you enjoy every single moment of the experience. I know it may be challenging to be away from your baby all day. I remember when my daughters were little and how much I cried when I went back to work both times. Anyways, love both of your looks. You look very put together, professional and super pretty. And the bag is gorgeous! I want it! XOXO, Jeannette

    www.msjeannieandhercloset.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Jeannette! Yes, I'm back at work a few days a week. It's definitely tough leaving baby! Taking a while to get back into the swing of things.

      Delete
  36. Ha! I was just going to say how much i love the first look and how the scarf just steps is up a notch.. and then i read that it felt bulky.
    I wonder how many times we've had something work in our head and even when placing items together on the bed and it all looks magical and then you put it on and you ask yourself what the hell was I thinking ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I find that happens too often with me, haha! That's why I used to like to try things on the evening before. I haven't been doing that with baby though, maybe I need to get back into it....would have less fails that way!

      Delete
  37. I'm not quite sure what you're seeing with that first outfit because it looks amazing on you! The subtle pattern of your dress is classic, your scarf adds some fun color, and your simple black flats tie the look all together. I absolutely love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Lauren! I'm glad you like it! :)

      Delete
  38. I agree that whenever I wear a good pencil skirt with a pair of heels makes me feel more confident. Both great outfits Mica!

    Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!


    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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  39. Thank you all for your lovely comments and honest thoughts on the first outfit! :)

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  40. I love the color scheme of the second look: lovely neutrals with a touch of blue.

    Happy Tuesday, Mica :)
    www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud

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