#NoBuyJuly15 Results. Plaid Shirts, Cardigans and Skinny Jeans: SAHM Style

First up, my July purchases! I decided to set myself a #noBuyJuly15 challenge after buying a lot in June. The rules were simple - no unnecessary spending, limited only to essential things like food.

Beth from Almost Posh and I were even featured in the Sydney Morning Herald talking about some of our tips to curb impulse spending. Beth went on TV too! We did both end up buying things though...Perhaps I'll have better luck with #noSpenderSeptember!

I decided to just 'take a look' at the target sale, and then just 'try a few things on' and then just bought this $10 shirt. Not as bad as it could have been, I took 6 things into the change room, but definitely shows me that avoiding sales is the best way for me to curb unnecessary spending. Sale shopping is wonderful, and the main way I shop, but if you aren't shopping for something in particular you will walk out with a bargain you didn't plan to buy.



Now, what I've been wearing. Some recent outfits following a simple outfit formula: cardigan, skinny jeans and a plaid shirt.

One of the perks of having a stylish sister is getting to share her wardrobe! Even though we no longer live together, when we have wardrobe clearouts we always give each other the first chance to grab things. I was lucky enough to get two plaid shirts from my sisters rather large collection. I had no plaid shirts in my wardrobe, while she had so many she was getting rid of that I lost count!

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry

Scarf: Alexander McQueen modal and cashmere skull scarf
Shirt: Jay Jays metallic plaid shirt
Jeans: Jeanswest prima denim super skinny jeans in absolute black
Shoes:  Asos airtime leather Chelsea boots in tan
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs pretty nylon Eliz-A-Baby bag

Why I wore it:

This was a tiring day! I was in a bit of a rush in the morning so instead of trying to figure out which bag would work, I just threw my things in the baby bag, which was overflowing more than usual as I had thrown in some extra things to keep baby T amused. It can be taxing trying to keep a wriggly toddler happy, quiet and amused on your lap in a waiting room, so I overstuffed the bag with every toy I could cram into it that morning.

Since getting the bag hook for the stroller I've been enjoying being able to carry my own bag and have one or both bags on the stroller if needed, but some days you just need the simplicity of one bag for everything. I'm so glad we bought a large baby bag, my wallet, phone and keys fit in nicely.


Last worn: purple cardigan, taupe skull scarf, black skinny jeans, ankle boots, Marc by Marc Jacobs Eliz-a-Baby bag. First time I've worn the shirt.

Other ways to wear: purple cardigan belted, skull scarf with stripes and metallic jeans, skinny jeans and an ombre knit, ankle boots and a maxi skirt.

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More plaid shirts:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Cotton On black knit wrap cardigan

Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace
Shirt: See by Chloe lavender plaid cotton shirt
Jeans: Jeanswest Super Skinny Jeans in Mid Indigo
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale here!)

Why I wore it:

Another plaid shirt, and another cosy cardigan. This shirt has a bit of a history. I bought it online as a final sale from the Outnet a few years ago. I thought I'd read the size chart correctly, but it just didn't fit quite right. My sister was happy to take it off my hands and she wore it for a few years. Now as she was going to get rid of it, I was happy to take it back again! I don't mind the slightly oversized relaxed fit, it was comfortable for a morning at playgroup with baby.

This poor cardigan, it's second wearing this year after rediscovering it in my wardrobe, and the second time it didn't make it through a full day before baby 'added' to it and it's had to go in the wash!

No scarf with this as I couldn't figure out what one would go best, and as it's been warming up a little I didn't miss it too much.


Last worn: long black cardigan, skinny jeans, Converse, Rebecca Minkoff metallic mini MAC. First time I've worn the shirt.

Other ways to wear: long cardigan with flared jeans, skinny jeans in summer, Converse and a maxi skirt, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC and a maxi dress.

Linking up with Budget Bloggers, Casual Friday, Friday Favourites, Passion for Fashion, Fab Favourites, Favourite Fashion, Fashion Friday, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Shoe and Tell, Let It Shine today.

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Cosy Cardigan, Skinny Jeans, Boots and a Printed Scarf: Winter SAHM Style Uniform

Since I got this striped wooly cardigan I've been wearing it a lot. While I like my leather jackets, a wash-and-wear option is better around baby. It's a nice piece to wear over jeans to keep me warm in winter. Thought I'd group these outfits together to post and show you two very similar ways to wear a cardigan. Lauren from Exploring My Style is so good at showing how you can wear the same outfit formula multiple times and yet make it look new each time!

This post has one outfit formula (same cardigan, a printed scarf, skinny jeans and boots) and two slightly different outfits.

What I wore:

Jacket: Izabel London striped waterfall cardigan (C/O)

Scarf: red and black skull print scarf
Tee: Marc by Marc Jacobs blossom pocket tee in grey
Jeans: Jeanswest prima denim super skinny jeans in absolute black
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini quilted affair bag in fire engine red (on sale in blue)

Why I wore it:

This was such a simple but cosy outfit. Black, grey and a little bit of red. Had to run some errands in the morning, and a trip to the doctors for a checkup for baby T in the afternoon. I went with red accessories as the grey tee has a little red floral design on the pocket, you can see it clearer another time I've worn it (with a big baby belly!). Everything gets covered up with layers in the winter!

As I mentioned in my review of the mini affair bag, I don't find this as easy to use as my mini MAC bags, but I'm trying to give it a chance and wear it a little more. I like the shape and the colour!


Last worn: striped cardigan, red and black skull scarf, grey Marc Jacobs tee, skinny jeans, ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff mini affair bag.

Other ways to wear: cardigan with blue skinny jeans, skull scarf with polka dots, grey tee for a day at the beach, black skinny jeans with a pink top, ankle boots with a maxi skirt, red crossbody bag with blue and a maxi skirt.

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More cosy cardigans:

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What I wore:

Cardi: Izabel London striped waterfall cardigan (C/O)
Scarf: Stella McCartney heart print scarf
Jumper: Supre knit loose fit jumper in bahamas
Jeans: Jeanswest blue skinny jeans
Shoes: Asos Cleo leather boots in tan
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

This looks like overkill, but I assure you all those layers were needed! Single digit temperatures are my least favourite part of winter, and so when the 'Antarctic Vortex' hit I pulled together all my winter woolies to keep me cosy for a morning running errands with baby, followed by playgroup.

I was so thankful when we got to playgroup - they had the heater on warming up the room. While the toddlers did have fun playing with my scarf again, this time I didn't leave it behind!


Last worn: striped cardi (above), Stella McCartney navy scarf, peach knit, skinny jeans, tan leather boots, LV Speedy bandouliere.

Other ways to wear: striped cardi with a maxi skirt, heart print scarf with striped skirt, peach knit with leopard print, skinny jeans and a blazer, tan leather boots and a polka dot shift dress, LV Speedy bandouliere with dresses.

Linking up with What I Wore, Whatcha Wearing Wednesday, Pleated Poppy, Wednesday Pants, Oh Hey Girl, Trendy Wednesday, Style Me Weekly, Fashion Files, Throwback Thursday, Fashion Should Be Fun, Weekend Link Up today.

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Corporate Style In Winter: Knitted Beanie, Burberry Cashmere Scarf and Ankle Boots

Commuting early in the morning in the coldest days of winter has meant I've been reaching for warmer accessories for the trip to and from work. The knitted beanie I'm wearing below was part of a competition prize from the PoshLadyIndigo style challenge I did a few months ago. I'm not much of a hat person, although I have started enjoying wearing sunhats more in summer. It's been so cold this beanie has been perfect to keep me cosy, especially paired with my Burberry cashmere scarf.

What I wore:

Hat: white knitted beanie (competition prize)
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 

Scarf: Burberry cashmere tartan scarf
Shirt: Zara star print shirt
Pants: Jeanswest 'Fiona' skinny leg pant in shiraz
Shoes: Asos airtime leather Chelsea boots in tan
Bag: Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

It was so cold I knew I would be wearing these pants again! I am so glad I decided to wear them to the office one day as part of the style challenge I was doing, it's given me a great option for cooler days. Especially after throwing out all my other (ill-fitting) work pants during my wardrobe detox. I've not been able to find any new pairs, although with #noBuyJuly15 I haven't been looking too hard!

I was looking through my wardrobe wondering what top to wear with the pants when I saw this shirt in my wardrobe that hadn't been worn in a while. I remembered it being quite warm when I last wore it in summer, so it seemed like a good choice for winter!

As it's the second time I've worn the boots, and I'm trying to wear everything twice in the month after buying it to reflect on how it's working for me, my purchase review:
I like these boots. I don't love them, but they fit the gap I had in my shoe wardrobe of a neutral flat pair of ankle boots. I love my Pistol boots but lately I've been wanting flat shoes more often. With an old knee injury wearing heels to the office a couple of times a week is as much as I can take. These boots are comfortable and practical for life with baby, so I'm glad I bought them. Plus they were on sale!


Last worn: beige trench, Burberry tartan scarf, star print shirt, burgundy skinny pants, Asos Chelsea ankle boots, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag. First time I've worn the beanie.

Other ways to wear: beige trench with a printed dress, Burberry tartan scarf with a star print dress, star print shirt with gold jeans, burgundy pants in warmer weather, Chelsea ankle boots with a maxi skirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag at 40 weeks pregnant.

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More beanies and scarves to keep you cosy:

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What I wore:

Hat: white knitted beanie (competition prize)
Jacket: Wittner 'Santa Fe' cobalt blue leather jacket

Scarf: Burberry cashmere tartan scarf
Top: white vintage knit jumper from my mum's wardrobe
Skirt: Jeanswest zip detail ponte pencil skirt
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots
Bag: Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

As the knitted beanie and cashmere scarf kept me warm previously, I wore them again! All out of pants for work though so had to go with fleece lined tights and ankle boots.

The white jumper I've never worn on before. I got it from one of my mum's wardrobe clear outs. I have a few things from her wardrobe! A while back she brought over a big bag and I went through them all before she donated the rest. I was keeping this for a cold day, so it was the perfect time to bring it out. Decided to go with the blue leather jacket as it gives me a chance to wear it without baby (reducing the risk of any more unfortunate accidents) and I wanted to add some colour to the black and white outfit.


Last worn: beanie (above), cobalt blue leather jacket, Burberry cashmere scarf (above), black pencil skirt, black leather ankle boots, MbMJ Fran bag (above). First time I've worn the white jumper.

Other ways to wear: cobalt blue leather jacket with a printed dress, Burberry scarf with pink, black pencil skirt with a polka dot top, ankle boots and a maxi dress, MbMJ Fran bag with a maxi skirt.

Linking up with Mix It Monday, On Trend Tuesday, Turning Heads, Style Sessions, Real Mom Style, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday today.

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SAHM Style: Wearing Dresses in Winter with Leather Jackets and Printed Scarves

Although it's been quite a cold July in Brisbane, and we are getting cooler than normal winter temperatures, I've still been wearing dresses. No big secrets, just layering and wearing very cosy leggings and fleece lined tights! I try and wear my dresses year round, as much as I can. It resulted in these two very similar outfits, with a leather jacket, printed scarf, tall boots and and a simple dress.

What I wore:

Jacket: Wittner 'Santa Fe' cobalt blue leather jacket

Scarf: gifted blue tartan scarf
Dress: Zara printed bib front tunic dress
Shoes: Asos Cleo leather boots in tan
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini quilted affair bag in fire engine red (on sale in pink and on sale in black)

Why I wore it:

Last time I wore this jacket and dress together, it didn't stay clean for very long! Thankfully the jacket was able to be cleaned, and I was feeling brave enough to wear it around baby again.  I wanted to recreate that entire outfit again, but decided at the last minute to try a different scarf and bag to add more colour. I really liked this version! I love this dress and boots together, and the jacket and scarf work so well. How nice is this scarf? My sister brought it back from Europe for me. She sent me a picture of this huge scarf display in the front of a store and asked if I wanted one, of course I said yes. She was very generous and got me two!

We had a busy day with friends, exploring some of the hinterland and having lunch on tambourine mountain. I even had the chance to hold a snake. I was feeling pretty pleased with myself until she started to curl around my neck, I lost my cool a little then!

We had an engagement party that evening, and I just wore the same thing. I did briefly consider wearing something else just for the party, but figured the dress was pretty enough and by the time we got home I hadn't left a lot of time to try find something else to wear. Did make time to change baby T into a little formal outfit though, he looked so cute.


Last worn: cobalt blue leather jacket, Zara printed tunic dress, tan leather boots, Rebecca Minkoff quilted mini affair bag. First time I've worn the scarf.

Other ways to wear: cobalt blue leather jacket with jeans, printed tunic dress in the second trimester, leather boots and jeans, red cross body bag with a maxi skirt and neutral outfit.

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More seasonless dresses - perfect for layering or wearing on their own:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Asos Black by Markus Lupfer printed leather jacket

Scarf: Seed Heritage Paisley print snood (on sale!)
Dress: Zalora Basics faux leather placket red shift dress (on sale!)
Shoes: Asos Cleo leather boots in tan
Bag: Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

A dress wasn't my first choice for this cold day, but as I was joining the basics check in style challenge on instagram and the theme for the day was dress, I thought I'd participate and wear something other than the jeans I've been wearing a lot lately.

This outfit was wonderful, and I'd wear it again in an instant, but the day I wore it was pretty bad. Baby T and I had an appointment at our local clinic (one of those development check-ups / question sessions) and despite a rushed morning, I made it there with 10 minutes to spare. Only to find out we were a WEEK early! Oops. I have no idea why I thought the appointment was at a different date and time, I had written it down correctly on the calendar, but just didn't check it that morning.

The day wasn't a total waste though, since we were out we caught up with my mum to have lunch. It was just such a bad start! Goes to show that even the worst mornings can turn into lovely days.


Last worn: printed leather jacket, Paisley print snood, red shift dress, tan boots (above), Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag.

Other ways to wear: printed leather jacket with jeans, Paisley print snood in the office, shift dress with bare legs and ankle boots, tan boots (above), Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag in the third trimester.

Linking up with Passion For Fashion, Friday Favourites, Fab Favourites, Casual Friday, Flashback Fashion Friday, Fashion Friday, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Shoe and Tell, Let It Shine, Hello Monday here and here today.

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SAHM Style: Maxi Skirts and Cardigans - Cosy and Comfy

Just in case you missed it, Beth from Almost Posh and I had a chat to a newspaper about #noBuyJuly15. You can see the article online here. It has lots of great tips about reducing impulse buys, saving, and trying to spend more mindfully.


And now, what I've been wearing. I felt like I'd been wearing my skinny jeans a lot this winter, so I made more of an effort to wear my maxi skirts and get out of the denim rut. These two outfits were perfect for the days we had lined up with friends visiting from overseas. Maxi skirts and cardigans are such a cosy and comfortable combination.

What I wore:

Cardigan: Jeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry

Necklace: Roie Designs long freshwater pearl necklace with tassel
Tee: Jeanswest 'Lucy' colour block tee in grey marle/rosebud
Skirt: Izabel London Aztec print maxi skirt (C/O)
Shoes: Ikwetta 'Circles of life' sandals (C/O)
Bag: Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

Apologies for the bin in the background of this shot! I was in a bit of a rush that morning. We were up early to travel down to NSW with our friends, and visit some great beaches and points of interest along the way. I was excited to wear my new Ikwetta sandals too! They are so pretty and perfect for the beach. You can see a better pic of my colourblock tee here when I was on a beach with baby, it's got a pink panel on the back. I have to say baby T coped so well with all the travel, it was a big day for him. I usually like to be home for his afternoon nap (he's down to just one nap a day) but he was still happy and smiley despite not really getting a big nap.

The only time I didn't like this outfit was when we were in Surfers Paradise at sunset. While it was gorgeous, no more sun to heat me up and walking along the markets right by the breezy beachfront made me wish I'd worn different shoes. They were okay during the day, just wanted something closed in as the temperatures dipped at night. The cosy cardi didn't keep my feet warm! The hot chocolate for the drive home helped a little though ;)



Last worn: purple cardi, colour block tee, printed maxi skirt,, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag. First time I've worn the sandals.

Other ways to wear: purple cardi and a tiny newborn baby, first time I wore this colour block tee, printed maxi skirt with grey and black, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag at 40 weeks pregnant.

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More maxi skirts and cardigans:

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What I wore:

Cardi: Izabel London striped waterfall cardigan (C/O)

Necklace: House of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
Tee: Zalora Basics maroon stepped t-shirt
Skirt: Target grey marle maxi skirt
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini quilted affair bag in fire engine red (on sale in pink and on sale in black)

Why I wore it:

I don't know what my hair was doing this day either! Had to get ready in a rush as didn't want to be late - we went to farewell our friends at the airport. We had coffee together and then after they flew away baby T and I went out for lunch with my mum.

As above, a maxi skirt and cardigan seemed like a comfortable and cosy option - although ankle boots this time to keep my feet warm!

As it's the second time I've worn this tee (and I'm trying to wear and review everything I buy twice in a month after buying), my purchase review:
I am glad I bought this tee. It had been hanging around in my cart at The Iconic for a while when it was on sale, and as I had an extra discount code off sale items and I was buying some boots too it was a good time to purchase.
I mentioned when I did my June monthly purchase wrap-up that I still had tops from the previous month that I hadn't worn. As a result, I returned all the tops from my June Jeanswest order, but kept this one. Partly as it was only a couple of dollars and partly because I really like it! It's got a high-low hem so it's just a little different from a normal tee, but still just as comfortable and easy to wear. It also fills my wardrobe gap, being a plain block-colour top. I definitely don't regret purchasing this at all, and it was easy to wear this twice in a month. Unlike the shirt I bought in May that I still haven't worn yet....

#noBuyJuly15 challenge was definitely needed, as I'm not managing to wear everything I buy before buying new things!


Last worn: striped cardigan, red tee, grey maxi skirt, black ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff mini affair bag.

Other ways to wear: striped cardigan and red tee together with jeans, grey maxi skirt with floral cami in spring, black ankle boots in the office, Rebecca Minkoff mini affair bag with printed maxi skirt.

Linking up with Pleated Poppy, Style Me Weekly, Cappuccino and Fashion, Oh Hey Girl, Style Me Wednesday, Wednesday Pants, Trendy Wednesday Fashion Files, Thursday Favourites, Throwback Thursday, Fun Fashion Friday, Weekend Link Up today.

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Corporate Style: Printed Pencil Skirts, Trench Coats and Scarves

It's starting to get really cold in the morning taking outfit pictures! Brisbane's winter has reached its single digit temperatures so it's at the coldest point. My trench coats have been getting a lot of wear, being the biggest jackets I have.

Around this time last year I wore a lot less as I wasn't commuting early in the morning and facing the cold temperatures. I had the luxury of being able to nap when baby did in the morning and only venture out with my tiny newborn in the heat of the day, or even staying inside all day and having people come visit us cosy at home. The middle of the night feeds were freezing, but walking around with a doona wrapped around your shoulders is acceptable when the only face you will see is a hungry baby. A trench coat is a poor alternative, although much more socially acceptable for a commute!

What I wore:

Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 

Scarf: Alexander McQueen modal skull scarf in white/pink (on sale!)
Top: Asos crochet shell top in cream
Skirt: Cotton On 'Mica' mesh spot skirt in dusty pink
Shoes: Wittner 'Bloomy' black heels
Bag: Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

It's been such a long time since I last wore this jumper, almost 2 years ago! I used to wear it a lot in the early days of the blog (with all my headless blogging pics). I realised the other day I haven't worn my jumpers often this winter, so this one was the first one I picked out to try wear more. Although it hasn't been worn in a very long time, I'm keeping it as I liked it in this outfit and I have more ideas for other ways to wear it in future.


Last worn: beige trench, pink skull scarf, crochet knit jumper, polka dot pencil skirt, ankle strap heels, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag.

Other ways to wear: trench with a printed dress, skull scarf and shorts in summer, jumper layered over a dress, polka dot pencil skirt with polka dot top, ankle strap heels with a printed dress and bare legs, 40 weeks pregnant with Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag.

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Trench coats and pencil skirts:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Temt black trench coat 

Scarf: Cotton On turquoise pashmina
Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace
Top: Jeanswest Elise longline emroidered shirt coconut blue
Skirt: Asos blue textured lace pencil skirt
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy

Why I wore it:

I really liked this outfit, but hate the photos as I think the scarf looks silly! I looped it around like I normally do after the photos. I wore it this way just to try show off the detail on the top. I know this skirt looks better with heels than flats too, but my knee needed a bit of a break from heels as I knew I had a lot of walking to do that day.

Had been wanting to wear this shirt to the office with this skirt for a while, and I stumbled across a little week-long style challenge on instagram that called for a white shirt. I don't have a white shirt (hate ironing shirts and too clumsy for white) so I figured this white tunic was close enough. So even with the weird looking scarf placement and the stumpy legs the skirt and flats combination gave me, I was really happy in this all day.

That's one of the good things about sharing every outfit I have time to photograph - it means even if the photo is terrible, I still have a record of how great I felt in an outfit to help me on those 'I don't know what to wear' days. I search the blog every now and then when I'm staring at my wardrobe trying to think of what to wear! I'm never going to have perfect photos, and I'm never going to have perfect outfits. I'm happy with that, and I'm happy to have you reading along too. Life doesn't have to be perfectly posed and styled all the time - it never is behind the scenes.


Last worn: black trench, turquoise pashmina, embroidered tunic, blue lace pencil skirt, black ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote.

Other ways to wear: black trench with skinny jeans, turquoise scarf and purple jeans, embroidered tunic with flares, casual summer outfit with lace pencil skirt, black ballet flats with skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote with more printed pencil skirts.

Linking up with Modest Monday, Mix It Monday, Style to Inspire, Manic Monday, Turning Heads, On Trend Tuesday, Style Sessions, Real Mom Style, Confident Twosday, Reasons To Dress, Wardrobe Wednesday, Trendy Wednesday today.

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SAHM Style: Maxi Skirts in Winter ~ Adding Some Colour

These pictures were taken earlier in June, before the 'Antarctic Vortex' hit Australia. No chance of going jacket-less now, ha! I'm just a little behind with blogging, so these are some different ways I've worn maxi skirts in winter with slightly more normal Queensland temperatures! I'd been feeling a little like I'd been neglecting my maxi skirts lately so I made more of an effort to wear them.

First, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now open to the public! I mentioned it when it was open to card holders last week so you could add some things to your wishlist ready to purchase. Wanted to share the sale with you now it's open to everyone, even though I'm doing #noBuyJuly15 and won't be buying.
Don't let my shopping ban stop you from picking up some bargains! Unless of course you are also doing #noBuyJuly15, in which case don't click on the links, think of how much you're saving by skipping the sale instead.

What I wore:

Sunnies: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)

Scarf:  Seed Heritage Paisley print snood (on sale!)
Jumper: thrifted blue Mossman knit jumper
Skirt: Target black and white striped maxi skirt
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini quilted affair bag in fire engine red (on sale in pink and on sale in black)

Why I wore it:

I was actually quite cosy in this outfit - good for a quiet Sunday doing some shopping. We had a big night the evening before with friends so a relaxing day was welcome! Did a little bit of print mixing with the paisley snood and the striped maxi skirt, and I thought the bright colours of the bag and jumper worked well together.

It's the second time I've worn both the jumper and the handbag, so I'll be doing purchase reviews for both. I don't know if it's the fact that I'm so behind with blogging or because I just bought so much in June, but I've really fallen behind with sharing what I wore immediately after buying it. Although I did manage to wear both these items in June, the same month I purchased them, it's just taken them a while to get onto the blog. I think #noBuyJuly15 will help me get on track and just wear and enjoy what I own for a while! I definitely need a break from shopping. Despite all the great sales at the moment!


This jumper was an impulse buy, I saw it as I walked past the local op-shop and couldn't stop thinking how perfect it was for winter. It met the 'wardrobe gap' I have of being a nice plain block colour top, so I bought it. It's cosy and comfortable and machine washable so great for winter with baby. I like the curved hem, it's a really good length on me for layering over skirts (or dresses!) as it's slightly cropped and hits at a flattering spot without overwhelming my petite frame. I did recently buy another blue knit, so this wasn't a real 'must have', more an impulse buy. I do think the two tops are different enough for them both to get some wear, and I got rid of a third blue knit I already had to make this purchase make a little more sense! Otherwise my wardrobe is going to turn into a big pile of blue again....

The handbag was another impulse buy! June really was the month of unnecessary purchases....I'd often thought about trying this style of Rebecca Minkoff bag, as I like my mini MAC bags, and I know this is similar in size. When I saw it on ebay, and then when it was relisted again...I decided to just go for it. It was a bargain! I'm still not sure it's a keeper in my bag collection - it's nice, but I do prefer the mini MAC style so this probably was not the best purchase. It's still going to get used, maybe just not as much as my other Rebecca Minkoff cross body bags.

I did a video review for the bag too:

Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, paisley print snood, blue knit jumper, striped maxi skirt, black ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff mini affair bag.

Other ways to wear: snood in spring with chambray, jumper layered over a maxi dress, striped maxi skirt with purple, black ankle boots with denim, red bag with a neutral outfit.

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Some great maxi skirt options:

What I wore:

Scarf: Marc by Marc Jacobs scarf in Island pine-print

Top: Jeanswest 'Aubrey' pintuck yoke henley in deep teal
Skirt: Jeanswest plain jersey black maxi skirt
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

This outfit was not warm enough, even with the scarf! I spent a bit too much time in the morning trying to see if any other scarves looked nice before I settled on this combination - which I've worn before - so that when I did manage to get out the door with baby I hadn't spent any time thinking I'd need a jacket! Luckily we weren't outside for too long.

I wasn't too sure of the combination of scarf and top together last time I wore them, but I really liked it this time around. I would have liked it even more if I'd remembered a jacket of course ;)


Last worn: printed scarf, teal henley, black jersey maxi skirt, Converse, Louis Vuitton Speedy bandouliere bag.

Other ways to wear: printed scarf with jeans and a blazer, teal henley with jeans, black maxi skirt with a printed tank, Converse with skinny jeans, Louis Vuitton Speedy bandouliere bag for the office.

Linking up with Passion for Fashion, Friday Favourites, Casual Friday, Flashback Fashion, Favourite Fashion Friday, Fab Favourites, Fashion Friday, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Let It Shine, Shoe and Tell, Modest Monday today.

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