Monday 17 August 2015

Shirt Dress, Shift Dress, Cardigans and Ankle Boots.

DH and I are at the 'spending every weekend attending open houses' phase of house-hunting. Below are two simple outfits I've worn to do so. As they were so similar, I thought I'd post them together.

We take turns each baby wearing while we go through the houses, so I need to wear something that's easy to wear with a toddler strapped to me, not too casual, and with a layer that I can take off and on as it heats up. I went with dresses both times as they are instant outfits, which is what you need when you have to fit in 5 open houses in one morning and you're running late!

What I wore:

navy polka dot Atmos & Here Polly shirt dress purple card tan brown accessories

Away From Blue blog | Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere
JacketJeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry
ScarfAlexander McQueen modal and cashmere skull scarf
DressAtmos&Here Polly navy polka dot shirt dress
ShoesAsos airtime leather Chelsea boots in tan
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

As soon as I put these pictures on the computer I realised I should have worn a belt with this, oh well. I was comfortable and decided not to wear a belt so it would be easier to strap the baby carrier around me. I've worn it without a belt before and its looked fine, I just think with this cardigan a little waist definition would have been nice.

On the plus side, it warmed up nicely through the day and I ended up taking the cardigan off by the time we got to the third house, so I didn't wear it like this all day. I do like the colours of everything together, just feel a belt would have made it look nicer.


Last worn: purple cardigan, taupe skull scarf, polka dot dress (as a top), Asos Chelsea ankle boots, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere.

Other ways to wearpurple cardi and a maxi dress, skull scarf in the office, polka dot dress with Converse, ankle boots in the office, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere and skinny jeans.


Shop more shirt and shift dresses under $70:






What I wore:

Zalora Basics faux leather placket red shift dress with ankle boots stripe maxi cardigan

Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC
SunniesRayban new Wayfarers
Jacket: gifted Kmart striped maxi cardigan
NecklaceRoie Designs long freshwater pearl necklace with tassel
DressZalora Basics faux leather placket red shift dress (on sale!)
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC

Why I wore it:

I wasn't 100% happy with this outfit either, although I do like it more than the one above. I was trying to decide on something to wear to add a bit of interest and picked this necklace. I think a shorter necklace or a scarf would have worked better with the placket detail on the dress though.

This striped maxi cardigan is new-to-me! My mum brought it over one day and asked if I wanted it, of course I said yes. It's not too warm which is great as I'll be able to keep wearing it as it warms up and we move into spring. I like boots and tights but I'm looking forward to the end of winter too!


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, Zalora red shift dress, black ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC. First time I've worn the cardigan.

Other ways to wearred shift dress with bare legs, ankle boots and a maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC and a maxi dress.


Linking up with Mix It Monday, Modest Monday, Turning Heads, Real Mum Style, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday, Whatcha Wearing, Pleated Poppy, Style Me Weekly, Wednesday PantsWhat I Wore, Oh Hey Girl, Throwback Thursday, Fun Fashion Friday today.



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70 comments:

  1. I love these looks. The second is my favourite.

    Jenn | Jennifer Jayne

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  2. Dying over your speedy. It's so pretty. Thanks for another inspiration.
    My latest post

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  3. Love your second look!
    xoxo Lynda
    http://www.fashion-petite.blogspot.com/

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  4. Dear Mica! Ahhh, I have to agree with you! A belt would be a nice detail to accentuate your lovely figure on both ootds! However I love the color combo of your first look: the brown accessoiries and your blonde hair look harmonic to me. Black and read is one of my fave color combos and your gifted cardigan is great eye catcher because of the stripes and light fabric. Lots of luck with the house-hunting, Mica!

    Ira / JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the good luck wishes Ira! House hunting can be a long process!

      I think I will definitely belt it next time I wear it with a long cardigan :)

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    2. Haha! You're fabulous, Mica! Thank you for your reply! <3

      xoxo Ira

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  5. Lovely outfits, that pink cardigan is absolutely darling!

    - Liz Lizo
    www.LizLizo.com

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  6. Both are great looks--I love the polka dots and pretty colors in that first look especially! Have fun going to open houses--it's exhausting but fun. Good luck with your search! We're right there with you--I've seen so many houses it's hard to keep them all straight!

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    Replies
    1. I feel your pain! Trying to remember which house had which feature can get a little muddled after a few weeks, haha! It is fun seeing so many different places though :)

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  7. Gah, house hunting sounds like a nightmare. It's fun for like 5 minutes then stressful haha.

    I like the first one without the belt, though I do prefer the second outfit too!

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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    Replies
    1. The longer you do it the more stressful it gets I think!

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  8. perfect fall outfits, i love both!
    x,Abril

    The Color Palette

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  9. I just got a shirt dress that I am really excited about. They are so comfy and stylish. I like both of these on you and think it looks fine without a belt! I love that you can wear them in the warmer months without tights and then into the cooler ones with boots and tights like you have done.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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    Replies
    1. Is it the striped shirt dress you're wearing in your latest post? That's a beauty! :)

      Delete
  10. Cool outfits! You have really fun, chic yet laid back and effortless style! =)
    Reagan

    reaganinmyownworld.com

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  11. house hunting is exhausting but can be so much fun! i hope you find the home of your dreams Mica! What a great investment! I love both dresses! No belt needed.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Kim! I'm really hoping we find the perfect home soon too!

      Delete
  12. I like your blog!
    http://larissamerkulova.blogspot.ru/

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  13. I love this on the go outfit esp if your running late.
    I tend to miss some part of my outfit when im in a rush.
    You still look gorg dear :)
    Love it/
    By the way i nominated you on sisterhood of the world blogger award-- come check it out.

    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic

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  14. Oooh, house hunting eh? Good luck! I hope you find your dream home :D
    Love that second outfit you wore, I'm digging the bold splash of red with the black and white colors. My fave combo!

    The Dragonfruit Diaries
    Check out my YouTube channel too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Linda! We need all the luck we can get, haha!

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  15. It is definitely important to look put together but still feel comfortable and mobile while house hunting. The last thing you need is added stress from an uncomfortable outfit, especially when you have a child to carry. I actually like the casual feel of the first outfit without a belt!

    Rae | Love from Berlin

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    Replies
    1. Very true! Having to consider toddler carrying makes it a little trickier to get the perfect outfit!

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  16. Simple dresses are the best to style a million ways and they can go to several seasons too. Both outfits are great, but I am in love with that red shirtdress, for sure. =)

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  17. Both the shift dresses are gorgeous Mica, and I agree the second one could have used a belt. Dressing changes so drastically after a baby is born, I am sure I am in for a rude shock and awakening...heh.

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    Replies
    1. You will figure it out :) It;s just got some very different considerations to pre-baby dressing, haha! Especially if you breastfeed, that really limits your wardrobe!

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  18. Yay to house hunting! Though I hope the "hunt" part ends for you soon. (; It's annoying trying to find a place that's just right. I have been on a long cardigan obsession lately. They are so lovely over dresses and honestly I like the way this is without a belt. I feel like you would have been annoyed with the belt and Baby T strapped to you all day. (;

    Outfit number two has some seriously lovely colors going on. I love the way the bag compliments that red dress and pretty tassel necklace. (:

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Kiki! I hope the hunt ends soon too! So difficult trying to find a house we both like, but we have only been looking about a month and it took us 3 months to find this place.
      I probably would have gotten annoyed with the belt getting in the way of the carrier, you're right.

      Delete
  19. Love your polka dot dress! So cute!

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  20. Beautiful outfits:-) The first one really screams FALL, love the warm tones <3

    Lots of love,
    Nee
    www.rosecandle11.com

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  21. I actually don't think you need a belt on the first outfit. I think the dress hangs well. If it swamped you then yes, but honestly it doesn't. I like the colour combos of both and it's good to experiment sometimes even if you feel it doesn't quite come off as who knows the next time, you'll probably discover something that you absolutely fall in love with!

    Good luck with the house hunting.

    http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! You're right, it's all about trying different things :) They are only clothes in the end, as long as all the essential parts are covered, you can have fun with the rest haha!

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  22. love These Outfits :) Very pretty look :)

    http://lovelyattitude.com
    http://www.youtube.com/c/MissLovelyAttitude

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  23. Great looks! Love your comfy and put together looks. I wish you the best on your house hunting mission!
    -Tatiana

    Enter to WIN Smile Brilliant Kit GIVEAWAY

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  24. Great striped cardigan, who says no to free right? haha.
    Good luck with your house hunt - I'm doing the same right now!
    http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com

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    Replies
    1. Exactly! haha! I had thought I was too petite for a maxi cardi but giving it a go for free I'm glad I did! :)

      Delete
  25. I love shift dresses! They are so comfortable, but sometimes they don't photograph well because of the loose nature of them. I still think you look lovely in both! Good luck with the house hunting!

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  26. I love the dresses on you! Great choice of accessories too!

    - Cielo
    Mermaid in Heels

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  27. The long cardigan is perfect with the look, you look great!

    besos,
    M
    The Flower Duet

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  28. Long cardigans and pretty bags are perfection in this odd weather

    Pixelhazard | Bright Green Laces |

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  29. House hunting and opens can be such a drag, especially with a toddler - I think we counted taking Miss L in and out of the car 14 times in a day, she ended up crashing out in her Dad's arms by the last one! Good luck though - and I always think outfits are important for an open, you want to look respectable and "yeah I can totes afford this house"!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha yes! You want to dress to make a good impression so you know they should take you seriously, but you also want to be comfortable for all the in and out of the car...it's a balance! It is really hard with a toddler to keep them happy. 5 houses seems to be our guy's limit, so far.

      Delete
  30. such cute outfits! I love how you layered both of them!
    kelseybang.com

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  31. so refreshing to see you in shift dresses!! so pretty as ever!

    Have a great day!
    Animated Confessions

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  32. cardigans are a go-to for me and i love how you styled these!

    cute & little

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  33. i just love your style! always comfy but never compromise on the style :) you always look put together.


    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  34. I love both your looks Mica!!! So stylish!!!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

    My Facebook

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  35. Ooh house hunting! I've given up even though I need to get out of my parents house! Everything is waaaaaaay tooooooo expensive in South Eastern Melbourne. Hitting the 1 mill mark :o| I can't find anything within reason so I am (im)patiently waiting for the shit to hit the property fan. Because it will and I can't fricken wait Mica! *Cue evil laugh* But seriously, if it's as insane over there as it is over here then good luck to you and the family. I hope you find your dream home.

    Sxx
    www.daringcoco.com

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    Replies
    1. My in-laws just moved from Brisbane to Melbourne, they had a hard time finding a house too. Both big high-flying exec types so they could afford the crazy price tags, but the one they found up here is bigger and much cheaper!
      It would be nice if the prices came down before we bought our new place, haha...but then went back up again when we sell our current one ;)

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  36. The first outfit I am in love! I just love the dress so much and how you paired everything together :)

    Florals&Smiles
    Twitter

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  37. I love stripes and polka dots, and I really like how you paired both outfits. The first outfit has such lovely autumnal colours, it really makes me excited for fall clothing!! And house-hunting sounds really exciting. We are actually apartment hunting at the moment too. I wish you the best of luck in finding your perfect home :)

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    Replies
    1. Good luck with your apartment hunting too! It can be fun, but gets a bit stressful after a while, haha!

      Delete
  38. These look fun - and OMG YOU'RE house hunting ?!!! Congrats Mica :)
    I remember when I did that last - about 8 years ago - and I have to admit it was a lot of fun- it's a big decision but - fun nevertheless. Good luck in finding your new home and remember .. closet space ;)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Lorena! It's funny, my one requirement for the new house was 'walk in wardrobe'! haha! Although I've quickly realised I'm probably going to have to compromise on that :P It can be fun, but also a bit stressful with a toddler in tow!

      Delete
  39. Two cute outfits. I love the spots and the fun pop of colour in the second dress. Good luck with the house hunting!

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  40. You have so many clothes! Love both of these outfits but the striped cardigan outfit is my favourite. Have fun searching for a new home, such an important decision.

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  41. These are both great outfits! I think the first dress looks great without a belt. Plus, it makes the outfit much more comfortable!

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  42. Omg, both outfits are great! I really love the first one though...especially that bag! Good luck with house hunting and such! XO
    -Lauren Blair
    www.prefertobedemure.com

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  43. Amazing outfits!!! I especially love the polka dot dress and it looks perfect without a belt! Very comfortable look! The seconde one is also cool, it's so elegant and stylish!

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  44. Stripes and polka dots are two of my faves--so, I'm loving these looks both--and equally. :) T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  45. Thank you to everyone who left a thoughtful comment, and all your good luck wishes on house hunting! :)

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  46. These dresses are both fantastic pieces & you've styled them perfectly!! Very chic & all the best for the house hunting!
    Marta
    www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com

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  47. I really like your necklace and purses!

    I hope your new house comes with an extra big closet!

    Zhenya

    http://beingzhenya.com

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    Replies
    1. haha I am paying careful attention to all the wardrobes!

      Delete
  48. Love both looks, I tend to gravitate toward red, and love the striped long cardi, so cute your shih tzu is in the pic too! x
    Thanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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  49. Great pattern mixing Mica, I love the stripe cardigan. I always love going to open houses and imagining if I could live there. Good luck with your house hunting!

    Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week.

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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  50. I actually love the red shirt style dress worn without a belt. Tres casual chic!

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