Monday 28 August 2017

Wearing A Colourful Bag to the Office with Textured Pencil Skirts and Black Shirts

After I completed 7 months without shopping, I celebrated in my usual fashion and bought a new bag! 😂 Although it's big and purple, I still think it's perfect for the office - you don't have to stick to neutral bags for work.

I wore it to the office the other week with a classic black shirt and textured pencil skirt outfits, wearing more of my office pieces that were packed away while I was on maternity leave.


What I wore:

ladylike office outfit boucle tweed blazer pearl necklaces pink polka dot pencil skirt | AwayFromBlue

boucle and pearls polka dots, Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | AwayFromTheBlue
Necklace: freshwater pearl necklace and long freshwater pearl strand necklace
ShirtFrench Connection verity voile black short sleeve shirt (with Target grey marle tank top underneath)
Skirt: Cotton On 'Mica' mesh spot skirt in dusty pink
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs howlite and hematite beaded bracelets
Bag: Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag (from my bestie's wardrobe!)

Why I wore it:

I felt really lady-like in this outfit! Which helped counteract some of the awkwardness I felt when I stepped back from setting my tripod up in the morning to get a blog photo and realised I'd just been standing in my bemused neighbour's way (you can see them jogging away in the background!). So awkward. I never know what to say when people see me taking outfit photos so I just kinda smile and shrug.

I've worn this top and pencil skirt together before. Back then I was hiding an early baby bump, this time around I'm using the outfit to disguise my mum-tum 😉
This pencil skirt was one I saw in a magazine a few years ago and thought it was nice, so I checked out the price details. When I saw it was called the 'Mica' skirt I just had to get my namesake. It's perfect for the office and one of those pieces I'm glad I impulsively bought. Despite the top layer being textured polka dots on a fine mesh, it's held up well over the years and I'm impressed by the quality, considering I bought it 5 years ago.

I hadn't planned a necklace to wear with this, I'd set out the clothes and thought I'd pick one at the last moment. I was still unsure as I was getting dressed until I added the tweed blazer I knew I had to go for my pearls. They are actually two different freshwater pearl necklaces! The shorter one is from my jewelry designer friend and I've worn it as a bracelet before.

Last worn: tweed blazer, French Connection shirt, grey target singlet, pink polka dot pencil skirt, Marc Jacobs black flats. First time I've worn the bag as it's a new purchase. 

Other ways to wear: tweed blazer and skinny jeans, black shirt and peplum skirt, grey target singlet and striped maxi, pink polka dot pencil skirt and striped tee, Marc Jacobs black flats and skinny jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: boucle blazer in third trimester,grey singlet in third trimestershirt and pencil skirt hiding first trimester bump.


Textured Pencil Skirts Under $50:







What I wore:

jacquard pencil skirt navy black office outfit with purple accessories balenciaga work bag | Away From Blue

Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | Away From The Blue
ScarfMarc by Marc Jacobs mauve square scarf
ShirtForever 21 sheer black ruffle detail shirt
SkirtWarehouse navy jacquard pencil skirt
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bag: Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

I've been wearing blue and purple together often recently! I really like the combination. This purple scarf was the perfect topper to my black and navy outfit, and tied in nicely with my purple bag.

This black shirt is another one that hasn't been worn for a while. It's button up so would work for breastfeeding, but it feels a bit 'fancy' for stay at home mum wear so it was packed away with all my office clothes while I was on maternity leave. It's a little hard to see in the pictures with all the layers but it's got a fun ruffle detail down the front. You can see it better when I previously wore it here, again with the same skirt!

This jacquard pencil skirt is one of my favourite textured ones - it's a very pretty design, even if the skirt rides up a little as I walk! A ruffle shirt, textured pencil skirt and purple accessories might sound a bit much for the office, but I think all the pieces work well together.


Last worn: navy macintosh, purple blanket scarf, sheer ruffle shirt, jacquard pencil skirt, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats, Balenciaga work bag (above).

Other ways to wearnavy macintosh and striped dress, purple blanket scarf and chambray dress, sheer ruffle shirt and pink skirt, jacquard pencil skirt and grey tee, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats and wrap dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: jacquard pencil skirt in first trimesterballet flats and maternity jeans.



Purple Tote Bags Under $200:








How You Can Wear It:


Neutral bags are a good choice for the office, but if you have a relaxed work environment with a business casual or smart casual dress code, it's easy to add a little extra colour to your outfit with a bright bag. While there are some exceptions, my general rules for picking a bag for work are to:
Carry a neutral bag if -  I'm going to be travelling for work, either across the city or to another state, and I'll need to carry my bag into meetings.
Carry a bright bag if -  I'm going to be in meetings in the same building all day leaving my bag behind at my desk and I'd like something fun to look as I work.

Don't be afraid to add a little colour to your office wear with a bright bag.


Linking up with Style Sessions, Turning Heads, On Trend, Confident Twosday, What I Wore, Style on the Daily, Oh Hey Girl, Fashion Files.



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45 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your purchase! The bag is just gorgeous and the perfect colour! Hope you have a lovely week. Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, your bag is really versatile! It goes well with everything!

    I really adore your first outfit, I love the skirt! It adds a feminine touch to your outfit! I love the pattern and the color. On another note, I really love the edginess of your second outfit! I love the burst of cool tone in it as well!


    - Gretch of GG Memochou

    ReplyDelete
  3. Looove that bag! Such a great color! Yay for friends not wanting something and thinking of you first ;) It looks great with both of these! I always find that I wear my "crazy" colored bags with anything because they just add a nice pop
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha yes! My friends are responsible for the size of my bag collection sometimes, but I am for theirs too!

      Delete
  4. Pencil skirts are my new favourite thing- love that polka dotted one!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow Mica you look absolutely amazing in the first outfit, I was like 'wow I need that polka skirt'!! And the bag is a great choice, looks good with everything!!

    Yiota
    pinkdaisyloves.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Yiota! It's such a classic skirt!

      Delete
  6. After 7 months of no shopping you deserved a bag! I love what you got and how you styled it with both outfits.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love both outfits, this purple scarf looks adorable on you, and how gorgeous is your bag. Hope, you are having a great start of the week . xx

    Nina's Style Blog

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  8. You deserve to treat yourself Mica! That bag is gorgeous. What a great pop of color. I LOVE that French Connection skirt. I've always been a fan. It's so cute and looks great on you.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  9. Loving the bag! And that polka dot skirt is seriously so cute!! :)

    Florals&Smiles

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  10. Wow - what a gorgeous new bag! I positively Love the color and style. It looks great with both of these looks! You do look quite polished and pretty in each of them. Too funny about the neighbor. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's always so awkward when I see people while taking blog photos, no matter how long I've been doing it!

      Delete
  11. That's a really sophisticated look :)

    xx Alyssa // STYLE VANITY

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your bag is perfect and the color is gorgeous! I love that you styled it with other purple elements in both outfits but I can also see it being the perfect pop of color with an all neutral outfit!

    xo Deborah
    Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it really will be! I have so many outfit ideas for it!

      Delete
  13. You really can't go wrong with pencil skirts, as you demonstrate so very well here! Both outfits are lovely, and you look super-professional for the office! Lovely bag - the colour is so rich!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh I am liking the purple trip you are on, and that tweed like jacket is cute. Kinda looks like Chanel. Guess it will be getting warm there soon.

    Allie of ALLIENYC
    www.allienyc.com

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  15. That's so cool that you found a skirt with your name on it, literally! I'm impressed it's held up so well, too. Your new bag is very pretty. I'm sure your neighbour was just admiring it as they jogged past...!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope so! I always feel awkward when people catch me taking pics, especially the neighbours!

      Delete
  16. That polka dot skirt is so cute
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Loving the colour this bag brings to your outfits and seeing some cute skirts that have been packed away! How you could possibly resist a Mica skirt!

    ReplyDelete
  18. The bag is beautiful so is your total outfit...

    Glowyshoes's blog

    ReplyDelete
  19. Purple so suits you! I love a big bag like that, and yes, you're right, you know you have to buy an item when it's named after you!

    ReplyDelete
  20. You deserved this bag and both outfits are great!!
    I used to feel that way when taking photos, but now I laugh and ask people if they'd like to be in it---that usually gets them laughing too!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh that's a good tip, I need to work up the confidence to say that!

      Delete
  21. I have had a few purple bags in the past and they actually compliment a variety of outfits! I love the way your new bag looks with both of these! Purple is such a pretty color!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I wanted to purchase a colour bag but was really worried about styling it. Thank you for the inspiration and I think purple is a good colour to go for!

    Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity

    ReplyDelete
  23. These are such pretty looks, and I love the color of that bag! Adding a fun bright color to a look always makes me feel good, and you still look put-together and professional. I'm pretty sure my neighbors think I'm really strange (or really vain) when I take blog pics too :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is so awkward when they catch you isn't it?!

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  24. I rarely bring my bag to meetings, so it isn´t as important how it looks. It is more important that it stores all my food that I need throughout the day!

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha yes, you could fit a lot of food in this too!

      Delete
  25. That bag is absolutely gorgeous! I love the grape purple color, it looks so good on you and I'm sure paired with many of your outfits, like the ones you've shared here! Thanks for sharing and I hope you're having a great week so far!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    THE STYLE CONTOUR

    ReplyDelete
  26. How many balenciagas do you have girl? Love this big purple one! Love the whole look.

    xx, Elise
    www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Too many, or nowhere near enough, depending on who you ask, ha!

      Delete
  27. It's a beauty for sure! I like the black/blue/purple combo you have going on in the second outfit. Actually, both of them are really ladylike. You're rocking the office wear!

    Hope you're having a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is nice to be back enjoying office wear again - a perk of returning to work!

      Delete
  28. Your bag collection is growing so much! I love this Balenciaga but will always remember you with the Rebecca Minkoff bags. :D

    Angelie // Colour Collection Intense Blush-On Duo Review

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    Replies
    1. I still love my Rebecca Minkoff bags! So cute and colourful!

      Delete
  29. Your bag is so cute and versatile! I love colored bags!

    ReplyDelete
  30. You definitely deserve that gorgeous bag for 7 months of no shopping! Love the color! Both of these outfits are so cute and how fun that the polka dot skirt is called the Mica!

    Jill
    Doused in Pink

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thanks all for your lovely comments and appreciation of my new bag - I was very excited to make my first purchase after all that time without shopping!

    ReplyDelete

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