Monday 11 September 2017

Office Outfits: Blue Printed Dresses, Purple Balenciaga Work Bag and Starfish Project Necklaces

I've been back at work for 2 months now and I still have unworn office pieces in my wardrobe! Working part time I definitely have less need for strictly office clothing in my wardrobe. I was so excited to unbox my office pieces from storage near the end of my maternity leave, but now I'm wondering if I really need all of them.

I had a mini wardrobe declutter recently where I went through the still unworn office pieces and pulled a few out to donate or sell on ebay, but these dresses will definitely be staying in my wardrobe. Blue is my favourite colour, so there's always room in my wardrobe for a blue dress or two. Blue looks so good with purple too.

What I wore:

navy mac and Aztec print dress with purple Balenciaga work bag g21 hardware office style | AwayFromBlue

Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram navy aztec print dress mac jacket winter office outfit | AwayFromTheBlue
JacketJeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo
NecklaceStarfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
DressJeanswest Aztec print dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag


Why I wore it:

If I had to pick just one favourite office dress, this would be it! Can't believe it's been a year and a half since it was last worn, but it's not breastfeeding friendly so was packed away while I was on maternity leave. I love the navy colour and the print. I usually wear a belt with this, but I'd decided to wear a long necklace so took the belt off. I changed my mind at the last minute and picked this yellow Starfish Project necklace instead. It met the style challenge prompt of 'V' as it's the 'Veronica' necklace! I do think this dress looks much better with a belt though!

I love blue and yellow together, and blue and purple, but I wasn't sure about the purple bag and yellow necklace together. I figured that they were far enough apart in my outfit that it didn't matter and I could wear it anyway. Still not sure I'd wear the two colours together again, but it doesn't look too bad here.


Last worn: navy macintosh, Aztec print dress, Marc by Marc jacobs tan flats, Balenciaga purple work bag.

Other ways to wearnavy macintosh and monochrome outfit, Aztec print dress and tights, tan flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga purple work bag and pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: Aztec print dress in third trimester, tan flats in third trimester.


Blue Printed Dresses Under $50:







What I wore:

statement beaded necklace, ankle boots, paisley print shift dress trench office style | Away From Blue

beaded accessories, Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram acne pistol boots trench coat french connection paisley print dress
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
NecklaceStarfish Project Hannah turquoise bead necklace
DressFrench Connection blue Paisley print dress
ShoesAcne pistol boots in "skin"
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

Another take on the same outfit formula, with a blue paisley print dress this time and a long turquoise Starfish Project necklace. Just like in the outfit above, I was happy to wear a statement beaded necklace with the printed dress. You can wear statement necklaces with more than just plain basics.

It was a little cooler when I wore this too so I got another old favourite out of my wardrobe, these Acne Pistol boots. I wasn't sure I could handle the whole day in heels, even though these are very comfortable they are quite high. I was pleased my weak knee held up well despite not having worn tall heels in a very long time. Over 2 years!

Just like the paisley print dress, these ankle boots haven't been worn in such a long time as they aren't ideal stay at home mum style. While I probably could run in them if I had to, I prefer to chase toddlers in flats, ha! Wearing Pistol boots and dresses is a spring outfit favourite of mine, so I'm sure you will see these pop up more now as I wear them to work. I'm thankful for a business casual dress code that lets me wear ankle boots!


Last worn: camel trench, paisley print dress, Acne pistol boots, Balenciaga purple work bag (above).

Other ways to wear: camel trench and fit and flare dress,  blue printed dress and pink accessories, Acne pistol boots and printed shorts, Balenciaga purple work bag and pink skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: trench coat in first trimester, paisley print dress in second trimester, pistol boots and maxi skirt in third trimester.




Starfish Project Beaded Necklaces:







How You Can Wear It:


Printed dresses make getting ready for work in the mornings easy as they are instant outfits. You can still add accessories though, colourful statement necklaces work just as well with printed pieces as they do with plain basics. These Starfish Project necklaces support a very good cause too!



Linking up with Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, On Trend, The Style File, Style on the Daily, Wardrobe Wednesday, What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl.




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52 comments:

  1. Love the bag so much. I think the outfit with the yellow necklace looks an amazing contrast. Have a great start to your week hun. Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

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  2. I love my printed dresses for work, especially as I can dress them down with a monochrome sweater and have a different yet work appropriate outfit.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpaging

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! I've worn jumpers over both these dresses before :)

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  3. Happy new week Mica! I adore both dresses and you layered and accessorized each look beautifully! Pray you have a blessed week ahead.

    Tiff
    http://www.dashoffashandfinance.com

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  4. Love the yellow necklace in the first outfit! It definitely gives the outfit a lovely pop of colour!

    Darriyan xx
    www.darriyancateland.co.uk

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  5. These printed dresses are so pretty! I especially love the aztec print!

    By Lauren M

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  6. I'm loving the bright jewelry in both outfits! And your purple bag is to die for.
    --Roxanne
    http://glassofglam.com

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  7. Love all of the blue with the purple bag -- so cute!!

    xo,

    H

    http://firsttimethings.com

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  8. Glad those dresses are sticking around, they look great! I need to do that sometimes too, just take stock of my closet and see what hasn't been worn in a while, haha
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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    Replies
    1. Yes I definitely need to do it more often - helps stop my wardrobe overflowing!

      Delete
  9. Dresses are such an easy style solution for work and the styling possibilities are endless. You look fabulous in both outfits Mica!

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  10. Love both of these printed dresses! Pieces like this are go-to work items for me for sure. I really like your trench coat over the second look.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  11. Printed dresses look so good on you Mica! That second one is absolutely gorgeous. Love your jackets! They look so good :D
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  12. I like both of these outfits, Mica. The neutral mac in the second look is my favourite. I think the purple handbag is a great addition in both outfits. <3 Have a great week. /Madison <3

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  13. Oh I seriously love both dresses! I love seeing outfits bloggers post after going through a wardrobe detox because the pieces that remain are the stuff that blogger kept for a reason!

    xo Deborah
    Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes

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    Replies
    1. Yes it was interesting what stayed and what left after the detox! :)

      Delete
  14. Love both of these printed dresses! That first print is stunning.

    http://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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  15. I love the tan jacket with the blue dress! Great closet finds!

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  16. Great combinations Mica.
    The blue and purple look so good together and good for you on getting rid of more items. I am on a closet edit roller coaster !!!
    Oh and that second dress looks sooo much like the grey and white one I just got rid of.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is certainly a roller coaster! I'd love to be more regular with editing but I go through phases!

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  17. I love that purple bag - it adds such a pop of colour!

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  18. These dresses are super cute, you look amazing in these outfits, Mica.
    Nina's Style Blog

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  19. These dresses are so fun, and I love them with the pretty statement necklaces. I don't wear a lot of my dressier office pieces, I really need to just donate or sell them... I'm not sure I can part with them though.
    Have a good week!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's so hard to decide if they should stay or go! I definitely have more than I need!

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  20. i'm in love with your blue coat!
    so cute!
    these are such lovely looks :)

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  21. I'm also thankful for a fairly relaxed dress code at work, I could wear jeans every day if I wanted to but I like to save them for Fridays! Love dresses and ankle boots, hopefully the weather stays warm enough to wear them (it's going to be back to 14 and rain for the rest of the week though booooo)

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    Replies
    1. Yes it's good to know I can wear them through the week if I wanted though :)

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  22. Cute office looks! My favorite one is the second one!! I can't wait for fall fashion!

    Tina
    www.justatinabit.com

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  23. Amazing dress

    http://mollyx.com.au/

    Molly X

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  24. I need more paisley dresses in my life! I always love them when I see them. The yellow necklace is awesome.

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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  25. good luck with getting back to work :) I love the purple bag!

    http://www.pinkoolaid.com/

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  26. Brilliant post! Lovely outfit. Perfect options for work!
    Isabelle
    www.isabelleelli.blogspot.com

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  27. No wonder the first dress is your favourite dress - it is indeed very beautiful and as usual you styled the dress perfectly!
    I like also the 2nd look and it makes me smile we obviously own the same Acne Pistol Boots :)
    xx Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

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  28. I love the outfit where you paired the purple Balenciaga with a yellow necklace. :)

    Angelie // Island Hopping in Bohol, Philippines

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  29. love how you're playing with colors! <3 gorgeous

    VVEEKEND 101

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  30. Swooning over this gorgeous bag, lady! I love it!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  31. I have a few printed dresses I'm looking forward to wearing again. I love the colorful necklaces you added! I think the blue, purple, and yellow looks good together!

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  32. Seeing you style these coats makes me excited for fall :D I really love that camel trench! And the boots! Glad to hear your knee is doing better and you could handle wearing those beauties <3 Also this posts serves as a major reminder that I'm way overdue for a closet cleanout XD

    Mili | sharmtoaster

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  33. Those outfits are perfect for the office! The purple bag adds the perfect pop of color. Wishing you a great day! x

    Andreea,
    http://couturezilla.com/

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  34. Both outfits look amazing on you, Mica and I think we are all guilty of having too many stuff in our life. I have been decluttering a lot and I find it less stressful to figure out what to wear and use.

    Shireen⎜Reflection of SanityBurberry Beauty Giveaway

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I definitely need to declutter more!

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  35. Love that bag, and your printed dresses are so pretty!

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  36. Your so brave, into the dresses already! At least the weather is starting to warm up again... I love the statement necklaces you chose, they go with your outfits so well! Xx

    Kez | acaciasdreams.com

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  37. I understand why you like the outfit. It's just simple and the fact that you can dress it up with that beautiful tan coat is great especially with fall around the corner. . Nice bag

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  38. THat yellow necklace is uber pretty on u!
    Nistha
    https://www.fashionistha.com/summer-closure-in-floral-romper/

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  39. You know i love dresses! Mica, i love both, but those vibrant colors of blue in the first outfit is so pretty! of course i am a fan of balenciaga bags and that color is so rich!
    thanks for linking!
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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  40. Both fabulous dresses on you, Mica! You really can't go wrong with a dress for the office!

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  41. I love blue and purple together too! Love the pattern of your first dress--so cute!! And I can definitely relate to the perils of wearing heeled shoes with injuries! My foot has gotten so much better (well, it has been over a year, ha!), but I'm still nervous about wearing particularly tall heels or wearing any sort of heels regularly. Luckily, I can't really walk in heels with two good feet, so that helps! :)

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    Replies
    1. I'm glad your foot is recovering! I think slowly is best

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  42. Great outfits!

    Xoxo,Khloe
    http://khloelocom.weburl.ro/somewhere-beach-croatia/

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  43. Thank you all for your comments! :)

    ReplyDelete

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