A-Line Skirts, Blazers and Balenciaga Part Time Bag for the Office

One of the best things about returning to work after maternity leave is feeling like you have a whole new wardrobe and a reason to get dressed up. Sure it can be daunting and confusing at first as it's a big adjustment returning to work, and post-baby things might not fit the same, but you can focus on the positives and enjoy rewearing those pretty but impractical for life as a stay at home mum pieces!

What I wore: 

Jacket: Zara cream jersey blazer
Necklace: Starfish Project Hannah turquoise bead necklace
Top: Jeanswest 'Tilda' black shirt
Skirt: Garfunkle Australia pleated print skirt
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

This was one of those mornings where I was counting my blessings! After a really tough night with lots of wakeups, I was so exhausted I don't even remember my alarms going off. When I woke up and looked at the time panic set in - I had woken up 10 minutes after I usually leave the house.

Thankfully I usually lay out my outfits the evening before for work so that I'm not disorganised in the mornings. It saved me precious time as I hurriedly washed up, applied makeup and pulled clothes on while googling my public transport options. Getting ready super fast left me with just a minute for photos before literally running out the door. In yet another blessing, it was school holidays so there was next to no traffic on the road and I was just 30 minutes late for work.

Craziness of the morning aside, I loved this outfit. I quickly peeled the blazer off to stop me overheating as I ran but in the cooler afternoon commute home it was really appreciated. This skirt is one I always get compliments on. It's beautiful and while I have worn it on maternity leave, and even to playgroup, it feels a bit dressed up and so more suitable for workwear. I wasn't entirely sure about the turquoise necklace with the yellow at first, but had no time to change my mind. Liked it a little more as the day went on.


Last worn: cream blazer, black henley, pleated printed skirt, black ballet flats, Balenciaga part time.

Other ways to wear: cream blazer and flares, black henley and printed jeans, printed skirt and ruffle cami, black ballet flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga part time and purple jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: cream blazer and hidden second trimester bump, black henley in third trimester, printed skirt in early second trimester, ballet flats and maternity office wear, Balenciaga part time in third trimester.

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Jersey Blazers Under $50:

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What I wore:

Jacket: thrifted Zara black blazer
Necklace: Starfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
Top: Jeanswest 'Aubrey' pintuck yoke henley in deep teal
Skirt: French Connection silk leaf print skirt
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

Since I liked the outfit above so much, it made sense to replicate the formula exactly for my next day in the office. This skirt is silk and not machine washable, so it has sat in my wardrobe unworn for years as it's impractical for life with a toddler or two. I adore it though, and won't be getting rid of it any time soon. I thought the teal henley would look lovely with the greenery in the skirt, especially with the yellow statement necklace. I was worried the top would be a little too casual but again as in the outfit above the blazer was the perfect topper for the office. It's strange that the blazer hasn't been worn in well over a year, as it's a favourite piece.

The only thing I didn't like about this outfit was how the henley looked partially tucked in. It creased and crumpled up a bit, especially with the waist tie on the skirt. I think either taking the waist tie off (it's a removable belt) or fully tucking the top in would have looked better. Did feel happy and colourful in this outfit all day though, even if I tugged at the top a lot through the day.


Last worn: black jersey blazer, teal henley, printed silk skirt, Marc Jacobs ballet flats, Balenciaga part time (above).

Other ways to wear: black jersey blazer and skinny jeans, teal henley and chambray maxi, printed silk skirt and brown tee, Marc Jacobs ballet flats and wrap dress, Balenciaga part time and little black dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: jersey blazer and maternity pencil skirt, silk skirt and hidden first trimester bump, Balenciaga part time in second trimester.

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A-Line Printed Skirts Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It

Printed skirts are perfect for the office. If you're unsure about them looking to casual, you can always add a blazer on top.

With a colourful printed piece like these skirts, a plain block colour top is a good choice. Both of these tops are the same or similar colours to that in the print to make it easy.

Linking up with On Trend, Turning Heads, Wardrobe Wednesday, Style on the Daily.

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