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Friday 12 January 2018

Maxi Dresses and Quilted Bags

Continuing the feeling of being so behind with blogging, two more maxi dress outfits I wore before Christmas! I actually ended up wearing these both on the same day - one during the day for my local ABA Christmas party, and the other in the evening for my office Christmas party.

What I wore:

Mothers En Vogue Havana pink maxi dress floral lei vintage chanel bag Christmas party outfit | away from the blue

Chanel vintage quilted lambskin diana flap bag beaded bracelet stack | away from the blue

awayfrom blue instagram pink MEV havana maxi dress floral lei themed Christmas party outfit
EarringsA Little Bit of North blue mandala earrings (giveaway prize, close up photo)
Necklace: floral lei with Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace layered with Tai gold alphabet necklacesgifted frangipani necklace, and For King & Country Priceless Australian coin and crest necklace
DressMEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
ShoesNineWest "Quicken" wedges in natural
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagChanel vintage quilted lambskin flap (same in blue)

Why I wore it:

As you can tell, my office Christmas party had a theme, ha! I'd been looking forward to the party this year. Last December I was on maternity leave, and although my boss invited me to the Christmas party it was when I was in hospital with Baby Boy so I had to turn it down.

It was a bittersweet night. It was wonderful catching up with colleagues outside of work, especially those that have moved teams while was on leave and I no longer get to work closely with. I loved getting to have a good chat again! However it was so sad too as inevitably discussion turned to last year's party, which I missed because of the hospital stay. Made me really miss my boys, and I couldn't wait to get home to them.
There was one funny moment where a colleague said I should have come along to the party last year anyway, and I had to explain that as I was Baby Boy's food source (breastfeeding) I couldn't leave him. While this beautiful pink maxi dress is a nursing dress, we don't need that feature now. Worked perfectly with the floral lei to tie in with the party theme, and I even wore my frangipani necklace (and a few other ones).

This vintage Chanel bag is one of my treasured pieces, and the cross body strap came in handy to allow me to hold food and drinks. I even wore wedges for a bit of extra height (although I regretted it a little when I got home, so used to flats now!).


Last worn: MEV pink maxi dress, gold glitter belt, nude wedges, vintage Chanel bag.

Other ways to wearpink maxi dress worn 30 ways, nude wedges and lace dress, vintage Chanel bag and jeans.

Perfect for pregnancyMEV pink maxi dress at 39 weeks, vintage Chanel bag in second trimester.




More Quilted Handbags:








What I wore:

mothers group Christmas party embellished maxi dress outfit rebecca minkoff quilted love bag | awayfromblue

Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey with Rebecca Minkoff Crystal Star Shoulder Guitar strap | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram mothers group Christmas party outfit Rebecca Minkoff quilted love bag
Necklace: Nibbly Bits BB plum silicone teething necklace (C/O)
DressJeanswest 'Sierra' embellished black maxi dress (on sale!)
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Christmas bow bracelet (with bells!) and Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey with Rebecca Minkoff Crystal Star Shoulder Guitar strap

Why I wore it:

This was what I wore during the day - we had our local Australian Breastfeeding Association Christmas party, where we play a sneaky secret santa. Everyone brings a gift under $10, we all draw a number, then the person with number 1 unwraps a gift. The next person can pick another gift to unwrap, or steal the first one. Lots of people involved their toddlers and asked their opinion so they got in on the game too, so much fun. Toddler T had a great time! We enjoyed making the brownies with the kit we won too.

As expected though, all the time with toddlers and yummy morning tea and presents everywhere, my dress looked a little worse for wear so I was glad I'd planned a different dress to wear in the evening!

This was the perfect Christmas party outfit though, dressy but casual at the same time. Maxi dresses work for so many dress codes! Last year I went in shorts and tee, anything goes really. I did feel a little over dressed for my afternoon dentist appointment, with the embellished dress and bag strap, but my dentist ended up complimenting me on it so at least it made her smile! :)


Last worn: embellished maxi dress, black Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff crystal guitar strap, Rebecca Minkoff quilted love bag.

Other ways to wearembellished maxi dress with scarf as a belt, Rebecca Minkoff crystal guitar strap and printed shorts, Rebecca Minkoff quilted love bag and skinny jeans.

Perfect for pregnancyembellished maxi dress at 39 weeks, Rebecca Minkoff quilted love bag in third trimester.




Maxi Dresses Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:

Maxi dresses are a great option for a busy mum - they are grab and go outfits! You can accessorise them with layers of delicate necklaces, or stick with a practical teething necklace for time with toddlers. Quilted bags look great with them, and a cross body option allows you to go hands free.  Maxi dresses work for many different dress codes as they can be as formal or casual as you want. Nice to wear in the summer heat too.


Linking up with Passion for Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Lizzie in Lace, Friday Faves, Shoe & Tell, Modest Monday.



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75 comments:

  1. What a beautiful pink maxi dress! Love the bright colour and the addition of lei completes the whole look. Happy Friday Mica, I hope you enjoy the weekend!!

    Yiota
    PinkDaisyLoves

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  2. I love both outfits but the first is my favourite! You look gorgeous. Love how you've contrasted the colour of your dress with good old black Chanel :-)

    SSG xxx

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  3. Kelly / Tiny Trips & Tips12 January 2018 at 21:15

    Your outfits are super pretty :D

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  4. Hi Mica! The parties sound very exciting and joyful. I adore both dresses and you accessorized beautifully as always.

    I pray you have a blessed weekend!

    Tiff
    http://www.dashoffashandfinance.com

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  5. What a beautiful maxi dress and I love the fact that is all put to together in a simple way but as the same it came out so elegant. Beautiful pix dear :)

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  6. That first maxi dress is so gorgeous and the shade looks so lovely on you. I'm sorry to hear that you had to miss the Christmas party that time because of the baby boy hospital stay, but it is nice that you were able to catch up with at least some of your co-workers. Anyhow, that Chanel bag this catch my eye. Such a chic look altogether.

    I also like the second outfit. A black maxi dress is always a great choice.

    xoxo

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Ivana. It was really nice to be able to go this year :)

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  7. I love the first dress on you. You look so pretty in it and the color is fun x

    Laura
    https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com.ee/

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  8. Cute dresses! I love the pink one on you. It's so crazy that you can actually celebrate Christmas while it's warm outside (crazy for me, that is, haha). I would love to do that one day.

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  9. Maxi dresses are always my favourite on your blog! You have some truly amazing picks. <3 The first one is so lovely and I adore the colour. And it sounds like you had a good time at the work Christmas party! We had one too but I don't typically go since they happen on weekends. The second outfit is gorgeous too and I don't think you were over-dressed at all. <3 Happy Friday, hun! xoxo

    Kay
    http://shoesandglitter.com/

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    Replies
    1. Oh hopefully you get to go to one soon!

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  10. You always have such lovely maxi dresses! I love how some outfits transition so seamlessly from nursing to "regular" wear!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, this dress has been worn so much! Perfect post-pregnancy and breastfeeding! :)

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  11. I love both maxi dresses, Mica:) And I love how you guys did the gift exchange at your ABA group. So cool you involved the kids:)

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  12. Such lovely outfits! I love both of these bags of yours too especially the Chanel. Have a great weekend.

    Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

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  13. These outfits are totally you! Love maxi dresses on you!

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  14. I love both of these dresses so much! The pink one fits so perfectly and I love the details on the black.
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  15. I've heard of doing secret santa like that before and I'm not sure I'd like to play, I think I'd get annoyed if I got a gift I like taken off me!

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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    Replies
    1. haha true! We were lucky all the gifts were great! :)

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  16. Sounds like you had some really fun Christmas parties! Glad you go to go to your work one this year. I just love that Chanel!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  17. Im ALWAYS looking for something quick to throw on without sacrificing style. Thanks for the tip!

    ♡ www.KimCao.com

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  18. I'm with the other commenters, Mica - that pink maxi dress is FAB on you. You really suit that vibrant pink/magenta.

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  19. The office party outfit looks so summery and fun! The idea of having a themed party is great, ours is usually pretty stiff.

    Anne - Linda, Libra, Loca

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    Replies
    1. It was fun seeing everyone really get into the theme this year! It's not been done so much in the past.

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  20. Your bag is so pretty!. I think i'll have to get it

    aprilbasi.com

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  21. Those dresses are really lovely and amazing bag! :)

    xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY

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  22. Oh that's so fun that you got to get your little one involved in the gift exchange--sounds like a blast! I love your look (and theme) for your office Christmas party too. I wish we did those! We have a Christmas lunch, but it would be fun to do a real Christmas party too. Oh well. Have a good weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe next year you can suggest the party? It is a lot of fun, as was the sneaky Santa game!

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  23. Maxis are so perfect because they do seem dressier!!!
    You look amazing in that pink, Mica!!
    Have a fabulous weekend!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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  24. Both maxi dresses look great on you Mica, and are perfect for our hot summer days! I love the colour of the first dress and your earrings are so pretty! Your Chanel bag is fabulous too! Hope you're staying out of the heat this weekend, Mica! It's so hot!! ;) XXX

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    Replies
    1. It was such a hot weekend! We spent it in the aircon, haha!

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  25. Your bag is the cutest!

    www.moorehisstyle.com xx

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  26. beautiful looks, that pink dress is amazing on you, very fresh and feminine.
    Sonia
    www.soniaaicha.com

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  27. Very pretty indeed! Happy weekend, babe! xoxo

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  28. It sounds like it would have been a fun, but full on day for you Mica! You look absolutely lovely in both outfits! Xx

    Kez | acaciasdreams.com

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    Replies
    1. it was pretty full on, but it being fun helped! :)

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  29. Those are both such beautiful maxi dresses! I love the way you style each of them. And how amazing is your vintage Chanel bag?! Wow! I hope you're staying cool this weekend. =)

    ~Lindsey
    https://have-clothes-will-travel.com/

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  30. I love maxi dresses, they are beautiful in the summer, and you look beautiful in that pink ...
    xoxo

    marisascloset.blogspot.com

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  31. Both maxi dresses are beautiful! Glad you had a great time at your Christmas party! I think there will be time where people reminisce but at least you went this year!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

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  32. That pink maxi dress is SO drop dead gorgeous on you! I remember breastfeeding my two little ones and clothing was always a challenge when I wanted to dress up! That's also neat you have the Australian Breastfeeding Association there! Oh gosh, I love games like Secret Santa! Sounds fun!!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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    Replies
    1. Yes, this dress has made dressing up and breastfeeding so easy! :)

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  33. Both outfits look spectacular on you Mica! I love it.
    Haha for the first outfit I was like "Wait, did she go to Hawaii??" xD LOL


    The Dragonfruit Diaries

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  34. Omg!!!! That dress looks AMAZING on you and that bag!!! What a great combo you put together!! At first I thought you were in Hawaii!!! And I got super jealous!

    www.petiteandpretty.com

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  35. I really like the way you matched the bags to all the dresses! So pretty!

    xx Sofia | SOFIAADOT

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  36. I love both of the looks. The first outfit is perfect for a tropical vacay.
    https://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

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  37. These dresses are so cute, I love that Chanel bag too
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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  38. Your vintage Chanel is so beautiful! I love the Rebecca Minkoff strap also-it adds something so special to a simple bag. I can't wait for summer here so I can finally wear dresses. You're definitely making me we want to get a new maxi dress :)

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  39. Love your vintage Chanel, such a stylish and timeless bag! And fuchsia is your color. Kisses

    Fashion and Cookies - fashion & beauty blog

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  40. Love this look and that vintage Chanel bag! I love that style because it's harder to get, and not as many people have it as the Classic Flap Bag. You've inspired me to make it my next purchase!

    April xx

    | APRIL ROSE PENGILLY |

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    Replies
    1. Glad I could inspire you! You will love it, such a classic bag!

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  41. Your vintage CHANEL is absolutely gorgeous! xx
    www.bonjourchiara.com

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  42. That's a pretty vintage Chanel and your guitar strap is really cool. I've been looking for a strap like this for my Balenciaga 'til I saw one in Coach USA. Your office is really chill with the Christmas party, it sounds fun. Nice to see what you wore on that party. Wishing you a nice week ahead, it was windy here in the weekend. Went to beach today but went home soon because of the fierce wind.

    www.busyandfab.com

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    Replies
    1. Coach have some really nice guitar straps too! :) Sorry teh wind ruined your beach plans!

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  43. Both dresses are really cute! :) xx

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  44. You are the maxi dress queen, Mica! Glad to hear you had fun at your Christmas parties! You're just keeping the holiday spirit alive into January! :)

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    Replies
    1. haha, I like that way of looking at it! :)

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  45. You look stunning in this maxi dress. The colour is beautiful on you and love the details!
    xo Yvonne
    www.aproposh.com

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  46. Dear Mica, it is understandable that it was a pity you couldn't attend the Christmas party from last year and I understand it also that you finally missed your boys absolutely. The Christmas party outfit with the pink dress and the Chanel vintage bag is absolutely fantastic and I'm absolutely convinced you were the most beautiful woman at this party! Also the look you wore for the first Christmas party during the day I like a lot and I see you simply know always how to dress perfectly. Have a happy and hopefully not too hot week.
    With love, Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

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  47. Love your quilted bags, and your maxi dresses <3

    Serene xoxo

    http://www.iamserenel.com

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  48. Love the dress you wore to your office Christmas party!

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  49. Both dresses are lovely, I am sure you would get a lot out of them during Australian summer
    https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com.au/

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  50. Both dresses were beautiful and I loved how you styled them! Being from Minnesota my Christmas party outfits look a little different haha but good inspiration for the summer.

    Shann Eileen | www.shanneileen.com

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  51. Such gorgeous maxi dresses! They look so versatile!

    <3 Shannon 
    Upbeat Soles

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  52. You looked beautiful for both events Mica! Both dresses looked great on you. Glad you got to catch up with colleagues. They missed you as well.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  53. If nobody had said it before, you totally rock maxi dresses. Its one of your style identifiers.

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  54. Your sneaky secret santa sounds like so much fun! I need to look into my community for more things like that so I can get to know more moms in the area. I love how many ways you have worn that pink dress! It continues to be such a great piece for you!

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    Replies
    1. I've so enjoyed connecting up with the group! I wish I'd done it when my eldest was a baby! Hope you can find something similar :)

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  55. You look beautiful in both maxi dresses Mica. They are both lovely in their own right. Your handbags are equally beautiful and the Chanel bag that you have was/is the one I always wanted. It's still on my wish list but for the moment I'll just admire yours! 😀

    Maureen | www.littlemissedcasual.com

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  56. Thank you all for your kind comments and compliments - I do love my Chanel bag, such a good splurge if you're considering it!

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  57. That's a great outfit for the party! I love your vintage Chanel bag though, how pretty is that? Very nice! And of course I love the RM too! Great outfits as always, Mica!

    Raindrops of Sapphire

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