Frocktober and Comparing Yourself to Photos Online

Continuing with blogging my Frocktober outfits. I'm wearing a different dress every day in October (#31Days31DifferentDresses) to fundraise for Ovarian Cancer Research. I'm blogging the outfits as I wore them, instead of grouping the outfits together into 'themed' posts, so you get a bit of variety in every post! Today, a casual printed dress to work from home and a striped fit and flare dress for the office, as well as a little chat about comparison and perfectionism online.

Your Frocktober donation will raise funds and awareness for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Please help me hit my fundraising goal!

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers

Dress: Atmos & Here Willow printed tee dress
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots (on sale here!)
Bracelets: the usual plus Edenborough Evans 'Ivy' silver cuff
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (Shop more Rebecca Minkoff bags here)

Why I wore it:

I'd been looking forward to wearing this dress as part of the Frocktober challenge! It was a heavy favourite last spring/summer, although it did feel a little short in the afternoon when playing with the toddler after picking him up from day care. Might need to wear shorts under it next time I wear it!

I shared this dress on instagram, with a side view as well. I've been reading so many articles and blogs about how everyone compares what they see online with their own lives. I've been reading the #strugglesbook as well which has been really challenging me lately.
My church did a series about online #struggles a while back which you can watch here and is really good viewing! While it does have a basis in Christianity, it talks about the general themes of social media burnout and how comparing can bring us down. A nice reminder to not compare your behind the scenes with someone else's highlight reel.

A picture tells 1000 words, but it can leave so many things unsaid. Never compare your behind the scenes with someone's highlight reel! An insta pic or feed is never the full story, it doesn't show everything. Even if all they've done is try pick a clever camera angle like me 😉 #behindTheScenes #keepingItReal #BloggerLife #yepThatsABabyBump #surprise! #gettingHarderToHideInPhotos #noMissingItInPerson #stylethebump #bumpstyle #babybelly

A photo posted by Mica (@awayfromblue) on Oct 7, 2015 at 2:20pm PDT

It's so easy to hide flaws or things you don't want people to see in photos, you don't have to show the full story. And if you can't use a flattering camera angle, there's always photoshop. The number of photoshopped blogs I see is just so sad. Why do that? I just want to give them a hug. Be yourself. You are perfect in every way, because you are you. Never put yourself down because of something you see online. You aren't seeing the full picture.

I try to keep this blog a frivolous, light-hearted and positive space, but that doesn't mean everything is perfect all the time. Nothing is ever perfect. People are more than what they share online, and you too are more than your instagram/twitter/facebook feed and the number of likes or followers you get.

"Your self-worth is not based on the Likes of others but on the love of God." #strugglesBook @craiggroeschel

— Mica (@AwayFromTheBlue) October 13, 2015

If this is something you've been struggling with lately, I'd highly recommend the #strugglesBook, it has lots of great advice. It's released on the 27th October, but you can pre-order now.
(I got an early e-book copy, but was not expected to or under any obligation to share the book with you. I just think it's that good, especially in light of all the posts I've seen lately from bloggers facing social media burnout).

Last worn: Ray-Ban wayfarers, botanical print tee dress, black leather ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: printed tee dress worn as a top, ankle boots and skinny jeans in winter, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC and a plaid shirt.

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Shop more printed and striped dresses for under $50:

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What I wore:

Necklace: Dogeared silver wishbone necklace layered with Dogeared 3 Wishes stardust bead necklace (Shop more Dogeared here)

Dress: Jeanswest 'Rita' stripe jersey dress
Shoes: Novo Carmina fuschia suede flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes pink clic clac and Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH (Shopbop sell Balenciaga bags now too!)

Why I wore it:

Not as fun as the outfit above, stripes instead of a colourful print, but I added some bright shoes to this outfit I wore to the office. No side pic of this one, but I felt the baby bump was showing quite a bit in it. :)


Last worn: striped fit and flare dress, pink suede flats, Balenciaga Part Time bag.

Other ways to wear: striped fit and flare dress for a dedication, pink suede flats and a polka dot dress, Balenciaga Part Time bag and denim.


Linking up with Fab Favourites, Friday Favourites, Flashback Fashion, Passion for Fashion, Weekend Linkup, Jaimie's Linkup, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Blog Hop, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Weekend Rewind, Let It Shine, More Pieces of Me, Hello Monday, Modest Monday today.


This post was created in partnership with Shopbop. Occasionally, Away From The Blue blog may receive vendor or brand sponsorships for mentioning their products or services. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.

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Frocktober Unplanned and Planned Dress Outfits: Casual Tee and LBD For The Office

I'm currently participating in the Frocktober style challenge to raise funds and awareness for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. While I'm behind with blogging what I wore, you can follow along on instagram where I've been using the #31Days31DifferentDresses tag for my own challenge.

If you'd like to make a donation it would be greatly appreciated! 1 woman dies every hour from ovarian cancer, there is no early detection test. Your donation helps fund research.

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (classic style also on sale!)

Necklace: Lovisa blue leaf long necklace
Dress: Choies monochrome stripe shift dress (C/O)
Shorts: Cotton On blue denim shorts (gifted)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs (on sale!)
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC

Why I wore it:

This was not the dress I had planned to wear for the day! After we got home from lunch on Sunday, toddler T seemed a little more upset than usual, and his symptoms ramped up quite badly. He has a little viral bug and was not having a good time. We ended up getting the doctor out to check up on him. Instead of going out and enjoying the beautiful weather for a public holiday Monday, I stayed home and enjoyed cuddles with a little guy who just wanted to be held all the time.

I wasn't really sure what to wear after our plans had to be cancelled. I did contemplate not even getting changed out of my pyjamas...but knew I had the challenge and the fundraising goal to hit. So I hunted for a dress I could wear for a quick stop by the IGA (thank goodness for it being open on a public holiday!) to grab some essentials for dealing with sickness, and spending the rest of the day at home curled up on the sofa with an unwell toddler.

My sister had recently given me these shorts which she no longer wanted, so I figured they would be perfect to go under the too-short tee dress I've worn in the past as a tunic. Comfort-wise this turned out to be a great outfit, and I would happily wear this again! I'd been thinking this dress wouldn't be worn in the 31 days because it's so short, and that I'd end up getting rid of it at the end of the challenge. I'm happy I gave it a go and discovered a great outfit, and changed my mind about it leaving my wardrobe.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, striped tee dress, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC. First time I've worn the shorts as they were just given to me.

Other ways to wear: striped tee dress worn as a tunic over jeans, Havaianas and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC with plaid and denim.

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More striped tee dresses under $50:

Red cardigans under $50:

Shopbop has a great range of red cardigans and tee dresses too!

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What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest long red drape cardigan

Necklace: Dogeared silver wishbone necklace
Dress:  Jeanswest tucked ponte black dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs suede flats in red
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

In contrast to the outfit above, this was a little more planned! I knew I wanted to wear this fit and flare dress to the office. I've just worn it recently, but I like it so much I don't mind repeating it again so soon.

The red cardigan was something I added in the morning to keep me warm on the commute to work and in the cold air con of the office. I loved the way it looked in the mirror, not so impressed with it in the photos though. I did really like the colour coordination with the red flats and cardigan, a colleague complimented it too. Makes it look like the red cardi was planned and not a quick thing thrown on at the last minute.


Last worn: red cardigan, black fit and flare dress, red suede flats, Balenciaga part time bag.

Other ways to wear: red cardigan and a maxi skirt, black fit and flare dress and pink accessories, red suede flats and a pencil skirt, Balenciaga part time bag and a floral cami.


Linking up with What I Wore, Wednesday Linkup, Style Me Weekly, Oh Hey Girl, Thursday Fashion Files, Throwback Thursday.


This post was created in partnership with Shopbop. Occasionally, Away From The Blue blog may receive vendor or brand sponsorships for mentioning their products or services. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.

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Bright Tops and Different Denim - Skinny Jeans and Flares and May Purchases

A wrap-up of my May purchases and the second outfits with a couple of my April purchases, so some purchase reviews as well. I enjoy doing these. Wearing things twice in a month makes me think seriously about ways I can wear them before I buy, and reviewing how successful or unsuccessful I was at buying something I want to reach for in my wardrobe again and again is really giving me things to think about when I'm shopping.
I hope you're enjoying following along with my progress too! I recently did an interview with JORD watches where I talked about my goals and my shopping habits a little more. As well as gushing about baby T....

First up, May's purchases!

I planned to just get the handbag, but there were a few other things I couldn't resist! The 'fill a bag for $2' sale at the local op-shop (thrift store) means I have lots of new wardrobe additions!

• Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy
• Jeanswest Helene sleeveless textured shirt in berry
• Thrifted H&M purple floral shirt
• Thrifted valleygirl blue 3/4 sleeve tee
• Thrifted black Jeanswest maxi dress
• Thrifted JayJays teal paisley print maxi dress

And now, what I've been wearing.

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers

Earrings: silver bird charm earrings (competition prize)
Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace layered with Dogeared 3 Wishes stardust bead necklace and Nibbly Bits Abacus necklace in pop
Shirt: Jeanswest Helene sleeveless textured shirt in berry (new purchase)
Jeans: Jeanswest prima denim super skinny jeans in absolute black
Shoes: Asos 'five star' leather sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus Disney Couture Winnie the Pooh bangle and silver tree charm bracelet (competition prize)
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

I'm so pleased to have this shirt at last! It's a new purchase and I have been looking forward to wearing it. A few months ago I tried it on in-store, and although it was 25% off, I decided to leave it and wait for a 40% off sale. Of course when the next 40% off sale rolled around, the top was sold out in my size online and in the couple of Jeanswest stores I checked. I was extremely pleased to see the last one in my size on the sale rack in the Brisbane city store when I went in to return something from an online order and decided to have a browse. I knew I had to have it! We were out for most of the day - lunch with my family and then dinner with DH's family, and this shirt was perfect. I just added a cardigan when we went out for dinner in the evening.
The rest of my outfit was coordinated with my sister for the 'dynamic duo' style challenge from the Fox in Flats style dare, with the black pants and Balenciaga bag.

Second time I've worn the black skinny jeans, so my purchase review:

I really like these! Just as much as the blue pair I have. I got these in the Jeanswest 40% off sale, and another pair of the regular skinnies. I wanted to replace my old black skinny jeans as I wasn't thrilled with the fit, so I donated them. I've been trying to be more critical and get rid of those jeans I have that just aren't right for me to reduce the size of my denim collection. Since that left me with no black denim in my wardrobe, I ordered two pairs to make my mind up between them.
I did think that it wouldn't make sense to have both a black and a blue pair of the prima denim jeans, both with the same zip detail...but these are the perfect length for me and the other black jeans I ordered I would have had to have taken up for my petite frame. So I decided to keep these instead of the plain ones, and I'm glad I did. I really like the prima denim range!


Last worn: Ray-ban Wayfarers, skinny jeans, leather sandals, Balenciaga part time bag. First time I've worn the top as it is a new purchase.

Other ways to wear: skinny jeans with pinstripe button down, leather sandals with denim shorts, Balenciaga part time with neutral outfits (and a baby bump!).

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What I wore:

Necklace: Roie Designs long freshwater pearl necklace with tassel

Top: French Connection black paisley printed empire top (with thrifted Cotton On yellow tank underneath)
Jeans: Jeanswest 'spoylt' flared jeans
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC with python embossed leather in aquamarine

Why I wore it:

This was a nice casual outfit for working from home and doing the day care drop off/pick up. I rediscovered this top when pregnant. Although I don't wear it much now, I used to wear it a lot. It never really looks great in pictures but I like wearing it so it is staying in my wardrobe.

The style challenge for the day was '70's situation' so like last time the 70's was a theme, I wore my flared jeans. Unlike the last time I wore these jeans, I enjoyed wearing them. Although the hem was really long worn with Converse and I did worry I'd trip up when holding baby T! I've taken the flares to the tailor now, I wear flats unless I'm in the office and so it doesn't make sense to keep these long enough to wear with heels, they will never get worn unless I shorten them.

It's the second time I've worn this top, so my purchase review:
I admit I was struggling to find a way to wear this tank twice within a month of buying it. It wouldn't have been so difficult if I had bought it earlier in the year when it was warmer. I bought it just as the weather started to cool, so layering it under tops is pretty much the only way I'll be able to wear it for the next few months of autumn and winter.
In saying that though, I'm glad I bought it, the yellow colour is so cheerful! I just hope it doesn't meet the same fate as all my other bright tanks that don't really get worn often. Perhaps buying something I already have a lot of wasn't a good idea, even if it is a really nice colour. I need to think a little harder about what I buy and be sure I really will wear it, not just think I'll wear it.


Last worn: paisley print empire waist top, yellow tank, flared jeans, Converse Chucks, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: printed empire waist top with skinny jeans, flared jeans with heels, mini MAC with a maxi dress.

Linking up with Fab Favourites, Casual Friday, Passion for Fashion, Budgeting Bloggers, Shoe and Tell today.

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Blush Pink Boyfriend Blazer. With Striped Tank and Shorts, LBD and Heels for the Office

As part of my shopping in March, I crossed an item off my want list, a pastel pink blazer! I was really excited to find one at a good price in the outlets, and excited to wear it. I'm worried it was a case of something looking great in the change room and not working when you get it home as neither of these outfits are really striking me as great outfits...sharing them anyway.

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Nadine 3/4 Sleeve dusky pink blazer (new purchase)

Necklace: House of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
Tank: AT By Atmos&Here Orion stripe tank
Shorts: Jeanswest printed denim shorts
Shoes: Asos 'five star' leather sandals
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere (with Coach feather bag charm)

Why I wore it:

I was excited for a slightly cooler day so I could wear my new blazer! I really wanted to wear this with jeans but despite the rain it was extremely humid, so shorts it was.

Thought this dressed up a shorts and tank outfit nicely, although it does look a little odd in the photos. I think it's the length of the shorts and the blazer not working well together. We went out for lunch and a little bit of shopping.


Last worn: stripe tank, printed shorts, leather sandals, Louis Vuitton Speedy bandouliere. First time I've worn the blazer.

Other ways to wear: striped tank and paisley print skirt, printed shorts in summer, sandals with dresses, speedy bandouliere with skirts.

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What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Nadine 3/4 Sleeve dusky pink blazer (new purchase)

Scarf: Paris print silk scarf
Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette
Dress: French Connection fitted little black dress
Shoes: Wittner 'Bloomy' black heels
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

Firstly, let me say that I know this outfit would have looked better without a headband. With running late, only having a few hours sleep, having a bad hair day and not having hair long enough to tie back, I had to go for a quick fix and settled on the scarf. Probably looked a little out of place in the office. I had one colleague tell me I "looked very 1930s". I just said thanks and that I'd take it as a compliment! It had been a tough night with an unsettled baby so I was more impressed I made it to work on time and less worried about the overall outfit.

Last time I wore this dress I was using the cut to disguise what I thought was a very visible first trimester baby bump. It has a little gathered section under the fitted waistband that's quite flattering and hides a slightly protruding belly! Works post-baby too ;)


I'm trying to review all my new purchases on the blog, to encourage myself to style things differently when I buy them and think about how they will work in my wardrobe, to make sure I'm not buying things that will just sit in my wardrobe unworn and adding to my overflowing closet. You can read more about why I'm doing this here.


As it's the second time I've worn this blazer, my purchase review:

This blazer is something I've been wanting for a while! It's a cute dusty pastel pink, and after seeing all the northern hemisphere bloggers with their pastel pink coats for winter I thought I'd buy into the trend for autumn. Don't really need a wool coat in Brisbane, a blazer will do. When I tried it on in store I tried it with a pair of skinny jeans and thought it looked good. A little creased and crumpled, but I reasoned that as it was spring stock it was bound to get a little creased from being in the outlet a few months. After wearing it once above, I quickly realised it was the material itself - it creases so easy. And dry clean only is not ideal for life with baby! Pastel pink is not the best colour on me (I now know after my personal stylist session), and the long-line boyfriend style length is not great on a petite frame.

However, I'm keeping this jacket. I really want to make it work! Even if I do have to iron it constantly, and neither of these are my favourite outfits. I know that when the cooler weather eventually comes to Brisbane (still in shorts in Autumn!) I will be able to wear it with jeans. And I could try belting it too, and wearing it with brighter scarves and tops to balance out the paler blazer. What do you think? How else would you style this blazer? Or should I just cut my losses and admit I was too overexcited by finding a pastel pink blazer to consider how it really looks on me?


Last worn: pastel blazer (above), French Connection LBD, black heels, Balenciaga Part Time.

Other ways to wear: black headscarf with black maxi dress, belted cardi over a LBD, ankle strap heels for a night out, black bag with grey outfits.

Linking up with Styled Up, Let It Shine, Style to Inspire, Mix It Mondays, Manic Mondays, Real Mom Style, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, What I Wore, Wardrobe Wednesday today.

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Corporate Style: Prints in the Office. Floral Cami and Pencil Skirt, Polka Dot Dress. Balenciaga Part Time

Back to regular outfit posts! Two more outfits I wore to the office. Both involving lots of black as it had been a tough week with baby T and I wanted simple, easy outfits.

What I wore:

Cardigan: Jeanswest black cardi

Necklace: Dogeared silver wishbone necklace (on sale!) layered with Dogeared 3 Wishes stardust bead necklace
Cami: Atmos&Here 'Isla' ruffle cami in floral print
Skirt: Asos tailored tab front pencil skirt in grey
Shoes: Wittner 'Bloomy' black heels
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

This is what I wore on Saint Patrick's day. (Yep, I'm 2 weeks behind with posting what I wore!) I wanted to wear something with a little bit of green in it, as sometimes the office can get really into holidays. I didn't want to go overboard though, so I thought this printed top with the little bits of green worked nicely. I saw lots of people dressed up in very green outfits when I was walking through the city during the day, but sadly there wasn't a lot of green in the office. I was pleased I hadn't pulled together an overly green outfit! Went with all black accessories as that was easiest, and because I needed a cardi to cover the spaghetti straps of the cami for the office.

I've been participating now and then in the #RediscoverYourWardrobe instagram tag. This outfit was another one that met the challenge as last time I wore this cardigan was over two years ago! I wore it with black and white and some red accessories last time, it was a little more colourful this time around with the printed top. This skirt is another wardrobe oldie, last worn when I was 21 weeks pregnant and still hiding the baby bump in the office.

I was debating if I should keep these heels or not. They are very tall, but actually very comfortable despite the height. I wondered if the style was a bit dated though. I got these shoes in 2013 and while they are black, they aren't exactly a classic timeless style. I was scrolling through my instagram feed that day and saw an extremely similar pair being featured as a new style arriving at a store I follow, so I'm not worried any more. They will stay in my wardrobe!


Last worn: black cardigan, Atmos&Here cami, grey pencil skirt, black heels, Balenciaga Part Time.

Other ways to wear: black cardi with a neutral outfit, printed cami and colour blocked maxi skirt, grey pencil skirt worn with blue, Balenciaga black part time with monochrome outfits (and a baby belly!).

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What I wore:

Dress: French Connection spotty cotton dress
Shoes: Wittner 'Bolla' black bow detail flats
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

This dress is another oldie! I last wore it in 2013, back when I was exhausted as I was suffering from really bad morning sickness. I wore it then as I was tired and wanted something to nice and easy to wear to the office. Tiredness is the reason I picked it again this time, although I was tired because I was sleep deprived with baby T and hadn't had time to pick out an outfit the evening before like I usually do. LBD, black accessories and I was done, off to work. Easy :) Although running late meant I didn't notice the messy hair, or have time to fix it before photos, ha!


Last worn: French Connection LBD, black ballet flats, Balenciaga part time (above).

Other ways to wear: polka dot dress with pink accessories, black Balenciaga with a pink outfit.

Linking up with I Feel Pretty, Whatcha Wearing Wednesday, Oh Hey Girl, Style Me Weekly, What I Wore, Style Me Wednesday, Spotlight Weekly, What I Wore to Work, Fun Fashion Friday, Fab Favourites, Casual Friday, Skirtista Diaries today.

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Corporate Style: Pencil Skirts and a Bit of Blue

Sharing more of my office wear. The return to work has been tricky, but baby T and I are handling it well I think. From an outfit perspective, I've been enjoying wearing my pencil skirts and 'dressing up' in corporate wear for a change.


Here's what I wore to work:

Necklace: Dogeared 3 Wishes stardust bead necklace layered with Chanel necklace
Shirt: Target mint stripe shirt
Skirt: Asos blue textured lace pencil skirt
Shoes: Wittner 'Lumen' heel in patent leather
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull


A lot has changed since I was away on maternity leave, and the team I'm working with day to day has changed quite a bit. I'm still doing the same role as I was before, just working with different people. There was a big department meeting where everyone from all our locations got together and the newbies and myself had the chance to introduce ourselves to over 100 people. I've mentioned it before on the blog, but public speaking is one of my great fears. I've done a few things to try and get over it (like recording youtube videos to get used to speaking to an 'audience', and taking part in a presentation skills group), but I don't think I'll never get rid of those nerves entirely.

As I was incredibly nervous, I dressed in my comfort colour - blue! This blue lace pencil skirt has to be one of my favourites, it always gets compliments on the blog and instagram too, the best sale buy. I've linked up some similar ones below. I thought the striped shirt worked nicely with it, you can't really see the stripes unless you're up-close, but stripes are always good for pattern mixing anyway. I felt as comfortable and confident as you can be when presenting I guess.

I went with heels for that extra confidence boost, and I picked these nude patent ones as I don't remember them being the most comfortable last time I wore them. I was expecting this to be their last wear, but I was really happy in them through the day so they are staying in my wardrobe. I need to ease myself back into wearing heels with my dodgy knee! They will never be as comfortable as flats of course!


Last worn: striped shirt, blue lace pencil skirt, nude patent heels, Louis Vuitton Neverfull.

Other ways to wear: shopping with a Neverfull, casual pencil skirt outfit, hiding a second trimester baby bump with a button down shirt.

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Here's what I wore to work:

Necklace: Diva red stone necklace
Top: Jeanswest 'Ricky' ruffle front top in midnight
Skirt: Jeanswest zip detail ponte pencil skirt
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs suede flats in red
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH


I put this outfit together around the red flats. I was inspired by something Audrey posted about how to wear bright shoes, and realised I don't really wear these red flats a lot, considering how comfortable they are. I've worn the top and the shoes together before, (even with the same skirt!!) but not with a red necklace. One of Audrey's ideas was to wear a necklace and shoes that compliment or contrast a colourful top. Although I don't like the way the necklace looks with the neckline on the top, I was happy with the outfit overall. And very comfortable not wearing heels all day, hehe!


Last worn: polka dot blouse, black pencil skirt, red flats, Balenciaga Part Time bag.

Other ways to wear: polka dot top with denim, pencil skirt over a dress, red shoes with a red dress, black bag with neutral outfits (and a giant baby bump!).

Linking up with Fab Favourites, Casual Friday, Skirtista Diaries, Fashion Friday, Mix It Up Friday, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Modest Monday, Let It Shine, Styled Up, What I Wore to Work today.

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Two Different Dress Outfits: Printed and Plain

Two simple dress outfits twice in a row! One for a cooler day with long sleeves and one on a hotter day. I'm following along with the challenges each day for JaNEWary, although I'm a bit behind on blogging what I wear, I'm sharing every day on instagram. I wasn't really happy with either of these outfits, if it hadn't been for the challenge I wouldn't have worn them. But I guess that's why I'm doing the challenge, trying to look at my wardrobe differently!


Here's what I wore to go shopping with my grandparents:

Dress: Leona Edmiston Paris tassel print wrap dress
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH


The style prompt for the day was to wear a 'dress that gives you shape', so I went for a wrap dress again. There was a similar theme for the DAREcember challenge I participated in, and I wore a wrap dress then too.

I really wasn't feeling the love with this dress when I wore it out all day. I am still keeping it in my wardrobe for the moment as it is a good piece to wear in the office. (Last wore it to the office in the third trimester!) I'm planning to wear it again when I go back to work and see how I feel about it then before I make the final decision on whether it stays or leaves my wardrobe.


Last worn: printed wrap dress, studded sandals, Balenciaga Part Time bag.

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Here's what I wore to go to the clinic and get groceries:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers
Dress: Jeanswest deep pink ruffle neckline dress
Belt: Asos skinny pale pink belt
Shoes: Asos 'five star' leather sandals
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey


I know what you're thinking - "that's a very overdressed outfit for stopping by the child health clinic and grabbing groceries on the way home"...The style challenge for the day was 'overdress because you can'. And I certainly felt overdressed (and awkward!) in this outfit.

I've been looking at the dress in my wardrobe for a while wanting to wear it but feeling it was too dressy for everyday wear with baby, so it was nice to get a chance to wear it at least. It is pretty, but wearing it out for a few hours just confirmed for me it's not the best dress to wear when looking after baby T. Still keeping it in my wardrobe though as it will be useful for when I go back to work.


Last worn: Ray Ban Wayfarer, pink dress, pastel belt, Asos leather sandals, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag.

Linking up with What I Wore, Whatcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday, Trendy Wednesday, Thursday Favourites, Throw Back Thursday, Spotlight Weekly, Fab Favourites today.

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