Dressing Up Denim Shorts - Casual Summer Outfits with a Hat and Headscarf

Two more #JaNEWary style challenge outfits and two different ways to dress up denim shorts. I'm still enjoying being a stay at home mum a little longer before I return to work, so I'm always dressing for comfort first. I'm trying to put a little more effort into what I wear and be a little dressed up now and then, so I don't fall into a rut of the same outfits over and over.

In the winter, I was looking for ways to try dress up my jeans, now in summer I'm looking for ways to dress up shorts. Just like before, I find accessorising is the best way to do that. And it's easy to do, just add a little something before I step out the door. Denim is a great option for life with baby, but it's good to be able to dress it up now and then.


It's the Australia day long weekend, don't forget to take advantage of all of the extra sales and discounts in between your celebrations :)

• 20% off full priced items at Asos with code 'BBQSHRIMP'
• Extra 20% off The Iconic Sale items with code 'AUSDAY20'
• Extra 30% off sale items at Jeanswest

Here's what I wore to spend the day by the sea:

Scarf: gifted Paris print silk scarf
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus necklace in pop
Singlet: Zalora basics ruffle hem tank in black (on sale!)
Shorts: Jeanswest black denim cuff shorts
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull


The style challenge for the day was to 'wear black'. Which was not my first choice for a sunny day, I'll be honest! Kept cool with denim shorts and a sleeveless tank. I like the ruffle detail on this tank, and it was nice and loose for a hot day.

My new scarf fit the challenge theme too. My mum bought it for me in Paris, it's beautiful. I thought wearing the scarf in my hair added a nice bit of interest to the outfit and dressed it up a little. Unlike the last time I wore a scarf in my hair, it wasn't tugged on too much by baby T which was good. We took a road trip up the coast, and had lunch by the sea followed by a bit of shopping. Baby T even had time for a paddle in the waves.


Last worn: peplum tank, denim shorts, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton Neverfull. First time I've worn the scarf.

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Here's what I wore to spend the day at Southbank with my family:

Hat: Big W bow detail sunhat
Shirt: River Island floral print sleeveless shirt
Shorts: Jeanswest denim cuff shorts
Shoes: Asos 'five star' leather sandals
Bag: Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull


When I wore this, the style challenge was 'try something different with your makeup'. I am not a beauty guru at all. I have the products I use, and just one of each of them. While I was younger I'd have a few different eyeshadows and lippies, but it's never really been something I've been as interested in as I am in clothes or accessories. Over the years, I've downsized to my staple products and so my options are makeup on, or makeup off! I spent the day without any makeup, and hid it under a big hat.

I like how the hat worked with this outfit. I'm not a hat person, but being out so often during the day lately I am loving hats just for the sun protection aspect! The nice wide brim helps keep baby T shaded a little when I baby wear too. Plus a bad hair day is really easy to hide....I might be converting to being a hat person!

Wore this out for a day at Southbank with my grandparents and family, and felt appropriately dressed up enough for a lunch at the restaurants nearby. It helps that the sleeveless shirt has a few sequins woven in too. Isn't it pretty? Another cute piece my mum brought back from Europe for me.


Last worn: sun hat, denim shorts, leather sandals, Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag (see above). First time I've worn the shirt.

Linking up with Let It Shine, Modest Mondays, Shoe & Tell, Mix It Mondays, Manic Mondays, Real Mom Style, Style Sessions, Trend Spin Linkup, Confident Twosday, Celebrate Southern, What I Wore, Wardrobe Wednesday today.

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Chambray Shift Dress, Skull Scarf | Printed Tank, Colour Block Maxi Skirt

Two more outfits as I'm enjoying the warmer spring weather and taking the chance to get out of the house with baby T, now that he's better.

Here's what I wore to go to the doctors:

Sunglasses: Cotton On 'Risky Business' sunglasses in sky blue
Scarf: Alexander McQueen modal skull scarf in white/pink
Dress: Ezra chambray shift dress (on sale here)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs


Headed out to the doctors again with baby T for another check-up. Wore a shift dress as it was a warm day, but added a scarf for a little bit of colour. As I was babywearing, I wanted something simple and lightweight. It can get a little hot on warm days with baby strapped to me!

Picked the pink scarf as I really like the combination of blue and pink together. Hoping I can keep wearing my scarves for a little longer as we move into spring. I feel I didn't make the most of winter fashion-wise as I was indoors with baby a lot. Much more fun, but it did mean I didn't wear as many winter clothes as usual! I bought this dress back in winter, and it was hard to get a lot of wear out of it then, but it is going to be reached for a lot now in spring when I don't have to layer.


Last worn: blue sunnies, pink skull scarf, chambray shift dress, Havaianas.

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Here's what I wore to have a picnic at the beach:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers
Tank: Emerson crochet lace bib print top
Skirt: Asos colour block maxi skirt in red (on sale!)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs


Since baby T was feeling a lot better, we went out for a family picnic at the beach. It was a wonderful day, so nice to get outside into the sunshine and relax. Perfect public holiday weather, and Baby T had his first play in the sand too! He loved it.

I thought that the red in this printed tank would look nice with the red colour block skirt. I liked the combination of the skirt and a printed top last time too. So glad that I purchased this skirt, it's becoming one of my go-to pieces! The only thing I didn't like about this outfit was the fact that I forgot my sun hat - luckily we set up the picnic blanket in some shade.

This is the first time I've worn the tank without a baby bump! Looking up the last time I wore thins and seeing my pregnancy photos is rather fun. Last time I wore this tank I was in the third trimester and taking advantage of its loose style to fit my growing bump. It's nice to be able to wear it tucked in now for a change, I didn't have that option while pregnant.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, crochet detail tank, ombre maxi skirt, Havaianas (see above).

Boots and Skinny Jeans: Printed Shirt, Grey Tee

Ended up taking photos with boots and skinny jeans twice in a row! I really like wearing boots and jeans in cooler weather, it doesn't last long here in Queensland.

Here's what I wore to visit family and go shopping:

Sunnies: Rayban new Wayfarers
Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette
Top: Jeanswest 'Ruby' mixed print shirt
Jeans: Jeanswest 'Fiona' skinny leg pant in shiraz
Shoes: Acne pistol boots in "skin"


It's the first time I've worn this shirt on the blog, but not the first time I've worn it. I bought it back when I was still pregnant and Jeanswest were having one of their 40% off sales. For those early days of breastfeeding, a button up shirt over a breastfeeding singlet is a great outfit idea when you have to get out of the house and you want to feel dressed up. I just wasn't organised enough when I wore it to get a photo for the blog.

Wore the shirt this time with skinny jeans and ankle boots, just like the suggested styling idea on the site. Was such a nice outfit, even if I didn't fully think it through. Baby T was being babysat by family as I had a few errands to run in the morning, and then we had a family BBQ in the evening. When I went to leave baby for a few hours I realised that I hadn't brought a bag for my own things - they were just in the baby bag! Ended up carrying my wallet and phone around in the morning, wishing I'd thought a little longer about what I was doing to have realised I'd need a handbag for when the baby bag was left behind. Just too used to going out and about without a handbag now I guess.


Last worn:Ray-Ban wayfarers, burgundy skinny jeans, Acne pistol boots. First time I've worn the shirt on the blog.

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Here's what I wore to spend the morning at the beach:

Sunnies: Rayban new Wayfarers
Jacket: Just Jeans dark brown cropped cotton trench coat 
Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette
Tee: Grey v-neck tee with rolled sleeves
Jeans: Jeanswest blue skinny jeans
Shoes: Asos Cleo leather boots in tan
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff coated canvas mini MAC in berry stripe


This tee is becoming my beach wear tee! Wore it to the beach last time too. It was a much colder and windier day this time around, but we went to out local dog beach despite the weather. It gave baby T his first chance to see the sea - after he slept through it the last time - and let Cooper stretch his legs and run off-leash. We left the baby bag in the car and wore baby in his carrier, so I made sure to take a handbag with me this time to have somewhere to store my camera and phone as we walked. Didn't want to make the same mistake as the day before! A cute little clutch was all I needed for the essentials.

The boots seemed like a good idea that morning to keep my feet dry and warm as we walked along the sand, as it was much too cold to go for a dip. We ended up walking in a lot of muddy and wet sand as the tide was out though, so leather boots were not the best choice. My feet stayed dry, but the boots look a little worse for wear! There are one or two days a year I wish I had Wellington boots, this was one of those days.


As this is the second wear of the grey tee from my August purchases and I'm trying to review what I buy, the final verdict:
I love this tee. I've only worn it with denim so far, but I know from experience that it pairs well with skirts too. Having this tee in other colours meant this purchase was always going to be a keeper, and something I knew I would wear. I'm really pleased I could score it on sale, as it's always been sold out in my size every time I've seen it previously. Very pleased with this purchase! I've actually worn it more often than I've taken photos of it, such a good tee.


Last worn: Wayfarers (see above), cropped trench coat, grey oversize tee, skinny jeans, Asos Cleo boots, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC.

Grey Tee, Pink Leopard Print Jeans | Tie Dye Maxi Dress, Blue Cardi

Here's what I wore to spend the day with my mum and sister:

Sunnies: Rayban new Wayfarers
Scarf: Alexander McQueen modal skull scarf in white/pink
Tee: Grey v-neck tee with rolled sleeves (new purchase)
Jeans: Portmans pink leopard print skinny jeans
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs pretty nylon Eliz-A-Baby bag


I like pairing pink and grey together as much as I do pink and blue! Very happy to be able to squeeze back into these jeans post-baby, they are such a fun statement pair. I used to have a grey leopard print jean as well, but I donated those and held onto these.

I wasn't too sure about the print on the scarf worn with the jeans, but my sister told me it looked okay. Glad I listened to her, I really liked this outfit. We went out to have lunch at the bayside, so the scarf was a good extra little something to kept the chill off. It was baby T's first time by the sea, but he was asleep for most of it, cuddled up with his auntie in the baby carrier. Such a lovely day, and a great lunch.


Last worn: Wayfarers, skull scarf, leopard print skinnies, mouse flats, Marc Jacobs baby bag. First time I've worn the tee as it's a new purchase.

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Here's what I wore to have a friend over:

Sunglasses: Cotton On 'Risky Business' sunglasses in sky blue
Cardi: Jeanswest long blue drape cardigan
Dress: Jeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
Shoes: Nine West fascinate ballet flats in silver glitter


I love looking back and seeing the baby bump when I look up the last time I wore things. When I last wore this dress I was 39 weeks pregnant!

One of the ladies in my mother's group is starting up her own skincare business, and was looking for guinea pigs to practice on. I jumped at the chance for a pamper session! My mother in law and I had a really nice morning at home getting a free facial.

Ended up with a very blue outfit! Just wanted something easy to wear as I was really tired as baby T had been a little grouchy overnight, so wore a maxi dress with a cardi for warmth. Last time I wore a similar longline cardi with a maxi skirt I didn't like the way it looked, but I thought it looked nice left untied with the maxi dress this time. Maybe as the maxi dress has that elasticated section? Comfortable and practical outfit for a pamper session anyway :)


Last worn: blue sunglasses, blue cardigan, grey tie dye maxi dress, glitter flats.



Linking up with Style Confessions, Fab Favourites, Passion for Fashion, Casual Friday, Throwback Thursday, Sunday Funday today.

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Day at Stradbroke Island, Funkita Swimwear and Sale Code!

Here's what I wore to go to Stradbroke Island with friends today:

Sun hat: Big W bow detail hat
Sunglasses: gifted Cotton On 'Kirsten sunnie' in yellow
Tee: Marc by Marc Jacobs blossom pocket tee in grey
Skirt: AT by Atmos&Here Mars maxi skirt in white and navy (New purchase)
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Lodinatt two level canvas bag in Ivory and Red C/O Lodinatt (not pictured)


Last worn: sun hat, yellow sunnies, Marc Jacobs grey tee, Converse, Lodinatt bag. First time I've worn the skirt as it's a recent purchase.


On the beach of course I just wore my awesome Funkita bikini. And tried to keep my sunhat on my head, fought quite a battle with the wind through the day! Thankfully the sun was kinder and came out from behind the clouds early in the morning.

This bikini is so good, it's the 'Garden party' print from the Pixel Mix collection. Such a nice print for summer, and everything stayed in place as we jumped around in the waves (some of which were really big!) Sadly, no photos of it in action in the sea as we were swept off our feet a few times and it was quickly determined to be unwise to consider bringing electronics anywhere near the choppy water!


If you're in the market for new swimwear yourself with the warm Spring/Summer weather arriving, Funkita have a sale on at the moment. 25% off to help with preparation for the 25th December, haha! You just need to use the code 'FUNKYXMAS' at checkout to get 25% off. Lots of prints and styles on sale, and I'm definitely planning to add to my swimwear collection.

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Casual Friday, Work Christmas Party, Family Day at the Beach

Bit of a long blog post today - 3 outfits!

Here's what I wore to go to work on casual Friday:

Sunglasses: gifted Cotton On 'Risky Business' sunglasses in sky blue
Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in grey marl
Jeans: Jeanswest 'spoylt' super skinny jeans
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Balenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete


Last worn: blue sunglasses, grey tee, Jeanswest jeans, Converse, Balenciaga giant day bag.


Then in the evening I got changed for DH's work Christmas party. It was really nice! Smart casual dress code again, just like last year. And again, I went with a maxi dress as a simple option :) We took photos beforehand which I was grateful for as I only had my phone at the venue and the lighting was bad for pics.

Necklace: gifted silver spiral
Dress: French Connection Meadow jersey maxi dress in black
Shoes: Balenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap from Reebonz


Last worn: French Connection maxi dress, Balenciaga studded sandals, vintage Chanel flap bag.

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Finally, here's what I wore today:

Sunglasses: gifted Cotton On 'Kirsten sunnie' in yellow
Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette
Dress: gifted Rivers Aztec print dress
Belt: Asos skinny pale yellow belt
Shoes: gifted black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

My sister wore:
Sunglasses: Jay Jays
Dress: Asos strappy sundress in giraffe print
Shoes: Havaianas with two-tone straps


Spent some time at Wellington point with the family today. We had a delicious BBQ lunch and then went for a walk over to King Island. By the time we were walking back to shore it was already pretty windy and we could see lightning in the storm clouds in the distance, so it was time to call it a day and take shelter. The wind might have been a bit much for Cooper in the end too, haha!


Last worn: yellow sunglasses, Aztec print dress, pale yellow belt, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton neverfull.

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Tropical Coast Retreat Long Weekend: Maxi Dresses, Louis Vuitton Neverfull, Sun Hat

Here's what I wore on Sunday:

Sun hat: Big W white bow detail sun hat
Sunnies: gifted Cotton On 'Risky Business' sunglasses in sky blue
Dress: JayJays feather print maxi dress
Shoes: Cotton On thin strap thongs in black (not worn in photo)
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull


Sunday was fantastically relaxing! We were staying in the NSW hinterland for the long weekend. We ventured to the coast to spend time by the beach in the morning, and back to base for some time by the pool in the afternoon. :) We even got to watch the whales leaping in the ocean as we sat on the beach.

Linking up with My Style Monday, Style Sessions, Trend Spin Linkup, What I wore Wednesday, Fashion Informant, Spotlight Weekly Linkup, Casual Friday today.


Last worn: sun hat, blue sunglasses, feather print maxi dress, Cotton On thongs, Louis Vuitton neverfull.

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Here's what I wore today:

Sun hat: Big W bow detail hat
Sunglasses: gifted Cotton On 'Kirsten sunnie' in yellow
Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette
Dress: Three Dots stripe maxi dress
Shoes: Cotton On thin strap thongs in black
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull


Another maxi dress! Below is what I packed for the trip: bikinis, dresses and a clutch and sandals for evenings out. It seemed like the most hassle free way to pack for the weekend. We had a lovely last day and an interesting trip home. All three of us (DH, Cooper and I) had a blast at the Tropical Coast Retreat. I uploaded a few photos on facebook if you want to see some of what we got up to. :)

What I packed: Louis Vuitton Neverfull, Sun hat, Louis Vuitton Keepall 50, 
RM silver mini MAC, Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals, metallic toiletry bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs make up case, books to read, 
Ripcurl, Roxy and Kiargo bikinis, the two maxi dresses I wore above, and 2 pairs of sunglasses.


Last worn: sunhat (see above), yellow sunnies, pink stripe maxi dress, Cotton On thongs (see above), Louis Vuitton Neverfull (see above).

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Trench, LBD, Tan Flats, Alexander Wang Rocco | Wildfox Skeleton Tee, Skinnies, Rebecca Minkoff MAC

Here's what I wore to work on Monday:

Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
Dress: Jeanswest tucked ponte black dress (New purchase)
Belt: Black embossed belt that came with the dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs Logo Plaque flats in camel
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Alexander Wang Rocco with gold hardware in dark argon


This dress was another of my Jeanswest sale purchase from May. I knew it would be perfect for work, it was another one of those pieces I'd had my eye on in store but was patiently waiting for it to go on sale. I don't like paying full price for things ;) And since the temperature has dropped, the trench coat returns. It will be making frequent appearances this winter!


Last worn: trench coat, tan flats, Alexander Wang Rocco bag. First time I've worn the dress on the blog as it's a recent purchase.


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Here's what I wore to spend the day with my mum today:

Sunnies: gifted Cotton On 'Kirsten sunnie' in yellow
Top: Wildfox Skeleton black tee with long sleeves (with Kmart black tank layered underneath)
Jeans: Jeanswest blue skinny jeans
Shoes: gifted black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAC bag in deep purple

Greatly amused a lady who walked past Cooper and I today as she exclaimed "even the dog has a skeleton!". I hadn't noticed, but Cooper and I coordinated with our matching long sleeve skeleton bones tees.

Had the day off work today to relax and spend time with my mum. We headed up north to the beach to relax and chat, it was a great day. Of course it was windy on the beach, so crazy hair for photos, haha! I figured I'd put up with beach hair to have the 'excitement' of a different background ;)

Although it's winter, I'm still gonna be a real Queenslander and wear my thongs (flip flops) as long as possible! Nice casual outfit for walking along the beach and doing a spot of shopping, relaxed outfit for a relaxed day.


Last worn: yellow sunnies, skeleton tee, skinny jeans, thongs, Rebecca Minkoff MAC.


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What I Wore: New Years Day and Beach Outfit

Happy New Year!

Here's what I wore yesterday to spend the day at my in-laws and have a BBQ on new year's day:

Sunnies: gifted Cotton On 'Kirsten sunnie' in yellow
Earrings: Chanel vintage camellia dangling charm earrings
Necklace: Indigo Rose Design feather, quartz and love charm long necklace
Bracelets: the usual plus Chloe Paddington crystal charm bracelet from Reebonz offline sale, two metal and fabric Indigo Rose Design bracelets and gifted Ferragamo double wrap bracelet
Top: Marc by Marc Jacobs blossom pocket tee in grey (on sale, new purchase)
Skirt: Cotton On metallic lace tulip skirt in frosted almond/silver
Shoes: Asos metallic Freestyle leather sandals
Bag: Balenciaga envelope clutch in 2012 mangue with giant 12 RGGH from Reebonz

Close up of accessories and clutch:

Had a nice relaxing start to the year at my in-laws house with a BBQ and some games. I wanted to wear this skirt and also wanted to carry my Balenciaga clutch, so I tried a mix of gold and silver with this outfit. I'm not sure it really worked, wouldn't pair this skirt and clutch together again. Was pleased with the photo location though - wearing a blossom tee under beautiful purple blossoms!


The sunnies were last worn here, skirt here, shoes here and bag here. This is the first time I've worn the tee as it is a recent purchase.

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And here's what I wore to spend some time on the beach with DH today:

Hat: Big W white bow detail sun hat
Sunnies: gifted Cotton On 'Kirsten sunnie' in yellow
Bracelets: the usual trio
Dress: Zara Printed bib front tunic dress in black
Shoes: Gifted black slim Havaianas thongs (carried in my hand to walk along the sand)
Bag: Lodinatt two level canvas bag in Ivory and Red C/O Lodinatt

So pleased that today had the perfect beach weather after our plans were rained out last week. We headed down to the gold coast to relax and soak up some sun. Although we got stuck in traffic on the way there, the perfect beach weather more than made up for it. Took this photo on our way back to the car so please excuse the wet beach hair! Wore my Zara tunic dress over my bikini to cover up and keep my shoulders hidden from the sun.


The sunnies were last worn here, dress here, thongs here and bag here.

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