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:

Earrings: A 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 necklaces, gifted frangipani necklace, and For King & Country Priceless Australian coin and crest necklace
Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
Shoes: NineWest "Quicken" wedges in natural
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
Bag: Chanel 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 wear: pink maxi dress worn 30 ways, nude wedges and lace dress, vintage Chanel bag and jeans.

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

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More Quilted Handbags:

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What I wore:

Necklace: Nibbly Bits BB plum silicone teething necklace (C/O)
Dress: Jeanswest 'Sierra' embellished black maxi dress (on sale!)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Christmas bow bracelet (with bells!) and Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
Bag: Rebecca 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 wear: embellished 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 pregnancy: embellished maxi dress at 39 weeks, Rebecca Minkoff quilted love bag in third trimester.

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Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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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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Festive Outfits: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and 2016 Budget

Although there is a fairly large pile of outfit photos waiting to be posted I figured I'd best share my festive outfits before 2017 arrives. Also wanted to share the spending total for 2016 as my last post for the year too.

My 5 year blogaversary is this weekend, so come back Monday for a special post to celebrate. You can enter my Charlotte Tilbury giveaway on youtube in the meantime.

What I wore:

Dress: festive glitter Santa tee

Shorts: Jeanswest Trinity Bermuda denim shorts (currently on sale, 40% off!)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Mulberry Lily in maroon metallic suede leopard (get it in pink!)

Why I wore it:

The traditional Christmas tee for our family Christmas eve celebrations. I've worn this tee every year since we started the novelty Christmas tee tradition. Even while pregnant!

I have been playing along with two December style challenges on instagram so brought out this pretty but rarely used Mulberry Lily bag to meet the December Wear What Where challenge. It was last worn 3 years ago! I wear it so sparingly as it's so delicate being metallic suede, and it's so special to me. The glitter in the tee was perfect for the DAREcember challenge too.

A nice casual and comfortable outfit for a day down the coast listening to Christmas music, doing Christmas craft and of course making Christmas cookies! One of which toddler T left out for Santa that night.


Last worn: Santa tee, Bermuda denim shorts, Havaianas, Mulberry leopard print Lily bag. 

Other ways to wear: Christmas tee trio, Bermuda denim shorts and khaki tank, Mulberry leopard print Lily bag and maxi dress. 

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What I wore:

Dress: Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress (new purchase)

Shoes: slim gold Havaianas
Bracelets: the usual plus gifted Tous pink and cream bracelet
Bag: Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap (same in pink, and beige)

Why I wore it:

This was my outfit for Christmas day. After present opening and lunch and naps for the boys we headed over to the in-laws for the afternoon and dinner.

I got this dress after seeing it on two people on Instagram in quick succession. My sister called as I was scrolling through and she had just left Kmart, so I asked her to go back and get it, ha! I wasn't sure how practical it would be for breastfeeding in, but the adjustable straps kept coming undone and sliding off my shoulders unprompted anyway! I spent more time pulling it up than pulling it down for feeding. I'm hoping it behaves a little more and the straps stay in place next time I wear it, as it really is such a pretty dress.

Last worn: Havaianas, vintage Chanel bag. First time I've worn the dress as it's a new purchase.

Other ways to wear: vintage Chanel bag at 39 weeks pregnant.

2016 Budget

As this is my final post for the year, an update on my spending budget.

In 2014 I set myself a goal to wear everything I buy at least twice in a month after buying it. I was frustrated by how many items I was discovering in my wardrobe with tags on! Earlier this year I changed the goal to wear things twice in the month I buy them. It meant I spent less near the end of the month as I had to be really sure I was going to wear things twice in quick succession. It was a good tool to slow my spending even more.

There were some exceptions to the wear twice in a month rule. Most recently, a stunning trench coat I picked up for over $100 off in the Cyber Monday sales that is not going to get worn in a Queensland summer!
The items I bought early in December weren't worn as much as they could have been after staying in hospital with baby boy for two weeks. I have bought a lot at the end of December in the boxing day sales that probably won't even arrive until January so anything I keep from those orders will fail that test too. I'm still pleased with how this rule has helped me think more critically about what I've bought over the year though, and will be continuing to use it.

What I bought in December:

• Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress (worn once, above)
• Jeanswest Monica MAC trench coat in Indigo (not worn)
• Jeanswest Tory textured shirt (worn once)
• Jeanswest Luxe maxi jersey skirt (not worn)
• Jeanswest Peri drape sleeveless jacket (not worn)
• Atmos & Here Amorita jersey assymetric skirt (not worn)
• Atmos&Here Arlette Jersey Wrap Dress (not worn)
• Atmos&Here Avery chambray shirt dress  (not worn)

Some of the above might be returned if it doesn't fit or work as well in my wardrobe as I imagined, but I've included it in the total spend in case I keep it all.

What I Bought in 2016

My monthly spending posts for the year: January, nothing in February or March, April, May, June, No buy July, August, No Spender September, October, November.

Over 2016, I spent $1,824.11. The majority of that was in the first 6 months of the year, but it works out as an average of $152 a month. Doesn't sound a lot, but when you add it up it looks pretty large! For 2017, my goal is to spend less. I'm pleased I spent less in the second half of the year. January (post-Christmas sales!) and June (start of winter) were my biggest spending months in 2016.


Did you track your spending for the year? How did you go?


Linking up with Weekend Wear, Passion for Fashion, Budget Bloggers, Friday Faves, Let It Shine.

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Final Pregnancy Outfit: Maxi Dress and Vintage Chanel Bag

This is the last pregnancy outfit I took photos of for the blog! While baby arrived a couple of weeks ago, I've been sharing the backed up outfit photos.

I've mentioned before, when I had baby T, that dressing to care for a newborn is all about just finding something clean to wear and doesn't really make for blog worthy outfits. Most of the time you want to stay at home anyway, and not get dressed up and go out. Having a little backlog of outfit posts has let me relax and not feel any pressure to get back into 'normal' clothing, and embrace the pyjama days and newborn snuggles as much as possible. Adjusting to two under two is a big change, blogging has not been at the front of my mind.

What I wore:

Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace layered with Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace

Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Kmart thin black glitter belt
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Disney Couture Winnie the Pooh bangle
Bag: Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap

Why I wore it:

Wore this out for a date night with hubby. Back in the first trimester, I'd optimistically booked tickets to a show just a few days before my due date. My reasoning was that I didn't want to be stuck home feeling sorry for myself, missing a sold-out show and being heavily pregnant. When I didn't go into labour the day of the show or the day after, I was glad I'd bought the tickets! It was nice to get dressed up for an evening and enjoy spending some time together before our second son arrived.

I don't see myself using my vintage Chanel bag when looking after a baby and a toddler, so it was good to have a reason to use it before packing it away for a little while.


This dress has been worn a lot over both my pregnancies, and afterwards too as it's nursing friendly. It was nice to take a final pregnancy photo in it, although I didn't know it at the time!

Thank you for following along with my pregnancy journey.


Last worn: Mothers En Vogue maxi dress, black glitter belt, Havaianas, vintage Chanel flap bag.

Other ways to wear: maxi dress and a Louis Vuitton scarf, glitter belt over a cardigan, vintage Chanel flap bag for a house party.

Linking up with A Labour of Fashion, Throwback Thursday, Fashion Files, Thursday Moda, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Flashback Fashion, Fab Favourites, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Shoe & Tell, Let It Shine, Hello Monday, Modest Monday.

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Want more outfit inspiration and advice on how to come up with a wardrobe plan for your pregnancy? The ultimate guide, How to Have a Stylish Pregnancy On a Budget is available now!

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Second Trimester Evening Outfits: Jersey Maxi Dresses & Pregnancy Weight Comments

As much as I love a good singlet and shorts combo for being pregnant over summer, you can't beat the simplicity of a maxi dress for looking put-together. They are perfect for feeling dressed up enough for going out for dinner, while still being incredibly comfortable and accommodating to a baby bump.

What I wore:

Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace layered with thrifted pearl and heart charm long necklace
Dress: Jeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
Shoes: Balenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH (on sale!)
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow sunburst wrap bracelet in cobalt and Disney Couture Winnie the Pooh bangle
Bag: Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap

Why I wore it:

This is what I wore to hubby's work Christmas party. We went out for dinner, and I had planned to wear one of my dressier non-maternity maxi dresses, but quickly found I couldn't squeeze the bump into it! Clothes that zip up are generally are not pregnancy friendly. Tried on a few and settled on this one instead. Stretchy jersey so I knew it would fit (I wore it through the third trimester last time) and I just added some glam accessories with my vintage Chanel bag.


Last worn: tie dye maxi dress, Balenciaga studded sandals, vintage Chanel flap bag.

Other ways to wear: tie dye maxi dress without a baby bump, Balenciaga studded sandals and a chambray dress, Chanel bag and a purple maxi dress.

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 Marvellous maxi dresses under $50:

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What I wore:

Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette layered with Chanel necklace
Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Louis Vuitton "comete" bandeau scarf
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes pink clic clac
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

We had a dinner out with friends booked for a while and I was looking forward to it, but so much more after the Christmas party the night before. There were a lot of 'you're huge!', 'it must be twins!' and 'are you sure it's not twins?' comments from strangers at the party and it was getting to me a little, with all the pregnancy hormones! While my OB reassures me I'm measuring right on track, I still think I look a couple weeks bigger than at the same point in pregnancy with baby T. I know you'll always look bigger in subsequent pregnancies too as your abdominal muscles aren't as taught as they were the last time, but so many comments seem designed to put pregnant women down for the natural and normal weight gain that comes along with growing another human.

I am completely in awe and so grateful for a growing baby, and I'd happily have a belly twice the size if that means baby is growing as it should. Being pregnant is a blessing I am thankful for every day. It still stings a little to be constantly told how huge you are though, especially at a time when emotions are already a little unstable!
I don't want to appear ungrateful, I just want to highlight that there are nice ways to say things and not-so nice ways to say things and that when someone is pregnant suddenly all the weight comments start flying, with very few filters. Commenting that the bump is growing nicely or has gotten bigger since you last saw it is a lot politer than saying that pregnant women swell up like massive puffer fish, haha.

It was awesome to put on a pretty dress I knew I would fit, look good in, and laugh and joke with my friends for the evening. I am so blessed to have friends that know exactly how to compliment a pregnant lady, giant baby belly and all ;)


Last worn: purple maxi dress, Louis Vuitton bandeau, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: maxi dress in winter without a baby bump, Louis Vuitton bandeau worn in hair, studded sandals and denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC and skinny jeans.

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The Asos 70% off sale includes some really pretty dresses if you're after some more maxi dress bargains.

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Linking up with Fab Favourites, Flashback Friday, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Link Up, Let It Shine, Shoe and Tell, Modest Monday.

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Happy New Year! Festive Maxi Dress Outfits With a Sequin Scarf and Quilted Bags

Happy new year!

I can't believe this post marks 4 years of blogging! 863 posts, countless outfits... thank you all for following along and supporting me. Thank you to everyone who reads what I write, who leaves a sweet comment, and who adds value to my blog. It's readers like you that have encouraged me to keep this blog going each year. I truly value your friendship and thoughtful comments.

I've enjoyed being able to share my real everyday style with you over the years. In a world of perfectly posed, professionally shot and photoshopped pictures, I've enjoyed sharing my quick little snaps taken before I leave the house each day, puppy and toddler photobombs sometimes included! It's been wonderful reading along with all my blog friends too. I highly recommend you check them out.


While trying to wear more of my wardrobe and think more about what I buy, I hope I've inspired you to try to wear more of your wardrobe and to re-wear and remix what you already own. Through my numerous outfit fails, I've shown that not every outfit is perfect. Not everything is or has to be perfect, despite appearances on social media. Fashion is all about fun - or we wouldn't have so many pretty things stuffed in our wardrobes! So enjoy what you own, have fun with what you wear, and remember that at the end of the day clothes are only clothes. We get to take them off each night and start fresh every morning.

Here are your favourite OOTD shots from 2015 too, my #2015bestnine:

Outfit posts:

printed maxi dress | singlet and maxi skirt |  print mixing

kimono and denim shorts | purple tee and maxi skirt | cosy yellow scarf

purple maxi dress: still to be blogged | pink and burgundy | maternity shorts and maxi cardi

2015 has been a big year, here's hoping 2016 is bigger and better and full of everything you wish for!



Figured now was a good time to share my Christmas outfits - I added some sparkle to them with my sequin scarf worn as a belt. A great accessory for a maxi dress, and anything with sequins seems so perfectly festive for Christmas and New Years.

What I wore:

Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace layered with Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace

Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: white and silver sequin scarf worn as a belt
Shoes: Asos 'five star' leather sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus silver charm bracelet
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey (get an extra 40% off at Rebecca Minkoff with code 'BYE2015'!)

Why I wore it:

We were lucky enough to celebrate Christmas twice this year! For previous years we've visited both sides of the family on the same day, but this year was just like last year and more relaxed with each family celebrating on a different day. This is what I wore to celebrate early with hubby's side of the family. I wore this maxi dress last year on Christmas day, without the baby bump, but as we didn't visit hubby's family that day I figured I could re-wear it for this year. I made it a little different by swapping the belt for my sequin scarf. Accessories are so great for making 'new' outfits out of old favourites!


Last worn: purple maxi dress, sequin scarf, Asos leather sandals, Rebecca Minkoff love bag.

Other ways to wear: maxi dress layered up for winter, sequin scarf as a headband, Asos leather sandals and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff love bag and skinny jeans.

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Where to buy pretty sequin scarves:

And pretty sequin snoods:

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What I wore:

Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace layered with Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace

Dress: Jeanswest 'Sierra' embellished black maxi dress (on sale!)
Belt: white and silver sequin scarf worn as a belt
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats (new purchase)
Bracelets: the usual plus silver charm bracelet and Disney Couture Winnie the Pooh bangle
Bag: Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap

Why I wore it:

This was what I wore for Christmas day. I had really liked wearing the sequin scarf as a belt previously, so thought I'd add it to this dress too. It already has a pretty embellished neckline, but Christmas is a time for sequins and shimmer and glitter! I gave it a go and was pleased that it didn't feel like too much sparkle. We spent the morning at home together and then headed over to my parents for lunch and more present opening.


Last worn: embellished maxi dress, sequin scarf, vintage Chanel bag. First time I've worn the flats as they are a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: embellished maxi dress and a denim jacket, sequin scarf with a printed tank, vintage Chanel bag and jeans.

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The Asos sale continues, and with further reductions it's now up to 70% off!

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Linking up with Fabulous Friday, Fab Favourites, Passion for Fashion, Labour of Fashion, Shoe and Tell, Hello Monday, Let It Shine, Modest Monday.

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June Dress Week: Printed Maxi Dress Day and Night with Ankle Boots

Two different outfits with the same printed maxi dress! Showing you what I've recently worn for the June Dress Week style challenge, and what I wore for a house cooling party on the weekend.

I'm doing the #JuneDressWeek2 challenge with my blog buddy Kiki from According to Kiki. You can follow along with us on instagram: @kikimincks and @awayfromblue, or through our blogs.

What I wore:

Scarf: Alexander McQueen modal skull scarf in white/pink

Jumper: thrifted blue Mossman knit jumper (new purchase)
Dress: Thrifted JayJays teal paisley print maxi dress
Shoes: Acne pistol boots in "skin" (on sale!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC with python embossed leather in aquamarine (on sale here!)

Why I wore it:

The style challenge for the day was 'take me away'. You can see how Kiki interpreted the theme here. I went with a maxi dress as it's the perfect piece for a holiday, take me away to the sun! Unfortunately it's cold, rainy and winter in Brisbane so I layered up a little with a cosy knit and a scarf. Comfortable for working from home and doing the day care drop off/pickup too.

As it's the second time I've worn this maxi dress since I bought it, my purchase review:
I'm so glad I bought this. I mentioned when I bought it and when I last wore it that I used to have something really similar when I was younger, in black. Every time I look at this dress I become more and more convinced I have owned it before, just in black and in a smaller size. I haven't had any luck finding an old photo of it though!
I love this dress. It's hard to say if it's because this dress is a great piece on its own or if it reminds me of the black one I outgrew years ago, but I love it either way. I wasn't really looking to add another maxi dress to my collection but I am so glad I did pick this one up, I can see it getting lots of wear in the warmer months especially. It's not a colour I'd normally go for, but since my wardrobe detox and getting 'my colour palette' done I've been branching out a little more with colour and this dress is perfect. So happy with this purchase.


Last worn: pink skull scarf, teal maxi dress, Acne pistol boots, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: skull scarf in spring with chambray dress, colourful maxi dress with a bright pashmina, pistol boots and printed shorts, aquamarine mini MAC bag with skinny jeans.

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What I wore:

Necklaces: silver spiral necklace layered with Tai gold alphabet necklace and Dogeared silver wishbone necklace (on sale!)

Cardi: no label black long cardi
Dress: Thrifted JayJays teal paisley print maxi dress
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots
Bag: Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap

Why I wore it:

I wasn't sure what to wear for a 'house cooling' party on the weekend. I didn't want to be too cold but I didn't want to dress too casually in jeans. I have been wearing maxi dresses a lot lately, and not just because I'm doing dress week style challenges. They are the perfect option for 'there is no dress code' events. They work for kid's birthday parties as well as grown up house parties.

It gave me another excuse to wear this printed maxi dress too, and although I wore it a few days after the outfit I posted above, I thought it would be a nice side-by-side post to show a day and evening look with the same dress. I did wish I'd worn a scarf or a thicker jacket with this - it was quite chilly in the evening, although we were warm enough once we got inside. Since I had the cardigan on I layered up some necklaces instead of bracelets, to add some accessories.

Leaving My Wardrobe: Black Cardigan

This cardigan has never been seen on the blog, that I could find. It's a piece I used to have in my desk at work for when the air conditioning got cold. Unlike my other cardigans, I don't enjoy wearing this one. It's not the best quality and it isn't the most comfortable to wear. I do have another black cardigan I haven't worn in years, despite enjoying wearing it, so there is no point keeping this one I don't like wearing. It is leaving my wardrobe.


Last worn: teal printed maxi dress (above), vintage Chanel flap bag. First time I've worn the boots as they are a new purchase, and first time I've worn the cardigan on the blog.

Other ways to wear: colourful maxi dress with a bright pashmina, vintage Chanel bag with another printed maxi dress at 39 weeks pregnant. 

Linking up with Friday Favourites, Passion For Fashion, Feature Friday, Fashion Friday, Mix It Up Friday, Favourite Fashion Friday, Casual Friday, Flashback Fashion Friday, Fashion Friday, Fab Favourites, Shoe and Tell today.

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Maxi Dresses and Handbags: Casual Catch Up and Christmas Party

Here's what I wore to catch up with some other mummies:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers
Dress: Jeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Balenciaga classic double tour bracelet in pearly grey
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Little Ukita bag in Rock Lobster


Wore this maxi dress out to the babies group at the local library to catch up with all the other mummies. I like wearing maxi skirts and dresses to this event each week as when I sit down on the floor with baby T, the dress makes an impromptu mat for baby T, if I've forgotten to include one of his little tummy time rugs in the baby bag!

This wasn't how I originally wore the maxi dress though. I usually tuck the elastic panel in under itself when I wear this dress (like here), and belt it so it stays in place. It makes it the perfect length for me. I was in such a rush that morning that I forgot to belt it. So I stood up holding baby T, and nearly tripped on the hem of the dress as I did so. I quickly tied a knot in the bottom of the dress to keep it off the floor, and wrapped a hair tie around it to keep it in place. I actually kinda liked the look when I got home! Not the most perfectly executed knot, but it stopped me tripping over myself and it was nice to wear this dress a little differently from the usual! Held in place when I went grocery shopping afterwards too.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, tie dye maxi dress, Havaianas, Marc by Marc Jacobs little Ukita bag.

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Here's what I wore for a Christmas party:

Necklace: House of Harlow Dynamic necklace in gold
Dress: Jeanswest 'Chantelle' crochet detail blue printed maxi dress (on sale!)
Shoes: Balenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH
Bracelets: the usual plus gold bangle set
Bag: Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap from Reebonz


Another Jeanswest maxi dress! I like how easy maxi dresses are to style - you can wear them casually or dress them up a little. Wore this out to hubby's company's Christmas party. The venue and dress code was a bit more relaxed than previous years, but since I've always worn a maxi dress to this event each year, I figured that there was no need to break with tradition by wearing anything else! I spotted quite a few other maxi dress wearers there too, it's always a good choice for a party.

I wasn't sure about the black Chanel bag with the blue dress, but as I so rarely get the chance to get dressed up for an evening now with baby T, I thought it best to wear the bag when I knew it would be safe from inquisitive little hands ;) Just realised that I wore this handbag on my last evening date with hubby - our anniversary dinner the week before baby T arrived! I did try wear it frequently when I first got it, but I think if I want it to stay in good shape for another 30 years (it's an oldie!) then it's best to keep it to special occasions.


Last worn: printed maxi dress, Balenciaga sandals, vintage Chanel flap bag.

Linking up with Passion for Fashion, Fab Favourites, Modest Monday, Let It Shine today.

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