Showing posts with label Frocktober2015. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Frocktober2015. Show all posts

Friday 20 November 2015

Finishing Frocktober: Boho Dress, Jeans and A Tee. Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote

My final October outfit! I had a bit of a backlog of outfit pictures before I started the Frocktober challenge, and I wanted to post them before I started sharing all of my Frocktober outfits. Mainly because it's a nice timeline of the development of the baby bump. Thanks for sticking with me while I wrapped up posting the old outfits.

What I wore:

Away From Blue | Jeanswest boho chelsea printed dress second trimester baby bump

AwayFromTheBlue | Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum purple closeup of Cooper adopted Shih Tzu
DressJeanswest 'Chelsea' printed dress
BeltAsos skinny pale pink belt
ShoesBalenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes pink clic clac and purple Salvatore Ferragamo 'Vara' leather bow bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in blue!)

Why I wore it:

My favourite dress to finish up Frocktober! Just a relaxing Saturday, spending some gift cards we found that expired that day, and going out for lunch.

It was an interesting challenge. If it had been one of the instagram style challenges I like to play along with, I would have given up a long time ago! It was only because I'd set myself a #31Days31DifferentDresses to fundraise for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation that I kept going, as so many people had generously donated to encourage me.

I did a Frocktober wrap up post here. There were some outfits I loved, some I hated, and despite hoping I'd be able to clean out my wardrobe a little by getting rid of dresses that no longer worked for me, so very few dresses actually left my wardrobe! With many generous supporters, I managed to triple my initial fundraising target and raise over $600 for such a good cause. Thank you.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, boho print dress, pink belt, Balenciaga sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote.

Other ways to wearboho print dress layered up for autumn, pink belt with a LBD, Balenciaga sandals and a back maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote with a maxi dress.


Shop more Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bags:






What I wore:

Away From The Blue | Second Trimester SAHM Style Kisschasy Final roar band tee skinny jeans

AwayFromTheBlue | Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum purple
Tee: Kisschasy the final roar band tee
JeansJeanswest maternity super skinny jeans in antique blue
Shoes: Big W purple thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow sunburst wrap bracelet in cobalt
Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in mint!)

Why I wore it:

I was so excited to wear my maternity jeans after Frocktober! I wore my jeans and pants as much as possible in the early stages of my pregnancy with the help of a belly band, but I was really missing my maternity jeans. I knew as soon as I wore them the secret would be out, especially here on the blog, and I wanted to keep the secret to myself a little longer.

It was so good to wear these - comfortable and practical for a morning at playgroup with the toddler. I wore my Kisschasy band tee I'd picked up at their final Brisbane concert too. Toddler T and I both wore our graphic tees!


Last worn: Ray-Ban wayfarer (above), Jeanswest maternity jeans, purple thongs, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote (above). First time I've worn the tee as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: maternity skinny jeans and a newborn, purple thongs and shortspurple Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote with a black dress.


Linking up with Fab Favourites, Flashback Fashion, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Modest Monday.



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Wednesday 18 November 2015

Frocktober: Blue Printed Dresses - Work and Weekend with Gold Necklaces

For the final days of the Frocktober challenge, I'd saved some of my favourite blue dresses to wear. I'm sharing dresses 29 and 30, for work and weekend. I wore them both with gold necklaces!

What I wore:

Away from Blue | Spring Second Trimester Office Wear Aztec print dress ankle boots

AwayFromTheBlue blog | Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown
JacketJeanswest Cassandra jacquard jacket
NecklaceHouse of Harlow Dynamic necklace in gold
DressJeanswest Aztec print dress
Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
ShoesAsos airtime leather Chelsea boots in tan
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagMarc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

Last time I wore this jacket (pre-Frocktober) I wore it with blue too, and the same accessories! I really like the jacket and the dress, so although they are both 'busy', I wanted to wear them together. It looked much better than the last time I tried to wear this jacket with a blue printed dress I think!

This dress is one of my favourites for work, and I'd saved it for near the end as it fit in the third trimester last time so I knew I'd definitely be able to wear it in the second trimester.

Wore this to MC a Frocktober frock fashion parade at work. Wearing my favourite colour, blue, always calms me and wearing a dress I'm happy and confident in even with a growing baby bump helped me be a little less nervous, as I hate public speaking. All the 'models' did so well, took the attention off me so I could relax a little more and we raised a lot for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, which was wonderful!


Last worn: metallic boucle jacket, gold glitter belt, Aztec print dress, Asos Chelsea ankle bootsMarc by Marc Jacobs Fran.

Other ways to wearboucle jacket casually with a maxi skirt, gold glitter belt and a maxi dress, Aztec print dress in the third trimester, Asos Chelsea ankle bootsMarc by Marc Jacobs Fran with a pencil skirt.


Shop more gold necklaces under $100:



(some of these would be great Christmas gifts!)


What I wore:

Away From Blue | Second trimester SAHM style blue printed maxi dress baby bump

Away From Blue |  Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum purple with blue maxi dress
Necklace: Happiness Boutique turquoise and coral pendant necklace (C/O)
Dress: Jeanswest 'Chantelle' crochet detail blue printed maxi dress
ShoesIkwetta 'Circles of life' sandals (C/O)
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow sunburst wrap bracelet in cobalt
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum

Why I wore it:

I had to save a maxi dress for near the end of the challenge! It's been a few months since I last wore this dress too, as I last wore it for toddler T's first birthday party!

I wore this during the day, my sister and I took toddler T out for a morning of fun. We went to rhyme time at the local library, and spent a while inside an indoor playgrounds (I carried a pair of socks for me in the baby bag for that, as you have to wear socks). We had lunch together then took a very tired but happy toddler home to nap.

In the evening, I got changed into yet another dress! I hadn't had a chance to wear it during the challenge, was keeping it as one that would work for the office if I ran out of dresses, so it was good to squeeze in a wear. My sister and I went out to see one of our favourite bands we loved growing up, doing their final gig in Brisbane. I've shared my love for Kisschasy before, and they did play my favourite 'Strings and Drums' song as part of their set. It was a bittersweet show.


Last worn: blue printed maxi dress, Ikwetta sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag.

Other ways to wear: blue printed maxi dress for a Christmas party, beaded sandals with a leopard print dress, purple bag with a black maxi dress.


Linking up with Wednesday Wearables, Pleated Poppy, Style Me Wednesday, Oh Hey Girl, What I Wore, Fashion Files, Throwback Thursday, Fun Fashion, Weekend Link Up.




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Monday 16 November 2015

Frocktober: MbMJ Fran Bag, Dresses For The Office And Working From Home

Sticking with the outfit posting format I was using during October while sharing my Frocktober outfits, another two dresses in the order I wore them. Even if they are both very different looks, they do have the Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag in common I guess.

What I wore:

Away From The Blue | Second Trimester Office Wear Leona Edmiston Fern print dress boucle blazer

AwayFromBlue | Workwear Marc By Marc Jacobs Carob Brown Fran Bag
NecklaceHouse of Harlow Dynamic necklace in gold
Dress: Leona Edmiston Jemima fern print dress
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
BagMarc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

Last time I wore this dress, I hated the outfit, despite the good response it received online. This time around, I liked it much better! I've worn this dress in the second trimester before so I was confident that I could still fit into it, and so wasn't in a rush to wear it at the beginning of the Frocktober challenge. It really came in handy on this day when I was starting to worry I'd outgrown all my work appropriate non-maternity dresses.

It's funny comparing the pictures of when I wore it the second trimester before to now. I can definitely see that the baby bump is bigger this time around. It's always going to be that way with a second baby, but it's interesting having side by side photos to compare it to! Also gave me a giggle to see I'd worn it in a very similar way - same necklace, Marc Jacobs bag and black ballet flats!


Last worn: boucle blazer, Leona Edmiston fern print dress, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag.

Other ways to wearboucle blazer in autumn, Leona Edmiston fern print dress hiding a first trimester baby bump, ballet flats and tights in winter, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag with pants in the office.



Away From Blue | Marc by Marc Jacobs Handbag Selection Shopbop




What I wore:

Away From Blue | Second Trimester Non maternity dress Zalora Basics shift converse chucks

AwayFromBlue | Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown
DressZalora Basics faux leather placket red shift dress
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
BagMarc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

While it was warm and sunny in the morning, it got cold and rainy in the afternoon so the scarf was a welcome addition. I had to work from home in the morning and then had an OB appointment in the afternoon, after my appointment the week before was cancelled as there were too many ladies having babies and requiring the OB's attention! I slipped shorts underneath for that, but you can't see them in the pic.

I wasn't too impressed with the first time I wore this scarf, so I was eager to try it again. I preferred it worn this way, I twisted it a little to make it look less bulky. I wasn't sure about the red and yellow at first, but decided to give the colour combination a try.


Last worn: yellow scarf, red shift dress, white Converse, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran (above).

Other ways to wearyellow scarf with a navy printed dress, red shift dress layered up for winter (my favourite outfit with this dress), Converse and a maxi skirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag for the office.

Linking up with Mix It Monday, Classy Monday, Style Sessions, On Trend Tuesday, Turning Heads, Wardrobe Wednesday, Wednesday Blog Hop.


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Wednesday 11 November 2015

Frocktober: Jeanswest Black Maxi Dresses, Purple Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote Bag

Getting closer to the end of October, I started to wear all the maxi dresses I'd been 'saving' for later in the Frocktober challenge. I ended up wearing my two black maxi dresses back to back.

What I wore:

Away From Blue | Second Trimester Spring outfit denim jacket black maxi dress

AwayFromTheBlue | Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum spring black maxi dress outfit
Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
DressJeanswest 'Sierra' embellished black maxi dress (on sale!)
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum | Shop more Rebecca Minkoff bags

Why I wore it:

I really like this maxi dress for the little embellishment along the neckline and the side split, it makes it just a little different from a plain black maxi dress. I used to have a plain black maxi dress, but I got rid of that one in my wardrobe when I bought this one.

This was a nice outfit for song time at the local library with toddler T and then dinner with the in-laws after Church Online. I picked the denim jacket as I needed another layer to keep me warm in the air conditioning, and it also met the #myStyleOctober prompt of 'old faithful', as I bought this jacket such a long time ago, when I was a uni student! I'd wanted to participate in more prompts for #myStyleOctober as well as doing my own #31Days31DifferentDresses challenge, but with a limited wardrobe of dresses and trying to make sure I had enough to wear that would accommodate the baby bump, it wasn't always possible.


Last worn: denim jacket, embellished maxi dress, metallic mouse flats, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote.

Other ways to weardenim jacket with a maxi skirt, embellished maxi dress with short hair in autumn, metallic mouse flats and flares, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote and a colourful maxi dress.


Shop more black maxi dresses at Shopbop (starting from $26.40!):

Away From Blue Blog | Shopbop Maxi Dress Selection Under $200


1 & 2: Bop Basics maxi dresses | 3 & 4: Three Dots maxi dresses | 5: Lovers + Friends maxi dress
(All above are under $200!)



What I wore:

Away From Blue | Black halterneck maxi dress casual playgroup outfit second trimester

AwayFromTheBlue | Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag cross body in plum black dress printed cardi
CardiJeanswest brown marle waterfall cardigan
Necklace: thrifted pearl and heart long necklace
Dress: thrifted black Jeanswest halterneck maxi dress
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Nicole by Nicole Miller bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum | Shop more Rebecca Minkoff bags

Why I wore it:

Despite wanting to reduce the number of dresses I own during this challenge, like the majority of the other dresses I've worn, I really liked wearing this and so it's staying in my wardrobe. Was perfect for a morning at playgroup with the toddler, although I did end up taking the cardi off when the sun came out for the day.

Unlike the maxi dress I wore the day before (above) this is a very plain black maxi dress. As I thought last time I wore it, I didn't get to wear it twice in a month after buying it, which indicates it wasn't a needed addition to my wardrobe. It was part of a $2 bag in the fill a bag for $2 sale at the local op-shop though so I've held onto it. As it's only it's second wear now and I bought it in May.... my purchase review:

I know I don't need this dress, I already have a black maxi dress I love (above) and this one I just like, so I should let it leave my wardrobe. But the bargain price and the fact that it's a classic black maxi dress are making me want to keep it. It's staying in my wardrobe. Even if it's not going to be a forever piece, it's definitely going to fill a need during my pregnancy! Not the smartest or most necessary purchase, but one I'm happy to have.


A quick video review of my Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote too, as I forgot to do it on it's second wear:



Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, brown marle cardiganblack maxi dress, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (above).

Other ways to wear: cardigan and skinny jeans in autumnblack maxi dress layered up for winter, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote and a printed maxi dress.


Linking up with Pleated Poppy, Fresh Fashion Forum, Style Me Wednesday, Oh Hey Girl, Throwback Thursday, Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Shoe and Tell, Let It Shine, Hello Monday, Modest Monday.



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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Monday 9 November 2015

Frocktober: Casual and Classy Dresses

Another two of my Frocktober fundraising challenge outfits. A nice casual shift dress for working from home and a fancier lace LBD for the office to tie in with our team fundraising theme for the week.

What I wore:

Away From Blue | Spring Shift Dress yellow Love Quotes scarf Ikwetta sandals Balenciaga day bag

AwayFromTheBlue | Balenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete with yellow scarf
Dress: Zara printed bib front tunic dress
Shorts: (under dress) Cotton On blue denim shorts
ShoesIkwetta 'Circles of life' sandals (C/O)
Bracelets: the usual plus Balenciaga coated stud wrap bracelet in icy blue
BagBalenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete

Why I wore it:

I wore this the same day I took the video of my Shopbop sale purchases. I was so excited to wear the scarf right away! It does look a bit big though....hoping I can figure out how to tie it better and get some more wear out of it (it's only linen) before the weather heats up too much here in Brisbane. I'd bought it without checking the measurements as it reminded me of a scarf I had my eye on in the July sales, when I was doing #noBuyJuly. That scarf sold out before July was over and I could shop again. I'd been looking for a yellow scarf since, so was excited to pick this one up!

I worked from home and had an OB appointment in the morning, so I had to put some shorts under the dress so I had a little bit of modesty intact when the OB was checking baby's progress.


Last worn: Zara navy shift dressdenim shorts, Ikwetta sandalsBalenciaga day bag. First time I've worn the scarf as it is a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: Zara navy printed dress layered up for winterdenim shorts with a striped dress, Ikwetta sandals and a maxi dressBalenciaga day bag with shorts.




Away From Blue | Shopbop casual and classy dresses picks under $100


What I wore:

Away From Blue | Second Trimester Office Wear Lace Dress Mulberry Alexa

AwayFromTheBlue | Mulberry regular Alexa bag in foggy grey
Necklace: freshwater pearl necklace layered with Tai gold alphabet necklace
DressJeanswest 'Gisele' contrast lace dress
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagMulberry regular Alexa bag in foggy grey

Why I wore it:

Although I'm only in the office 2 days a week, I've managed to get quite a few of my colleagues excited about Frocktober. We've been trying to get group pics as we go along, as we email them around to the department with updates on our dress wearing and fundraising progress. This day, someone suggested we should all try wear our best LBDs, and the final picture was awesome. Wish we had come up with a weekly theme sooner! Maybe next year.

I'd worn this dress in the third trimester before so I was confident I'd still be able to fit into it, and so I'd been keeping it in reserve for the later days of the end of the challenge when I suspected I'd be running out of dresses that fit! Was grateful to have something I knew I would be able to wear.


Last worn: black lace dress, black ballet flats, Mulberry foggy grey Alexa bag.

Other ways to wear: black lace dress for a work party, black flats and skinny jeansMulberry Alexa with jeans and a tee.

Linking up with Let It Shine, Shoe and Tell, Hello Monday, Classy Monday, Mix It Monday, Turning Heads, On Trend Tuesday, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday, Wednesday Blog Hop, Whatcha Wearing Wednesday, Pleated Poppy.


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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Saturday 7 November 2015

Frocktober: Blue. Printed Dresses and Balenciaga Tempete Day Bag

Continuing with playing catch up with my Frocktober outfits here on the blog, two different printed dress outfits. A casual one, and another for the office. Days 19 and 20 of the challenge!

I wore a different dress every day in October to participate in Frocktober and raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. While I was sharing what I wore each day on instagram, I've been a little behind with blogging the outfits.

What I wore:

NecklaceHouse of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
DressJeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Balenciaga coated stud wrap bracelet in icy blue and old blue bead bracelets
BagBalenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete

Why I wore it:

I really enjoyed wearing a maxi dress the day before, so decided to wear another one the next day to go to playgroup with toddler T. I was a little worried all my shorter dresses would be too short for playing with a toddler, with the growing baby bump. This was perfect.

Also pulled out one of my favourite bags - my Balenciaga tempete day bag, for a bit of a boost as I was starting to feel a little over wearing dresses after nearly 3 weeks! All for a good cause though.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, tie dye maxi dress, Havaianas, Balenciaga Tempete day bag.

Other ways to weartie dye maxi dress worn knotted, Havaianas in autumn, Balenciaga Tempete day bag and skinny jeans.


Beautiful blue printed dresses under $50:







What I wore:

Away From Blue | Second Trimester Office Wear French Connection Paisley print sheath dress

AwayFromTheBlue | Balenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete
Necklace: rectangle pendant necklace
DressFrench Connection blue Paisley print dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
Bracelets: the usual plus two beaded Sportsgirl Butterfly Foundation bracelets, Roie Designs swarovski crystal bracelet, and old blue beaded bracelets
BagBalenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete

Why I wore it:

Although I'd quickly outgrown most of my zip up dresses for work and put them away, I'd kept this blue one and the same style in orange out, as I figured they had a bit more space around the belly region and should fit the bump well. I'd planned to wear the orange version to the office on this day, but found out that I couldn't zip it over the bump any more! Even though I'd tried it on a couple of days before! Luckily this blue one has a little more stretch to it so I was just able to squeeze into it. I really liked wearing this outfit.

The fact that I'm wearing 31 different dresses in a month and that I've outgrown a large number of them and still have enough dresses left to wear a different one every day, shows how much of a hoarder I am! I knew I had more than 31 dresses, but it's crazy to think I can wear a dress every day for a month and still have some left over. There's no need to have that many dresses! I was really expecting to get rid of more dresses through the challenge, but so far I've liked pretty much every one I've worn.


Last worn: French Connection paisley print dress, camel flats, Balenciaga tempete day bag (above).

Other ways to wearFrench Connection paisley print dress and ankle bootscamel flats and denimBalenciaga tempete day bag and shorts.



Linking up with Modest Monday.



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Thursday 5 November 2015

Frocktober: Printed Dresses, Sun Hats, Rebecca Minkoff MAM Bag. Weekend Wear

Two more Frocktober dress outfits. Some colourful printed dresses for the weekend, where we spent time out in the sun so my trusty sun hat was needed. I balanced out the bright prints with a neutral bag.

I spent October wearing a different dress every day to raise money for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. While I shared a picture every day on instagram, I'm just a little behind with blogging what I wore. I'll temporarily be back to blogging 3 times a week to get through the backlog of daily dress photos.

What I wore:

Away From Blue Blog | Asos red leopard print dipped hem smock dress belted pregnancy

Away From Blue | Second Trimester Baby Bump Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey
Hat: Big W bow detail sunhat
DressAsos red leopard print dress with dipped hem
Belt: C/O Poppywinkle brown weave belt
ShoesIkwetta 'Circles of life' sandals (C/O)
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes Kelly double tour bracelet in rubis
BagRebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey | Shop more Rebecca Minkoff bags

Why I wore it:

Had been planning to wear a maxi dress, but decided to wear this cute red leopard print dress instead. We are hosting a frock swap in the office to raise more funds for Frocktober, and I figured I could bring this dress to the swap. Wanted to give it one last wear before I did so. It's ordinarily a very flattering cut, but doesn't look the best with a baby bump. Belting it higher over the bump helped a little. I did enjoy wearing this out to a school fete, but I'll take it to the swap anyway and see if there is anything on the racks I prefer more.

I have a little red dress, I have a animal print dress, not really sure if I then need another that combines both of those things! I've gotten 9 wears out of it in the 3 years I've had it, so it's not as frequently worn as my other dresses. If there's one thing that Frocktober is showing me it's that I own many more dresses than necessary, I need to start getting rid of some! Swapping an old one for a new-to-me one is a good start.


Last worn: sunhat, red leopard print dress, braided belt, Ikwetta sandals, Rebecca Minkoff grey MAM.

Other ways to wearsun hat and denim shorts, red leopard print dress and a striped bag, braided belt with a shirt dress, Ikwetta sandals and a maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff grey MAM and a maxi skirt.



Although the Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag (MAB) has been continued, there are still some great Rebecca Minkoff bags available (including the 'sister' of the MAB, the MAB tote!).

Get these Rebecca Minkoff bags at Shopbop.





What I wore:

Away From Blue | Spring Heatwave Outfit Sunhat feather print maxi dress grey crossbody bag

AwayFromTheBlue | Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB MAM bag soft grey
Hat: Big W bow detail sunhat
NecklaceHouse of Harlow 5 station necklace in black and silver
Dress: JayJays feather print maxi dress
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs (on sale!)
Bracelets: the usual
BagRebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey | Shop more Rebecca Minkoff bags

Why I wore it:

This was the maxi dress I had planned to wear the day before (above) when I picked the red leopard print dress instead. Was perfect for a morning out at a family friendly festival. This dress is one of the ones that the stylist suggested should leave my wardrobe during my wardrobe detox session. I know that I do have plenty of maxi dresses, but I refuse to let this one go. I'm much too attached to it. It's one of the older pieces in my wardrobe - so old I can't remember when I bought it - so I'm going to end up wearing it until it falls to pieces I think! It's one of those pieces that always works and looks great: pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy, post-pregnancy and now in pregnancy again.

Same accessories as the day before. The sun hat protects my face and shoulders nicely from the sun on a day out and the grey bag goes with everything. I have no idea why Rebecca Minkoff discontinued this style, the MAM is a wonderful bag. There are still lots of cute Rebecca Minkoff bags (and I certainly own a few!), I just haven't found anything similar to the MAM.


Last worn: sun hat (above), feather print maxi dress, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff MAM (above).

Other ways to wearsun hat for sightseeing, feather print maxi dress on the beach, Havaianas and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff MAM in the office.



Linking up with Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Flashback Fashion, Friday Favourites, Passion For Fashion, Fab Favourites.


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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Tuesday 3 November 2015

Frocktober: Jeanswest Boho Maxi Dresses - New Summer Collection

When I was doing Frocktober, I was contacted by Jeanswest to have a look at their new boho summer collection. When I had the chance to pick a few pieces I knew dresses would be perfect, as I could wear and enjoy them right away. I was spoiled for choice too, the collection has some wonderful dresses! I picked two stunning maxi dresses that I hoped would fit the baby bump nicely.


I'm sharing these ahead of some of the other Frocktober outfits I wore as Jeanswest have a 40% off storewide sale on at the moment!

There are only a few days left of the sale, so hurry! Simply print or show the flyer on your smartphone in-store to get the discount. You can get the discount just by being a rewards member too and using your rewards card or signing into your account online - you can join for free online if you're not already a member.


What I wore:

Away From Blue | Second trimester jeanswest Heather textured maxi dress in eggshell purple RM bag

Away From Blue | Accessories: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum, statement cuff
ShoesIkwetta 'Circles of life' sandals (C/O)
Bracelets: the usual plus statement cuff gifted from my bestie on other wrist
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (new purchase)

Why I wore it:

Wanted to keep the accessories simple. This dress has a gorgeous tie detail at the neckline so I picked a bold statement cuff to wear instead of a necklace. the only downside to this dress is that it creases a little through the day - as you can see in the pics. But it was nice and breezy and comfortable for an early morning start and a day down the coast with toddler T and my sister. I think I can get a few more wears out of this as it accommodates the baby belly well, despite not being a maternity dress.

I wasn't too sure about the colour combination with the eggshell and plum together, but I was so excited to wear my new bag I went for it anyway. I really liked the pairing when I wore it.


Last worn: Ikwetta sandals. First time I've worn the bag and dress.

Other ways to wear: beaded sandals with a leopard print dress.



Shop my pick of the best pieces from the Jeanswest summer Boho Collection:



Away From Blue | Jeanswest Boho Summer Collection 2015 top picks


(click the image to go directly to that piece, or use the text links below)




What I wore:

Away From Blue | second trimester: Jeanswest Gigi printed maxi dress shorter length purple bag

Away From Blue | Rebecca Minkoff purple mini MAB tote plum with blue pink printed maxi dress
ShoesIkwetta 'Circles of life' sandals (C/O)
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (new purchase)


Why I wore it:

I asked for this dress a size larger than normal so it would fit the baby bump, as it has a hidden zipper. I did have to pull the fixed waist up a bit higher over the top of the bump though. I know I'll have more chances to wear this after baby arrives, even if I can't squeeze into it again as the bump grows. I'm still so glad I got this dress, it's beautiful and looks even better sans bump. It is a regular (non maternity) dress after all.

The purple bag worked so well with the pink and blue print of the dress, despite really liking my outfit the day before (above) I liked this one even more! This dress is definitely my favourite piece from the whole collection - even with all the wonderful blue printed tops and tanks. I like that it comes in a shorter length too, the Heather maxi dress above I'll need to get hemmed once I don't have the baby bump pulling the dress up.

The Donna crochet trim dress is another stand out piece in my opinion. I decided not to get it in the end because an entirely white dress, with being extra clumsy during pregnancy and looking after a toddler, isn't the best choice! Looks awesome in the promo video though, and even better in person. The body is lined too so it's not sheer, but it's a light (viscose cheesecloth) material so it's perfect for the summer heat.


Last wornIkwetta sandals (above), Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote (above).

Other ways to wear: beaded sandals and a printed maxi skirt.


Note: prices above are before the 40% discount. Sign into your rewards member account online to get the sale prices.

Some of the items in this post were given to me to review. As always, all opinions and outfits are my own.


Linking up with Turning Heads, Inspiring Bloggers, Style Sessions, Tuesday Fashion Party, Wardrobe Wednesday, Whatcha Wearing Wednesday, What I Wore, Pleated Poppy, Fresh Fashion, Style Me Wednesday, Oh Hey GirlMomfluence, Throwback Thursday, Thursday Fashion Files, Weekend Linkup




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