Frocktober 2015 Wrap-Up! #31Days31DifferentDresses Style Challenge

I managed to wear an incredible 32 different dresses in October in order to raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, even with the developing baby bump meaning I outgrew a few dresses in my wardrobe.


Thank you to everyone who donated! I was amazed that despite my modest $200 goal in the beginning, I raised over $600 for the cause! Thank you so much.


I wanted to do #31Days31DifferentDresses to fundraise for research into ovarian cancer. One woman dies every 10 hours from ovarian cancer. There is no early detection test, so people are often diagnosed when it is too late and the cancer has spread. More research could develop an early detection test, change those statistics and will make a difference.

While my challenge is wrapped up and done and I'll probably be staying away from the dresses for a while and enjoying the rest of my wardrobe, I'll still be posting some more outfits from the month on the blog into November. I couldn't let Frocktober end without a final wrap-up and call for donations though!


Below are my #31Days31DifferentDresses outfits, with a bonus 32nd dress!

With this first set of dresses, I was still trying as best as I could to hide the baby bump in photos. It was unmissable in person though!

Outfit Posts:

1-2: Printed dresses and Marc By Marc Jacobs Bags

3-4: Weekend dresses and yellow Rebecca Minkoff swing bag

5-6: Planned and unplanned dresses: SAHM style and office wear

7-8: Botanical print and stripes and comparing online

In the second week of the challenge, I was beginning to feel a little frustrated with having nothing but dresses to wear, and a little concerned with how many dresses I was having to set aside as I'd outgrown them. I began to organise my little capsule wardrobe a bit better to make sure I'd have enough to wear for the month, which lead to me wearing some dresses I wasn't feeling comfortable or confident in, just because I wasn't sure I'd fit into them in a few days.

Outfit Posts:

9-10: Printed dresses and Balenciaga bags

11-12: Kimonos and blue dresses. My favourite outfits from the challenge!

13-14: Black and grey dresses with bright accessories

15-16: Blue printed dresses for work and weekend (and the first dress to leave my wardrobe)

By the third week I was outgrowing even more dresses and was glad I had so many roomy maxi dresses in my wardrobe! I was also very kindly given two beautiful new maxi dresses from Jeanswest which gave me some more options.

Outfit Posts:

17-18: Weekend dresses, sun hats, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag

19-20: More blue printed dresses and Balenciaga Day bag

21-22: Casual and classy dress outfits

23-24: Jeanswest boho maxi dresses

The final stretch of the challenge! I'd saved a few favourite dresses for near the end, knowing I'd be feeling a bit large with the growing baby belly, and a little fed up by the lack of choice each day. Despite this, I even managed to wear an extra dress when I got changed for an evening out.

Outfit Posts:

25-26: Jeanswest black maxi dresses, purple Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote

27-28: Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag, dresses for the office and working from home

29-30: Blue printed dresses for work and weekend

31-32: Finishing Frocktober!

There was just one dress that I still fit into that hadn't been worn in my wardrobe, not counting the maternity dresses I hadn't pulled out yet and the dresses I had to quickly set aside as they didn't fit a second trimester baby bump. So yes, I do have a lot of dresses!


Thank you again to everyone who donated - through my fundraising page or other means. Your advice, outfit ideas and inspiration, kind comments, and of course donations encouraged me to keep going with the challenge.

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Frocktober: Work and Weekend: Blue Printed Dresses and Rebecca Minkoff Bags

Although Frocktober may be over, I'm only at the halfway mark for sharing my Frocktober fundraising outfits! Dresses 15 and 16 were both blue. I was starting to get a bit fed up with dresses at the halfway mark, so picked some blue dresses to wear to give me a bit of a boost. It's my favourite colour and it would be easy for me to wear it all the time!

Any minor wardrobe resentment I have during my #31Days31DifferentDresses challenge is nothing compared to what ovarian cancer sufferers have to face every day. I'm wearing a different dress every day to raise funds for Ovarian cancer Research Foundation, and every donation helps. Thank you to everyone who has supported me!

What I wore:

Necklace: Chanel necklace

Dress: Target Dannii Minogue Petites printed wrap dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs labradorite bracelets
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

I'd set this dress aside earlier in the challenge as a work dress (trying to make sure I had enough office appropriate dresses to see me through Frocktober!) and figured I'd better wear it now before the bump gets much bigger! It was definitely a squeeze. Will be packing this dress away for after baby arrives, won't be able to wear it again in pregnancy.

I didn't feel this looked great at all. Trying to fit a second trimester baby bump into a regular non maternity dress doesn't always work well, especially for one as form fitting as this. But it got a bunch of compliments in the office and it was the most liked instagram pic so far for my Frocktober challenge, so maybe I'm just missing something!


Last worn: geometric print faux wrap dress, studded mouse flats, Rebecca Minkoff MAM.

Other ways to wear: geometric print dress layered up for winter, studded mouse flats and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff MAM and a maxi skirt.

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Shop more blue printed dresses under $50:

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What I wore:

Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace
Dress: Atmos&Here Polly navy polka dot shirt dress
Shoes: Ikwetta 'Circles of life' sandals (C/O)
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff striped coated canvas mini MAC in berry stripe

Why I wore it:

After not feeling happy or confident with my dress the day before, I picked a recent favourite to wear the next day to cheer myself up. I bought this dress just 6 months ago, and this is its 5th wear. Unfortunately, it's also its last wear.

I was feeling a bit restricted in it (due to the baby belly!) and kept tugging at it through the day, debating if I should add this to the office frock swap. I'd decided to keep it (button downs are great for breastfeeding), when I got home later that afternoon and realised it had torn. Wearing a baby bag, a toddler on your hip and then tugging the dress that was riding up back down means at some point during the day it had ripped irreparably at the seams.
I'm sad to see it go after so little wear, I really don't feel I got my money's worth. But on the plus side, it was only a small tear, and I didn't end up having a complete wardrobe malfunction and flashing my undies to anyone!

Leaving my wardrobe: Atmos&Here Polly navy polka dot shirt dress

Links to outfits: one, two, three, four.


Last worn: polka dot shirt dress, Ikwetta sandals, Rebecca Minkoff canvas stripe mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: polka dot shirt dress with tall boots, Ikwetta sandals and a maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff canvas stripe mini MAC with a red printed tank.


Linking up with Let It Shine, Shoe and Tell, Modest Monday, Mix It Monday, More Pieces of Me, Hello Monday, Turning Heads, On Trend Tuesday.

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Frocktober: Black and Grey Dresses and Bright Accessories

Two more Frocktober outfits, one I wore to the office and the other to work from home. I'm wearing a different dress every day in October to raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Research foundation. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far!

What I wore:

Necklace: House of Harlow 5 station necklace in black and silver

Dress: Jeanswest floral wrap dress (with pink Supre singlet underneath)
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
Bag: Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet

Why I wore it:

I rediscovered this wrap dress in my last pregnancy, so I was looking forward to wearing it again for Frocktober. Felt happy and comfortable in this all day. And I didn't need a jacket, unlike the last time I wore it in winter when I was layered up!

I had been talking with @therawedit on instagram about Balenciaga bags and it reminded me it had been a while since I'd worn my sorbet pink city bag. I pulled it out again and I've enjoyed wearing it the past few days! It's a great way to add some colour to a black and white outfit like this. I added a pink tank under the dress because I was wearing the pink bag.


Last worn: Jeanswest printed wrap dress, pink tank, black ballet flats, Balenciaga sorbet pink city bag.

Other ways to wear: Jeanswest printed wrap dress without a baby bump, pink tank under a printed top, black ballet flats and a maxi skirt, Balenciaga sorbet pink city bag in third trimester.

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More wrap dresses under $50:

More skater dresses under $50:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Kmart striped maxi cardigan

Scarf: Alexander McQueen red skull-print modal and cashmere-blend scarf
Dress: Asos grey skater dress (on sale!)
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots (on sale here!)
Bracelets: the usual plus Balenciaga classic double tour bracelet in pearly grey
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

Unlike the day before, it was a bit of a cloudy and rainy morning so an extra layer was needed. I wanted to add some colour with the scarf, although the striped maxi cardi kept me warm enough. Just thought I should add some colour after I swapped out the bright pink Balenciaga city bag for the neutral grey Rebecca Minkoff MAM. It's another bag that hasn't been worn in a while!

I wasn't looking forward to wearing this dress all, but knew I'd have to wear it at some point for the Frocktober challenge.  It's a lovely dress and normally I like it when I wear it, but while I was trying on outfits earlier in the second trimester (when I was still hiding the baby bump) I put this one on, and hated the way it looked with a baby bump. It also didn't hide the bump very well! I made a mental note to wear it on a quiet day where I wouldn't see a lot of people.

But after wearing this to work from home and do the day care drop off / pick up....have to say I really liked the way it felt and sat on the slightly bigger bump. Was really pleased with this outfit in the end, despite thinking I wouldn't enjoy wearing it.


Last worn: red skull scarf, striped maxi cardigan, Asos grey skater dress, black ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag.

Other ways to wear: red skull scarf with navy stripe dress, striped maxi cardigan with skinny jeans, skater dress layered up for winter, black ankle boots in winter with denim, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag in the office.

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Frocktober: Kimonos, Blue Dresses, Balenciaga Sorbet Pink City Bag and Monthly Purchases

First, what I bought in October. As I am doing Frocktober and wearing only dresses, I didn't buy any new clothes. I did buy a few accessories though! Using some store credit at Rebecca Minkoff, and taking advantage of the Shopbop sale in October. As the parcels arrived separately, about a week apart, I've got 2 'what I bought' videos instead of just the one!

What I bought from Shopbop:

• Love Quotes knotted tassel linen scarf in sunshine yellow
• Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum
• And a few little Christmas presents for friends

What I bought from Rebecca Minkoff:

• Ava quilted zip wallet in magenta
• star earring in silver

Some impulse buys in there, and two things (the bag and wallet) I'd been thinking about getting for a while. It was good to start doing some early Christmas shopping too!


Now, more Frocktober outfits! Two blue dresses this time. I'm challenging myself to wear a different dress each day in October as I take part in the Frocktober fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (tortoiseshell also on sale!)

Jacket: Shein cream lace kimono (C/O)
Necklace: Chanel necklace
Dress: Jeanswest Rachel Lyocell chambray dress (C/O)
Shoes: Asos airtime leather Chelsea boots in tan
Bracelets: the usual plus Edenborough Evans 'Ivy' silver cuff and enamel coated Marc By Marc Jacobs Katie bracelet
Bag: Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet

Why I wore it:

Shein were kind enough to let me pick something from their large range to try out, and I chose this lovely lace kimono. I think it would look great with jeans or shorts, and that's how I had pictured it. Of course, I can only wear dresses in October, so I tried the next best thing and wore it with this chambray dress. I actually quite liked the combination!

I gushed a lot about this dress when I first got it, and yet it hasn't been worn too frequently...it's not that I've fallen out of love with it, it's that I felt it was tricky to hide the baby bump in it! The dress is from the regular line, not the maternity line, but it still fits the bump nicely so hopefully I can squeeze in a few more wears before my belly outgrows it entirely.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, chambray dress, Asos Chelsea ankle boots, Balenciaga sorbet city bag. First time I've worn the kimono as it's a recent wardrobe addition.

Other ways to wear: chambray dress and a puple cardi, ankle boots in the office, Balenciaga sorbet city bag with a maxi dress and baby bump.

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More cute kimonos under $50:

Some crochet/lace ones for warmer days and cosier knitted ones for cooler days.

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What I wore:

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

Jacket: Jeanswest Peggie kimono cardigan in purple mulberry marle
Necklace: rectangle pendant necklace
Dress: thrifted JayJays teal paisley print maxi dress
Shoes: Ikwetta 'Circles of life' sandals (C/O)
Bag: Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet

Why I wore it:

Another blue dress! Well, teal, but close enough. I had been looking forward to wearing this dress as part of the challenge so much, I thought it would look great with the bump. And it does, but it was also very tight! I don't think I could have waited any longer to wear this. It's a lovely dress but doesn't have much stretch, so I won't be wearing this beautiful piece again until after baby's arrival sadly!

I figured I'd add a colourful cardigan to this for warmth in the morning, as I already had the colourful bag and shoes with it. There's purple in the print so the purple kimono cardi seemed like a great idea. I adored this outfit. Was perfect for spending the morning at playgroup with toddler T, and sharing our baby news with all the ladies we hadn't caught up with over the playgroup break.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers (above), purple kimono cardi, teal printed maxi dress, Ikwetta sandals, Balenciaga sorbet city (above).

Other ways to wear: purple kimono cardi layered up for a cold day, teal printed maxi dress in winter, Ikwetta sandals with stripes, Balenciaga sorbet city bag with monochrome outfits.


An update on my Frocktober progress:

A photo posted by Mica (@awayfromblue) on Oct 17, 2015 at 1:47am PDT

There is still time to donate! Your donations and support can help so much. There is no early detection test for ovarian cancer like there is for other cancers, your donation funds much needed research.

Linking up with What I Wore, Budget Bloggers, What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl, Throwback Thursday, Fashion Files, Weekend Link Up, Fun Fashion Friday.

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Frocktober: Balenciaga Bags and SAHM Casual Daytime and Evening Printed Dresses

Continuing on with the Frocktober outfits. I'm doing a #31Days31DifferentDresses challenge and wearing a different dress every day in October to raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Research.

Every donation helps! Thank you to everyone who is donating to this great cause.

What I wore:

Hat: white knitted beanie 

Scarf: Alexander McQueen modal skull scarf in white/pink
Dress: Atmos&Here navy stripe tee dress
Shoes: Asos airtime leather Chelsea boots in tan
Bracelets: the usual plus Edenborough Evans 'Ivy' silver cuff
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

It was a little chilly, so perfect time to wear one of my warmest dresses. And since it was Hat Day too, I was able to meet the #myStyleOctober challenge of 'hattitude' by wearing a cosy beanie. Layered up with a scarf as well as it got quite cold with the wind and rain.

I was so grateful to be wearing this dress, and not just for the extra warmth. The dress has a longer hem in the back that comes in helpful for toddler wrangling. I spent the morning at the accountants getting my tax done, having had to take toddler T along with me. Although he did sit there quietly 'reading' a book most of the time, every now and then he'd try running around. He managed to drop down and crawl under the accountant's desk at one stage!


Last worn: knitted beanie, skull scarf, striped tee dress, Chelsea ankle boots, Balenciaga Part Time bag.

Other ways to wear: knitted beanie in the office, pink skull scarf with blue and teal, striped tee dress in winter, Chelsea ankle boots and jeans, Balenciaga Part Time bag and denim.

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Shop more Balenciaga bags:

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What I wore:

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

Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace
Dress: Jeanswest grey snake print maxi dress
Shoes: Ikwetta 'Circles of life' sandals (C/O)
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
Bag: Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet

Why I wore it:

We went out for dinner in the evening with hubby's family, so I figured I'd wear one of my 'dressiest' dresses for the occasion. I'm trying to plan out the month so I'm not left with something completely inappropriate to wear near the end! Dinner out seemed like the best time to wear such a formal dress.

We weren't doing much earlier the day though, so I tried to dress this down a little, and settled on the denim jacket and casual bag. I've been wearing my Balenciaga bags a bit lately!

This dress hasn't been worn much - it's been almost 10 months since I last wore it! It's definitely staying in my wardrobe though. I just don't wear it much as I keep it for more formal occasions. I think it's perfectly okay to only wear a floor length formal dress a couple times a year. I expect my 'everyday' wardrobe to get worn a lot more though!


Last week I shared about the Shopbop sale, so I wanted to share with you all what I bought too. I picked up a couple things, after feeling like treating myself as I ended up doing #noSpenderSpetember!

What I bought:

• Love Quotes knotted tassel linen scarf in sunshine yellow
• Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum

Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, denim jacket, snake print maxi dress, Ikwetta sandals, Balenciaga sorbet city bag.

Other ways to wear: denim jacket and a maxi skirt, snake print maxi dress at 39 weeks pregnant, Ikwetta sandals and a maxi skirt, pink Balenciaga sorbet city bag in the office.


Linking up with Shoe & Tell, Mix It Monday, Trendy Tuesday, Turning Heads, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday.

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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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