Showing posts with label House of Harlow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label House of Harlow. Show all posts

Friday 3 July 2015

Baby's First Birthday Party: Blue Printed Maxi Dress

A couple of weeks ago, baby T turned 1! I shared some photos on instagram but a few people have been asking for a blog post, so along with what I wore I'm sharing some pictures and answering a few questions people had.


What I wore:

Away From Blue blog baby's first birthday party mummy outfit printed maxi dress
Dress: Jeanswest 'Chantelle' crochet detail blue printed maxi dress
Bracelets: the usual plus silver charm bracelet and House of Harlow sunburst wrap bracelet in cobalt

Why I wore it:

This is what I wore for baby T's first birthday party. The same formula I wore when we were guests at other first birthday parties - maxi dresses are perfect for so many occasions! I quickly took this photo about 5 minutes before the guests arrived, after everything was set up and the last of the food was in the oven cooking. As we had the party at home, I stayed home all day, setting up before the party, having the party and then cleaning up afterwards. So I just wore some cosy blue socks! No shoes, no bag. I did try do some eye makeup for the occasion following a tip I'd picked up at a Clinique counter a few weeks before.

Away From Blue blog First Birthday Party simple spread Baby T


There wasn't really a 'theme' for the birthday party, everyone kept asking if there was one. Blue is a theme right?! We had everything blue, including the cupcakes! I did spend some time considering buying a blue wig to wear too, but DH told me that was going a bit too far!

A photo posted by Mica (@awayfromblue) on



Most of our decorations were pictures of baby. As well as buying up every kind of blue birthday decoration at the local dollar store (also Kmart has a huge range!), every wall and door had some kind of photo theme going on. Some of the photos, like the wall of Cooper and baby T photos, we've left up after the party as they make us smile. Others we had printed out to give away to the guests with the photo holders in party bags alongside some lollies at the end of the day.


A photo posted by Mica (@awayfromblue) on


We had made plenty of floor space for everyone to sit down and play with baby, but that floor space was quickly filled up with all the gifts people generously brought. We asked people to fill in a 'birthday wishes' card so there was no pressure with gifts. It's hard not to go all out with gifts for a first birthday though!

It took more effort than I expected to plan and host a first birthday party, but it was worth it in the end. We just had finger food (pies, sausage rolls, sandwiches, fruit kebabs, cupcakes) so that all the prep was done up front. Once the food was served people could help themselves and I could concentrate on enjoying the day with friends and family and sharing stories about baby's first year. I'd filled out the baby books we got as baby shower gifts, so people were flicking through them during the party when they were letting others cuddle baby. We did the cake smash photos at the end of the day too.


A photo posted by Mica (@awayfromblue) on


It was wonderful spending the day surrounded by family and friends celebrating baby T's first birthday. He got lots of gifts and we had a lot of fun, but the absolute highlight of the day for me was when I had run upstairs to grab something after our first lot of guests arrived, and another group of people arrived. I looked down and saw baby's confused but happy face as the room filled up with even more people he knows and loves. The look on his face just made my entire day. Although he's a little too young to understand the concept of birthday parties, he has spent his first year getting to know and love his friends and family and he enjoyed having them all come together just to fuss over him. It's moments and days like these that are the best part of being a mum.

A photo posted by Mica (@awayfromblue) on


Last wornblue printed maxi dress.

Other ways to wearblue printed maxi dress in summer.




Linking up with Passion for Fashion, Casual Friday, Friday Favourites, Fashion Friday, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Modest Monday today.


Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram
 : LikeToKnow.It : Youtube 

Wednesday 17 June 2015

Skinny Jeans, Colourful Scarves and Rebecca Minkoff Bags

Still posting more of my Fox in Flats style challenge outfits from May. As the temperatures started dropping, I had to add some scarves as well. It's a nice way to add colour in autumn or winter. They are also easily washable for life with baby, although I haven't yet found a way to stop baby grabbing and tugging on them sometimes!

What I wore:

Turquoise scarf and bag purple skinny jeans converse printed tank casual mum outfit

Rebecca Minkoff aquamarine python snake embossed leather mini MAC bag
Scarf: Cotton On turquoise pashmina
NecklaceHouse of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
TankJeanswest 'Rowena' print tank
JeansJeanswest blackberry super skinny jeans
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC with python embossed leather in aquamarine (on sale here!)

Why I wore it:

I really liked the colour combination in this outfit! It's not the first time I've worn the bag and jeans together, but it's the first time I've worn the scarf and bag together. They go so well! I'll probably wear them together a few more times before winter is over...

The style challenge for the day was 'back track', so I wore this tank with the cut-out detail on the back. You can see it better on instagram. As I was taking the photos I was slowly realising it was much colder than I expected, much too cold for bare arms, so I had to run back inside and grab a jacket before we went out. Baby and I had planned to meet up with a mother's group in the park, but as I was running a little behind with all the errands I had to do that morning and I was worried how baby would cope in the cold, we decided to skip it and go home early.


Last wornturquoise scarf, printed tank, purple skinny jeans, Converse, RM aqua mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: turquoise scarf with a printed dress, printed tank and maxi skirt hiding a second trimester baby bump, purple skinny jeans in spring, Converse and spring dresses, mini MAC and a maxi dress.









What I wore:

awayfromblue casual SAHM playgroup outfit print mixing leopard scarf brown cardi skinny jeans boots

away from blue rebecca minkoff grey love crossbody bag
JacketJeanswest brown marle waterfall cardi
Scarf: Supre neon pink leopard print scarf
TeeAtmos&Here grey v-neck tee with rolled sleeves (on sale in black and in white)
JeansJeanswest Bindi skinny 7/8 jeans in indigo luxe
BootsAsos Cleo leather boots in tan
BagRebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey

Why I wore it:

The style challenge for the day was 'simple formula' which worked out well for me as it was another morning where I was running behind! The formula I went with was 'grey tee, skinny jeans and great accessories'.

I thought the scarf added a nice touch of colour, and some print mixing with the cardi. Just needed a cosy and comfortable outfit. Baby T and I went to the library in the morning, and then playgroup later on. It was good to be able to take off some layers as it heated up through the day.


Last worn: brown cardiganneon leopard print scarf, grey tee, skinny jeans, brown boots, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag.

Other ways to wear: leopard print scarf with a more casual skinny jeans outfit, grey tee and maxi skirt, skinny jeans with printed kimono, leather boots with a dress, grey RM bag and neutral outfit.




Linking up with Pleated Poppy, What I Wore, Style Me Weekly, I Feel Pretty, Style Me Wednesday, Oh Hey Girl, Trendy Wednesday, Thursday Favourites, Thursday Fashion Files, Throwback Thursday, Fashion Friday today.




Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram
 : LikeToKnow.It : Youtube 

Wednesday 27 May 2015

Corporate Style: Rebecca Minkoff Medium MAB Tote in Moon Navy For The Office

The first wearing of my latest handbag purchase, the medium Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote!

If you follow me on youtube, you would have already see my reveal video, complete with interruptions from baby T. He can be really adorable, but also slightly distracting when I'm trying to film! He much prefers being in front of the camera than playing quietly with all his toys behind it ;)



What I wore:

Business Causal Autumn office wear jacquard pencil skirt nude heels monochrome blue outfit RM MAB

Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy saffiano leather
Knit: thrifted Valleygirl blue knit jumper
SkirtWarehouse navy jacquard pencil skirt
Shoes: Wittner 'Lumen' heel in patent leather
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (new purchase)

Why I wore it:

It's been over a year and a half since I last wore this pencil skirt! I wore it with a navy bag then too. While it does have an elastic waist, it wasn't quite as forgiving as I needed during pregnancy, so it has been a while between wears. I still see pencil skirts as office items and haven't had much luck trying to wear them casually. I'm happy for this to stay a work-only piece, and to keep it in my wardrobe.

The Fox in Flats style dare challenge for the day was 'blue baby' so I took the chance to wear everything blue and came up with this monochrome outfit. I kinda wished I had a pair of blue shoes to go with it...but that might have been a bit too much blue anyway!

It's the second time I've worn this thrifted blue jumper, and I'm reviewing everything I buy after wearing it twice (reasons why here). My purchase review:

I like this knit! I need to try and expand my collection of jumpers (which is predominantly grey!) to include some other colours, and so I knew this top would be perfect when I spotted it in the local op-shop. It's a blue marle so it even has little bits of grey running through it. It's a good lightweight piece too, not too heavy which is perfect for Queensland autumn and winter. One of those pieces I can wear casually or to the office. Really pleased I bought this, it's a keeper!


Last worn: blue jumper, navy jacquard pencil skirt, nude heels. First time I've worn the bag as it's a new purchase.

Other ways to wear: blue knit in a casual maxi skirt outfit, blue pencil skirt with purple tee for the office, nude heels with skinny jeans, similar navy tote with the same pencil skirt.







What I wore:

Autumn Brisbane Business Casual print mixing office outfit pastel pink polka dot pencil skirt

Away From Blue Rebecca Minkoff moon navy medium MAB tote for office
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
ScarfSeed Heritage Paisley print snood (on sale!)
TopJeanswest 'Tilda' black shirt
Skirt: Cotton On 'Mica' mesh spot skirt in dusty pink
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale, 40% off!)

Why I wore it:

The style challenge for the day was foxy flats, so just like I did last time this was a style challenge, I wore my gold Marc by Marc Jacobs mouse flats. They are definitely the cutest pair of shoes I own!

I've slowly been trying to wear my way through all of my pencil skirts now I'm back in the office again after my maternity leave. This one is pretty and I definitely don't want it to leave my wardrobe, but I do tend to wear it with black a lot. I had a different top in mind that I wanted to wear this skirt with (a floral cami), but it was such a cold day and I had wanted to go bare-legged, I decided a long sleeve top was the most practical.

Also the first wearing of my trench coat for the year - hasn't been worn since last winter. With the scarf as well it kept me really cosy, even if it was a little tricky to see what I was wearing under the coat and scarf! In the past I've tried to take pictures without all the layers for winter, but it does take a bit more time to take photos that way so I stopped doing it. Hopefully you can still manage to see what I wear under my coats as I start to layer up for the cooler weather!

As it's the second wear of my new Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote also, another purchase review:
I tend to prefer unstructured, softer bags over structured bags, but I can't deny that structured totes (like my bayswater or neverfull) are perfect for the office. After selling a lot on ebay, I decided to treat myself to a new handbag for work. I sold three bags so that justified buying another one ;) I had been looking at a few and then I got the email that there was a 70% off Rebecca Minkoff sale....so I knew I had to try the MAB tote!
It's much bigger than I expected it to be - looks quite large on me, because it doesn't slouch down. It's perfect for work though. Although not a style I'd usually go for, and something pretty limited in that I'd only want to wear it to work, I'm glad I bought it. I'll need to do a full review of it on my youtube channel once I've worn it some more.


Last worn: trench coat, Paisley print snood, black top (in the third trimester), polka dot pencil skirt, metallic mouse flats, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote (above).

Other ways to weartrench coat and skinny jeansPaisley print scarf with a striped dress, black top with a lace pencil skirt, print mixing with polka dot pencil skirt, mouse flats with printed skinny jeans, navy tote with a red dress for the office.





Linking up with WIW, Whatcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Weekly, Get Your Pretty On, Thursday Fashion Files, Happiness at Midlife, Look What I Got, What I Wore to Work, Sincerely Jenna Marie, Fun Fashion Friday, Feature Friday today.




Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram
 : LikeToKnow.It : Youtube 

Friday 22 May 2015

Bare Legs in Autumn - Colours, Prints and Neutral Bags

After the crazy stormy weather, it actually turned into a nice couple of days, warm enough to go bare-legged even though it's nearing the end of autumn. I took the chance to wear some lighter outfits, guided again by what the theme of the day was for each day for the Fox in Flats May style challenge.

What I wore:

Monochrome blue outfit printed shirts plain tank white drape jacket pistol boots

Avalina Leather Audrey clutch in cognac tassels
Jacket: no label white drape jacket
NecklaceHouse of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
Tank:  Jeanswest 'Jenni' singlet in indigo blue (on sale here!)
ShortsJeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts (on sale!)
ShoesAcne pistol boots in "skin"
BagAudrey leather clutch in cognac C/O Avalina Leather

Why I wore it:

I had been looking at these shorts in my wardrobe recently, thinking it was a shame I didn't wear them as much as I had hoped to over summer. So when the challenge for the day was 'slick legs - leather, pleather, coated denim or dare to bare' I knew wearing these shorts again would be perfect. It worked out well as I was able to take advantage of the warm weather and go bare-legged, without needing to layer too much on top. I only needed the jacket in the morning and evening.

I chose the blue tank to wear with the shorts as it was an outfit idea the personal stylist suggested to me during my wardrobe detox - I quite liked the monochrome look, but I think a tank that matched the shorts a little closer would have been better. This was the closet match I had from my blue tanks though.

This bag hasn't been worn in a while! I wasn't sure what bag would look best with this, and I've been wearing my Rebecca Minkoff bags a lot lately so wanted to change it up a little. I just needed my wallet and phone as I was working from home and only popping out to day care with baby. I went looking for a nice bag and rediscovered this cute tan clutch, perfect and fit exactly what I needed.


Last worn: waterfall drape jacket, blue tank, printed shorts, Acne Pistol boots, Avalina leather clutch.

Other ways to wear: draped jacket with stripes, blue tank over a third trimester baby bumpprinted shorts outfit for a day at a theme parkpistol boots with a little red dresstan leather clutch with an Aztec print dress.









What I wore:

Casual SAHM Autumn Dress Outfit red shift dress converse chucks leopard print scarf

Rebecca Minkoff soft grey mini MAB MAM satchel with leopard print scarf
ScarfAsos crinkle oversized leopard print scarf
DressZalora Basics faux leather placket red shift dress (new purchaseon sale!)
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
BagRebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

I loved this outfit, but it was a struggle to come up with it, despite how simple it looks! The challenge for the day was 'vamp vixen', and I wouldn't say I'd have anything especially vampish in my wardrobe. It was also a quiet day with baby - a few errands to run but nothing that would need me to put a lot of effort into my outfit.

Had been wanting to wear this red dress again for its second wear of the month, and thought a scarf would look good. Red and leopard print sounds kind of vampish right? Even if I was balancing it out with a loose fit red dress, just a little bit of leopard in the scarf and extremely practical flat shoes. While I'm not entirely sure it met the challenge for the day, I really loved this outfit. This scarf is another one I rediscovered during my wardrobe detox, it hasn't been worn in almost 3 years! far too long between wears.


This is the second time I've worn this dress since I bought it (you can see the previous time here). I'm trying to wear everything I buy twice in a month after I buy it so I can see if it really works in my wardrobe, to make myself think more about what I'm buying and to try and stop buying things I just don't wear.

My purchase review:
I wasn't 100% sold on this dress when I saw it online but bought it because the price was good and it was a similar style to the dress I had been wanting to buy for a while. I am so glad I made this impulse purchase, it's a great dress! The colour is a little different from what I would usually go for, but so wearable. The length is good for being at home with baby too - just above the knees and it doesn't creep up too far when belt the ergo carrier around my waist while babywearing. Plus, it has pockets! The sleeves hit me at an odd point - probably as I'm petite - so I've just rolled the sleeves up a little more, but they stay there all day and that's easy enough to do each time I wear it.

This is one of those impulse purchases I'm glad I made - I knew that since I ordered from the Iconic I could return it if it didn't work out anyway. Even if I am trying to curb my impulse buys, this one was a worthwhile one!



Last worn: leopard print scarf, red dress, white Converse, RM MAM bag.

Other ways to wear: leopard print scarf with Aztec print dress, red shift dress with blue scarf and ankle boots, polka dot shirt dress and Converse, print mixing outfit with a neutral grey bag.





Linking up with Fab Favourites, Casual Friday, Passion for Fashion, Fashion Friday, Mix It Up Friday, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Thursday Threads today.




Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram
 : LikeToKnow.It : Youtube 

Friday 8 May 2015

Rebecca Minkoff Bright Yellow Swing Bag and Denim - Skinny Jeans and Flares

First up, remember I spoke about little words of encouragement and compliments on Wednesday? Well, turns out my friend Leigh has discovered the wonderfulness of that idea already...and has a goal to write 10,000 notes of encouragement! You can back her project here. Check it out on Go Fund Me!


Now, outfits! I really stretched my creativity with my wardrobe in March by completing two style challenges in the same week. I don't know how people do multiple challenges at once! Some days required a lot of thought and it didn't give me as much freedom as usual - there was often only one thing I could wear to meet both challenges. I did get a really nice surprise at the end of the week to find out that I'd won the posh lady indigo style challenge, that was a wonderful way to end the double challenges!

This post is the last of my double style challenge week outfits. One really costume-y outfit to meet the theme and one casual and simple one.

What I wore:

70s themed outfit for instagram style challenge suede fringe belt embroidered top flares

Rebecca Minkoff canary yellow swing bag cross body fringe purse
NecklaceHouse of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
TopJeanswest Elise longline emroidered shirt coconut blue
Belt: vintage suede tassel belt from my mum's wardrobe
Jeans: Jeanswest 'spoylt' flared jeans
Shoes: Wittner 'Mimi' heels in mushroom
BagRebecca Minkoff Swing bag in canary yellow (on sale in pink!)

Why I wore it:

I felt a bit costume-y in this outfit when we went out for lunch. I think it was all just a bit too much together with the fringe, the embroidery and the flares. Flared jeans! I did have a few pairs of flares in my denim collection. Flares and bootcut were my main style a few years ago, then I got my knee injury and had to get rid of all my heels and suddenly they were too long to wear any more. I had to buy my first pair of skinny jeans to get something that would work with flats!

In my wardrobe detox session, the stylist helped me tackle my overflowing denim collection and I ended up getting rid of most of my flared jeans as they all needed heels. I just don't wear them often enough to justify keeping them. When I thought about wearing flares for my outfit to meet the challenge prompt of 'that 70s show', these were the only pair left! I thought the 'flick' of the hem would meet the 'chic flick' style challenge for Fox pack style dare too, but the challenge was actually 'chick flick' as in movie so I messed up on that one!

These jeans haven't been worn on the blog before, and I'm not sure if they will again. They will if I get around to getting them hemmed, and don't stumble across a better pair in a Jeanswest sale ;) I really need to get them taken up, as it took me a while to find a pair of heels that worked with these. And I'm still not completely happy with how they looked. I got rid of my favourite pair of flares and these are a poor second. I confess to spending the morning raking through the big black bin bag full of donations after my wardrobe detox looking for the other jeans instead....and then I remembered I sold them on ebay. I was happy to get rid of them on the day of my wardrobe detox but I'm regretting it now. I don't remember why I let them go, I keep telling myself that maybe they were one of the pairs that didn't even fit me any more.

And although it's now May, this was the second wearing in April of this embroidered top that I bought in March. After I buy something, I try and wear it twice in the next month and review it afterwards. You can read more about why I do this here.

My purchase review:

I really like this top! The fact that it's taken me a while to get around to wearing it is mainly because it's white and I try to avoid wearing white on days I'm at home with baby, and there are a lot of those days. It wasn't one of those purchases I needed - I know I have too many tops already - it was just something I wanted. As much as I love it, it's a lesson to myself to stop making impulse 'got to have it as it looks pretty' purchases! I only just managed to wear it twice in April even though I was aiming to do wear it twice in the month, that's not a great start. As far as impulse purchases go, I've made worse ones, but I really should be trying to only buy things I have planned for!


Last worn: embroidered top, heels, Rebecca Minkoff Swing bag.

Other ways to wear: boho top with denim shorts, flared jeans with a printed cami, brown heels in the office, swing bag with a striped maxi dress.









What I wore:

Print mixing burrbery tartan cashmere scarf stripe tee jeanswest prima denim skinny jeans

Away from Blue Rebecca Minkoff swing bag yellow in autumn skinny jeans outfit
ScarfBurberry cashmere tartan scarf
TeeAtmos&Here oversized stripe tee
JeansJeanswest Bindi skinny 7/8 jeans in indigo luxe
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff Swing bag in canary yellow (on sale in black or pink)

Why I wore it:

In contrast to the outfit above, I felt comfortable and like myself in this outfit. And I love these jeans! Nice and casual and a little cosy for running errands. It was the last outfit for my double style challenge week on instagram too. Tartan scarf for 'tartan, gingham and plaid' post lady indigo challenge prompt, and my as I don't have a red lipstick, my brightest lip balm for Fox pack style dare 'bright pout' theme.

There are a lot of challenges that centre around red lipstick! Is it as much of an essential as the instagram challenges make it out to be? For reference, I have lip balm and tubes of Lucas' paw paw all over the place and in multiple handbags, but I only have one lipstick, the same shade I wore on my wedding day. I liked it so much at my wedding makeup trial I had to have it. I don't feel I'm missing anything only having one lipstick, until I do these challenges! Am I weird for not having a red lippy?


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, Burberry tartan scarf, striped tee, skinny jeans, Havaianas.

Other ways to wear: striped tee over a third trimester baby belly, Burberry tartan scarf in winter, more print mixing with skinny jeansyellow bag with a neutral maxi skirt outfit.





Linking up with Fab Favourites, Casual Friday, Passion for Fashion, Fashion Friday, Mix It Up, Fashion Friday, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Link Up With Lisa, Shoe and Tell, Let It Shine today.



Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram
 : LikeToKnow.It : Youtube 

Monday 6 April 2015

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

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

What I wore:

Pastel Pink Boyfriend blazer worn with denim shorts autumn pink

Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere
Jacket: Jeanswest Nadine 3/4 Sleeve dusky pink blazer (new purchase)
NecklaceHouse of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
Tank: AT By Atmos&Here Orion stripe tank
ShortsJeanswest printed denim shorts
ShoesAsos 'five star' leather sandals
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere (with Coach feather bag charm)

Why I wore it:

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

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


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

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









What I wore:

dusty pink pblazer french conenction little black dress Balenciaga part time heels office wear

Away From Blue Blog Balenciaga Part Time Bag
JacketJeanswest Nadine 3/4 Sleeve dusky pink blazer (new purchase)
Scarf: Paris print silk scarf
Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette
DressFrench Connection fitted little black dress
Shoes: Wittner 'Bloomy' black heels
BagBalenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

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

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


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


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

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

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


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

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




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


Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram
 : LikeToKnow.It : Youtube 

Monday 23 March 2015

Marc By Marc Jacobs Little Ukita Bag in Rock Lobster With Boho Dress and Maxi Skirt

Like every other mum, I've been using my cross body bags more and more often now that baby T is crawling around the place. I have a little hook on the stroller I use to clip my handbags to, but I'm finding it easier to have a bag I can just throw over my shoulder when we are out. I bought my Marc by Marc Jacobs Ukita bag while I was pregnant as a replacement for my Balenciaga Velo that I'd feel more comfortable wearing and using with a little baby in tow, and I've been enjoying wearing it lately.


Jeanswest chelsea Boho Printed Dress Pink Leather Sandals Red MbMJ bag

What I wore:

SunglassesRayban new Wayfarers
DressJeanswest 'Chelsea' printed dress (on sale, with extra 30% off!)
ShoesAsos 'five star' leather sandals
BagMarc by Marc Jacobs Little Ukita bag in Rock Lobster
Marc by Marc Jacobs Rock Lobster Lil Ukita Bag

Why I wore it:

Took advantage of a day I didn't have to go into the office by travelling into the city with baby to met hubby for a lunch date. It was a really warm day, so a simple dress seemed like the best option to wear. I've worn this dress and these sandals together before. It's a good combination for a hot day. I wasn't sure about the pink sandals and the red bag at first, but I think they were far enough apart that it worked okay. My little Ukita bag is 'rock lobster' which isn't really a true red, but not a true pink either, it's kind of in-between. It pretty much looks a different colour in every picture!


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, Jeanswest printed dress, Asos leather sandals, Marc by Marc Jacobs Ukita.

Other ways to wear: boho printed dress with ankle boots, pink leather sandals with more blue outfits, Marc by Marc Jacobs Ukita with stripes and a third trimester baby bump.



Polka Dot Cami Colour Block Stripe Maxi Skirt MbMJ red bag

What I wore:

SunglassesRayban new Wayfarers
NecklaceHouse of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
DressJeanswest 'Mia' cami in black
SkirtAsos colour block maxi skirt in red (on sale!)
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes Kelly double tour bracelet in rubis
BagMarc by Marc Jacobs Little Ukita bag in Rock Lobster
Marc by Marc Jacobs Rock Lobster Little Ukita Bag Hermes Rubis kelly bracelet

Why I wore it:

Wore this out for a girly day of shopping (with baby T). Last time I wore this cami I wore it with the same bag! I do like wearing this top with red. This outfit was something a little different from my usual. I've worn this skirt with voluminous tops before, although most times I do I wish I had worn a simpler top. I think it was a bit much volume with the ruffle on the cami. After wearing my bag with pink sandals the day before, I wanted to try pair it with something else I wouldn't normally, and thought this maxi skirt would be interesting. I actually liked this combination, I think the bright bag went well with the different red shades in the skirt.

We had a really productive day of shopping! I spent a couple of gift cards in the Jeanswest outlet. I'll have my usual monthly purchase video up at the end of the month, but if you can't wait you can see what I bought through LikeToKnow.It.
If you sign up to LikeToKnow.It once, you can get the details of the products I feature in my instagram posts right in your email inbox! You only have to sign up once, and then you can get an email for every picture you like from any blogger you follow that uses the #liketkit hashtag.


Last worn:Wayfarers (above), polka dot cami, colour block maxi skirt, Havaianas, MbMJ Ukita bag (above).

Other ways to wear: polka dot cami hiding a 21 week baby bump in the office, red maxi skirt with scarf and plain tank, red Ukita bag with blue outfits.




Linking up with Style to Inspire, Mix It Mondays, Real Mom Style, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday, What I Wore, Whatcha Wearing Wednesday, What I Wore Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday, Spotlight Weekly, Throwback Thursday, Fun Fashion Friday today.


Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram
 : Youtube