Mulberry Oak Bayswater, Wrap Dresses for the Office: 3rd Trimester Corporate Style

As mentioned in my previous post, I'd been talking about and thinking about my handbags, and how things will change with them when baby's born. When toddler T was a baby, it took me a while before I started carrying my bags again and not just throwing my things into the baby bag.

The Mulberry bayswater is one of the bags that I'm sure will be neglected for a while. It's perfect for the office, not so much a day with a toddler. In my final weeks at work before maternity leave it was good to get it out again.

What I wore:

Sunnies: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)

Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace
Dress: thrifted Target printed wrap dress (with white Jeanswest singlet underneath)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey (on sale in black)
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Mulberry Bayswater in Oak NVT leather (previously owned bargain here)

Why I wore it:

Can't believe this is only the third wear of this dress! Considering I got it at the op-shop (thrift shop) for $1 it's still a pretty good cost-per-wear though. I had the usual second trimester panic that nothing fit and I had nothing to wear so I went op-shopping and found this for only a dollar. A size larger than my normal, I knew it would work in pregnancy. It's a great piece for the office, although I don't see myself wearing it much after pregnancy so I'll try squeeze in a few more wears before baby arrives.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, Target printed wrap dress, studded mouse flats, Mulberry Bayswater bag.

Other ways to wear: printed wrap dress in the second trimester, studded mouse flats and denim shorts, Mulberry Bayswater and a chambray dress.

---

Where to buy the Mulberry Bayswater:

---

What I wore:

Necklace: House of Harlow Dynamic necklace in gold
Dress: Soon Maternity 'Madeline' grey print wrap dress
Singlet: (under dress) thrifted Cotton On yellow tank
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs two tone flats in blush and black
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Mulberry Bayswater in Oak NVT leather (previously owned bargain here)

Why I wore it:

Another day at the office, another printed wrap dress! Unlike the one above, I feel I'm wearing this dress a lot this pregnancy! It's almost a weekly thing....

It's nice though having a go-to outfit for work though. It makes picking out something to wear the next day much easier, no matter how tired I am at the end of the day.


Last worn: Soon Maternity printed wrap dress, yellow singlet, cap toe ballet flats, Mulberry Bayswater (above).

Other ways to wear: Soon Maternity wrap dress in the second trimester, yellow singlet without a maxi dress, cap toe ballet flats and skinny jeans, Mulberry Bayswater for returning to office after maternity leave.

Linking up with Hello Monday, Modest Monday, Mix It Monday, Classy Monday, Turning Heads, On Trend, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday, What I Wore to Work.

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

Jeanswest Maternity Bermuda Denim Shorts, Singlets, Kimonos and Rebecca Minkoff Mini MACs

Because you can never have too much of a good thing...continuing with my summer pregnancy outfit formula. Maternity denim shorts, singlets and printed kimonos. And my cross body Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bags for hands-free toddler T wrangling. Despite only wearing these maternity shorts a few times in my last pregnancy, experiencing the third trimester during summer has meant I've been wearing them a lot this time!

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)
Jacket: Cotton On 'Gemma' cocoon kimono in Laos blossom navy print
Necklace: House of Harlow gold multi-strand necklace
Tank: Jeanswest maternity tank in sea glass
Shorts: Jeanswest maternity rolled up shorts
Shoes: slim gold Havaianas
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow gold multi-strand bracelet
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather

Why I wore it:

I wore this for Australia day (I'm just very behind with blogging!). We had our annual Australia day BBQ the weekend before, as DH had to work on the day. We had a quiet one at home, spending some time with the in-laws in the afternoon.

Wanted to wear some green and gold to mark the occasion, so this gold House of Harlow necklace and bracelet set came in useful against the green maternity tank. And of course the aquamarine mini MAC bag as I love how it looks with green.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, floral kimono, green maternity singlet, Jeanswest long maternity shorts, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: floral kimono and a statement necklace, green maternity singlet and LV speedy B, Jeanswest maternity shorts with a non-maternity tee, Rebecca Minkoff aquamarine mini MAC with yellow.

---

More printed kimonos under $50:

---

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)

Jacket: Choies red vintage pattern kimono
Necklace: Roie Designs feather, quartz and love charm long necklace
Tank: Jeanswest maternity tank in white
Shorts: Jeanswest maternity rolled up shorts
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

This outfit was a little less thought out than the first one! Had to pop out to get some groceries and pick up some medicine for an unwell toddler T. While I do love my boyfriend denim maternity shorts, these Bermuda ones are the most comfortable and so they were an obvious choice to wear again. And a printed kimono and plain maternity singlet again too. Simple summer third trimester dressing.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (above), red printed kimono, white maternity tank, Jeanswest denim maternity shorts (above), Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: printed kimono and a maxi skirt, white maternity tank in the office,  denim maternity shorts and a striped tee, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC for a dinner date.

Linking up with What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl, Style Me Wednesday, Fashion Files, Throwback Thursday, Fabulous Friday, #StalkHerStyle, Passion For Fashion.

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

Bright Maxi Dresses, Rebecca Minkoff Cross Body Bags

I've been wearing my Rebecca Minkoff bags a lot! They are perfect for wearing cross body, allowing me to be hands-free which is essential for chasing after a toddler.

What I wore: 

Necklace: Eye Candy LA gold and turquoise cuff necklace
Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
Shoes: slim gold Havaianas
Bracelets: the usual plus Disney Couture Winnie the Pooh bangle
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in blue!)

Why I wore it:

After a busy morning rushing around trying to get everything cleaned and organised, we had a wonderfully relaxed afternoon. We had a few friends around for a BBQ, so I knew I wanted to wear this maxi dress. It makes such a simple outfit. Comfortable and just as perfect during pregnancy as it is post-baby, plus I love the colour.

I've worn the magenta dress and purple bag together before, it's a colour combination I really like.


Last worn: maternity maxi dress, gold glitter belt, gold Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote.

Other ways to wear: maternity maxi dress and a sequin scarf, gold glitter belt and maxi dress without a baby bump, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote and skinny jeans.

---

Beautiful bright maxi dresses under $100:

Maternity maxi dresses under $100:

---

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers
Necklace: House of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey (on sale here!)
Dress: Jeanswest 'Chantelle' crochet detail blue printed maxi dress
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale, also on sale in yellow!)

Why I wore it:

In contrast to the outfit above, when I wore this dress I hadn't been planning the outfit in advance. I threw this on because it was hot and humid and despite feeling terrible, I had to take toddler T and myself to the doctors as we were both unwell. The maxi dress seemed like the easiest option to be as unrestricted as possible. The wonderful air conditioning at the doctors was a welcome reprieve from the heat too.

Kept the accessories simple - my metallic mini MAC bag and House of Harlow necklace which always look good together.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, blue printed maxi dress, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wear: blue printed maxi dress for a first birthday party, print mixing outfit and Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC.

Linking up with Modest Monday, Hello Monday, Mix It Monday, Style Sessions, Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday, Fresh Fashion.

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

Third Trimester: Maternity Denim, Green and Blue and Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

In the third trimester my wardrobe options get limited even further, so I'm pretty much wearing nothing but maternity clothes now. A positive to this is that I have a few green pieces I've been wearing. It was previously a colour I found tricky to wear, but I'm seeing the positive side as I've been encouraged to branch out and try wearing it more often.

What I wore:

Jacket: Cotton On 'Gemma' cocoon kimono in Laos blossom navy print
Necklace: House of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey (on sale here!) layered with Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace
Tee: Jeanswest Sonny maternity tee in lagoon marle (C/O)
Jeans: Jeanswest maternity super skinny jeans in antique blue
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats (on sale!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

It was actually a cool summer day, which was a welcome change. I decided to get my maternity jeans out again. They haven't been worn as much in this pregnancy as they were last time, due to being pregnant over the different seasons. I'm enjoying my denim maternity shorts but it's been good to wear these jeans again when I can as I loved them so much last time around.

Thought I'd give the green tee a go with the navy kimono. I liked the colour combination, and the kimono was a cosy addition that came in handy for family birthday celebrations in the evening as it cooled down a little more.

As it's the second time I've worn this kimono, and I'm reviewing everything I buy after wearing it twice to see how my new purchases are working in my wardrobe, my purchase review:

This kimono was a complete impulse buy. I wouldn't have paid full price for it, but for $3 I strongly felt I should buy it! I figured even if I only wore it a few times it would be a good cost per wear. It is really quite oversized on me, but I'm loving it. It's simple to wear, it's not too hot for summer, and I love the cocoon style, even if I do sometimes worry it seems to swamp me in photos. I'm glad I bought it.


Last worn: navy floral kimono, sea glass green maternity tee, maternity skinny jeans, metallic Marc by Marc Jacobs tuxedo flats, silver mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: floral kimono and white tank, green tee and a scarf, maternity skinny jeans for a weekend trip, tuxedo flats and a maxi dress, silver mini MAC and a printed dress.

---

---

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers
Jacket: New Look Petite print kimono (on sale, 70% off!)
Necklace: Jeanswest Taki necklace (C/O)
Singlet: Jeanswest maternity tank in sea glass
Shorts: Jeanswest Georgie maternity boyfriend shorts (available in non-maternity also)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale in blue!)

Why I wore it:

Returning to my maternity shorts as the summer heat was back. This was a perfect outfit for a morning playdate with toddler T and some friends.

Another blue and green outfit! I'd always heard the rule 'blue and green should never be seen', which is probably why I had so little green in my wardrobe, given how much blue I have in my wardrobe! But I really liked the colour combination in this outfit. A good example of why trying different combinations is a good thing. If it doesn't work you can just take everything off again, or you could find a new combination you love.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, navy printed kimono, green maternity tank, maternity boyfriend shorts, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff metallic mini MAC (above).

Other ways to wear: navy printed kimono and pink accessories, green maternity tank and Bermuda shorts, maternity boyfriend shorts and a striped tank, metallic silver mini MAC and a maxi dress.

Linking up with Flashback Fashion, Fab Favourites, Weekend Wear, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Shoe & Tell, Let It Shine, Hello Monday.

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

Maxi Skirts and Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Neverfull. Sunglasses Giveaway!

Being in the second trimester in the heat of summer has meant that I'm reaching for my shorts more than I did when I was pregnant with baby T and favoured max skirts more. I still love a great maxi skirt outfit though! Two of my recent ones below with my Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag, as well as a giveaway!

What I wore:

Tee: 'Ninja baby' maternity skeleton tee
Skirt: AT by Atmos&Here Mars striped maxi skirt
Shoes: Asos 'five star' leather sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus old blue beaded bracelets
Bag: Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Why I wore it:

The return of the ninja baby tee! Definitely the most fun piece to wear in pregnancy, I enjoyed wearing my ninja baby tee last time and it's good getting to wear it again in this pregnancy. It just sets your day up right when you end up making a random couple of little old ladies giggle before you even get to the office.

Wore this out to a Christmas picnic party with my colleagues. The dress code for the day was casual as we all had been given the afternoon off for the party, and our kids were invited along too. Toddler T had a blast chasing the ibis and ignoring all the entertainment that had been put together, ha!

I picked the navy striped maxi skirt to wear with the tee, and some blue accessories, as the style challenge for the day was 'in the navy'. I was glad I picked the skirt and not jeans as it really warmed up through the day.


Last worn: ninja baby tee, striped maxi skirt, Asos leather sandals, Louis Vuitton Neverfull.

Other ways to wear: ninja baby tee and skinny jeans, striped maxi skirt and a cosy knit, Asos leather sandals and skinny jeans, Louis Vuitton damier azur Neverfull in the office.

---

Pretty maxi skirts under $50:

---

What I wore:

Jacket: Somedays Lovin' Yakuza print kimono
Necklace: House of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey (on sale here!) layered with Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace
Tank: Jeanswest maternity tank in white
Skirt:  Jeanswest plain jersey black maxi skirt
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus gifted turquoise and silver beaded bracelet set
Bag: Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Why I wore it:

I had to do the dreaded pregnancy glucose test on this day and the lovely lady had advised me when I booked in to bring a cardigan along as the aircon in the waiting room was quite cold. I figured the kimono would keep the chill off me enough.

I've mentioned before that I'm sometimes unsure if a kimono and maxi skirt together works, but I've been warming to the look lately and I love this kimono so much as it looks good with everything! The white tank was perfect for the 'white haute' style challenge theme for the day too.

After the unpleasant morning drinking glucose and having multiple samples of blood taken, we had a restful afternoon and then we went out that evening to see the local Christmas lights displays. We tried a new street that we hadn't visited before and it was wonderful, they had even set up a snow machine so toddler T got to experience 'snow'.


Last worn: Somedays Lovin' kimono, white maternity tank, jersey maxi skirt, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton Neverfull (above).

Other ways to wear: Somedays Lovin' kimono and denim shorts, white maternity tank and stripes,  black maxi skirt in winter, Louis Vuitton Neverfull and skinny jeans.

---

I shared on twitter recently that I was kind enough to receive a pair of Sundried 'Aire Blue' sunglasses. They are great sunglasses, sturdy plastic and the lenses offer good sun protection, but since I almost always wear my polarised Raybans, thought I'd run a little giveaway for these.

(photos C/O Sundried, my own photo in poor lighting here)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway is open internationally and will run for one week! You can enter via the rafflecopter form above. This is a game of skill. Winner will be selected for having commented with the most creative answer to the question 'what outfit would you wear these sunglasses with?' judged by my hubby. Good luck!


Linking up with Flashback Fashion, Fab Favourites, Passion for Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Colour and Grace, Shoe and Tell, Modest Monday.

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

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

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

What I wore:

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

Why I wore it:

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


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

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

---

 Marvellous maxi dresses under $50:

---

What I wore:

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

Why I wore it:

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

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

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


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

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

---

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

---

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

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

Last Minute Gift Ideas | Corporate Style in Pregnancy: Printed Dresses and LV Speedy Bandouliere

With the summer heat and humidity rising in Brisbane, I've been wearing my dresses a lot. Even non-maternity dresses are great options for a growing second trimester baby bump. Wearing an old favourite and a new one I bought recently just to give me another pregnancy office wear option.

What I wore:

Necklace: House of Harlow 5 station necklace in black and silver (on sale in suede)

Dress: Jeanswest 'Melanie' paisley mixed print dress
Belt: came with dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey (on sale in black)
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

I picked up this dress in a Jeanswest sale when I was in the third trimester of my last pregnancy, and it comfortably fit the baby bump then. I love the colours and print of it, and how accommodating it is!

I think I could have accessorised this better - maybe a different bag - but otherwise I was comfortable and happy in this outfit for the office.


Last worn: Jeanswest mixed print dress, studded mouse flats, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere bag.

Other ways to wear: Jeanswest mixed print dress and blazer without a baby bump, studded mouse flats and skinny jeans, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere and denim shorts.

---

Do you still have some last minute gifts to buy for Christmas?

I thought I'd share a Shopbop gift guide. (Since you kindly mentioned that you didn't mind gift guides and some even found them useful.) With 3 day shipping worldwide and gift wrapping, Shopbop is a great place to shop if you need something quickly.

1: Gifts for your bestie/sister/mum/mother-in-law/aunt/cousin

2: Gifts for couples/new home owners

3: Gifts for kids

4: Stocking fillers under $50

---

What I wore:

Tank: Jeanswest Jenni basic singlet in Royal Lilac purple

Dress: thrifted Target printed wrap dress (new purchase)
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

When I was freaking out that I was outgrowing my wardrobe so quickly and had nothing to wear, I had a little hunt in the local op-shops, as well as hitting up the Jeanswest maternity section. I found this printed wrap dress for a dollar! Best op-shop buy ever! I really like the only maternity wrap dress I have, so I figured for a dollar I'd get plenty of wear out of this wrap dress in my pregnancy too. Especially in the office.

It's a size larger than I would normally buy, and it's longer than I'd usually go for, but that just means it's got plenty of length as the baby belly grows bigger and starts to make the dress shorter. The extra fabric to wrap around should hopefully ensure I can wear this through all three trimesters too, unlike my other non-maternity wrap dress that doesn't really wrap around enough in the third trimester!

Last worn: purple singlet, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere (above). First time I've worn the wrap dress as it's a recent op-shop purchase.

Other ways to wear: purple singlet and a maxi skirt, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats and skinny jeans, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere with winter layers.



Linking up with Shoe and Tell, Let It Shine, Hello Monday, Modest Monday, Classy Monday, Turning Heads, Trendy Tuesday, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday.


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.

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