Two Ways to Wear Jeanswest Black Luxe Maxi Skirt

Another one of my Jeanswest Cyber Monday sale purchases! I bought this maxi skirt as a replacement for my plain black maxi skirt that I felt was getting a little worn. I am enjoying having both skirts in my wardrobe for the moment though. This maxi skirt is part of the "luxe" collection at Jeanswest which means it's quite a thick jersey. The side splits mean I'm still able to wear it over summer though as it has pretty good air flow.

Followed a simple outfit formula the first two times I wore the skirt: a tank, a teething necklace and Rebecca Minkoff cross body bag. One colourful outfit, the other more neutral.

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Tank:  Jeanswest 'Jenni' basic singlet in festival fuchsia
Skirt: Jeanswest Luxe maxi jersey skirt (new purchase)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in fushcia!)

Why I wore it:

This is what I wore for a trip to the outlets in January. Hubby had some Christmas money to spend, although I'm doing 6 months without shopping. I'm saving my Christmas gift cards for a post challenge shopping spree. 😉

I employed my usual trick of babywearing. With baby strapped to me I couldn't easily try things on no matter how tempted I was by the awesome sales (Jeanswest had an extra 50% off sale items so the sales were good!). Wearing this new skirt I bought last year reminded me I already had new things to wear still as well. Managed not to spend anything and stick to my no shop challenge. As I last wore this tank over a year ago I definitely didn't need to shop!

Wanted to try a fitted tank tucked into this skirt to show off the drawstring waist. You can also see how high it sits on me because it's not a petite friendly length. Wearing it higher means I don't have to try get it hemmed shorter though. I picked the purple mini MAB tote bag as it tied in so well with the pink top and colours on the teething necklace. I really liked this outfit. I liked the pink tank and purple bag together last time I wore that combination too.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, berry tank, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag. First time I've worn the luxe jersey maxi skirt as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: berry tank and pleated skirt, maxi skirt and neon tank, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag and metallic tank.

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More Drawstring Waist Maxi Skirts Under $50:

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Top: Sass and Bide "For Easy Reference" tank
Skirt: Jeanswest Luxe maxi jersey skirt
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale in gold!)

Why I wore it:

Took the boys out to rhyme time at the local library. Wanted a quick easy outfit to help make getting ready and out the door quicker. While the outfit formula is the same as the one above, with a printed and relaxed fit tank I think it looks quite different.

I really liked how this necklace added a pop of colour with the neutrals too. Out of the two outfits with this skirt, I think this is my favourite. I do prefer this looser style top for breastfeeding over the fitted tank. This printed top is one of my favourites and I wear it sparingly, wanting to 'save' it for special occasions. I'm trying to make an effort to wear more of those kind of pieces in my wardrobe. Not only because I'm doing the 30 wears challenge, also because there's point in having clothes if I don't wear and enjoy them!


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (above), Sass & Bide tank, jersey maxi skirt (above), studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: Sass & Bide tank and jeans, studded sandals and maternity denim, maxi skirt and stripes, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC and navy kimono.


Looking for more black maxi skirt outfit ideas? 30 ways to wear a black maxi skirt.


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Atmos&Here Wrap Dresses and Louis Vuitton Neverfull Tote

In the third trimester of my last pregnancy I snapped up a wrap dress by Atmos & Here in the boxing day sales. I loved the wrap dress style with a baby bump and it works just as well post-baby too. When I saw a similar style in a different print in a boxing day sale again, I had to buy it! A wrap dress is always a classic.
Wore the two dresses in similar ways with a Louis Vuitton neverfull bag to attend some specialist appointments for baby boy.

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Dress: Atmos&Here Arlette jersey wrap dress (new purchase, on sale!)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Why I wore it:

This wrap dress was just $26 (now reduced even further to just $21!), so I snapped it up in the December boxing day sales. Even though the thicker fabric and long sleeves aren't ideal for a Queensland summer... I regretted choosing to wear this dress on such a hot day! Didn't hit my goal of wearing this dress twice in a month after buying I like I aim to do with all my purchases. The summer heatwaves have made wearing it an unattractive choice and they seem set to stay a little longer.

I am trying to wear more of my dresses as I've realised I've been favouring denim outfits during my maternity leave. To try and make this dress a little more casual I wore my Havaianas with it but I think any other shoe would have looked better, I felt they looked strange with the dress. Just a little too casual with it.


Other than the less than perfect shoe choice and feeling too warm in the dress, I actually enjoyed wearing this. It helped that we got good news at Baby Boy's appointment. Made me so happy.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton neverfull. First time I've worn the wrap dress as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: Louis Vuitton neverfull and a maxi skirt.

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More Atmos&Here Wrap Dresses Under $50:

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What I wore:

Sunnies: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers
Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Charlotte teething necklace
Dress: Atmos&Here Betsy jersey wrap dress in watercolour print
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale!)
Bag: Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Why I wore it:

Another specialist appointment, another wrap dress! While this watercolour print and colours in the dress are different from the black and white zig zag print on the wrap dress above, I think the Louis Vuitton Neverfull still goes nicely with it. I've mentioned before I see this bag as quite simple to wear, almost seeing the checkerboard print as a neutral.

I liked the sandals better with this dress instead of Havaianas, and this was again a nice easy outfit to wear for a morning in the city after our appointment.


Hopefully I'll get more wear out of these wrap dresses over my maternity leave. While they are perfect for the office I think a wrap dress is a classic style you can wear casually too. They are breastfeeding friendly, so I just need to get over my hang-up that makes me think they are too 'dressy' to be worn for SAHM life and wear something other than denim for a change.


Last worn: watercolour wrap dress, studded sandals, Louis Vuitton damier azur Neverfull (above).

Other ways to wear: watercolour wrap dress for officewear, studded sandals and denim shorts, Louis Vuitton damier azur Neverfull and skinny jeans. 

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Two Ways to Wear Pink Waterfall Sleeveless Jacket

I ordered this Peri drape sleeveless jacket from Jeanswest in the Cyber Monday sale. I've never been been a big fan of vests, as I usually layer when I'm cold and so want my arms covered. Lots of bloggers love them though.

I saw this in the sale and figured the colour and style were nice. Since I love my kimonos in summer, decided to get this vest/sleeveless jacket and give it a try for warm weather layering. I'm glad I did! Although I've worn it in two very similar ways here, with monochrome shorts outfits, you could wear it with a lot of other outfits and I've got lots more ideas for ways to wear this pink vest.

What I wore:

Sunnies: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers
Vest: Jeanswest Peri drape sleeveless jacket (new purchase, on sale!)

Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Ava elephant pendant teething necklace
Tank: Kmart navy ribbed tank
Shorts: Jeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale!)
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere
Nails: OPI Breakfast at Tiffany collection 'I got the mean reds' and 'Sunrise...bedtime'

Why I wore it:

Last time I wore this tank and shorts together I shared how much I loved the combination and wanted to wear it again. Added the vest to make it a little different, and again I really liked my outfit. Was a lovely first wearing of this vest. Blue and pink are so nice together. Probably should have ironed the vest before I wore it, but was too eager to wear it. With two boys under 3, ironing is always low down the priority list!

We went down the coast to spend the day with my sister and I got to snap a quick OOTD pic on her balcony. Last time I had planned to do that I ran out of sunlight, so I was happy to get a photo there at last. This was the perfect outfit for a little travel and then spending time with my sister. We went to the new Pacific Fair where I returned the rest of my Jeanswest Cyber Monday order that I wasn't keeping and had lunch.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, navy tank, printed shorts, Rebecca Minkoff gladiator sandals, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere. First time I've worn the vest as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: navy tank and cosy layers, printed shorts and metallic tank, studded gladiator sandals and chambray dress, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere and a maix skirt. 

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Pink sleeveless jackets for any season under $50:

A mix of lightweight warm weather pieces, as some cosier shearling/faux fur pieces for those enjoying winter at the moment. All under $50!

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers
Vest: Jeanswest Peri drape sleeveless jacket (on sale!)
Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Charlotte teething necklace
Tank: Cotton On 'eternity' tank in charcoal marle
Shorts: OneTeaspoon Hawks shorts in Fox black (C/O, on sale!)
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale in gold!)
Nails: OPI Breakfast at Tiffany collection 'I got the mean reds' and 'Sunrise...bedtime'

Why I wore it:

Since I liked the monochrome tank and shorts with pink vest outfit combo above, I wore it similarly the next time. Hit a few Style Challenges on Instagram with this outfit, which again I really liked. Pink is a great colour to wear with grey. The only thing I didn't like about this outfit was the necklace - my selection is limited at the moment as I like to wear necklaces baby boy can grab and chew on, and this was the best of a couple I tried. I do like the extra colour it brought to the black and grey though. Had a busy morning with baby boy's weekly weigh then some time with my mum in the afternoon.

It's been over 2 and a half years since I last wore this grey tank! Definitely a good reason to continue with my 6 months without shopping challenge. I'm hoping I just mislabeled it in my archives and so can't find a more recent time I've worn it.


As it's the second time I've worn this vest, and I review everything I buy after wearing it twice in the month I buy it, my purchase review:

I'm petite so worried the vest would be too long on me and swamp me a little, but it's a nice length, even with shorts. During my wardrobe detox, the personal stylist advised pastels aren't the best on me. This is a slightly deeper dusty pink that I think works nicely.

Glad I bought this - it was a bargain, something I'd never tried before and something I still have lots of outfit combinations I want to try with it. It's nice to have something other than a kimono to layer with in warmer weather too.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (above), pink vest (above), grey tank, OneTeaspoon shorts, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: grey tank and printed skirt, OneTeaspoon shorts and printed kimono, studded sandals and a maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC and skinny jeans.


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Festive Outfits: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and 2016 Budget

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

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

What I wore:

Dress: festive glitter Santa tee

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

Why I wore it:

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

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

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


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

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

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What I wore:

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

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

Why I wore it:

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

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

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

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

2016 Budget

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

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

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

What I bought in December:

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

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

What I Bought in 2016

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

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


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


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November Purchases and Cyber Monday Sales

It feels like I just shared my October purchases, but we are nearly at the end of November already! If you are still Christmas shopping, I've included some Cyber Monday sale codes for you below along with my latest purchases. Many of the Black Friday sales I shared in my gift guide post are still active too!

What I Bought

I didn't buy much in November and stuck to trying to find things off of the clothing wishlist I shared last month. I ended up taking advantage of a Jeanswest sale and using a gift card I had to get two of the things off of my wishlist. Both the tank and shorts were things I'd been wanting for a while.

• Jeanswest Maji metallic tank in soft green and silver (currently 30% off!)
• Jeanswest Trinity bermuda denim shorts (currently 30% off!)

I was really lucky to have a partnership with Glue Store and recieved credit which I used to update my denim collection for Spring. I bought three things:

• Nobody Denim Siren skinny super high-rise jeans in power black denim (C/O)
• Vans unisex old skool sneakers in black (C/O)
• OneTeaspoon Hawks shorts in Fox black (C/O)

I wasn't sure if I should include the three items in this wrap up post or not, as they were items I received as part of a partnership. What do you think, do you want to see items like that in my monthly wardrobe updates? This is the first time it's happened in the 11 months I've being doing this type of post, so it won't be something that comes up a lot. I also got a maxi skirt from my mum as an early Christmas present I've been wearing frequently.

How I Wore It:

I'm really pleased with my purchases, and how much I've worn them. Everything got worn at least twice. I didn't spend much this month, using the gift card for most of my Jeanswest purchases and using the credit I was given for the other items. I have been focusing on buying gifts for others as Christmas approaches, and hoping for some clothing shaped presents or gift cards under the tree!

Cyber Monday Sales

As promised, a few Cyber Monday sale picks! In some cases these discounts are better than the Black Friday ones, so hopefully you can score that perfect item you've been wanting or save more money when buying Christmas gifts! Hurry though, a lot end tonight.

• Net-A-Porter's famous sale is on now, although it's for US and UK only at the moment!

• Matches Fashion sale is up to 50% off!

• Barney's New York has 40% off a selection of designer items.

• Bloomingdales has an extra 25% off selected full price and sale items.

• Neiman Marcus clearance is now on sale with up to 70% off.

• Saks 5th Avenue sale has up to 40% off

• ASOS have 20% off everything with code 'GOGOGO'. If you're in the US use 'THANKFUL30' for 30% off. Everything means everything on site - including already reduced items!

• Rebecca Minkoff has up to 75% off PLUS get 25% off your entire order when you spend $100 or more!

• The Iconic - 30% off selected items with code 'BLACK30'. Australia and New Zealand only.

• Glue Store has 25% off full price items for 24 hours. Australia only.

• Jeanswest Cyber Monday sale is insanely good, it's the only one I've shopped. They ship internationally now too. Selected tops, shirts knits and tees reduced to $19.99. Plus selected jeans, pants, dresses and skirts for just $29.99. Things like this $179 suede skirt reduced to $29.99! 

Happy shopping! How are you going with your Christmas list? I just have a couple more things to buy in-person, I did the last of my online shopping this weekend and I'm hoping everything arrives before Christmas! I need to make a start on wrapping next.

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Spring Layers: Rebecca Minkoff Micro Regan Yellow Cross Body Bag

Although our recent wave of summer-like temperatures makes this seem so long ago, there were a couple of cooler days in spring that gave me one last chance to enjoy layering again. I picked some light cardigans to wear with my skinny jeans, and accessorised with my mustard yellow Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag. It looks so nice with blue!

What I wore:

Jacket: Paper Scissors grey wrap cardigan
Scarf: navy bird print scarf
Tee: thrifted grey oversize tee
Jeans: Jeanswest Bindi skinny 7/8 jeans in indigo luxe
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold

Why I wore it:

I was glad for a cooler day giving me another chance to wear this lovely scarf. Definitely my favourite over the past autumn/winter, it was perfect for taking off and on through the day as the temperature fluctuated with the rain showers.

Despite really liking this outfit, I had a bit of a sad day. Had a last coffee date with a friend before she flew out of Brisbane. It was wonderful that things aligned for us to have one more catch up before she left, but it was a bittersweet afternoon.


It's the second time I've worn this tee and I'm wearing everything I buy twice in the month I buy it to make sure I'm making sensible purchases. My purchase review:

I'm managing to get lots of use from this tee! For just $3.50 I know I'll get my money's worth from it, despite all of the grey tees I already own...not something I needed but something I'm pleased to have in my wardrobe. I need to focus on adding more basics and this is perfect.


Last worn: grey cardigan, navy bird print scarf, grey tee, prima denim skinny jeans, black ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan.

Other ways to wear: grey cardigan and a maxi skirt, bird print scarf and stripes, grey tee and shorts, prima denim skinny jeans and boucle, black ballet flats and black jeans, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan and monochrome grey outfit.

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Where to Buy The Rebecca Minkoff Micro Regan Bag

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What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest brown marle waterfall cardigan

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Wilma teething necklace in pale daffodil
Top: Kmart navy ribbed tank (new purchase)
Jeans: Jeanswest Super Skinny Jeans in Mid Indigo
Shoes:  Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black or silver!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold

Why I wore it:

I assumed that the next day would be just as cool, although I skipped the scarf just in case. I ended up being quite warm in this outside at playgroup when the sun came out, probably didn't need the cardigan. Again though I liked being able to wear a cosy layer once more before warmer weather stuck around and the cardigan was nice in the cooler morning and evening.

The yellow accessories went really nicely with the navy tank. I had planned more summery outfits when I bought this, but it was great to layer it up a little for its first wear for something a little different. I know I'll get lots of opportunities in the future to wear it differently as the hot weather is here to stay for spring now.



Last worn: marle cardigan, Jeanswest skinny jeans, gold mouse flats, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan (above). First time I've worn the navy tank as it is a new purchase.

Other ways to wear: marle cardigan and maxi dress, Jeanswest skinny jeans and blush blazer, gold mouse flats and a wrap dress, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan and chambray skirt.


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2 Ways To Wear: Printed Shirt Dress in Winter with Rebecca Minkoff Love Bag

First, don't forget to enter my JORD watch giveaway!

I snapped up this Atmos&Here Nigella collarless shirt dress in August, after it went on sale again. I first saw it go on sale in July during my #noBuyJuly16 challenge so I was pleased I had the chance to buy it again when the challenge was over. It was easy to meet my goal to wear it twice in the month after buying it as I'd had my eye on it a while.

What I wore:

Sunnies: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Jacket: Cotton On black knit wrap cardigan
Dress: Atmos&Here Nigella collarless shirt dress (new purchase)
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots (on sale!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey (on sale in pink)

Why I wore it:

I was, as usual, in a rush to get the boys and myself ready and out the door for playgroup. This dress was the perfect easy option - just add some cosy black layers with a knit cardigan and fleece-lined tights and I was ready to go. The grey bag is the perfect neutral as it goes with everything.

It was so easy to feed baby boy in this dress too! Shirt dresses are great for breastfeeding.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, black cardigan, ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag. First time I've worn the shirt dress as it's a new purchase.

Other ways to wear: black cardigan and printed jeans, ankle boots and a maxi skirt, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag and a blue kimono.

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More shirt dresses for under $50:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Asos Black by Markus Lupfer printed leather jacket

Scarf: star print pashmina
Dress: Atmos&Here Nigella collarless shirt dress
Shoes: Asos Cleo leather boots in tan
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey (on sale in pink)

Why I wore it:

I was a lot more leisurely getting ready the second time I wore this dress, a few days later. I tried on a couple of scarves and decided this one with the stars looked okay with the print of the dress. Of course, my leisurely start to the morning meant we were running a little late with getting everything done. I popped round to visit a few friends and drop off some invites for baby boy's upcoming dedication ceremony. I was constantly reminded of how late I was every time I glanced at my new watch, ha!

As I was rushing between people and places I ended up taking the scarf and jacket off as it turned into a really warm day. With it being spring now, I'll probably get to wear this dress bare-legged next time.

As it's the second time I've worn this dress, and I'm reviewing everything I buy after wearing it twice, my purchase review:

I really like this dress. I had my eye on it a while so was determined to buy it. I really like the soft fabric and while its light enough for spring and summer it kept me cosy at the end of winter. The only thing I don't like on this dress is that I noticed the bottom button popping undone a few times. Luckily it seems to the the only button that does that, but was a little annoying having to check it all the time. Especially at playgroup when I kept getting up and down with the boys. I think stitching the button hole closed a little more would help.

Overall, I'm pleased I bought the dress - I see it getting lots more wear, even with the annoying button.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (above), printed leather jacket, star print scarf, printed shirt dress (above), Asos leather boots, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag (above).

Other ways to wear: printed leather jacket and skinny jeans, star print scarf and floral tank, leather boots and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff Love and a maxi dress.



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August Purchases

After not buying anything for #NoBuyJuly16 I didn't buy as much as I thought I would in August. I picked up the dress I'd had my eye on in July after it went on sale again, and another wrap top from Atmos&Here. With the 30% off at Jeanswest for rewards card members I filled up my cart, but never bought anything in the end. With the official start of spring later this week I thought it best to wait and see what I end up wearing a lot of and where any wardrobe gaps are before I buy any more clothes.

What I bought in August:

• Atmos&Here Nigella collarless shirt dress 
• Atmos&Here Nile wrap front jersey tee 
• Atmos&Here Hunter asymmetrical skirt 

How I wore my purchases:

Continuing with my goal of wearing things twice in a month after buying them, I've worn both things twice. Since I only bought two things this month, it was really easy to wear them both. I think they are pieces that will get a lot more wear as the weather heats up and we move into spring. I would have liked to have found a replacement for my black maxi skirt since I returned the midi skirt but after the hassle and cost of hemming the last skirt I bought I'm happy to wait a little longer until I can get the right one for my short self. Or until I find another local tailor!

As well as making sure I can think of two ways to wear things immediately before I buy, I'm starting to add things to my cart and then come back another day to buy them only if I've still been thinking about it. Not sure how I'll carry on with this pattern when I'm back to shopping in stores, right now with two boys under 3 online shopping is my main way to shop. It seems to be working to slow my spending for the moment.

I will be attempting #noSpenderSeptember next month and seeing if I can replicate July's no buy month in September too! I got the idea from Beth at Almost Posh. Wish me luck!

Linking up with Budgeting Bloggers, On Trend, Turning Heads, Wardrobe Wednesday, Midweek Inspo, What I Wore.

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