Wearing A Colourful Bag to the Office with Textured Pencil Skirts and Black Shirts

After I completed 7 months without shopping, I celebrated in my usual fashion and bought a new bag! 😂 Although it's big and purple, I still think it's perfect for the office - you don't have to stick to neutral bags for work.

I wore it to the office the other week with a classic black shirt and textured pencil skirt outfits, wearing more of my office pieces that were packed away while I was on maternity leave.

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Dixie collarless jacket

Necklace: freshwater pearl necklace and long freshwater pearl strand necklace
Shirt: French Connection verity voile black short sleeve shirt (with Target grey marle tank top underneath)
Skirt: Cotton On 'Mica' mesh spot skirt in dusty pink
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs howlite and hematite beaded bracelets
Bag: Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag (from my bestie's wardrobe!)

Why I wore it:

I felt really lady-like in this outfit! Which helped counteract some of the awkwardness I felt when I stepped back from setting my tripod up in the morning to get a blog photo and realised I'd just been standing in my bemused neighbour's way (you can see them jogging away in the background!). So awkward. I never know what to say when people see me taking outfit photos so I just kinda smile and shrug.

I've worn this top and pencil skirt together before. Back then I was hiding an early baby bump, this time around I'm using the outfit to disguise my mum-tum 😉
This pencil skirt was one I saw in a magazine a few years ago and thought it was nice, so I checked out the price details. When I saw it was called the 'Mica' skirt I just had to get my namesake. It's perfect for the office and one of those pieces I'm glad I impulsively bought. Despite the top layer being textured polka dots on a fine mesh, it's held up well over the years and I'm impressed by the quality, considering I bought it 5 years ago.

I hadn't planned a necklace to wear with this, I'd set out the clothes and thought I'd pick one at the last moment. I was still unsure as I was getting dressed until I added the tweed blazer I knew I had to go for my pearls. They are actually two different freshwater pearl necklaces! The shorter one is from my jewelry designer friend and I've worn it as a bracelet before.

Last worn: tweed blazer, French Connection shirt, grey target singlet, pink polka dot pencil skirt, Marc Jacobs black flats. First time I've worn the bag as it's a new purchase. 

Other ways to wear: tweed blazer and skinny jeans, black shirt and peplum skirt, grey target singlet and striped maxi, pink polka dot pencil skirt and striped tee, Marc Jacobs black flats and skinny jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: boucle blazer in third trimester,grey singlet in third trimester, shirt and pencil skirt hiding first trimester bump.

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Textured Pencil Skirts Under $50:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo

Scarf: Marc by Marc Jacobs mauve square scarf
Shirt: Forever 21 sheer black ruffle detail shirt
Skirt: Warehouse navy jacquard pencil skirt
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bag: Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

I've been wearing blue and purple together often recently! I really like the combination. This purple scarf was the perfect topper to my black and navy outfit, and tied in nicely with my purple bag.

This black shirt is another one that hasn't been worn for a while. It's button up so would work for breastfeeding, but it feels a bit 'fancy' for stay at home mum wear so it was packed away with all my office clothes while I was on maternity leave. It's a little hard to see in the pictures with all the layers but it's got a fun ruffle detail down the front. You can see it better when I previously wore it here, again with the same skirt!

This jacquard pencil skirt is one of my favourite textured ones - it's a very pretty design, even if the skirt rides up a little as I walk! A ruffle shirt, textured pencil skirt and purple accessories might sound a bit much for the office, but I think all the pieces work well together.


Last worn: navy macintosh, purple blanket scarf, sheer ruffle shirt, jacquard pencil skirt, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats, Balenciaga work bag (above).

Other ways to wear: navy macintosh and striped dress, purple blanket scarf and chambray dress, sheer ruffle shirt and pink skirt, jacquard pencil skirt and grey tee, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats and wrap dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: jacquard pencil skirt in first trimester, ballet flats and maternity jeans.

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Purple Tote Bags Under $200:

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How You Can Wear It:

Neutral bags are a good choice for the office, but if you have a relaxed work environment with a business casual or smart casual dress code, it's easy to add a little extra colour to your outfit with a bright bag. While there are some exceptions, my general rules for picking a bag for work are to:
Carry a neutral bag if -  I'm going to be travelling for work, either across the city or to another state, and I'll need to carry my bag into meetings.
Carry a bright bag if -  I'm going to be in meetings in the same building all day leaving my bag behind at my desk and I'd like something fun to look as I work.

Don't be afraid to add a little colour to your office wear with a bright bag.


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Navy and Burgundy: Dresses In Winter With Tights and Boots

After trying and loving navy and burgundy together a while back, I was looking forward to wearing the colour combination again. I stuck with a brown bag this time too, using my Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere instead of my Chloe Paddington bag. The cold weather gave me a chance to wear and enjoy this Jeanswest Mac at last, after buying it for less than $20 in the Cyber Monday sales last year and setting it aside for winter.

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo (purchased last year)

Scarf: Forever New Skye Foil Feather scarf in berry / gold (on sale!)
Dress: Jeanswest Rachel Lyocell chambray dress (C/O)
Shoes: Asos Cleo leather boots in tan
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

While I usually have the 'have to wear it twice in the month after buying it' rule for all new purchases, this jacket is one of the exceptions (along with a dress I outgrew too quickly in pregnancy). With over $120 off, I couldn't resist buying it, knowing it would come in handy for winter as I was selling my old black trench.

Winter weather did take a while to arrive in Brisbane so I waited longer to wear this coat than I expected, but I'm still glad I bought it last year and to be able to wear and enjoy it now, it kept me perfectly cosy.

It was a great topper for my sleeveless chambray dress and the navy is perfect with the burgundy feather print scarf. The style challenge for the day was 'layer player' which worked out perfectly weath-wise as it was a cold and rainy day in Brisbane. We had Baby Boy's weekly weigh in the morning then spent some time with my mum and sister in the afternoon.


Last worn: maroon feather foil scarf, chambray dress, ASOS Cleo boots, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere. First time I've worn the jacket although it was purchased last year.

Other ways to wear: feather print scarf with stripes, chambray dress in spring, ASOS Cleo boots and skinny jeans, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere and shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: chambray dress in second trimester, speedy bandouliere and maternity wrap dress.

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Chambray Dresses Under $50:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo

Dress: French Connection star dancing jersey dress in red rust/almond
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere
Nails: OPI Russian Navy

Why I wore it:

No style challenge for this one, but another excuse to wear navy and burgundy together again. Since I liked the dress and boots combo above with the navy jacket, I wore it again with black ankle boots and my burgundy jersey dress. It was a pretty quiet day with just a few errands to run, but I did wish I'd added a scarf to this as it was a little chilly in the morning.

This burgundy dress hasn't been worn in awhile - one of those pieces I had boxed away as it's not breastfeeding friendly. Worked well in pregnancy though!

As it's the second time I've worn this jacket and I try to review everything I buy after I've worn it twice, my purchase review:

I like this jacket. I love the colour, it's cosy for winter, and will be perfect for the early morning commutes to the office. The only thing I don't like is how the lapels kinda stick up a bit - but I'm sure that will settle down with more wear. It looks really nice belted (came with a belt) but I haven't been able to wear it that way and still show what I'm wearing underneath it!

Last worn: Jeanswest Mac jacket (above), jersey dress, ankle boots, speedy Bandouliere (above).

Other ways to wear: jersey dress and pistol boots, ankle boots and printed jeans, speedy Bandouliere and printed jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: jersey dress and leggings in third trimester, speedy bandouliere and maternity pencil skirt.

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More Jersey Dresses Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

Navy and burgundy look beautiful together, but you could apply this style tip to any colour combination you enjoy. Look at the pieces you have in your wardrobe that will allow you to wear the colours year round. First time I wore navy and burgundy it was with a tank, kimono and pants in autumn. It was easy to wear the same colour combination again in winter with season-appropriate pieces.

While both of these dress and boots outfits include the same navy jacket, by changing the other pieces and sticking to the same colour scheme I've created two outfits that look different while wearing a familiar combination. Thinking of different ways to wear a colour combination you love is a good way to come up with new outfit ideas in your wardrobe, without having to buy anything new.


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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.

Linking up with Let It Shine, Hello Monday, Grace & Lace, Shoe & Tell, Mix It Monday, Budgeting Bloggers, On Trend, Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, Style Sessions, My Red Carpet, Wardrobe Wednesday, What I Wore.

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