Showing posts with label Office wear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Office wear. Show all posts

Monday 30 October 2017

Black Dresses for the Office With a Twist and Colourful Accessories

A little black dress will always be a classic corporate style outfit option. It gives you the opportunity to experiment with bright and colourful accessories without worrying about clashing with colours in your outfit.

While they are a classic, you can always pick a little black dress with a twist for something different from the standard black. Both of the dresses I'm wearing below have just a little bit extra. They are still as easy to wear as a plain black dress, but they each have a little extra.



First, what I bought in October. It's 'buy nothing new month' here but as per usual I didn't quite stick to it. I bought a heap of Christmas presents in the Shopbop sale, and was on track to buy nothing other than a $2 bag at the local opshop "fill a bag for $2" sale. Then I saw this dress on a blog and just had to buy it. It arrived at the end of last week so I've only worn it once, not quite meeting my 'wear it twice in the month you buy it' rule. I then bought a blazer second hand off facebook which only arrived today, so that's not even been worn once this month.

I did well in the fill a bag for $2 sale, buying a couple bags with clothes for me and for the boys. Most of what I bought needs tailored though, with the exception of the black tee I bought to replace the one I had to retire recently. Hoping everything I bought turns out to be a keeper, especially the pieces I haven't been able to wear yet.


What I bought In October:



What I wore:

lace little black dress and trench coat: spring corporate style with colourful accessories | AwayFromBlue


Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram #motherhoodAndPregnancyStyle during and after pregnancy non-maternity black lace dress
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
NecklaceStarfish Project Hannah turquoise bead necklace
DressJeanswest 'Gisele' contrast lace dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

This little black lace dress is one of the oldies in my wardrobe! I've worn it for nights out but it works perfectly for the office too with the modest neckline and just above the knee length. I even wore it while pregnant with both my boys, the elastic empire waist was very flattering over a baby bump. Made it the perfect outfit for another #motherhoodAndPregnancyStyle side by side photo.

I knew that the purple bag would work brilliantly with the black dress, but I also wanted to wear the colourful turquoise necklace. I'd usually try to coordinate or match my accessories, but I've been having a bit of fun trying different colours together and the turquoise necklace and purple Balenciaga bag worked nicely last time I wore them together too. I really liked this outfit. Perfect for a busy day at work.

The trench coat was probably a bit much though - it was a really warm morning and I regretted not picking a lighter jacket!


Last worn: camel trench, black lace dress, Marc Jacobs ballet flats, purple Balenciaga work bag.

Other ways to wearcamel trench and burgundy pants, black lace dress for a night out, Marc Jacobs ballet flats and skinny jeans, purple Balenciaga work bag and pink pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: camel trench and first trimester, lace dress in third trimester.


Statement Beaded Necklaces from Starfish Project Under $50:







What I wore:

navy mac jacket knit print black dress for the office | Away From The Blue

balenciaga purple giant silver g21 hardware slouchy work bag | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram black knit dress for the office with colourful accessories purple Balenciaga bag statement necklace
JacketJeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo
NecklaceStarfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
Dress: black and white knit dress from my Grandma's wardrobe
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

First time I wore this dress I tried a bit of print mixing with a leopard print scarf and wasn't quite sure on the outfit so this time around I went with a simple statement necklace again. The same outfit formula as the outfit above, but it looks different as instead of a lace dress, it's a black knit one with a print on the skirt.

This is one of those outfits where how I felt turned out to be different from how the outfit looked. I loved the dress and ankle boots together. I'm petite so midi lengths like this are usually more flattering with a heel, but I decided to try with these flat boots anyway. I thought it was definitely a winner, then I added my navy MAC jacket for the cooler morning commute to work and I wasn't sure if it was the right length with the dress. I figured it didn't look that bad. Looking at the photos afterwards I realised it really doesn't look the best. While I was comfortable and happy in this with the jacket hanging on my chair at work, I think this all together would have looked better if I'd picked a different jacket that morning.


Last worn: navy macintosh, black knit dress, black ankle boots, Balenciaga work bag (above).

Other ways to wearnavy macintosh and pencil skirt, black knit dress and leopard print scarf, black ankle boots and maxi dress, purple Balenciaga work bag and blue dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: ankle boots and pregnancy announcement.




Little Black Dresses for the Office Under $50:









How You Can Wear It:


A little black dress for the office is a corporate wardrobe staple. You can get so many cute ones with different textures like lace, or even a bit of a print. A black dress is a great outfit base to allow you to add on some brightly coloured accessories.

Accessories are also a good way to change up the look or your favourite little black dress and make it feel new each time with different colours or accessory styles.


Linking up with On Monday We Link Up, Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday.



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Monday 23 October 2017

Two Ways to Wear Grey Marle Jersey Pencil Skirt: Corporate and SAHM Style

While I was on maternity leave with toddler T, I bought this grey jersey pencil skirt. Reasoning I'd be glad I did when I returned to work months later. It's never been the perfect piece I've thought it would be when I bought it though.
It's pieces like this that make me stick to my 'wear it twice in the month I buy it rule' to stop buying things I think will be perfect for later, and just buy pieces that are perfect for my life right now.

With my return to work, it was an opportunity to see this pencil skirt again when I unboxed all my workwear and make the decision if it was a keeper or a mistake to buy. I wore it two different ways to really test it out.

What I wore: 

@awayfromblue instagram spring office outfit jersey pencil skirt blazer button up tank blue MAB tote

cream blazer, jersey marle pencil skirt and floral button up tank for the office navy tote bag | AwayFromBlue

Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy | AwayFromTheBlue
Necklace: Diva red stone necklace
TopRiver Island floral print sleeveless shirt
SkirtAtmos&Here grey marle jersey pencil skirt (also available in black or stripes)
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs suede flats in red
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale in pinkor in white)
NailsOPI This Cost Me a Mint

Why I wore it:

First time I wore this skirt to the office I worried at one point that the jersey fabric was too casual. Since then, I've tried to make it a little formal each time I've worn it. The style challenge for the day was 'Starts With B' so a big blue bag, a button up tank and a blazer made this jersey pencil skirt perfectly formal enough for my business casual office. I didn't worry at all about this looking too casual. Not sure if it was the collared top and blazer or the fact that I'm in a new area after returning from leave where my customers are located off-site and I no longer interact with them in person, so I can be more casual.

I added the red necklace at the last moment. I'd tried on a longer blue one that morning too but I think the red necklace just makes the outfit. The red suede shoes were fun to wear too. I find bright shoes harder to wear than bright bags so these don't get worn often. They are so cute though, I keep them around.

I really liked this outfit. I did have hard time getting a photo that morning without the sun in my eye, that was the only mild annoyance!


Last worn: cream blazer, floral button up tankgrey pencil skirt, red suede ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote.

Other ways to wearcream blazer and printed dress, floral button up tank and maxi skirtgrey pencil skirt over a dressred suede ballet flats and a little black dress, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote and fit and flare dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: cream blazer in the first trimester, skirt in third trimester, red ballet flats and hidden second trimester bump, MAB Tote and wrap dress in third trimester.



Jersey Pencil Skirts Under $50:







What I wore:

navy kimono, striped tank, grey marle jersey pencil skirt and Converse, casual SAHM Style | Away From Blue

Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine | Away From The Blue

@awayfromblue instagram casual pencil skirt, stripe tank and kimono with Converse Chucks
JacketNew Look Petite print kimono
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
TopJeanswest 'Josie' striped back strap tank
Skirt: Atmos&Here grey marle jersey pencil skirt (also available in black or stripes)
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)
NailsOPI This Cost Me a Mint

Why I wore it:

The very first time I wore this skirt I attempted to wear it casually and I didn't really feel comfortable with the resulting outfit. This time around, I wore it again for a style challenge but I actually really loved the resulting outfit. It was just perfect for my day off. I spent it taking Baby Boy to a few appointments that sadly didn't go as well as I expected but at least I liked my outfit.

The style challenge for the day was 'Starts With D', so I tried to dress down this skirt. By leaving the tank untucked, wearing Converse and adding the kimono, I think I made the pencil skirt perfectly casual. It was cool and comfortable for an extremely hot day too.

When I unpacked this skirt at the end of my maternity leave I had planned to give it the 'one last wear' test before I got rid of it, but it's definitely staying in my wardrobe, as I felt so happy in it in both these outfits.


Last worn: navy kimono, stripe tank, grey marle pencil skirt (above), Converse, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wearnavy kimono and denim shorts, stripe tank and leopard printgrey pencil skirt and winter layersConverse and colourful jeans, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC bag and maxi dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: stripe tank in second trimestergrey pencil skirt and hidden early baby bumpConverse and maternity shorts, mini MAC in second trimester





Grey Marle Pencil Skirts Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:


A jersey pencil skirt is extremely comfortable, and can be dressed up or down depending on what you wear it with. Button ups and blazers are good way to make it more formal for work, and you can dress it down with untucked loose layers and Converse for the weekend or your day off.


Linking up with On Trend, Trend Spin, Confident Twosday, Turning Heads, Style Sessions, What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl, Style on the Daily, Fashion Frenzy.



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Monday 16 October 2017

A-Line Skirts, Blazers and Balenciaga Part Time Bag for the Office

One of the best things about returning to work after maternity leave is feeling like you have a whole new wardrobe and a reason to get dressed up. Sure it can be daunting and confusing at first as it's a big adjustment returning to work, and post-baby things might not fit the same, but you can focus on the positives and enjoy rewearing those pretty but impractical for life as a stay at home mum pieces!

What I wore: 

jersey blazer, black henley, printed pleated yellow black aline skirt spring office outfit with Bal Part Time | AwayFromBlue

printed pleated yellow skirt, Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue mirror selfie office outfit spring printed a-line skirt black top
Jacket: Zara cream jersey blazer
NecklaceStarfish Project Hannah turquoise bead necklace
TopJeanswest 'Tilda' black shirt
Skirt: Garfunkle Australia pleated print skirt
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
BagBalenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

This was one of those mornings where I was counting my blessings! After a really tough night with lots of wakeups, I was so exhausted I don't even remember my alarms going off. When I woke up and looked at the time panic set in - I had woken up 10 minutes after I usually leave the house.

Thankfully I usually lay out my outfits the evening before for work so that I'm not disorganised in the mornings. It saved me precious time as I hurriedly washed up, applied makeup and pulled clothes on while googling my public transport options. Getting ready super fast left me with just a minute for photos before literally running out the door. In yet another blessing, it was school holidays so there was next to no traffic on the road and I was just 30 minutes late for work.

Craziness of the morning aside, I loved this outfit. I quickly peeled the blazer off to stop me overheating as I ran but in the cooler afternoon commute home it was really appreciated. This skirt is one I always get compliments on. It's beautiful and while I have worn it on maternity leave, and even to playgroup, it feels a bit dressed up and so more suitable for workwear. I wasn't entirely sure about the turquoise necklace with the yellow at first, but had no time to change my mind. Liked it a little more as the day went on.


Last worn: cream blazer, black henley, pleated printed skirt, black ballet flats, Balenciaga part time.

Other ways to wearcream blazer and flares, black henley and printed jeans, printed skirt and ruffle cami, black ballet flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga part time and purple jeans.


Perfect for pregnancy: cream blazer and hidden second trimester bump, black henley in third trimester, printed skirt in early second trimester, ballet flats and maternity office wear, Balenciaga part time in third trimester.


Jersey Blazers Under $50:







What I wore:

jersey blazer, teal henley and silk a-line leaf print skirt with Balenciaga Part time office outfit business casual | Away From Blue

printed skirt with Balenciaga giant g21 silver hardware 2010 black part time bag on arm | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram teal henley, jersey blazer, printed silk skirt outfit
Jacketthrifted Zara black blazer
NecklaceStarfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
TopJeanswest 'Aubrey' pintuck yoke henley in deep teal
Skirt: French Connection silk leaf print skirt
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
BagBalenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

Since I liked the outfit above so much, it made sense to replicate the formula exactly for my next day in the office. This skirt is silk and not machine washable, so it has sat in my wardrobe unworn for years as it's impractical for life with a toddler or two. I adore it though, and won't be getting rid of it any time soon. I thought the teal henley would look lovely with the greenery in the skirt, especially with the yellow statement necklace. I was worried the top would be a little too casual but again as in the outfit above the blazer was the perfect topper for the office. It's strange that the blazer hasn't been worn in well over a year, as it's a favourite piece.

The only thing I didn't like about this outfit was how the henley looked partially tucked in. It creased and crumpled up a bit, especially with the waist tie on the skirt. I think either taking the waist tie off (it's a removable belt) or fully tucking the top in would have looked better. Did feel happy and colourful in this outfit all day though, even if I tugged at the top a lot through the day.


Last worn: black jersey blazer, teal henley, printed silk skirt, Marc Jacobs ballet flats, Balenciaga part time (above).

Other ways to wearblack jersey blazer and skinny jeans, teal henley and chambray maxi, printed silk skirt and brown tee, Marc Jacobs ballet flats and wrap dress, Balenciaga part time and little black dress.


Perfect for pregnancy: jersey blazer and maternity pencil skirt, silk skirt and hidden first trimester bumpBalenciaga part time in second trimester.


A-Line Printed Skirts Under $50:







How You Can Wear It

Printed skirts are perfect for the office. If you're unsure about them looking to casual, you can always add a blazer on top.

With a colourful printed piece like these skirts, a plain block colour top is a good choice. Both of these tops are the same or similar colours to that in the print to make it easy.


Linking up with On Trend, Turning Heads, Wardrobe Wednesday, Style on the Daily.



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Monday 9 October 2017

Ruffle Dresses for the Office with Chloe Paddington Bag

If I like something I'll buy multiples of it. While I'm a bit more discerning now and I wait until something has proved its worth in my wardrobe before I buy another version of it, there are a handful of pieces in my wardrobe that I bought different prints of at the same time, like these dresses!

These ruffle dresses were purchased at the same time and both are must-haves in my wardrobe. While they are identical styles, just different prints, I find them both useful additions to my wardrobe. Neither of them are breastfeeding friendly so they have been packed away while I was on maternity leave. They are perfect for the office though and it's been good to get them out again. I decided to wear them with a little worn bag, my Chloe Paddington.

What I wore:

blush pink blazer, ankle boots, animal print ruffle dress and Chloe paddington brun chocolate brown bag | Away From Blue

animal print dress, Chloe Paddington bag in 2007 Brun | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram ruffle animal print dress pink bazer ankle boots Chloe Paddington
JacketJeanswest Nadine 3/4 sleeve dusky pink blazer
NecklaceZanele 40 handmade rope necklace
DressJeanswest ruffle neckline animal print dress
ShoesAcne pistol boots in "skin"
BagChloe Paddington in 2007 Brun

Why I wore it:

The style challenge for the day was 'spot my shoe style' so I decided to wear my favourite boots, my Acne Pistol ankle boots. Last time I wore these to the office I really enjoyed wearing them again. While they have a high heel they are so comfortable, and I had no issues wearing them last time on a quiet day in the office. This time round I ended up unexpectedly rushing around the office to and from meetings in these and by the end of the day I was wishing I'd picked flat shoes! My feet were comfortable, but my weak knee, used to wearing flats during pregnancy and on maternity leave, was a little sore as they are quite tall.

Knee problems aside, I loved everything else about this outfit. The pastel pink blazer works perfectly with the print on the dress, and it was fun carrying my Chloe paddington again. It was my first ever designer bag purchase, over 10 years ago!


Last worn: blush pink blazer, ruffle printed dress, Acne Pistol Boots, Chloe Paddington bag.

Other ways to wearblush pink blazer and olive tank, ruffle printed dress and red accessories, Acne Pistol Boots and bodycon dress, Chloe Paddington bag with graphic tee and jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: blush blazer and maternity pencil skirt in third trimester, printed dress hiding 4 month baby bump, pistol boots in third trimesterChloe Paddington in first trimester.



Ruffle Detail Dresses Under $50:








What I wore:

jacquard blazer with pink ruffle neckline dress, gold mouse flats, Chloe paddy bag | AwayFromBlue

Chloe paddington gold hardware padlock bag in Brun chocolate brown 2007 | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram pink ruffle dress with yellow statement necklace business casual office wear spring
JacketJeanswest Cassandra jacquard jacket
NecklaceStarfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
DressJeanswest deep pink ruffle neckline dress (updated version recently released)
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black!)
BagChloe Paddington in 2007 Brun

Why I wore it:

The colour of this dress is always so hard to capture! It's a really berry pink, looking hot pink and red in different lights. I thought the fun yellow statement necklace would look great with it, and the embellished blazer kind of has stripes on it for the 'team stripes' style challenge that day.


Surprised to look up and see that the last time I wore this dress was over 2 years ago though! No idea why it's been so long between wears.

I was wearing my trusty gold mouse flats instead of heels, which was definitely needed. As I shared on my Insta stories, daycare lost a lovey/comforter/snuggly whatever you want to call it. As we didn't have a backup, I had to rush around the city stores at lunch time trying desperately to find a replacement. Without any luck sadly! I was more than a little annoyed, especially as it's not the first time I've made this frantic shop!

Thankfully I liked my outfit, even if I did go home empty handed with no replacement cuddly toy. Daycare eventually found it again a couple days later. And we also now have a back up one!


Last worn: jacquard blazer, ruffle detail dress, gold mouse flats, Chloe Paddington bag (above).

Other ways to wearjacquard blazer and maxi skirt, ruffle detail dress and purple bag, gold mouse flats and skinny jeans, Chloe Paddington bag and printed pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: jacquard blazer in second trimester, mouse flats and maternity wrap dress, Chloe Paddington in second trimester.



Where To Buy a Chloe Paddington Bag:




While the Chloe Paddington is no longer in production, there are plenty of trusted places to get it second hand!



How You Can Wear It:

Need a quick and easy outfit for work? Grab a pretty dress and add a blazer and your fave bag, simple and professional!
If you're buying multiples of clothes for work, dresses are a good option. Different prints and colours make it look like a whole new outfit, even if they are the same style of dress, like the two in this post.


Linking up with Confident Twosday, Style Sessions, Oh Hey Girl, Style On the Daily, Fashion Frenzy.



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Monday 25 September 2017

Pink Balenciaga City Bag and Wrap Dresses For The Office

With my return to work from maternity leave, I feel like a have a lot more outfit options in my wardrobe. It's been fun getting to unpack my office clothing I set aside while I was on maternity leave, and wear some of my fancier dresses, but I've also enjoyed using more of my handbags.

While I've shared my secret for how to wear a handbag and a baby bag before, I still prefer cross body bags when running around with the toddlers.  Being back in the office means getting to wear those bags I didn't wear frequently during maternity leave, like this sorbet pink Balenciaga city bag.

What I wore:

spring office outfit little black floral print wrap dress Balenciaga sorbet pink city bag trench coat | awayFromBlue

floral wrap dress, Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet | AwayFromTheBlue

@awayfromblue instagram spring business casual office outfit floral wrap dress pink bag
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
NecklaceZanele 40 handmade rope necklace
TankJeanswest brown marle singlet
DressJeanswest floral wrap dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black!)
BagBalenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet

Why I wore it:

This dress is one of the oldies in my wardrobe. The benefit to having so many pieces from Jeanswest in my wardrobe is that I can tell how old things are from the different tags they've used through the years! This dress is practically vintage as it's around 10 years old. I might have to add a singlet underneath for modesty now but I still love wearing this just as much as I did when I first got it.

I found the wrap style worked perfectly for pregnancy too! Pink accessories with a little black dress is an outfit combination I wear a lot of, and I love this wrap dress and pink Balenciaga city bag together.


Last worn: camel trench coat, brown marle tank, floral wrap dress, gold mouse flats, Balenciaga sorbet city bag.

Other ways to wearcamel trench coat and burgundy pants, brown marle tank and ombre maxi skirt, floral wrap dress layered up for winter, gold mouse flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga sorbet city bag and navy kimono.

Perfect for pregnancycamel trench in the first trimester, floral dress and pink bag in second trimester, Balenciaga city bag at 37 weeks pregnant.



Pink Balenciaga City Bags:








What I wore:

faux wrap dress for petites with pink balenciaga city bag navy mac jacket | away from Blue

blue printed wrap dress, Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet split tassels | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram geometric print faux wrap dress pink and navy accessories
JacketJeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo
NecklaceUniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
Dress: Target Dannii Minogue Petites printed wrap dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats
BagBalenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet

Why I wore it:

Pink and blue is another favourite colour combination of mine. While the print of this dress is made up or pinks, reds, blue and turquoise it 'reads' blue so I wore it with the blue necklace and jacket to compliment it.

Just like the gold mouse flats in the first outfit, these silver ballet flats are a nice neutral. A good choice with such a colourful outfit.

Unlike the wrap dress above, this is a faux wrap dress. I usually stay away from faux wrap pieces. Being petite with a short torso it's hard enough to find proper wrap pieces that fit me and impossible with faux ones. This dress is from the Dannii Minogue petites range at Target though and fits perfectly!


Last worn: navy Macintosh, faux wrap dress, silver ballet flats, Balenciaga sorbet city bag (above). 

Other ways to wearnavy Macintosh and fit and flare dress, faux wrap dress and winter layers, silver ballet flats and monochrome pencil skirt outfit, Balenciaga sorbet city bag with monochrome pencil skirt outfit.

Perfect for pregnancy: faux wrap dress in second trimesterBalenciaga city bag and maternity shorts.




Wrap Dresses Under $50:









How You Can Wear It:



A wrap dress is a great outfit choice for work. They suit everyone and are an easy, instant outfit. If you're worried the wrap doesn't give enough coverage, you could layer a tank underneath like I have in the first outfit. They work perfectly for breastfeeding too!

With a classic corporate dress code friendly wrap dress, you can have a little fun with your accessories and try a bold colour like this pink bag.


Linking up with Mummy Monday, Confident Twosday, Turning Heads, Wardrobe Wednesday, What I Wore, Fashion Frenzy, Style on the Daily.



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Monday 18 September 2017

Printed Blouses and Black Pencil Skirts: Cold Weather Office Wear

I try to get the most out of my wardrobe by wearing summer pieces year-round and making things work as both office wear and stay at home mum style. There are a few pieces I keep strictly for work wear though.

Both printed tops I'm wearing below were packed away when I outgrew them in pregnancy and left aside while I was on maternity leave. It's been good to unbox them again now I'm back in the office! Printed tops pair so nicely with black pencil skirts.

What I wore:

navy ruffled printed blouse with black pencil skirt colourful accessories winter office outfit | AwayFromBlue

navy trench, Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue colourful witner office otufit polka dot ruffle blouse purple bag yellow necklace
JacketJeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo
NecklaceStarfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
BlouseJeanswest 'Ricky' ruffle front top in midnight
SkirtJeanswest zip detail ponte pencil skirt
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

While I'd been going without tights in the mornings, the not quite spring weather didn't hang around long so it was a bit chilly this morning, back to tights and ankle boots. Despite it being a very cold morning, I still wanted a cheerful and colourful outfit.

With the navy polka dot top and the purple bag, the outfit was already colourful, but I thought I'd add the yellow statement necklace for a finishing touch. I really liked this outfit combination. Nothing like a bit of colour to cheer you up on a cold morning!


Last worn: navy macintosh, polka dot ruffle top, black zip detail pencil skirt, black ankle boots, purple Balenciaga work bag.

Other ways to wearnavy macintosh and chambray dress, polka dot ruffle top and red jeans, black zip detail pencil skirt over a dress, ankle boots and little black dress, purple Balenciaga work bag and textured pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: ruffle top hiding an early baby bump, pencil skirt in first trimester, ankle boots in second trimester.



Printed Blouses Under $50:







What I wore:

trench coat, printed blouse black pencil skirt purple balenciaga work bag | Away From Blue

Trench coat, pencil skirt, Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram trench coat printed blouse black ponte pencil skirt purple bag
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
NecklaceRoie Designs pearl and antique gold long necklace
Top: Target ruffle sleeve dog print blouse
SkirtJeanswest black ponte pencil skirt
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

I always have a hard time remembering the differences between these two black pencil skirts when I write blog posts! The one above has an exposed zipper detail on the back, and this one here has elastic panels displayed at the waist but it's hidden under the trench coat. Despite these minor differences they do look identical - but with so many printed tops in my wardrobe a couple of black pencil skirts are a necessity for easy office outfits.

This dachshund print top was an impulse Target buy a few years ago. It didn't get worn an awful lot when I first got it as I found the stitched on waist belt a bit limiting with how I could wear it. A comment from Sheila on her blog about how she removed a similar belt gave me the idea to take the belt off. Removing the stitching and the belt was my first ever DIY attempt with a top, and I love how it makes this top a lot more wearable.

The purple in the print made this purple Balenciaga work bag an easy accessory to pair with it!


Last worn: camel trench, dachshund print top, ponte pencil skirt, camel ballet flats, Balenciaga purple work bag (above).

Other ways to wearcamel trench and skinny jeans, dachshund print top and red jeans, ponte pencil skirt in summer, camel ballet flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga purple work bag and blue dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: camel trench in the first trimester, dachshund print top hiding a second trimester bump, ballet flats in third trimester.



Black Pencil Skirts Under $50:







How You Can Wear It:



A black pencil skirt is an easy base for an office outfit. You can add some colour and fun with a printed top, and go a step further with colourful statement accessories too like in the first outfit. Not all printed outfits need to be overly colourful, sometimes keeping things simple and picking one colour from the print to wear in your accessories too works as well like in the second outfit. A black pencil skirt is one of those must-have pieces in your office wardrobe.


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