Showing posts with label RM MAB tote. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RM MAB tote. Show all posts

Friday 2 September 2016

Ways to Wear JORD Wood Watches and a Giveaway

If you've read my blog for a while you might remember last year when I was given my first JORD wood watch. It became a firm favourite to wear to the office as glancing at your watch in a long meeting is a lot politer than pulling out your phone to check the time!

AwayFromTheBlue JORD wood watch fieldcrest unisex worn 4 ways Bal and LV Bags



JORD kindly gifted me another beautiful watch. I was excited to start wearing a watch again, hoping it would help keep me on time for things. Really it's just become another way for me to see how late we are running! Typical of life with two under 3 I think. As well as a review, I wanted to show you some of the different ways I've worn the women's wood watches I'm lucky enough to own.


JORD wood watch Cora and Fieldcrest side by side comparison | AwayFromBlue



I picked the Cora watch as it's a little more dainty than the unisex Fieldcrest watch I have. I was also really intrigued by the purpleheart wood, which looks lovely with the mother of pearl face. As well as the little cut-out detail on the face to see the inner workings of the watch, the back of the face is clear so you can see all the cogs moving around inside which is fascinating - especially to a toddler!

JORD wood watch Cora purpleheart inner workings cogs | AwayFromBlue


Being a wood watch, it's splash-proof but not waterproof. It means I can wear it through all the constant hand washing that comes along with two boys still in nappies, although I do have to take it off when washing the dishes or showering. It handles stay at home mum duties perfectly. My Fieldcrest watch has held up to a year and a half of use and over 30 wears. It's also been tough enough to cope with being pulled off the bedside table and worn by the toddler more times than I can count, so I'm confident this Cora watch will last as well.


Ways to wear JORD wood women's watch Cora purpleheart | AwayFromTheBlue


The ordering process was a little different this time around than last time. When you pick your wood watch, you can specify the size of your wrist and get it custom sized for you right out of the box. I used this feature, it's cheaper than getting the band changed at my local watch repair place and it fits perfectly. Being petite with tiny wrists and not always being able to find things to fit me properly, I appreciated this extra service.


JORD Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl women's wood watch silver bracelet stack | AwayFromTheBlue


The only downside I can find with this watch is that it's an automatic one, so it doesn't use a battery. This means if you get over excited and don't read the manual (guilty!) you won't wind the watch enough when you first set the time and you'll be confused the next day when it stops ticking. Once you read the manual and follow the instructions to properly setup the watch, you won't have any problems and the watch will keep the right time.


JORD Cora women's watch purpleheart and mother of pearl with pink and purple bags | AwayFromBlue


Just like my first experience with JORD watches, I was impressed with the speedy shipping time from the US to Australia and the absolutely beautiful presentation. I shared my delight at opening the box on my insta story. These wood watches make great gifts! They are so unique.

JORD wood watches presentation display box unique gift | AwayFromBlue



If you are inspired by the different ways I've worn my watches or have someone in mind to gift one to, you'll love this generous giveaway! Just by entering you'll get a little something and one lucky winner will get a $100 e-gift voucher. As this is my second wood watch from JORD, I'd be happy to help answer any questions you have about them in the comments too.


Click here for a $20 off code for JORD wood watches and a chance to win a $100 e-gift voucher!



Note: giveaway ends on 26th September. Giveaway is administrated by JORD for Away From Blue readers. I am simply promoting it through my blog. E-gift codes are automatically emailed to entrants. It is open world wide as JORD ships internationally and everyone who is reading here can enter.


AwayFromBlue JORD fieldcrest unisex black wood watch worn different ways seasons fall spring summer




This post was sponsored by JORD wood watches. As always, opinions and views expressed on this blog are my own.


Linking up with The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Shoe & Tell, Let It Shine, Hello Monday, Mix It Monday, Grace & Lace, Red Carpet Fashion.


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Monday 8 February 2016

Corporate Style: Wrap Dresses In Third Trimester and Rebecca Minkoff Medium MAB Tote

Gong Xi Fa Cai to everyone celebrating the Lunar New Year! Neither of the outfits below feature the traditional red or gold, instead I'm sharing what I wore to work a few weeks ago. Toddler T is still getting generously showered in little red envelopes though, we celebrate Chinese New Year.


Congratulations to Sarah who won the #Struggles Book giveaway, by sharing some great advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed with social media:
The advice that I would give is to fast from social media. When you give it up, you give up your ties to it and it's hold on you is gone. Just distance yourself from it at least for a while.
There were lots of great entries, and similar advice, but I liked Sarah's mention that sometimes we need to to break the 'hold' we feel social media has on us.

What I wore:

Away From Blue | Atmos&Here Betsy jersey wrap dress in watercolour print third trimester outfit

AwayFromTheBlue | Rebecca Minkoff moon navy medium MAB Tote bag baby bump
NecklaceTiffany diamonds by the yard necklace
DressAtmos&Here Betsy jersey wrap dress in watercolour print (new purchase)
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey (on sale in black)
Bracelets: the usual plus turquoise and silver beaded bracelet set
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale in blackor in blue)

Why I wore it:

I was excited to wear my new dress! I saw this on incredible sale at the Iconic for boxing day and ordered a size larger than my usual so that it would hopefully fit the baby bump. Was really pleased to find it accommodated a third trimester belly nicely. It's still on sale too...

I had an important meeting in the morning and then lunch with friends in the afternoon, this dress was the perfect office wear for that. And the print nicely disguised the fact that I spilled a little sauce down the front at lunch, haha!



Last worn: studded mouse flats, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote bag. First time I've worn the dress as it is a recent purchase.

Other ways to wearstudded mouse flats and a pencil skirt, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote bag and winter layering.


More beautiful printed wrap dresses under $100:







What I wore:

Away From Blue | Third trimester soon maternity printed wrap dress office outfit

AwayFromTheBlue | Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy JORD black fieldcrest watch
Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette, Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace
Dress: Soon Maternity 'Madeline' grey print wrap dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale in greyor in burgundy)

Why I wore it:

While the dress in my first outfit isn't a maternity piece, this maternity wrap dress is one of my favourite pregnancy purchases from last time around. It always looks good, worked well for another day in the office and the navy MAB tote goes with everything of course.

I'm not sure how much use this bag will get when I go on maternity leave, but it's so perfect for the office and I think such a classic style I'm pleased I bought it last year.


Last worn: Soon Maternity printed wrap dress, metallic ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote (above).

Other ways to wear: Soon Maternity printed wrap dress and Chloe paddington, metallic ballet flats and a maxi dressRebecca Minkoff MAB tote with a dress as a top.






Linking up with Hello Monday, Let It Shine, Modest Monday, Classy Monday, Mix It Monday, On Trend, Turning Heads, Style Sessions, Fashion Party, Wardrobe Wednesday, Dress to Impress, What I Wore to Work.




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Monday 30 November 2015

Cyber Monday Sales! Easy Second Trimester Outfits: Bright Tanks and Maxi Skirts for Spring

I wore the tank top and maxi skirt combination frequently in my last pregnancy, so I have a go-to outfit for those 'I don't know what to wear' days. My maxi skirts have stretchy and comfortable elastic waistbands and are so easy to wear. Add a bright and colourful tank top and I'm set for a hot day! And comfortable too, even though everything I'm wearing is from my regular, non-maternity wardrobe it accommodates a baby bump nicely.

What I wore:

Away from Blue | Easy Spring Second trimester outfit stretchy tank printed maxi skirt

Away from the Blue | printed maxi skirt Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag plum
Necklace: thrifted pearl and heart charm long necklace
SingletJeanswest 'Jenni' basic singlet in festival fuchsia
Skirt: Izabel London Aztec print maxi skirt (C/O)
ShoesBalenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale with 25% off and free shipping at Rebecca Minkoff)

Why I wore it:

More house hunting! I've mentioned it here and there on the blog but finding the perfect house is taking longer than we thought. Anyway, the outfit. This maxi skirt is quite a thick one but it wasn't too warm paired with the berry singlet.

I was really wishing I'd picked something different for my feet though. Buckling and unbuckling sandals before entering an open house when pregnant and juggling a toddler is not the easiest thing to do...I ended up leaving the sandals unbuckled by the time we got to the fourth house.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, berry tank, printed maxi skirt, Balenciaga sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote.

Other ways to wearberry tank and a statement necklace, printed maxi skirt in winter, Balenciaga sandals and skinny jeans, purple Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote with a black dress.


As it's been a big weekend in the USA with thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, don't forget to check out these sales:

Anthropologie 25% off everything with code 'SHOPTOIT'
ASOS 30% off everything with code 'BLESSED'
(I picked up this cute blue kimono and this floral one for summer)

Boohoo - 70% off everything
Choies up to 80% off sale with extra 15% off orders over $49 with code 'BLACK15'
Luisaviaroma - extra 20% off sale items with code 'BFR20'
Matches Fashion - 50% off sale plus free shipping with code 'FREEAUS'

Rebecca Minkoff - 25% off all orders plus free shipping and Essie Polish. No code needed.


If I wasn't having problems at checkout, the Rebecca Minkoff sale is the one I'd be shopping! I have my eye on the custom bag offerings! Sadly, I can't get past the shipping stage without getting an error. I've emailed but still haven't heard back.


What I wore:

Away from Blue | Spring second trimester pregnancy outfit lace kimono bright tank black maxi skirt

AwayFromBlue | green tank Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC with python embossed leather in aquamarine
JacketShein cream lace kimono (C/O)
NecklaceRoie Designs feather, quartz and love charm long necklace
TankJeanswest Jenni basic singlet in Emerald green
SkirtJeanswest plain jersey black maxi skirt
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC with python embossed leather in aquamarine (on sale with 25% off and free shipping at Rebecca Minkoff)

Why I wore it:

It was a slightly cooler day than the one above, so I took the chance to add a kimono over the singlet and maxi skirt combo to try make it a little different.

I've worn this singlet and skirt together before, just with different accessories, and no kimono or baby belly. It's a nice simple combination. I don't wear a lot of green, so this singlet hasn't been worn often, but I'm being much more adventurous with colours after my wardrobe detox session with a personal stylist and I even went out and got a similar shade of green in a maternity tank.


Last worn: lace kimono, green singlet, black jersey maxi skirt, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff aquamarine mini MAC.

Other ways to wearlace kimono and a chambray dressgreen singlet at 39 weeks pregnant, maxi skirt and a graphic tee, Rebecca Minkoff aquamarine mini MAC and skinny jeans in winter.


Wrapping up this post with my monthly purchases (can you believe November is almost over?!). I bought a lot of Christmas presents for others this month, and stocked up on maternity wear for summer in the Jeanswest 40% off sale.




What I added to my wardrobe in November:


Linking up with Let It Shine, More Pieces of Me, Hello Monday, Modest Monday, Budget Bloggers, Mix It Monday, Style Sessions, Turning Heads, On Trend Tuesday, Confident Twosday.




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Monday 7 September 2015

Corporate Style: Plaid Shirts In The Office with Pencil Skirts and Alexander McQueen Skull Scarves

Last time I wore these plaid shirts, I wore them with skinny jeans. I'd been trying to think of another way to wear them so they wouldn't just sit unworn for a while and figured I'd wear them to the office! Just like last time, two extremely similar looks, just wearing them with slightly different things.

If you want to make a plaid shirt look a little more formal and corporate, you can always tuck it in too. I tend to leave my shirts untucked as I work in a fairly relaxed business casual office.

What I wore:

plaid shirt red alexander mcqueen skull scarf RM MAB tote black trench and pencil skirt

Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy with black
Jacket: Temt black trench coat 
ScarfAlexander McQueen red skull-print modal and cashmere-blend scarf
ShirtJay Jays metallic plaid shirt
SkirtJeanswest zip detail ponte pencil skirt
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy

Why I wore it:

It's officially spring here in Brisbane which is great as it means I can go bare-legged with the knee bandage more often. I've mentioned before it doesn't work well with tights! While I took this photo before I went to work a couple of weeks ago, it was a warmer than normal winter day and bare legs were fine.

When I put this on it seemed a little dark with all the black, so I added the bright scarf for some colour, even though didn't really need it for warmth.


Last wornblack trench, red skull scarf, plaid shirt, black pencil skirt, ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote.

Other ways to wearblack trench and a printed dress, red skull scarf and a navy striped dress, plaid shirt and denim, pencil skirt and polka dots, black flats and a printed dress, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote and a printed dress.


Shop plaid shirts at Shopbop:



See more plaid shirts at Shopbop.

If you'd rather ease into plaid, check out the plaid scarves. Accessories are a great way to try something out on a small scale.




What I wore:

Office wear grey pencil skirt purple plaid shirt magenta skull scarf RM MAB tote bag

Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy with purple plaid shirt
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
ScarfAlexander McQueen magenta skull scarf in roses print
TopSee by Chloe lavender plaid cotton shirt
SkirtAsos tailored tab front pencil skirt in grey
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy

Why I wore it:

Unlike a few days before, when I wore the outfit above, this winter morning was a little more wintery and I was wishing I didn't have to go bare-legged! Especially in the rain for the commute home. I added the scarf for extra warmth. I considered wearing ankle boots instead of ballet flats too, but my boots have a tiny (1cm) heel and I'd really rather stick to completely flat shoes while my knee heels.

Wasn't sure what colour scarf to wear with the purple shirt at first, I tried on a few and in the end decided this magenta one worked nicely. What do you think?


Last worn: camel trench, magenta skull scarf, purple plaid shirt, grey pencil skirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote (above).

Other ways to wearcamel trench with a colourful outfit, magenta skull scarf and a LBD in spring, purple plaid shirt with skinny jeans, grey pencil skirt and floral cami, MbMJ ballet flats and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote with the same scarf and different outfit.


Linking up with Modest Monday, Let It Shine, Mix It Monday, Style Sessions, Reasons To Dress, On Trend Tuesday, Wardrobe Wednesday, Real Mom Style, What I Wore today.


This post was created in partnership with Shopbop. Occasionally, Away From The Blue blog may receive vendor or brand sponsorships for mentioning their products or services. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.



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Monday 20 July 2015

Corporate Style: Printed Pencil Skirts, Trench Coats and Scarves

It's starting to get really cold in the morning taking outfit pictures! Brisbane's winter has reached its single digit temperatures so it's at the coldest point. My trench coats have been getting a lot of wear, being the biggest jackets I have.

Around this time last year I wore a lot less as I wasn't commuting early in the morning and facing the cold temperatures. I had the luxury of being able to nap when baby did in the morning and only venture out with my tiny newborn in the heat of the day, or even staying inside all day and having people come visit us cosy at home. The middle of the night feeds were freezing, but walking around with a doona wrapped around your shoulders is acceptable when the only face you will see is a hungry baby. A trench coat is a poor alternative, although much more socially acceptable for a commute!

What I wore:

Away From Blue | Winter Office Wear pink polka dot skirt crochet jumper trench coat

Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
ScarfAlexander McQueen modal skull scarf in white/pink (on sale!)
TopAsos crochet shell top in cream
Skirt: Cotton On 'Mica' mesh spot skirt in dusty pink
ShoesWittner 'Bloomy' black heels
BagMarc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

It's been such a long time since I last wore this jumper, almost 2 years ago! I used to wear it a lot in the early days of the blog (with all my headless blogging pics). I realised the other day I haven't worn my jumpers often this winter, so this one was the first one I picked out to try wear more. Although it hasn't been worn in a very long time, I'm keeping it as I liked it in this outfit and I have more ideas for other ways to wear it in future.


Last worn: beige trench, pink skull scarf, crochet knit jumper, polka dot pencil skirt, ankle strap heels, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag.

Other ways to wear: trench with a printed dressskull scarf and shorts in summer, jumper layered over a dress, polka dot pencil skirt with polka dot top, ankle strap heels with a printed dress and bare legs, 40 weeks pregnant with Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag.







Trench coats and pencil skirts:





What I wore:

Turquoise pashmina navy white embroidered tunic lace pencil skirt officewear

Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy  with blue office outfit
Jacket: Temt black trench coat 
Scarf: Cotton On turquoise pashmina
NecklaceTai gold alphabet necklace
TopJeanswest Elise longline emroidered shirt coconut blue
SkirtAsos blue textured lace pencil skirt
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy

Why I wore it:

I really liked this outfit, but hate the photos as I think the scarf looks silly! I looped it around like I normally do after the photos. I wore it this way just to try show off the detail on the top. I know this skirt looks better with heels than flats too, but my knee needed a bit of a break from heels as I knew I had a lot of walking to do that day.

Had been wanting to wear this shirt to the office with this skirt for a while, and I stumbled across a little week-long style challenge on instagram that called for a white shirt. I don't have a white shirt (hate ironing shirts and too clumsy for white) so I figured this white tunic was close enough. So even with the weird looking scarf placement and the stumpy legs the skirt and flats combination gave me, I was really happy in this all day.

That's one of the good things about sharing every outfit I have time to photograph - it means even if the photo is terrible, I still have a record of how great I felt in an outfit to help me on those 'I don't know what to wear' days. I search the blog every now and then when I'm staring at my wardrobe trying to think of what to wear! I'm never going to have perfect photos, and I'm never going to have perfect outfits. I'm happy with that, and I'm happy to have you reading along too. Life doesn't have to be perfectly posed and styled all the time - it never is behind the scenes.


Last worn: black trenchturquoise pashmina, embroidered tunic, blue lace pencil skirt, black ballet flatsRebecca Minkoff MAB tote.

Other ways to wearblack trench with skinny jeansturquoise scarf and purple jeans, embroidered tunic with flares, casual summer outfit with lace pencil skirt, black ballet flats with skinny jeansRebecca Minkoff MAB tote with more printed pencil skirts.






Linking up with Modest Monday, Mix It Monday, Style to Inspire, Manic Monday, Turning Heads, On Trend Tuesday, Style Sessions, Real Mom Style, Confident Twosday, Reasons To Dress, Wardrobe Wednesday, Trendy Wednesday today.



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Wednesday 15 July 2015

Corporate Style: Winter Printed Dresses For a Business Casual Office

First up, had to share this sale with you! Shopbop are having an extra 25% off the designer boutique sale items with the code '25EXTRA'. It's sales like these that make #noBuyJuly15 so difficult to stick to! I love the extra discounts on Shopbop on top of their already good sale prices.



If you're not on a shopping ban, check out the sale! I will be skipping this sale, I'm at the halfway point with #noBuyJuly15. I've been so good for the first half of the month, just need to continue that for the rest of the month! If you're doing the no shopping challenge with us too, ignore the sale info above (sorry!) and make sure to check out the survival plan on Beth's blog for some great tips about making it through the month without buying anything!


Just like the previous post, more dresses for the office! I thought after the June Dress Week style challenge I did I'd be over dresses, but I am enjoying the simplicity of them for work. Just throw on and go, no need to try coordinating pieces. I even kept the same coat and bag. The two dresses below are new ones from my June purchases.


What I wore:

Silk print shift dress winter office wear ankle boots purple cardi navy tote

Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy worn with printed shift dress
Jacket: Temt black trench coat 
NecklaceTai gold alphabet necklace
CardiganJeanswest Peggie kimono in purple mulberry marle
DressJeanswest Sadie silk printed shift dress (new purchase)
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy

Why I wore it:

This dress was a complete bargain for a silk dress! It was on sale at Jeanswest, and then reduced to an extra 50% off on top. A $130 dress reduced to $30, just had to get it. I know that silk (and any hand-wash only item) is not the most practical fabric to have around baby, so I'll be keeping this dress as work-only for a while.

This was great for the office, lunch with the girls and then dinner after work with friends. I was a little paranoid about baby's sticky hands on my dress at dinner though, may have been wiser to have worn this on a different day. I just kept wrapping my cardi around to cover as much of the dress as possible!

This is actually the third time I've worn these ankle boots. The second time I posted them, I forgot to do my usual purchase review!
I bought these in June to replace my heeled black ankle boots, wanting a pair that feel better suited to life with baby. I really like these. They go with everything, from jeans to maxi dresses.
They are leather, only have the tiniest of heels (about a centimetre), they are the perfect ankle boot height for me and even better, they were on sale at The Iconic so were a bargain. They will be getting a lot of wear over the rest of winter, and in Spring too!


Last worn: black trench, purple cardi, black ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote. First time I've worn this dress as it is a new purchase.

Other ways to wearpencil skirt and black trench, purple cardi with denim, ankle boots with a maxi dress, print mixing with Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote.







More printed dresses:



What I wore:

Away From Blue | Geometric printed wrap dress bright scarf black flats trench office style

Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy
Jacket: Temt black trench coat 
Scarf: Cotton On turquoise pashmina
Dress: Target Danni Minogue Petites printed wrap dress
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy

Why I wore it:

This dress is almost completely hidden by the trench coat and scarf, but it was a cold day! This is the first faux-wrap dress I've ever owned. Usually I hate them, they have the look of a wrap dress but none of the flexibility to adjust them to sit just right. I've never had one look good on me before. This is from the Dannii Minogue petites range at Target (maybe an Aussie only range) and it fits perfectly! I'd seen it a few times in passing but been put off by the price, so when it was on sale I took the chance to try it on. I discovered it was a faux wrap dress in the change room but decided to try it anyway, and fell in love. It just sits perfectly! I'm pleased I tried it on, and although I haven't bought any more from the range (as my size was almost always sold out) I'm definitely going to be keeping an eye any sales on the line in future.

As it's the second time I've worn these shoes, my purchase review:
I like these! I think I'll keep an eye out for this brand going on sale again too! Marc by Marc Jacobs is my usual go-to for ballet flats, but with the Aussie dollar not doing so great even at sale time they are pushing my 'limit' for shoes, so it's nice to find another brand I like. The flats are comfortable, practical and easy to wear. The sole is thicker than a usual ballet flat so it's nicely padded, and the elasticated backs don't rub at all (which I was a little concerned about). Not sad to see my old black flats go, and really happy with these replacements.


Last worn: black trench (above), turquoise pashmina, Walnut black flats, Rebecca Minkoff navy MAB tote (above). First time I've worn the dress as it is a recent purchase.

Other ways to wearblack trench with black, white and tanturquoise pashmina with a different printed dress, black flats with skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff navy MAB tote with pencil skirts.







Linking up with Pleated Poppy, Style Me Weekly, What I Wore, The Wednesday Pants, Trendy Wednesday, Oh Hey Girl, Fashion Files, Throwback Thursday, Fun Fashion Friday, Feature Friday today.



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Monday 13 July 2015

Corporate Style: Fit and Flare Dresses ~ Winter Layering

Two simple fit and flare dresses for the office, layered up with some colour for winter. I took these photos without my trench over the top so you can see the layering better, but winter mornings are especially cold so I still needed a jacket. I do like being able to show all of the layers for photos instead of hiding them under a jacket, but it's much colder this way...probably will go back to wearing all my layers and staying cosy for pictures!

What I wore:

winter black white striped fit and flare dress layered with bright blue tee office wear

Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy with striped dress
Tee: Valleygirl blue 3/4 sleeve tee
DressJeanswest 'Rita' stripe jersey dress
ShoesWittner 'Bloomy' black heels
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

Had to brave photos in the cold without my jacket so you could see the blue tee underneath! This tee was one of my May purchases, and I just managed to wear it twice in June. I took these photos in the last week of June, I'm just a bit behind in blogging. I had planned to wear it sooner, but having to stay home and look after an unwell baby meant I was just waiting for another chance to wear this outfit! I was pleased I got to wear this eventually, I much preferred this outfit over the last time I wore this dress.

So since it's the second time I've worn this tee, my purchase review:
I'm pleased I bought this. I used to have a wide range of layering tees like this and I ended up donating them as I had much more than I would ever wear. I think the last I ever wore one was back in 2013! However I noticed the gap this winter, pieces like this are great under dresses to add some colour and keep warm. Plus with the fill a bag for $2 sale at the local 'op shop' and a bag full of clothes for baby T, adding in an extra top didn't cost me any more. I'm pleased I got it and although I don't wear this style of top very often I'm glad I have it for those occasions I do want something like this. Happy with this purchase, even if it's not the kind of thing I need to wear everyday.

The difficulty with wearing this top twice in the month after buying it made me re-evaluate and return some of my June purchases too. While plain, bright coloured tops are a gap in my wardrobe, I don't need more tops, I have plenty! So I'm definitely going to be buying less tops for a while. (I won't be buying any in July while I'm doing #noBuyJuly15 of course!) I'll focus on wearing more of the tops I own and getting rid of the ones that no longer work for me to free up some space!


Last worn: plain blue top, printed snood, stripe fit and flare dress, ankle strap heels, Rebecca Minkoff navy MAB tote.

Other ways to wear: blue top with a pencil skirtsnood in spring with chambray, stripe dress in summer for baby's dedication, ankle strap heels with pencil skirts, Rebecca Minkoff navy MAB tote with printed pieces.








What I wore:

pink belted boyfriend blazer for the office LBD heels Alexander McQueen skull scarf

Navy RM medium MAB tote bag with LBD black fit and flare dress
JacketJeanswest Nadine 3/4 Sleeve dusky pink blazer
ScarfAlexander McQueen modal skull scarf in white/pink (on sale!)
Dress: Jeanswest tucked ponte black dress
Belt: Kmart thin black glitter belt
ShoesWittner 'Bloomy' black heels
Bracelets: the usual
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy

Why I wore it:

Although I wasn't too happy with the full outfit last time I wore this blazer (it would have been better with a different scarf) I really liked it belted so I was eager to try it again. I really liked this outfit! It's taken me a while to figure out how to make this blazer work for me but I think belting is the way to go! It looks much better belted with a LBD for the office than worn loose.


Last worn: pink Alexander McQueen skull scarf, pink boyfriend blazer, black glitter belt, black dress, black heels (above), Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote (above).

Other ways to wearAlexander McQueen skull scarf with a maxi skirt in spring, pink boyfriend blazer with denim shorts, printed dress with a glitter belt, belted LBD for the office in summer.






Linking up with Modest Monday, Style To Inspire, Mix It Monday, On the daily Express, More Pieces of Me, Turning Heads Tuesday, Style Sessions, Real Mom Style, Confident Twosday, Trend Spin Linkup, Wardrobe Wednesday today.




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