Printed Tanks, Flared Jeans, Grey Cardigans and Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody Bags

Life with two boys under 2 is busy and hectic, and a cross body bag means I've always got everything I need handy. I've been favouring my Rebecca Minkoff cross body bags lately. While I do have other cross body bags, the Rebecca Minkoff ones are small enough that they are easy to juggle with a baby bag, toddler, newborn and often a stroller.

What I wore:

Jacket: Paper Scissors grey wrap cardigan

Tank: Emerson crochet lace bib print top
Jeans: Jeanswest 'spoylt' flared jeans
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

I loved everything about this outfit! A rainy night and a cooler morning was the perfect chance to wear this grey cardi, and I really wanted to wear the red tank and bag together. Although I was just running a few errands, I was comfortable and happy in this all day.

The flowy tank is great for covering a postbaby belly and I was able to lift it up and still have plenty of coverage while breastfeeding in the afternoon when the in-laws came over.

This cardigan had been in the 'maybe donate' pile for a while, as it's been so long since I last wore it. It was last on the blog over 3 years ago! I've taken it to work a few times since then to keep cosy in the aircon but wasn't sure it was worth keeping, until loving it in this outfit. It will be staying in my wardrobe.


Last worn: grey cardi, red crochet detail tank, flared jeans, Marc Jacobs ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag.

Other ways to wear: grey cardi in the office, red printed tank and striped maxi skirt, flared jeans and Converse, Marc Jacobs ballet flats and a maxi skirt, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag and a striped skirt.

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More Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody Bags:

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What I wore:

Sunnies: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers (30% off at Nordstrom!)

Jacket: Jeanswest Alice longline Australian wool cardigan (new purchase)
Tank: Atmos&Here 'Florida' tank in Aztec print
Jeans: Jeanswest 'spoylt' flared jeans
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in navy!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in pink!)

Why I wore it:

Since I liked the outfit combination above so much, I decided to try recreate it on another day with a different bag, tank and cardigan. I really didn't like this outfit as much though.

While the wool cardi was nice and cosy and I usually love wearing this tank, I felt it wasn't really working with my extra post-baby curves lifting it up and kept fussing with the hem of the tank trying to pull it down. A nice outfit in theory, but not so practical to wear.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, Aztec print tank, flared jeans (above), gold mouse flats, Rebecca Minkoff plum mini MAB tote. First time I've worn the cardigan as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: Aztec print tank and red jeans, flares and a blazer, gold mouse flats and a Chloe Paddington, purple mini MAB and a pink maxi dress.

Linking up with Passion for Fashion, Friday Faves, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Let It Shine, Shoe & Tell, Hello Monday.

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Maxi Skirts, Alexander McQueen Skull Scarves and Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote Bag

With the autumn temperatures slowly starting to arrive, it's been good to get my scarf collection out again. While baby is small I'm avoiding necklaces or extra bracelets he could get tangled in, but a scarf is so easy to remove when feeding and soft for baby to snuggle into.

What I wore:

Sunnies: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers (30% off at Nordstrom!)
Scarf: Alexander McQueen modal skull scarf in white/pink
Tank: Atmos & Here Oregon stripe tank (on sale!)
Skirt: Jeanswest plain jersey black maxi skirt
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in pink!)

Why I wore it:

Had some shopping to do in the morning and family came to visit in the afternoon. Wanted to add some colour to the black outfit with the colourful scarf and bag. Maxi skirt, stripes and colourful accessories - such a simple and practical outfit. I really liked wearing this.


Last worn: Ray-Ban wayfarer, pink and cream skull scarf, striped tank, black maxi skirt, Marc Jacobs ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote.

Other ways to wear: pink skull scarf with blue and teal, striped tank and flared jeans, black maxi skirt and a baby bump, Marc Jacobs ballet flats and jeans, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote and a tie dye maxi dress.

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Buy Alexander McQueen Skull Scarves on Sale:

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers (30% off at Nordstrom!)

Scarf: Alexander McQueen modal and cashmere skull scarf
Tee: Atmos&Here rolled sleeve oversized tee in wine (similar in black)
Skirt: Target grey marle maxi skirt
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in navy!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale with zipped sides!)

Why I wore it:

Because I really liked the maxi skirt and skull scarf combo above, I tried it again. And again I really liked it. Perfect for the daycare drop off / pick up and a doctor's appointment in the afternoon. I've worn the tee and skirt and the tee and scarf together before.

Wasn't sure if the burgundy tee and purple bag would go together though. I actually googled for 'burgundy purple outfits' during baby boy's late night feed (when I usually plan what I'll wear for the day!) to try and figure out if my outfit idea would work! I'm glad I gave it a go though. It was good to try a little something different and I think the purple looks nice with the burgundy.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers (above), taupe skull scarf, wine oversized tee, grey marle maxi skirt, gold mouse flats, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote (above).

Other ways to wear: taupe skull scarf and printed pants, burgundy tee and gold jeans, grey marle maxi skirt and a graphic tee, gold mouse flats and a wrap dress, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote and denim shorts.

Linking up with Fresh Fashion, Style Me Wednesday, Oh Hey Girl, Labour of Fashion, Throwback Thursday, Fashion Files, Weekend Linkup, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion. 

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Maternity Tops and Striped Maxi Skirts: Third Trimester SAHM Style

With the intense summer heat in Queensland, I've hated having anything constricting my third trimester belly, even if it is an elasticated waistband. I'm glad I picked up some longer maternity tops in this pregnancy as the extra length means I can still wear all my regular non-maternity maxi skirts under the bump, and still have the baby belly fully covered by the tops.

What I wore: 

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers
Necklace: pink beaded disc necklace
Singlet: Jeanswest Carla maternity cut out tank (non-maternity version)
Skirt: Target black and white striped maxi skirt
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

Wore this to work from home and attend an OB appointment in the afternoon. I'd been thinking that this black maternity tank would look nice with the striped maxi skirt, but I wasn't too sure when I put it on. I decided to try brighten it up with some colourful accessories. Although the pink necklace and purple mini MAB tote bag don't match, I thought the colours were nice against the black.

I still feel this was missing something though - maybe a colourful scarf would have been a better option.


As it's the second time I've worn this tank, and I'm reviewing everything I buy to make sure I'm buying things I'll actually wear, my purchase review:

I really like wearing this tank, so I'm glad I bought it. While I already had a plain black maternity tank, this one feels different enough with the cut out details that I'm glad I bought it too. Pleased I bought more maternity tops in this pregnancy, I'm really enjoying wearing them. Although I bought this near the end of the second trimester, I still feel I'll get enough use from it in the final trimester.



Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, black maternity tank, striped maxi skirt, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote.

Other ways to wear: black maternity tank and denim shorts, striped maxi skirt in the second trimester, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote and denim shorts.

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Striped maxi skirts under $50:

Maternity striped maxi skirts under $50:

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What I wore:

Necklace: Happiness Boutique turquoise and coral pendant necklace (C/O)
Top: Jeanswest Sonny maternity tee in lagoon marle (C/O)
Skirt: AT by Atmos&Here Mars striped maxi skirt
Shoes: slim gold Havaianas
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

I'd been thinking about more ways to wear this non-maternity skirt, and thought it would look great with this green maternity tee.

After a few days of sickness and pretty much being stuck on the sofa, I had a busy morning running errands and taking a fully recovered toddler T to his gymboree class. I wasn't sure what to wear and could only think of this outfit idea. I decided to wear it anyway, although I wasn't sure a maxi skirt was the best choice for running around with toddler T. While I did like the outfit, I wished I'd worn something other than a maxi skirt for the class as it wasn't the most practical choice with the slit in the side.

I also didn't realise until halfway through the day that I'd picked gold accessories and a silver bag! Not a conscious decision, I just grabbed a necklace without thinking, and not a combination I'd wear again.


Last worn: green maternity tee, striped maxi skirt, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff metallic mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: green maternity tee and denim shorts, striped maxi skirt in winter, Rebecca Minkoff metallic mini MAC and a printed tee dress.

Linking up with Flashback Fashion, Fab Favourites, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Shoe & Tell.

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Bright Maxi Dresses, Rebecca Minkoff Cross Body Bags

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

What I wore: 

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

Why I wore it:

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

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


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

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

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Beautiful bright maxi dresses under $100:

Maternity maxi dresses under $100:

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What I wore:

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

Why I wore it:

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

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


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

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

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

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Maxi Dresses and Rebecca Minkoff Bags ~ Third Trimester Style

Don't forget to enter my book giveaway, it ends Friday!

I've mentioned before that my maxi dresses are wonderful in pregnancy for feeling a little dressed up while still being comfortable. We had a couple of evenings out planned one weekend, so maxi dresses were my go-to option! They work just as well in the third trimester as they did in the second trimester.

What I wore:

Necklace: Eye Candy LA 'Sasha' statement necklace
Dress: black Jeanswest halterneck maxi dress
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus silver charm bracelet
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey (on sale in sapphire!)

Why I wore it:

I loved this combination of the plain black maxi dress with the colourful statement necklace! Even if the maxi dress is getting much shorter now with the third trimester bump puling it up. Wore this out to a birthday dinner.

I regretted the sandals a little - they are pretty but with the pregnancy feet swelling and it having been such a hot day they were getting tight near the end of the night! Other than that it was a great outfit for a lovely dinner with wonderful people, and toddler T behaved himself so well in the fanciest restaurant he's ever been in.


Last worn: black maxi dress, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag.

Other ways to wear: black maxi dress and a printed cardi, studded sandals and denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag and skinny jeans.

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What I wore:

Necklace: Eye Candy LA gold and turquoise cuff necklace

Dress: Jeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
Shoes: slim gold Havaianas (on sale!)
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

I skipped the sandals this time and went for my Havaianas - we were gong out to a friend's housewarming so I didn't have to worry about restaurant dress standards, haha. It was a really good party, even if we couldn't stay long because we had to get toddler T home for dinner.

Faux fur pom poms are really popular at the moment, and I saw on another blog a charm on a mini MAB and it looked so cute! I remembered this little charm that my friend gave me a while ago, and I'd been thinking of a way to use it after selling the bag I used to hang it on. I'd been keeping it safe for a while as I figured it would get too dirty on my key chain. I like the way it looks on the mini MAB, what do you think?


Last worn: tie-dye maxi dress, Havaianas, purple Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB.

Other ways to wear: tie-dye maxi dress worn knotted, purple Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB and a boho sundress.


If you like the look of the Rebecca Minkoff Love bag or mini MAB bags above, there is a 50% off sale on now at Rebecca Minkoff! Great time to buy.

While I'll post about sales on the blog from time to time, I keep the Sales and Discounts page updated more frequently, so check it out if you're ever looking for a bargain.


Linking up with What I Wore, Style Me Wednesday, Oh Hey Girl, Fashion Files, Throwback Thursday, Fabulous Friday, Fun Fashion, Show Us Your Style.

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Plain Maxi Dresses in the Second Trimester - Christmas Outfit Ideas Under $100

First up, Shopbop are having an extra 25% off sale items, and some of the things I've featured in my Gift Guides are on sale! Just use code 'BONUS25', for 3 days only!


As I've mentioned before, the summer heat and humidity in Brisbane along with a growing baby bump has meant that I'm reaching for dresses as a nice comfortable and cool maternity option. And you can never go wrong with a maxi dress!

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)

Necklace: Jeanswest Taki necklace (C/O) layered with Tai gold alphabet necklace
Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: C/O Poppywinkle brown weave belt
Shoes: Ikwetta 'Circles of life' sandals (C/O)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (also love this metallic one!)

Why I wore it:

This dress was one of my favourite maternity items in my last pregnancy, but it's taken me a while to get around to wearing it this time! While I did wear it a little post-pregnancy (it's a nursing dress too) it had been packed away with the rest of my maternity clothes and after unpacking it I had been waiting for the perfect occasion. I had been planning to wear it to toddler T's playgroup Christmas party for a while. Was the best thing to wear on such a hot day.

The only thing I didn't like about this outfit was the belt - I really wished I'd worn a different one. With an inquisitive toddler who loves to pull out all my accessories I've had to move my belts up to the top of the wardrobe and I didn't have time to rummage through the box and grab the one I wanted as we were running late. Just went with the first one I saw.

If you remember last time I wore this necklace it had a few more strands - the best feature about this necklace is that you can separate the pieces and wear it together or wear it separately. For less than $50 it's a great gift idea too!


Last worn: Ray-ban Wyafarers (above), pink MEV Havana maxi dress, braided belt, Ikwetta sandals, purple Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag.

Other ways to wear: maxi dress layered up for winter without a baby bump, braided belt and a printed shirt dress, Ikwetta sandals and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag and a boho printed dress.

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Plain maxi dresses under $100: (for before, during, or after pregnancy)

Plain doesn't have to mean boring - a block colour maxi dress is a beautifully simple outfit.


Nursing maxi dresses under $100: (perfect for breastfeeding as well as pregnancy)

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)

Necklace: Dogeared 3 Wishes stardust bead necklace layered with Dogeared silver wishbone necklace
Dress: thrifted black Jeanswest halterneck maxi dress
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus beaded neon and gold and black and gold bracelet set
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini quilted affair bag in fire engine red (on sale in burgundy or on sale in pink)

Why I wore it:

Wore this for a busy day. We spent the morning braving the local Westfield gift shopping, crossing a few more gifts off our lists. Then I popped into the city to meet Rachel from A Nesting Nomad. It was great catching up with her and her hubby briefly while she was in the country! After having afternoon tea with them though I was still a bit full when we had dinner with the in-laws in the evening.

Red and black seemed like a nice colour combination, and it gave me an excuse to wear my quilted Rebecca Minkoff mini affair bag that hasn't been getting worn lately.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, red singlet, black maxi dress, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini affair bag.

Other ways to wear: red singlet and skinny jeans, black maxi dress layered for winter, studded sandals and a wrap dress, Rebecca Minkoff mini affair bag and a navy shirt dress.


Linking up with Pleated Poppy, Fresh Fashion, Style Me Wednesday, Oh Hey Girl, Throwback Thursday, Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday.


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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Second Trimester SAHM Style: Maxi Skirts and Tank Tops

My stretchy elastic waist maxi skirts were the purchases I was most pleased with in my last pregnancy, they got a lot of wear and I consider them wardrobe essentials in pregnancy just as much as I do when I'm not pregnant. Buying regular maxi skirts with elastic waists means I've been able to wear them outside of pregnancy too.

While I do wear my maxi skirts year round (just layered up more and usually with ankle boots in winter), they are comfortable things to wear in the summer heat here in Brisbane. The tank and maxi skirt combination is one I'll be wearing just as frequently this time as I did last summer!

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)

Necklace: Jeanswest Taki necklace (C/O)
Singlet: Jeanswest maternity tank in white (new purchase)
Skirt: Target black and white striped maxi skirt (see more maxi skirts at Shopbop)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs (shop more Havaianas at Shopbop)
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

I am so pleased I picked up some maternity tanks in the Jeanswest sale! This was a nice simple and cool outfit to wear to go to playgroup with toddler T. I did think about adding a scarf for some colour but the high humidity made me pick up this new necklace instead. I don't mind black and white outfits now and then.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, striped maxi skirt, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere. First time I've worn the tank as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: striped maxi skirt in winter, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere in the office.

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Great maxi skirt options under $50:

Some maternity maxi skirt options under $50:

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)

Necklace: Roie Designs long freshwater pearl necklace with tassel
Tank: Jeanswest 'Rowena' print tank
Skirt: Target grey marle maxi skirt (shop similar maxi skirts from $26.40 at Shopbop)
Shoes: Asos 'five star' leather sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus Ferragamo double wrap bracelet
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (shop more Rebecca Minkoff mini bags)

Why I wore it:

Another playgroup outfit with the same formula, tank and maxi skirt. I added a little extra colour this time with the pink sandals and the purple Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag.

This tank is a regular non-maternity one and I'm fairly certain I won't get to wear it again this pregnancy as the bump grows bigger. I'm finding the larger than last time baby bump means I'm outgrowing more of my regular wardrobe quicker than expected. Your belly really does get bigger with each pregnancy, in my case anyway. I'm glad I picked up a few maternity tanks like the one in the outfit above to see me through the rest of my pregnancy.


Last worn: Rayban Wayferer (above), printed tank, grey maxi skirt, Asos leather sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote.

Other ways to wear: printed tank and purple skinny jeans, grey maxi skirt and a graphic tee, Asos leather sandals and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote and a boho dress.



Linking up with Fresh Fashion, Pleated Poppy, Wednesday Wearables, Style Me Wednesday, Oh Hey Girl, Thursday Fashion Files, Throwback Thursday, Weekend Linkup, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Flashback Fashion.

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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