Summer Shorts and Stripes: Jeanswest Maternity Denim, Prima Jeans and a Balenciaga Reveal

With the summer heat, I've been wearing my maternity shorts a lot! I bought this pair in my last pregnancy and they are still going strong. Wanted to post these two outfits together featuring a super simple shorts and stripes combination, as well as sharing my big post-Christmas sales splurge!

What I wore:

Jacket: Kmart striped maxi cardigan
Necklace: Jeanswest Taki necklace (C/O)
Singlet: Jeanswest maternity tank in black
Shorts: Jeanswest maternity rolled up shorts
Shoes: Asos 'five star' leather sandals
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

The style challenge for the day was 'black out' and I didn't want to wear an all black outfit in the heat so I went for a black top and kimono together. I wouldn't normally wear a top that matched the outerwear I was wearing, I usually pick different colours, but I really liked the way the black tank looked with the black maxi cardi.

Wasn't doing much, just running a few errands, but I really liked this outfit.


Last worn: black maxi cardigan, black maternity tank, Jeanswest maternity shorts, Asos leather sandals, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag.

Other ways to wear: black maxi cardigan and flared jeans, black maternity tank and a printed scarf, Jeanswest maternity shorts and sea glass green, Asos leather sandals and skinny jeans, grey RM MAM bag with a blue dress.

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While I'm loving my Jeanswest maternity shorts, I am looking forward to being back into my Prima Denim post-baby. I've raved about them before, but they really are the best jeans I've ever worn. Being petite, the 7/8 length is perfect full length on me too, no hemming needed. I wore my Prima jeans as long as possible in my pregnancy by using a belly band.

I got great news recently that I wanted to share -  the Prima Denim Collection is now a permanent fixture at Jeanswest!

Click on image to shop, or text links below. Left to right:

Estella Prima Denim in black / Giselle Prima Denim jeans in indigo / Natalia Prima Denim in indigo

For the Aussies and New Zealanders, this means that you can now find Prima Denim on the famous Jeanswest denim wall. I'll probably be making a trip there to pick up a new pair when I'm starting to feel more like myself after baby's arrival. For those outside Australia who have no idea what the denim wall is all about, no worries, you can find the range online too! (And only a flat $20 AUD for international shipping).

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)

Necklace: Australian coin and crest necklace (new purchase)
Tee: Atmos&Here oversized stripe tee
Shorts:  Jeanswest maternity rolled up shorts
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Balenciaga classic double tour bracelet in pearly grey
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

Another simple outfit, this time to work from home. I really liked the stripes and shorts outfit I'd worn above so it made sense to wear it again. The style challenge for the day was 'tuck and roll' so the rolled and cuffed shorts and sleeves met the challenge nicely.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, striped tee, Jeanswest maternity shorts (above), Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag (above).

Other ways to wear: striped tee and printed shorts, Jeanswest maternity shorts in the third trimester, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag and skinny jeans.


And this is my big sales splurge! Ordered this on boxing day when Reboonz had an extra % off discount code on top of their usual sale prices:

Linking up with Classy Monday, Mix It Monday, Turning Heads, Trendy Tuesday, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday.

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Happy New Year! Festive Maxi Dress Outfits With a Sequin Scarf and Quilted Bags

Happy new year!

I can't believe this post marks 4 years of blogging! 863 posts, countless outfits... thank you all for following along and supporting me. Thank you to everyone who reads what I write, who leaves a sweet comment, and who adds value to my blog. It's readers like you that have encouraged me to keep this blog going each year. I truly value your friendship and thoughtful comments.

I've enjoyed being able to share my real everyday style with you over the years. In a world of perfectly posed, professionally shot and photoshopped pictures, I've enjoyed sharing my quick little snaps taken before I leave the house each day, puppy and toddler photobombs sometimes included! It's been wonderful reading along with all my blog friends too. I highly recommend you check them out.


While trying to wear more of my wardrobe and think more about what I buy, I hope I've inspired you to try to wear more of your wardrobe and to re-wear and remix what you already own. Through my numerous outfit fails, I've shown that not every outfit is perfect. Not everything is or has to be perfect, despite appearances on social media. Fashion is all about fun - or we wouldn't have so many pretty things stuffed in our wardrobes! So enjoy what you own, have fun with what you wear, and remember that at the end of the day clothes are only clothes. We get to take them off each night and start fresh every morning.

Here are your favourite OOTD shots from 2015 too, my #2015bestnine:

Outfit posts:

printed maxi dress | singlet and maxi skirt |  print mixing

kimono and denim shorts | purple tee and maxi skirt | cosy yellow scarf

purple maxi dress: still to be blogged | pink and burgundy | maternity shorts and maxi cardi

2015 has been a big year, here's hoping 2016 is bigger and better and full of everything you wish for!



Figured now was a good time to share my Christmas outfits - I added some sparkle to them with my sequin scarf worn as a belt. A great accessory for a maxi dress, and anything with sequins seems so perfectly festive for Christmas and New Years.

What I wore:

Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace layered with Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace

Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: white and silver sequin scarf worn as a belt
Shoes: Asos 'five star' leather sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus silver charm bracelet
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey (get an extra 40% off at Rebecca Minkoff with code 'BYE2015'!)

Why I wore it:

We were lucky enough to celebrate Christmas twice this year! For previous years we've visited both sides of the family on the same day, but this year was just like last year and more relaxed with each family celebrating on a different day. This is what I wore to celebrate early with hubby's side of the family. I wore this maxi dress last year on Christmas day, without the baby bump, but as we didn't visit hubby's family that day I figured I could re-wear it for this year. I made it a little different by swapping the belt for my sequin scarf. Accessories are so great for making 'new' outfits out of old favourites!


Last worn: purple maxi dress, sequin scarf, Asos leather sandals, Rebecca Minkoff love bag.

Other ways to wear: maxi dress layered up for winter, sequin scarf as a headband, Asos leather sandals and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff love bag and skinny jeans.

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Where to buy pretty sequin scarves:

And pretty sequin snoods:

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What I wore:

Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace layered with Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace

Dress: Jeanswest 'Sierra' embellished black maxi dress (on sale!)
Belt: white and silver sequin scarf worn as a belt
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats (new purchase)
Bracelets: the usual plus silver charm bracelet and Disney Couture Winnie the Pooh bangle
Bag: Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap

Why I wore it:

This was what I wore for Christmas day. I had really liked wearing the sequin scarf as a belt previously, so thought I'd add it to this dress too. It already has a pretty embellished neckline, but Christmas is a time for sequins and shimmer and glitter! I gave it a go and was pleased that it didn't feel like too much sparkle. We spent the morning at home together and then headed over to my parents for lunch and more present opening.


Last worn: embellished maxi dress, sequin scarf, vintage Chanel bag. First time I've worn the flats as they are a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: embellished maxi dress and a denim jacket, sequin scarf with a printed tank, vintage Chanel bag and jeans.

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The Asos sale continues, and with further reductions it's now up to 70% off!

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Linking up with Fabulous Friday, Fab Favourites, Passion for Fashion, Labour of Fashion, Shoe and Tell, Hello Monday, Let It Shine, Modest Monday.

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Purple Tees, Maxi Skirts, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini Bag

Two easy and simple pregnancy outfits. Purple tees, maxi skirts, and my Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag.

Although I've been doing the Fox in Flats style challenge and posting and playing long each day in order on instagram, I'm still trying to pair similar outfits together to post on the blog. I'm much further behind with blogging than I am with instagram so it's easy to organise the backlog of outfit photos into similar pairings.

What I wore:

 

Necklace: Australian coin and crest necklace

Tee: Jeanswest 'Lucy' colourblock tee in orchid/grey marle
Skirt: AT by Atmos&Here Mars striped maxi skirt
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

This was a double style challenge outfit! I tried to play along with #summerStyleFile as well as #DAREcember but couldn't meet every day of them both. The challenges were 'buns hun' and 'to the max' so it was easy to achieve them both with a maxi skirt and a messy bun. You can see my hair a lot better on the Instagram pic I shared. It's definitely getting to that point in summer where I'm tying my hair up more and more!

Simple accessories for a comfortable outfit as I worked from home.

This is the last wear of this purple tee too. It's nice, but I was looking up the last time I wore it and saw this is only it's third wear, where the other one I have (that's pink and grey) has been worn 5 times. It's obvious I have a favourite and don't need both, so it's left my wardrobe. I have other purple tees I wear more. If only I could apply the same thinking to my many grey tees!

purple tee and skinny jeans / purple tee and a striped maxi skirt

Last worn: colourblock tee, striped maxi skirt, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag.

Other ways to wear: colourblock tee without a baby bump, striped maxi skirt and a peach cami, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag for the office.

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More purple tees under $50:

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)

Necklace: Jeanswest Taki necklace (C/O)
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in washed lilac
Skirt: Jeanswest plain jersey black maxi skirt
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

I really wasn't such a fan of this outfit! I'd previously worn the grey version of this tee to the office a couple of weeks before and loved the outfit. I felt comfortable and happy all day, so wanted to replicate that feeling by wearing the purple tee. The baby bump had grown though and I tugged at this shirt quite a bit through the day, feeling so uncomfortable in it. At least I was just working from home.

The maxi skirt I enjoyed wearing of course! It was the first thing I thought of for the style challenge of 'swishy', as my maxi skirts 'swish' around when I walk. If I'd just worn a different tee I would have been much happier in this.

I blog my outfit fails as much as the outfits I love though, as otherwise I'd never find an outfit 'good enough' to share. It's also a good way to reinforce to myself what didn't work and how to avoid it in future. After doing this earlier in my pregnancy and wearing something that didn't quite fit right just because I wanted to squeeze in another wear, it's a little silly that I'd do the same thing again. Need to take a few moments more to think through (and try on!) what I've planned to wear as things continuously change as baby grows.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, purple tee, black jersey maxi skirt, Havaianas (above), Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag (above).

Other ways to wear: purple tee and a lace pencil skirt for the office, maxi skirt and a graphic tee, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag and a printed wrap dress.

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Shopbop have an extra 25% off all sale styles for a limited time only! Just use the discount code 'EXTRAEXTRA'. But hurry, it's just for 3 days!

Shop the sale here.

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Linking up with Fun Fashion Friday.

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Boxing Day Sales! Jeanswest Maternity Skinny Jeans in the Second Trimester

Hope you had a lovely Christmas! Back to posting as usual, and I wanted to share some of the boxing day sales as well as a couple of things I bought in December.

We had a few cool and stormy days in December so I took the opportunity to get some more wear from my maternity skinny jeans, before the summer temperatures make jeans too hot to wear.

What I wore:

Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette layered with Dogeared silver wishbone necklace

Dress: French Connection black paisley printed empire top (with pink Supre singlet underneath)
Jeans: Jeanswest maternity skinny jeans in black
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs two tone flats in blush and black
Bracelets: the usual plus Balenciaga classic double tour bracelet in pearly grey and  Hermes pink clic clac
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

Had been wanting to wear this pretty printed top for a while! It looks nice without a baby bump, but I enjoyed wearing it in my last pregnancy so I wanted to get more wear from it this time around too. It was perfect with the black skinny jeans.

While these are denim, they are such a dark wash that you wouldn't be able to easily tell that they are jeans, so I wear them to the office quite a bit. A good pregnancy workwear option!

As I'm doing the fox in flats DAREcember style challenge, I wore a bit of a bracelet stack to meet the 'army candy' prompt.


Last worn: paisley print top, pink singlet, black maternity skinny jeans, two tone flats, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag.

Other ways to wear: paisley print top and a pencil skirt, pink singlet and a floral dress, black maternity skinny jeans and a floral cami, cap toe flats and a maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff MAM and a leopard print dress.

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Great boxing day sales:

• 50% off sale at Matches Fashion
• 70% off sale at Net-A-Porter. With free Australian shopping on orders over $300!

• 50% off sale at Asos

• Up to 70% off at Rebecca Minkoff - plus an extra 40% off sale items with code 'BYE2015'!

• 50% off Christmas Sale at The Iconic
• 50% off sale at Sass and Bide

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What I wore:

Necklace: Australian coin and crest necklace (new purchase)
Tee: Cotton On Luxe pearl tee
Jeans: Jeanswest maternity super skinny jeans in antique blue
Shoes: Ikwetta 'Circles of life' sandals (C/O)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

Managed to do two style challenges in one! 'Red lip' for Fox in Flats DAREcember and 'sparkle and shine' for Summer Style File. After never having worn red lipstick before and only buying it as part of a challenge, I've quickly become a fan. I love this shade.

This tee was another one I'd been looking at in my wardrobe wanting to wear before the bump gets too big! It has a subtle metallic shimmer to it, a really nice piece and perfect for the challenge theme.

Despite the sunshine in the photos, it turned into quite an overcast day and with all the running around I was doing with toddler T (looking at day care centres for next year) I actually wished I'd worn a cardi a couple of times.

The necklace is new - I'd heard of the group For King & Country through Spotify, and then they did a live set at Church Online and I ended up buying the latest album. I saw this necklace while browsing their store and loved the message behind it, that women are priceless and that everyone should be treated with respect and honour.


Last worn: metallic tee, blue maternity skinny jeans, beaded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff MAM (above).

Other ways to wear: metallic tee and cobalt leather jacket, maternity skinny jeans and a graphic tee, beaded sandals and a blue maxi dress, grey MAM bag and print mixing outfit.


What I bought in December:

I was pretty good budget wise in December! As the baby bump gets bigger shopping for clothes is more difficult so I don't do it as often. I shopped more for Christmas presents for others. I did take advantage of the ASOS sale and pick myself up a couple of things I'd been wanting though.

• Somedays Lovin' Yakuza print kimono - $33.60
• New Look Petite print kimono - $19

Linking up with Modest Monday, Let It Shine, Hello Monday, December Budget, Mix It Monday, Style Sessions, Turning Heads, What I Wore, Confident Twosday, On Trend, Fresh Fashion Forum.

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Corporate Style: Maternity Pencil Skirts and Grey Tees in Summer, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Bag

I will always love a grey tee! Even after my wardrobe detox session and finding out that grey wasn't the best colour for me, I still wear it and still have a bunch of grey tees in my wardrobe. They are just so easy to wear. And thankfully, my very relaxed 'business casual' office dress code makes a tee and a pencil skirt an easy outfit for a day without a lot of face-to-face meetings.

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)

Necklace: Diva red stone necklace
Tee: Atmos&Here charcoal grey v neck tee
Skirt: Asos maternity graphic print pencil skirt (non-maternity version here)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey (on sale in black)
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes Kelly double tour bracelet in rubis
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

This was the first outfit for the Fox in Flats style challenge, the theme was 'stripes' so I thought the graphic stripe print on this pencil skirt worked well, especially when worn with my favourite grey tee.

I added the red necklace for a bit of colour with the otherwise fairly monochrome outfit - and also as that was one of the tips the stylist gave me. If I insisted on keeping my grey tees (I did keep most of them...) then I should try to wear colourful accessories with them.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, grey tee, graphic print pencil skirt, studded mouse flats, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB.

Other ways to wear: grey tee for casual Friday, graphic print pencil skirt and a black tank, studded mouse flats and denim shorts, casual SAHM outfits with Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB.

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Great pencil skirt options under $50:

Maternity pencil skirts under $50:

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What I wore:

Necklace: pink beaded disc necklace (maybe Diva? Really old!)
Tee: Asos new forever grey tee (on sale!)
Skirt: Asos maternity panelled pencil skirt in tartan check (non-maternity version here)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs two tone flats in blush and black
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes twilly Kelly en Calèche tied as bracelet
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

Again, going with the easy option of a grey tee and a printed pencil skirt. The style challenge for the day was 'new do' and as I'd got my hair cut the day before I just fell back on this simple outfit as the summer heat usually gets me feeling pretty uninspired and looking for easy options. That's why the DAREcember style challenge is so great, at a time I want to do nothing other than sit in the pool in a bikini, I'm encouraged to explore my wardrobe, try different things and have some fun with my clothes. I've shared more before about why I love instagram style challenges.

I just wouldn't go do anything as permanent as actually get a new haircut for a challenge next time, I regretted the cut pretty quickly! Thankfully I still have some unshared pics with my longer hair as I figure out how to style the new length.


Last worn: grey tee, tartan pencil skirt, Hermes twilly, cap toe flats, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB (above).

Other ways to wear: grey tee layered up for winter, tartan pencil skirt and a ruffled cami, two tone flats and tights, Hermes twilly bow on a bag, Rebecca Minkoff MAM and a printed dress.

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Asos is a great place to pick up some bargain pencil skirts that really last - I have skirts over 5 years old that are still going strong, and this is the second pregnancy for these maternity skirts! Plus you can get up to 70% off in their outlet.

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Linking up with Hello Monday, Modest Monday, Classy Monday, Mix It Monday, On Trend Tuesday, Confident Twosday, Style Sessions, Fresh Fashion, What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl.

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Handbag Gift Guide! Jeanswest Maternity Shorts, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere

Two simple summer outfits with my Jeanswest maternity shorts. I'm glad I picked up a second pair last month, they are being worn often.
Also thought I'd put together a handbag gift guide (for any budget!) after a few of you suggested it when I asked for your opinions on gift guides. Time to snap up last minute gifts now, with a week until Christmas!

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)
Scarf:  Jeanswest Lux paisley print scarf (C/O)
Singlet: Jeanswest maternity tank in black (new purchase)
Shorts: Jeanswest maternity rolled up shorts
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

An easy, simple outfit for a hot day. I wanted to add a little bit of interest to the outfit with the printed scarf, I think it worked pretty well as it's a lightweight scarf so didn't keep me too warm. I've recently gone through my scarf collection and pulled out a few of the light ones to try and wear them a little more over spring/summer.

Wore this to take toddler T to his gymboree class, it was a perfect outfit for running around with a toddler.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, mixed print scarf, Jeanswest maternity shorts, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere. First time I've worn the tank as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: mixed print scarf and a chambray dress, Jeanswest maternity shorts in the third trimester, LV speedy bandouliere and a dress in winter.

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If you are a handbag lover, or you have a handbag fan on your Christmas list to buy for, you definitely can't go wrong with a designer bag! All of the options below are under $500.

Of course, the budget can't stretch to a new bag every Christmas, so here are some more great gift ideas from Shopbop that are a little friendlier to the wallet - bag accessories!

1: a handbag raincoat for the lady who has everything!

2: a cute bag charm to adorn one of the many bags someone already owns.

3: a coin purse a mini, budget-friendly version of that bag they've always wanted.

Shop more bag accessories at Shopbop. 
(With free express shipping worldwide, it's a great place to pick up that last minute gift!)

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)

Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace
Tee: Jeanswest Sonny maternity tee in lagoon marle (C/O)
Shorts: Jeanswest Georgie maternity boyfriend shorts (available in non-maternity also)
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

Extremely similar to the last time I wore this tee, only with different shoes and without the scarves. I like wearing the tee with denim though I think it's a lovely combination and it's an easy go-to!

Wore this for a very hot day out at Seaworld on the gold coast. My sister was lucky enough to score free tickets, and they had just opened up the recently re-done kid's area so we thought it would be fun for toddler T to go have a play. Even though I could only go on one ride, being pregnant. As we had been to Seaworld earlier in the year, we'd seen a lot of the shows so the day was all about toddler T having fun.


As it's the second time I've worn these shorts since I bought them, and I try to review everything I buy after wearing it twice to learn more about my shopping habits, my purchase review:

I love these shorts. I confess they were a total impulse buy, I hadn't even thought about getting another pair of shorts when I wandered into Jeanswest and spotted these. I'm so glad I bought them though. They are perfect for being pregnant over summer, when it's just too warm for my maternity jeans.


Last worn: Ray-ban Wayfarers (above), green maternity tee, Jeanswest maternity shorts, Converse Chucks, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere (above).

Other ways to wear:  green maternity tee with a scarf, denim shorts and studded mouse flats, Converse with a dress, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere and skinny jeans.



The Net-A-Porter sale is on now, up to 50% off pretty things I can't afford until sale time rolls around. Perfect time to score that handbag you've been lusting after!




Linking up with Flashback Friday, Fab Favourites, Passion For Fashion, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Let It Shine, Shoe and Tell.

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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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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