Showing posts with label Spring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring. Show all posts

Friday 3 November 2017

First Flight With Two Toddlers: Travel Style Brisbane to Sydney

Mid-October we took the boys on their first ever flight, a short trip for a few days down to Sydney. When I was planning our trip I was curious about how I'd keep the boys entertained on the flights and what our first flight experience would be like. I've had a few questions about that too so I thought I'd share more about what the flights were like as well as what I was wearing. Feel free to skip the flight-related stuff if you're not interested and just focus on the outfits, it's a bit of a long post otherwise.


Background to Our Trip:

Toddler T is 3, and Baby Boy is 19 months. Both are good walkers. We took a travel stroller but checked it at the gate along with a suitcase and I had my Ergobaby carrier (which couldn't be used during takeoff and landing or to go through airport security, but can be used at all other times). Baby Boy was on an infant ticket and had to sit in my lap, Toddler T had his own seat.

For luggage, we had my Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere, the baby bag, hubby's backpack and a carry on 'pull along' suitcase as hand luggage.

We flew Qantas both ways. Both flights were mid-morning flights, when the boys are most relaxed. Toddler T was enthusiastically greeted and given a small activity pack gift on boarding and the flight attendants were polite, friendly, and reminded us we could ask them for anything if we needed help.


What I wore:

First flight with two toddlers outfit: jeans, Converse, Louis Vuitton speedy cross body bag duster | away From The Blue

Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere | Away From Blue
Jacket: Kmart striped maxi cardigan
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Tank: Target embroidered khaki tank
JeansJeanswest Cecile dove grey skinny jeans
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

Simple comfortable outfit for our first flight. While it was a warm day in Brisbane, I suspected I might need the light duster on the plane and in cooler Sydney. This duster washes well, dries quickly and the print disguises any creases so it's perfect for travel.

While I had multiple outfit choices for the boys, I limited what I brought along to just one pair of shoes (my trusty Converse) and these jeans and a maxi skirt. I usually wear jeans when flying, they are comfortable and it also means that the the heaviest item of clothing is outside your bag in case you're getting near the baggage weight limit!


Last worn: stripe duster, khaki embroidered tank, grey skinny jeans, Converse, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere.

Other ways to wearstripe duster and chambray dress, khaki embroidered tank and denim shorts, grey skinny jeans and colourful cardis, Converse and a shift dress, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere and maxi dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: stripe duster and maternity shorts, Converse for second trimester travel, wrap dresses and speedy bandouliere in second trimester.



How To Keep Two Toddlers Amused on a Flight


Take a Short Flight

The flight from Brisbane to Sydney is only around an hour and a half, so we didn't have to keep the boys amused for too long. We also luckily didn't have to attempt using the airplane bathroom with either of them. Not always possible, but definitely helpful for us to have a small flight as our first one, and it's one of the reasons we picked Sydney to travel to.


Flying with two toddlers tips: Run Around the Airport | away from the blue


Run Around the Airport

We got to the airport and the gate early. We picked window seats at the gate so that the boys could watch the planes and vehicles on the tarmac, while also giving them a large 'corridor' along the window to run up and down while staying in sight and out of the way of the rest of the waiting passengers. We encouraged them to run frequently while we waited for boarding. Did have to stop them from crawling under the seats and disturbing the other people waiting at one point though....


Flying with two toddlers tips: babywearing ergobaby carrier outfit | away from the blue


Boarding Tips

We didn't board right away, and waited until the line was shorter so they weren't standing in one spot too long. Toddler T had his boarding pass so he was responsible for getting it scanned and showing it to the flight attendants as we boarded which got him involved. We found it best to have Baby Boy and I on the window seat with Toddler T in the middle of hubby and I so there were two sets of hands if either boy needed anything. Boarding time is a good time to wipe down the tray tables and other surfaces with a disinfectant wipe too.


Flying with two toddlers tips: free Qantas activity pack | away from the blue


Breastfeeding

If you're breastfeeding remember that baby has to stay seated in your lap and sitting upright for takeoff and landing, so you'll need to wear something you can easily pull down or unbutton to breastfeed as your toddler sits up. Breastfeeding during takeoff and landing is a good way to help with the pressure on little ears.

Bring Snacks

The flights were around regular morning tea time for the boys so that they would be looking for something to eat. As they are so small, eating and drinking during takeoff and landing is the best way to relieve the pressure in their ears. In keeping with my usual over-packing style, I had a Bento lunchbox with two 'levels' of snacks, as well as two identical smaller snack-boxes.
This worked out well for our first flight, when baby Boy enthusiastically grabbed one of the smaller boxes and managed to open it and shower the gate area with food. I was relieved to still have the second backup box.
We opened out the second 'level' of the lunchbox for snacks for the descent. While they weren't as hungry at the end of the flight, having favourite foods and treats available like biscuits meant they were still happy to eat and help their ears on the descent.
One important point to note is that you have to check the customs requirements for food. There are interstate laws about taking fruit across state lines in Australia. This meant we picked strawberries, raisins and apple which could be freshly prepared, cut and washed the morning of the flight and completely consumed before landing. We left out bananas and mandarins as we didn't want to get in trouble for still having the peel, and just bought more fruit when we arrived in Sydney.


Flying with two toddlers tips: bento lunch box snacks for takeoff landing | away from the blue


Bring Things to Do

As well as the activity pack Qantas provided, I brought a few books along, some colouring books and activity packs with stickers and pencils. We put the bento lunchbox in the seat pocket, along with their drinks and a book and kept the activity packs in the baby bag under the seat in front. With backups in the carry on case we put in the overhead compartment, but never needed to use.
We didn't bring toys as everything you bring will end up on the floor at least once. My teething necklace was the only 'toy' as it stayed around my neck, and Baby Boy gnawed on it a little when he got grizzly during the descent into Sydney.


Flying with two toddlers tips: activity packs colouring stickers | AwayFromTheBlue


Plan Your Flight Entertainment

On takeoff we sat the lunchbox in Toddler T's lap so both boys could easily reach it and pick what they wanted to eat. Once the plane was level, we packed it away and did some of the activity books together until the refreshments were served (we asked for a bottle of water at this point to refill the boys drinks). Once they got tired of picking at the bun provided for morning tea, as neither of them seemed to like it, we got out the books to read and did some more activity packs. We followed what the boys wanted to do and changed activities as they wanted until it was time to descend and pack up the tray tables and bring the snacks out again.


Flying with two toddlers tips and advice | AwayFromTheBlue


Explain Everything

For weeks leading up to the flight we were reading all the plane related books we had, explaining the check in process, take off and landing. Knowing that the plane would go fast, that the plane would be noisy and that eating and drinking will stop your ears feeling funny helped. Instead of trying to detail everything in the moment, we could quickly refer back to earlier conversations. With a toddler who doesn't like loud noises, explaining each and every noise and movement of the plane helped calm any fears. A tip I picked up from my Dad, who would always tell us what noises to look out for next on our flights as kids. It's a habit now!


Flying with two toddlers Brisbane to Sydney | AwayFromTheBlue


What I wore:

Airport travel outfit skinny jeans striped duster converse louis vuitton speedy bandouliere cross body | AwayFromBLue
Jacket: Kmart striped maxi cardigan
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
DressMEV Britney bubble tank in mood indigo C/O Zibibo
JeansJeanswest Cecile dove grey skinny jeans
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

This is what I wore for our flight home from Sydney to Brisbane. The same duster, jeans and shoes, just a different tank. I wore my Converse every day, there was no room to pack two pairs of shoes with all the extra clothes I had for the boys. I did manage to pack an extra handbag though, ha! I used my Speedy Bandouliere most days. It's so helpful having a cross body bag when you're navigating airports with toddlers in tow.

My jeans were covered with food crumbs after the first flight, but nothing that a baby wipe couldn't fix to make them presentable enough to travel home in a few days later. The ultimate mum essential: baby wipes clean everything!


Last worn: stripe duster (above), navy breastfeeding tank, grey skinny jeans (above), Converse (above), Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere (above).

Other ways to wearstripe duster and flares, navy breastfeeding tank and maxi skirt, grey skinny jeans and purple cardi, Converse and colourful jeans, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere and a dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: stripe duster and skater dress, bubble tank in second trimester, Converse in Third Trimester, speedy bandouliere and maternity pencil skirts.



Style Essentials for Traveling with Toddlers:










How You Can Wear It:


Comfort is key when flying with toddlers - you don't want to be fussing over your outfit. Make everything machine washable as it will get dirty! A cover-up like a cardigan or duster hides spills and stains and keeps you warm on a cold plane. Converse are comfortable and practical for running around in airports. Jeans are a good choice too as you can easily wipe food crumbs off with a baby wipe.


Linking up with Fab Favourites, Mummy Monday, Style Nudge, Hello Monday.



Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin
Twitter : Instagram Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Wednesday 1 November 2017

30 Ways To Wear a Striped Maxi Skirt - White and Navy #30Wears Series

Another month, another #30wears achieved for a piece from my wardrobe. This time it's another maxi skirt. It's interesting that there are only a few jeans that I've hit 30 wears on but I've easily hit that on so many of my maxi skirts. I've always thought I was more of a jeans than skirt person, my style has definitely evolved over the years. It's useful having the blog to look back on and see what I've worn over the years, and it's great that I can compile my outfit pics together into posts like this.


I have started to look up pieces I'm close to 30 wears on and wearing them a little more regularly, as you've probably seen on Instagram. I do want to wear more of my wardrobe, but I'm also enjoying the challenge of thinking up more ways to wear things to hit 30 wears.



#30 Wears: Navy and White Striped Maxi Skirt


While I don't wear a lot of white, I find this maxi skirt so easy to wear. Being machine washable helps! The stretchy elastic waistband has stretched through to the third trimester of two pregnancies and still fits perfectly post-baby. Non-maternity clothes with elastic waists are wonderful in pregnancy. In fact the very first time I wore this skirt I was pregnant, it's a great pregnancy piece.

It's not just pregnancy this works well for though! Stretchy skirts are great postpartum and incredibly comfortable post-baby. It's easy to see why I've hit 30 wears on this. In fact, half of them were during pregnancy and the other 15 were when I wasn't pregnant. Really funny to see the perfect split when I counted up the 30 wears.


stripe maxi skirt 30 ways to wear series outfit ideas | Away From The Blue blog




Stripe Maxi Skirt With Printed And Embellished Tanks


stripe maxi skirt 4 ways printed embellished tanks | awayfromblue

A printed skirt doesn't mean you have to wear it with plain pieces! I've enjoyed doing a little print mixing by pairing the striped skirt with printed tanks. If you're looking for something slightly different you can add something extra to the stripes with embellished tanks with beading or sequins. The benefit of the beaded and sequin embellished tanks were that they draw the eye up and away from what was an early second trimester baby bump. Of course as you can see with the brown floral tank, you can only disguise a baby bump for so long! Get more ways to hide a baby bump here.


Navy Stripe Maxi Skirt and Matching Top


stripe maxi skirt 3 ways matching navy tops awayfromblue

stripe maxi skirt 3 ways with matching navy tops awayfromblue

Since the white maxi skirt has a navy stripe, it's good to be matchy-matchy and wear a navy tee with it. It's a quick fool-proof outfit technique you can use for any printed piece. Grab a plain piece in a similar colour to one that's in the print to wear with it for an easy outfit that is perfectly co-ordinated.


Stripe Maxi Skirt and Grey Tee


stripe maxi skirt and grey tees 5 ways to wear with bright bags | awayfromtheblue

A grey tee is another one of those fail-safe outfit options with a printed maxi skirt. I have quite a few grey tees in my wardrobe, as you can see above as each time I've worn this skirt it's been with a different grey tee! I like them when I need a neutral piece to wear with a print. A grey tee and a maxi skirt is a favourite frequently worn combination of mine. A grey tee will always be a classic to me. A nice neutral grey tee lets you be a little more bold and adventurous with your accessory choices and I like to wear a bright handbag often with grey tees as the colour really pops.


Stripe Maxi Skirt and Colourful Tanks


stripe maxi skirt in pregnancy with colourful fitted tanks on baby bump | away from blue

While grey tees are a great neutral with prints, and you can easily pick a navy top for an easy coordinating outfit, I like wearing bright and colourful tanks with this stripe maxi skirt too. I love this in pregnancy, as my colourful fitted tanks really work nicely to show off a baby bump. Because this skirt is a non-maternity piece, there is a limit to how far the elastic will stretch around a growing baby belly. When it hits its limit, a maternity tank comes in helpful as the longer bump-covering length lets you wear the skirt lower with the waist band under the baby bump like in the last photo.


Maxi Skirts and Light Layers In Cooler Weather


stripe maxi skirt 4 ways in spring autumn light layers | awayfromtheblue

I try to wear most of my wardrobe year-round, but with the slit up the side it gets a little too cold to wear this maxi skirt over winter. I make it work outside of summer by adding a light layer, something as simple as a scarf or denim jacket, or a little more colourful with a printed kimono or colourful knit. Just that extra layer can make it easier to wear this skirt for spring or autumn. You don't have to keep maxi skirts just for summer!


Maxi Skirt and Ruffle Camis


stripe maxi skirt and ruffle camis 3 outfit ideas with print mixing | awayfromtheblue

Sometimes i's nice to add some extra texture to your outfit. The close fit of this jersey maxi skirt means voluminous tops are a good pairing with it, and my ruffle camis are such fun pieces to wear. You can even add in some print mixing like I've done in two of those three outfits above. Stripes really do go with so much, and a strappy cami is a wonderful piece to wear in the summer heat.


Maxi Skirt and Tees


stripe maxi skrit and tees 5 ways to wear in pregnancy and postbaby | Away From Blue

As you can see above, I love my grey tees and my navy tees with this striped maxi skirt. Any kind of tee pairs beautifully with a maxi skirt though, and as well as some brightly coloured ones it's been fun wearing graphic tees with this striped skirt. It makes a great casual outfit for places like playgroup if you're wanting to dress a maxi skirt down a little. A simple outfit formula like this can continue on in pregnancy as well!




Striped Maxi Skirts Under $50:











A striped skirt can be surprisingly versatile, and this was definitely good value for money! I bought this Atmos & Here maxi skirt back in 2013 for $17.45, so it's now down to 58 cents per wear and still going strong 4 years later.


Want more outfit inspiration? All the 30+ ways I've worn this striped maxi skirt.


Previous 30 Wears posts:

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin
Twitter : Instagram Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

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.



Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin
Twitter : Instagram Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Friday 27 October 2017

Dresses and Kimonos: Easy Spring Boho Stay at Home Mum Style

So excited for warm weather and the chance to wear my kimonos again! I love wearing dresses in spring, so dresses and kimonos together make me happy.

What I wore:

awayfromblue instagram printed tribal kimono aztec print tiered dress spring boho outfit

red ribal print kimono with little black tiered aztec print dress Rebecca Minkoff bag | AwayFromBlue

Rebecca Minkoff quilted Love cross body bag in grey | AwayFromTheBlue
JacketChoies red vintage pattern kimono
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
Dress: Kmart Aztec print tiered little black dress
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
BagRebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey

Why I wore it:

A quick errand in the morning, my local ABA mother's group meeting and then a doctor's appointment for Baby Boy in the afternoon. As it was such a hot day, I wanted something nice and easy to wear. I knew I wanted to wear this dress again, but wasn't sure what kimono to wear with it. In the end I settled on this tribal print kimono as some of the print is similar to the Aztec print on the dress. The night before I held them up side by side and figured it would look okay.

When I put it on in the morning, I loved this outfit. I like the extra colour the kimono adds to the dress, and this was perfect for a day with a bit of running around. This dress is loose and flowy and knee-length on me so it's just as good for a doctor's appointment as it is sitting down on the floor chatting to my mum friends who have younger babies doing tummy time. I wouldn't change anything about this outfit. So glad I was able to buy this dress at the end of my #6MonthsWithoutShopping challenge, I've loved it every time I've worn it.


Last worn: red tribal print kimono, black Aztec print dress, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff grey Love bag.

Other ways to wearred tribal print kimono and gold jeans, black Aztec print dress worn two ways, studded sandals and maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff grey Love bag and flares.

Perfect for pregnancy: red kimono and maternity tank, studded sandals in second trimester, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag in third trimester.


Spring Dresses Under $50:








What I wore:

Somedays Lovin' kimono Jeanswest chambray lyocell dress studded RM sandals mini MAC bag | Away From Blue

silver tiffany heart bracelet stack, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather | Away From The Blue
JacketSomedays Lovin' Yakuza print kimono
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
DressJeanswest Rachel Lyocell chambray dress (C/O)
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)
NailsOPI This Cost Me a Mint

Why I wore it:

Another doctor's appointment! Vaccinations for baby boy meant we were going to have a quiet day. After the doctors, we headed out to do a little shopping and take part in a fun plant pot decorating activity for the boys. Surprisingly we have managed to not only keep the seeds alive, they are now sprouting quite nicely! As someone who has killed succulents and cacti I'm quite proud we are keeping these plants alive so far.

The morning came undone when we stopped at Kmart to buy some new shorts and tees for the warmer weather and someone wanted to buy a train (even though they had just convinced their Grandmother to buy them two trains the day before). Ended up getting lots of side eyes as I hurriedly finished shopping and headed home after realising nothing I was saying was helping end the tantrum. Not quite the quiet relaxing day I had planned, but will be a funny story to tell later! "Remember that time you screamed in Kmart and all the way home because you wanted a train?" 😂

At least I liked my outfit, plenty of people saw it when they looked around to see where the screaming child was! Toddler tantrums are just an unavoidable part of motherhood.


Last worn: floral kimono, chambray dress, studded Rebecca Minkoff sandals, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC.

Other ways to wearfloral kimono and striped tank, chambray dress and ankle boots, studded Rebecca Minkoff sandals worn 30 ways, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC and graphic tee.

Perfect for pregnancy: kimono and maternity shorts in second trimester, chambray dress and second trimester bump, mini MAC and non-maternity clothes in third trimester.



Kimonos Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:

Kimonos work perfectly in spring when you need a light layer. While they look wonderful with denim shorts and jeans, they look equally good worn with dresses. It's a quick and easy spring outfit.

If you're unsure what kimono to wear with your dress, you can pick one with a similar print, or add some more colour and print with a kimono over a plain dress.


Linking up with Flashback Fashion, Friday Favourites, Shoe and Tell, Mix It Monday, Hello Monday, Modest Monday.



Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin
Twitter : Instagram Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Wednesday 25 October 2017

Rainy Spring Style: Printed Layers, Colourful Pants and Neutral V-Neck Tees

Spring weather can be pretty varied in Brisbane, much like it can elsewhere in the world. You go from shorts one day to jeans and layers the next.

I took advantage of one of our spring cold snaps to layer up a little, wearing colourful pants with my neutral tees. One of which is leaving my wardrobe.

What I wore:

rainy day spring style dress worn as a kimono burgundy pants black tee | Away From Blue

Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram printed shirt dress worn as kimono over burgundy pants
JacketAtmos&Here Nigella collarless shirt dress (worn as kimono)
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
TeeAtmos&Here rolled sleeve oversize tee in black (also in grey)
PantsJeanswest 'Fiona' skinny leg pant in shiraz
ShoesAsos leather Chelsea boots in tan
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

It was a wet and windy day when I wore this. It wasn't very nice weather for the public holiday, or for the planned BBQ at the in-laws. Luckily BBQ's can still go on when it rains! Even if you do have to send someone out with an umbrella to do the cooking. 😂

Since I had been wanting to wear a dress, I decided to persist anyway and wear this printed shirt dress as a kimono. It was a nice extra layer against the wind. These burgundy pants are really good for work, but I like to wear them casually too - that's the main reason I bought them actually. They pass easily for skinny jeans, and look really nice cuffed over ankle boots.


Leaving my Wardrobe: Black V-Neck Tee

Unfortunately this is the last wearing of this black tee on the blog. I really like it but it's just not held up very well. It's normally soft and has the perfect drape, however to maintain that it needs a gentle wash and when you wear it around toddlers and babies...everything usually needs more than a gentle wash at the end of the day! It's been tossed in the washing machine for a serious wash too many times and has just stretched out and lost that softness. I was much too uncomfortable constantly pulling it back up and tugging it into place through the day. It's no longer fitting well and has stretched out so I really can't wear it. I usually plan to wear things one last time, and during the day as I constantly readjusted the tee I realised this was its last wear!

I'm sad it hasn't had a longer run in my wardrobe, but I know it was my own neglect that lead to it leaving. It was $17.47 and I wore it 15 times, $1.16 cost per wear. Not bad, but I really wish I could have hit 30 wears on it!


14 ways to wear a black v neck slouchy oversized tee pregnancy postpartum motherhood style | Away From The Blue blog



Last worn: shirt dress, black tee, burgundy pants, Chelsea ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC.

Other ways to wearshirt dress worn two ways, black tee and printed shorts, burgundy pants worn two ways, Chelsea ankle boots and maxi dresses, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC and printed shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: black tee in third trimester, burgundy pants in second trimester with a belly band, Chelsea ankle boots in second trimester, mini MAC and maternity shorts.



Colourful Pants Under $50:







What I wore:

stripe duster with red skinny jeans, grey tee and Rebecca Minkoff love bag | AwayFromBlue

silver bracelet stack, Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram SAHM style printed layers colourful red skinny jeans grey v-neck tee
Jacket: Kmart striped maxi cardigan
NecklaceJeanswest Taki necklace (C/O)
TeeAtmos&Here grey v-neck tee with rolled sleeves (also in black)
Jeans: thrifted Emerson red skinny jeans
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
BagRebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey

Why I wore it:

Since I liked the outfit above so much, I decided to wear a very similar one on the next cooler spring day. These red jeans are perfect with all of the neutrals, such a nice pop of colour. This striped duster is a good layer for spring - nice and light, not too heavy but keeps the wind at bay. Very comfortable to work from home and do the daycare drop off / pick up.

Unlike the black tee above, this grey tee is faring much better in my wardrobe and will be hanging around for a while. I have 7 grey tees in my wardrobe, a grey tee is a wardrobe must-have for me.


Last worn: stripe duster, slouchy grey tee, red skinny jeans, Converse, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag.

Other ways to wearstripe duster and chambray dress, slouchy grey tee and maxi skirt, red skinny jeans and graphic tee, Converse and maxi skirt, Rebecca Minkoff Love and floral dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: stripe duster in second trimester, grey tee for second trimester travel, Converse in second trimester, Love bag in third trimester



Printed Dusters Under $50:









How You Can Wear It:


Colourful jeans or pants are a fun way to add some colour to neutral layers. A printed kimono or duster is another way to add interest to your outfit, and perfect for fluctuating spring temperatures.

Linking up with Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Wear, Passion for Fashion.


Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin
Twitter : Instagram Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It