March Update and What I Learnt From a Wardrobe Detox

Thought I'd break with the standard outfit posts template to share my March wardrobe update. I made some purchases this month, and I got rid of a lot of things from my wardrobe. I even listed some on ebay! Also had my first session with a personal stylist, so I wanted to share what that was like with you all.

What I bought in March:

Emerson red skinny jeans (already worn here)
Jeanswest Bindi skinny 7/8 jeans in indigo luxe

Jeanswest 'Sierra' embellished black maxi dress (already worn here)
Jeanswest Elise longline emroidered shirt coconut blue
Jeanswest Nadine 3/4 Sleeve dusky pink blazer
Jeanswest Cassandra jacquard jacket

Not bad considering the last time I bought clothes for myself was in December! You can tell I had a few Jeanswest gift cards to spend ;)

March was the month I returned to the office after maternity leave. As I did so, I got all of my old office clothes out of the 'for after baby' box they had been hiding in and - honestly - started to get quite frustrated that I didn't really have any space for those things in my wardrobe. The slow and steady wardrobe clear-out process got a bit more focused and ruthless over the month. There are so many considerations and emotions around going back to work, and tackling my wardrobe at such a time was probably not the best idea in hindsight. I was just getting more frustrated trying to turn my wardrobe into something that would work for my new lifestyle. So I called in the professionals! One of my instagram friends (@sophisticatedmumma) recommended a personal stylist who lived near me (@istyl). I've been thinking about having someone help me with my wardrobe for a while, and facing a big lifestyle change with returning to work after maternity leave seemed like an ideal time to get an expert!

If you are thinking about getting a personal stylist to come help you with your wardrobe, do it! If you're wondering, I always disclose my sponsored posts. This is not one of them. This is all my own words and I paid for the services with my own money. I didn't even mention that I was going to blog about it. The wardrobe detox was not as stressful as I expected, and was actually really fun. It helped that baby T and Cooper were on their best behaviour and that Maudie was happy working around baby and his needs through the day. She was a superstar.

What I learnt from my wardrobe detox:

• Babies never nap as long as you expect them too!
• You will be trying on lots of clothes so you want to dress appropriately (maybe matching undies) or set up a little hidden spot to change if you're feeling modest. Dancing around the room half naked asking for a little help struggling to pull off a pair of stubborn skinny jeans / needing to fix a zipper caught halfway up a dress might happen more than once.

• There are certain colours you can wear that can make you look incredible, and some that wash you out.

• If your wardrobe is full of colours that don't make you look your best, there are a few tricks you can employ to get around this. It isn't about buying a whole new wardrobe, but learning how to make what you have work for you.

• You'll never really comprehend how much stuff is in your wardrobe until you start going through it all.
• It is extremely frustrating realising just how many 'perfect for nursing' tops you had hidden in your wardrobe, after you've stopped breastfeeding.

• You will come up with the craziest justifications to explain oddities in your wardrobe. (Like why each and every one of your 14 grey tees is a complete essential and different from all the rest.) Thanks for humouring me Maudie!

• A wardrobe detox is very emotional. Saying goodbye to old pieces, and re-discovering old favourites. You might feel compelled to tell stories of when, where, and why you bought things. It's a trip down memory lane.

• Even you will be surprised with how stubborn you can be on keeping some pieces....and how happy you will be to toss others.

• If there are things you just have to have despite the expert opinion saying it doesn't work for you, you can get ideas of different ways to style the items to make them work a little better.

• Even an overflowing wardrobe can have 'gaps' in it.  It is really helpful to know what things you should look for next time you are shopping, and what you should avoid buying more of. (Like jeans!)

• Sorting things into piles of 'keep', 'tailor' and 'toss' is so much easier with an impartial third party helping.

• It's never about you. You look amazing. Your clothes might not be working to show off your best self. And that can be easily fixed.

• Hearing sincere and flattering compliments is always a good boost, especially after having a baby.
• Some things you might be considering getting rid of can stay and become stand out pieces in your wardrobe very quickly when you know how to wear them.
• Finding out why things make you look and feel good will help guide your shopping for the better.
• A few hours, a bin bag full of cast-offs and a little bit of wardrobe reorganisation can make such a positive difference.

If you're in Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast I'd recommend Maudie as an awesome personal stylist. If a wardrobe detox isn't in your budget, try inviting a friend over and getting an honest opinion on some of the things you own. It's so helpful getting another view. I know some bloggers have check lists or flowcharts or things to help you do your own wardrobe detox too. Please feel free to link up any great advice you have or have come across in the comments.

As a result of my little spring-cleaning before my wardrobe session and a very productive couple of hours during it...there are a bunch of things that have left my wardrobe this month. I've included pictures of just some of them below, as they didn't all have a 'last wear' outside. You can find a few things on ebay. I'll be listing more as I find the time, and the rest will be donated to the Animal Welfare League shelter to end up in their op-shops.

More Wardrobe Edits, Shop My Closet and Embellished Maxi Dress and Tank Outfits

First up, I've hit that point in my wardrobe clear-out process where I've listed some things on ebay. Check it out if you want to see what has happened to some of the things that have been leaving my wardrobe lately, or if you're after a designer bag for a bargain price. I've been clearing out my handbag collection too.

Secondly, this is a bit of a delayed post. I usually post 3 times a week but I missed Wednesday. I have photos ready and waiting, just no time to actually write a blog post. Baby T has been a bit out of sorts lately and if your baby is having a tough time and needs extra cuddles, you give them extra cuddles and everything else can wait. I'll happily divert my attention from blogging to baby grizzles :) Hopefully I can get back into the blog groove now and type up a few posts. I'd been relying on the little stockpile of scheduled posts I had for a while. On with the outfits.

What I wore:

Dress: Jeanswest 'Sierra' embellished black maxi dress (new purchase)
Shoes: Balenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH
Bracelets: the usual plus Nicole by Nicole Miller bracelet
Bag: Miu Miu cammeo studded clutch bag

Why I wore it:

I was looking forward to the first wearing of my new black maxi dress! We had a BBQ dinner with family so this seemed like a nice dress to wear. The neckline has some beautiful beaded embellishment, so I didn't wear a necklace with it. I did add a bit of bling with my bracelet and the studded bag and sandals. I really like wearing the bag and sandals together, I do it often! I think the studded shoes and studded bag is a cute combination.

This bag isn't hanging around in my wardrobe though - while it is a cross body bag it's not ideal for using with baby as the clasp on the front can be a little fiddly while you're trying to close the bag with one hand and prevent baby crawling into danger with the other. It drove me a little crazy through the day. It's not listed on ebay, I'm consigning it with a local store instead. They know more about Miu Miu than I do!

Leaving my wardrobe: Miu Miu studded clutch

Last worn: Balenciaga studded sandals, Miu Miu studded bag. First time I've worn the dress as it was a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: a simple black maxi dress and a snood, pink sandals and a blue dress, Miu Miu bag worn as a clutch.

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers
Necklace: House of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
Dress: French Connection Moon Moire printed top
Jeans: Emerson red skinny jeans (new purchase)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes Kelly double tour bracelet in rubis
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere (with Coach feather bag charm)

Why I wore it:

Last time I wore this top I was in the third trimester of pregnancy, and pleased to find a regular non-maternity top I could wear. I wasn't too impressed with how it looked though. I wasn't really enjoying wearing it this time around either. I think it's time for it to leave my wardrobe.

This outfit was really a fail all around though! As hubby had gone off to work, he commented on how odd the weather was. It was cloudy and overcast, definitely not looking like the hot day they had predicted. I took advantage of the cold weather and wore my newly purchased skinny jeans, a $5 op-shop (thrift shop) bargain. I had some errands to run with baby T, so we headed to the local Westfield. By the time we re-emerged from the air-conditioned environment in the afternoon, I realised my mistake. The clouds had cleared up and it had warmed up a lot. I changed into shorts as soon as I got home!

Leaving my wardrobe: French Connection Printed Top

Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, French Connection printed top, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton speedy B. First time I've worn the jeans as they are a new purchase.

Other ways to wear: printed top in the second trimester, red skinny jeans with a blue top, Louis Vuitton Bandouliere speedy with a dress.

Linking up with Casual Friday, Favourite Fashion Friday, Fab Favourites, Passion for Fashion, Mix It Up Friday, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Modest Monday today.

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Stripes, Skirts and Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere Bag in Damier Ebene

First up, have you shopped the Shopbop sale yet?!

15% off orders of $250+

20% off orders of $500+

25% off orders of $1000+

Just use code 'BIGEVENT15' at checkout.

It's been a while since my last style challenges, so when Vanessa posted her Style and Shenanigans Colour challenge, I was eager to give it a go again. I've posted my thoughts about style challenges before and I think they can be a good way to help me wear more of my wardrobe and not just go for the same pieces all the time. It was a short challenge, just 5 days long. Below are two of the looks.


Here's what I wore to spend the day with my mum:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers
Singlet: Jeanswest peach ruffle cami
Skirt: AT by Atmos&Here Mars striped maxi skirt
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere (with Coach feather bag charm)


The challenge for the day was 'pastel central'. I thought this peach cami was perfect. I really like pairing cami tops and maxi skirts together, I've done it a few times now, nice and cool for summer. I am still so incredibly lucky my sister didn't want this top any more - a great piece for me I picked up in one of her wardrobe clear outs! Every now and then when we get the urge to clean our wardrobes we will let each other comb through the bags before taking them off to be donated. I've got some lovely pieces that way, and it has to be said I've got a few of my old clothes back that way as well, hehe!

I really liked this outfit - the only thing I didn't like was how the top slid up and bunched around my waist through the day, looked odd as the skirt is quite fitted around the waist. I'd maybe try belt it next time to see if that helps to keep it in place.


Last worn: Ray-Ban wayfarers, peach cami, striped maxi skirt, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton Speedy bandouliere.

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Here's what I wore to visit the doctors:

Sunnies: Rayban new Wayfarers
Tank: Glassons striped tank in black and white
Skirt: French Connection green and black printed skirt
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere (with Coach feather bag charm)


The challenge was 'jewel tones' like emerald green, so this green skirt was ideal! I tried to wear it a little differently and try a bit of print mixing, but I think it's too much. Maybe if I'd worn a plain bag with it it would have looked better. I just always wear this skirt with a plain black top, wanted to try something a little different. Seemed like a nice idea in the morning when I was getting dressed, but after looking at the photos I didn't really like how the outfit looked. Although people were encouraging on instagram, it's not one of my favourite outfits.

I haven't worn this skirt often. In the 3 years I've had the blog...this is only it's fifth wear. 1, 2, 3, 4 and now. To be fair, it is a fixed waist skirt that was impossible to wear during pregnancy. It's one of the pieces I bought back when I was starting out with my corporate wardrobe, and I wore it a lot. But over the years I started buying and wearing pencil skirts more, and it's just been neglected.

There is nothing wrong with the skirt - it's pretty, it gets compliments, it's good for my business casual office as well as days off...but I think it's time for it to leave my wardrobe. If I do want to wear a pleated printed skirt, I still have this one. I don't need two similar pieces that aren't worn often! I'm a little more adventurous with the other skirt too, I find yellow and black easier to wear than green and black. I don't just pick a black top to wear with it all the time!

Leaving my Wardrobe: French Connection Green and Black Printed Skirt

(Pics all the way back to 2008 before my blogging days, for your amusement! I really did like wearing this skirt with a plain black top...)


Last worn: wayfarer sunglasses (above), striped tank, printed skirt, Havaianas (above), LV Speedy B(above).

Linking up with What I Wore, Whatcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday, Trendy Wednesday, Spotlight Weekly, Fun Fashion Friday, Fab Favourites, Skirtista Diaries, Modest Monday today.

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Balenciaga Clutches. Statement Jeans and Lace LBD for Evening

After some comfy and slouchy outfits while the household was getting back to normal after battling a bug, I took the chance to dress up a little more than usual for some evenings out, and use my Balenciaga clutches.


Here's what I wore to go out with my sister in law:

Tank: Just Jeans black lace trim singlet
Jeans: Sass and Bide 'The Archetype' feather print zippora skinnies
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats
Bag: Balenciaga envelope clutch in 2012 mangue with giant 12 RGGH


As everyone was feeling better I decided to go to a Coach event I'd RSVP'd for before we all got sick. It was a good excuse to get some time out of the house, have dinner and look at some pretty bags while spending time with my sister in law. I did want to wear heels with this, but when I tried them on earlier in the day I realised after 5 minutes they wouldn't be the best for an evening of standing and chatting. So wore my comfy flats instead, and was happy I'd made that choice by the end of the night.

I've worn this tank 4 times since I've been blogging (1, 2, 3 and now). There's nothing wrong with it, it's really a very pretty tank. The lace detail at the neckline makes it feel a little more dressed up than a plain black tank. But I so rarely wear it! I have a similar black tank (gathered waist, detailed neckline) that I love more than this one. When I last wore that tank, I commented that I'd hardly worn it and it was a shame as it was a top I loved. This top, I just like. And as it's so similar to my other black top...I'm going to get rid of it. I don't need things I just like in my wardrobe when I have the perfect alternatives that I love! Trying to be much stricter with what stays in my wardrobe this year!

Leaving my wardrobe: black lace detail tank

Outfit details: one, two, three and four.

Last worn: black tank, printed skinny jeans, gold mouse flats, Balenciaga envelope clutch.

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Here's what I wore to go to dinner with friends:

Dress: Jeanswest 'Gisele' contrast lace dress
Shoes: NineWest "Quicken" wedges in natural
Bag: Balenciaga flat clutch GSH in 2010 Sang


This is what I wore for a Valentine's dinner with friends. First, let me comment on my hair! It is very curly. My sister found this amazing trick on Pinterest (she loves Pinterest!) where you get curls overnight without using any heat. We have similar hair, so I decided to try and replicate her curly hair style. I couldn't find the exact tutorial, but after texting back and forth before bed I think I got it right. I woke up, and instead of letting my hair down, I spent the morning tidying and looking after baby T. So I had my hair up for a little longer than you were supposed too...I actually took it out after lunch. To find that my hair was super curly. I tried running my fingers through it, I even tried brushing it - twice! - and well, it looked like it does above. I made the decision just to go with it and wear it that way anyway, hoping the curls would relax a little more through the afternoon and evening. They didn't of course! It's funny, I've tried the same trick again, leaving my hair in just overnight and I can never get the curls to stay....so I really did something wrong this time around!

My nail art was a DIY I tried that I liked a lot better - turned out not too bad, for a first attempt! I followed this tutorial from Marie, so easy to fit in during baby T's nap time! I'm also trying a new blush, one I won from Kim's giveaway on A Very Sweet Blog. That was another new thing that went well, I really like this blush. So it wasn't all bad :)

I liked the outfit (despite the hair). It was nice to dress up a little and wear some heels. And with baby T being baby sat again, I could wear another of my cute but mostly neglected clutches.


Last worn: black lace dress, wedges, red Balenciaga clutch.

Shop similar:

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Slouchy Tees and Jersey Maxi Skirts. Comfy SAHM Style

Gong Xi Fa Cai to those who are celebrating the Lunar New Year! We have postponed our celebrations until the weekend, hoping that the weather is better in time for baby T's first new year! He's sure to get lots of ang pao!


Still a bit delayed with sharing outfit pics, here's what I wore last week. Baby T caught some kind of bug and kindly decided to share it with the family. It was a couple of days of just grabbing whatever was clean to wear, and not really thinking about leaving the house. When everyone was feeling better I finally ventured out, but wanted cosy and comfortable clothes to wear. So I wore my maxi skirts!


Here's what I wore to go out shopping with my mum:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers
Necklace: House of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
Top: Supre pink boxy tee
Skirt: Target grey marle maxi skirt
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Balenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete


Took the chance to get dressed and get some fresh air by heading to the shops with my mum and baby T. It was good to get out of the house, even if it was just going to Woolies! Was good we were well enough to do so! We were also desperately in need of some essentials for baby, so we stocked up on them.

I wanted to wear something colourful, and remembered this tee. I found it in my big wardrobe clean out when we were turning the spare room that was my wardrobe room into a nursery for baby. I'd told myself I'd keep it as it's a great basic top, and I love the colour, so I was sure to wear it again....and this is the first time I've worn it since. As if that isn't bad enough, I have the same top in grey as well, also unworn! I can see from the blog that I haven't worn the tops in 3 years! Definitely fits the Putting Me Together style challenge prompt of something you haven't worn in 6+ months!
There is so much to love about this top - it's super soft, it's a gorgeous colour, and it's so simple and flattering. But I don't wear it! Maybe because it slides off my shoulders now and then. I even had a quick look at some of my pre-blog photos, as I was sure I had worn it a lot when I first bought it years and years ago...and couldn't find a single photo of it (although I did find a pic of me wearing the grey version at a surprise engagement party my family threw for us).

It's time for this top and the grey one to leave my wardrobe. Not worth holding onto it if I never wear them! I did find myself thinking at the end of the day that I could hold onto this tee, maybe take it to the tailor and bring the neckline in a bit so it stays in place....as I do love it. But I don't really think it's worth any additional investment, or I would have done that a long time ago. So two tops leaving my wardrobe!


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, grey marle maxi skirt, Havaianas, Balenciaga tempete Day bag. First and last wearing of the top on the blog.

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Here's what I wore to go visit a friend today:

Necklace: thrifted pearl and heart long necklace
Top: Atmos&Here grey v-neck tee with rolled sleeves
Skirt: Target black and white striped maxi skirt
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Balenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete

Another comfortable outfit! I wear this skirt with grey tees a lot, wore it that way last time too. it's just such an easy option. Nice and casual for an afternoon chat with a friend.

Since wearing a proper necklace had went well the day before, I decided to wear another of my necklaces instead of the teething necklaces I've been wearing often. I regretted that choice pretty quickly though! After baby T had lunch, we headed out to meet a friend. Despite having the baby bag packed with toys, he wasn't interested in playing quietly on his own. It was difficult trying to have a conversation with him crawling all over me and flinging his toys around. Wished I'd worn one of the teething necklaces, as they always keep him occupied. Instead I was trying to grab this necklace out of his hands so that he didn't snap it, ha! Baby T is definitely still keeping me on my toes. There is always something new to learn, he's frequently surprising me (in a good way). I think I'm going to store one of the necklaces in the baby bag, just to have it handy for future outings.


Last worn: grey tee, striped maxi skirt, Havanaians (above), Balenciaga day (above).

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Blue Outfits, JORD Watch Review

I still have a backlog of outfit posts, but wanted to jump ahead a little and share these recent outfits from last week, as I'm eager to share my JORD watch review! The watch was provided to me free of charge for reviewing. As always, all opinions and outfits are my own.


Here's what I wore to go out shopping with baby T:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers
Scarf: white target crochet detail scarf
Dress: Ezra chambray shift dress
Shoes: Balenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch C/O JORD Watches
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere (with Coach feather bag charm)


Thought this dress would be a nice 'backdrop' to show off my new watch! I've heard that old rule that you shouldn't wear blue and brown together, but sometimes, like here, I think it works quite well. I didn't need the scarf for warmth as I was only popping out to the shops in the morning with baby T, it's just a cute decorative piece I thought was pretty with the dress. It actually keeps falling off the scarf hanger I my wardrobe and I keep resolving every time I put it back up to actually wear it soon, it's been long overdue a wear.

Paul from JORD watches contacted me and asked me if I would like to try a piece from their collection to review. I'm currently still on maternity leave and a stay at home mum, so there isn't a lot of appointments I have to get to by a set time. A watch is still helpful for me to have though, I've actually been thinking about wearing a watch again. Much easier to glance at my wrist to check the time rather than trying to find wherever I last left my phone when looking after a crawling baby.

I had the choice of 3 different styles, the maple Elly, the Fieldcrest black and the black and maple Sully. I picked the Fieldcrest as I liked the darker colour, even though the band would be too long (they have measurements on their website to guide you when shopping). No matter what watch I would have picked it would have needed to be resized. I'm petite so I've just gotten used to wearing things looser on my wrists. As you can see in the photos, the band is really large on me! I do want to get the watch shortened a little though so I can wear it for everyday. I think having it fitted would look nicer. JORD mentions on their website that you can resize it yourself if you have the right tools too, but I can't find a screwdriver tiny enough so I'll need to take it to the experts. I love the large face though, I think it's so beautiful.

The watch stands up to life with baby well. It survived the day, even sliding up and down my arm. It's such a unique piece, people do comment on it too. Mostly saying 'is it really made of wood?!'. I've only had it about a week so I can't review how long it lasts, but it's been ticking well since I got it, and I haven't had any problems. It looks and feels really high quality. Each watch comes with a warranty, and I've found them to be really quick and helpful via email if any problems were to arise.

The packaging is really impressive, as is the fast shipping. It only took 2 weeks from the US to Australia! If you're in the market for a watch I'd recommend JORD watches, as the wood is an interesting twist to a staple item. It would make a nice gift too, it comes in an adorable presentation box. You could always slip a little 'IOU a cute watch' in your Valentine's Day card and pick out a watch together for your partner...


Last worn: Ray-ban wayfarer, white scarf, chambray shift dress, Balenciaga sandals, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere.

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Here's what I wore to go out with baby and have my mother in law over today:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus necklace in pop
Top: Asos new forever grey tee (on sale!)
Skirt: Roxy succulents pleated skirt in Indigo
Shoes: Asos 'five star' leather sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus Balenciaga coated stud wrap bracelet in icy blue
Bag: Balenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete


Ah, this outfit! This is what I had planned to wear all day, the morning being spent with baby T in his stroller. It's easier to wear a skirt when baby is in his stroller and I'm not running around bending over after him. By the afternoon though, the skirt had been replaced with a pair of denim shorts. Partly because the skirt just feels too short for life with baby! I've mentioned that last time I wore it too.

This skirt will be leaving my wardrobe. As pretty as it is, it's just not practical for my life right now. I don't feel comfortable in it. It will be so much easier getting dressed each day if I am faced with options in my wardrobe that I love and work for me for any situation, rather than having a wardrobe full of 'maybe one day' items. Slowly cleaning out my wardrobe, one piece at a time!


Last worn: Asos forever grey tee, Roxy mini skirt, sandals, Balenciaga Tempete Day.

Leaving my wardrobe: Roxy Navy Pleated Skirt

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Sunny Sightseeing: Sun Hat, Skirt and Shorts. Snake Print Tee

Two outfits with my cute sun hat. With my grandparents visiting and lovely weather, we were out taking advantage of the sun, but trying not to get burnt. The hat was a bargain Big W find a while back, it's really helpful for sun protection. It's made me become more of a hat person too!


Here's what I wore to go to the beach:

Hat: Big W bow detail sunhat
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus necklace in pop
Tank: Jeanswest 'Jenni' singlet in indigo blue (on sale here!)
Skirt: Asos colour block maxi skirt in red (on sale!)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs


The style challenge was 'stand tall heels and colour block'. I can't really wear heels with baby T, they are not the most practical footwear, so I only managed half of this challenge with the colour block maxi skirt. Decided to wear a colourful tank too, to be really colourful for the challenge. I tried on a few and I decided this blue one looked best, what do you think? Nice and comfortable and colourful for a bit of a road trip down to NSW to spend some time at the beach.

I ran out of time in the morning to take my usual picture in the yard, so thanks to my sister for snapping this one for me! Although I've been doing the tourist thing with my grandparents and we've been to lots of beautiful places, I've found it easiest to get my outfit pics in the morning before I go out, rather than worrying all day about where would be a good spot for photos. Leaves me free to take pictures of baby T and his great grandparents while we are out instead. Before baby I would have taken advantage of getting lots of nice new backgrounds to take outfit photos in, but I'm finding it easier to stick with taking photos in the back yard for now.


Last worn: sun hat, blue singlet, colour block maxi skirt, Havaianas.

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Here's what I wore to go swimming at South Bank:

Hat: Big W bow detail sunhat
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Wilma necklace in pale daffodil
Tee: Cotton On oversized snake print tee
Shorts: Jeanswest denim cuff shorts
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere (with Coach feather bag charm)


Wore this outfit to meetup with my family for a day of swimming at South Bank.  The sleeves were good for covering up my sunburnt shoulders and back after the previous day at the beach! My own fault for not re-applying sunscreen. Baby T is covered head to toe regularly, but I often forget to reapply my own. The hat was helpful for blocking some sun too.

The style challenge was 'bring out the animal in you', so I wanted to wear something with animal print. This tee has been neglected in my wardrobe for a while, it's only been worn four times in the 3 years I've had the blog. I like the loose fit and the print. I don't like how low-cut the arm holes are, meaning I always have to wear a layering singlet underneath. Ideal for having a breastfeeding singlet underneath, not so good for hot days where you don't need to layer!

Despite how much I do like this top, I don't wear it enough and so it's leaving my wardrobe. I definitely have a lot of grey tees, so I'm sure I won't miss this one!

Leaving my wardrobe: Cotton On grey snake print tee

Last worn: sunhat (above) snake print tee, denim shorts, Havaianas (above), Louis Vuitton Speedy B.

Linking up with Fab Favourites, Fashion Item Friday, Casual Friday, Passion for Fashion, Skirtista Diaries, Hat Day today.

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Simple Dresses for Evening and Daytime. Navy Print and Stripes

Although January is over, I still have a backlog of my #JaNEWary style challenge outfits to post. Sharing two more dresses I wore in January. One for an evening out, and the other for day time.

Here's what I wore to go out for dinner:

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Wilma necklace in pale daffodil layered with vintage gold initial necklace
Dress: Zara printed bib front tunic dress
Belt: gold embellished belt (gifted from my grandparents)
Shoes: Acne pistol boots in "skin"
Bracelets: the usual plus silver charm bracelet


It was a really rainy day and had cooled off for a bit when I wore this dress. I'd planned to wear it to dinner a while ago, luckily all I had to do was roll the sleeves down and change to ankle boots for a little extra warmth. As I mentioned on instagram, the last time I'd eaten at the restaurant I wore the same dress, and had a tiny little second trimester baby bump (that I was still hiding in blog photos). This time around, baby T was sitting in a high chair, kicking and chatting away as he ate a meal with us. It was so nice, and wonderful to see how much things have changed! This time last year everyone was excitedly feeling his kicks through my tummy, now everyone can easily see him kicking and jumping around as he picks food off our plates!

I wore this dress during the day as well, just with Converse instead of ankle boots as I quickly had to pop out for the groceries and wanted comfortable flats for that. The style challenge for the day was 'a bracelet you adore but rarely wear' so I wore my little sentimental charm bracelet. I don't wear it every day as I'm worried about damaging or loosing it, it's very special to me. Didn't take a clutch or bag out to dinner, just had everything I needed in the baby bag.


Last worn: printed dress, Acne pistol boots.

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Here's what I wore to spend the day with my grandparents:

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Wilma necklace in pale daffodil
Dress: French Connection Melanie striped sleeveless dress
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow sunburst wrap bracelet in cobalt
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere (with Coach feather bag charm)


This dress is another one I wore back when I was hiding the baby bump! The skirt portion is really roomy. The style challenge for the day was 'wear your mood' and I wasn't sure what I was going to wear, but after a difficult night with baby T I was tired so just went with the simplest option - a dress! I spent the morning shopping with my grandparents and then dropped them off at a friend's place for dinner.

Last time I wore this dress (a year ago!) I commented that I hadn't worn it much and I either needed to wear it more or remove it from my wardrobe. I've been thinking about wearing it for a while, but have always passed it up. When I wore it again, I realised why it's worn so infrequently. It's cute, and perfect for summer, but it's also uncomfortable! The elasticated section inside just seems to rub me the wrong way near the end of the day. I thought last time I wore it it was because of the baby bump or having more sensitive skin when I was pregnant. When I got home in the evening I just couldn't wait to take it off. Definitely leaving my wardrobe, and leaving me wondering why I ever kept it so long....it looks nice on the hanger so it's survived multiple clear-out attempts.


Last worn: stripe dress, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton Speedy bandouliere.

Linking up with Let It Shine, Style To Inspire, Real Mom Style, Mix It Mondays, Manic Monday, Shoe and tell, Style Sessions today.

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