Two Ways To Wear: Sass and Bide Playman Printed Skinny Jeans

Near the end of June I stumbled across these jeans on ebay. I try not to buy things too close to the end of the month so I can get a few wears out of them before the month ends, but I really liked the print on these and the bargain price so snapped them up. Wore them pretty close together to meet my goal of two wears out of everything I buy within a month.

What I wore:

Jacket: Asos Black by Markus Lupfer printed leather jacket
Scarf: Alexander McQueen red skull-print modal and cashmere-blend scarf
Top: Jeanswest 'Tilda' black shirt
Jeans: Sass & Bide Playman skinny jeans (new purchase)
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots (on sale!)
Bag: Mulberry regular Alexa bag in foggy grey

Why I wore it:

While these are a bit of a statement jean, their first outing was actually a pretty boring errand running day! I was eager to wear them soon after they arrived though. Even though the Mulberry Alexa is a purpley-grey I went with the red scarf although they don't match as I thought it added a nice bit of colour to all of the black.


I tucked the jeans into the boots but it wasn't a great idea, as there are zipper details on the back it wasn't the most comfortable way to wear them.


Last worn: leather jacket, Alexander McQueen skull scarf, black top, ankle boots, Mulberry Alexa. First time I've worn the jeans as they are a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: leather jacket and a shift dress, skull scarf and plaid, black top and a baby bump, ankle boots in spring, Mulberry Alexa and a maxi skirt.

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More printed jeans under $100:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Alice longline Australian wool cardigan

Scarf: Marc by Marc Jacobs scarf in Island pine-print
Top: Dorothy Perkins 3/4 sleeve wrap top
Jeans: Sass & Bide Playman skinny jeans
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats (on sale!)
Bag: Mulberry regular Alexa bag in foggy grey

Why I wore it:

Layered up or a really chilly day! None of my scarves seemed to look quite right next to the chevron print on these jeans but with the low neckline on this top I wanted something around my neck. Decided to wrap this one around my neck a few times to keep it away from the print and stop them 'competing' with each other. It would have been better if I'd spent a little extra time tying the scarf into  a proper snood style so it stayed in place, as it kept unravelling and driving me crazy.

I regretted all the warm layers when we got to the library. We went for the baby and toddler session and they'd heated up the room for the tiny babies. I was pulling everything off and wishing I'd gone with my short sleeved wrap top instead!


As it's the second time I've worn these jeans, my purchase review:

They are proving trickier to style than I imagined and don't work well with ankle boots, but I really do like the print on these and I enjoy wearing them. Printed jeans aren't as easy to throw on as blue jeans, but it's good to change things up a little and I don't mind thinking a little more about what to wear with these. I have a few more outfits in mind for them, they are definitely sticking around. Jeans aren't something I have a shortage of but I've been looking for more printed pants lately so I'm pleased with these.


Last worn: grey longline cardigan, Marc Jacobs printed scarf, blue wrap top, printed skinny jeans (above), silver ballet flats, Mulberry Alexa (above).

Other ways to wear: grey longline cardigan and flares, Marc Jacobs printed scarf in the office, blue wrap top and a maxi skirt, silver ballet flats and a tartan pencil skirt, Mulberry Alexa and denim shorts.


Linking up with Hello Monday, Modest Monday (subscription popup), Mix It Monday, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday (multiple subscription popups), What I Wore.

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Two Ways To Wear: Chambray Maxi Skirt in Winter

Back in April, Beth over at Almost Posh blogged about a beautiful chambray maxi skirt. I fell in love with everything about it except the price. I added it to my Iconic wishlist anyway and waited for a sale. 2 months later it finally went on sale and I had an extra % off discount code so it was the perfect time to buy!

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Peggie kimono cardigan in purple mulberry marle

Scarf: Alexander McQueen modal skull scarf in white/pink (on sale in black and white!)
Top: Dorothy Perkins 3/4 sleeve wrap top (new purchase, on sale!)
Skirt: Noisy May long denim maxi skirt (new purchase, on sale!)
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white (on sale in red!)
Bag: Mulberry regular Alexa bag in foggy grey

Why I wore it:

Sine The Iconic share measurements for most of their items, I knew this skirt would be too long for my petite self. However when I got it I was pleased to find I could wear it right away...just by pulling it up super high. The elasticated waist helped! Felt really happy in this all day, and cosy for a morning at playgroup with the boys. The wrap top is a new purchase too, although the wrapped portions are held together with a stitch you can open it up below there so it's easy to breastfeed in.


Last worn: purple cardigan, skull scarf, Converse, Mulberry Alexa. First time I've worn the wrap top and chambray skirt as they are new purchases.

Other ways to wear: purple cardigan and a black outfit, skull scarf and stripes, Converse and denim shorts, Mulberry Alexa and a maxi dress. 

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More denim maxi skirts:

I might be doing #noBuyJuly16 and avoiding the sales, but there are some great bargains to be had in the final reductions at a few places:

Up to 70% off at Asos

Up to 75% off at Saks Fifth Avenue

Up to 70% off at Net-A-Porter

Up to 70% off at Matches Fashion

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What I wore:

Sunnies: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers (30% off at Nordstrom!)
Jacket: Paper Scissors grey wrap cardigan

Scarf: Marc by Marc Jacobs mauve square scarf
Tee: Atmos&Here navy stripe v-neck tee
Skirt: Noisy May long denim maxi skirt (on sale!)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats (on sale!)
Bag: Mulberry regular Alexa bag in foggy grey

Why I wore it:

I liked the pink and purple the first time I wore this maxi skirt, so decided to wear it with purple again. Blue and purple is one of those colour combinations I love to wear.

I didn't like this outfit as much as the first one though. It had been raining early in the morning and so when we hopped out the car at the post office I stepped right in a puddle, wetting the hem of the skirt. It just dragged the skirt down to my waist again, making it much too long. By the time we'd arrived at the ABA group catch up I was regretting my decision to wear this without belting it in place or without getting it hemmed first.


As it's the second time I've worn this skirt, my purchase review:
I adore this skirt. So much that I wore it twice before getting it hemmed as I was too eager to wear it!
Once I find a new tailor to hem this skirt it will get worn a lot more often - it really is perfect in every way except the length. It has pockets! Even with the cost of a tailor it's still a pretty affordable skirt, and I did know I'd need to get it taken up so I'm happy with this purchase.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, grey cardigan, purple scarf, striped tee, chambray maxi skirt (above), ballet flats, Mulberry Alexa (above).

Other ways to wear: grey cardigan and flares, purple scarf and skinny jeans, striped tee with orange, ballet flats and skinny jeans, Mulberry Alexa and denim shorts.

Linking up with Passion for Fashion, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Let It Shine, Shoe & Tell, Hello Monday, Modest Monday, Mums That Slay.

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Monthly Purchases: June

May was a pretty big shopping month for me, so I decided not to buy much in June...then the Iconic had an extra % off sale items. I couldn't resist picking up a maxi skirt I' d had my eye on for months after seeing it on Beth's blog, and of course I had to add in a few extra things to get free shipping ;)

In the end I only kept 3 of the things I'd ordered and returned another 3 so I'm quite pleased I didn't buy too much this month. Definitely going to be doing No Buy July again this year though! No clothes or accessories purchases for the next month. I didn't quite achieve it last year, hopefully I can do better this year! Here's what I bought before starting #NoBuyJuly16.

What I bought in June:

• Atmos & Here Avery marle tee in navy 
• Dorothy Perkins 3/4 sleeve wrap top 
• Noisy May long denim maxi skirt 
• Sass & Bide Playman skinny jeans 

How I wore my purchases:

I have a goal of wearing things twice in a month after buying them. By setting myself this goal I'm making sure I'm only buying things I'll actually use now, and not just store in my wardrobe with the tags on. My wardrobe is full enough already! I'm trying to make sure I buy versatile pieces I can wear a few different ways too. I've started a Ways to Wear series to show the different ways I've been wearing what I bought. Really pleased I managed to wear everything twice this month!

Since we are halfway through the year already, I thought I'd do a tally on my spending so far. (I got this idea from Beth too, it's not just shopping inspiration she gives me!) I've spent a total of $1,510.77 which averages $251.80 a month. Most months, like this month, I'm well under that total. Considering I've bought 3 handbags this year I'm surprised the total is relatively low, but I'm hoping that for the second half of the year I can spend even less.

Linking up with Labour of Life, Budgeting Bloggers, Fun Fashion, Weekend Linkup, Fabulous Friday.

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2 Ways to Wear: Khaki Embroidered Peasant Tank and Jeans

Last month while out shopping with Beth we stopped by Target on the way home. I spotted this tank while browsing the sales racks. A neutral colour, flowy fabric, generously sized enough to fit my very different postpartum curves and just $10, it came home with me.

To ensure I'm buying things I'll actually wear, I have a goal of wearing everything I buy at least twice in a month after purchasing. Below are the two ways I've worn this tank so far. Both outfits accessorised with another new purchase, my hot pink mini MAC bag. I love the neon pink with the neutral khaki.

What I wore:

Jacket: Kmart striped maxi cardigan
Top: Target embroidered khaki tank
Jeans: Jeanswest 'spoylt' flared jeans
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in grey)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

First time wearing this tank and I knew I wanted to pair it with this striped cardi and flares. I think this outfit would have looked even better with wedges, and maybe a felt hat...but neither of those things were practical for getting groceries with two boys under 2.


Last worn: striped duster, flared jeans, black ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff hot pink Mini MAC bag. First time I've worn the tank as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: striped duster and grey dress, flared jeans and Converse, black ballet flats in the office, Rebecca Minkoff hot pink Mini MAC bag and a floral kimono.

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Shop similar embroidered tanks:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest brown marle waterfall cardigan
Tank: Target embroidered khaki tank
Jeans: Jeanswest prima denim super skinny jeans in absolute black
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

This was another outfit I had in mind when I was contemplating buying the tank. I thought the brown would look nice with the khaki. After putting it on I wasn't too sure about the embroidery with the print on the cardi, but gave it a go anyway. Comfortable for errands in the morning and spending time with the in-laws in the afternoon.


Since it's the second time I've worn this tank, my purchase review:

This was a complete impulse buy (I didn't even try it on). I'm glad I picked it up though. Brisbane winters are usually mild enough that I can still wear a sleeveless tank with enough layers, and I really like the embroidery detail. Getting a size larger than usual and it being a pretty relaxed cut to start with means it's really flowy, but I think it works with the style of top and it means I'm still quite covered when I lift one side up to breastfeed. I've got lots of other outfit ideas for this tank too, a sign of a great purchase. Really pleased I got this.

While it was an impulse buy, I did stop and take a few minutes to think about how I'd wear the tank and how it would work in my wardrobe before I bought it. I'm pleased that I'm getting into the habit now of thinking things through before I buy them, and reviewing them after I wear them means I better be able to prove it's a good purchase. Really pleased I've made this a shopping habit so I'm more mindful of what I buy.


It's the third time I've shared this pink Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag too. A nice short purchase review: I have a few mini MAC bags now, so I knew this would be a winning purchase! Really happy with it.


Last worn: brown marle cardigan, khaki tank (above), black skinny jeans, Marc Jacobs ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff neon pink Mini MAC (above).

Other ways to wear: printed brown cardi and leopard print scarf, black skinny jeans and floral cami, Marc Jacobs ballet flats and flared jeans, Rebecca Minkoff neon pink Mini MAC and navy.

Linking up with Friday Faves, Passion For Fashion, Let It Shine, Shoe & Tell.

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2 Ways to Wear a Red Cross Body Bag ~ Rebecca Minkoff Saddle Bag

I have been wearing my Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag so much since I bought it...while it might be a little repetitive seeing it pop up all the time, I haven't had a reason to swap it out for another one of my many handbags because I'm finding it really does go with everything.

Two different outfits below showing how easy it is to wear a red cross body bag.

What I wore:

Sunnies: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers (30% off at Nordstrom!)
Jacket: Cotton On 'Gemma' cocoon kimono in Laos blossom navy print

Singlet: Best and Less black breastfeeding singlet
Jeans: Sass and Bide  'neon nights' jeans
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in navy!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red

Why I wore it:

Wore this to sit on the sidelines of toddler T's swimming lessons. Have to wait until my 6 week postpartum checkup before I can get the all clear to do any exercising other than walking and the exercises the physio gives you in hospital. I'm looking forward to getting back in the water though!

Thought the colourful floral print on this kimono would look nice with the red saddle bag. I really liked the combination. The kimono works nicely as a little nursing cover when breastfeeding too.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, floral cocoon kimono, black breastfeeding tank, Sass & Bide skinny jeans, gold mouse flats, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag.

Other ways to wear: floral kimono and a mint tee, black nursing tank and a maxi skirt, Sass & Bide skinny jeans and a graphic tee, gold mouse flats and a Chloe paddington, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag with a maxi skirt.

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More cute red cross body bags:

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What I wore:

Sunnies: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers (30% off at Nordstrom!)
Tee: Grey 'making magic happen' tee C/O Shein
Skirt: Vintage black pleated skirt from my Mum's closet
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red

Why I wore it:

It's been such a long time since I've worn this skirt! It used to belong to my mum, one of the few vintage pieces of clothing I have in my wardrobe. Thought that they grey slogan tee would work nicely with it, in theory. I didn't really like the oversized top and voluminous pleated skirt when I wore it though, not my favourite outfit. I felt I was constantly tugging at this through the day - especially in the waiting room of the doctors trying to calm a cranky baby with everyone staring...

I did like the colours in this outfit though - the neutral black and grey makes the red cross body bag really pop. A nice way to wear it, I've worn it with an all black outfit before too.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers (above), Making magic happen tee, pleated maxi skirt, black ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag (above).

Other ways to wear: Making magic happen tee and a baby bump, pleated skirt and liliac tank, black ballet flats and a pink dress, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag with stripes.

Linking up with Shoe & Tell, Let It Shine, Hello Monday, Modest Monday, Classy Monday, Mix It Monday, Mums That Slay, On Trend, Turning Heads, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday.

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Different Ways to Wear Too Short Shift Dresses - When Online Orders Are Shorter Than Expected!

First wearing of my new Balenciaga bag! As expected, I love it just as much as my blue one. Also my first attempts at wearing some too-short dresses.

Choies gave me the chance to order this striped dress for free, and they also threw in another dress as a gift. I was between sizes so went with my usual 'order a size larger to be safe', and also because I thought the extra length would be good. Being petite, I find that sometimes things that look short on the models are actually an okay length on me, but there is no harm in having an extra centimetre or two.

Both dresses arrived, and are lovely, but as I shared on instagram, they are much too short! So I've had to come up with other ways to wear them. Thought this post might be helpful for others who have received too-short dresses they can't return or that aren't worth the cost of returning. It's also a good reminder to check the length measurements before ordering something and not just the bust and waist!

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest brown marle waterfall cardigan
Dress: Choies white tile print shift dress (C/O)
Shoes: Asos airtime leather Chelsea boots in tan
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Balenciaga truffle RH classic day bag (new purchase)

Why I wore it:

I thought I'd try wear tights with this to make myself a little more comfortable with the short length, but I really wasn't comfortable in this at all! I think I should have picked a longer cardigan, that had the length in the back I felt the dress was missing whenever I bent down to pick up toddler T.

I've also mentioned in the past that I can't wear tights with the compression bandage I have for my injured knee. It's designed to keep the muscles warm, so I have to wear it under clothing so it's right next to my skin and it gets a bit warm through the day. When I add tights, it's just much too hot. I thought this day would be okay though as it was cold and rainy....nope. My knee got so hot so quickly. I couldn't wait to take this off! A bit of an outfit fail all round.

How would you wear this dress differently? I was thinking maybe as a bikini cover up for the beach...


Last worn: brown cardi, tan ankle boots. First time I've worn the bag and the dress.

Other ways to wear: brown cardi and skinny jeans, ankle boots and skinny jeans, blue Balenciga day bag and a summer dress.

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More shift dresses under $50:

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What I wore:

Cardigan: Jeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry

Necklace: Happiness Boutique turquoise and coral pendant necklace (C/O)
Dress (worn as top): Choies monochrome stripe shift dress (C/O)
Jeans: Jeanswest 'spoylt' flared jeans
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
Bag: Balenciaga truffle RH classic day bag

Why I wore it:

After the outfit fail the day before, I knew I'd need a bit more coverage with this dress! While it does have the right length in the back and even in the front, it has curved hems so it comes up short on the hips. I belted it like a tunic over jeans. It would look better with skinny jeans, but I can't squeeze the knee bandage under them.

I really liked this outfit though! I felt happy and comfortable all day. I really like the way the dress looks belted, and I wasn't worrying about what it looked like from behind every time I bent down as I had jeans on underneath. It's a really comfortable cotton, which helps as it feels good to wear. I'm thinking this would look nice worn as a top and tucked under a skirt too...I can see lots of other ways to wear this dress. Definitely a winner, even if I don't wear it as a dress as it was intended!


Last worn: purple cardi, flared jeans, ballet flats, Balenciaga day bag (above). First time I've worn the dress.

Other ways to wear: purple cardi and a maxi dress, flared jeans and heels, ballet flats and a wrap dress, blue Balenciaga day bag and stripes.


One last thing before I finish today's post: this Sunday is Father's Day in Australia, so I hope everyone has a lovely weekend with their family. Jeanswest were kind enough to send me this beautiful Malrvern check shirt for DH, and as baby T has a cute little shirt from Jeanswest to wear also, I know there will be one very fashionable and adorable duo this Sunday! I'll try get a photo of them together and share it on instagram, @awayfromblue.

The 30% off Jeanswest sale that I mentioned in my last post has been extended this weekend! So if you're looking for something for yourself or even a last minute gift for Father's Day, the sale is now on in store too as well as online.


Linking up with Fab Favourites, Friday Favourites, Passion For Fashion, Flashback Fashion, Favourite Fashion, Fashion Friday, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Hello Monday today.

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