Showing posts with label Ways To Wear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ways To Wear. Show all posts

Monday 26 February 2018

Basic Tanks To Take You From Work To Weekend With Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere

If you're trying to build a wardrobe that takes you from SAHM duties to a business casual workplace like I am, you need some basics. When I bought these two tanks I knew they would be pieces I'd be able to get a lot of wear from. They are really basic, a little gathering on the back but otherwise just plain and colourful tanks. Simple tops like this are good to wear to the office as well as the other days I'm a SAHM with the boys.


basic tanks to take you from work to weekend | away from the blue personal style blog

What I wore:

casual tank in the office jersey blazer lace pencil skirt with Louis Vuitton speedy bag | away from blue

blue lace pencil skirt and brown louis vuitton damier emebe speedy bandouliere 30 | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram casual tank for business corporate office lace pencil skirt and blazer
JacketZara cream jersey blazer
NecklaceEye Candy LA 'Sasha' statement necklace
TankJeanswest Maya gather back tank in mid turquoise
SkirtAsos blue textured lace pencil skirt
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale 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:

An simple, staple office outfit. Closed in shoes, a bag big enough to carry everything needed for a day at work, blazer and a simple basic tank. Even if the heatwave in Brisbane meant that the blazer was quickly taken off after these pictures and only worn in the office air conditioning! It has been such a hot end to summer.

While I love my printed dresses for work, a variation of this outfit is often worn as I love my pencil skirts. A pencil skirt and blazer can have a casual tank underneath if you're in a business casual workplace like I am, or a dressier blouse or button up shirt for more formal environments.

With a basic top and classic plain blazer, you can add more interest to your office outfit with a fun statement necklace or printed pencil skirt. I love the textured lace on this one.


Last worn: jersey blazer, blue tank, lace pencil skirt, gold mouse flats, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere.

Other ways to wearjersey blazer and printed dress, blue tank and printed shorts, lace pencil skirt in winter, gold mouse flats and wrap dress, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere for travel.

Perfect for pregnancy: cream blazer in second trimester, lace pencil skirt in third trimester, gold mouse flats in second trimester, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere in second trimester.





What I wore:

navy floral cocoon kimono bermuda denim shorts, mustard tank and speedy bandouliere | awayfromblue

Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram floral cocoon kimono with mustard tank and bermuda denim shorts, speedy bandouliere SAHM style
JacketCotton On 'Gemma' cocoon kimono in Laos blossom navy print
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
TankJeanswest Maya gather back tank in chartreuse
ShortsJeanswest Trinity Bermuda denim shorts
Shoesslim gold Havaianas
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

Another super-hot day, at the height of the heatwave. We were spending the morning in aircon so I added the kimono to keep me cosy, and also because I'd been wanting to try the navy floral with the mustard tank. I really like this outfit and felt great in this. I'll probably try this kimono and tank together again soon, I loved the colour combo.

I ended up taking the kimono off in the afternoon though as we ran around on a couple of errands. Even the brief moments between the air conditioned car and building made it too warm for any kind of layer!

Carried my Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere bag again, I needed something fairly indestructible, and this is perfect as it's waterproof and easy to clean.

Since I was spending the day with the boys, I swaped the pretty but not kid friendly statement necklace I wore to the office with this much more kid friendly silicone teething necklace. Easily washable too, just like the Louis Vuitton handbag.


Last worn: floral cocoon kimono, mustard tank, bermuda denim shorts, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton speedy Bandouliere (above).

Other ways to wearfloral cocoon kimono and flared jeans, mustard tank and printed shorts, bermuda denim shorts and button up shirt, Louis Vuitton speedy Bandouliere and colourful jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: floral kimono in third trimester, speedy bandouliere in second trimester.



Basic Tanks for Work and Weekend Under $50:






How You Can Wear It:


Basics are the best building blocks to have in your wardrobe, especially if you want pieces you can get more wear from. These tanks, while different colours, are the same simple cut and are so easy to dress up or down. With a few tweaks like swapping the fun kimono for a more formal blazer, and the casual denim shorts for a pencil skirt, it's easy to make a casual outfit perfect for the office. If you're on a budget, investing in a few pieces like this makes it easier to get more value from your purchases as you can wear them for different events. You don't have to spend big, both of these tanks were under $20!


Linking up with Turning Heads, Trend Spin, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday, Style on the Daily.





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Friday 23 February 2018

Rainy Day Style: Ruffle Camis and Skinny Jeans With Purple Balenciaga Work Bag

While it's still summer here in Brisbane, a few weeks back we were hit with some very un-seasonal weather. A sudden cold snap lead to the coldest February day in over 100 years! While most of my winter things are boxed away over summer, I managed to find pieces to make my cami tops more appropriate for the cold weather. I've been wanting to wear them more, before summer ends.

What I wore:

groutfit: grey outfit rainy day style with purple accessories balenciaga work bag | awayfromblue

groutfit: grey outfit with purple balenciaga work bag smooshy raisin g21 silver hardware

awayfromblue instagram grey cardi skinny jeans printed cami with purple teething necklace balenciaga work bag
Jacket: Paper Scissors grey wrap cardigan
Necklace: Nibbly Bits BB plum silicone teething necklace (C/O)
CamiJeanswest Audrey tonal print tank
JeansJeanswest Cecile dove grey skinny jeans
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

I didn't include this cardigan in the box of winter knits I pack away for summer, as I keep it out to wear in the office now and then. I was so glad I kept this as it was perfect for a chilly day. With the grey cardigan, grey skinny jeans and metallic silver flats and the neutral printed cami it all looked a bit boring, so the purple accessories were the perfect way to add a little bit of colour. It met the purple style challenge theme perfectly too!

I didn't expect to be pulling out my jeans so soon into the year, but I wasn't too upset at having a chance to wear these grey skinnies. They are the most recent addition to my denim collection after I got given them last year and a pair I'm sure will get a lot more wear over winter.

It was nice how easily this outfit came together. There was a break in the rain in the morning too, so we managed to get out and have our morning walk before having a quiet Saturday at home watching the rain fall outside.


Last worn: grey cardigan, printed cami, grey skinny jeans, metallic ballet flats, Balenciaga work bag.

Other ways to weargrey cardigan and maxi dress, printed cami and red jeans, grey skinny jeans for flying with toddlers, metallic ballet flats and blue dress, Balenciaga work bag and fit and flare dress.

Perfect for pregnancyprinted cami hiding second trimester bump, metallic ballet flats in third trimester.


Ever Wondered How Many Jeans I have? :






What I wore:

floral ruffle cami on rainy day double denim with purple Balenciaga work bag | away from blue

double denim with Balenciaga raisin purple work bag G21 silver hardware | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram double denim jacket skinny jeans floral ruffle cami purple balenciaga work bag
Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
NecklaceNibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
CamiAtmos&Here 'Isla' ruffle cami in floral print
JeansJeanswest prima denim super skinny jeans in absolute black
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

A little bit of double denim. Again, I had the style challenge theme to dress to. This time the theme was 'indigo'. I'd planned a lovely navy dress to wear, but the weather made me change that pretty quickly to the denim jacket. With the black skinny jeans, it's an easy way to do double denim, and it kept me warm enough on a cold and rainy day. As did all the running around I had to do - after a week where things seemed to go from bad to worse, Friday was me trying to keep things together and get everything done to get to the weekend.

I'd picked this cami to wear as I've been trying to wear my camis more recently, and this one is one of my least worn. It's a cropped style, but being petite it's normal length on me. While I like this cami in the photos, I didn't feel very comfortable wearing it. The cropped length becomes more apparent when you've got your hands full with a wriggly toddler, and I found myself tugging the top back down a few times. While the ruffles are beautiful and the colours mean it goes with so much, it was just too fussy to wear. The back is cropped shorter than the front too and I found myself wishing I'd worn a normal length top many times when bending down to the boys, even though my jeans are mid-rise.

4 Ways to Wear a botanical print floral ruffle cami | away from the blue blog


Looking at it, I'm thinking I should keep it, it's so pretty! But I know it's so annoying to wear it's not worth keeping around just for me to realise in a few months it hasn't been worn, to wear it again and feel the same frustrations. I have plenty other camis I enjoy wearing more, so this one is leaving my wardrobe. 5 wears in 3 years is pretty bad cost per wear, but it's time to let it go!


Last worn: denim jacket, botanic print cami, Jeanswest prima skinny jeans, black ballet flats, Balenciaga work bag (above).

Other ways to weardenim jacket worn 30 ways, botanic print cami and stripes, Jeanswest prima jeans in winter, black ballet flats and pencil skirt, Balenciaga work bag in the office.

Perfect for pregnancydenim jacket in second trimester, botanic print cami in first trimester, black ballet flats and maternity wrap dress.



Printed Camis Under $50:





How You Can Wear It:


Camis can easily be layered up for cooler weather! They are the perfect summer option with denim shorts, so they work just as well with jeans, with an extra layer like a jacket or cardigan to keep you cosy if it's cold.



Linking up with Passion for Fashion, Style Wise, Fab Favourites, Shoe & Tell.



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Friday 9 February 2018

Two Ways to Wear: Jeanswest Elissa Leaf Print Tank

I got so many nice new wardrobe additions as Christmas presents! This top is one of them, and I got some pretty necklaces and kimonos too. While I have my 30 ways to wear series, it's nice to use the two outfit format I have in each post to show two ways to wear something too.

The beauty of this printed tank from Jeanswest is that it goes with so much in my wardrobe. It's nice and light for summer and was perfect to wear on two very hot days during some of the heatwaves we had in Brisbane.

What I wore:

summer chambray maxi skirt outfit with Jeanswest Elissa left print tank red saddle bag | awayfromblue

silver bracelet stack, Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red  | awayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram summer chambray maxi skirt outfit leaf print tank red bag
EarringsJeanswest Evy dangly earring
Necklace: Lovisa gold filigree heart pendant
Tank: Jeanswest Elissa leaf print tank
SkirtNoisy May long denim maxi skirt
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush
Bracelets: the usual plus vintage silver charm bracelet and silver diamonte bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red (on sale in blue!)

Why I wore it:

Wore this pretty tank for the first time to go out to dinner. I thought the chambray maxi skirt would be nice with the blue leaves in the print, and they are both light pieces which was perfect for the heatwave we were experiencing.

The red leaves in the print made me think of this little red saddle bag right away too. (See 30 ways to wear a red saddle bag here.) I really liked how this outfit came together. While the usual 'fashion rule' is to avoid pairing two voluminous pieces like this skirt and tank together, I've done it a few times. Sometimes you just want loose, comfortable layers, and on this super hot day it was exactly what was needed. I really liked wearing this outfit. So comfortable, and great for overindulging at dinner as the maxi skirt has an elastic waistband!


Last worn: earrings, chambray maxi skirt, studded rebecca minkoff sandals, red saddle bag.

Other ways to wearearrings and maxi dress, chambray maxi skirt worn two ways in winter, studded rebecca minkoff sandals worn 30 ways, red saddle bag worn 30 ways.








What I wore:

Summer pastel SAHM outfit silver accessories black bag blush shorts leaf print Elissa tank

Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH | away from the blue

awayfromblue Instagram pastel pink leaf print tank and shorts outfit with black Balenciaga part time bag
Necklace: gifted statement silver plate necklace
TankJeanswest Elissa leaf print tank
Shorts: thrifted pastel pink cotton shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagBalenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

Had a fun day out planned with my mum and sister. Again, it was a hot day so I went with comfortable pieces like the printed tank and the pastel pink shorts. The tank has pink leaves in the print that match so nicely to the shorts. Just like last time I wore these shorts though, I managed to get them dirty. I'm kinda glad I thrifted these as they are confirming my suspicion that I'm just too clumsy to get white shorts or jeans, ha! It's annoying to have to try remove stains so often though.

The pretty necklace was a Christmas gift, I thought it worked really well with the neckline of the top.

There were just a few things I wasn't too happy about with this outfit. I think a different bag would have worked better, the black is a bit harsh with all the pastels. It looks okay, but I have other bags (like my metallic mini MAC) that would have looked better I think.

I also wish I'd gone for a different backdrop to show the outfit off better, it kinda blends in with the bricks. I was just looking for a shady spot to take a photo that morning though, didn't think about how it looked with my outfit. I always pick spots for their shade, I admire the bloggers that drive around looking for the perfect locations to match their outfits! It's too sunny to use my normal spot over summer, so I'm finding the shade where I can.


Last worn: leaf print tank (above), pink shorts, Havaianas, Balenciaga part time bag

Other ways to wearpink shorts and denim jacket, Balenciaga part time bag in the office

Perfect for pregnancyBalenciaga part time bag in third trimester.



Similar Leaf Print Tanks Under $50:





How You Can Wear It:


A multi coloured printed piece like this leaf print tank makes creating outfits easy. You can change up the way you wear it each time by picking clothing that matches different colours out of the print. Picking a colour out of a printed piece is a good way to pick an accessory too if you're unsure what would go best and you don't want something other than a neutral piece.




Linking up with Passion for Fashion, Lizzie In Lace, Shoe and Tell, Mix it Monday.


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Friday 2 February 2018

30 Ways To Wear: Red Rebecca Minkoff Saddle Bag - #30wears Series

This months #30wears post is a bag I've been loving lately, my Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag. It's been a few months since I did a 30 wears post with a handbag so thought it was a nice time to do one again.

I'm enjoying my #30wears series. The 30 wears challenge is committing to wear everything you buy at least 30 times. Since I have this blog with an archive of what I wear each day that extends over 6 years, it's been interesting counting up how many times I've worn things and fun to be able to put a post together showing how I've done so. There are other bags I've worn more than this one, I just realised this was over 30 wears as I've been wearing it frequently recently and so it was perfect timing to do a post on it.


#30Wears: Rebecca Minkoff Red Saddle Bag




I bought this saddle bag in the Shopbop sale in April 2016, so it's just under 2 years old, and I've worn it over 30 times since then. In terms of cost per wear, it was $154.88 and I've worn it 33 times so that's $4.69 a wear. Higher than the often-aimed-for 'cents per wear' but considering I'll have this bag in my wardrobe for a long time yet, it's not too bad, it's going to get a lot more wear.

Red Saddle Bag With Blue Outfits


Rebecca Minkoff red studded saddle bag with blue and navy outfits | awayfromtheblue

Red and blue are such a nice combination and red and navy is one of my favourite versions of this combo. You can see in all of the pics in this post that it's a colour combination that pops up frequently. I just love the touch of colour a red bag gives against a blue outfit.


Saddle Bag With Monochrome Outfits


3 ways to wear red saddle bag with monochrome maxi skirt outfits | awayfromblue

Sometimes you just want your bag to be a pop of colour with your outfit. This bright cherry red bag is the perfect touch with a monochromatic neutral outfit. Black really makes the red shine, any neutrals do really. While I love this red bag with other colours, like the blue outfits I featured above, I do love the simplicity of a monochrome outfit of neutrals and a tiny pop of colour with a statement bag like this.


Red Saddle Bag to Compliment Other Red Pieces In An Outfit


5 outfit ideas with red Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag with complimentary clothes | awayfromblue

Sometimes I like a bit of matchy matchy, and if I'm wearing something red in my outfit I'll reach for this red saddle bag. The shades don't have to match exactly, as you can see from the red maxi skirt outfit which is slightly more yellow than the cherry red of the bag. It's still a nice combination though. This is a good way to wear a colourful bag if you're unsure how to style it as you're used to more neutral ones.


Saddle Bag With Flares


retro vibe outfits flared jeans and red saddle bag from Rebecca Minkoff fall fashion | awayfromtheblue

Pairing this red saddle bag with flared jeans has such a retro vibe, and it's probably the most worn accessory with these jeans since I started my blog. I expect this combination will pop up a few more times over winter when it gets cold enough to wear these jeans again.


Red Saddle Bag With Jeans


4 ways to wear red saddle bag and skinny jeans | awayfromtheblue blog

It's not just flared jeans I wear this bag with though. Skinny jeans are my favourite jeans style, and make up the majority of my denim collection. The red saddle bag pairs so nicely with any kind of denim, from the traditional blue jeans, classic black or fun printed pairs.


Saddle Bag with Maxi Skirts


4 Ways to Wear: red saddle bag and maxi skirt outfit ideas | awayfromtheblue

Maxi skirts don't have to be tricky to accessorise. A small cross body is my usual go-to with them, but I've worn large bags with them too. This cute cross body saddle bag is the perfect pairing with any of my maxi skirts, from a plain chambray one to a printed striped skirt.



Red Saddle Bag In Winter


ways to wear red Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag in winter | awayfromblue

Red is a trending colour this winter in the northern hemisphere. There's something about any winter that makes me reach for red accessories often though. Maybe it's because of all the blacks and greys you layer with, as red is a wonderful pop against them. This spring/summer bag still gets worn frequently in winter with cosy layers. I like to wear my dresses and skirts year round as much as my bags too.


Saddle Bag in Summer


3 ways to wear denim shorts and Rebecca Minkoff red unlined saddle bag | awayfromblue

Of course, a red bag works just as well in summer as it does in winter. There's no need to keep a bag hidden away in your wardrobe for a season. I love the way this red bag looks with shorts, it's often worn with my denim shorts in summer. While it's a little small to carry all the summer pieces like hats and sunscreen, I carry the baby bag for that and just have the essentials on me like my phone, keys and wallet while I'm running around with the boys.




Where to Buy Rebecca Minkoff Unlined Saddle Bag:






More Rebecca Minkoff Saddle Bags:







30 Ways To Wear a Red Saddle Bag Video:

For something a little different, I thought I'd do a video version of this post too, so you can hear a bit more about why I chose the bag for each outfit and what my favourite outfits were. Would love to hear what you think of the video format - good or bad!




Looking for more outfit inspiration?


I hope that this post inspired out and gave you some outfit ideas for ways you can wear a red bag. If you want more inspo, you can read 30 ways to wear a red Balenciaga velo bag, or all the 33+ times I've worn this saddle bag in my blog archives.



Want to know more about the bag and what fits inside?






Linking up with Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, Passion for Fashion, Lizzie in Lace, Friday Faves, Shoe & Tell, Mix It Monday, Modest Monday, Hello Monday, Trend Spin.


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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:

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Monday 23 October 2017

Two Ways to Wear Grey Marle Jersey Pencil Skirt: Corporate and SAHM Style

While I was on maternity leave with toddler T, I bought this grey jersey pencil skirt. Reasoning I'd be glad I did when I returned to work months later. It's never been the perfect piece I've thought it would be when I bought it though.
It's pieces like this that make me stick to my 'wear it twice in the month I buy it rule' to stop buying things I think will be perfect for later, and just buy pieces that are perfect for my life right now.

With my return to work, it was an opportunity to see this pencil skirt again when I unboxed all my workwear and make the decision if it was a keeper or a mistake to buy. I wore it two different ways to really test it out.

What I wore: 

@awayfromblue instagram spring office outfit jersey pencil skirt blazer button up tank blue MAB tote

cream blazer, jersey marle pencil skirt and floral button up tank for the office navy tote bag | AwayFromBlue

Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy | AwayFromTheBlue
Necklace: Diva red stone necklace
TopRiver Island floral print sleeveless shirt
SkirtAtmos&Here grey marle jersey pencil skirt (also available in black or stripes)
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs suede flats in red
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale in pinkor in white)
NailsOPI This Cost Me a Mint

Why I wore it:

First time I wore this skirt to the office I worried at one point that the jersey fabric was too casual. Since then, I've tried to make it a little formal each time I've worn it. The style challenge for the day was 'Starts With B' so a big blue bag, a button up tank and a blazer made this jersey pencil skirt perfectly formal enough for my business casual office. I didn't worry at all about this looking too casual. Not sure if it was the collared top and blazer or the fact that I'm in a new area after returning from leave where my customers are located off-site and I no longer interact with them in person, so I can be more casual.

I added the red necklace at the last moment. I'd tried on a longer blue one that morning too but I think the red necklace just makes the outfit. The red suede shoes were fun to wear too. I find bright shoes harder to wear than bright bags so these don't get worn often. They are so cute though, I keep them around.

I really liked this outfit. I did have hard time getting a photo that morning without the sun in my eye, that was the only mild annoyance!


Last worn: cream blazer, floral button up tankgrey pencil skirt, red suede ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote.

Other ways to wearcream blazer and printed dress, floral button up tank and maxi skirtgrey pencil skirt over a dressred suede ballet flats and a little black dress, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote and fit and flare dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: cream blazer in the first trimester, skirt in third trimester, red ballet flats and hidden second trimester bump, MAB Tote and wrap dress in third trimester.



Jersey Pencil Skirts Under $50:







What I wore:

navy kimono, striped tank, grey marle jersey pencil skirt and Converse, casual SAHM Style | Away From Blue

Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine | Away From The Blue

@awayfromblue instagram casual pencil skirt, stripe tank and kimono with Converse Chucks
JacketNew Look Petite print kimono
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
TopJeanswest 'Josie' striped back strap tank
Skirt: Atmos&Here grey marle jersey pencil skirt (also available in black or stripes)
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)
NailsOPI This Cost Me a Mint

Why I wore it:

The very first time I wore this skirt I attempted to wear it casually and I didn't really feel comfortable with the resulting outfit. This time around, I wore it again for a style challenge but I actually really loved the resulting outfit. It was just perfect for my day off. I spent it taking Baby Boy to a few appointments that sadly didn't go as well as I expected but at least I liked my outfit.

The style challenge for the day was 'Starts With D', so I tried to dress down this skirt. By leaving the tank untucked, wearing Converse and adding the kimono, I think I made the pencil skirt perfectly casual. It was cool and comfortable for an extremely hot day too.

When I unpacked this skirt at the end of my maternity leave I had planned to give it the 'one last wear' test before I got rid of it, but it's definitely staying in my wardrobe, as I felt so happy in it in both these outfits.


Last worn: navy kimono, stripe tank, grey marle pencil skirt (above), Converse, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wearnavy kimono and denim shorts, stripe tank and leopard printgrey pencil skirt and winter layersConverse and colourful jeans, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC bag and maxi dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: stripe tank in second trimestergrey pencil skirt and hidden early baby bumpConverse and maternity shorts, mini MAC in second trimester





Grey Marle Pencil Skirts Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:


A jersey pencil skirt is extremely comfortable, and can be dressed up or down depending on what you wear it with. Button ups and blazers are good way to make it more formal for work, and you can dress it down with untucked loose layers and Converse for the weekend or your day off.


Linking up with On Trend, Trend Spin, Confident Twosday, Turning Heads, Style Sessions, What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl, Style on the Daily, Fashion Frenzy.



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