Mulberry Lily Bag in Suede Metallic Leopard Print With Jersey Maxi Dresses

It's no secret that I love maxi dresses, despite being petite. I wear them fairly often as they are quick and simple throw on and go outfits. Sometimes when I'm trying to dress them up a little, I'll pick special accessories or bags to wear with them.

The Mulberry Lily bag I'm wearing in the photos below is definitely very special! It was something I feel in love with in a magazine but it sold out online while I deliberated over getting it. My friend (who now has her own handbag consignment business!) managed to find one in the UK, and I confessed to my mum I wanted to get it. My mum and friend worked together and I got gifted this beautiful bag!

It is very delicate so worn sparingly, but always makes me smile when I do get it out for a wear. Looks stunning with a maxi dress too!

What I wore:

Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
Necklace: statement silver plate necklace
Dress: Jeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
Shoes: NineWest "Quicken" wedges in natural
Bracelets: the usual plus vintage charm bracelet
Bag: Mulberry Lily in maroon metallic suede leopard
Nails: OPI Koala Bear-y

Why I wore it:

As is typical for our Easter Sunday celebrations, I went with a maxi dress to wear to church. After church we had Easter lunch with the in-laws, a road trip down the coast and then Easter dinner and an Easter egg hunt with my family. A busy day!

It was cooler in the morning so I grabbed the denim jacket, but it heated up into such a warm day I didn't need it on long.

This maxi dress is one I'm trying to reach 30 wears on and I'm so close, so I've been wearing it a lot, mostly casually. I went super casual with it last time I wore it. To dress it up this time around, I added my special occasion pieces: the beautiful leopard print Mulberry Lily, a pair of wedges and my very sentimental charm bracelet. Perfect outfit for a wonderful day.

I've never done an Easter egg hunt before, so seeing the boys have their first one was hilarious. Such a special memory.


Last worn: denim jacket, tie dye maxi dress, nude wedges, Mulberry leopard print suede Lily bag.

Other ways to wear: denim jacket and jeans, tie dye maxi dress layered for winter, nude wedges and little lace dress, Mulberry leopard print suede Lily bag and shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: denim jacket and little black dress, tie dye maxi dress in third trimester.

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Mulberry Lily Review:

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What I wore:

Necklace: For King & Country Priceless Australian coin and crest necklace
Dress: Jeanswest 'Chantelle' crochet detail blue printed maxi dress
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
Bag: Mulberry Lily in maroon metallic suede leopard 

Why I wore it:

A rare night out! Some Church Online people were in town and there was a special barbeque hosted by one of the volunteers, for volunteers and their families. I did consider taking the boys, but as it was a little bit of a drive away and I wasn't sure how that would work with their bedtime routine, I left them at home with hubby and went out for the night myself.

I'm pleased I did as the afternoon BBQ quickly turned into amazing conversations and I didn't get home until after 10pm (late night for this mum!). It was so good meeting people from Brisbane who also volunteer at Church Online, I've been a chat host there for 7 years this year so it's a big part of my life and so incredible to get to meet up in person. My friend from out of state flew in, as well as two of the Life Church Online pastors from the US, so it was really wonderful to spend time with them.


Wasn't so sure with my outfit though! I'd originally thought of wearing a black maxi dress, but decided at the last minute to switch to this blue one for a little bit of colour. We had an appointment in the morning to go to first, so I spent most of the day with my Louis Vuitton Neverfull and switched to the clutch for the evening.
I like blue and red together, but wasn't so sure about the leopard print with the geometric print on the dress. I think I should have stuck with my original black maxi dress choice! Still was comfortable and happy in this for the BBQ, even if I'm not as happy with how it looks in photos.


Last worn: blue printed maxi dress, studded gladiator sandals, Mulberry leopard print suede Lily bag (above).

Other ways to wear: blue printed maxi dress and mustard bag, studded gladiator sandals worn 30 ways, Mulberry leopard print suede Lily bag and jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: blue printed maxi dress at 39 weeks.

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Jersey Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

There are so many different dress codes a maxi dress can work for. It's not too casual, and not too formal. It's a go-to for me, but to make it even more special you can pick out a fancy accessory or two, or add some wedges, to make it a little more dressed up than usual. A special statement bag like this printed Mulberry Lily is a great idea.


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Printed Maxi Dresses, Vintage Chanel Bag and Different Backgrounds

Some different backgrounds for my outfit pics today! I've been blogging for over 4 years and while I've taken photos out and about in other places before, I've now fallen into a routine of always taking photos in the same spot each morning. It's easier than worrying about finding time and a location while we are out, especially when my hands are full with a baby and toddler. The other weekend I had the chance to take photos away from my usual spot without the boys in tow.

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest black cardi

Necklace: Australian coin and crest necklace
Dress: JayJays feather print maxi dress
Shoes: NineWest "Quicken" wedges in natural
Bracelets: the usual plus Edenborough Evans 'Ivy' silver cuff
Bag: Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap (same in beige, and green)

Why I wore it:

Wore this pretty printed maxi dress to a wedding by the Brisbane river, with a beautiful view of the Story bridge. I had been stressing for a while about what I should wear, as I was going to be away from baby for two feeds and needed something I could wear to express breast milk in. I'm glad I went with this dress in the end. Worked perfectly for sneaking away after the ceremony to express in the car.

The only thing I didn't like about this outfit was the necklace - I was in a rush that morning and after having heard the 'Priceless' song on the radio the day before had been thinking about this necklace. After finding and detangling the necklace there was no time to try find anything else. I think a different necklace would have worked better with the neckline of the dress, and I probably should have planned out my accessories in advance. It was nice to wear this without worrying about baby tugging on it though.


Last worn: black cardigan, feather print maxi dress, nude wedges, vintage Chanel flap bag.

Other ways to wear: black cardigan and peplum skirt, feather print maxi dress in summer, wedges and skinny jeans, vintage Chanel flap bag and a black dress.

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Shop similar printed maxi dresses under $100:

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What I wore:

Dress: Gigi printed maxi dress (C/O)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black or silver!)
Bag: Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap (same in beige, and green)

Why I wore it:

Not such a picturesque backdrop this time! I was heading down the coast for a night out and had hoped to get a photo on my sister's balcony. However by the time I got there and got changed into my dress it was dark and I'd forgotten the flash for my camera. I'd worn jeans and a breastfeeding singlet in the car there to express as I travelled. Not wanting to let the wearing of this pretty dress go to waste, I just took blog pics inside. As I can't feed or express in this dress it will be a little while before I get to wear it again.

It was nice getting dressed up and going out for the evening though, I had a really fun night. It was my first night away from baby since he was born, so I was slightly emotional!


Last worn: printed maxi dress, gold mouse flats, vintage Chanel flap (above).

Other ways to wear: printed maxi dress and a purple bag, gold mouse flats and a pencil skirt, vintage Chanel flap and jeans.




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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.

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Linking up with Styled Up, Let It Shine, Style to Inspire, Shoe and Tell, Manic Monday, Real Mom Style, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday today.

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Yellow Sunglasses. Stripes, Pleats, RM mini MAC | Tee, Silk Print Skirt, Balenciaga Mangue Envelope Clutch

Here's what I wore to do some Christmas shopping on Saturday:

Sunglasses: gifted Cotton On 'Kirsten sunnie' in yellow
Tank: Glassons striped tank in black and white
Belt: Forever New skinny glitter belt
Skirt: Vintage black pleated midi skirt from my Mum's closet
Shoes: gifted Havaianas tropical print thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Kate Spade skinny mini bow bracelet
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC with python embossed leather in aquamarine


Spent some time on Saturday trying to get more of a head-start on Christmas shopping! Had a list of things I needed to get, and found a few more nice little things just from browsing. Still have more to go, but quite pleased with the progress so far.

A little matchy-matchy with the belt, bag and shoes today! Was a comfortable outfit for the heat, and a nice touch of colour.


Last worn: Yellow sunglasses, Glassons striped tank, Forever New skinny belt, vintage pleated skirt, tropical print Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC.

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Here's what I wore to go to the movies and work at Church Online today:

Sunglasses: gifted Cotton On 'Kirsten sunnie' in yellow
Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette
Top: Kmart plain brown tee
Skirt: French Connection silk leaf print skirt
Shoes: NineWest "Quicken" wedges in natural
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Balenciaga envelope clutch in 2012 mangue with giant 12 RGGH


Went to the movies in the morning with my mother in law and sister in law, and spent the afternoon swimming in the pool. Had Church Online in the evening. Lovely way to spend a hot Sunday!

I haven't worn this skirt in almost 2 years, last wore it January 2012. Should probably let it go, because as pretty as it is, it doesn't get a lot of wear in my wardrobe. Might hold onto it for a little longer though and see if I can wear it more often, as I love the print and it's the only silk item I own.


Last worn: plain tee, French Connection print skirt, Ninewest wedges, Balenciaga envelope clutch.

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Paisley Print, Pink, Skinny Jeans, Wedges | Brown Singlet, Jeans, Neon Studded Clutch

Here's what I wore on Saturday to run errands and take Cooper to the vet:

Jacket: Just Jeans paisley print jacket
Top: Jeanswest pale pink singlet
Jeans: Jeanswest Super Skinny Jeans in Mid Indigo
Shoes: NineWest "Quicken" wedges in natural
Bracelets: the usual  plus Balenciaga Silver Giant Triple Tour Bracelet in Rose Bruyere
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAC bag in Deep Purple

It was a little cool in the morning so I wore this lovely printed jacket, although I took it off in the afternoon when it warmed up. Wearing quite a few pieces today I haven't worn in a while - the little bits of wardrobe reorganisation I'm doing highlights how few clothes I wear!


Last worn: paisley jacket, pink singlet, jeans, wedges, purple MAC bag.


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Here's what I wore to spend some time with my sister today and work at Church Online in the evening:

Sunnies: pink leopard print sunglasses from Paddy's Markets in Sydney
Necklace:  Indigo Rose Design feather, quartz and love charm long necklace
Singlet: Sass and Bide "For Easy Reference" tank
Jeans: Sass and Bide "Straight up" jeans
Shoes: gifted black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus enamel coated Marc By Marc Jacobs Katie bracelet in pink and Indigo Rose Design waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
Bag: gifted Typo neon pink studded case worn as clutch

Didn't realise until I was writing this up that I wore a lot of Sass and Bide today, haha! Warm sunny day so we went out for a bit of a walk this afternoon and my sister kindly let me borrow her bag again so I could make some more youtube videos. Cooper wouldn't sit still for the photos, he wanted to continue on with his walk!


Last worn: Sass and Bide tank, jeans, shoes, studded clutch.

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Leona Edmiston Print Dress, Sarah Conners Python Bag, Wedges

Here's what I wore to work today:

Sunnies: Dior oversized sunglasses in black
Necklace: gift from DH
Bracelets: the usual (hidden by the long sleeve)
Dress: Leona Edmiston Renee disc print dress
Shoes: BigW Emerson black platform wedge
Bag: Sarah Conners Python bag in ebony

Close up of bag:

It was quite warm today, but I wanted to wear this dress to try and cover up my very sunburnt arms and shoulders after spending so long in the sun yesterday. I couldn't cover up my red nose even with 2 coats of makeup, but luckily the light this afternoon when we took photos was forgiving so I don't look too bad!

The dress was last worn here, shoes here, and bag here.

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Pink and Blue

Here's what I wore today:

Dress: Asos twist workwear dress (last seen here)
Necklace: freshwater pearls, gifted
Bracelets: the usual plus 2 freshwater pearl ones (black and white pearls) from Indigo Rose Design
Shoes: New Look cream and brown wedges
Bag: Balenciaga 2005 Magenta RH work

I have been wanting to try pink and blue together for a while after seeing so many bloggers wearing it well - my new magenta bag gave me the perfect excuse to try. Was nice wearing something so bright today, although I kept the rest of my accessories simple.


Closeup of accessories:

 

Hope you all had a good Monday!

Blue and White

My wonderful friend, colleague and fellow blogger K from Make Every Move Count was my photographer today!

Here's what I wore:

Top: Supre picked up on Monday's shopping trip - $2!!!!
Necklace: gift from my bestie
Bracelets: the usual
Skirt: Asos contrast textured lace blue pencil skirt
Shoes: Rubi cream peep toe wedges
Bag: Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

As you can see I'd been sitting down all morning and forgot to smooth out the skirt for pictures - sorry! Odd bump around my hips!


Closeup of accessories:

Got my Asos 'Cleo' leather boots in the mail today - they fit perfectly! Can't wait for cooler weather to be able to wear them :) They were a "not needed right now but too good to let pass" purchase that I'll be glad I have in winter!

If you're looking to buy anything from Asos, you can get an extra 10% off outlet sale items too! Enter promo code OUTLET10 at checkout to get a further 10% off. Valid until 7pm EST Sunday 19th February 2012, on selected items only and on orders up to a maximum of $811. Only one promo code can be used per order.


Also received a very exciting purchase - a new bag! However as I didn't buy from the boutique or a store that guarantees authenticity and got it on ebay, I'm getting it checked out by the experts at Effen Haute Forum before I get too attached. I think it's authentic but I haven't spent the same time others have studying authentic bags and what differentiates them from the fakes. Fingers crossed my risky purchase turns out okay!