2 Ways to Add Colourful Accessories to Dresses in Winter

When I have a rare child-free day to myself I like to wear a dress. While I've worn dresses in the past with the boys, they aren't always a practical choice when chasing after two toddlers. It was good to have a reason to get these dresses out again. It's been a long time (almost 2 years!) since I've worn both of them as they aren't breastfeeding friendly.

Winter weather doesn't put me off of wearing dresses - fleece lined tights, ankle boots and a cosy cardigan or leather jacket keep me warm. While winter outfits can look a little monochromatic with all the neutral layers together, I've added a different colourful accessory to each outfit.

What I wore:

Jacket: Cotton On black knit wrap cardigan

Scarf: Marc by Marc Jacobs bright blue stole
Dress: Asos grey skater dress
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

I loved this outfit. The cobalt blue scarf was the perfect pop of colour with the monochrome outfit. Kept me warm on the cold morning too.

I had a physio appointment, and I find wearing a dress with leggings under it works best for all the exercises. (I just swapped the fleecy tights for leggings when I got there). I wasn't sure how I was going to meet the 'tied at waist' style challenge on Instagram and figured I could wear this dress with a belt. After almost 2 years since it was last worn, it was time to get it out my wardrobe! Changed my mind when I remembered I had this cosy cardigan with a belt, perfect for the challenge. It kept me warm as I rushed around between appointments while my mother in law stayed home with the boys.

I had to have a procedure at the dentist so was feeling a bit sore in the afternoon, it was nice to stay snuggled up in this cardigan.


Last worn: black belted cardigan, cobalt blue scarf, grey skater dress, black ankle boots, Balenciaga Part Time bag.

Other ways to wear: black belted cardigan and skinny jeans, cobalt blue scarf and stripes, grey skater dress in summer, black ankle boots and jeans, Balenciaga Part Time bag with pink tank.

Perfect for pregnancy: cardigan in first trimester, skater dress in second trimester, ankle boots for pregnancy reveal, part time bag and maternity pencil skirt.

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More Blue Blanket Scarves Under $50:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Asos Black by Markus Lupfer printed leather jacket

Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
Dress: Atmos&Here navy stripe tee dress
Shoes: Asos Cleo leather boots in tan
Bag: Balenciaga Day bag in 2005 magenta (20% off with code 'REAL')

Why I wore it:

Although I was feeling under the weather, I still had to get up and get dressed for an appointment so I pulled on one of my old favourite dresses. I wore this so much the year I got it, but pregnancies and breastfeeding has stopped it being worn recently. Like I mentioned on Instagram, I was so happy to unbox this when I got all my winter clothes out of storage.

Even though I wasn't feeling the best, I did love wearing this dress again. Always good to get old favourites out! The magenta Balenciaga day bag was a great cheerful and colourful pop against the navy and black too.


Last worn: printed leather jacket, striped tee dress, tan boots, Balenciaga magenta day bag.

Other ways to wear: printed leather jacket worn 30 ways, striped tee dress and Converse, tan boots and skinny jeans, Balenciaga magenta day bag and denim shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: striped dress and small second trimester bump, magenta Balenciaga bag and maternity shorts.

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More Pink Bags Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

You can add a little colour to a monochromatic outfit with a bright accessory. Winter is a good time to experiment with this - you can swap out any one of your neutral layers for a pop of colour. In the first outfit I added colour to a monochrome outfit with a bright cobalt scarf. In the second outfit, I was scarf-less but the bright magenta bag was the perfect pop against all of the black and navy.

Layer up your dresses and wear them all year! A cosy cardigan, scarf or leather jacket with boots and tights makes dresses work even in winter.



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Winter Outfits for Returning to Work After Maternity Leave - Fit and Flare Dresses

After an extended maternity leave, I'm back in the office and sharing my business casual office style again. It's been a while! Thanks for all your sweet comments when I hinted at my return earlier, and for the encouragement on Instagram as I've been sharing my office wear and return to work struggles.

Just like last time I returned to work, I'll clear up a few things first.

• In Australia you are legally allowed a minimum of a year's maternity leave. You have the option to extend it to 2 years if it suits the company you work for, or go back sooner if you wish. My team, boss and workplace is flexible, understanding and supportive.
• Yes I took a longer maternity leave this time around than last time. (If you followed me in December you'll know why).
• I am back in the office part time again, so I'll continue to have SAHM outfits and corporate style outfits on the blog.

And although it's completely repetitive as I said it last time: "Everyone does the right thing for them and their child (or children) at that point in time. Mums always know best. And that means for me, that I've returned to work. "

Now that's out the way, the simple fuss-free outfits I wore for my first days back:

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo

Scarf: navy bird print scarf
Necklace: Eye Candy LA 'Sasha' statement necklace
Dress: Jeanswest 'Rita' stripe jersey dress
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale in pink, or in white)

Why I wore it:

No surprise, I went with my comfort colour and wore blue for my first day back. I also took advantage of being child free and wore the biggest most non-baby friendly statement necklace I have. I missed wearing it, last time I wore it I was very, very pregnant! The scarf kept me cosy for my early morning commute and I ended up keeping it on in the office too. A big blanket scarf is the closest you'll get to cosying up to a blanket at your desk!


My first day back was much like my return to work two and a half years ago - lots of emails to sort through and trying not to cry when I thought about being away from my boys. It took me a lot longer to go through my emails - I could delete all the meeting requests and event related emails, but there were a lot of changes while I was away so it was helpful to read the emails covering the changes, and there are so many colleagues that moved around the organisation or even left so it was good to try wrap my head around what it all looks like now.


As much as I missed the office and enjoyed being able to do things in peace and quiet for a change, I was so pleased to come back to my boys and my mum in the evening.


Last worn: navy mac, bird print scarf, striped fit and flare dress, black ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote.

Other ways to wear: navy mac and chambray dress, bird print scarf with jeans and blazer, striped fit and flare dress for a baby shower, black ankle boots and monochrome jeans outfit, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote with the same dress 2 years ago!

Perfect for pregnancy: stripe fit and flare dress hiding a second trimester bump, ankle boots in second trimester, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote in third trimester.

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Fit and Flare Dresses For The Office Under $50:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 

Scarf: Forever New Skye Foil Feather scarf in berry / gold (on sale!)
Dress: Jeanswest tucked ponte black dress
Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
Shoes: Asos leather Chelsea boots in tan
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale in pink, or in white)

Why I wore it:

Another day in the office, another fit and flare dress. I have this dress in the stripes above and in black here and I have no plans to get rid of either of them - they are perfect for work. Easy to wear in summer with less layers too.


The only thing these dresses aren't suitable for is expressing breastmilk at work. I don't have to do that as Baby Boy's older, but would that be something you'd want to see me call out with my office outfits, which ones would work for expressing/pumping? While I've not had to do it at work I have had to do it at home and occasionally on the go for both my boys so I have a little experience there. Shea has a wonderful guide on how she makes exclusive expressing work for her that could be helpful too.


Last worn: burgundy feather foil scarf, camel trench, black fit and flare dress, gold glitter belt, Chelsea ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote (above).

Other ways to wear: burgundy feather foil scarf and flared jeans, camel trench and print mixing, black fit and flare dress in spring, gold glitter belt and maxi dress, Chelsea ankle boots and skinny jeans, pencil skirts and Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote.

Perfect for pregnancy: trench coat in first trimester, fit and flare dress hiding an early baby bump, gold belt over a baby bump, Chelsea boots and belted dress in second trimester, MAB tote and plaid shirts in first trimester.

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More Fit and Flare Dresses Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

Returning to work after maternity leave is an emotional time - no matter what length of maternity leave you had! Pick easy, fuss-free outfits for your first few days back. Plan them out beforehand and have them hanging in your wardrobe ready for you to grab and go.

I like fit and flare dresses as they nip in at the waist without being too tight and flow flatteringly over the stomach if you have a leftover mum tum like I do. Plus a dress is an instant outfit, you didn't need to think about how pieces will look together.

If something makes you feel happy, comfortable and confident, it's the perfect outfit for your return to work.


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Navy and Burgundy: Dresses In Winter With Tights and Boots

After trying and loving navy and burgundy together a while back, I was looking forward to wearing the colour combination again. I stuck with a brown bag this time too, using my Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere instead of my Chloe Paddington bag. The cold weather gave me a chance to wear and enjoy this Jeanswest Mac at last, after buying it for less than $20 in the Cyber Monday sales last year and setting it aside for winter.

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo (purchased last year)

Scarf: Forever New Skye Foil Feather scarf in berry / gold (on sale!)
Dress: Jeanswest Rachel Lyocell chambray dress (C/O)
Shoes: Asos Cleo leather boots in tan
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

While I usually have the 'have to wear it twice in the month after buying it' rule for all new purchases, this jacket is one of the exceptions (along with a dress I outgrew too quickly in pregnancy). With over $120 off, I couldn't resist buying it, knowing it would come in handy for winter as I was selling my old black trench.

Winter weather did take a while to arrive in Brisbane so I waited longer to wear this coat than I expected, but I'm still glad I bought it last year and to be able to wear and enjoy it now, it kept me perfectly cosy.

It was a great topper for my sleeveless chambray dress and the navy is perfect with the burgundy feather print scarf. The style challenge for the day was 'layer player' which worked out perfectly weath-wise as it was a cold and rainy day in Brisbane. We had Baby Boy's weekly weigh in the morning then spent some time with my mum and sister in the afternoon.


Last worn: maroon feather foil scarf, chambray dress, ASOS Cleo boots, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere. First time I've worn the jacket although it was purchased last year.

Other ways to wear: feather print scarf with stripes, chambray dress in spring, ASOS Cleo boots and skinny jeans, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere and shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: chambray dress in second trimester, speedy bandouliere and maternity wrap dress.

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Chambray Dresses Under $50:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo

Dress: French Connection star dancing jersey dress in red rust/almond
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere
Nails: OPI Russian Navy

Why I wore it:

No style challenge for this one, but another excuse to wear navy and burgundy together again. Since I liked the dress and boots combo above with the navy jacket, I wore it again with black ankle boots and my burgundy jersey dress. It was a pretty quiet day with just a few errands to run, but I did wish I'd added a scarf to this as it was a little chilly in the morning.

This burgundy dress hasn't been worn in awhile - one of those pieces I had boxed away as it's not breastfeeding friendly. Worked well in pregnancy though!

As it's the second time I've worn this jacket and I try to review everything I buy after I've worn it twice, my purchase review:

I like this jacket. I love the colour, it's cosy for winter, and will be perfect for the early morning commutes to the office. The only thing I don't like is how the lapels kinda stick up a bit - but I'm sure that will settle down with more wear. It looks really nice belted (came with a belt) but I haven't been able to wear it that way and still show what I'm wearing underneath it!

Last worn: Jeanswest Mac jacket (above), jersey dress, ankle boots, speedy Bandouliere (above).

Other ways to wear: jersey dress and pistol boots, ankle boots and printed jeans, speedy Bandouliere and printed jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: jersey dress and leggings in third trimester, speedy bandouliere and maternity pencil skirt.

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More Jersey Dresses Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

Navy and burgundy look beautiful together, but you could apply this style tip to any colour combination you enjoy. Look at the pieces you have in your wardrobe that will allow you to wear the colours year round. First time I wore navy and burgundy it was with a tank, kimono and pants in autumn. It was easy to wear the same colour combination again in winter with season-appropriate pieces.

While both of these dress and boots outfits include the same navy jacket, by changing the other pieces and sticking to the same colour scheme I've created two outfits that look different while wearing a familiar combination. Thinking of different ways to wear a colour combination you love is a good way to come up with new outfit ideas in your wardrobe, without having to buy anything new.


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Rebecca Minkoff Saddle Bag with Black and Red Skinny Jeans Outfits

I love this little red Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag! I don't have any other crescent shaped bags so it's a nice addition to my wardrobe and it's just the right size for keeping all my essentials (keys, wallet phone) nearby when I'm out with the toddlers. The crossbody feature makes it a practical choice for a mum!

One way to wear such a bright red bag is a pop of colour with a neutral outfit. But for these outfits, I'm embracing the red and wearing red clothing as well for cheerful and colourful winter outfits.

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest long red drape cardigan

Scarf: Alexander McQueen modal and cashmere skull scarf
Tank:  French Connection feather foil singlet
Jeans: Sass & Bide Playman skinny jeans

Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red (on sale in blue!)

Why I wore it:

Wore this for a busy morning, a few appointments to go to and taking Cooper for a very overdue grooming. While this red cardigan is only a light one, with all the running around I was warm enough, and even took the scarf off when it heated up.

This tank is starting to go from a metallic tank to a plain black tank pretty quickly! I think the more I wash it, the less sparkly it gets! It's definitely a keeper though, so soft and I like the way it's just a little oversized, perfect for partially tucking in. Even if it's not as colourful as it once was.

The skull print scarf is one I've worn with these printed jeans in the past - I wasn't too sure of it then but I loved it this time around with the addition of the red cardigan. Was really happy with this cheerful and bright outfit.


Last worn: red cardigan, taupe skull scarf, metallic tank, Sass & Bide printed jeans, bow ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag.

Other ways to wear: red cardigan and button down, taupe skull scarf and printed shirt dress, metallic tank and maxi skirt, Sass & Bide printed jeans and teal henley, bow ballet flats and maxi skirt, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag and denim shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: red cardigan and first trimester bump.

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Red Cross Body Bags Under $100:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Kmart striped maxi cardigan

Scarf: Jeanswest tri-colour dip dye scarf
Tee: Zalora Basics maroon stepped t-shirt
Jeans: Jeanswest prima denim super skinny jeans in absolute black
Shoes: Asos Cleo leather boots in tan
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red (on sale in blue!)

Why I wore it:

Although the tee's a little more burgundy and the bag is more of a cherry red, I thought they looked nice together and it was just enough red to wear for World MS day!

I've worn orange and red together a handful of times - so I knew this lovely ombre scarf would work nicely with the tee. I had been wanting to wear the red tee with the striped duster but couldn't get the half tuck to look right. Added the scarf and I was instantly happier with how the tee looked untucked. I really really liked this outfit, which made it all the more frustrating when it was promptly ruined by a potty training toddler. Thankfully everything was machine washable, and it happened after Baby Boy's specialist appointment.

That's the best pieces of fashion advice I could ever give to a mum - make sure you can machine wash all your clothes! 😂


Last worn: striped duster, ombre scarf, red tee, Prima black skinny jeans, tan boots, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag (above).

Other ways to wear: striped duster and flares, ombre scarf and striped tee, red tee with double denim, Prima skinny jeans and printed kimono, tan boots and printed dress, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag and shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: striped duster and maternity shorts, red tee in the first trimester, skinny jeans and a hidden belly band.

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More Rebecca Minkoff Saddle Bags:

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How You Can Wear It

A red bag is a fun pop of colour with a neutral outfit, but don't be afraid to wear some red in your outfit too! The red shades don't have to match exactly to look good together. You can make an outfit like this with any colourful bag, it doesn't have to just be a red one. 

Have fun creating easy and colourful outfits when you pick a piece of clothing to wear that's the same or a similar shade to the bag you're wearing.


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30 Wears: Black Printed Moto Leather Jacket by Markus Lupfer

I've mentioned on previous posts in this 30 wears series that finding clothing I've hit more than 30 wears on has been tricky. It's certainly easy to find accessories I've worn 30 times, but I'd love to try show more variety and include some clothing options.

I was pleasantly surprised when I was writing a post and searching my blog for the last time I'd worn this black printed leather jacket and discovered it had been worn over 30 times! It's the middle of winter here in Australia, and we just had a very cold snap in Brisbane so perfect timing to share some ways to wear a leather jacket. Apologies to those in the Northern Hemisphere facing heatwaves!

#30Wears: Markus Lupfer Black Printed Moto Leather Jacket

I bought this Markus Lupfer printed leather jacket in one of the ASOS sales in Autumn of 2013, so I've had it just over 4 years. 30 wears in that timeframe is quite low, but I did try to avoid my leather jackets for the two autumns and winters when the boys were babies, so I'm actually impressed it's been worn so much when you take that into account.

When I bought it I was definitely swayed by the sale price (reduced from $385 to $150). Check out the ASOS sales for leather jackets, you can get some amazing bargains. I wasn't sure how wearable it would be with the navy and grey print but decided to try it and give it a go. It was a special 'ASOS Black' collaboration with Markus Lupfer so I figured it would be the only time I'd get to buy a designer piece of clothing. I tend to splurge on designer bags instead!


Despite being unsure about how tricky the print would be to wear when I saw the jacket online, I'm glad I took the chance and bought it anyway as I loved it the minute it arrived! It really can be worn with so much, as you can see from the 30 wears below.

Black Leather Moto Jacket and Dress in Winter

I love layering up my dresses in winter with some cosy fleece-lined tights, boots and a leather jacket. With the subtle print on the jacket, I find it works well with plain dresses, but equally well with printed ones. I like the 'tougher' printed leather moto jacket with something feminine like a dress too, it's such a nice outfit combination. My favourite dress to wear with it is my navy and black striped tee dress, the print on the jacket is the perfect accompaniment with it!

Black Leather Moto Jacket and Jeans

My stay at home mum winter uniform quickly becomes jeans, leather jacket and cosy scarf, as you can see in these pictures! I like that this jacket works well with skinny jeans and flares, and it's just as good for casual Friday as it is for weekend wear. When it gets really cold I add some leather boots. I feel like a printed leather jacket like this is an easy and cosy way to add a little bit of edge to an otherwise plain jeans outfit.

Leather Jacket and Skirts

I still like to wear skirts in winter, usually with some fleece lined tights instead of bare legs when it gets really cold. A leather jacket is a nice piece for added warmth in the cooler early morning commute too. While I have worn these outfits to work, I always swap the leather jacket out for a cardigan once I get to my desk. My office does have a relaxed dress code but I just find a leather jacket a bit much to wear in the office. It's perfect for any times I'm outside during the day though.

Leather Jacket and Maxi Lengths

I've only just started wearing this outfit formula recently so I don't have too many examples of it. But this printed leather jacket instantly makes a maxi outfit look more pulled together. A maxi skirt and knit can be a cosy winter outfit, but looks a little plain. The printed leather jacket is the perfect topper, and it keeps you cosy too! I'm planning to wear a leather jacket and maxi dress a lot more often this winter.

Printed Leather Jacket and Printed Clothes

Despite my initial fears with the print on the jacket, I have found it to be really wearable! As you can see in the photos above I like wearing it with colourful printed scarves, but I'll happily wear it with other printed pieces too like jeans and skirts. The subtle print is just enough to add interest but not so much that it clashes with other prints in my outfit.

If you're calculating cost per wear for this leather jacket, over 33 wears it's down to $4.54 a wear. Definitely something I'll continue to wear for years to come and can see it getting down to a $1 or less a wear - it still looks pristine.

I hope this has given you some inspiration for how to wear your leather jacket. If you're in the northern hemisphere you can always pin this post for later!

Leather Jackets Under $150:

There are a few fun Markus Lupfer pieces for sale at the Outnet right now too, although not as cheap as my jacket was.


Want more outfit ideas? See all the ways I've worn my leather jackets.


More posts in the 30 wears series:

• 30 ways to wear a black maxi skirt
• 30 ways to wear red Balenciaga velo bag
• 30 ways to wear gladiator sandals
• 30 different ways to wear striped maxi skirt
• 30 different ways to wear skinny jeans
• 30 ways to wear a grey Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag

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Maxi Dresses in Winter (And How To Get Cheap Leather Jackets)

First, sharing the link to a recent article I was featured in about I how I use me-time for blogging. If you've ever wondered how I juggle blogging and two toddlers, it's a good read!

Just like Friday's post, today I'm wearing more summer pieces in winter. This time around it's my maxi dresses. I like to wear my maxi dresses and skirts year-round. Helped by Brisbane's snow-less winter and a few cosy layers.

What I wore:

Jacket: Asos Black by Markus Lupfer printed leather jacket

Dress:  Jeanswest Gigi printed maxi dress in shorter length (C/O)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bag: Balenciaga envelope clutch in 2012 mangue with giant 12 RGGH
Nail Polish: OPI Fire Escape Rendezvous

Why I wore it:

Wore this for my first girls night out in a very, very long time! A friend was celebrating her birthday at a rooftop bar so I went for a few hours to celebrate with her. It was nice getting all dressed up again - this dress has been rarely worn since I got it while pregnant as it's not breastfeeding friendly at all. It was my first choice for a night out, as it's so pretty and definitely under-worn!

I was going to wear ankle boots with this but there were a lot of dress code restrictions at the bar...so I wore flats to be on the safe side. Ankle boots would have been warmer though, especially when it rained a little. I really liked the black printed leather jacket with the printed maxi dress, the print on the jacket is subtle enough that it doesn't clash with the dress.

I bought this leather jacket 4 years ago, in the ASOS sale reduced from $385 to $150. It's just passed 30 wears. While it's winter now in Australia it's summer in the UK so if you're looking for a leather jacket massively reduced, check out the ASOS sale! You can get pieces like this awesome studded leather jacket reduced from $245 to $101, or this plain black one which is now $138.50 instead of $443.

I nearly wore my black vintage Chanel bag, but as I was completely kid-free for the evening I wanted to wear the least kid-friendly bag I own, which would be this handheld Balenciaga envelope clutch.  I'd usually get to enjoy my clutches over Christmas but as baby boy was in hospital I spent all the time by his bedside instead of going to the usual parties and events. It was nice to give this a wear again. It was crazy how few things I needed for the night out, and how light the clutch was to hold. Such a difference from the overstuffed baby bag I often have in addition to my handbags each day. I don't think the yellow really goes so well with the print on the dress, but it's such a pretty clutch I wanted to wear it as who knows when my next chance will be! 😂


Last worn: printed leather jacket, printed halterneck maxi dress, black ballet flats, Balenciaga mangue envelope clutch.

Other ways to wear: printed leather jacket and jeans, printed halterneck maxi dress in spring, black ballet flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga mangue envelope clutch and printed jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: maxi dress in second trimester, clutch in the third trimester.

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More Leather Jackets Under $150:

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What I wore:

Jacket:  Jeanswest Peggie kimono cardigan in purple mulberry marle

Earrings: A Little Bit of North blue mandala earrings (giveaway prize, close up photo)
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
Nails: OPI Russian Navy

Why I wore it:

More pink and purple! I've worn this dress and belt together so many times, it's a frequent go-to for me. I really like pink and purple together too, although it's the first time I've worn the cardigan and dress together.

This is what I wore for Toddler T's third birthday party - no shoes as I stayed home all day and sent hubby out for the last minute things that morning. Picked this dress to wear as I love wearing a maxi dress for a birthday party - easy and quick to throw on while setting up last minute things, and stylish and simple for spending the day running around with two toddlers. Even wore this a couple of months ago for Baby Boy's first birthday! Just crazy to realise Toddler T is 3 now!

I was pretty tired after staying up until 1.30am putting the finishing touches to Toddler T's train cake, but it was worth it in the end seeing his excitement! Next year I might just stick with a simple round cake though...


Last worn: purple cocoon cardigan, gold glitter belt, pink nursing maxi dress.

Other ways to wear: purple cocoon cardigan and graphic tee, gold glitter belt and Aztec print dress, pink nursing maxi dress and sequin scarf for another birthday party.

Perfect for pregnancy: cocoon cardigan in second trimester, same dress and gold belt over a baby bump, maxi dress at 39 weeks pregnant.

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More purple cardigans under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

You don't need to give up your maxi dresses when summer ends! Have a look at the winter layers you have in your wardrobe - a cosy cardigan or a leather jacket can be a simple addition to a dress and make it warm enough for a mild winter day. Leather jackets can be expensive, but if you buy at the end of season sales or take advantage of the opposite seasons when shopping internationally, you can find one that fits your budget.

If you have colder winter weather, wear ankle boots and even leggings underneath your dress, with a nice cosy blanket scarf too. When spring arrives you can continue to wear your dress with a light layer like a cardigan. You really can wear most dresses year-round!


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