Layering Tees Over Maxi Dresses With Balenciaga Bags (Plus Updated Handbag Collection Video)

Layering a tee over a maxi dress is a nice way to add just a touch of warmth to your outfit, and to change up the look of a dress you wear frequently. I've been wearing my tees over maxi dresses a lot lately! I've also been wearing my Balenciaga bags often too, and for those who are interested I've shared an updated video of my collection below!

What I wore:

Earrings: A Little Bit of North blue mandala earrings (giveaway prize, close up photo)
Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
Necklace: Lovisa gold filigree heart pendant
Tee: Atmos & Here Avery marle tee in navy
Dress: Jeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress (worn as skirt)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Disney Couture Winnie the Pooh bangle
Bag: Balenciaga envelope clutch in 2012 mangue with giant 12 RGGH

Why I wore it:

Wouldn't change a single thing about this outfit - I loved it all! We went down the coast for a family birthday celebration. It was a warm day but I thought it might get cooler at night, as I picked my denim jacket to layer with. With the blue tee and grey tie dye maxi dress, I thought that this yellow Balenciaga envelope clutch would be a fun pop of colour.

The night didn't go quite how I expected. We were out in the morning and got back late, which meant nap time was late, which meant we were late for heading down the coast, so that we were badly affected by the traffic. I managed to find a rather roundabout route to avoid the traffic and get there in the end though, and even if we didn't get to spend a relaxing afternoon together as planned we did manage to get there in time to enjoy dinner, which was good.

The little gold touches though this outfit worked so nicely together I thought, with the gold mouse flats, heart necklace and bracelet complimenting the Balenciaga envelope clutch. Even if the clutch did stay in the baby bag for most of the night! Mum life 😅


Last worn: denim jacket, navy tee, tie dye maxi dress, gold mouse flats, Balenciaga envelope clutch.

Other ways to wear: denim jacket and skinny jeans, navy tee and printed shorts, tie dye maxi dress and purple cardi, gold mouse flats and wrap dress, Balenciaga envelope clutch and printed jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: denim jacket in second trimester, tie dye maxi dress at 38 weeks, gold mouse flats in second trimester, Balenciaga envelope clutch in third trimester.

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My Complete Balenciaga Handbag Collection

Yes, I have a lot of Balenciaga bags!

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What I wore:

Earrings: Jeanswest Evy dangly earring
Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in grey marl
Dress: Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress (worn as skirt)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Balenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete

Why I wore it:

Another tee over a maxi dress, another Balenciaga bag! As you can see from the video above, I have a lot of Balenciaga bags in my wardrobe. I love this tempete Balenciaga day bag, such a unique colour.

Wore this for a blogger date with Rachel from A Nesting Nomad. Now living in Sydney, she was up in Brisbane for the weekend and we took the opportunity to catch up and go grab a yummy gluten free brownie together. After a bit of a tough week, I was looking forward to a couple of kid free hours, but unexpectedly had to take the boys along with me. I regretted the long dangly earrings with the boys grabbing and tugging at them often. They were quite boisterous too, but Rachel was a sweetheart about it! So very sweet!

I did like this outfit, despite the earrings not being a very kid-friendly choice, as it was good to come up with another way to wear this beautiful summer dress and make it work for cooler weather.


Last worn: grey tee, floral maxi dress, Havaianas, Balenciaga tempete day bag.

Other ways to wear: grey tee and printed kimono, floral maxi dress in winter, Balenciaga tempete day bag and swing dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: grey tee in second trimester, Balenciaga tempete day bag in third trimester.

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Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

If you have a tee you love and a maxi dress you love, wear them together! If your tee is cropped it might sit perfectly over your dress, as you can see in the first outfit. If your tee is a little longer, you can knot it like the second outfit to have it sit at just the right point.




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Maxi Dresses and Kimonos With Purple Mini MAB Bag

Kimonos work just as well with maxi dresses as they do with denim. While kimonos and shorts was a summer staple for me, with the cooler weather the extra coverage a maxi dress gives makes it a better option for autumn. Especially when you add a pair of ankle boots too. For a little extra colour, I wore both of these maxi dress outfits with my purple Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag.

What I wore:

Jacket: The Kindness Collective 'Vienna Awaits' floral print kimono
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Dress: black Jeanswest halterneck maxi dress
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum

Why I wore it:

The Kindness Collective had a sale on kimonos a couple of weeks before Mother's Day, so the boys picked me out one each. My eldest picked this one, and I love the classic black and white with the floral print. I decided to keep things simple when I wore this to playgroup, with a black maxi dress and purple accessories for just a little bit of colour. Since it was a little chilly, I added the black ankle boots. It is the perfect way to make your maxi dresses work in spring or autumn.


I really liked this outfit - a simple combination with a fun pop of colour through accessories is a formula I default to easily. Even if the black maxi dress was quickly dirtied by toddler hands, haha!


Last worn: black halter neck maxi dress, black ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote. First time I've worn the kimono on the blog.

Other ways to wear: halter neck maxi dress and winter layers, black ankle boots worn 30 ways, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote and printed jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: black halter neck maxi dress in third trimester, black ankle boots in second trimester, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote in third trimester.

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Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote Review & Contents

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What I wore:

Jacket: The Kindness Collective 'Kaleidoscope Dreams' printed kimono
Necklace: Nibbly Bits BB plum silicone teething necklace
Dress: Jeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum

Why I wore it:

This is what I wore on Mother's Day. I was spoiled with breakfast in bed and my boys made some cute gifts, as well as picking out the kimonos. I wanted to give this one a try right away to challenge myself as it seemed like the harder one to wear with the mix of colours in the zig zag print.

With purple being the dominant colour in the print, I decided to once again pull out the purple accessories. This plum Nibbly Bits teething necklace goes so nicely with the purple mini MAB tote bag.

Perfect outfit for spending some time at home relaxing and then heading down the coast to celebrate Mother's Day with my mum and family. Was comfortable all day.


Last worn: tie dye maxi dress, black ankle boots (above), Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote (above). First time I've worn the kimono on the blog.

Other ways to wear: tie dye maxi dress and denim jacket, black ankle boots worn 30 ways, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote and band tee.

Perfect for pregnancy: tie dye maxi dress at 38 weeks, black ankle boots and pregnancy announcement, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote and maternity shorts.

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Kimonos Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

You don't have to pack your kimonos away when the weather starts to cool! Swap out the summer shorts for something with a little more coverage like a maxi dress or jeans and you can continue to wear your colourful kimonos at the start of autumn or end of spring. A kimono is such a perfect topper with a maxi dress for an easy boho outfit too.


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Black and White Dresses For The Office With Navy Rebecca Minkoff Regan Bag

The beauty of a black and white dress is that you can really accessorise with anything! I even got to get out one of my scarves I've been waiting to wear.

As you can see from the outfits below, although these were worn just a day apart there was a big change in the temperatures! A couple of weeks ago it eventually started cooling down in Brisbane. This Friday is the first day of winter, so it's about time we had some cooler weather!

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Nadine 3/4 sleeve dusky pink blazer
Dress: Jeanswest 'Rita' stripe jersey dress
Belt: Rebecca Minkoff Liv double wrap velvet belt
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon

Why I wore it:

It's not the first time I've belted this blazer, but I think this is my favourite outfit I've created with it. I have worn this belted over a black fit and flare dress before, this time around I really liked the double wrap velvet belt and the pink with the black and white.

The only thing I didn't like with this outfit was that it was a little chilly in the morning - after taking photos, I ran inside to grab a scarf as I packed the tripod away before I left for work. Didn't have time to get photos with the scarf, but it stayed off for the rest of the day as the weather heated up. Headed out to the Brisbane Botanical Gardens again with my friend to take some photos. While she doesn't have an active blog, she is modelling some pieces she's been sent so I was happy to enjoy the autumn sunshine and take some pics for her. Managed to get a pic of my outfit too! We had time for a quick lunch after before we headed back to the office, with an afternoon full of meetings for me.


Last worn: blush pink blazer, velvet double wrap belt, striped fit and flare dress, Marc By Marc Jacobs ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag.

Other ways to wear: blush pink blazer and olive tank, velvet double wrap belt over a vest, striped fit and flare dress in winter, Marc By Marc Jacobs ballet flats and A-line skirt, Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag and wrap dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: blush pink blazer in third trimester, striped fit and flare dress in second trimester.

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Review And Contents of the Rebecca Minkoff Regan Bag:

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What I wore:

Jacket:  Zara cream jersey blazer
Scarf: gifted grey and gold embroidered feather scarf
Dress: black and white knit dress from my Grandma's wardrobe
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon

Why I wore it:

A much cooler morning had me pulling out my Grandma's knitted dress. It was one of the pieces I'd packed away for winter. I'd recently unboxed all my winter things, perfect timing for the weather change. While this dress has been worn a few times, it's the first time I had the opportunity to wear this beautiful personalised scarf my friend sent me. The gold embroidered feathers are complimented with my name in gold foil, it's such a sweet gift.

This was just the right amount of layers for a wet and cold autumn day, although I am wondering if I'll have to get my tights out soon! Again, just like the outfit above, I stuck with my Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag, the neutral navy goes with so much.


Last worn: cream blazer, knitted dress, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag (above). First time I've worn the scarf.

Other ways to wear: cream blazer and pencil skirt, knitted dress and leopard print scarf, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag and printed shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: cream jersey blazer in second trimester, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats and maternity pencil skirt.

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Black and White Dresses For The Office Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

A classic black and white dress is an office essential. It's an instant throw on and go outfit. You can add a blazer if it's cooler or you want your outfit to seem a little more professional. The black and white is also a great backdrop to add some colour to, like the blush blazer in the first outfit, or to try print mixing with the feather print scarf in the second outfit.


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Layering a Tee Over A Maxi Dress: Autumn Style (And Brisbane Kite Festival Family Day Out Vlog)

Slightly cooler Autumn weather, after what seemed like a never-ending summer heat, brought me the opportunity to layer a little! I decided to try wearing some of my fave slouchy tees over my jersey maxi dresses. I've only worn a tee over a maxi dress once before, but I loved this combination and you can expect to see it pop up more frequently!

What I wore:

Necklace: silver heart long pendant necklace
Teee: Atmos&Here rolled sleeve oversized tee in wine (similar in black)
Dress: Jeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress (worn as skirt)
Shoes:  black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather

Why I wore it:

We had a pretty quiet day planned when I wore this. Taking advantage of hubby having the day off, we took the boys to the doctors for their flu vaccination. It was helpful having another set of hands as injections are never pleasant! After the stressful morning, we took the boys out for lunch as a treat, then it was back home for massive naps from them both.

It's not the first time I've worn the aqua mini MAC bag with burgundy (seen before here with burgundy pants), I really like the combination. The mini MAC bag is worn frequently with this tie dye dress too. Loving all of these pieces separately and combined, I of course loved this outfit. So much that I repeated the formula again a few days later with different pieces as you can see below.


Last worn: burgundy tee, tie dye maxi dress, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff aquamarine mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wear: burgundy tee and skinny jeans, tie dye maxi dress worn knotted, Rebecca Minkoff aquamarine mini MAC bag and purple jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: burgundy tee for second trimester travel, tie dye maxi dress in third trimester, Rebecca Minkoff aquamarine mini MAC bag at 39 weeks.

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Family Day Out Vlog: Brisbane Kite Festival

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What I wore:

Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
Tee: Atmos&Here grey v-neck tee with rolled sleeves (also in black)
Dress: Jeanswest 'Chantelle' crochet detail blue printed maxi dress (worn as skirt)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

We took the boys out to the Brisbane Kite Festival for something a little different! It was a lot of fun, as you can see from the video above. There were so many kites for the boys to watch, and we ended up buying and flying our own kite for a little bit too. It was the first time they'd flown a kite, and I don't even know how many years it's been since I flew one.

It was a really windy but sunny day, so I wore the knotted tee over a maxi dress outfit again. It was the perfect layer to act as a physical sunblock on my shoulders too, as I forgot a hat. I think my big sun hat would have flown off a few times if I'd worn it though.

As mentioned in the video, I felt it was time to get my MAM bag out again. Someone had asked a question about it on YouTube so I'd filmed a video for it and didn't want to put it back in its dust bag without giving it a wear!


Last worn: grey v-neck tee, blue printed maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff MAM.

Other ways to wear: grey v-neck tee and printed jeans, blue printed maxi dress and matching bag, Rebecca Minkoff MAM worn 30 ways.

Perfect for pregnancy: grey v-neck tee in second trimester, blue printed maxi dress at 39 weeks pregnant, Rebecca Minkoff MAM in third trimester.

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Slouchy V-Neck Tees Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

On a slightly cooler day a tee over a maxi dress is a great layering option, as it doesn't make you too warm. If your tee is long and slouchy, knotting it at the side is a great option to make it sit just right. Perfect for late spring or early autumn, it one way you can get more wear from your favourite summer maxi dresses.


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Layering Navy Dresses In Autumn: Light Scarves and Different Shoes

It took a while for autumn to arrive here in Brisbane! But when we started getting cooler mornings I was excited to add some layers and autumn pieces to my dresses - even if they are just lightweight scarves! I find summer dresses easy to layer up for cooler weather just by adding an extra piece or two and swapping out your shoes for something cosier.

What I wore:

Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
Scarf: gifted blush metallic rose gold shimmer scarf
Dress: Shein navy flower print flowy dress (C/O)
Shoes: Asos leather Chelsea boots in tan
Bag: Balenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag

Why I wore it:

It was a really cold morning when I wore this so I added a scarf, denim jacket and ankle boots to my dress. After a busy day working from home, rushing around in the evening meant I'd gotten warm and quickly taken both the scarf and jacket off. I picked the boys up from daycare to take the little one to his specialist appointment.

I like how comfortable this flowy swing dress is - and even though it's a light viscose fabric it is sure to be worn more as the weather cools down further as it layers well. Writing this post made me smile as I realised the last time I wore this dress it was also with a Balenciaga day bag, and it was again for a specialist appointment!

This shimmery scarf was a gift from my mum last year and I love how nice it looked with the navy dress. Even if I didn't keep all the layers on in the warm afternoon, I did enjoy this outfit for the short time I wore it all together in the morning for daycare drop off and the denim jacket came in helpful in the evening.


Last worn: denim jacket, shimmer scarf, navy floral swing dress, Chelsea ankle boots, Balenciaga brown day bag.

Other ways to wear: denim jacket worn 30 ways, shimmer scarf in the office, navy floral swing dress in summer, Chelsea ankle boots, Balenciaga brown day bag and shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: denim jacket in second trimester, Chelsea ankle boots in second trimester, Balenciaga brown day bag for second trimester travel.

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My Latest Video: Winter Clothing Haul For The Boys

With the cooler weather, I was excited to start buying winter clothes for the boys! Cooper helped me to share what I've been buying.

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What I wore:

Scarf: white Target crochet detail scarf
Dress: Zara printed bib front tunic dress
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
Bag: Balenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag

Why I wore it:

This was such a productive day, although I wasn't completely happy with my outfit. I love the crochet scarf with the navy dress. I was unsure at first with the pattern on the dress and the texture of the scarf but being similar colours I think it worked really well. It was a little chilly so as well as the scarf I added some Converse. Converse are a go-to for me in spring and autumn and are a nice alternative when it's not cold enough for boots. On the surface, a great outfit.

We dropped the boys off at their grandparents for the morning to get some stuff done and it was a productive morning. I did wish I'd added a denim jacket to this outfit though once the rain showers hit. Then we had lunch with the boys and their grandparents which made me regret my outfit even more as this dress felt much too short. If I'm spending time with the boys it's better to go with a maxi length or something like shorts! I was happy to get home and change after lunch. I chucked on some PJ pants under my dress so I was a bit more comfortable to lounge around and play with cars and setup train tracks with the boys!

This dress is one of the ones that works so perfectly in summer, layers well for autumn or winter, and it doubles as a professional looking top for work sometimes too. I was really hoping to have hit 30 wears on it by now, but I do find the length tricky to wear when trying to sit and play on the floor with the boys which limits how much I can wear it right now.


Last worn: crochet scarf, Zara navy shift dress, Converse, Balenciaga day bag (above).

Other ways to wear: crochet scarf and chambray dress, Zara navy shift dress and winter layers, Converse and denim shorts, Balenciaga day bag and maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: crochet scarf in second trimester, Zara navy shift dress in third trimester, Converse in second trimester, Balenciaga day bag and hidden baby bump.

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Navy Printed Dresses Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It

You don't have to pack your favourite dresses away when the cooler weather arrives! Swapping sandals for Converse or ankle boots and adding a scarf helps keep the chill away and lets you wear your favourite pieces more often. When it's really cold, you could add tights, leggings, and cosier scarves. But mild autumn and spring days are perfect for lightweight scarves like these.


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Chambray Shirt Alternatives: Dress and Maxi Skirt With Balenciaga Bags

A chambray shirt is a blogger staple, and is on so many 'wardrobe essential' lists. I've never found the perfect one for me, but I do love the chambray dress and maxi skirt I have. Pairing something chambray with a printed kimono makes an easy autumn outfit.

What I wore:

Jacket: The Kindness Kimono 'Dream Catch Me' print

Necklace: ZuriCollections blue polymer clay necklace
Dress: Jeanswest Rachel Lyocell chambray dress (C/O)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH
Towel: Tesalate 'The Swell' sand free towel (C/O)

Why I wore it:

Another warmer than expected autumn day! I actually managed to spend some time in the pool in morning, before the rain and a storm blew in in the evening. While it was a little frustrating having summer continue well into autumn, it's been good to take advantage of the heat and get in more pool time before it's too cold!

I had the chance to use my new Tesalate towel too, you might have seen my review of my first Tsalate towel on the blog before. This time around I enjoyed its absorbency features more than its sand-repelling features! Especially after a rather rigorous paddling session from the boys, who thought it was too cold to join me for a swim in the pool but had fun splashing on the sidelines.

While I had a relaxed morning, it was a busier afternoon getting groceries and doing my eye test. So funny chatting to the optician as last time I was there I was very heavily pregnant with Baby Boy, we were amazed how quickly things change. Luckily no new glasses needed for me!

It's not the first time I've worn this dress with a kimono. I love the way prints look against the blue chambray dress, it's a nice combination. It was a good layer to have when it did start getting cooler in the evening too.


Last worn: Kindness Collective kimono, button up chambray dress, Havaianas, Balenciaga Part Time bag.

Other ways to wear: printed kimono and shorts, button up chambray dress for breastfeeding, Balenciaga Part Time bag in the office.

Perfect for pregnancy: chambray dress in second trimester, Balenciaga Part Time bag in second trimester.

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My Balenciaga Handbag And Accessory Collection:

(This video is from 2012! I've filmed an updated Balenciaga collection video that will be on my YouTube channel soon, so subscribe to my channel if you don't want to miss that!)

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What I wore:

Jacket: New Look Petite print kimono
Necklace: ZuriCollections blue polymer clay necklace
Tee: Atmos&Here grey v-neck tee with rolled sleeves (also in black)
Skirt: Noisy May long denim maxi skirt
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
Bag: Balenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete

Why I wore it:

A slightly more autumnal outfit here! I added the kimono and the Converse as we were running a few more errands and going to playgroup. The playground is mostly in the shade and can be cooler in the mornings so I thought the extra layers and cosier shoes would be useful! Of course by the time we left playgroup I was wishing I'd stuck with my trusty Havaianas, it turned into another really warm day.

I do find this chambray maxi skirt tricky to layer with sometimes, as it is a fuller skirt. Usually it's better to pair more fitted pieces with it, but I wanted comfortable loose layers so picked this slouchy grey tee and then added another voluminous piece with the kimono on top. Thought it turned out okay though, the perfect relaxed outfit for a relaxed morning.

We stopped at the opshop, spent time at playgroup and picked up some groceries (that I'd forgotten to get on the previous day!). The highlight of the boys' day was definitely the huge bag of toys we got from the opshop for $4 - plenty of trains to keep them happy!


Last worn: new look navy kimono, grey v-neck tee, chambray maxi skirt, Converse Chucks, Balenciaga tempete day bag.

Other ways to wear: navy kimono and burgundy pants, grey tee and skinny jeans, chambray maxi skirt and leather jacket, Converse and denim shorts, Balenciaga tempete day bag and pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: navy kimono in second trimester, grey tee for second trimester travel, Converse in second trimester, Balenciaga tempete day in third trimester.

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Chambray Dresses and Maxi Skirts Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It

If the latest 'must have' item doesn't work for you or your wardrobe, try finding something similar to get the look instead. For a popular fabric like chambray or velvet, you can find a piece that fits a need in your wardrobe. A chambray shirt may be a classic, but I wear dresses and skirts more often than shirts! Much like denim, a chambray piece is a perfect backdrop for a colourful printed kimono, as I've worn in both outfits here.


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Blue Dresses and Black Accessories: Mimco Button Bag and Rebecca Minkoff Velvet Double Wrap Belt

Last month I picked up the cute Rebecca Minkoff Liv double wrap belt in the Shopbop sale. A complete impulse buy, I was just looking for something a little different to update my wardrobe as I am feeling pretty content with all the clothes I have. And I looked at accessories as the weather wasn't cooperating with all the dreams I had for buying cosy knits, it was a very warm start to autumn!

I wore the belt to the office two slightly different ways, with the same bag each time. My Mimco black button bag is a classic most Australians would recognise, and my very first 'expensive' (triple digit) handbag purchase.

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Peri drape sleeveless jacket (on sale!)
Necklace: gifted Swarovski heart pendant
Dress: Jeanswest Aztec print dress
Belt: Rebecca Minkoff Liv double wrap velvet belt (new purchase)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bag: Mimco black button bag
Nails: OPI Koala Bear-y

Why I wore it:

With the cooler mornings and evenings, and a bit of rain, I was excited autumn may finally be arriving in Brisbane. I did want to get more wear from this vest before it got too cold though. I find vests better suited for warmer weather. When it's cold, I want my arms covered. If was the perfect day to wear this vest though. Cool, but not too cold. When I first bought this vest, I thought of belting it. I see bloggers belting vests all the time, so that's probably what gave me the idea. This is it's tenth wear though, and the first time I've belted it!

I really liked this outfit! The dusty pink of the vest worked perfectly with the blue Aztec print in the dress, with the black belt matching the black in the dress print as well as the Mimco button bag and black ballet flats. I'm surprised it took me so long to belt this vest as I love the look. I'm glad I eventually gave it a go! The outfit was practical too - had the flu shot at work in preparation for the upcoming winter and needed my arms uncovered.


Last worn: pink vest, Aztec print dress, black ballet flats, Mimco black button bag. First time I've worn the velvet double wrap belt as it's a new purchase.

Other ways to wear: pink vest and graphic tee, Aztec print dress and purple bag, black ballet flats and wrap dress, Mimco black button bag and pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: Aztec print dress in third trimester.

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Review and Contents of the Mimco Button Bag (original version)

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What I wore:

Necklace: House of Harlow 5 station necklace in black and silver
Dress: French Connection blue Paisley print dress
Belt: Rebecca Minkoff Liv double wrap velvet belt
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
Bag: Mimco black button bag
Nails: OPI Koala Bear-y

Why I wore it:

I didn't like this outfit as much as the one above. The blue Paisley print of this dress is beautiful, but I felt the black accessories didn't look as good as they could have with it. I was really liking the outfit until I went to pick a black necklace. I don't have many, and this was the best one I could find. The velvet belt has gold hardware and this necklace has really prominent silver. I felt a little mismatched all day. I don't mind mixing gold and silver in bracelet stacks or when layering necklaces together, it just felt a little 'off' having the different metals on different accessories.

Just a minor thing, but next time I'd spend the time to hunt out a gold necklace and I'm sure I'd like the outfit better!


Last worn: Paisley print sheath dress, Walnut Melbourne flats, Mimco Button Bag (above).

Other ways to wear: Paisley print sheath dress and tote bag, Walnut Melbourne flats and printed skirt, Mimco Button Bag and monochrome outfit.

Perfect for pregnancy: Paisley print sheath dress in second trimester, Walnut Melbourne flats and maternity skirt.

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More Velvet Belts Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

A really easy way to change up the look of your favourite dress is to add a belt. It doesn't require buying anything new, as you probably already have a couple belts you could try it with. In these photos above I matched the black belt with black accessories, but you could also add a belt that contrasts with your outfit and other accessories for a pop of colour.



Linking up with Turning Heads, Fashion Frenzy, Style On The Daily, Oh Hey Girl, Modest Monday.

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