Showing posts with label leopard print. Show all posts
Showing posts with label leopard print. Show all posts

Monday 14 August 2017

Black Printed Dresses and Mulberry Bayswater: Winter Office Outfits

I've always loved printed dresses for work. A dress is an easy instant outfit, quick to pull together and a print adds a little extra interest. Don't let the winter weather put you off either! Add fleece lined tights to your dress, a cosy trench coat, scarf and maybe even a cardigan too.

Below I'm wearing an old favourite dress in a new way, and a new-to-me dress I got from my Grandma's wardrobe. It was good to get my Mulberry Bayswater out again too, it's been packed away for over a year and a half while on maternity leave as I use it as an office-only bag.

What I wore:

Leona Edmiston Jemima fern print dress navy mac jacket azure skull scarf mulberry bayswater office outfit | Away From Blue

navy macintosh, Mulberry Bayswater in Oak NVT leather | Away From The Blue
ScarfAlexander McQueen Azure wool skull scarf
Dress: Leona Edmiston Jemima fern print dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
BagMulberry Bayswater in Oak NVT leather (get it second-hand and cheaper here, or here)


Why I wore it:

This Leona Edmiston dress is an old favourite, perfect for the office. I liked how the loose lower half worked nicely in pregnancy too, from hiding an early baby bump to fitting a second trimester belly. After not being able to squeeze into the outfit I'd planned to wear the week before, I was grateful to have this in my wardrobe as I knew it would definitely fit!

When I've worn this dress in the past I've usually picked pink accessories to wear with it, tying in with the pink in the fern print. I thought I'd try it with blue instead for a bit of a change, I liked it. Since I was trying a new colour combination, I kept the shoes and bag neutral.


Last worn: navy mac jacket, wool skull scarffern print dress, Marc Jacobs flats, Mulberry Bayswater tote.

Other ways to wearnavy mac jacket and printed jeans, wool skull scarf and teal topfern print dress and pink accessoriesMarc Jacobs flats and colourful jeans, Mulberry Bayswater tote for casual Friday.

Perfect for pregnancy: printed dress in second trimester, Mulberry Bayswater and third trimester bump.



Black Printed Jersey Dresses Under $50:








What I wore:

knitted midi dress and flats for office winter trench coat and tights | Away From Bluw

Mulberry Bayswater in Oak NVT leather for the office | Away From The Blue
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
Scarf: Supre neon pink leopard print scarf
Dress: black and white knit dress from my Grandma's wardrobe
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black!)
BagMulberry Bayswater in Oak NVT leather (get it second hand and cheaper hereor here)


Why I wore it:

My mum bought this dress back from a visit with my grandparents at the start of the year. It's labeled to be 3 sizes larger than I usually wear, but we are all fairly certain the label is wrong. It's a lovely knit dress, so perfect for winter.

I wanted to add a little colour to the outfit and was hunting through for a scarf when I saw this neon leopard print one hasn't been worn yet this year I thought it was ideal. I figured it was far enough from the fun blurred black and white print on the skirt to work.

Still not completely sure on it looking at the photos now, but I did feel happy and comfortable in this during the day.

I'd love to wear this dress with heels too - being petite, midi lengths like this can sometimes make me look shorter than I am. I considered getting this hemmed but not sure I want to loose the slight scalloped edge that's there at the moment, so I'll just try it with heels next time.


Last worn: camel trench, neon leopard print scarf, gold mouse flats, Mulberry Bayswater (above). First time I've worn the dress as it's a hand-me-down from my Grandma's wardrobe.

Other ways to wearcamel trench and jeans, neon leopard print scarf and grey tee, gold mouse flats and skinny jeans, Mulberry Bayswater and orange dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: trench coat in the first trimester, scarf hiding a first trimester belly, mouse flats and maternity pencil skirtMulberry Bayswater and wrap dress in second trimester.



Black Knit Dresses Under $50:










How You Can Wear It:



A classic little black dress works for so many occasions. Just like a plain dress, a printed dress is perfect for the office. A dress is an instant pull-on and go outfit that you don't need to think too hard about accessorising with. You can definitely have fun and try different accessories with it though, especially in winter when you pull most of the layers off when you get to your workplace anyway.


Linking up with On Trend, Trend Spin, Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, Style On The Daily, Fashion Frenzy, Modest Monday.


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Friday 4 August 2017

Maxi Dresses In Winter: Leather Jackets, Scarves and Ankle Boots

When I did my 30 wears post with one of my leather jackets, I mentioned that I'd been looking forward to wearing the maxi dress and leather jacket outfit combination more over winter. Add some ankle boots, a big scarf and a leather jacket to a summer maxi dress and you have an easy and cosy winter outfit - and you get more wear from your summer dresses.

What I wore:

black halter maxi dress winter layers leather jacket, leopard print scarf, ankle boots | Away From Blue

black leather jacket, Balenciaga Day bag in 2005 magenta | Away From The Blue
JacketAsos Black by Markus Lupfer printed leather jacket
Scarf: Sportsgirl animal scarf in violet
TankJeanswest 'Jenni' basic singlet in festival fuchsia
Dress: black Jeanswest halterneck maxi dress
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
BagBalenciaga Day bag in 2005 magenta (20% off with code 'REAL')

Why I wore it:

Wore this for a day out with my boys, my last official day of maternity leave. (I've already blogged my return to work outfits but haven't shared this pic yet!). We spent the morning running a few quick errands and attending rhyme time at the library.

After liking the maxi dress and leather jacket combo I was eager to try it again. I thought that printed leather jacket would be nice with the black maxi dress but it all just looked a little too dull and black - so bright accessories were perfect for adding some colour! I really liked the purple scarf with the magenta Balenciaga day bag and pink tank.


Last worn: printed leather jacket, leopard print scarfpink tank, black halter neck maxi dress, black ankle boots, Balenciaga magenta day bag.

Other ways to wearprinted leather jacket worn 30 ways, purple leopard print scarf with blue outfitpink tank and striped skirt, black halter neck maxi dress and kimono, black ankle boots worn 30 ways, Balenciaga magenta day bag in the office.


Perfect for pregnancy: leopard print scarf and stripes in third trimesterpink tank in second trimestermaxi dress in the third trimester, ankle boots for baby bump reveal, magenta day bag and graphic tee in third trimester.


More Leather Jackets Under $100:







What I wore:

cobalt blue leather jacket, printed scarf, tie dye maxi dress red bag Colourful winter outfit | AwayFromBlue

Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red | AwayFromTheBlue
JacketWittner 'Santa Fe' cobalt blue leather jacket
ScarfMarc by Marc Jacobs scarf in Island pine-print
DressJeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
BagRebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red (on sale in pink!)

Why I wore it:

I went much more colourful for the next time I wore the maxi dress and leather jacket outfit. Had a crazy busy day. After being back at work, I'd found all the little errands I'd usually do during the week had to be crammed in on my days off, and so set an optimistic target of stopping in multiple places before lunchtime. Of course the boys were increasingly cranky and fed up being driven around all morning, so it wasn't the easiest of days!


Although we ran out of snacks buy the time we reached the final stop at Priceline, I was thankfully able to keep the boys amused long enough to have a wonderful chat and makeup trial session with Kaitlyn. We picked out all of the below makeup for my return to work.




I'm sharing this as I know a few bloggers gave me advice when I mentioned I needed new makeup that didn't make me breakout. My old stuff was over a year old and not entirely perfect. With the information I'd picked up from beauty blogs and a very patient and knowledgeable Kaitlyn, I managed to pick out things I'm really happy with.

I'm not a beauty blogger but I am impressed with all of this so far! I wear it twice a week to the office and have zero issues. The L'Oreal foundation in particular was expensive but worth every penny!

What I bought:



Just as well beauty products were exempt from my #6MonthsWithoutShopping challenge, as this was quite a big haul for me! Not sponsored, but I have been visiting the ladies at my local Priceline often (as it has a pharmacy) and I trust their recommendations! :)



Last worn: cobalt leather jacket, Marc Jacobs scarf, tie dye maxi dress, black ankle boots (above), Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag.

Other ways to wearcobalt leather jacket and printed dress, Marc Jacobs scarf and pencil skirt, tie dye maxi dress and boho fringe bag, black ankle boots and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag and printed jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: print mixing with scarf at 37 weeks, tie dye maxi dress at 38 weeksankle boots and baby bump.


Maxi Dresses Under $50 You Can Wear All Year









How You Can Wear It:


Don't pack your summer maxi dresses away when the cold weather arrives! You can layer them up for even the coldest winter day with the right layers. they might not be ideal in the snow if the maxi length trails on the ground, but if you have a snow-free day it's a good time to give this outfit idea a try! You can even hide some leggings underneath if it's really cold.


Linking up with Mix It Monday, On Monday We Link Up, Hello Monday, Oh Hey Girl.



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Monday 19 June 2017

Grey and Pink: Tees and Printed Jeans

Another grey tee post! In the final month of #6monthsWithoutShopping, I'm often feeling uninspired and picking something to wear and create outfits from like my grey tees or graphic tees is a good way for me to come up with outfits. Grey and pink is a colour combination I like to wear often, and both these outfits with my printed jeans show that nicely.

What I wore:

Sass & Bide playman printed jeans grey tee pink drape vest | AwayFromBlue

Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet, Rebecca Minkoff metallic mini MAC | AwayFromTheBlue
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in grey marl
JeansSass & Bide Playman skinny jeans
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale, 20% off!)

Why I wore it:

Starting to get a little too chilly now for short sleeves - winter weather has arrived in Brisbane. It was a milder day when I wore this though and I didn't need any extra layers. Had a busy morning with baby boy's weekly weigh and a doctors appointment and then spent some time with my mum and sister in the afternoon.

While I have tried wearing other prints with these fun Sass & Bide printed jeans, my favourite way to wear them is with plain basics like this grey tee. The monochrome outfit felt a little dull until I added the pink vest for a bit of colour, along with the bright teething necklace.

These chevron print jeans were perfect to meet Shea's Live Your Best Life for Less style challenge prompt of 'printed bottoms' too.


Last worn: pink vest, grey v-neck tee, chevron print jeans, black ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wearpink vest worn two ways, grey v-neck tee and red kimono, chevron print jeans worn 2 ways, black ballet flats and pleated skirt, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC and maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: grey tee and maternity pencil skirt, black ballet flats and maternity wrap dress, mini MAC and maternity dress.


Printed Jeans Under $50:







What I wore:

long sleeve grey tee with pink leopard print jeans purple mini MAB tote bag | Away From Blue

Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum with pink leopard print jeans | Away From The Blue
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
TeeAtmos&Here grey Arizona zip tee
Jeans: Portmans pink leopard print skinny jeans
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black!)
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in pink!)

Why I wore it:

Wore this to go to my local ABA mother's group. As it was a little cooler and raining on this day, I wanted something long sleeved so had a rummage through my box of winter things. This grey tee is one I've pulled back from the donate pile before. It's got zips on either side of the hem (that you can kind of see in the second photo) but I still worried it was a little dull for winter. I'm glad I kept it around as it pairs well with other brighter colours to make winter layering easy!

The pink leopard print jeans are always fun to wear, and met Shea's Live Your Best Life for Less style challenge of 'leopard spring brights' with just one item. Even though it's winter here in Australia, I've had fun with the prompts as I can usually find something that matches to wear in the cold. It's no secret I like pink and purple together, so the purple bag seemed like a good choice, especially when worn with the teething necklace.


Last worn: grey zip detail long sleeve tee, pink leopard print jeansgold mouse flatspurple mini MAB tote bag.

Other ways to weargrey long sleeve tee and shorts, pink leopard print jeans and graphic teegold mouse flats and printed dresspurple mini MAB tote bag and denim shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: loose tee hiding an early baby bumpmouse flats and maternity wrap dresspurple mini MAB tote and maxi dress in second trimester.



More Grey Tees Under $50:









How You Can Wear It:



A grey tee is a great wardrobe basic, but your outfits don't have to be basic when you wear it! Try adding more interest with a pair of printed pants, or a scarf. A grey tee is a great pairing with a statement printed piece like leopard print. You can also add another layer, like the pink vest, for a little colour pop against the grey tee.


Linking up with Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Fashion Frenzy, Style on The Daily.



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Monday 10 April 2017

Maxi Skirts and Prints: Stripes and Leopard

I'm a fan of print mixing and I've worn stripes and leopard print together many times before. Sometimes it's just nice to let a print shine on it's own though, and wear a single printed piece with a plain basic, like I did with these maxi skirt outfits. Both outfits I wore with my Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush, a great neutral shoe!


What I wore:

metallic tank, navy stripe maxi skirt, grey Rebecca mInkoff Love bag | AwayFromBlue Blog

navy stripe maxi, Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey | AwayFromTheBlue
SunglassesRay-Ban new Wayfarers
Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Ava elephant pendant teething necklace
TankJeanswest Maji metallic tank in soft green and silver (extra 30% off sale price!)
Skirt: Target navy side split maxi skirt
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale, 44% off!)
BagRebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey
NailsOPI Rich Girls and Po Boys

Why I wore it:

I've worn this metallic tank with a printed maxi skirt and a striped maxi skirt before, but it's the first time I've worn these two together. I'm quite surprised I haven't worn them together before, it's a great combination. I've not worn this tank as much as I thought I had! I bought it in November before my #6MonthsWithoutShopping started, and this is only it's 5th wear in the 5 months I've had it. Actually paying more attention to the number of times I've worn things and not just seeing how long it is between wears has been an eye opener. It's helping me avoid shopping and stick to the challenge, as I know I won't wear new things I buy that much. I already have an overflowing wardrobe!


This was a casual and comfortable outfit, perfect for taking Baby Boy for his weekly weigh and spending time with my mum and sister in the afternoon.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, metallic tank, striped navy maxi skirt, studded gladiator sandals, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag.

Other ways to wearmetallic tank worn two ways, striped navy maxi skirt with purple, studded gladiator sandals and pritned shorts, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag and chambray.



Sale Alert!


There are a few good sales on at the moment:

Jeanswest have 40% off for rewards members (free to sign up if you're not one already!).
ASOS have up to 50% off in their sale. Lots of good autumn/winter options there!




What I wore:

neon Sass and Bide 'New Day Rising' tee in orange leopard print tee grey maxi skirt yellow bag | Away From Blue

grey marle skirt, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold | Away From The Blue
Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Charlotte teething necklace
TeeSass and Bide 'New Day Rising' tee in orange leopard print
Skirt: Target grey marle maxi skirt
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale, 44% off!)
BagRebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

Had a quietish day with the boys, a couple of errands to run including stopping at the post office to mail some more parcels from my ebay auctions.

Almost every time I wear this tee I comment how long it's been between wears, so I'm making more of an effort to wear it. The neon tee and the grey maxi skirt is a combination I actually wanted to wear in pregnancy. I liked this yellow, orange and grey combination and wanted to try it with the leopard print rather than the stripes. Unfortunately while a loose fit, the tee is slightly cropped so it's not ideal for pregnancy wear with a baby bump making it ride up!

I'm glad I remembered to give the combination a try now I'm not pregnant, I really liked this. Grey is a great base to pair with such a brightly printed tee.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (above), Sass & Bide leopard print tee, grey jersey maxi skirt, Rebecca Minkoff gladiator sandals (above), Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wearSass & Bide leopard print tee and purple bag, grey jersey maxi skirt in winter, Rebecca Minkoff gladiator sandals worn 30 ways, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag and denim shorts.




More Printed Pieces Under $50:









How You Can Wear It:


Basics don't have to be boring - they are great to pair with printed pieces in your wardrobe. If you have a printed item that you're not sure what to wear with it or how to wear it, grab a plain, block-colour basic piece and let the print be the statement in your outfit.


Linking up with Shoe & Tell, On Trend, Turning Heads, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Midweek Inspo.


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Friday 20 January 2017

Denim Shorts, Prints and Cross Body Bags

Two different ways to wear a simple outfit formula of denim shorts and prints. Both outfits feature tops that haven't been worn for a while. It's not even because I'm breastfeeding as it's possible to breastfeed in them when you lift the hem. (Helps to have a layer underneath when you do this though).

What I wore:

Somedays Lovin Yakuza print kimono denim bermudaa shorts summer SAHM style | AwayFromBlue

Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold | AwayFromTheBlue
JacketSomedays Lovin' Yakuza print kimono
Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Ava elephant pendant teething necklace
TankJeanswest round neck lace detail top
ShortsJeanswest Trinity Bermuda denim shorts (currently on sale, 50% off shorts!)
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale!)
BagRebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

A quiet day running a few errands gave me a chance to wear some of my favourite pieces. Perfect for the #DecemberWearWhatWear style challenge and the #DAREcember challenge on Instagram. I've worn all of these accessories together before as I really like the combination.

Although it's been a while (nearly 3 months) since I've last worn this top, it really should be worn more often!


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, floral print kimonoblack blouson tank, bermuda denim shorts, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wearfloral print kimono with stripesblouson tank and lace pencil skirtbermuda denim shorts with green, studded sandals and a maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag and jeans.


Looking for denim shorts under $50?




Sale Alert: Jeanswest currently have 50% off all shorts

They have a great range of colourful and printed ones too for summer, not just denim. Prices listed below are before the 50% discount, click through to see the sale prices.







What I wore:

 Sass and Bide 'New Day Rising' tee in orange leopard print, OneTeaspoon Hawks shorts ! Away From Blue

Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere | away From The Blue
Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Charlotte teething necklace
TeeSass and Bide 'New Day Rising' tee in orange leopard print
Shorts:  OneTeaspoon Hawks shorts in Fox black (C/O, on sale!)
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

What was supposed to be a quiet and relaxing day turned into a stressful one. Had to take Baby Boy back to hospital as he pulled out his tube. Again! Picked an easy outfit of shorts and this fun printed tee, it met a few style challenges but I mainly chose it as it's been sitting unworn in my wardrobe for over 6 months!


It's pieces like this that I love but really don't wear a lot that helped contribute to my decision to start a 6 months without shopping challenge. When I wear these tops, I really like them, but it's so long between wears. I'm going to spend 2017 focusing on just wearing and enjoying what I already own.


Last wornRay-Ban Wayfarer (above), neon leopard print tee, OneTeaspoon Hawks shorts, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere.

Other ways to wearneon leopard print tee and studded bag, OneTeaspoon Hawks shorts and print mixing, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere in the office.


Linking up with Friday Faves, Shoe & Tell, Hello Monday.




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Friday 30 December 2016

Festive Outfits: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and 2016 Budget

Although there is a fairly large pile of outfit photos waiting to be posted I figured I'd best share my festive outfits before 2017 arrives. Also wanted to share the spending total for 2016 as my last post for the year too.

My 5 year blogaversary is this weekend, so come back Monday for a special post to celebrate. You can enter my Charlotte Tilbury giveaway on youtube in the meantime.

What I wore:

Summer festive Christmas Eve outfit Santa glitter tee and shorts metallic bag | Away From Blue

Mulberry Lily bag in maroon metallic suede leopard | Away From The Blue
Dress: festive glitter Santa tee
ShortsJeanswest Trinity Bermuda denim shorts (currently on sale, 40% off!)
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagMulberry Lily in maroon metallic suede leopard (get it in pink!)

Why I wore it:

The traditional Christmas tee for our family Christmas eve celebrations. I've worn this tee every year since we started the novelty Christmas tee tradition. Even while pregnant!

I have been playing along with two December style challenges on instagram so brought out this pretty but rarely used Mulberry Lily bag to meet the December Wear What Where challenge. It was last worn 3 years ago! I wear it so sparingly as it's so delicate being metallic suede, and it's so special to me. The glitter in the tee was perfect for the DAREcember challenge too.

A nice casual and comfortable outfit for a day down the coast listening to Christmas music, doing Christmas craft and of course making Christmas cookies! One of which toddler T left out for Santa that night.


Last worn: Santa tee, Bermuda denim shorts, Havaianas, Mulberry leopard print Lily bag

Other ways to wearChristmas tee trio, Bermuda denim shorts and khaki tank, Mulberry leopard print Lily bag and maxi dress






What I wore:

Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress Christmas Day casual summer outfit Chanel bag | AwayFromBlue

Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap bag | AwayFromTheBlue
Shoesslim gold Havaianas
Bracelets: the usual plus gifted Tous pink and cream bracelet
BagChanel vintage quilted lambskin flap (same in pinkand beige)

Why I wore it:

This was my outfit for Christmas day. After present opening and lunch and naps for the boys we headed over to the in-laws for the afternoon and dinner.

I got this dress after seeing it on two people on Instagram in quick succession. My sister called as I was scrolling through and she had just left Kmart, so I asked her to go back and get it, ha! I wasn't sure how practical it would be for breastfeeding in, but the adjustable straps kept coming undone and sliding off my shoulders unprompted anyway! I spent more time pulling it up than pulling it down for feeding. I'm hoping it behaves a little more and the straps stay in place next time I wear it, as it really is such a pretty dress.

Last worn: Havaianas, vintage Chanel bag. First time I've worn the dress as it's a new purchase.

Other ways to wearvintage Chanel bag at 39 weeks pregnant.



2016 Budget



As this is my final post for the year, an update on my spending budget.

In 2014 I set myself a goal to wear everything I buy at least twice in a month after buying it. I was frustrated by how many items I was discovering in my wardrobe with tags on! Earlier this year I changed the goal to wear things twice in the month I buy them. It meant I spent less near the end of the month as I had to be really sure I was going to wear things twice in quick succession. It was a good tool to slow my spending even more.

There were some exceptions to the wear twice in a month rule. Most recently, a stunning trench coat I picked up for over $100 off in the Cyber Monday sales that is not going to get worn in a Queensland summer!
The items I bought early in December weren't worn as much as they could have been after staying in hospital with baby boy for two weeks. I have bought a lot at the end of December in the boxing day sales that probably won't even arrive until January so anything I keep from those orders will fail that test too. I'm still pleased with how this rule has helped me think more critically about what I've bought over the year though, and will be continuing to use it.


What I bought in December:







Some of the above might be returned if it doesn't fit or work as well in my wardrobe as I imagined, but I've included it in the total spend in case I keep it all.

What I Bought in 2016

My monthly spending posts for the year: January, nothing in February or March, AprilMayJuneNo buy JulyAugustNo Spender SeptemberOctoberNovember.

Over 2016, I spent $1,824.11. The majority of that was in the first 6 months of the year, but it works out as an average of $152 a month. Doesn't sound a lot, but when you add it up it looks pretty large! For 2017, my goal is to spend less. I'm pleased I spent less in the second half of the year. January (post-Christmas sales!) and June (start of winter) were my biggest spending months in 2016.


Did you track your spending for the year? How did you go?


Linking up with Weekend Wear, Passion for Fashion, Budget Bloggers, Friday Faves, Let It Shine.


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Monday 24 October 2016

Printed Skinny Jeans, Black Tops and Cardigans

I have a couple of printed jeans. While they are still jeans, they are a little step away from blue denim and make me feel less like I'm stuck in an outfit rut!

What I wore:

pink leopard print skinny jeans black tee grey cardi RM MAM bag | AwayFromBlue

Rebecca MInkoff MAM bag soft grey Pink leopard print skinny jeans | AwayFromTheBlue
Jacket: Paper Scissors grey wrap cardigan
TeeAtmos&Here rolled sleeve oversize tee in black (also in grey)
Jeans: Portmans pink leopard print skinny jeans
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
BagRebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey (20% off with code FALLFAVES)

Why I wore it:

The style challenge for the day was 'fresh' and I decided to stretch the definition a little. I often wear these leopard print jeans with grey tees so I tried something slightly different and 'fresher' and went with a black tee instead, ha!

I actually really liked the black tee with these pants. I wasn't so pleased with the cardigan though, wish I hadn't worn it. While it was cold in the morning before we went out it was pretty warm the rest of the day and I didn't need it at all.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, grey cardigan, black tee, pink leopard print skinny jeansHavaianas, Rebecca Minkoff MAM.

Other ways to weargrey cardigan and a maxi skirt, black tee and blue jeans, pink leopard print skinny jeans in winter, Rebecca Minkoff MAM in the office.



More Printed Jeans Under $100:








What I wore:

Brown marle cardigan Sass and Bide Playman chevron printed skinny jeans | Away From Blue

Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey | Away From The Blue
JacketJeanswest brown marle waterfall cardigan
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
TankJeanswest round neck lace detail top
JeansSass & Bide Playman skinny jeans
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
BagRebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey (20% off with code FALLFAVES)

Why I wore it:

I'm still so undecided with this outfit! It wasn't for a style challenge, I just felt like I wanted to wear these printed jeans again, and thought the black tank was a nice piece to wear with them. As it was a little windy, and we were having someone over in the evening so I'd need something to cover up with as I fed baby boy, I added the cardigan. I tried this marle cardigan to see how it would look with the chevron pants, and really liked the combination.

Then I saw the pics I took and I wasn't so sure. One of those outfits where you feel it's better than the picture. Won't be wearing this cardigan and the printed jeans together again. Although I was happy wearing it I'm just not sure it looks the best reviewing the photo.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (above), brown marle cardi, black tank, Sass & Bide skinny jeans, black ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB (above).

Other ways to wearbrown marle cardi and maxi dress, black tank and lace pencil skirt, Sass & Bide skinny jeans and purple, ballet flats and flares, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB and a dress.


Linking up with Mix It Monday, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday, Midweek Inspo.




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