Colourful Maxi Dresses, Blue Balenciaga Tempete Day Bag and ABA

I've been wearing my maxi dresses a lot lately! They've just been the easiest option as they are instant outfits. I have a few black ones but the bright and colourful ones definitely get more wear.

This Balenciaga tempete day bag is one of my favourites too. It looks great with pink or worn in a monochrome blue outfit. Sharing it with both below, and talking a little more about my experiences with the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale, 44% off!)
Bag: Balenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete

Why I wore it:

If you follow my insta stories, you'll know it was a big day for me when I wore this! I had the chance to help out at the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) stall at the baby expo. While I'm still on maternity leave from my office job, it was nice to have a little bit of 'work' for the day for something different, especially as I waited for my re-application for Church Online to be approved so I could get back to working there.

I'm not the best at public speaking (my youtube channel is a way for me to practice!) and I don't like talking in a group or crowd situation, but it was nice being able to talk one-on-one to the people at the expo who stopped by the stall and tell them a little more about the ABA.

It was bittersweet meeting so many people who had a similar experience that I did. So many people didn't breastfeed their eldest as much as they had wanted to (for various reasons) and so were looking for some support or information to reach their goals the second time around. One of the breastfeeding counselors I worked with on the day was the same lady who had answered that exact query for me a little over a year before when I was pregnant with Baby Boy! She was wonderful and it was good being able to refer people onto her when they had questions outside of membership that I couldn't answer.

Hubby and the boys came to the expo in the morning with me and then after lunch I went to help out at the stand when the boys went home. This nursing maxi dress was a pretty and practical outfit, with the added benefit of my teething necklace generating a lot of enquiries from people. Although I hadn't known it beforehand, we had a little shop within the stall with teething necklaces for sale for fundraising. I showed the selection to a few people. This Balenciaga day bag easily held my water bottle and things inside while sitting in a corner of the stall too.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, pink maxi dress, gold glitter belt, gladiator sandals, Balenciaga tempete day bag.

Other ways to wear: pink maxi dress at 39 weeks, gold glitter belt and Aztec print, gladiator sandals worn 30 ways, Balenciaga tempete day bag and red skinny jeans.

---

More Balenciaga Day Bags:

---

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Ava elephant pendant teething necklace
Dress: Jeanswest 'Chantelle' crochet detail blue printed maxi dress
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bag: Balenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete

Why I wore it:

This was another ABA-related outfit! Blue everything to meet the 'matchy matchy' style challenge on Intagram. Except the black and tan sandals. Sometimes I think I'd like blue sandals...I already have a few colourful flats I don't wear nearly enough though. I've worn this Balenciaga day bag together with the maxi dress before, it's a great combination.

Wore this to head out to the local ABA mother's group. The meeting topic wasn't one that was particularly relevant to me as I'm past the newborn stage, but it was good to get out and have some morning tea and a chat with the other mums.

In the afternoon we popped out to grab a few quick groceries too. While maxi dresses can feel a little more formal (and I wear them for evenings out), they are so comfortable and easy to wear that I wear them for everyday too, no special occasions needed.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (above), blue printed maxi dress, studded sandals, Balenciaga tempete day bag (above).

Other ways to wear: blue printed maxi dress with pink and aqua, studded sandals and denim shorts, Balenciaga tempete day bag and blush pink.

---

Colourful Maxi Dresses Under $50:

---

How You Can Wear It:

Don't be afraid to wear bright accessories with a bright outfit. You can pick complimentary colours like pink and blue, or go monochrome and match your bag to your outfit for an easy, fail-safe match.




If you're pregnant or a new mum or both, I'd suggest checking out your local Australian Breastfeeding Association group. You can go to one without becoming a member, if you want to see what it's like first and how good the cakes are. In my experience though, the cake and the conversations are well worth the small $70 annual membership fee. 😂 Not a sponsored post, just wanted to share more about a group that's been a large part of my life this past year.


Linking up with Fabulous Friday, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Black Maxi Dresses, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Bags

I've shared my love of bright maxi dresses recently, but you can't beat a classic black maxi dress. It lets you wear colourful accessories without worrying about colours clashing.

When I bought the embellished maxi dress below I got rid of an older black maxi dress I had, but then a few months later picked up a second halter neck one in an opshop sale. While I'm not sure I need two black maxi dresses, I have been enjoying having both in my wardrobe. A black maxi dress is a neutral base that lets you wear any other colours you like.

What I wore: 

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Dress: Jeanswest 'Sierra' embellished black maxi dress (on sale!)
Shoes: Balenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH (on sale, 58% off!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

This maxi dress always feels a little special with the embellishments on the neckline. I'm aware that if I try to 'save' it in my wardrobe for a perfect occasion it will never get worn. While it's nice to feel dressed up for something like a family photoshoot, it's also good to add a little sparkle to everyday and so I wore this out to playgroup in the morning. It was definitely overdue a wear, last being worn almost a year ago while I was pregnant! It was worn to playgroup then too as I felt it was overdue a wear, ha!

I then foolishly attempted to go out in the afternoon again, where both the boys greatly amused the people waiting in line at the post office as I tried to mail some parcels of things I'd sold on ebay. Luckily they didn't get up to too much mischief!


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, embellished maxi dress, Balenciaga gladiator sandals, aquamarine mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: embellished maxi dress for Christmas day, pink Balenciaga gladiator sandals and shorts, aquamarine mini MAC and pink vest.

---

More Colourful Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Bags:

---

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Wilma teething necklace in pale daffodil
Dress: black Jeanswest halterneck maxi dress
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff striped coated canvas mini MAC in berry stripe

Why I wore it:

We had a playdate in the city so I knew a maxi dress would keep me cool and comfortable. The Queensland State Library has an area called 'The Corner' for kids which had a construction theme, perfect for Toddler T. Cooper didn't seem to like this outfit much, not wanting to be pictured near it, but I loved it. The plain black maxi dress is perfect with the printed Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag.

I find the little Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bags great for a day out with the boys - I can keep all the essentials on me while having my hands free (and the baby bag on the stroller) or even slip the bag into the baby bag if needed.

This striped mini MAC bag hasn't been worn as much as my other ones (like the aqua one above) as sometimes I find it tricky to pair with an outfit, but a plain black dress like this is perfect.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (above), black halterneck maxi dress, studded sandals, striped Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wear: black halterneck maxi dress and denim jacket, studded sandals and printed skirt, striped Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag.

---

Embellished or Halterneck Black Maxi Dresses Under $50:

---

How You Can Wear It:

Black maxi dresses provide an awesome backdrop for a colourful or printed bag - it really makes colours pop. A bright bag is a easy way to change up any neutral outfit, not just a LBD.



Linking up with What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl, Fashion Files, Fabulous Friday, Fun Fashion, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, Friday Faves.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Bright Maxi Dresses and Blue Bags

Despite my love for bright bags, I have very few bright clothes. Blue and grey are the main colours in my wardrobe. Over the past few years I've been trying to be more adventurous with colour thanks to reading lots of great blogs and looking up to people like Sheila who wear colour so easily. Now I have a couple of bright maxi dresses. I like maxi dresses as they are fuss-free instant outfits, and colourful dresses are a great way to ease into a more colourful wardrobe.

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Ava elephant pendant teething necklace
Dress: Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale, 44% off!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

Last time I wore this dress I shared that I bought it after seeing it on Instagram. Quite a few of the #everydaystyle ladies have it, and I always smile when I see it pop up in my feed. It also makes me smile every time I wear it, such a cheerful colour. Perfect for a hot day and I love how the aquamarine Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag matches with the print on the dress. We had a fun morning attending rhyme time for some singing and the dancing with the boys, a quiet day.

I don't always go matchy matchy with accessories, but the necklace and bag worked so wonderfully with this print I was glad I did it this time. I'll probably wear this similarly again, I liked it so much. It's only March but this is easily my favourite outfit of the year. Wouldn't change a single thing.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, coral printed maxi dress, studded gladiator sandals, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: coral printed maxi dress for Christmas day, studded gladiator sandals worn 30 ways, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC and pink vest.

---

More Bright Floral Print Maxi Dresses Under $50:

---

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo

Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
Shoes: Balenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH (on sale, 58% off!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale in black, or in blue)

Why I wore it:

Unlike the outfit above, I wore this for a much busier day. We had Baby Boy's weekly weigh and then a trip into the city for another specialist appointment, and family visiting in the afternoon. I really like this bright maxi dress as it's a nursing dress, perfect for a busy day and breastfeeding on the go.

I kept thinking of this bag after sharing it (and all my other bags) in my wardrobe inventory post, as it's really only worn in the office. Thought this tote would be a good carry all for the folder of documents I bring along to appointments for Baby Boy. Unlike my neverfull, it's quite a stiff bag and not very flexible or easy to use when you have a baby on your hip. You can't just use one hand to dig around inside when it's on your shoulder due to the inflexible sides. It spent most of the time hooked onto the stroller which I actually didn't mind.

Pink and blue is one of those colour combinations I really enjoy, but this bag just isn't practical for stay at home mum life. I was annoyed by this bag most of the day. It's going back to sit in the wardrobe awaiting my return to work in a few months.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (above), Mothers En Vogue maxi dress, gold glitter belt, sorbet Balenciaga sandals, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote.

Other ways to wear: Mothers En Vogue maxi dress and denim jacket, gold glitter belt in the office, studded Balenciaga sandals and maternity shorts, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote and fit and flare dresses.

---

More Pink Maxi Dresses Under $50:

---

If you want to add more colour to your wardrobe, try a bright dress. You don't have to worry about mixing and matching or clashing with other colours. You can let it shine on its own as the focal piece in your outfit, so it's incredibly easy to wear.


Linking up with Friday Faves, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Modest Monday, Shoe & Tell, Mix It Monday, Hello Monday, On Mondays We Link Up.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Empire Waist Maxi Dresses and Cross Body Bags | 6 Months Without Shopping Month 1

First month of the 6 months without shopping challenge completed already and I found it pretty easy for once! Didn't buy anything, despite tagging along for a trip to the outlets. Hoping I continue to do so well for the next 5 months.

I spent a lot of January catching up with friends and family and since they knew I was trying not to spend, we avoided the shops. The summer weather makes shops a less attractive option as well. The boys are keeping me busy too so I have less computer time which means less online shopping time.

Even though I'm not shopping there have been a few changes to my wardrobe since I last shared an update post in December. I got a cosy knit dress from my grandma and two scarves as belated Christmas gifts. I'm looking forward to wearing and enjoying them when autumn arrives. I also returned a couple of pieces from my December purchases as I didn't love them when I tried them on at home.



For what I've been wearing, some simple outfits with empire waist maxi dresses. I have always liked that style for maxi dresses, it accommodates pregnant belly nicely and it's wonderful post-baby when you have leftover mum-tum!

What I wore:

Earrings: A Little Bit of North blue mandala earrings (giveaway prize, close up photo)

Dress: Gypsy 05 orange ombre maxi dress
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale!)
Bracelets: the usual plus vintage charm bracelet
Bag: Mulberry Lily in maroon metallic suede leopard (get it in pink! Extra 20% off with code 'WINTER')
Nails: OPI Breakfast at Tiffany collection 'I got the mean reds' and 'Sunrise...bedtime'

Why I wore it:

Wore this pretty maxi dress to attend a late Christmas celebration with family who were overseas in December. I really wanted to wear this pretty metallic and suede bag as it matched my red and silver manicure (OPI Breakfast at Tiffany collection), and I knew I wanted to wear the dress. Wasn't sure if the orange and red would work together until I remembered something Sheila said - if the colours occur together in nature you know they will look good together in an outfit. Red and orange remind me of sunsets. So pleased I wore both pieces I think they look lovely together and I really liked this outfit!

Despite it not being one of my most popular outfits on Instagram this is one of my favourite outfits, wouldn't change a thing. It's such a simple outfit too. Every time I wear this dress I think of my lovely friend who gave it to me, I always feel good when I wear it.

The earrings are a beautiful prize I won on Instagram - handmade by A Little Bit of North. Highly recommend checking them out, they are based in Canberra. I did add a teething necklace to this but was in a rush so it was still in the baby bag when I took pics that morning.


Last worn: ombre maxi dress, Mulberry red suede Lily bag, Rebecca Minkoff studded sandals.

Other ways to wear: ombre maxi dress and kimono, Mulberry red suede Lily bag and graphic tee, Rebecca Minkoff studded sandals and chambray.

---

More orange and pink empire waist maxi dresses under $50:

---

What I wore:

Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo

Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

This is an old photo - from November! I'm not sure why this outfit hasn't been shared before now. I was trying to organise my photos to post and realised I hadn't used this one yet. While I take photos every day (as you can see on Instagram), I try to group them together into things that make sense for a post, like breastfeeding dresses or studded sandals and denim shorts.

It's what I wore to a playgroup Christmas picnic before the summer break. I've worn this dress with yellow before and really liked the combination so it was good to recreate it again with this mustard yellow bag. Nice and simple outfit, perfect for a picnic on a hot day and playing with the boys.


Last worn: Mothers En Vogue maxi dress, studded gladiator sandals (above), Rebecca Minkoff Micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wear: Mothers En Vogue maxi dress at 39 weeks pregnant, studded gladiator sandals and denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff Micro Regan bag and printed kimono.


Linking up with Budgeting Bloggers, Mix It Monday, Monday Mode, On Trend, Turning Heads, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday, Midweek Inspo, Oh Hey Girl, WIW Wednesday, What I Wore.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Summer Maxis, Sun Hat and Louis Vuitton Bags

Hats aren't really my thing. I only have two. A sun hat and a knitted beanie for winter that I won a couple years ago. Hats make a great accessory, but as I'm not a hat person I only use them practically. The sun hat I'm wearing below was a bargain Big W buy a few years ago and it's perfect for a little extra sun protection when I'm spending the day in the summer sun.

What I wore:

Hat: Big W bow detail sunhat

Dress: Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress
Bikini: Funkita Colour Love Stripes bikini
Shoes: slim gold Havaianas
Bag: Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Why I wore it:

A much more casual outfit with this pretty maxi dress I bought in December. Wore it over my bikini for a day by the beach. The bikini is covered up, but this is what it looks like.

It was a little windy and the sea was a bit rough so after letting Baby Boy experience the ocean and sand for the first time we ended up letting the boys play in the wading pool by the beach instead. This dress was perfect for taking off and on as I got in and out of the water with the boys. Last time I wore it I mentioned the straps were sliding off a lot, didn't notice it as much this time.


It's the second time I've worn this dress and I'm reviewing everything I buy after wearing it twice in a month to see if I'm making useful purchases.

This dress was a complete impulse buy. I only bought it after seeing it on a couple of people I follow on Instagram. I don't really need another maxi dress but it was nice to have something new to wear for Christmas day. I used to always have a new dress to wear for Christmas, but haven't been doing it much the past few years.

I don't need any more dresses and probably would have just walked by this in the store if I hadn't seen it on instagram first, but I know it's going to get a lot of wear so I'm pleased I bought it. Even if it wasn't a thought out purchase I do wear maxi dresses often so it will get used.



Last worn: woven sun hat, tropicana maxi dress, gold Havaianas, Louis Vuitton Neverfull.

Other ways to wear: sun hat and shorts, tropicana maxi dress at Christmas, Louis Vuitton Neverfull and a pencil skirt.

---

Bow Detail Sun Hats Under $50:

---

---

What I wore:

Hat: Big W bow detail sunhat

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Tank:  Jeanswest Maji metallic tank in soft green and silver (extra 30% off sale price!)
Skirt: Noisy May long denim maxi skirt
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale!)
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere
Nails: OPI Breakfast at Tiffany collection

Why I wore it:

Another day in the sun, another chance to wear my hat! We had a picnic in the park with the in-laws, eating leftover Christmas food and enjoying the lovely weather from the shade of a tree. This maxi skirt was perfect - the chambray was light enough that it didn't make me too warm, but it kept my legs away from the sun nicely.

I'd been wanting to pair this skirt and tank together since buying the tank. I really liked this combination, perfect for a relaxing picnic.


Last worn: sun hat (above), metallic tank, chambray maxi skirt, studded sandals, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere.

Other ways to wear: sun hat and printed dress, metallic tank and shorts, chambray maxi skirt in winter, studded sandals and chambray dress, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere and long cardigan.


Linking up with The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Let It Shine, Modest Monday, Hello Monday.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Maxi Dresses and Rebecca Minkoff Micro Regan Cross Body Bag

While in the hospital with Baby Boy, I dressed really casually in a tee and maxi skirt every day. It's a nice outfit combination, but after 2 weeks I was wanting something a little less casual. Perfect excuse to bring out some of my dresses when we returned home.

What I wore:

Sunnies: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Dress: Jeanswest 'Chantelle' crochet detail blue printed maxi dress
Shoes: slim gold Havaianas
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

A little bit of blue (my favourite and mood-boosting colour) to give me a little more confidence on my first solo outing with the boys after returning home from hospital. If you've seen my insta stories you'll know Baby Boy was discharged with a few extra pieces of medical equipment so it was a little daunting trying to return to our normal routine.

I picked the little yellow Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag as the cross body is helpful when chasing around the boys, and I really like the blue and yellow combo. The blue dress worked nicely for the #DecemberWearWhatWear and #DAREcember style challenge on instagram too. It was funny wearing this without a bump, last time it was worn I was 39 weeks pregnant with Baby Boy!

This was a great outfit for a morning catching up with some mum friends and attending a music lesson for the boys. The only thing I didn't like about this was that I forgot to grab a teething necklace that morning.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, blue printed maxi dress, gold Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wear: blue printed maxi dress for a 1st birthday, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag and denim shorts.

---

More Pretty Maxi Dresses Under $100:

---

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Zanele 40 handmade rope necklace
Dress: Jeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

One of the things waiting at home for me when we got out of hospital was this beautiful necklace, a Christmas present from my bestie! I thought I'd be able to wear it as although Baby Boy does like grabbing and tugging on things, he's a little more coordinated. I ended up taking the necklace off in the afternoon as I was worried he wasn't being gentle enough with it, and I'd hate the beading to be damaged. Might be a while before I wear this necklace again, as much as I love it.

I really liked how the neckline of the dress looked with the necklace, and I picked the yellow bag again as I thought it went nicely with the gold beads.

Simple outfit for a hot day running errands. The patchy tie-dye on the dress was perfect for the #DecemberWearWhatWhere style challenge on instagram too.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers (above), tie-dye maxi dress, black Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag (above).

Other ways to wear: tie-dye maxi dress and a fringe bag, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag and printed kimono.

Linking up with Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Flashback Fashion, Weekend Wear, Passion for Fashion.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Maxi Lengths: Dressy and Casual With Louis Vuitton Neverfull

It's no secret that I love maxi lengths even though I'm petite. I think a maxi is appropriate for almost every situation, and these two outfits illustrate that well with a formal maxi dress and a more casual maxi skirt. The Louis Vuitton neverfull tote works in multiple situations too!

What I wore:

Dress: Jeanswest Heather textured maxi dress in eggshell (C/O)

Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale!)
Bag:  Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Why I wore it:

Perfect for the 'maxi impact' instagram style challenge for SummerStyleFile, this dress was what I wore to go have our annual family Santa photo back in December. Trying to get Baby Boy, Toddler T and Cooper all happy and smiling at the camera was interesting though!

I really liked wearing this maxi dress for the photos - although I did take it off when we got home again as I figured untying it and tying it back up to breastfeed in would get too frustrating. The Louis Vuitton Neverfull and nude studded sandals made a really nice accessory combo too. It was fun wearing this dress for the first time without a baby bump, as I was pregnant the previous times I wore it!


Last worn: pastel maxi dress, studded gladiator sandals, Louis Vuitton Neverfull.

Other ways to wear: pastel maxi dress and purple bag, studded gladiator sandals and denim shorts, Louis Vuitton Neverfull and metallic jeans.

---

---

What I wore:

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop

Tee: Atmos&Here grey v-neck tee with rolled sleeves (similar in black or white)
Skirt: Target navy side split maxi skirt
Shoes: slim gold Havaianas
Bag:  Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Why I wore it:

Unlike the beautiful maxi dress above, this outfit was being worn for a much more casual occasion. This is what I wore to take Baby Boy into hospital. It had been a possible course of action discussed at our last specialist appointment so we knew it may happen in advance which made it a little less scary. This was a nice causal outfit, great for settling in and meeting some of the team who would be investigating Baby Boy and supporting us during our stay.


While the goal is to share everything I wear on the blog, I won't be posting the hospital outfits. I shared them on instagram, they are basically variations of this grey tee and maxi skirt outfit!

The hospital room outfit photos aren't the usual quality I'd have for blog photos so I hope you don't mind if we skip 2 weeks of hospital style. They were a nice distraction from everything and fun to share on Instagram but I have lots of other outfits to post anyway. I'm usually 2 weeks behind with outfits but for some reason posting December outfits in January makes me feel like I'm even more behind!


Last worn: slouchy grey tee, navy stripe maxi skirt, gold Havaianas, Louis Vuitton damier Neverfull (above).

Other ways to wear: slouchy grey tee and black skater skirt, navy stripe maxi skirt and cross body bag, Louis Vuitton damier Neverfull and purple jeans.


Linking up with Shoe&Tell, Modest Monday, Let It Shine, Hello Monday, Trend Spin.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

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:

Dress: festive glitter Santa tee

Shorts: Jeanswest Trinity Bermuda denim shorts (currently on sale, 40% off!)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Mulberry 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 wear: Christmas tee trio, Bermuda denim shorts and khaki tank, Mulberry leopard print Lily bag and maxi dress. 

---

What I wore:

Dress: Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress (new purchase)

Shoes: slim gold Havaianas
Bracelets: the usual plus gifted Tous pink and cream bracelet
Bag: Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap (same in pink, and 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 wear: vintage 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:

• Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress (worn once, above)
• Jeanswest Monica MAC trench coat in Indigo (not worn)
• Jeanswest Tory textured shirt (worn once)
• Jeanswest Luxe maxi jersey skirt (not worn)
• Jeanswest Peri drape sleeveless jacket (not worn)
• Atmos & Here Amorita jersey assymetric skirt (not worn)
• Atmos&Here Arlette Jersey Wrap Dress (not worn)
• Atmos&Here Avery chambray shirt dress  (not worn)

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, April, May, June, No buy July, August, No Spender September, October, November.

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.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It