Printed Dresses, Converse and Denim Jackets

While it's definitely winter weather (at least in the mornings) now in Brisbane, I took advantage of the mild autumn weather to wear a favourite outfit combination when I wore these. I've been wearing dresses and denim jackets a lot recently, it's a great go-to for the in between seasons. Even though I'm wearing a shift dress and a maxi dress, both dresses look great with the denim jacket and Converse.

What I wore:

Sunnies: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
Dress: Jeanswest Nikki printed shirt dress
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

Wore my pretty yet not baby friendly necklace as I had a few hours kid-free again. Just like last time, I had a physio appointment so a dress was the easiest option for me to wear workout leggings for the session and then take them off again afterwards. Also squeezed in a trip to the dentist.

While the speedy bandouliere bag is a great option for spending time with the toddlers because of the cross body strap, I still enjoy wearing it even when I'm not with them.

Converse were a good practical choice for physio and running between appointments, and I'll always love the casual simplicity of dresses and Converse!


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, denim jacket, Jeanswest printed shift dress, black Converse All Star, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere.

Other ways to wear: denim jacket and shorts, Jeanswest printed shift dress in summer, black Converse All Star and flares, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere and denim shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: denim jacket and hiding a baby bump, Converse for second trimester travel, speedy bandouliere and maxi skirt in second trimester.

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More Denim Jackets Under $50:

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What I wore:

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

Necklace: House of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
Dress: Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs pearl, howlite and hematite beaded bracelets
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

I've worn this dress and denim jacket together before, it's a combination I really like. First time I've worn this maxi dress (or any maxi dress!) with Converse though. I've mentioned previously that I see this as the #everydaystyle dress on Instagram - I bought it after seeing it pop up in my feed twice in one day and I continue to see it  making an appearance.

The beautiful SuperKombi wore hers with Converse a while ago and the outfit idea was one I was waiting to try. This day seemed like the perfect chance!

We had a birthday party at the park in the morning for one of Toddler T's friends, and then an early Mother's Day celebration on the coast with my parents. The maxi dress felt formal enough for both events, yet was also comfortable and practical to chase two toddlers around the playground thanks to the Converse.

It was a cooler autumn morning when I wore this so I considered a leather jacket, but I'm glad I stuck with the denim one as it did get a little warm when the sun broke through the clouds at the playground.


Last worn: denim jacket (above), coral floral maxi dress, white Converse Chucks, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag.

Other ways to wear: denim jacket with double denim, floral maxi dress for Christmas Day, white Converse Chucks and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag and striped skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: Rebecca Minkoff Love bag with black dress in third trimester.

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Where to Buy Converse Low Top Sneakers:

(Most are under $50)

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How You Can Wear It:

It's so easy to slip on a dress and Converse for a busy day. If you have a neutral black or white pair like I do, they will work nicely with any printed dress you try! Like I've shown in the photos above, Converse look great with shorter dresses as well as longer maxi dresses. They work especially well with dresses in spring and autumn, keeping your feet cosy as the temperature dips through the day. They are also a great choice for mums, perfect for chasing toddlers in! It's such a classic and iconic shoe.


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How to Have a Stylish Pregnancy On a Budget: eBook & Giveaway!

This has to be the most nervous and excited I have ever been about posting. I'm sharing my first eBook!

Stylish Pregnancy on a Budget: how to stick to your personal style and budget during pregnancy

It's a guide for you to identify your own pregnancy style and wear what works for you and your growing bump. I've crammed it full of all of the best tips, tricks and exactly what you need to know to effortlessly dress your bump and feel comfortable and confident through your pregnancy. It explains how to navigate maternity clothing and only buy what you really need, identify what you already have that will work for you, and even how to create your own pregnancy capsule wardrobe. With more than 5 years of personal style blogging over two pregnancies, I have of course included a lot of outfit inspiration and ideas too.

When you're pregnant your 'I have nothing to wear' days increase as your growing baby limits your wardrobe options. With this pregnancy style guide you'll be able to minimise those days! You'll know what outfits you have in your wardrobe that will work for you in each trimester and be able to stay true to your personal style through your pregnancy. It's got the knowledge I acquired through two pregnancies so you don't have to make the same expensive mistakes I did when buying maternity clothing.



It's normally $2.95, but for everyone who enters the giveaway to win a copy I'm giving you a special discount code just for the book launch. The discount code will bring the price down to $1.50, even if you don't win the giveaway. The code is only valid for 48 hours so snap it up when you can! Just click here to buy it.


Newer readers might wonder why I'm coming out with this book now, over a month after baby boy's first birthday. This has been a long time in the making. Spending time in July last year with a special friend gave me the confidence to give the book a try and I started writing it. With Baby Boy's health issues and hospital stay it just kept getting pushed back further and further. It's come together now with a lot of support and encouragement! A little later than I hoped, but I'm no less proud of managing to actually write an eBook. I even have an affiliate program, so if you like the book and want to be part of it send me a message.

All of the early feedback has been so positive and I'm thrilled to be able to offer this pregnancy style resource to you!

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Enter the giveaway below to get your discount code and have the chance to win a copy. To enter, leave a blog post comment telling me who you'd want to win the eBook for. The answer that makes me smile the most will be the winner. Giveaway ends on Sunday 28th May. Winning is a game of skill, judge's decision is final.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Excited about the ebook but don't need it in your life right now and can't think of anyone who does? That's okay, I've got an outfit to share too!

What I wore:

Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklaces

Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: white and silver sequin scarf worn as a belt
Bracelets: the usual plus silver charm bracelet

Why I wore it:

This is what I wore for Baby Boy's first birthday party. I wanted to wear this pretty dress again after it was the last blog photo I took while pregnant with him, seemed fitting to wear it for his party.

The first birthday is always an emotional celebration, but even more so this time. Since Baby Boy's speedy arrival into the world things have been so different in so many ways, but through it all we have been blessed. Thank you to everyone who has supported us over his first year, from friends and family helping us to people online reaching out with advice, support and encouragement.


Blogging is my me-time and while it might be in short supply with 2 boys under 3, it's always fun to come and share my outfits and now my eBook with you all. Thank you. 💕


Last worn: sequin scarf, Mothers En Vogue Maxi Dress.

Other ways to wear: sequin scarf as a headband, pink maxi dress and denim jacket.

Perfect for pregnancy: Mothers En Vogue maxi dress at 39 weeks.



Linking up with Style Nudge, Mix It Monday, Modest Monday, Hello Monday, How I Spring, On Monday We Link Up, Monday Mode, On Trend, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Turning Heads, The Style File, Spread The Kindness, Midweek Inspo, What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl, Wardrobe Wednesday, Thursday Moda, Fashion Files, WIWT, Spotlight Weekly, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, Passion for Fashion, Friday Faves, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Tip Tuesday.

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Maxi Dresses and Denim Jackets For Church

With the autumn weather starting to arrive in Queensland, you will be seeing lots of different levels of layered outfits if you follow me on instagram as the weather is quite varied. One thing it thankfully always is though is cooler in the morning and evenings. That means for two early morning starts to attend church I needed an extra layer over my maxi dresses, and this denim jacket was perfect.

I bought this denim jacket either before or during my uni days - can't remember exactly. I'm sure it's clocked up more than 30 wears but I didn't regularly take outfit pictures before I started the blog. I love a maxi dress and denim jacket outfit when it's cooler.

What I wore:

Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Ralph Lauren silk scarf worn as belt
Shoes: Balenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH
Bracelets: the usual plus silver charm bracelet
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

This was my Easter Sunday church outfit! I usually go to (and volunteer at) Church Online. But for special occasions it's nice to go to an actual physical church building. Currently swimming lessons are stopping us from going regularly but I'll want to take the boys more often when they get bigger.

This is easily one of my favourite maxi dresses - it was a perfect pregnancy dress too, and is a dedicated nursing piece. With the denim jacket it was perfect for a morning at church, watching the boys eat chocolate eggs with lunch and then going out for dinner with the family.

Picked the scarf to wear as a belt as pastels are perfect for Easter, and I'd started to feel I was always wearing this maxi dress with a gold belt so wanted to change it up a little. I think the pink, lilac and aqua of the bag all worked really nicely together in this outfit.


Last worn: denim jacket, Ralph Lauren scarf, MEV nursing maxi dress, Balenciaga sandals, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wear: denim jacket for double denim, Ralph Lauren scarf and little black dress, MEV nursing maxi dress at 39 weeks pregnant, Balenciaga sandals and denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC bag and floral kimono.

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More Pink Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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What I wore:

Sunnies: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers
Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Wilma teething necklace in pale daffodil
Dress: Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale, 44% off!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold

Why I wore it:

This was another church outfit! Wore this to go to a new church that a family friend had started up. It was their first time in a new building and it's kind of close to where we live so we wanted to go and support them on their first day.

Although this maxi dress is a bold and colourful choice on it's own, I decided to branch out a little and pair the mustard yellow micro Regan bag with it. A very colourful outfit for me, but one I really loved!


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, denim jacket (above), tropical print maxi dress, gladiator sandals, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wear: denim jacket and skirt, tropical print maxi dress for the beach, gladiator sandals and denim shorts, mustard yellow bag and grey tees.

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Denim Jackets Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

You don't have to reserve your maxi dresses for spring and summer! Wear them in autumn or any cooler day with a denim jacket for warmth and an easy, simple outfit. Perfect for the days when you're in a rush trying to get yourself and two toddlers organised and out the door.


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Maxi Dresses and Matching Bags

I've been wearing my maxi dresses often as they are the simplest outfit - grab and go! Accessorising is easy too. When in doubt you can always go monochrome with a bag that's a similar colour to your dress.

What I wore:

Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Ava elephant pendant teething necklace

Dress: Jeanswest 'Chantelle' crochet detail blue printed maxi dress
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:

I've worn almost the exact same outfit recently, I just wore Rebecca Minkoff gladiator sandals this time instead of my two-tone Wittner sandals. The Balenciaga day bag is a frequently repeated accessory with this dress too. While the navy blue of the dress isn't an identical match to the grey-blue of the Balenciaga bag, it's a combination I like to wear. Blue dress, blue bag and in this case a blue necklace just makes me happy because of all of the blue.

This blue maxi dress is the one I wore to Toddler T's first birthday party, so I had considered wearing it to Baby Boy's first birthday party too. Decided to wear another dress instead, and wore this to Baby Boy's birthday celebration at playgroup.


Last worn: blue printed maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff gladiator sandals, Balenciaga tempete day bag.

Other ways to wear: blue printed maxi dress and a baby bump, Rebecca Minkoff gladiator sandals and denim shorts, blue Balenciaga day bag with pink and purple.

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More Blue Printed Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Wilma teething necklace in pale daffodil
Dress: Jeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale, 44% off!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey

Why I wore it:

Another playgroup outfit! I'd picked this maxi dress to wear as I'd been participating in the #AutumnStyleFile instagram style challenge and the theme for the day was a jumpsuit. Being petite, I don't have any jumpsuits or playsuits so this maxi dress as an all-in-one outfit seemed like a good alternative. Nice and easy for a morning running around with the boys too.

I added the yellow teething necklace as I felt the grey Love bag and tie dye dress together needed a little extra colour.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, tie dye maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded sandals (above), Rebecca Minkoff quilted Love cross body bag.

Other ways to wear: tie dye maxi dress and baby bump, Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded sandals and printed shorts, Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag and summer layers.

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More Tie Dye Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

A printed maxi dress means there's a lot of print in your outfit, but it doesn't mean it's hard to accessorise. You can wear a bag in a similar colour for a monochrome outfit without a lot of effort. You can keep the rest of your accessories coordinating or add a pop of colour through a statement necklace.


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Maxi Dresses and Autumn Layers

Hope you all enjoy the Easter long weekend! If you're unable to make it to your regular church, you can always celebrate easter at Church Online no matter where you are in the world!


Although Autumn took a little longer to arrive in Brisbane than I'd hoped, it is nice to take advantage of the slightly cooler mornings and evenings and layer up my maxi dresses a little. Denim jackets and kimonos are ideal layering pieces for those in-between seasons when temperatures fluctuate through the day and you need things you can easily take off and on.

What I wore:

Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Wilma teething necklace in pale daffodil
Dress: JayJays feather print maxi dress
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey

Why I wore it:

Had a little bit of a busy morning rushing around trying to run errands and get organised for a playdate. Decided to wear this printed maxi dress as it was an easy, instant outfit and it's been a while since I wore this dress. Halfway through #6monthsWithoutShopping, I'm trying to make my wardrobe more interesting by picking things I haven't worn in a while.

I had a quick look through my blog archives and was surprised to find I hadn't actually worn this jacket and dress together before. I'm sure I have before I even had a blog, as these are really old pieces of my wardrobe. A printed maxi dress and denim jacket is such a great outfit idea when you need a little extra warmth.



Last worn: denim jacket, feather print maxi dress, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff quilted Love bag.

Other ways to wear: denim jacket with double denim, feather print maxi dress and a baby bump, studded sandals and shorts, Rebecca Minkoff quilted Love bag and chambray.

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More Denim Jackets Under $50:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Shein cream lace kimono (C/O)

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Dress: Jeanswest 'Sierra' embellished black maxi dress (on sale!)
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

After a few showery days I wanted to add another layer to this maxi dress as it was cooler, but couldn't decide which piece to wear. I considered the denim jacket I wore above, but wanted something soft as I was babywearing most of the day. I worried this lace kimono would be too 'busy' with the embroidery and bead embellishments on this maxi dress, but tried it on anyway and really liked the combination, I don't think it was too much in the end.

Some colourful accessories with the teething necklace and neon pink mini MAC bag to brighten up my outfit a little. We headed into the city to see some turtles hatching at the museum for part of Science Week in Brisbane.

It was really fascinating, especially for toddler T, who got to see turtles hatching up close after getting excited by a picture of it in one of his books. He got to pat a few turtles too. While we got there at the worst time and the line to get in was huge, the staff were good at providing updates and keeping everyone amused as we waited. It was an incredible experience and I'm so glad we did it.


Last worn: lace kimono, embellished maxi dress, studded sandals (above), Rebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wear: lace kimono and denim shorts, embellished maxi dress at 39 weeks pregnant, studded sandals and button up dresses, Rebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC bag and flares.

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More Lace Kimonos Under $50:

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How You can Wear It:

Autumn is the perfect time to get some use out of all of those light layering pieces like denim jackets and kimonos. A classic denim jacket and dress combination works well for spring too! It's a nice way to continue to wear your summer pieces for another season, just by adding an extra layer.


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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.

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More Balenciaga Day Bags:

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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.

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Colourful Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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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.


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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.

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More Colourful Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Bags:

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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.

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Embellished or Halterneck Black Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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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.



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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.

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More Bright Floral Print Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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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.

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More Pink Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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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.

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