Showing posts with label maxi dress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label maxi dress. Show all posts

Friday 5 January 2018

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Outfits

Skipping a few outfits I still haven't shared from December to post my Christmas outfits before we get too far away from Christmas day! I've linked to a few of the Christmas day photos I shared too, in case you missed them on social media.

For Christmas Eve, we traditionally do crafts, make and decorate cookies, listen to Christmas songs, and just relax and enjoy spending time together while wearing our Christmas tees. Christmas day was a busy one, we had both sets of grandparents in Brisbane so we split the day between them both. Different activities means two different outfits.

What I wore:

Christmas eve casual red and green outfit printed maxi skirt festive santa novelty glitter tee | away from blue

Christmas bow bracelet, Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram fun festive Christmas outfit casual novelty santa green tee red maxi skirt
EarringsJeanswest Evy dangly earring
Tee: festive glitter Santa tee
Skirt: thrifted Billabong red printed maxi skirt
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Christmas bow bracelet (with bells!)
BagRebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey with Rebecca Minkoff Crystal Star Shoulder Guitar strap

Why I wore it:

As Christmas eve was on a Sunday, we took advantage of the special Christmas service at our local church in the morning, before heading down the coast in the afternoon to spend time with my family.

As you might have seen from my overshare on Insta stories, we all wore our Christmas tees, made and decorated cookies, did some craft, ate a lot of good food and watched Polar Express with the boys for the first time. They loved it!

I often wear this tee with shorts to beat the heat (even while pregnant!) but decided to be a little different this year and wear with a skirt instead. Thanks to everyone who voted on Instagram to help me pick, I went with this red skirt over the chambray one I was also considering. Red and green are perfect Christmas colours!


Last worn: santa glitter tee, red printed maxi skirt, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff love bag. First time I've shared the guitar strap on the blog.

Other ways to wearsanta glitter tee and denim shorts, red printed maxi skirt and leather jacketRebecca Minkoff love bag and gold jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: santa glitter tee in second trimester, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag in third trimester.



Shop The Post:












What I wore:

ombre peach gypsy 05 maxi dress rose gold accessories yellow Balenciaga clutch summer Christmas day outfit | awayfromblue

mixed metal bracelet stack, Balenciaga envelope clutch in 2012 mangue with giant 12 RGGH | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram stories Christmas day mixed metal accessories bracelet stack
EarringsJeanswest Evy dangly earring
NecklacesTiffany diamonds by the yard necklace layered with Tai gold alphabet necklacesSilhoupette gold plated Shih Tzu necklace and gifted Lovisa gold filigree heart pendant
DressGypsy 05 orange ombre maxi dress
Shoesslim gold Havaianas
Bracelets: the usual plus silver charm bracelet, gifted Lovisa rose gold beaded bracelet stack
BagBalenciaga envelope clutch in 2012 mangue with giant 12 RGGH
Nails: OPI Breakfast at Tiffany Collection Five and Ten

Why I wore it:

This is what I wore for our family filled Christmas day. We started earlier than expected of course when the boys woke up, and spent the morning exchanging and unwrapping gifts. After playing with the new toys a little and dressing the boys in the new clothes Santa brought them, we headed out to Christmas lunch at the in-laws. Another Christmas tree, more Christmas presents and some yummy food and drink.

Instead of putting the boys down for a now much needed and overdue nap, we hopped into the car to drive to my parents and thankfully they slept a little then.

Another Christmas tree, more presents to be exchanged and so much good food, we a delicious Christmas dinner there. A storm hit in the evening so when it briefly stopped we headed home, perfect timing as once we were home again we got hit with a second storm.

With traveling, unwrapping presents, playing with toys and lots of food, I went with a classic maxi dress. It's my go to for Christmas day as we all like to get dressed up for it in my family. Hubby's family is much more casual, but a maxi dress is perfect for both places. With 36 degree heat too (97 fahrenheit) this light dress was all I could stand to wear.

Although it's been a while since I've bought a new dress for Christmas, I was happy to shop my wardrobe and pick out an existing maxi dress. My bestie gave me this one, and it never fails to get compliments. Added lots of gold and rose gold accessories to compliment the peach ombre maxi dress and colourful yellow Balenciaga envelope clutch.


Last worn: Gypsy 05 ombre maxi dress, gold Havaianas, Balenciaga mangue envelope clutch.

Other ways to wearGypsy 05 ombre maxi dress and kimono, Balenciaga mangue envelope clutch and printed jeans.

Perfect for pregnancyBalenciaga mangue envelope clutch in third trimester.


How You can Wear It


Formal or casual, however you dress to celebrate Christmas, comfort is key. With all of the good food you want something non-restrictive, so an empire waist maxi dress or elasticated maxi skirt is a good idea. Perfect for when the aircon gets too cold as it covers your legs, but loose enough to catch the breeze and keep you cool when it's a hot and humid day. You can wear a maxi in winter too, although snow might make it a little harder!

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas last week and you're having a great start to 2018!


Linking up with Lizzie in Lace, Style Wise, Friday Faves, Style Nudge, Hello Monday, Mix It Monday.


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Monday 1 January 2018

30 Wears: Pink Maxi Dress From Mothers En Vogue (Maternity/Nursing Dress)

Happy New Year!

The 30 wears series will continue in 2018, as I had so much fun doing it last year. Each month I'll show you 30 ways I've worn one of the pieces from my wardrobe in an effort to wear more of what I already own, and enjoy what I have instead of constantly buying more.

Kicking off this year's posts with a favourite, my 'Havana' pink maternity/nursing maxi dress from Mothers en Vogue. I'm surprised it's taken me so long to hit 30 wears with this piece, if you've been a regular reader you'll know I wear it often. Through 2 pregnancies and afterwards it always makes me feel great. It's one of the pieces heavily featured in my pregnancy style book too! One of those maternity pieces I'm keeping in my wardrobe, even though my pregnancy days are behind me.



#30 Wears: Pink Mothers En Vogue Empire Waist Maxi Dress


#30 wears: ways to wear a pink maxi dress | Away From Blue Blog


It's tricky to calculate cost per wear on this dress as I received it courtesy of Zibibo back in February 2014. It's nearly 3 years old. 'Courtesy of 'means I didn't have to pay anything for it, although as I said when I got it, it made me rethink my normal budget for a maternity piece as it was certainly worth the $129.90 retail price. 30 wears in almost 3 years means wearing it about once a month on average, which is impressive for such a statement piece and given how many dresses I have already.

All dresses that come into my wardrobe are judged against this dress. If they don't make me feel as good as this dress does, they don't stay! To have a piece that works for pregnancy and breastfeeding, for casual through to more formal events, is such a lifesaver when you're having the 'don't know what to wear' panic before an event.


Pink Dress and Gold Belt


3 ways to wear pink maxi dress and gold glitter belt | awayfromtheblue


This gold belt is a very common accessory! The gold glitter belt works perfectly with the bright pink of my maxi dress, and you'll see it pop up many times in the photos below. Belted over a baby belly, or even just belted over my left over mum-tum, a belt is a frequent go-to with this dress.


PInk Dress Unbelted


3 ways to wear plain pink empire maxi dress unbelted | awayfromblue


The best thing about a maxi dress is that it's an instant outfit. While I do like belting this maxi dress, sometimes you just want the simplicity of a maxi dress and not worrying about accessorising or belting it. As the empire waist on this maxi dress is elasticated, the belt is more for show than function anyway.


Scarf as a Belt


3 outfit ideas pink maxi dress and Louis Vuitton bandeau scarf as belt | awayfromblue


When I do want to belt this pink maxi dress but I want something other than the go-to gold belt option above, I try to mix things up a little with this Louis Vuitton bandeau scarf worn as a belt. I love how the colours in the scarf compliment the pink dress, it's got pinks and purples and orange in the print.


Pink Dress and ColourFul Bags


colourful bags to wear with a pink maxi dress #30wears | away from the blue


A bright pink maxi dress sounds pretty in your face, and when I ordered this I considered the grey one instead as I wasn't sure I could pull off so much pink. Every time I wear it though I'm so grateful I went with the colourful option. It's just so cheerful with all that colour. You don't need to stick with neutral accessories when wearing a bright dress. I like pairing the bright pink dress with colourful bags! Blue, purple or yellow, a colourful bag works nicely. As you can see I particularly love the pink and purple colour combination.

Pink Dress and Denim Jacket


denim jacket and pink maxi dress worn 4 ways | away from blue


I like this combo a lot, as you can see by my wearing it 4 times! The outfit with the printed snood is easily my favourite of all of these ones though. It was the first time I wore this dress without a baby bump, and I found it perfect for those early postpartum days. In spring or autumn a denim jacket is a great layer with a maxi dress, and you can add a printed scarf to keep you cosy if it's really cold.


Pink Dress and Layers


ways to layer up a pink maxi dress for multiple seasons 5 outfit ideas | awayfromblue


It's not just denim jackets that make good layers with maxi dresses! I like to wear cardigans with my maxi dresses, and for something different, a kimono. You can even try belting the layer over the top of the dress too, as I've done in two of the photos above.


Pink Dress in Pregnancy


mothers en vogue havana maternity nursing dress worn with a baby bump | away from blue


This Mothers En Vogue dress is a combo breastfeeding and pregnancy one, and it does both those things so well. With a nice bit of stretch, it easily covered a growing baby bump, even right through to the final days of pregnancy. It was nice to have something pretty I could pull on and feel good about in, no matter the size of the growing belly!


Pink Dress and Special Events


4 ways to wear a pink maxi dress to special events | away from the blue


Pregnant or not, this beautiful dress has become my default for special events. Christmas day, birthday parties, date nights. I think everyone needs that one staple piece in their wardrobe they can pull on for an event that makes them feel special. For me, this pink dress is it. I love how it turned out to be the last thing I photographed for the blog before giving birth to baby boy, it's such a cherished piece and that makes it even more so.




Pink Maternity Maxi Dresses Under $50:



Some of these are nursing ones too!

Non-maternity Pink Maxi Dresses Under $50:







Hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane and the chance to see the baby bumps across two pregnancies. This dress really has been worn to so many things, and accommodated all of the pregnancy and breastfeeding related body changes so well 😂 Want more outfit inspiration? Browse through all the times I've worn this MEV dress on the blog.


2017: A year of 30 wears posts


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Friday 17 November 2017

Maxi Dresses and Printed Kimonos with Rebecca Minkoff Bags

I love maxi dresses and I love kimonos, so it just makes sense to wear them together! I thought that these printed kimonos would be a nice touch with the plain maxi dresses, to add a little more fun to my outfits.

What I wore:

black halterneck jersey maxi dress Havaianas Somedays Lovin' Yakuza print kimono | away from the blue

printed kimono, silver bracelet stack, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather | away from blue

awayfromblue instagram outtake windy day kimono and maxi dress
JacketSomedays Lovin' Yakuza print kimono
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
Dressblack Jeanswest halterneck maxi dress
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

This is one of my most worn kimonos, but it's still not at 30 wears yet, this is only it's 26th wear! I'm hopeful I'll hit 30 wears on it by the end of the year, so you'll probably see it being worn a lot more often, just like I did with my purple cardigan when I was so close to 30 wears with it. Nice and comfortable outfit for a busy morning, taking Baby Boy for his weigh in session and getting my tax done and picking up groceries.

The only downside to this outfit was that it was a very windy day. I had so many issues trying to get a good photo, as the kimono kept getting caught in the wind!


Last worn: Somedays Lovin' kimono, black maxi dress, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC.

Other ways to wearSomedays Lovin' kimono and denim shorts, black maxi dress and denim jacket, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC and pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: printed kimono and maternity tankmaxi dress in third trimester, mini MAC in third trimester.


Maxi Dresses Under $50:





What I wore:

pink maxi dress with belted navy bird floral print kimono and purple accessories | awayfromblue

bracelet stack with Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum purple with pink dress | AwayFromTheBlue
Jacket: thrifted Edited floral and bird print kimono
Necklace: Nibbly Bits BB plum silicone teething necklace (C/O)
DressMEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow sunburst wrap bracelet in cobalt
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in pink, 43% off!)

Why I wore it:

I grabbed this maxi dress, my favourite, out of my wardrobe to try break a bit of an outfit slump I was in after our Sydney trip. It always makes me feel good when I wear it.

In an effort to try change this up a little, I decided to try belting a kimono over it. I've belted things over it in pregnancy before so I figured I'd try the look without the bump. While I liked this in the mirror, I think it looks a little off in the photo as the belt slipped down. Was a nice and colourful, comfortable outfit for playgroup though. I really liked the colours with the pink dress, purple bag and blue kimono together.

Last worn: navy printed kimono, gold glitter belt, pink maternity maxi dress, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote bag.

Other ways to wearnavy printed kimono and shorts, gold glitter belt and little black dress, pink maxi dress for a first birthday party, studded sandals and black shorts, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote bag and leopard print jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: belted dress in second trimester, pink maxi dress at 39 weeks, studded sandals and maternity shorts, mini MAB tote in third trimester.




Printed Kimonos Under $50:







How You Can Wear It:

A printed kimono is a great layer with a plain maxi dress. It's perfect for spring or autumn, as kimonos are so lightweight. It's a nice way to add some extra colour or print to your outfit, and you can belt it to try something a little different too.



Linking up with Friday Favourites, Shoe and Tell, Mix It Monday.



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Wednesday 4 October 2017

Maxi Dresses in Spring and Steam Train Sunday

Maxi dresses are such an easy outfit - extremely comfortable, very little thought required, but they still look like you put some effort into what you're wearing.

After having lost my voice a few weeks back and feeling a bit under the weather, but with a busy weekend ahead, I pulled out more maxi dresses. I really wanted to stay in bed in my pyjamas, but this was the next best thing!

What I wore:

black maxi dress with denim jacket spring SHAM style birthday party outfit | AwayFromBlue

Roie Design and Yondale and Tiffany Bracelet Stack with black maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC | AwayFromTheBlue
Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Dressblack Jeanswest halterneck maxi dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs pearl, howlite and hematite beaded bracelets
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC

Why I wore it:

After a tough day the day before which involved only being able to whisper despite having two energetic and mischievous toddlers, I contemplated cancelling our plans on Saturday. With a first birthday party and leaving party to attend though I knew I couldn't let the boys miss out. Knowing I wasn't contagious, it didn't feel right not letting the boys spend time with their friends. It was quite a sad farewell, one of my friends is moving away and our children have grown up together, her two girls are similar ages to my two boys.

I like maxi dresses and denim jackets together, especially for spring, so I repeated the outfit formula again. The colorful silicone teething necklace broke up the monochrome outfit a bit and was just enough of a pop with the black maxi dress and silver bag and ballet flats.


Last worn: denim jacket, black maxi dress, bow detail flats, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: denim jacket worn 30 waysblack maxi dress and kimono, bow detail flats and wrap dress, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC.

Perfect for pregnancy: denim jacket and third trimester bump, maxi dress in second trimester, mini MAC in third trimester.



Rebecca Minkoff Metallic Mini MAC Bags:







What I wore:

pink maxi dress for spring steam train sunday silver mini MAC grey cardi scarf as belt | Away From Blue

pink maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC | Away From THe Blue
Jacket: Paper Scissors grey wrap cardigan
Necklace: Nibbly Bits BB plum silicone teething necklace (C/O)
DressMEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Beltblue Coach twilly scarf
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC

Why I wore it:

I was upset to be feeling unwell on this day as we had been looking forward to it for months! Toddler T loves trains but has never actually been on one. We decided to take him along to Steam Train Sunday as a surprise. I've included a little video below. The train does a loop around the city for about an hour, and he loved every bit of it!

We got there early to the station to watch the train come in and he was so excited, especially when we said he could go for a ride on it. It's definitely worth it if you're in Brisbane! You get to walk around the train carriage, between the carriages, and to talk to some of the staff who can tell you more about the train and the history. Fun way to spend a morning, and toddler T spent quite a few days afterwards telling everyone about his trip!





Again I wanted something easy, but also to get a little dressed up as it was a big family day out. This trusty pink maxi dress was a good solution. I tend to wear it pretty similarly every time now, so I tried something a little different with the blue Coach silk scarf as a belt instead of my usual Louis Vuitton bandeau. While I liked the colour combination of this, I did find this scarf slid around a lot more than my bandeau and I don't think I'll pair these pieces together again.

One thing to note with steam train Sunday is the soot. We were nearer the middle of the train and had the window open all the time. With trips out onto the walkway between the carriages as well, we did get a little sooty. Nothing a quick bath couldn't clear up afterwards though.


Last worn: grey cardigan, Coach silk scarf, Mothers En Vogue maxi dress, black ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC (above).

Other ways to weargrey cardigan and skinny jeans, Coach silk scarf tied on a bag, Mothers En Vogue maxi dress for dinner with friends, black ballet flats and wrap dress, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC and printed jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: maxi dress at 39 weeksblack ballet flats and maternity pencil skirtmini MAC disguising an early second trimester bump.



Maxi Dresses Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:


Maxi dresses are instant outfits. If it's a little cooler, add a simple layer like a denim jacket or a neutral cardigan. While it takes very little effort, a maxi dress looks pulled together enough for a party and casual enough for a trip on the train.



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



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Friday 22 September 2017

Maxi Dresses, Denim Jacket and Silver Mini MAC

Father's day weekend celebrations at the start of September meant the chance to dress up a little with my favourite maxi dresses. Maxi dress and denim jacket is a frequently worn outfit combo for both spring and autumn for me.

What I wore:

easy spring lunch outfit: ombre Gypsy 05 peach maxi dress denim jacket | Away From Blue

Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram spring ombre gypsy 05 maxi dress outfit with denim jacket
Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
DressGypsy 05 orange ombre maxi dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC

Why I wore it:

Wore this for to celebrate Father's day with the family and then the in-laws in the afternoon. I got lucky and even though we ate out for lunch we had takeaway for dinner. It was nice not to have to cook anything other than breakfast all day!

This dress is so beautiful, always gets a lot of love when I wear it. Pleased to have it in my wardrobe after my bestie tired of it and gave it to me. I liked how well the feather pendant matched the peach of the dress, and the silver mini MAC bag was a good neutral too.

I wore silver ballet flats with this too but they are a little tricky to see as the breeze kept catching the hem of the dress.


Last worn: denim jacket, ombre Gypsy 05 maxi dress, silver ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC.

Other ways to weardenim jacket and purple jeans, ombre Gypsy 05 maxi dress and lace kimono, silver ballet flats and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC and leopard print jeans.


Perfect for pregnancy: denim jacket and black dress, ballet flats and maternity wrap dress, mini MAC and maternity tanks in third trimester.


Bright Maxi Dresses Under $50:







What I wore:

mothers en vogue havana pink maxi dress denim jacket LV scarf as belt spring brunch outfit | AwayFromBlue

pink maxi dress, bracelet stack, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram easy spring breastfeeding outfit pink MEV maxi dress denim jacket
Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
EarringsA Little Bit of North blue mandala earrings (giveaway prize, close up photo)
Necklace: Nibbly Bits BB plum silicone teething necklace (C/O)
DressMEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
ScarfLouis Vuitton "comete" bandeau scarf (worn as belt)
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs howlite and hematite beaded bracelets
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC

Why I wore it:

I wore this the day before as we had an early Father's Day brunch with my dad and family. We ended up sitting outside at the restaurant and it was such lovely weather I really didn't need my denim jacket on. A good start to spring.

You'll probably already know that this maxi dress is my favourite given how much I wear it! One of those treasured maternity pieces that works perfectly for breastfeeding too and so pretty that I continue to wear it even though those days are behind me. Nothing new here with this wearing! It's been worn many times with this denim jacket, and the colourful Louis Vuitton bandeau scarf as a belt is a favourite go-to outfit combination.

Just like the outfit above I wore the metallic silver mini MAC bag with this, silver was a good neutral with the colourful dress.

The good thing about maxi dresses is that they work for so many occasions - later that afternoon we had to go grocery shopping, no need to change into a different outfit!


Last worn: denim jacket (above), pink maxi dressLouis Vuitton bandeau, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff metallic mini MAC (above).

Other ways to weardenim jacket and shirt dress, maxi dress for a first birthday party, Louis Vuitton bandeau as a hairband, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats in the office, Rebecca Minkoff metallic mini MAC and monochrome jeans outfits.


Perfect for pregnancy: denim jacket and hidden second trimester bump, pink maxi dress at 39 weeks pregnantLouis Vuitton bandeau over a second trimester bump, ballet flats and maternity pencil skirtmini MAC and third trimester maternity denim.




Denim Jackets Under $50:









How You Can Wear It:


Maxi dresses are perfect for summer, but it's so easy to wear them on a warm spring or autumn day by simply adding a denim jacket. A denim jacket is a classic outfit topper which looks good with all styles of dresses, definitely a must have piece for spring.


Linking up with Lizzie In Lace, Fab Favourites, Mix It Monday, Modest Monday, Hello 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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