Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts

Friday, 2 March 2018

30 Ways to Wear a Grey Maxi Skirt: #30Wears Challenge Outfits

A 30 wears post with this classic grey marle jersey maxi skirt is so overdue. It's been worn nearly 50 times (48 exactly!) since I bought it in my third trimester four years ago.

The #30wears challenge is committing to wearing things you buy at least 30 times. As I take daily outfit photos, I have over 6 years of outfits to look back on and see all the different times I've worn things. Blog labels and searches in the archives come in helpful for pulling these posts together, and it's fun to see how many things I've hit 30 wears on.

#30Wears: Grey Marle Jersey Maxi Skirt


30 ways to wear a grey jersey maxi skirt | away from the blue blog #30wears

It's no secret that I love maxi skirts, and I've posted a few #30 wears posts featuring some of my maxi skirt collection (see them at the end of the post).

Maxi skirts are for petites too! I got lucky with this Target one, the perfect petite friendly length with no hemming required. It was $25, so that's 52 cents a wear so far on it. It's got a lot of life left in it still, and it's not going anywhere from my wardrobe. Not bad for an impulsive pregnancy buy four years ago!


Maxi Skirt and Graphic Tees (and a Tank)


outfit ideas grey jersey maxi skirt and graphic tees | away from the blue

A plain grey maxi skirt makes it easy to wear fun printed graphic tees, as it's a great neutral base. Even though one of these is a graphic tank instead of a tee, you can see it's still just as simple to wear. A nice easy outfit to pull together, the graphic top adds interest that the plain skirt lacks.


Maxi Skirt and Long Sleeve Tops


3 ways to wear grey maxi skirt and long sleeve tops | awayfromtheblue


Maxi skirts work well in cooler weather with long sleeve tops. The long skirt protects your legs from the cold and keeps you cosy, and a longer sleeved top is an extra layer for a cooler day. If it's really cold, a scarf makes you even warmer. Again, you can see in these three outfits that the plain maxi skirt base means you can add fun printed scarves, bright colours, or even a top with embroidery detail, without your outfit feeling too overpowering.


Maxi Skirt and Layers


6 different ways to layer a maxi skirt for cooler weather | awayfromblue

Sometimes you need a little more than a long sleeve top with a maxi skirt. As I wear my maxi skirts year-round, I've worn them with all kinds of layers. You can see the variety in these outfits, with a denim jacket, cardigans, a blazer, and a kimono. I've also worn this skirt in the middle of winter with a leather jacket when it's been really cold. These layering options are great pieces to add in spring or autumn when it's too cool to wear a skirt and top on it's own.


Grey Maxi Skirt And Summer Outfits


3 easy ways to wear a grey maxi skirt in summer | away from blue

A maxi skirt is really made for summer though, it makes summer dressing easy. And if you have babies or toddlers, the long maxi length means you can run around with them and not worry about things being too short or showing more than you intended when you bend over to pickup the kids, or something they've dropped for the tenth time that day, ha!


Grey Maxi Skirt and Monochromatic Outfits


3 monochromatic outfit ideas with grey jersey maxi skirt | awayfromtheblue

Lots of colourful outfits so far, but you can go completely neutral with a grey skirt and create a monochrome or monochromatic outfit. I like the two shades of grey together on the end there, but with the black v-neck tee is my favourite. I'm still sad that tee didn't survive through too many incorrect wash cycles on the washing machine and had to leave my wardrobe.


Jersey Maxi Skirt In Pregnancy


jersey maxi skirt in third trimester | away from the blue blog

third trimester outfits with jersey stretchy maxi skirt | away from the blue

Since I bought this maxi skirt while I was pregnant, it makes sense that the most frequent way to wear it has been with a baby bump. It's been so nice having this piece that I could wear through my third trimesters with both my boys - and still be wearing and loving it afterwards. I'm impressed the elastic has held up too, they were pretty big baby bumps near the end!


Jersey Maxi Skirt Postpartum


postpartum outfit ideas with a grey maxi skirt | away from the blue blog

Forgiving jersey material, a soft stretchy elastic waistband, all the things I loved about this skirt in pregnancy make it a great postpartum choice too. Much nicer pulling this on in the newborn days than attempting to squeeze into something with buttons, a zipper, or zero stretch! Having something you know will still fit and make you feel great makes getting dressed easy after being up all night with a newborn, and anything to make parenting easier is a winner!


Grey Maxi Skirt for Travel


travel style with a grey jersey maxi skirt: outfit ideas | awayfromtheblue


I've gone on about how great this jersey maxi skirt is to wear, but the material is perfect to travel with too! It's comfortable for a long day of sightseeing, it can be crumpled up in a carry on bag and doesn't need ironing at your destination. For pregnancy travel (the middle pic) it was wonderful, and for running around Sydney with two toddlers (the left and right photos) it works just as well.



It makes me happy to have a piece in my wardrobe that's wrapped around my baby bump for both boys that's still going strong. It's nice to put together a post like this and see the bumps at different stages. So many fun memories attached to the times I've worn this skirt. I'm enjoying continuing the 30 wears challenge this year as it's great putting these posts together.



Grey Jersey Maxi Skirts Under $50:





This Target skirt is no longer available, but above are some great alternatives, all under $50!




30 Ways to Wear a Grey Maxi Skirt (In Video Format):





More Posts in the #30Wears Series:


Perfect if you're looking for more ways to wear outfit inspiration! Alternative, see all the 48+ ways I've worn this skirt in my blog archives.


Linking up with Passion for Fashion, Lizzie In Lace, Shoe & Tell, Mix It Monday, Hello Monday, On Monday We Link Up, Modest Monday, Wardrobe Wednesday.


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Wednesday, 29 November 2017

Gift Guide: Mum and Mum to Be Under $50

The ultimate gift guide for a mum or mum to be, under $50! I thought it might be helpful to compile a list of budget-friendly gift ideas for your pregnant friend or new mum, with things I recieved or wished I received when pregnant and some mum-approved picks.

I know not everyone loves gift guides so I'm only going to do a couple this year just like last year, and you can always check out my previous post if you prefer just seeing outfits.




Pregnancy Gift Guide Under $50


Pampering is key here. Pregnancy is an incredible miracle, but you don't always feel like you're glowing and floating gracefully through your pregnancy!




Pictured in the guide:

Pregnancy Style on a Budget eBook

The ultimate guide to having a stylish pregnancy on a budget, gift this to your pregnant friend to help her continue to stay true to her personal style through pregnancy, and start each day looking and feeling great! Plus it's under $5! (I think it's the best value ebook ever but I may be biased, being the author!)

Pregnancy Body Pillow

$50 at Overstock
I got through a pregnancy without this and thought it was maybe a little gimmicky, but when I was given one for my last pregnancy that all changed - they are SUCH a good way to have a comfortable sleep! Highly recommend these!

Body Moisturiser Gift Pack

The Body Shop Shea Butter Set or Body Butter Gift Set both under $35
Whether you believe it helps stretch marks or not, a daily ritual of moisturising the growing bump becomes an essential part of pregnancy. It's a good way to sooth stretched skin, so a little pamper pack like this will gt a lot of use. Just be sure to double-check before you buy - pregnancy aversions may mean previously loved scents aren't tolerated any more. Bio-oil and shea butter are pretty popular but any lovely moisturiser can be used.

Confetti Water Bottle

Under $30 at Shopbop
Pregnancy is thirsty work, and it's easy to get your increased daily intake of water when your water bottle is as cute as this! I have the confetti tumbler version at home and love it, so sparkly.

Organiser/Agenda

Kate Spade Under $40 at Nordstrom
Essential to record all of those appointments, track pregnancy milestones and keep a daily-to-do list. Baby brain is real, having things written down helps.

Happy Wishes Jar

Gift Boutique Happy Wishes Jar at Shopbop
A cute jar to start recording happy wishes for baby - this makes a nice idea for a baby shower too.

Cute Sleepwear

'Mama Bird' maternity sleepwear set from BooHoo
Not for in labour, because that gets messy, but something nice she can wear now and pack in her hospital bag for later. There are a lot of cute bump-specific slogan sets, but 'mama bird' works for pregnancy and afterwards! More cute sleepwear at The Iconic.

Cosy Cardigan and Blanket Scarf

Open knit purple cardigan under $50 and tartan blanket scarf under $50
Because cardigans you don't have to button don't have to be maternity ones, she can wear them open over the growing bump. Add in a cute scarf to keep her warm while the cardigan is open and she'll be able to see through a cold weather pregnancy in style. As a bonus, the scarf can double up as a breastfeeding cover-up post baby!

A Roomy Handbag

Monogram stripe tote under $50
A big tote is a nice idea - to hold the snacks, bottles of water and to-do lists that you cart everywhere with you in pregnancy. Something monogrammed is a nice personal touch. You could even consider buying a baby bag too if you know what one she's picked out already.






Mum Gift Guide Under $50:


When you're a mum it can be hard to find time to yourself or to justify splurging on yourself instead of your kids, so little things to make her feel special are a good idea. And with any time-consuming activity, an offer of free babysitting to accompany it is so incredibly thoughtful! It's much easier to use movie tickets or spa vouchers if you know your kids are in good hands.





Pictured in the guide:

Coffee Mug

But First Coffee Thermal Mug under $25
A mug is nice, but an insulated tumbler that will keep coffee warm for longer is a mum essential, especially in those sleep deprived early days. Coffee vouchers are a good idea too for caffeine on the go.

Line a day journal

Sentence a Day from Kikki.K under $30 or Sentence a Day for mothers under $20
It's hard to find time for anything when you're a mum, but recording a sentence a day is definitely doable, and a sweet memento to look back on when the kids are bigger. A good way to keep track of things even in the early days of motherhood!

Treat Yourself Voucher

Little book of love vouchers under $10
Movies, spa treatments, mani/pedis, personal style sessions, there are so many options. A personal stylist session is a great gift for a mum who is feeling a little lost in her wardrobe post-baby! As mentioned above, make sure to include an offer of babysitting with your voucher, or find a local child-friendly beauty salon.

Beauty Advent Calendars

Under $20 at Target
There are so many nice ones around - The Body Shop do a lovely all-rounder that contains a few different beauty products, and I won a very luxe Charlotte Tilbury advent calendar last year. Something with lots of little beauty things to try in sample sizes lets mum work a new product into her routine whenever she has a moment, and the advent calendar idea is a good way to encourage her to take an extra few minutes to herself each day. If mum's not a fan of beauty products, what about a tea advent calendar? A nice spin on the traditional chocolate calendar.

Silicone Teething Necklaces

Under $30 at Nibbly Bits
I love gifting these to my mum friends! Find ones made with food grade silicone that meet Australian safety standards like Nibbly Bits, and they are the perfect accessory to wear safely around kids. Both my babies loved gnawing on these, and as you wear them you always have quick access to them when they get grizzly. Perfect for teething too. You can find some nice handmade ones on Etsy.

Scented Candles

Wish upon a star candle under $40 or patterned jar candle under $35
These might not be the best idea for mum friends with inquisitive toddlers, but for those with older or younger kids a great scented candle (I love Glasshouse vanilla caramel) is a sweet gift idea. It's a nice way to make a house feel more relaxing, no matter how many toy trains are scattered around.

Sentimental Jewelry

Initial disc necklace on Etsy, Mother Alex and Ani bracelet
There are so many options here from initial necklaces to personalised bangles. Anything that has charms to represent her family is a nice idea, especially if it can be added to later if her family expands.

Chocolate

Lindt 100 Chocolate Balls Gift Pack or Chocolate Coated Oreos
Covering off all the mum essentials, with coffee before and now chocolate - a little stash of chocolate she can enjoy once the kids are in bed for the night is a lovely idea! Lindt is my go-to for luxe chocolate treats.

A Cute Scarf

Kate Spade Scarf Under $50 or a cute neck scarf if it's summer
A big blanket scarf doubles as a breastfeeding cover for a breastfeeding mum, or can simply be added to an outfit to hide spit-up and other baby related marks you don't always notice until after you've left the house! Really handy to keep in the nappy bag.

Cross Body Bag

Leather Cross Body Bags Under $50 at Asos
A small cross body bag is perfect for any mum - it can hold all her essentials nice and close while keeping her hands free for kid-wrangling, and can also be slipped easily inside a nappy bag when her kids are babies. Rebecca Minkoff is a good luxe choice here.


Hope you got some good Christmas present ideas from my post. Everything selected still has plenty of time to be purchased and shipped to you or your recipient before Christmas, especially if you buy it this week!

Is there anything you would add to either gift list?


Linking up with Style on the Daily, Oh Hey Girl, Fashion Frenzy, Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Passion For Fashion, Flashback Fashion, Weekend Wear, Style Elixir, Friday Favourites, Shoe & Tell, Modest Monday, Hello Monday, On Monday We Link Up.


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Monday, 10 October 2016

Handbags and Strollers: The Easy Hack for Any Brand! Baby Jogger, Bugaboo, Steelcraft etc

If you've read my blog for any amount of time you'll know that I love my handbags! Despite having a toddler, infant, dog, stroller and baby bag, I'm still using and and carrying my bags. After a few months of just using the baby bag when my eldest son was born, I figured out how easy it is to carry a handbag with a simple hack for any stroller!





Picking a stroller can be difficult. You might know you want one of the many baby strollers by baby jogger because a friend recommended them, or you might have seen a celeb with a Bugaboo or maybe you've come across a Steelcraft on sale. When trying to pick one you need to consider weight, ease of use, accessories, lifespan...there's a lot!

The Australian government has a stroller buying guide that's really helpful. Here's what helped us narrow down the options:

  • Price - we started with a budget in mind
  • Weight - there is everything from lightweight to heavier than a toddler strollers
  • Ease of use - something foolproof to put up and down
  • Size - we needed a stroller that would fit in the car boot
  • Compatibility - we wanted a travel system so we looked for a stroller and travel capsule pack
  • Safety - as the stroller came with a baby capsule we checked the government ratings to find a safe one
  • Functionality - the ability to add another seat for a second baby and being able to change the direction the seat faced in were extra functions we liked.


I'm really happy with our Steelcraft Strider Compact stroller, but the one thing that I didn't think about when buying it was my handbags.






Having a baby doesn't mean you need to give up your handbags though. You know I have a lot of bags I wanted to use! I did think about how I'd juggle everything (baby, stroller, dog and baby bag) and figured I might just use my Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bags for a while as they slide nicely into the pockets on our baby bag.

I really needed an extra set of hands if I wanted to carry a bigger handbag with my things in it when we went out though. Throwing it into the base of the stroller was tricky get to when I was babywearing, and not all my handbags fit nicely into the baby bag or could be worn cross-body. When baby T was a few months old I found the solution to my problem.






All you need is a bag hook! It can be as simple as a carabiner or a specifically designed hook for your brand of stroller. Since I spent a few dollars on one it's made it easier to have my handbag with me when I'm out with the boys. When baby boy was born earlier this year, I kept on using and enjoying my handbags as I had that handy little hook!


It's the plastic clip you can see on the stroller handle in some of my pics. Such a simple solution, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who hadn't heard of it before. I get a few comments now and then from people wondering how I use more than just a baby bag with two boys. That little plastic hook on the stroller is my secret!



If you're a mum, how you carry your things? Only wear cross-body bags? Put what you need in the baby bag? Did you think about it when buying a stroller?


This post was created in partnership with Diapers.com. Occasionally, Away From The Blue blog may receive vendor or brand sponsorships for mentioning their products or services. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.


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