Showing posts with label trench coat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trench coat. Show all posts

Monday 11 September 2017

Office Outfits: Blue Printed Dresses, Purple Balenciaga Work Bag and Starfish Project Necklaces

I've been back at work for 2 months now and I still have unworn office pieces in my wardrobe! Working part time I definitely have less need for strictly office clothing in my wardrobe. I was so excited to unbox my office pieces from storage near the end of my maternity leave, but now I'm wondering if I really need all of them.

I had a mini wardrobe declutter recently where I went through the still unworn office pieces and pulled a few out to donate or sell on ebay, but these dresses will definitely be staying in my wardrobe. Blue is my favourite colour, so there's always room in my wardrobe for a blue dress or two. Blue looks so good with purple too.

What I wore:

navy mac and Aztec print dress with purple Balenciaga work bag g21 hardware office style | AwayFromBlue

Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram navy aztec print dress mac jacket winter office outfit | AwayFromTheBlue
JacketJeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo
NecklaceStarfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
DressJeanswest Aztec print dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag


Why I wore it:

If I had to pick just one favourite office dress, this would be it! Can't believe it's been a year and a half since it was last worn, but it's not breastfeeding friendly so was packed away while I was on maternity leave. I love the navy colour and the print. I usually wear a belt with this, but I'd decided to wear a long necklace so took the belt off. I changed my mind at the last minute and picked this yellow Starfish Project necklace instead. It met the style challenge prompt of 'V' as it's the 'Veronica' necklace! I do think this dress looks much better with a belt though!

I love blue and yellow together, and blue and purple, but I wasn't sure about the purple bag and yellow necklace together. I figured that they were far enough apart in my outfit that it didn't matter and I could wear it anyway. Still not sure I'd wear the two colours together again, but it doesn't look too bad here.


Last worn: navy macintosh, Aztec print dress, Marc by Marc jacobs tan flats, Balenciaga purple work bag.

Other ways to wearnavy macintosh and monochrome outfit, Aztec print dress and tights, tan flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga purple work bag and pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: Aztec print dress in third trimester, tan flats in third trimester.


Blue Printed Dresses Under $50:







What I wore:

statement beaded necklace, ankle boots, paisley print shift dress trench office style | Away From Blue

beaded accessories, Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram acne pistol boots trench coat french connection paisley print dress
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
NecklaceStarfish Project Hannah turquoise bead necklace
DressFrench Connection blue Paisley print dress
ShoesAcne pistol boots in "skin"
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

Another take on the same outfit formula, with a blue paisley print dress this time and a long turquoise Starfish Project necklace. Just like in the outfit above, I was happy to wear a statement beaded necklace with the printed dress. You can wear statement necklaces with more than just plain basics.

It was a little cooler when I wore this too so I got another old favourite out of my wardrobe, these Acne Pistol boots. I wasn't sure I could handle the whole day in heels, even though these are very comfortable they are quite high. I was pleased my weak knee held up well despite not having worn tall heels in a very long time. Over 2 years!

Just like the paisley print dress, these ankle boots haven't been worn in such a long time as they aren't ideal stay at home mum style. While I probably could run in them if I had to, I prefer to chase toddlers in flats, ha! Wearing Pistol boots and dresses is a spring outfit favourite of mine, so I'm sure you will see these pop up more now as I wear them to work. I'm thankful for a business casual dress code that lets me wear ankle boots!


Last worn: camel trench, paisley print dress, Acne pistol boots, Balenciaga purple work bag (above).

Other ways to wear: camel trench and fit and flare dress,  blue printed dress and pink accessories, Acne pistol boots and printed shorts, Balenciaga purple work bag and pink skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: trench coat in first trimester, paisley print dress in second trimester, pistol boots and maxi skirt in third trimester.




Starfish Project Beaded Necklaces:







How You Can Wear It:


Printed dresses make getting ready for work in the mornings easy as they are instant outfits. You can still add accessories though, colourful statement necklaces work just as well with printed pieces as they do with plain basics. These Starfish Project necklaces support a very good cause too!



Linking up with Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, On Trend, The Style File, Style on the Daily, Wardrobe Wednesday, What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl.




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Monday 21 August 2017

Getting More Wear From Your Wardrobe: Work and Weekend with Burgundy Pants

I would love to have a wardrobe full of pieces that work for any situation I come across. That means being able to build business casual outfits to the office as well as stay at home mum outfits and weekend wear. One thing that helps is having go-to outfit formulas.

A shirt and pants is one of those outfits you could wear for work or the weekend! These burgundy pants are a favourite of mine, and I love how they look with my camel trench coat. Both outfits below I had in mind to wear to work, but only one of them was worn into the office.

What I wore:



Business casual office outfit burgundy pants star print shirt trench coat winter | AwayFromBlue

camel trench coat, burgundy pants, star print and Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram burgundy skinny pants star print shirt print mix paisley snood
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
Scarf:  Seed Heritage Paisley print snood
Shirt: Zara star print shirt
PantsJeanswest 'Fiona' skinny leg pant in shiraz
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
BagRebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey (on sale, 30% off!)

Why I wore it:

I probably should have tucked the shirt into the pants to make this look a little more formal, but I loved this outfit all the same. After dealing with a few days of gastro, I was cleared to go back to work so I just pulled on an easy outfit! I know the burgundy pants, star print shirt and trench look great together as I've worn them that way before.

This outfit was perfect for the office - even with the shirt untucked and it kept me nice and cosy for my early commute.


Last worn: camel trench, paisley print snood, star print shirt, burgundy pants, Walnut Melbourne flats, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag.

Other ways to wearcamel trench and fit and flare dress, paisley print snood and little red dress, star print shirt and denim shorts, burgundy pants with dress worn as a shirt, Walnut Melbourne flats and pleated skirt, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag and maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: trench coat and pencil skirt in first trimester, printed snood in second trimester, star print shirt in early weeks of pregnancy, burgundy pants in first trimesterballet flats and maternity pencil skirt, Rebecca Minkoff MAM in third trimester.



Burgundy Pants Under $50:







What I wore:

burgundy and navy casual way to wear pants outside of office trench and RM Mini MAB | Away From Blue

navy and burgundy pants, feather foil scarf, Rebecca Minkoff grey mini MAM | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram burgundy pants navy shirt camel trench cooper shih tzu
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
ScarfForever New Skye Foil Feather scarf in berry / gold (on sale!)
Shirt:  Jeanswest Tory textured shirt (on sale!)
PantsJeanswest 'Fiona' skinny leg pant in shiraz
ShoesAsos Cleo leather boots in tan
BagRebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey (on sale, 30% off!)

Why I wore it:

I like to plan and layout my work outfits ahead of time so I'm not rushing in the morning. This outfit was one I'd planned out, hung up and was ready to wear when I woke up and realised I'd caught the cold the boys and hubby had. It hasn't been a good winter health-wise! So after a few days off work, I was back to getting outside of the house again, but still pretty exhausted. I had booked in the day off as I had an early morning appointment for Baby Boy so rather than trying to find something new to wear, I just decided to wear what I'd planned to for the office.


Just like the outfit above it's a shirt, trench and scarf with my burgundy pants. I just swapped the ballet flats for these slouchy boots to make it a little more casual for an appointment then playgroup. While I did feel a little overdressed for playgroup - and one of my friends did comment I looked rather more pulled together than usual! - this was still a great outfit to wear. I love navy and burgundy together!

With pieces like these burgundy pants in my wardrobe that work both casually and professionally, it's a good push for me to be stricter with what I buy and make sure it works in multiple ways.


Last worn: camel trench (above), feather print scarf, navy shirt, burgundy pants (above), tan boots, Rebecca Minkoff MAM (above).

Other ways to wearcamel trench and skinny jeans, feather print scarf and stripes, navy shirt and denim shorts, burgundy pants and ombre knit, tan boots and shirt dress, Rebecca Minkoff MAM and denim shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: trench coat and stripes in first trimester, burgundy pants and belly band in first trimester, Rebecca Minkoff MAM and maternity pencil skirts.





Colourful Pants Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:


If you have a business casual or smart casual dress code, you can get more wear from the pieces in your wardrobe by wearing them to the office during the week and casually on the weekends. Colourful pants are good for this - they adhere to a relaxed office dress code and don't look out of place on the weekend or as stay at home mum wear. They are a nice variation on the standard black you see for work pants and just as easy to wear.


Linking up with Confident Twosday, Turning Heads, Trendy Tuesday, Style Sessions, Fashion Frenzy, Style on the Daily, Fashion Files, Fabulous Friday.



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Monday 24 July 2017

Winter Outfits for Returning to Work After Maternity Leave - Fit and Flare Dresses

After an extended maternity leave, I'm back in the office and sharing my business casual office style again. It's been a while! Thanks for all your sweet comments when I hinted at my return earlier, and for the encouragement on Instagram as I've been sharing my office wear and return to work struggles.

Just like last time I returned to work, I'll clear up a few things first.

  • In Australia you are legally allowed a minimum of a year's maternity leave. You have the option to extend it to 2 years if it suits the company you work for, or go back sooner if you wish. My team, boss and workplace is flexible, understanding and supportive.
  • Yes I took a longer maternity leave this time around than last time. (If you followed me in December you'll know why).
  • I am back in the office part time again, so I'll continue to have SAHM outfits and corporate style outfits on the blog.

And although it's completely repetitive as I said it last time: "Everyone does the right thing for them and their child (or children) at that point in time. Mums always know best. And that means for me, that I've returned to work. "

Now that's out the way, the simple fuss-free outfits I wore for my first days back:

What I wore:

Scarf: navy bird print scarf
Necklace: Eye Candy LA 'Sasha' statement necklace
DressJeanswest 'Rita' stripe jersey dress
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale in pinkor in white)

Why I wore it:

No surprise, I went with my comfort colour and wore blue for my first day back. I also took advantage of being child free and wore the biggest most non-baby friendly statement necklace I have. I missed wearing it, last time I wore it I was very, very pregnant! The scarf kept me cosy for my early morning commute and I ended up keeping it on in the office too. A big blanket scarf is the closest you'll get to cosying up to a blanket at your desk!


My first day back was much like my return to work two and a half years ago - lots of emails to sort through and trying not to cry when I thought about being away from my boys. It took me a lot longer to go through my emails - I could delete all the meeting requests and event related emails, but there were a lot of changes while I was away so it was helpful to read the emails covering the changes, and there are so many colleagues that moved around the organisation or even left so it was good to try wrap my head around what it all looks like now.


As much as I missed the office and enjoyed being able to do things in peace and quiet for a change, I was so pleased to come back to my boys and my mum in the evening.


Last worn: navy mac, bird print scarf, striped fit and flare dress, black ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote.

Other ways to wearnavy mac and chambray dress, bird print scarf with jeans and blazer, striped fit and flare dress for a baby shower, black ankle boots and monochrome jeans outfit, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote with the same dress 2 years ago!


Perfect for pregnancy: stripe fit and flare dress hiding a second trimester bump, ankle boots in second trimester, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote in third trimester.


Fit and Flare Dresses For The Office Under $50:








What I wore:

camel trench black dress burgundy scarf navy tote bag, winter office wear | Away From Blue

camel trench, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy | Away From The Blue
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
ScarfForever New Skye Foil Feather scarf in berry / gold (on sale!)
DressJeanswest tucked ponte black dress
Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
ShoesAsos leather Chelsea boots in tan
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale in pinkor in white)

Why I wore it:

Another day in the office, another fit and flare dress. I have this dress in the stripes above and in black here and I have no plans to get rid of either of them - they are perfect for work. Easy to wear in summer with less layers too.


The only thing these dresses aren't suitable for is expressing breastmilk at work. I don't have to do that as Baby Boy's older, but would that be something you'd want to see me call out with my office outfits, which ones would work for expressing/pumping? While I've not had to do it at work I have had to do it at home and occasionally on the go for both my boys so I have a little experience there. Shea has a wonderful guide on how she makes exclusive expressing work for her that could be helpful too.


Last worn: burgundy feather foil scarf, camel trench, black fit and flare dress, gold glitter belt, Chelsea ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote (above).

Other ways to wearburgundy feather foil scarf and flared jeans, camel trench and print mixing, black fit and flare dress in spring, gold glitter belt and maxi dress, Chelsea ankle boots and skinny jeanspencil skirts and Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote.

Perfect for pregnancy: trench coat in first trimester, fit and flare dress hiding an early baby bumpgold belt over a baby bump, Chelsea boots and belted dress in second trimesterMAB tote and plaid shirts in first trimester.




More Fit and Flare Dresses Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:


Returning to work after maternity leave is an emotional time - no matter what length of maternity leave you had! Pick easy, fuss-free outfits for your first few days back. Plan them out beforehand and have them hanging in your wardrobe ready for you to grab and go.

I like fit and flare dresses as they nip in at the waist without being too tight and flow flatteringly over the stomach if you have a leftover mum tum like I do. Plus a dress is an instant outfit, you didn't need to think about how pieces will look together.

If something makes you feel happy, comfortable and confident, it's the perfect outfit for your return to work.


Linking up with On Trend, Confident Twosday, Turning Heads, Fashion Frenzy, Style on the Daily, Fashion Files.



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Monday 1 August 2016

Trench Coats, Jeans and Clothes With History | #noBuyJuly16 Results

First up, no budget wrap up for this month as I achieved #noBuyJuly16! Not a single cent spent on clothes or accessories. Much better than last year's attempt. I credit this to having a sick toddler keeping me home a lot of the month and having less time on the computer or to browse in stores. I have a few things I'd like to buy in August but I'm in no rush unless they are in a great sale.


I realised I hadn't worn my trench coats this winter as I've been favouring my cardigans or leather jackets, so made an effort to wear them. Both of these coats have been in my wardrobe for a while and have some great memories attached. Having emotions or memories tied to clothes is part of the reason why wardrobe clearouts are so difficult for me! When I had the help of a professional stylist to do a wardrobe detox, I had a story for every piece we let go of.

What I wore:

Trench coat, skinny jeans, boots, ombre knit LV speedy stroller | Away From Blue

Trench coat and Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere damier ebene 30 | Away From The Blue
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
JumperJeanswest 'Serena' ombre knit
JeansJeanswest Super Skinny Jeans in Mid Indigo
Shoes: Asos Cleo leather boots in tan
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

Nice and simple outfit for a couple of errands and then time with my mum in the afternoon. This has to be my favourite trench coat. I wish I could remember when I bought it. It's definitely pre-blog, so more than 4 years old. I bought it near the end of winter on massive sale one year, knowing I'd wear it a lot on an upcoming trip to Melbourne. I've definitely got my money's worth, as it was under $50 and I've worn it in 37 posts, a lot of them where it's worn twice for both outfits.

The ombre knit hasn't been worn for a little while either, only because it was boxed away with all my other winter things and I just recently uncovered that box. My sister has the same jumper, and that makes me smile when I wear it. Luckily we haven't both worn it on the same day!



Last worn: camel trench, ombre knit, skinny jeans, leather boots, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere.

Other ways to weartrench coat and plaid, ombre knit and printed scarf, skinny jeans and a blazer, leather boots and a printed dress, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere and a maxi skirt.


Shop more trench coats under $100:







What I wore:

Grey jeans black trench red cardi and tank converse winter layering OOTD | AWayFromBlue

Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere | AwayFromTheBlue
Jacket: Temt black trench coat 
Cardigan: Jeanswest long red drape cardigan
Tank: Emerson crochet lace bib print top
Jeans: Sass and Bide pale grey skinny jeans
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white (on sale in red!)
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

Simple layered outfit for a morning down the coast with the boys and lunch with my mum. I picked a cardigan instead of a scarf as an extra layer over the tank as the print can be tricky to wear with a printed scarf. I've worn the cardigan and tank together before, I really like the combination.

Unlike the trench in the first outfit, I remember exactly when I bought this, it was 8 years ago before a trip to Europe. It kept me really cosy the whole time, and wearing it always makes me think of my trip. It was fun wearing it with these jeans too, as they were one of the pairs I took on the trip with me! They are even older than the coat though, at least 10 years old.



Last worn: black trench, red cardigan, printed tank, grey jeans, Converse, Louis Vuitton speedy bag (above).

Other ways to wearblack trench and a printed dress, red cardigan and a striped tank, printed tank and striped maxi skirtgrey jeans and heels, Converse and a shift dress, Louis Vuitton speedy bag and a pencil skirt.


Linking up with Hello Monday, Budgeting Bloggers, Grace & Lace, Style Sessions, Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday, Midweek Inspo.



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Monday 28 September 2015

Corporate Style: Printed Scarf, Fit and Flare Dresses, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran Bag

Before the outfits, since it's nearly the end of September I wanted to share my usual monthly purchases with you. Although I don't have any! I ended up doing Beth's #noSpenderSeptember without really thinking about it.

There's a mix of reasons why I haven't bought anything this month:


The lack of incredible sales is probably the biggest driver for me not buying anything this month to be honest, ha! If you're really missing a purchase update from me, you can always browse my old monthly purchase recaps on youtube.


Now, what I've been wearing. Sticking again with another simple outfit formula for the office, fit and flare dresses. I even ended up wearing the same scarf with each dress! I've worn these two dresses one after the other before too.

What I wore:

Away From Blue | Spring Office wear LBD fit and flare jacquard blazer printed scarf flats

AwayFromBlue | Marc by Marc Jacobs carob brown classic Q Fran bag
Jacket: Jeanswest Cassandra jacquard jacket
ScarfJeanswest Lux paisley print scarf (C/O)
DressJeanswest tucked ponte black dress
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats
BagMarc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

Feels like it's been a while since I last wore this jacket to work! I've been wearing my trench coats to the office often as it's been colder even though it's spring and they are the warmest coats I have for commuting. As it was really quite warm on this day, I took the chance to wear something else over my outfit for a change!

I liked the simplicity of this outfit, even if I don't like the picture as the scarf is sitting a little oddly.


Last worn: jacquard jacket, blue printed scarf, black ponte knit dress, black ballet flats, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag.

Other ways to wearjacquard jacket and jeans, paisley scarf and a striped cardigan, LBD with gold accessories, black ballet flats a maxi skirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag with burgundy pants.


Shop more fit and flare dresses, under $50:






What I wore:

Away From Blue | Layering Office Wear striped fit and flare dress cardi trench ankle boots

Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
ScarfJeanswest Lux paisley print scarf (C/O)
CardiganJeanswest Peggie kimono cardigan in purple mulberry marle
DressJeanswest 'Rita' stripe jersey dress
ShoesAsos airtime leather Chelsea boots in tan
BagMarc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

The trench coat is back out! After a nice sunny and warm spring day (above) a storm rolled in and brought a lot of rain and cooled it back down again.

I had been planning to try recreate an outfit I'd seen on Shea. She posted a really cute outfit with a similar dress, blue tasselled printed scarf, ankle boots and a pink cardigan. I was planning to wear my pink blazer instead, as I don't have a pink cardigan, but with it being so cold I ended up grabbing my purple cardigan and a trench. Although it didn't work out like I'd planned, I really liked this outfit. The ankle boots came in handy with the rain too, kept my feet nice and dry!


Last worn: trench coat, purple cardigan, paisley print scarf (above), striped fit and flare dress, Asos Chelsea ankle boots, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag (above).

Other ways to weartrench coat and a plaid shirt, purple cardigan and a maxi skirt, paisley print scarf and a chambray dress, striped fit and flare dress belted, ankle boots with a shirt dress, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag and printed jeans.


Linking up with Hello Monday, Modest Monday, Let It Shine, Style Nudge, Budgeting Bloggers, Mix It MondayOn Trend TuesdayTurning Heads, Style Sessions, Wardrobe Wednesday.



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Monday 21 September 2015

Corporate Style: Striped Shirts, Pencil Skirts and Camel Trench Coat

Although I've only been back at the office 6 months, and I'm only in the office two days a week, I've been feeling slightly uninspired with my office wear lately. When I do think of something to wear, I'll happily repeat it again with similar items!

Last week was printed shirts, this week wasn't really breaking away from that format too much, picking striped shirts and pencil skirts. I do like the simplicity when getting dressed, makes it easier to decide what to wear if every outfit builds on something from the previous one.

What I wore:

Away from Blue | Trench, grey jersey pencil skirt, pinstripe shirt office wear

Away From Blue | Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull office wear
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
Shirt: Target mint stripe shirt
SkirtAtmos&Here grey marle jersey pencil skirt
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
Bracelets: the usual
BagLouis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Why I wore it:

Nice and simple: striped shirt, pencil skirt. Easy office wear. As this pencil skirt is a casual jersey fabric, I thought the slightly more formal collared shirt was a nice pairing, for a day with a few meetings.

The only downside to this shirt, that you can see in the photos, is that it's such a soft fabric it wrinkles easily. Both sides started out nicely ironed, haha!


Last worn: camel trench, mint pinstripe shirt, grey jersey pencil skirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs flats, Louis Vuitton MM Neverfull bag.

Other ways to weartrench and a printed dress, pinstripe shirt with jeans and a baby bump, pencil skirt and Converse, flats and skinny jeans, Louis Vuitton MM Neverfull bag with jeans.


Shop striped shirts for the office under $50:






What I wore:

AwayFromBlue | Trench stripe sleeveless shirt pencil skirt MBMJ Fran bag

AwayfromBlue | Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
NecklaceTai gold alphabet necklace
ShirtJeanswest Louisa stripe sleeveless shirt (C/O)
SkirtJeanswest zip detail ponte pencil skirt
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats
Bracelets: the usual
BagMarc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

As I liked the simplicity of the striped shirt and pencil skirt 'formula' above, decided to wear it again, with this newish navy tank. Last time I wore it was with jeans.

I preferred this outfit over the one above, even if I was in a bit of a rush that morning and rather sloppily tucked the shirt in! I think the navy and black is a nice colour combination.


Last worn: camel trench (above), navy striped shirt, black pencil skirt, black ballet flats, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag.

Other ways to wearcamel trench outside of the office, navy striped shirt with jeans, black pencil skirt and polka dot blouse, ballet flats and a maxi skirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag and a little red dress.



Linking up with Style Nudge, Let It Shine, Modest Monday, Mix It Monday, Style Sessions, Turning Heads, On Trend Tuesday here and here, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday.



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Monday 14 September 2015

Corporate Style: Printed Shirts and Pencil Skirts. Balenciaga Day Bag

Sharing two more of my recent office outfits, going with a simple 'formula' of a printed shirt and a pencil skirt. I'm still wearing my trench coats as although it's Spring in Brisbane it can still be a bit chilly in the morning, especially if you have to go bare-legged.

What I wore:

Away From Blue Blog | Choies Strawberry Print Shirt Black Trench Pencil Skirt Office Wear

Away From Blue Blog | Balenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag
Jacket: Temt black trench coat 
Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace
ShirtChoies pink chiffon shirt with strawberry print (C/O Choies)
SkirtAsos black tailored tab front pencil skirt
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats
BagBalenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag

Why I wore it:

Adding a bit of colour to an otherwise overly black outfit with my strawberry print shirt. While the other shirt I ordered from Choies tore on the first wear, I'm pleased to see this one is still going strong.


Last worn: black trench coat, strawberry print shirt, black pencil skirt, metallic mouse flats, Balenciaga day bag.

Other ways to weartrench and a printed dress, printed short and denim shorts, black pencil skirt and purple cardi, gold mouse flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga day bag and a shift dress.


More printed shirts for the office under $60:







What I wore:

Print Mixing in the office shirt and tartan scarf camel trench brown balenciaga day bag

Balenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
Scarf: red tartan scarf
Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette
ShirtJeanswest 'Ruby' mixed print shirt
Skirt: Jeanswest black ponte pencil skirt
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats
BagBalenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag

Why I wore it:

Wanted to add some more colour to this outfit, so after trying on a few different scarves before running out the door, I settled on this brightly coloured tartan scarf. I really liked the print mixing, even thought the shirt has print mixing inbuilt already too. Ended up keeping the scarf on in the office as I liked the look so much.


Last worn: camel trench, tartan scarf, mixed print shirt, black pencil skirt, ballet flats, Balenciaga day bag (above).

Other ways to wearcamel trench and a printed dress, tartan scarf and winter layers, printed shirt and shortsblack pencil skirt and a black blazer, ballet flats and a maxi skirt, Balenciaga day bag and stripes.


Last year, my church did a series called Struggles. I really enjoyed it. This past weekend I decided to participate in the #strugglesFast with some others. It was no computers, no smartphone and no TV. While I was allowed to use a computer for work purposes, I only used it to work at my usual Sunday evening Church Online events. I failed the fast 3 times: when I had to google the address of the emergency vets on my phone (Cooper had a minor injury but our usual vet was closed), when I turned on the computer to go to church online and my email opened up and I couldn't resist scanning through a few subject lines, and when a friend at Church Online gave me a website to checkout in response to my question, and I went and opened it without thinking. I closed it as soon as I realised, but it still counts as a fail.

What I learnt from the #strugglesFast:

  • For someone as addicted to the internet (especially instagram) as I am, I expected it to be a lot more difficult to stick to the fast, but I'm quite pleased with how I did. 
  • I'm also rather amazed by just how often I'd still go to check my phone before I remembered I was on the tech fast. I ended up leaving it on a table, but the reflex was still there to grab it now and then.
  • I did find it a little frustrating not being able to just look things up online - I'd planned to cook a recipe for toddler T that I'd not printed out yet, but couldn't. I used a cookbook and made something different instead, luckily it was still a hit with him.
  • For all my fear of missing out, I caught up with everything I missed over the weekend within an hour on Monday morning - there really wasn't anything important!

If you ever think about taking a break from social media/the internet/technology for the weekend, I'd encourage you to give it a go. It's not as difficult as you might first think.


Linking up with Mix it Monday, Modest Monday, Turning Heads, Style SessionsOn Trend Tuesday, Reasons to Dress today.




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