Showing posts with label weekend wear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weekend wear. Show all posts

Wednesday 31 May 2017

30 Wears: Rebecca Minkoff Grey MAB Satchel Bag

Another 30 ways to wear, with an update on #6monthsWithoutShopping.

6 Months Without Shopping: Month 5 Update


You might find it hard to believe but that's the 5th month of my no shopping challenge completed with no shopping! Of course now I've shared the secret for how I've been distracting myself from shopping for these 5 months - I was working on an eBook in any spare time I had. Not that you get spare time often with two boys under 3!

This month I think I've been more tempted by things, there have been so many sales. I'd usually use a sale as an excuse to jump online to 'just take a look', but I've distracted myself with doing something for the book instead so I've never had the time to think about purchases for too long. It's also easy to talk myself out of wanting things when I realise I've nearly done 6 months without shopping and I'd hate to go and spoil it so close to the end by buying something!


And now, 30 wears. Still finding it difficult to identify clothing that I've worn 30 times, I'm featuring another accessory. The Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini that I've worn over 60 times in the 4 years since I bought it. A surprisingly low number given that when I get it out of its dustbag I tend to wear it for a few days in a row. It's such a good bag I usually wear it for a while before thinking I need to enjoy some of my other bags again.


30 Ways to Wear Rebecca Minkoff MAB Satchel Bag | Away From Blue Blog


#30Wears: Rebecca Minkoff Grey MAB Mini (MAM) Bag


I bought this Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB bag back in 2013, before the boys were born. At the time I liked the flexibility of the bag as you could wear it so many different ways: over the shoulder, handheld, and cross body. It's only now I'm chasing toddlers that I'm really appreciating the cross body feature for more than just a different look, it's a very practical choice for a mum bag! The neutral grey mini MAB goes with so many different outfits and I've worn the bag for many occasions too, as you can see in the 30 ways I've worn it below.


Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB in the Office

The classic shape and neutral colour make the MAB satchel a great choice for the office! It's just large enough to fit in all of the usual things I carry as well as a small notebook, water bottle and snack - essentials for meetings across the city. While my workplace has a business casual dress code, I think this is the kind of bag you could easily wear in a more formal office too.

Rebecca Minkoff grey MAM bag office Corporate Style | Away From Blue Blog


Mini MAB and Maxi Skirts and Dresses

The beauty of the Rebecca Minkoff MAB satchel is that while it works in a more formal office environment with a pencil skirt, you can dress it down nicely with a maxi skirt or maxi dress for the weekend or stay at home mum style. The rectangular satchel shape of the bag slouches down nicely so it's just as suitable for a casual outfit too.

Rebecca Minkoff MAM Bag and Maxi Skirts and Dresses | Away From Blue Blog



Grey Mini MAB and Print Mixing

The benefit of neutral grey bag is that it goes with anything, so you can be a little more adventurous with your outfit. You can easily try some print mixing and pair different clothes together, as the bag won't clash with whatever you're wearing. Stripes and skulls, stripes and Aztec print, stripes and stars and even polka dots and skulls. I love my colourful handbags, but you can't beat a nice neutral sometimes!

grey satchel handbag with print mixing outfits | Away From The Blue Blog






Grey MAB Bag and Colourful Outfits

Just as a grey bag works in the outfits above when you are wearing different prints, it's the perfect neutral for a more colourful outfit where you're trying a new colour combination. I'm trying to add more colour to my outfits so when I'm wearing two colours I like to opt for a neutral bag. Blue and grey work so nicely together, and continue to do so even when you add in other colours like purple, yellow, pink and red.

bold colourful outfits with grey neutral handbag | Away From Blue Blog


MAB Satchel and Printed Dresses

Of course you don't have to be paring different prints or colours together to wear a neutral bag. A fail-safe grey bas is a good accessory with a bright printed dress too. 'Pick a colour from the pattern on the dress to accessorise with' is wise advice, but you can never go wrong wearing a colourful printed dress and a classic neutral bag.

Rebecca Minkoff MAM Bag with printed dresses | AwayFromTheBlue Blog



Difference Between the MAB and Mini MAB Satchel Bag

I've used MAB and mini MAB (or MAM) interchangeably in this post. The bag I'm wearing is the mini MAB which I think is better for my petite self. The difference is that the mini MAB is 20% smaller than the MAB. It's the exact same style, just a tiny bit smaller. A mini MAB (or MAM) is 13" wide, 8" high and 5.75" deep. Anything bigger is the MAB. 👍


Grey Rebecca Minkoff MAB Satchel and Monochrome Outfits

A you've seen above, an outfit with prints or colours or combinations of them both can benefit from a neutral handbag. You can try different prints and colours together, or try something a little simpler and wear a monochrome outfit. Black, blue and even orange, a grey bag can compliment a monochrome outfit nicely.

4 ways to wear: monochrome outfits and Rebecca Minkoff MAB satchel | Away From Blue



Grey MAB Bag With Jeans and a Tee

Jeans and a tee will always be a go-to outfit for me. A grey tee and denim is a simple outfit, and the grey Rebecca Minkoff MAB works nicely with it too, simple and stress free dressing. I haven't had any denim transfer on the grey leather, even when the bag rubs against my jeans when I wear it cross body. I do spray all my bags with a waterproofer before I wear them though.

Grey tees and jeans with rebecca minkoff mini MAB Bag | away from the blue blog



Anything and Rebecca Minkoff MAB Satchel

As you've seen above, a neutral grey bag with multiple ways to wear it like this one really will go with everything. You can wear it with jeans, colourful outfits, prints, dresses...it works in so many different outfits. You can wear it year-round, and to multiple activities. It's one of those wear to work, wear on weekend pieces that I wish I had more clothing equivalents of in my wardrobe with my upcoming return to work after maternity leave.

4 ways to wear Rebecca Minkoff grey MAB satchel bag | AwayFromTheBlue blog




If you've been considering a Rebecca Minkoff bag and haven't been sure which one to get, I highly recommend snapping up the MAB on sale. It's on sale right now at Shopbop, in tan too. It's the first handbag Rebecca Minkoff sold back in 2005 and it really is one of those classic pieces. The video below shows just how much it can comfortably fit inside!





Where to Buy the Rebecca Minkoff MAB:





Where to Buy the Rebecca Minkoff MAB Second Hand:



(While the MAB style has recently been re-released, it was discontinued for a while. There are still a lot more colour options available second hand if you want to get one of the older bags like mine. Just remember to check sizes as mentioned above to make sure you're getting the MAB or MAM you want.)

Want more outfit inspiration? All 60+ ways I've worn the Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB on the blog.


30 ways to wear the Rebecca Minkoff MAB satchel! - Click to Tweet.
I hope you found this post useful. Don't forget to share or pin!


Linking up with What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl, Style On The Daily, Budget Bloggers, Thursday Moda, Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Passion for Fashion, Flashback Friday, Weekend Wear, Friday Favourites, Style Sessions, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole.


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Friday 5 May 2017

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:

wearing a maxi dress in autumn with denim jacket, colourful easter outfit | Away From Blue

silver bracelet stack, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather | AwayFromTheBlue
Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
DressMEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
BeltRalph Lauren silk scarf worn as belt
ShoesBalenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH
Bracelets: the usual plus silver charm bracelet
BagRebecca 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 weardenim 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.


More Pink Maxi Dresses Under $50:







What I wore:

denim jacket, Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress | Away From Blue

Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold | AwayFromTheBlue
SunniesRay-Ban new Wayfarers
Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Wilma teething necklace in pale daffodil
Dress: Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale, 44% off!)
BagRebecca 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 weardenim jacket and skirt, tropical print maxi dress for the beach, gladiator sandals and denim shorts, mustard yellow bag and grey tees.




Denim Jackets Under $50:






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.



Linking up with Fab Favourites, Mix It Monday, Shoe & Tell, On Mondays We Link Up, Modest Monday.



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Monday 1 May 2017

#30Wears: Jeanswest Super Skinny Jeans

As I mentioned last month, I'm discovering that identifying items in my wardrobe I've actually worn 30 times is tricky! Despite being in the middle of #6monthsWithoutShopping, I do have a lot of clothes and I'm finding 30 wears of anything other than maxi skirts or accessories isn't as easy as I'd thought at the start of the year. This month I'm sharing another classic piece, my skinny jeans.

These were the first jeans I pulled out to wear when autumn and jeans weather finally arrived this past week. They are a firm favourite in my wardrobe, so much so that I purchased the maternity version of them to wear over my pregnancies too! Since blue jeans are a fairly common wardrobe item for most people, everyone is sure to have at least one pair of jeans they've hit 30 wears on. I'm going to make this post another 30 unique ways to wear to give you some inspiration for how to rewear your favourite jeans.





#30Wears: Jeanswest Blue Super Skinny Jeans


These Jeanswest 'super skinny' jeans were purchased almost 4 and a half years ago. I have a pretty large collection of denim, but still these have racked up 50 wears. Given how much I used to love blue jeans that's a bit of a lower number than I expected, but I have really been trying the past few years to stay away from the blue denim rut, especially during my maternity leave periods where I've been lucky to be a stay at home mum for a while.



Skinny Jeans and a Blazer

Jeans and a blazer isn't just a great option for casual Friday! It's a nice way to dress up a casual jeans outfit a little. You can stick with a classic knit blazer for comfort, or even try a tweed blazer for a little extra warmth. While I have worn this outfit combination in winter (in the last pic), I tend to wear jeans and blazers most in spring and summer.



Skinny Jeans and Knits

When it starts to cool down for autumn or heat up slightly for spring, adding a knit with skinny jeans is an easy outfit. Either a cute knitted jumper like in the first two pictures, or a light cardigan in the next 4. A scarf is a good extra layer if it's chilly. This combination is so comfortable I've worn it for an interstate flight (second picture) and a long road tip (last picture).



Jeans and Maxi Cardigan (Duster)

I wanted to call this out separately from the shorter cardigans above. This cosy maxi cardi was a sale purchase last autumn and although it's too warm to have worn it yet this year I'm looking forward to wearing it again with my blue jeans when the weather cools more. A duster just works perfectly with skinny jeans as you can see in the outfits below.



Skinny Jeans for Casual Friday

It's often too hot and humid for jeans in summer here in Brisbane but I definitely make up for that with how often I wear my jeans in winter! 4 of the 5 outfits below were actually winter casual Friday outfits for the office. Only the second outfit with the boots wasn't worn in the office.A classic pair of skinny jeans and a cosy jacket like a leather jacket or trench coat and you're set for Casual Friday.



Skinny Jeans and Kimonos

Denim and a kimono will always been a frequently worn combination in my wardrobe! Even when I swap my jeans for shorts in summer I still like to wear a pretty printed kimono with some kind of denim.



Skinny Jeans and Tanks

Such a simple outfit formula for a warm spring or autumn day, just pick a tank to wear with your jeans. Each of these tanks have a twist from a regular tank and jeans combo to stop it being too boring. The tank in the first outfit is actually a lace overlay one so you can kind of see the purple tank underneath poking through. The plain black tank in the middle outfit has a peplum hem, and there's a fun print on the Sass and Bide tank in the last outfit. A tank and skinny jeans outfit doesn't have to be boring.




Skinny Jeans and Tees

This was definitely my most-worn outfit formula, and was my go-to outfit for a few years. A jeans and tee outfit is just to quick to put together each day. Like the tanks above, a jeans and tee outfit doesn't have to be boring when you wear a printed or brightly coloured tee. Don't forget you can a pretty necklace too for more interest!




They might just be plain blue skinny jeans, but they are certainly a wonderful addition to my wardrobe!


Where to Buy the Best Skinny Jeans:



(First pair pictured are the ones I'm wearing in this post)


Want more outfit inspiration? All 50 ways I've worn these skinny jeans in my archives


I hope you found this post useful. Did it give you a new idea for how to wear your favourite blue jeans? Don't forget to share or pin!


Linking up with Mix It Monday, On Mondays We Link Up, On Trend, Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, Style Sessions, Wardrobe Wednesday, Tip Tuesday, Midweek Inspo, Thursday Moda, Fashion Frenzy, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole.


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Wednesday 5 April 2017

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:


Mothers En Vogue Maxi Dress Breastfeeding and Volunteering SAHM Style Outfit | AwayFromBlue

pink maxi dress, Balenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete | AwayFromTheBlue
SunglassesRay-Ban new Wayfarers
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
DressMEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale, 44% off!)
BagBalenciaga 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 wearpink maxi dress at 39 weeks, gold glitter belt and Aztec print, gladiator sandals worn 30 ways, Balenciaga tempete day bag and red skinny jeans.



More Balenciaga Day Bags:








What I wore:

Monochrome outfit, jeanswest printed maxi dress tempete Balenciaga day bag | Away From Blue

blue dress, storm Balenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete | Away From The Blue
SunglassesRay-Ban new Wayfarers
Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Ava elephant pendant teething necklace
DressJeanswest 'Chantelle' crochet detail blue printed maxi dress
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
BagBalenciaga 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 wearblue printed maxi dress with pink and aqua, studded sandals and denim shorts, Balenciaga tempete day bag and blush pink.




Colourful Maxi Dresses Under $50:









How You Can Wear It:


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




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


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


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Friday 24 February 2017

Heatwave Style: Printed Tanks, Denim Shorts and Cross Body Bags

I usually try space out my posts a little better but I have been wearing a lot of denim lately so you get a week of denim posts! After the denim maxi and denim shorts posts, yet another denim shorts post. With the warmer than average summer temperatures it's been a little difficult getting inspired to try something other than shorts...


While the printed tanks I'm wearing below are polyester which is not usually the first choice on a hot day, they are a relaxed enough fit that they catch any breeze nicely and actually feel quite cool. I like how a printed tank instantly makes an outfit a little more interesting than if I'd worn a plain basic tank.

What I wore:

printed crochet tank Jeanswest Trinity bermuda denim shorts LV Speedy bag | Away From Blue

Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere | Away From The Blue
SunglassesRay-Ban new Wayfarers
Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Ava elephant pendant teething necklace
Tank: Emerson crochet lace bib print top
ShortsJeanswest Trinity Bermuda denim shorts (currently on sale!)
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

I really liked this outfit, simple and perfect for a very hot day outdoors. We'd been planning a trip out to the Ipswich rail museum for a little while so when the perfect day came up we were really excited. The crazy heatwave was not ideal...Ipswich is inland and usually a few degrees hotter than the bayside suburbs of Brisbane. We went anyway, took lots of water and spent a little more time in the air conditioned exhibits.

This crossbody bag was perfect for keeping everyone's water bottle nearby. While I keep the baby bag on the stroller, toddler T was so excited exploring that he rarely stayed near the stroller long enough to get a drink! We're already talking about another visit, probably when summer's over.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarersprinted tank, longer denim shorts, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton speedy Bandouliere.

Other ways to wearprinted red tank and flares, longer denim shorts and kimono, Louis Vuitton speedy Bandouliere and a wrap dress.



Printed Tanks Under $50:







What I wore:

Atmos&Here Aztec print tank, Jeanswest denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag red | AwayFromBlue

ebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red | AwayFromTheBlue
SunglassesRay-Ban new Wayfarers
Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Ava elephant pendant teething necklace
TankAtmos&Here 'Florida' tank in Aztec print
Shorts: Jeanswest denim cuff shorts
Shoesslim gold Havaianas
BagRebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red (on sale in pink!)

Why I wore it:

Another too-hot summer day, another printed tank and shorts outfit. Both the tank and shorts are things I'd considered letting go out of my wardrobe. I worried I had too many pairs of shorts, and this tank annoyed me last time I wore it.

I liked this outfit so much that all the pieces are staying. Although I was just running a few errands, I felt this was just the perfect outfit. The printed tank and red bag combo is one I've worn before, it's wonderful whenever I try it. As things are starting to settle down post-baby the tank sat a lot better this time than it did with my fourth trimester body. I'm glad I didn't get rid of it when I disliked it so much previously.

Seeing so many people out in similar shorts made me convinced to keep these ones. Sometimes you just need a pair of short shorts as everything else seems like too much in the heat! As I wear more blue, I'm keeping this blue pair and selling my very similar black pair instead.


Last wornRay-Ban Wayfarers (above), Aztec print tank, rolled cuff denim shorts, gold Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag.

Other ways to wearAztec print tank and red skinny jeans, rolled cuff denim shorts and print mixing, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag and shirt dress.


Printed tank and denim shorts is such a simple outfit combination, but so effortless and useful for feeling cool on a hot day.

Linking up with Friday Faves, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Let It Shine, Shoe & Tell, Hello Monday.



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Friday 27 January 2017

Summer Maxis, Sun Hat and Louis Vuitton Bags

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

What I wore:

Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress, sun hat, Louis Vuitton Neverfull | Away From Blue

Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull | Away From The Blue
Hat: Big W bow detail sunhat
Dress: Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress
Bikini: Funkita Colour Love Stripes bikini
Shoesslim gold Havaianas
BagLouis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Why I wore it:

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

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


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

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

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



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

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


Bow Detail Sun Hats Under $50:












What I wore:

sun hat, metallic tank, chambray denim maxi skirt Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere Summer picnic outfit | AwayFromBlue

Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere | AwayFromTheBlue
Hat: Big W bow detail sunhat
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Tank:  Jeanswest Maji metallic tank in soft green and silver (extra 30% off sale price!)
SkirtNoisy May long denim maxi skirt
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale!)
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere
Nails: OPI Breakfast at Tiffany collection

Why I wore it:

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

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


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

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


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




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Monday 16 January 2017

Slouchy Tees, Shorts and LV Speedy bag for Summer

I'm trying to be smarter about what I have in my wardrobe and question the need for multiple items (like this jersey dress or another black maxi dress). The tees I'm wearing below are the exception. I bought one on sale at The Iconic in 2013 and then over a couple more seasons bought a grey one, striped one and a black one.

When I buy multiples of the same item at once I never seem to keep them all. When I love something so much I buy another after wearing the first one a while, I tend to wear them all frequently.

What I wore:

burgundy slouchy v neck atmos&here tee Jeanswest bermuda denim shorts studded sandals summer SAHM style | AwayFromBlue

Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere | Away From The Blue
Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Charlotte teething necklace
TeeAtmos&Here rolled sleeve oversized tee in wine (similar in black or grey)
ShortsJeanswest Trinity Bermuda denim shorts (currently on sale!)
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale!)
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

Simple jeans and tee outfit for a casual catch-up before Christmas with some other mums at the ABA. I wasn't sure if I should dress up for it, as I put the boys in little Christmas outfits. But in the end I decided just to be comfortable for running around. There were some mothers who dressed up and some who were just casual like me, so I didn't feel out of place. The relaxed tee and denim shorts were perfect for the style challenges on instagram too!

I really liked this outfit. Feels like every time I wear this slouchy tee I am happy with my outfit, it's been a wise purchase. Even if I have only worn it 14 times in three and a half years since I bought it.


Last worn: burgundy tee, bermuda denim shorts, studded sandals, Louis Vuitton speedy Bandouliere bag.

Other ways to wearburgundy tee and maxi skirt, bermuda denim shorts and embroidered tank, studded sandals and printed shorts, Louis Vuitton speedy Bandouliere bag in the office.


More slouchy tees from Atmos&Here under $50:





Sizing tip: if it's regular fit go for your usual size. If it says relaxed fit, best to size down.



What I wore:

black slouchy tee printed shorts casual relaxed SAHM style summer outfit | Away From Blue

Cooper, LV speedy B bag | AwayFromTheBlue
Sunnies: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Wilma teething necklace in pale daffodil
TeeAtmos&Here rolled sleeve oversize tee in black (also in grey)
ShortsJeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

I've worn an outfit similar to this before, just with the striped version of this tee! I really liked how comfortable this was. Wore this near the end of December, when we had to brave the shops and get some essentials at the pharmacy and try not to tempted by all the post-Christmas sales. The outfit fit the style challenge prompts for #DAREcember and #SummerStyleFile on instagram as well.

Unlike the last time where I wore an oversized tee with these shorts, I actually liked the voluminous pieces together. I think the necklace was the perfect pop against the black tee. It was a perfect outfit for a hot day that finished with a swim in the pool.


While there are times I'll go through my wardrobe and remove things I own multiples of (like this colour block top), I'm always glad I bought multiples of this tee. They've worked through two pregnancies, are perfect for breastfeeding and with a half-tuck are extremely good at disguising a saggy mum-tum.


Slouchy tees are clearly one of my wardrobe staples! As I continue #6monthsWithoutShopping I'll hopefully identify more wardrobe staples to make smarter shopping decisions in the future.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, black slouchy tee, printed shorts, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton damier speedy bag (above).

Other ways to wearblack slouchy tee and grey jeans, printed denim shorts and ankle boots, Louis Vuitton damier speedy bag and chambray skirt.


Linking up with Monday Mode, Mix It Monday, On Trend, Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, Style Sessions, Spread The Kindness, What I Wore, Midweek Inspo.




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