Colourful Cardigans With Monochrome Jeans and Tee Outfits, Scarves and Mimco Button Bag

What I wore for celebrating the end of our 3 day lockdown in Brisbane at the start of July to enjoy what was left of the school holidays and get out with the kids. Kept my outfits simple and monochromatic with jeans and a tee. Even wore monochromatic scarves too, and a real wardrobe oldie with my black Mimco button bag. Added some colour with cardigans as I just can't seem to do a full neutral outfit without adding a bit of colour!

What I wore:

Earrings: Lovisa mini mustard tassel earrings

Jacket: thrifted SES Fashions mustard yellow cardigan
Scarf: Fashion Scarf Girl in black and white Pretty Floral print
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in grey marl
Jeans: Nobody Denim Siren skinny super high-rise jeans in power black denim (c/o)
Shoes: New Balance Coast women's running shoe in black 
Bag: Mimco black button bag

Why I wore it:

After a little uncertainty, we were so pleased when lockdown was lifted the evening before and my son was able to compete in his sports tournament as planned. Even if all the parents and spectators had to sit outside and peer into the sports hall from the doorway to make sure everyone met the post lockdown indoor space restrictions 😅

Despite having to sit far away it was so good to see him competing and my bright mustard cardigan ensured my son could spot me in the crowd. I wasn't expecting to have to sit outside so I was pleased this was just the right outfit for it. The cardigan wasn't too heavy when the sun came out, but it and my scarf kept me warm when the sun hid behind the clouds. And luckily no rain too! Turned out to be such a good morning, so pleased they were able to still run the event.

I liked using my big Mimco button bag again! The 25th anniversary of Mimco had me thinking about my button bag again - this is one of the original styles, I bought it in 2007 when I was at uni. Was so thrilled when I bought it, it was a craze for a few years and they were everywhere in Australia. Still see them around now and then, although mostly the newer, smaller version of this style. This one you wouldn't know is over 14 years old! It's in great condition, I should wear it more!


Last worn: mustard earrings, mustard cardigan, grey v-neck tee, Nobody Denim skinny jeans, New Balance sneakers, Mimco black button bag. First time I've worn the scarf as it was a Christmas gift.

Other ways to wear: mustard cardigan and shorts, grey v-neck tee worn 30 ways, Nobody Denim skinny jeans and kimono, Mimco black button bag and pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: grey v-neck tee in second trimester.

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What Fits Inside: Mimco Button Bag From 2007

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What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Peggie kimono cardigan in purple mulberry marle
Scarf: Fashion Scarf Girl black and white thick and thin mix print scarf
Top: thrifted Cotton on grey tunic tee
Jeans: Jeanswest Cecile dove grey skinny jeans
Shoes: New Balance Coast women's running shoe in black 
Bag: Mimco black button bag

Why I wore it:

Very similar to the outfit above. Again, a monochromatic jeans and tee outfit with a black and white printed scarf and a colourful cardigan. This purple one isn't as bright as the mustard yellow one above, but it still adds the perfect amount of colour to this outfit. With the different shades of grey in the tee and the skinny jeans, the purple cardigan was the perfect topper. And with no other prints I could wear this fun contrasting striped scarf for a bit of an instant print mix without it clashing with anything.

Thankfully one of the workshops I'd booked in advance for the kids went ahead despite a lot of other school holiday activities I'd planned for the week being cancelled as soon as lockdown was announced, even though it was just for 3 days. Because it was still on after lockdown was lifted we had a pretty fun day. The kids got to make their own light up DIY aquariums in a jar which look really cute! These are kind of similar. We even managed a little play time in the playground before the rain arrived that afternoon which was perfect.

Again I wore my Mimco button bag - it seemed the obvious choice with the neutrals and it fits snacks and water bottles and the essentials nicely.

Last worn: purple cocoon cardigan, grey tunic, grey skinny jeans worn 30 ways, New Balance sneakers, Mimco black button bag (above). First time I've worn the scarf as it was a Christmas gift.

Other ways to wear: purple cocoon cardigan and skater dress, grey tunic and shorts, grey skinny jeans and leopard print, Mimco black button bag in the office.

Perfect for pregnancy: purple cocoon cardigan in second trimester.

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How You can Wear It:

Layering in winter gives you lots of fun options for accessorising. A colourful cardigan can add a burst of brightness to a monochrome jeans and tee outfit, and a printed scarf adds some extra interest and a little warmth.

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Floral Duster Kimonos and Grey Tees

If you've read my blog for a while you'll know I love kimonos! I like using accessories in my outfit for a little extra touch of colour. Scarves are great in winter, as are necklaces and bags, but in spring and summer I frequently reach for my kimonos. There's something so comfortable about long duster length ones like these floral ones - taking a simple shorts and tee or jeans and tee outfit and making it feel more dressed up!

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Delilah Long Line Kimono in Green Floral
Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in grey marl
Jeans: Nobody Denim Siren skinny super high-rise jeans in power black denim (c/o)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff emerald green mini 5-zip rocker bag (get 20% off with code "REAL")

Why I wore it:

The monochromatic grey tee and black skinny jeans outfit was a bit plain, even with the wooden bead necklace. This floral duster kimono added the perfect touch of colour and print and is so comfortable! Of course I couldn't resist going a little matchy-matchy and pairing the green Rebecca Minkoff mini 5-zip bag with this too, even if it does blend into the kimono a bit! They are both such nice shades of green.

Wore this for a morning of furniture shopping which turned into lunch at Ikea, taking advantage of the "kids eat free" deal they had on. Just a nice simple outfit for the challenge that is spending half the day furniture shopping with two little boys!


Last worn: green floral kimono, blue beaded necklace, grey v-neck tee, black skinny jeans, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff mini 5-zip bag.

Other ways to wear: green floral kimono and skater dress, grey v-neck tee in the office, black skinny jeans and band tee, Rebecca Minkoff mini 5-zip bag and olive jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: grey v-neck tee in second trimester.

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The Perfect Bag for Every Occasion Tag:

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What I wore:

Hat: Big W bow detail sunhat
Jacket: Target Karolina summer kimono in purple black floral
Necklace: thrifted cream and navy statement flat bead necklace
Tee: Jeanswest 'Lucy' colour block tee in grey marle/rosebud
Shorts: thrifted pastel pink cotton shorts
Shoes: Novo Tawny rose gold sandals
Bag: Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Why I wore it:

A much less stressful day! We took advantage of the summer-like weather and headed to the local park with my family for a picnic. The heat made me reach for a simple shorts and tee outfit, but I did want to dress it up a little for the picnic so I added this awesome floral duster. It was a Christmas gift from my mum last year and it's a firm favourite!

I thought the purple floral went nicely with the pastel pink shorts too, I like pink and purple together and I've worn a similar outfit before. The tee has a pink panel on the back too, so the sheer kimono showed a little of that pink as well.

Had to wear my big floppy sunhat for sun protection, even though we spent most of the day in the shade at the picnic table. I appreciated the hat while running around with the boys in the playground afterwards!

We had a big bag for the picnic blanket and food but I brought my Louis Vuitton neverfull tote bag along as well so I had extra space to carry everything - sunscreen and water bottles. This is a great go-anywhere tote, and my go-to for picnics!


Last worn: sunhat, statement necklace, floral kimono, grey colour block tee, pink shorts, rose gold sandals, Louis Vuitton neverfull.

Other ways to wear: sunhat and maxi dress, floral kimono and denim shorts, grey colour block tee and navy kimono, pink shorts and printed tank, rose gold sandals and maxi skirt, Louis Vuitton neverfull worn 30 ways.

Perfect for pregnancy: sunhat in third trimester, grey colour block tee in second trimester, Louis Vuitton neverfull in third trimester.

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Duster Kimonos Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

A grey tee is a mum staple, especially when paired with shorts or jeans. To change up your outfit a little even on a hot day you can add some extra interest through a colourful printed duster kimono. Such a comfortable choice in the heat too!


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V-Neck Tees Knotted Over Tiered Sundresses With Rebecca Minkoff Love Bag

I'm a little sad that Kmart hasn't brought these strappy tiered sundresses back again this year, I was so hoping they would! They are such a staple in my wardrobe and they aren't just worn in the summer months. Today I'm sharing two spring outfits I made with them by knotting some tees over the top. I did this in winter too with knits.

What I wore:

Necklace: Ruby Olive Art series long striped pod necklace
Tee: Jeanswest essential v-neck tee in marigold
Dress: Kmart Aztec print tiered little black dress
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush
Bracelets: the usual plus mixed metal bracelet stack
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey

Why I wore it:

I wore this a little bit too late for Halloween! But I did like the black and orange combo. This v-neck tee is a recent purchase from the Jeanswest sale. I picked it up as I loved the orange, and went to try it on. Then it looked so mustard in the change room. I asked the SA as I was buying it, it's definitely not mustard right?! ha! I do love mustard but I already have a mustard tee.

Like you do with a new purchase, I wanted to wear this shortly after I bought it and realised it would be a great pop of colour with this little black tiered sundress. With the nude studded gladiator sandals and the grey Rebecca Minkoff love bag, I wanted to add a little more colour to the outfit and this Ruby Olive necklace was perfect! It was a Christmas gift from my bestie last year.

I liked the slight extra warmth this tee gave layered over the sundress for church too - always so cold in church with the aircon!


Last worn: black Aztec print dress, statement necklace, studded gladiator sandals, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag. First time I've worn the tee as it was a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: black Aztec print dress and denim jacket, studded gladiator sandals worn 30 ways, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag and jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: Rebecca Minkoff Love bag in second trimester.

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30 Ways To Wear: Rebecca Minkoff Love Cross Body Bag

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What I wore:

Necklace: ZuriCollections blue polymer clay necklace
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in grey marl
Dress: Kmart strappy tiered sundress in watercolour blue and blush print
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey

Why I wore it:

Another outfit I wore to church, another tee knotted over a sundress! Unlike the first outfit, I let the dress be the colour with the blue and pink print and went with a neutral grey tee to match the Rebecca Minkoff Love bag. Picked the black ankle boots as I wore this a few weeks before the first outfit, where I wanted a little extra warmth for the cooler spring morning. It turned into a beautifully warm day by the afternoon though.

This grey tee is such a wardrobe staple - I have a 30 ways to wear post coming up with it soon because I've finally achieved over 30 wears with it. It was one of the pieces I searched through my blog archives for first when I heard about the 30 wears challenge, so sure that I'd have already hit 30 wears with it! I have finally got over 30 wears with it now, and I've been putting a 30 wears post together every month for almost 2 years, haha!

I knotted this tee to the side but I preferred the way I knotted the tee in the first outfit, making the knot more of a statement.

Last worn: grey v-neck tee, blush and blue sundress, beaded necklace, black ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff love bag (above).

Other ways to wear: grey v-neck tee and maxi skirt, blush and blue sundress and pink bag, black ankle boots worn 30 ways, Rebecca Minkoff love bag worn 30 ways.

Perfect for pregnancy: grey v-neck tee in second trimester, black ankle boots in second trimester, Rebecca Minkoff love bag in third trimester.

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V-Neck Tees Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It

A v-neck tee is a wardrobe staple and pairs so nicely with denim - jeans or shorts! For something a little different and for a cooler spring or autumn day, try layering a tee over one of your fave summer dresses to create a whole new look!

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What I Bought In November:

I'd usually do an extra post for this with a video but I've been a bit unwell this month and lost my voice for over a week so I'm just adding a little note onto this post. I also only bought three things:

• Jeanswest essential v-neck tee in marigold 
• Jeanswest Eliza summer poncho in yellow floral 
• thrifted magenta pink statement beaded necklace

I used up the last of my Christmas gift cards in the Jeanswest 40% off sale to pickup some colourful pieces for summer, and as I was hunting the opshops for books for our Christmas book advent calendar I couldn't resist this cute necklace for just $3!

Here's how I've worn it all:

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Wearing Tops Over Maxi Dresses With Ankle Boots: Casual and Dressy

Following a simple outfit formula and adding a top over a printed maxi dress to make it a skirt, but creating two very different looks!

What I wore:

Earrings: Kmart mustard gold tassel earrings

Jacket: Warehouse cropped zip detail jacket
Tank: thrifted Valleygirl metallic sequin tank (gift from my mum)
Dress: Jeanswest grey snake print maxi dress (worn as skirt)
Shoes: Acne pistol boots in "skin"
Bag: Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap

Why I wore it:

Sequins and snake print together is not my normal style of dressing, but I pushed myself out of my comfort zone a little with this outfit for the Brisbane Fashion Runway show. The theme was a touch of glitter and I think this tank nailed it perfectly!

I knew I wanted to wear this snake print maxi dress but couldn't find a sequin topper, so thrifted a few possible necklace options at the opshops after spending a few weeks fruitlessly hunting for something with sequins. None of the necklaces felt quiet right with the dress but luckily my mum found this sequin tank for just $2 in her local opshop and it was exactly what I needed! Big thanks to my mum!

Apart from the $2 tank, everything else was already in my wardrobe. The cropped black blazer is one I won in a blog giveaway years ago and considered donating it a few times. Glad I kept it as it was a much cooler day than expected with the rain all morning. Thankfully it cleared up in the afternoon for the show.

Had a really fun time despite worrying I'd feel out of place, never been to an official fashion show before but Emily and Mel were great people to go with. Big thanks to Emily for the photos too!

Had so much fun at the #brisbaneFashionRunway last night! So many beautiful outfits! 😍 #whatiwore #mumsnightout #liketkit #springstyle #mumstyle pic.twitter.com/B3jkx5CN7i

— Mica (@AwayFromTheBlue) October 13, 2019

Last worn: cropped blazer, gold tassel earrings, snake print maxi dress, Acne pistol boots, vintage Chanel bag. First time I've worn the thrifted tank my mum found me.

Other ways to wear: cropped blazer and lace dress, snake print maxi dress with red clutch, Acne pistol boots and ruffle dress, vintage Chanel bag at Christmas.

Perfect for pregnancy: snake print maxi dress at 39 weeks, Acne pistol boots in third trimester, vintage Chanel bag and last pregnancy pic.

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Choosing A Handbag For Every Occasion:

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What I wore:

Necklace: Roie Designs long freshwater pearl necklace with tassel
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in grey marl
Dress: Jeanswest Sophia high-low maxi dress
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots
Bag: Amerii medium sling rattan bag in black (c/o)

Why I wore it:

This was the morning after the night before! 😂 Needed something simple and comfortable after a few drinks before, during and after the fashion show! Mum life means 3 drinks in one night and staying up past my normal bed time is far too much, ha! Stuck with the same outfit formula but a lot more casual.  I love wearing this high-low maxi dress as a skirt and the grey tee was the perfect topper with it.

The black straw bag and ankle boots were simple matching accessories that made getting ready in the morning a bit easier! We made it to church but did spend the rest of the day afterwards at home, trying to relax as much as you can with two little boys!


Last worn: grey tee, pearl tassel necklace, printed maxi dress, black ankle boots, straw circle bag.

Other ways to wear: grey tee and pencil skirt, printed maxi dress and denim jacket, black ankle boots worn 30 ways, straw circle bag in winter.

Perfect for pregnancy: grey tee in second trimester, black ankle boots in second trimester.

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Printed Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

For something a little different why not try layering your maxi dress and adding a tank or tee on top to wear it as a skirt? It's a simple way to change up the look of your favourite dress and create a whole new outfit.


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Matching Bright Bags to Skinny Jeans With Tees and Kimonos

Taking advantage of the spring weather to wear two blue kimonos. Wearing two different brightly coloured jeans that match the bags I chose to wear too. I like being a little matchy-matchy when wearing a colourful bag. I've shared matching bags to shoes, scarves and printed tees before too.

What I wore:

Jacket: Cotton On 'Gemma' cocoon kimono in Laos blossom navy print
Necklace: thrifted cream and navy statement flat bead necklace
Tee: Atmos & Here white essential v-neck tee
Jeans: thrifted ASOS petite green skinny jeans
Shoes: slim gold Havaianas
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff emerald green mini 5-zip rocker bag

Why I wore it:

Wore this for a warm spring day that quickly turned into a very hot day! I regretted picking this kimono a little, it's  a cosy cocoon style which was a bit too warm by the time we got halfway around the bike trail the boys were scooting and biking around.

I regretted the white tee choice too when we did some baking later in the afternoon. Luckily the cocoa powder stains came out in the wash!

I did like the colour combo in this outfit though, navy and green look so nice together and the little green Rebecca Minkoff 5 zip bag complimented the green jeans nicely.


Last worn: floral kimono, flat beaded necklace, white tee, green skinny jeans, gold Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff mini 5 zip bag.

Other ways to wear: floral kimono and shorts, white tee and pencil skirt, green skinny jeans and leopard print, Rebecca Minkoff mini 5 zip bag with olive green.

Perfect for pregnancy: floral kimono in third trimester.

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My Favourite Rebecca Minkoff Bag

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What I wore:

Jacket: New Look Petite print kimono
Necklace: Kmart navy and gold beaded tassel necklace
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in grey marl
Jeans: thrifted Emerson red skinny jeans
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff red micro Avery cross body bag

Why I wore it:

Sticking with the same simple outfit formula I wore above with a blue kimono, v-neck tee and bright skinny jeans. Went with red ones and picked my little red Rebecca Minkoff micro Avery tote bag as well. Just like the bag and jeans above, the shades don't match exactly but do compliment each other nicely.

Wore this on a day it was predicted to rain so we headed out to an indoor play place for the kids. It didn't rain but the boys did have a lot of fun, especially when the special guest arrived. Queen Elsa was very lovely and "remembered" them from Disneyland which made their day! Something a bit different for them and they really enjoyed it.


Last worn: navy printed kimono, navy and gold tassel necklace, grey v neck tee, red skinny jeans, Converse, Rebecca Minkoff micro Avery tote bag.

Other ways to wear: navy printed kimono and pencil skirt, grey v neck tee and maxi skirt, red skinny jeans in winter, Converse and maxi skirt, Rebecca Minkoff micro Avery tote bag with little black dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: navy printed kimono at 39 weeks, grey v neck tee in third trimester, Converse in second trimester.

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Blue Printed Kimonos Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

A brightly coloured bag can easily be matched to something else in your outfit, like these bright skinny jeans. Wearing them with other neutral pieces like the tees or pairing with your favourite colour like these blue kimonos makes for a simple colourful outfit.



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Waterfall Cardigans, Printed Shorts And V-Neck Tees With Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

It's been a very hot spring so far in Brisbane but the mornings and evenings started out a little cooler, so I decided to add some cardigans to my shorts and tee outfits to keep me warm. Even if I did end up taking both cardigans off by lunchtime 😂

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry
Necklace: Kmart pink multi-colour beaded necklace
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in grey marl
Shorts: Jeanswest Parker printed shirred short
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC

Why I wore it:

I really like pink and purple together and I like how this purpley-magenta cardigan works so nicely with the neon pink Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag. They were fun accessories with the monochromatic grey tee and black printed shirt too. The cardigan became much too hot halfway round the trail the kids were biking and scooting around so I quickly took it off. Had been perfect in the colder start to the day though.

Nice quiet day with the kids, shorts and tee and Converse was a great outfit, even if the cardigan didn't stay on long.


Last worn: purple cardigan, pink beaded necklace, grey tee, printed shorts, Converse, Rebecca Minkoff neon mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wear: purple cardigan worn 30 ways, grey tee in the office, printed shorts and mustard tank, Converse and maxi skirt, Rebecca Minkoff neon mini MAC bag and little black dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: purple cardigan in second trimester, grey tee in second trimester, Converse in second trimester.

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What's in My Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

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What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest waterfall drape cardigan in navy night sky marle
Necklace: For King & Country Priceless Australian coin and crest necklace
Tee: Big W mustard v-neck tee
Shorts: Kmart culotte short in navy lemon print
Shoes: Kmart sparkly silver glitter sneakers
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC

Why I wore it:

This navy cardigan didn't stay on long at all! It had seemed like a nice idea in the morning but I quickly realised during swimming lessons that it was far too hot for it, and left it in the car!

I did like the way the navy cardigan worked so well with the navy printed shorts and the bright mustard tee, just was a much warmer day than I anticipated! I like mustard and navy together, and although the yellow in the print on the shorts is lemon I think the mustard tee paired nice with it and was a fun pop of colour with the navy. I went a little matchy-matchy with my accessories, wearing my metallic silver mini MAC bag and also my glittery silver sneakers.


Last worn: navy cardigan, coin necklace, mustard tee, printed shorts, glitter sneakers, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: navy cardigan and green jeans, mustard tee worn two ways, printed shorts and pink tee, glitter sneakers and maxi skirt, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC and band tee.

Perfect for pregnancy: Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC in second trimester.

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Waterfall Cardigans Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:
In spring and autumn, cardigans are great layers to add for the cooler mornings and evenings and aren't too bulky to pop in a bag if you take them off during the day. You can try wearing your cardigans with printed shorts when you know the day is going to heat up, using the cardigan to add more colour like I did in the first outfit, or matching the print in the shorts like I did in the second outfit.


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