Maternity Tanks, Prints and Pencil Skirts: Third Trimester Office Wear with Balenciaga Magenta Day Bag

My January purchases and some third trimester office wear. Although I'm trying not to dress too casually for work, my maternity tanks are so comfortable I'm looking for ways to make them work in the office. Adding a blazer on top is a great way to do that!

What I wore:

Jacket: thrifted Zara black blazer

Scarf: Jeanswest Lux paisley print scarf (C/O)
Necklace: Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace
Tank: Jeanswest maternity tank in white
Skirt: Asos maternity panelled pencil skirt in tartan check (non-maternity version here)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats
Bag: Balenciaga Day bag in 2005 magenta (new purchase)

Why I wore it:

It was quite cold and rainy - but welcome as it broke the heatwave we'd been having. I did consider wearing pants in the morning and wished I had during the day. I liked the print mixing with the scarf and tartan pencil skirt together. This is my favourite blazer and although I can't button it over the baby bump it works well unbuttoned. Just as perfect for the office as it is with jeans.


Last worn: Zara blazer, printed scarf, white maternity tank, tartan pencil skirt, silver tuxedo flats, Balenciaga magenta day bag.

Other ways to wear: jersey blazer and a printed dress, printed scarf and chambray, maternity tank and a maxi skirt, tartan pencil skirt with brown and orange, silver tuxedo flats and a maxi dress, Balenciaga magenta day bag and a graphic tee.

---

What I wore:

Jacket: no label white drape jacket

Necklace: Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace layered with custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette
Tank: Jeanswest Sol maternity jacquard tank (new purchase)
Skirt: Atmos&Here grey marle jersey pencil skirt (also available in black or stripes)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey (on sale in black)
Bracelets: the usual plus turquoise and silver beaded bracelet set
Bag: Balenciaga Day bag in 2005 magenta

Why I wore it:

This tank is another of my post-Christmas sale purchases. You can tell I had some Jeanswest gift vouchers to spend! I wouldn't normally be able to wear this skirt in the third trimester, but as the maternity tank is so long I was able to wear the elastic waist of the skirt under the bump and have the tank cover up all of the baby belly and then some. I was actually able to tuck the tank into the skirt. Benefits of being petite, maternity tanks are quite long.

In contrast to the previous outfit above, this was such a hot day. I took the blazer off after these pictures and just wore it around the office to keep my shoulders covered. It was much too hot and humid to wear it long on the commute.


Last worn: waterfall drape jacket, grey marle pencil skirt, studded mouse flats, Balenciaga Magenta Day bag (above). First time I've worn the tank as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: waterfall drape jacket and printed shorts, grey pencil skirt layered for winter, studded mouse flats and a printed dress, Balenciaga Magenta Day bag and a maxi skirt.

January Purchases

Continuing on with recording what I buy each month and keeping a track of how many times I wear things, here's what I bought in January and at the end of December in the post-Christmas sales.

• Jeanswest Carla Maternity Cut out tank (non-maternity version)
• Jeanswest Sol Maternity jacquard tank (non-maternity version)
• Jeanswest Florence print long line tank
• Balenciaga Day bag in 2005 magenta
• Cotton On 'Gemma' cocoon kimono in Laos blossom navy print
• Slim gold Havaianas
• Be Free maternity/nursing bras
• Atmos&Here Betsy jersey wrap dress in watercolour print
• Atmos & Here Arlene wrap top in navy

That's a lot! I had some gift cards to spend and there were so many good sales on....so far the most worn items have been the maternity bras. I don't usually talk underwear on the blog but a good maternity bra is a pregnancy and breastfeeding essential and these two are just so perfect!

I don't anticipate buying any more clothing until after baby arrives, so there are likely to be few monthly haul videos for a while. I'm not entirely ruling out getting some accessories though.... ;)



Linking up with Modest Monday, Budget Bloggers, Classy Monday, Mix It Monday, Sophisticated Style, On Trend, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday, Fresh Fashion, What I Wore to Work.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Fun Novelty Tees To Wear in Pregnancy and a Giveaway: #StrugglesBook

My ninja baby tee was a firm favourite last pregnancy, and I'm enjoying wearing it this time around too. There are a lot of fun novelty pregnancy tees around so I thought I'd do a post featuring them.

Also wanted to give away an extra copy of the #Struggles book I received. I wrote about it last year, in my favourite post I've ever written. I pre-ordered a copy and received an advance e-copy to read. Since I ended up with one more copy than I needed when the one I bought arrived, it made sense to do a little giveaway.

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)
Tee: 'Ninja baby' maternity skeleton tee
Shorts: Jeanswest Georgie maternity boyfriend shorts (available in non-maternity also)
Shoes: slim gold Havaianas
Bag: Balenciaga Day bag in 2005 magenta (new purchase)

Why I wore it:

Everyone loves a good ninja baby tee! I wore this to work from home, run some errands in the afternoon and attend my OB appointment. It's fun seeing everyone's reactions to this tee - at the very least it raises a smile. Comfy and casual outfit for a hot day.


Last worn: ninja baby skeleton tee, Jeanswest maternity denim shorts, Havaianas. First time I've worn the Balenciaga magenta day bag on the blog.

Other ways to wear: ninja baby tee and skinny jeans, denim shorts and a print mixing outfit, Havaianas, Balenciaga magenta day bag on instagram.

---

More fun graphic maternity tees:

The best novelty pregnancy text tees:

---

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)

Tee: Grey 'making magic happen' tee C/O Shein
Skirt: AT by Atmos&Here Mars striped maxi skirt
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Balenciaga Day bag in 2005 magenta (new purchase)

Why I wore it:

This isn't designed to be a maternity tee, but when I saw it I knew it would be a fun slogan tee to wear in pregnancy. I was contacted by SheIn and asked to pick another item to feature on my blog after previously featuring this cute lace kimono. I picked this tee right away. Of course as everyone who orders from SheIn knows, shipping is slow, (around 3 weeks) and with Christmas delays, it took quite a while to arrive.

I don't think I'll be able to enjoy it while I'm pregnant as much as I thought due to it's late arrival, as it doesn't have enough stretch in it for me to wear it again as the baby bump grows. I did size up, but the third trimester baby bump is pretty big. It's a tee that's easy to wear outside of pregnancy too, it just makes the text even better when you're growing a baby!


Last worn:Ray-Ban Wayfarers (above), striped maxi skirt, Havaianas, Balenciaga magenta day (above). First time I've worn the tee.

Other ways to wear: striped maxi skirt and a cosy knit, Balenciaga magenta day bag in the office.


The Giveaway

I have one unused copy of the #StrugglesBook to give away! This is a really good read for anyone who uses social media. If you're not a reader, or you just want an overview of what the book is about, you can watch the video on the same topic here.

The Struggles book really made me think and change my behaviour so I'm excited to be able to share it with you! I completed a technology fast, cut down my data allowance on my phone, removed a bunch of apps, unfollowed some accounts, and set myself specific times each day to use social media.

The book is about something that is all too common to bloggers - social media burnout, and how social media takes up so much of our lives, time and worry. One of my favourite quotes:

We want to believe we’re more than the total number of clicks on our last post, but we still check to see how many we have #strugglesBook

— Mica (@AwayFromTheBlue) October 27, 2015

While the book is written from a Christian viewpoint and references bible values frequently, I think the advice contained in it is worthwhile reading even if you aren't a Christian. Of course feel free to read the reviews first if you're unsure. If you've ever felt overwhelmed with 'keeping up' with social media, or browsing your feed has made you feel like everyone has the perfect life, this book is for you!

From the book overview on Amazon:

"The more you compare, the less satisfied you are. The more we interact online, the more we crave face to face intimacy, but the harder it is to find. The more filtered our lives become, the more challenging it is to be authentic. The more information about the pain in the world we’re exposed to the more difficult it is to care."

This competition is open internationally, I will ship the book worldwide. In order to win a copy of "#Struggles: Following Jesus in a Selfie-Centered World", you have to come up with the most creative answer to the question "What advice would you give to someone feeling overwhelmed with social media, or what is the best advice someone has given you?". You can enter this game of skill competition via the rafflecopter form below, and remember to include your answer in a blog comment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck! The competition will run for one week, and I can't wait to read all your great pieces of advice. It will be hard to pick a winner!



Linking up with Fab Favourites, Passion For Fashion, Flashback Fashion, Friday Favourites, Friday Blog Hop, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Wear, Weekend Blog Hop, Let It Shine, Shoe & Tell, Hello Monday, Modest Monday.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Floral Top, Pink Polka Dot Pencil Skirt, Balenciaga Part Time | Leather Jacket, Print Dress, Wittner Heels, Magenta Work Bag

Here's what I wore to work on Tuesday:

Jacket: Warehouse cropped zip detail jacket
Top: gifted floral and lace top
Skirt: Cotton On 'Mica' mesh spot skirt in dusty pink
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs Logo Plaque Flats in Two Tone blush and black
Bracelets: the usual plus Indigo Rose Design waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with GSH


No outfit pics for Monday! It was a public holiday and really rainy, so we decided to laze around, watch movies and stay in our PJs all day cuddling Cooper. It was wonderful. :)

Lots of pink for Tuesday. Picked these pink and black flats to wear again with my polka dot pencil skirt. As a friend noticed and commented, they match so well!


Last worn: Warehouse cropped jacket, floral and lace top, polka dot pencil skirt, two tone flats, Balenciaga part time bag.


Shop similar:

---

Here's what I wore to work today:

Jacket: Jeanswest black leather jacket
Dress: French Connection Romany rib printed dress
Shoes: Wittner 'Bloomy' black heels
Bracelets: the usual plus Edenborough Evans 'Ivy' silver cuff
Bag: Balenciaga RH work in 2005 Magenta


Last Friday I went shopping in the French Connection sale as I had my eye on a lovely peplum top. Unfortunately, they were all sold out in my size, but this beautiful dress I saw while browsing was the perfect fit :) I love the little pockets it has, which I'm trying my best to show in the photo. There's a reason I'm not a graceful model, haha.

Wore this to work, and a surprise lunchtime outing to see Ricky Martin in Queen Street mall. My friend had heard that he was going to be there, and judging by the crowd, everyone else had heard too! Nice little distraction for a Wednesday.


Last worn: leather jacket, wittner shoes, Balenciaga work. First time I've worn the dress as it is a new purchase.

Shop similar:

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram : Youtube

Blue and Black: Printed Leather Jacket, Balenciaga Magenta Work, Jacquard Pencil Skirt | Spotty Dress, Maroon Scarf, Part Time Bag

Linking up with "what I wore to work" at Mix and Match Fashion.

Here's what I wore to work on Tuesday:

Jacket: Asos Black by Markus Lupfer printed leather jacket
Top: Glassons plain black long sleeve top (new purchase)
Belt: Asos Metal Keeper Super Skinny Belt in pink
Skirt: Warehouse blue jacquard pencil skirt
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs patent mouse flats in black and white
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Balenciaga RH work in 2005 Magenta


Please excuse my hair! I washed and plaited it the night before, intending to wake up with subtle waves. Instead, woke up with wet hair and no time to dry it before I went to work. It did dry into some nice waves later in the morning, but it is still really damp and dull in the photos!
Wearing my last new piece from my Glassons order back in mid-May. Glassons have a sale on now too, if you are looking for some affordable basics. Thought I would try something a little different today, and belted the top over the skirt instead of tucking it into the skirt. I think it worked well, and the belt was a nice pop of colour.


Last worn: printed leather jacket, pink belt, pencil skirt, mouse flats, Balenciaga magenta work. First time I've worn the top as it is a recent purchase.


Shop similar:

---

Here's what I wore to work today:

Jacket: Warehouse cropped zip detail jacket
Scarf: gifted Dayaday maroon and grey scarf
Dress: French Connection spotty cotton dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in black patent
Bracelets: the usual plus two metal and fabric Indigo Rose Design bracelets
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with GSH


Had to work a bit of maroon into my outfit today with the State of Origin match tonight! This scarf was perfect. Although I don't watch footy, lots of people at work are quite into the game and you see people walking around wearing the shirts or maroon items. While it is unofficial casual day as everyone is wearing team shirts, I had to present at a meeting so wore a printed dress.


Last worn: warehouse blazer, French Connection dress, Marc Jacobs flats, Balenciaga part time. First time I've worn the scarf on the blog, it was a lovely gift from a friend.


Shop similar:

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram : Youtube

Zara Frayed Cardi, Stripe Tank, Skinnies, Balenciaga Work | Lifechurch.tv Tee, Hoodie, Converse, Sapphire City Bag

Here's what I wore to work on Casual Friday:

Jacket: Zara frayed basket weave cardigan in blue
Top: Glassons striped tank in silver marle and white (New purchase)
Jeans: Sass and Bide "Straight up" jeans
Shoes: Nine West fascinate ballet flats in silver glitter
Bracelets: the usual plus Edenborough Evans 'Ivy' silver cuff (New purchase)
Bag: Balenciaga RH work in 2005 Magenta


Took the chance to wear two new purchases today - have been buying a little bit lately, haha. So pleased to have my Edenborough Evans cuff, I have been admiring Cecylia's rose gold version for a while. This jacket was perfect one to keep me warm yet show off my new bracelet with the cropped sleeves, so it was the obvious choice to wear :)


Last worn: boucle jacket, Sass and Bide jeans, glitter flats, Balenciaga magenta work. First time I've worn the tank.


Shop similar:

---

Here's what I wore to go shopping and work in the office today:

Jacket: gifted Cotton On zip hoodie
Tee: Church Online team tee C/O Lifechurch
Jeans: Sass and Bide strayed misfits skinny jeans
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Balenciaga RH city in 2008 sapphire


Interesting day today! Spent the day relaxing before heading into the office. Scheduled this post as I'm going into the office to work this evening. We get to wear casual clothes, so my awesome Church Online tee gets an outing. One of the many perks for volunteering at Church Online, they keep my tee collection growing :) Took a different detail shot today to show off the back.

The project I've been working on for over a year is going live this weekend, and that's why we are working. I'm extremely excited, so working on a Saturday night doesn't seem so bad. My favourite team members will be there in the office too. Wish us luck! :)


Last worn: bright hoodie, jeans, converse, Balenciaga sapphire city. First time I've worn the tee as I just received it this week.


Shop similar:

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram : Youtube

Warehouse Jacket, Printed Dresses, Wittner Heels, Balenciaga Magenta Work, Rebecca Minkoff Nikki Bag

Here's what I wore to work on Wednesday:

Jacket: Warehouse cropped zip detail jacket
Bracelets: the usual plus Indigo Rose Design waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
Dress: Jeanswest ruffle neckline animal print dress
Belt: Asos Metal Keeper Super Skinny Belt in pink
Shoes: Wittner 'Lumen' heel in patent leather (New Purchase)
Bag: Balenciaga RH work in 2005 Magenta

Just a nice lazy option for work on Wednesday - printed dress and nice bright bag. Although when I had to unexpectedly go to another office for a meeting I did wish I hadn't worn brand new shoes, haha. They've broken in nicely now.

This is one of two pairs of shoes I got in the 65% off sale Wittner had a week or so ago. I'll try get better pics next time I wear them, without Cooper's tail in the way!


Last worn: jacket, belt, printed dress, Balenciaga work bag. First time I've worn the shoes as they are a new purchase.

---

Here's what I wore to work today:

Jacket: Warehouse cropped zip detail jacket
Bracelets: the usual plus Indigo Rose Design black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
Dress: French Connection 'pendragon panache' cap sleeve dress in 'winters day base'
Shoes: Wittner 'Bloomy' black heels (New Purchase)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Nikki in Silverstreak

Relying on the heels, printed dress and big bag formula again today. Not feeling energetic after my long work days so I just want to wear easy comfortable clothes while adding the heels to try look professional. Plus I get to wear my new shoes!


Last worn: jacket: see above, French Connection dress, bag. First time I've worn the shoes as they are a new purchase.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram

French Connection Polka Dot Dress, Balenciaga Magenta Work | Asos Red Tulip Dress, Louis Vuitton Neverfull

Here's what I wore to work on Wednesday:

Sunnies: pink leopard print sunglasses from Paddy's Markets in Sydney
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow Aztec bangle in fushcia pink and silver, House of Harlow Aztec bangle in white and silver
Dress: French Connection spotty cotton dress
Shoes: gifted Novo Carmina fuschia suede flats
Bag: Balenciaga RH work in 2005 Magenta

Close up of accessories and bag:

Thought that the pink of the shoes and the Balenciaga work would go well together, and I do like wearing pink with this dress :)


The sunnies were last worn here, dress here and bag here. This is the first time I've worn the shoes on the blog.


Shop similar:

---

Here's what I wore to work today on Valentine's day:

Necklace: sterling silver monogram necklace C/O MyNameNecklace.com.au
Bracelets: the usual plus swarovski crystal bracelet from Indigo Rose Design
Dress: Asos tulip skirt dress in red
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bag: Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Close up of accessories and bag:

A nice bright red dress seemed fitting for Valentine's day! Hope you have a lovely day, if you are in a couple or if you're single. DH has to work tonight so we are having a quiet one.


The dress was last worn here, sandals here and bag here.


Shop similar:

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram

Pattern Mixing: Blue Lace Pencil Skirt, Printed Top, Pink Accessories, Balenciaga Magenta Work

Here's what I wore to work today:

Sunnies: Pink leopard print sunglasses from Paddy's Markets in Sydney
Necklace: gift from DH
Bracelets: the usual plus enamel coated Marc By Marc Jacobs Katie bracelet in pink
Top: French Connection cream dot print top
Belt: Asos Metal Keeper Super Skinny Belt in pink
Skirt: Asos blue textured lace pencil skirt
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey
Bag: Balenciaga RH work in 2005 Magenta

Close up of accessories and bag:

Was a nice warm day today - rather sad to spend the day in the office though and view the sunshine through the window! Was good to be able to wear a skirt without my winter opaques needed for warmth though.

It's nice to see how my work wardrobe has changed over time - gone from preferring pants to loving dresses and skirts, even in winter. This beautiful blue lace pencil skirt is one of my favourites. Although I don't seem to wear it much in winter, it got a work out at the start of the year with the warmer temperatures. I expect it to pop up more in future ;) Tried a little bit of pattern mixing today by wearing it with a printed top, what do you think?

If you're hunting for anything in particular at the moment, Asos have an extra 15% off their sale with the code "MIDSEASON15". Enjoy :)


The sunnies were last worn here, top here, belt here, skirt here, shoes here and bag here.

Alexander Wang Ruched Skirts Tibi pleated skirts DVF Miniskirts 

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram : Currently Obsessed

Travelling for Work, Trench, Leopard Scarf, Aztec Print Dress, Heels, Balenciaga Magenta Work Bag

Here's what I wore to travel for work and attend some meetings today:

(Photo taken by my wonderful bestie. I think I was laughing at something she said)

Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat (similar here)
Scarf: Asos crinkle oversized leopard print scarf (similar here)
Dress: Jeanswest Aztec Print Dress (sold out, similar here)
Belt: Jeanswest black braided belt that came with the dress (similar here)
Shoes: Wittner Mimi heels in mushroom (on sale!)
Bag: Balenciaga 2005 Magenta RH work (similar here)


Close up of accessories and bag (as requested by Kacie of LadyBear):

Necklace: House of Harlow 5 station necklace in black and silver
Bracelets: the usual plus Indigo Rose Design black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet and Marc by Marc Jacobs enamel turnlock stripey hinge bracelet in black and white


Had to fly to another city and back for work today. Carried my biggest bag to have room for everything, and a nice big scarf to keep me warm.
I made the most out of my trip by meeting my bestie for a quick lunch in a scheduled break between meetings. While the work day was extremely productive and we made a lot of progress having everyone in one room together, the highlight of my trip was definitely catching up with my friend. We have very similar tastes, so we snapped some pictures of our Balenciaga bags together at lunch.

 Balenciaga magenta city and work side by side! Photo taken by my very talented friend.


The trench was last worn here, scarf here, dress here, bag here and shoes here.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram : Currently Obsessed

Trench, Fuchsia Pashmina, Magenta Balenciaga Work, French Connection Shift Dress, Heels

Here's what I wore to work today:

Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat (similar here)
Scarf: Cotton On fuchsia pashmina (Similar here)
Dress: French Connection 'Kay' houndstooth shift dress (similar here)
Shoes: Wittner Mimi heels in mushroom (on sale!)
Bag: Balenciaga 2005 Magenta RH work (similar here)

Close up of accessories:

Necklace: gift from DH (similar here)
Bracelets: the usual plus Indigo Rose Design fuchsia jade bracelet and Balenciaga Silver Giant Triple Tour Bracelet in Rose Bruyere (similar here)

A very pink day today, lots of pink accessories :) The scarf stayed around my neck all day in the office, it's so comfortable.
I bought the shoes in the Wittner shoe sale a while ago thinking that I would wear them a lot. Surprised this is only their second wearing! I need to wear them more often, they are perfect for work.


I am excited for the Reebonz Brisbane sale tomorrow - hope to see you there if you're a Brissy gal! :)


The jacket was last worn here, scarf here, dress here, shoes here and bag here.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram : Currently Obsessed

Fern Print Dress, Black Boots, Pink and Blue Accessories

Was a rainy day today. DH and I ended up having takeout for dinner after I bought something for dinner at lunch time but accidentally left it in the fridge at work! Oops!

Here's what I wore today:

Dress: Leona Edmiston Jemima Fern Print dress. New purchase from the 2 for $200 Ruby sale. See the other one here.
Scarf: black and blue Alexander McQueen paisley print scarf from Matches Fashion
Necklace: Indigo Rose Design multi chain necklace
Bracelets: the usual plus Indigo Rose Design black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
Boots: Nine West Odin black leather ankle boots
Bag: Balenciaga 2005 Magenta RH work

Not sure why the bottom of the photos are blurry - must be something wrong with my camera. Maybe I'll try clean the lens? If you have any tips let me know!

Closeup of accessories:

You could grab the wrap bracelet as your prize in the Indigo Rose Design jewelry giveaway. :)