Wednesday 29 March 2017

Black Maxi Dresses, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Bags

I've shared my love of bright maxi dresses recently, but you can't beat a classic black maxi dress. It lets you wear colourful accessories without worrying about colours clashing.

When I bought the embellished maxi dress below I got rid of an older black maxi dress I had, but then a few months later picked up a second halter neck one in an opshop sale. While I'm not sure I need two black maxi dresses, I have been enjoying having both in my wardrobe. A black maxi dress is a neutral base that lets you wear any other colours you like.

What I wore

embellished black maxi dress, colourful silicone necklace and Rebecca Minkoff crossbody mini MAC Bag | AwayFromBlue

black maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather | AwayFromTheBlue
SunglassesRay-Ban new Wayfarers
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
DressJeanswest 'Sierra' embellished black maxi dress (on sale!)
ShoesBalenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH (on sale, 58% off!)
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)


Why I wore it:

This maxi dress always feels a little special with the embellishments on the neckline. I'm aware that if I try to 'save' it in my wardrobe for a perfect occasion it will never get worn. While it's nice to feel dressed up for something like a family photoshoot, it's also good to add a little sparkle to everyday and so I wore this out to playgroup in the morning. It was definitely overdue a wear, last being worn almost a year ago while I was pregnant! It was worn to playgroup then too as I felt it was overdue a wear, ha!

I then foolishly attempted to go out in the afternoon again, where both the boys greatly amused the people waiting in line at the post office as I tried to mail some parcels of things I'd sold on ebay. Luckily they didn't get up to too much mischief!


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, embellished maxi dress, Balenciaga gladiator sandals, aquamarine mini MAC.

Other ways to wearembellished maxi dress for Christmas day, pink Balenciaga gladiator sandals and shorts, aquamarine mini MAC and pink vest.



More Colourful Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Bags:







What I wore:

black jersey halterneck maxi dress, colourful stripe printed cross body bag | AwayFromBlue

Black Maxi, Rebecca Minkoff striped coated canvas mini MAC in berry stripe | Away From The Blue
SunglassesRay-Ban new Wayfarers
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Wilma teething necklace in pale daffodil
Dress: black Jeanswest halterneck maxi dress
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
BagRebecca Minkoff striped coated canvas mini MAC in berry stripe

Why I wore it:

We had a playdate in the city so I knew a maxi dress would keep me cool and comfortable. The Queensland State Library has an area called 'The Corner' for kids which had a construction theme, perfect for Toddler T. Cooper didn't seem to like this outfit much, not wanting to be pictured near it, but I loved it. The plain black maxi dress is perfect with the printed Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag.

I find the little Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bags great for a day out with the boys - I can keep all the essentials on me while having my hands free (and the baby bag on the stroller) or even slip the bag into the baby bag if needed.

This striped mini MAC bag hasn't been worn as much as my other ones (like the aqua one above) as sometimes I find it tricky to pair with an outfit, but a plain black dress like this is perfect.


Last wornRay-Ban Wayfarer (above), black halterneck maxi dress, studded sandals, striped Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wearblack halterneck maxi dress and denim jacket, studded sandals and printed skirt, striped Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag.



Embellished or Halterneck Black Maxi Dresses Under $50:






How You Can Wear It:

Black maxi dresses provide an awesome backdrop for a colourful or printed bag - it really makes colours pop. A bright bag is a easy way to change up any neutral outfit, not just a LBD.



Linking up with What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl, Fashion Files, Fabulous Friday, Fun Fashion, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, Friday Faves.



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Monday 27 March 2017

Printed Shorts with Neutral and Bright Fitted Tanks

Before starting my #6MonthsWithoutShopping challenge and trying to hit 30 wears on more of my wardrobe, I'd been admiring a pair of printed shorts at Jeanswest. It was a good motivation for me to get the printed shorts I already have and wear them more often. This post brings them to 14 wears, even though the lightweight fabric and relaxed cut make them perfect for a hot day.

The outfit formulas followed below are incredibly similar, but I think they look different just by changing from a neutral to a colourful top. Anything to justify the huge box of fitted tanks I have in multiple colours! 😉

What I wore:

simple basic grey tank with printed shorts outfit SAHM style hot day studded sandals | Away From Blue

printed shorts, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather | Away From The Blue
SunglassesRay-Ban new Wayfarers
Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Ava elephant pendant teething necklace
TankTarget grey marle tank top
ShortsJeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale, 44% off!)
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

I really liked my outfit last time I wore this teething necklace and Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag together, so it was good wearing the combination again. They go quite well together!

Grey and blue is another one of my usual combinations. It's been such a long time since I wore this Target tank, a shame as it's a really good basic. A nice neutral tank went well with the busy printed shorts.

Ran a few errands in the morning and had a haircut too. You might have notice my hair doesn't look any different! I've decided to grow it out and donate it, so just had a trim. I usually grow my hair long and then change my mind and cut it short again, so this way it will benefit a sick child. Completely inspired by my friend who grew her hair for two years in order to donate it.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, Target grey tank, printed shorts, Rebecca Minkoff studded sandals, aquamarine Mini MAC bag.

Other ways to weargrey tank and maxi skirt, printed shorts and stripes, Rebecca Minkoff studded sandals and denim, aquamarine Mini MAC bag and wrap dress.



Blue Printed Shorts Under $50:








What I wore:

Complimentary colours blue printed shorts bright yellow tank cheerful SAHM Brisbane style | AwayFromBlue

Balenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete | AwayFromTheBlue
SunglassesRay-Ban new Wayfarers
Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Charlotte teething necklace
Tank: thrifted Cotton On yellow tank
ShortsJeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale, 44% off!)
BagBalenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete

Why I wore it:

I liked the neutral tank and printed shorts combo above but wanted to try something a little more colourful the next time I wore these shorts. I like blue and yellow together so this tank seemed like a good choice. I mentioned on Instagram that this isn't a 'flattering' look.

When doing my wardrobe detox with a personal stylist two years ago, soon after buying these shorts, she pointed out that they didn't hit at the slimmest part on my waist (none of my tummy region is slim after having my beautiful babies!). It's easy to disguise by wearing the shorts with similar colours. But some days, you just want to wear a cheerful bright yellow tank and enjoy the colour combination more than the way the outfit flatters your post-baby body. I'm grateful for the advice of the stylist (she was so knowledgable and helpful!) but I'm also going to wear what makes me happy even if it doesn't look the best.

While this outfit does seem to highlight my rounded 'mum-tum', these shorts and blue and yellow together make me happy. Even if it did feel a little overly bright for a quiet day with not much else on other than a trip to the post office, I enjoyed wearing this.


Last worn: Ray-ban Wayfarer (above), yellow tank, printed shorts (above), studded gladiator sandals (above), Balenciaga tempete Day bag.

Other ways to wearyellow tank and baby bump, printed shorts and ankle boots, studded gladiator sandals worn 30 ways, Balenciaga tempete Day bag and blue dress.



More Printed Shorts Under $50:








You don't have to pair colourful printed shorts with a neutral top, you can wear a complimentary colour for an extra touch of brightness to your outfit. Neutral shoes are a good addition to a bright outfit like this.


Linking up with Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, Trend Spin, Style Sessions, Wardrobe Wednesday, What I Wore.


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