Away From Blue | Aussie Mum Style, Away From The Blue Jeans Rut

After I managed #nospenderSeptember without really thinking about it, I expected I might shop a little more than usual this month.

As you can see from the video below, while I did shop at a couple of places I got most things at a discount thanks to sales!

What I Bought:

Not Mentioned In the Video:

Just like in August's haul video, I've only included things I've purchased, but I was given more things I wanted to share here. As part of my brand rep role for Fashion Scarf Girl on Instagram, I was gifted some scarves to wear. You might have seen these pop up on Instagram over the month, but they haven't appeared on the blog yet. As always, I'll disclose when an item was sent to me to wear (marked c/o). There's another one I was given too but I haven't worn that yet!

Why I Bought It

I go into this in a little more detail in the video.

Somewhat predictably, the allure of the Jeanswest sale was too strong and while I avoided it for September, I caved on the very first day of October and went in 'just to look' while out with my sister, which turned into a try on session and some purchases..

It's been a LONG time since I've ordered anything from The Iconic - last time was in their boxing day sale almost 2 years ago! Was overdue a shop there!

And you might already know about the Rebecca Minkoff bag from my reveal / unboxing video!

How I've Worn It

October Shopping haul and try on video what a fashion blogger buys each month | awayfromtheblue

With the majority of my purchases being early in the month, it was easy to mostly achieve my goal of wearing things twice in the month I purchase them! That dress is the exception - I haven't even worn it once as I've decided to set it aside for Christmas day. I know it's early to plan Christmas outfits, but I know a dress like that needs a special debut! I'm happy with it not meeting my 'wear twice in the month I buy it rule' as I know it's going to be worn a lot after Christmas.

What was your favourite piece of everything I bought?

Linking up with Chic & Stylish, Fashion Files, Weekend Wear, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Linkup, Friday Faves, Lizzie In Lace.

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A what's in my bag post with a bit of a difference!

You might recall I mentioned a very inspiring and moving talk by Rochelle at the blogger's brunch a few months ago. Rochelle runs Share the Dignity, a charity that aims to provide women across Australia with access to sanitary products.

It's In The Bag is their Christmas campaign. Given my fondness for handbags, I had to share this with you.

What's In My Bag: Share The Dignity It's In The Bag Campaign Christmas 2018 | awayfromblue

Just grab one of your gently used bags you no longer need, or buy a new one, and fill it up to give to a woman or girl at need over Christmas. It's an impactful way you can help women who are homeless, at risk, or experiencing domestic violence. You fill it with new essentials like pads or tampons, other hygiene products, and little (non-food) treats to let a someone in need know they are being thought of at Christmas.

I shared the bag I chose to donate in the video below, along with what I filled it with and why!

The Gabi bag was an obvious choice! As I discussed in the video, it's my kind of bag with multiple ways you can wear it. I love bags you can wear multiple ways! Someone will be thrilled to get this at Christmas. (Checkout the video to see what it looks like worn).

Each of the handbags available for purchase on the site is named after one of the women who have been helped by the campaign. The Gabi bag is named because of a lovely lady who donated to the campaign in 2017. Gabi herself was homeless the year before and had benefited from the campaign, and she wanted to give back the next year.

Gabi's story is so inspiring and shows you that you don't need a large budget, just a large heart to get involved with the campaign.

Ways You Can Help:

Why not shop the share the dignity website to find some Christmas gifts? The majority of the bags and clutches are PU faux leather and vegan friendly, and all proceeds help fund the charity programs.
Share the campaign with your friends/family.
Start putting a bag together of your own to donate. See my tips below.

What Should You Include In Your Handbag Donation?

As well as the items you saw in the video, these are some helpful suggestions for things you could include.

Follow Share the Dignity on facebook for more ideas!

Tips:

Start buying now so that you can take advantage of sales and specials on products to make the most of your budget.
Try Kmart or eBay for cheap but cheerful accessories, look out for specials on hygiene products at Priceline and don't forget you can pick up some extras with your weekly shop at Coles or Woolworths, both have a good selection of products and often sales.
You will be able to drop off your donation between 16th November and 2nd December 2018, so you have plenty of time to get shopping.

Have you donated to #ItsInTheBag before? What did or would you put in your bag?

Note: I was not paid for this post. As always: all thoughts, opinions and images are my own.

Linking up with Mummy Monday, Modest Monday, On Mondays We Link Up, Start The Week Stylish.

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