Two Ways to Wear: Jeanswest Chana Long Sleeve Studded Navy Boho Peasant Top With Balenciaga City and Rebecca Minkoff Regan

When I got the email that Jeanswest had a sale on, I hopped on the site for a quick browse. I saw this top and instantly fell in love, and purchased it the same day. Originally $59, reduced to $20, I couldn't say no! While it's got the tassels and the studs, it's still a lovely neutral navy, and I can see it going with so much in my wardrobe. I wore it below for a casual day of shopping, and more formally for a day at the office.

What I wore:

Dress: Jeanswest chana long sleeve stud top in night sky navy (new purchase)
Shorts: Jeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
Shoes: Balenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH
Bag: Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet (more affordable preloved)

Why I wore it:

After a busy few weeks, I was really looking forward to a relaxing day of shopping. As relaxing as it can be with two little boys in tow! Overall, they were pretty good. We had time to browse a few stores. I had a hunt through the Jeanswest sale again, and while I tried some things on nothing came home with me. My sister did buy this star print tee which you might remember I bought last month! We have quite a few of the same or similar pieces in our wardrobes actually, so I wasn't surprised when she picked it up.

With the navy top and navy shorts together, I wanted something to break it up a little. I was originally going to wear my pink Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag, but felt a bigger pop of colour was needed. The sorbet pink Balenciaga city bag was perfect, and it meant I could be matchy matchy with the Balenciaga sandals as well, not just the top and shorts.


Last worn: printed shorts, Balenciaga sandals, Balenciaga sorbet city. First time I've worn the top as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: printed shorts and kimono, Balenciaga sandals and black maxi dress, Balenciaga sorbet city in the office. First time I've worn the top as it's a recent purchase.

Perfect for pregnancy: Balenciaga sandals in second trimester, Balenciaga sorbet city at 37 weeks.

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Balenciaga City Compared with the Rebecca Minkoff Regan Bag:

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What I wore:

Blouse:Jeanswest chana long sleeve stud top in night sky navy
Skirt: Jeanswest zip detail ponte pencil skirt
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon

Why I wore it:

I woke up this morning not feeling too great, but figured it was because of a busier than weekend. Put on this lovely top to boost my mood, and the Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag as I like how nicely the navy colours work together. Once I was at work I realised I couldn't shake the head cold, and ended up going home a little early after my final meeting for the day. I intended to rest up for a couple hours before the boys got home from daycare, with the idea that I'd feel better the next day after resting. Unfortunately, I did not. I ended up being pretty sick for a few days - as were the boys, which didn't help with resting and recovering! Thankfully we are all feeling much better now.


I'm glad it was a warm enough morning that I didn't need a blazer with this so that it was easier to see the fun studded sleeve detail. I did wish at the end of the day when I started getting feverish that I'd had a scarf in my bag to wrap myself up in though. Heading home to bed was the next best thing!


Last worn: Jeanswest boho top (above), black pencil skirt, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag.

Other ways to wear: black pencil skirt over a dress, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats and fit and flare dress, Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag and wrap dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: black pencil skirt in second trimester, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats in second trimester.

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More Boho Style Peasant Tops For Work And Weekend Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

Neutral tops like this in modest cuts are perfect for casual days out with the boys, or more formally with a pencil skirt for the office. The beauty of a block colour top is that you can pair it with fun printed pieces without worrying about patterns clashing. I'm always looking for more ways to wear pieces in my wardrobe, so tops like this that do double duty in the office and on weekends are must-haves!


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Balenciaga Sorbet Pink City Bag & How To Wear Kimonos With Printed Tanks

I knew this summer would be the summer of shorts after I bought so many new pairs back in November. There's something so easy about pulling on a pair of denim shorts and adding a printed tank. Despite the busy prints on both of these Sass and Bide tanks, I found kimonos to wear with them.

What I wore:

Jacket: Shein cream lace kimono (C/O)
Necklace: For King & Country Priceless Australian coin and crest necklace layered with Happiness Boutique turquoise and coral pendant necklace (C/O)
Tank: Sass and Bide 'Musical Genius' tank
Shorts: Jeanswest Sara distressed hot short
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
Bag: Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet (more affordable preloved)

Why I wore it:

Wasn't too sure about wearing a kimono with this top, as it has a pretty bold print on it already with touches of neon. Wanted to try wear it a little differently though, so decided to try this lace kimono with it. It worked well I thought, I was pleasantly surprised and I really enjoyed wearing this!

We had a day full of errands, nothing really exciting, just the library and a few stores. I still wanted to wear this tank though as it's been such a long time since I last wore it. 10 months! I tend to save this top for 'special' occasions, and I've really been trying to question that lately and wear more of what I own. Got to try hit that 30 wears number!

With the pink in the tank I went with a pink bag. Although the sorbet Balenciaga city doesn't match exactly, it's a nice colour combination. I liked the layered necklaces with this too.


Last worn: lace kimono, neon tank, denim shorts, Havaianas, Balenciaga sorbet city bag.

Other ways to wear: lace kimono and maxi dress, neon tank and orange pants, denim shorts in a capsule wardrobe, Balenciaga sorbet city bag and wrap dresses.

Perfect for pregnancy: kimono in third trimester, Sass & Bide tank in second trimester, sorbet city at 37 weeks.

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What I wore:

Jacket: Shein lace trimmed crochet inset white kimono C/O
Necklace: ZuriCollections blue polymer clay necklace
Tank: Sass and Bide "For Easy Reference" tank
Shorts: Jeanswest Trinity Bermuda denim shorts
Shoes: slim gold Havaianas
Bag: Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet (more affordable preloved)

Why I wore it:

Another summer day with the boys, another denim shorts outfit! I loved my shorts over summer, and with the heat here in Brisbane I can wear them into autumn too. This tank is one of my favourites, every time I wear it I say it's been too long between wears and that I should wear it more often. Once again I really enjoyed wearing it!

Ended up going for the plain white kimono to wear with this tank, adding colour through the pink Balenciaga city bag again and the blue bead necklace. I liked this outfit, it was casual and comfortable for playgroup in the morning and a doctor's appointment in the afternoon.


Last worn: crochet kimono, Sass & Bide tank, bermuda denim shorts, gold Havaianas, Balenciaga sorbet city bag (above).

Other ways to wear: crochet kimono ad printed shorts, Sass & Bide tank and burgundy pants, bermuda denim shorts, Balenciaga sorbet city bag and little black dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: Sass & Bide tank in second trimester, Balenciaga sorbet city bag and maternity denim.

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Lace or Crochet Kimonos Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

You can still wear kimonos if you're wearing a printed tank! A good idea is to stick with neutrals like cream or white. Neutral doesn't mean boring though, as you can see with the textures on the kimonos. The first geometric print tank is paired with a lace kimono. WIth the second, the all white kimono has a fun crochet detail on the back and along the hems.



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Balenciaga City Compared To Rebecca Minkoff Regan (with Sheath Dresses For The Office)

I love my Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag, but held off buying the bigger Regan satchel as I wasn't sure if it was too similar to the Balenciaga city bag. After extra reductions in the Rebecca Minkoff sale, I snapped it up. It's interesting seeing the similarities and differences between the city and the Regan bags. Both look great for work with some printed sheath dresses!

What I wore:

Jacket: thrifted Zara black blazer
Scarf: gifted blush metallic rose gold shimmer scarf
Necklace: Lovisa gold filigree heart pendant
Dress: French Connection 'Woodblock wonder' panache dress in white/geranium rose
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Lovisa rose gold beaded bracelet stack
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

No, it isn't scarf weather yet in Brisbane! This scarf I got from my mum is so pretty though, a lovely blush shade with rose gold thread running through it. I added it in the morning as I'd lost my voice the afternoon before, and thought it best to keep wrapped up in the office air con. Thankfully my voice (mostly) made it through to the end of the day.

I forgot that this necklace hangs at an awkward length and bangs noisily on my work pass when I wear it, but the scarf did help muffle it a litte.

I usually pick neutral bags to wear with this colourful orange sheath dress. Although there was one time I paired it with an orange bag. I like blue and orange together, so the navy Regan satchel was a nice addition and a change from my usual grey. With the blazer and ballet flats, it's a classic office outfit combo, and one that I relly on a lot. Especially when life gets hectic, as happens often with two little ones. I wonder how full time office workers with kids do it all sometimes!

This dress is on it's eighth wear, even though this year marks 5 years since I bought it. I do tend to keep it to spring/summer as I prefer to wear it without tights. Other than not getting worn a lot (which is even harder to do now I'm only in the office a couple of days a week), there's nothing wrong with it. I feel bad keeping pieces like this that are so rarely worn in my wardrobe, but given the choice again today I'd still buy it if I saw it in a store so it's staying, even if it will be a while before it gets worn again!


Last worn: jersey blazer, orange sheath dress, ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff Regan satchel.

Other ways to wear: jersey blazer and a-line skirt, orange sheath dress layered for winter, ballet flats and printed shorts, Rebecca Minkoff Regan satchel and shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: jersey blazer in third trimester, orange sheath dress hiding a baby bump.

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Balenciaga City and Rebecca Minkoff Regan Side By Side Comparison:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Zara cream jersey blazer

Necklace: freshwater pearl necklace and long freshwater pearl strand necklace
Dress: French Connection blue Paisley print dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black!)
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
Bag: Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet (more affordable preloved)

Why I wore it:

Unlike the orange sheath dress above, this blue paisley print one has been worn a lot more often. One of my favourite work pieces, it just makes me feel pulled together and confident. I've worn blue bags with this dress in the past, but this is the first time I've worn the dress and Balenciaga city bag together. I've worn it with a pink blazer in the past, but never a pink bag. I really liked the combination - I'm sure it will come up again in my quest to get to 30 wears with this dress this year!

While I love the Rebecca Minkoff Regan above and think it's a great classic option for work, there's something so cheerful about the pink Balenciaga city bag that makes me smile when I wear it. Paired with my favourite blue sheath dress, it's a great mood booster for a tough week.

The pearl necklaces were a last minute choice, I'd planned to wear another necklace but changed my mind that morning. I'm not completely happy with them. I did try knot the longer chain of pearls but when I couldn't get the knot to sit right and I was in a rush I just left it. I think knotting it would have looked better though, like this time I knotted the necklace.


Last worn: cream jersey blazer, Paisley print sheath dress, gold mouse flats, Balenciaga sorbet city bag.

Other ways to wear: cream jersey blazer and pencil skirt, Paisley print sheath dress and purple bag, gold mouse flats and flares, Balenciaga sorbet city bag and denim shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: Paisley print sheath dress in second trimester, gold mouse flats and maternity wrap dress, Balenciaga sorbet city bag at 37 weeks.

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Sheath Dresses For The Office Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It

Sheath dresses are a classic cut and style for the office. They work in many different office dress codes. Fun printed ones like these two are perfect for business casual offices, but if you have a more formal dress code you could go with a plain version.




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Pink Balenciaga City Bag and Wrap Dresses For The Office

With my return to work from maternity leave, I feel like a have a lot more outfit options in my wardrobe. It's been fun getting to unpack my office clothing I set aside while I was on maternity leave, and wear some of my fancier dresses, but I've also enjoyed using more of my handbags.

While I've shared my secret for how to wear a handbag and a baby bag before, I still prefer cross body bags when running around with the toddlers.  Being back in the office means getting to wear those bags I didn't wear frequently during maternity leave, like this sorbet pink Balenciaga city bag.

What I wore:

Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
Necklace: Zanele 40 handmade rope necklace
Tank: Jeanswest brown marle singlet
Dress: Jeanswest floral wrap dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black!)
Bag: Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet

Why I wore it:

This dress is one of the oldies in my wardrobe. The benefit to having so many pieces from Jeanswest in my wardrobe is that I can tell how old things are from the different tags they've used through the years! This dress is practically vintage as it's around 10 years old. I might have to add a singlet underneath for modesty now but I still love wearing this just as much as I did when I first got it.

I found the wrap style worked perfectly for pregnancy too! Pink accessories with a little black dress is an outfit combination I wear a lot of, and I love this wrap dress and pink Balenciaga city bag together.


Last worn: camel trench coat, brown marle tank, floral wrap dress, gold mouse flats, Balenciaga sorbet city bag.

Other ways to wear: camel trench coat and burgundy pants, brown marle tank and ombre maxi skirt, floral wrap dress layered up for winter, gold mouse flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga sorbet city bag and navy kimono.

Perfect for pregnancy: camel trench in the first trimester, floral dress and pink bag in second trimester, Balenciaga city bag at 37 weeks pregnant.

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Pink Balenciaga City Bags:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo
Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
Dress: Target Dannii Minogue Petites printed wrap dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats
Bag: Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet

Why I wore it:

Pink and blue is another favourite colour combination of mine. While the print of this dress is made up or pinks, reds, blue and turquoise it 'reads' blue so I wore it with the blue necklace and jacket to compliment it.

Just like the gold mouse flats in the first outfit, these silver ballet flats are a nice neutral. A good choice with such a colourful outfit.

Unlike the wrap dress above, this is a faux wrap dress. I usually stay away from faux wrap pieces. Being petite with a short torso it's hard enough to find proper wrap pieces that fit me and impossible with faux ones. This dress is from the Dannii Minogue petites range at Target though and fits perfectly!


Last worn: navy Macintosh, faux wrap dress, silver ballet flats, Balenciaga sorbet city bag (above). 

Other ways to wear: navy Macintosh and fit and flare dress, faux wrap dress and winter layers, silver ballet flats and monochrome pencil skirt outfit, Balenciaga sorbet city bag with monochrome pencil skirt outfit.

Perfect for pregnancy: faux wrap dress in second trimester, Balenciaga city bag and maternity shorts.

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Wrap Dresses Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

A wrap dress is a great outfit choice for work. They suit everyone and are an easy, instant outfit. If you're worried the wrap doesn't give enough coverage, you could layer a tank underneath like I have in the first outfit. They work perfectly for breastfeeding too!

With a classic corporate dress code friendly wrap dress, you can have a little fun with your accessories and try a bold colour like this pink bag.


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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: 

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Dress: Jeanswest 'Sierra' embellished black maxi dress (on sale!)
Shoes: Balenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH (on sale, 58% off!)
Bag: Rebecca 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 wear: embellished maxi dress for Christmas day, pink Balenciaga gladiator sandals and shorts, aquamarine mini MAC and pink vest.

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More Colourful Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Bags:

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Wilma teething necklace in pale daffodil
Dress: black Jeanswest halterneck maxi dress
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bag: Rebecca 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 worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (above), black halterneck maxi dress, studded sandals, striped Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag.

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

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Embellished or Halterneck Black Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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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.



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Bright Maxi Dresses and Blue Bags

Despite my love for bright bags, I have very few bright clothes. Blue and grey are the main colours in my wardrobe. Over the past few years I've been trying to be more adventurous with colour thanks to reading lots of great blogs and looking up to people like Sheila who wear colour so easily. Now I have a couple of bright maxi dresses. I like maxi dresses as they are fuss-free instant outfits, and colourful dresses are a great way to ease into a more colourful wardrobe.

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Ava elephant pendant teething necklace
Dress: Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale, 44% off!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

Last time I wore this dress I shared that I bought it after seeing it on Instagram. Quite a few of the #everydaystyle ladies have it, and I always smile when I see it pop up in my feed. It also makes me smile every time I wear it, such a cheerful colour. Perfect for a hot day and I love how the aquamarine Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag matches with the print on the dress. We had a fun morning attending rhyme time for some singing and the dancing with the boys, a quiet day.

I don't always go matchy matchy with accessories, but the necklace and bag worked so wonderfully with this print I was glad I did it this time. I'll probably wear this similarly again, I liked it so much. It's only March but this is easily my favourite outfit of the year. Wouldn't change a single thing.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, coral printed maxi dress, studded gladiator sandals, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: coral printed maxi dress for Christmas day, studded gladiator sandals worn 30 ways, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC and pink vest.

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More Bright Floral Print Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo

Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
Shoes: Balenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH (on sale, 58% off!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale in black, or in blue)

Why I wore it:

Unlike the outfit above, I wore this for a much busier day. We had Baby Boy's weekly weigh and then a trip into the city for another specialist appointment, and family visiting in the afternoon. I really like this bright maxi dress as it's a nursing dress, perfect for a busy day and breastfeeding on the go.

I kept thinking of this bag after sharing it (and all my other bags) in my wardrobe inventory post, as it's really only worn in the office. Thought this tote would be a good carry all for the folder of documents I bring along to appointments for Baby Boy. Unlike my neverfull, it's quite a stiff bag and not very flexible or easy to use when you have a baby on your hip. You can't just use one hand to dig around inside when it's on your shoulder due to the inflexible sides. It spent most of the time hooked onto the stroller which I actually didn't mind.

Pink and blue is one of those colour combinations I really enjoy, but this bag just isn't practical for stay at home mum life. I was annoyed by this bag most of the day. It's going back to sit in the wardrobe awaiting my return to work in a few months.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (above), Mothers En Vogue maxi dress, gold glitter belt, sorbet Balenciaga sandals, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote.

Other ways to wear: Mothers En Vogue maxi dress and denim jacket, gold glitter belt in the office, studded Balenciaga sandals and maternity shorts, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote and fit and flare dresses.

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More Pink Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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If you want to add more colour to your wardrobe, try a bright dress. You don't have to worry about mixing and matching or clashing with other colours. You can let it shine on its own as the focal piece in your outfit, so it's incredibly easy to wear.


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