And now, what I've been wearing. I felt like I'd been wearing my skinny jeans a lot this winter, so I made more of an effort to wear my maxi skirts and get out of the denim rut. These two outfits were perfect for the days we had lined up with friends visiting from overseas. Maxi skirts and cardigans are such a cosy and comfortable combination.
Apologies for the bin in the background of this shot! I was in a bit of a rush that morning. We were up early to travel down to NSW with our friends, and visit some great beaches and points of interest along the way. I was excited to wear my new Ikwetta sandals too! They are so pretty and perfect for the beach. You can see a better pic of my colourblock tee here when I was on a beach with baby, it's got a pink panel on the back. I have to say baby T coped so well with all the travel, it was a big day for him. I usually like to be home for his afternoon nap (he's down to just one nap a day) but he was still happy and smiley despite not really getting a big nap.
The only time I didn't like this outfit was when we were in Surfers Paradise at sunset. While it was gorgeous, no more sun to heat me up and walking along the markets right by the breezy beachfront made me wish I'd worn different shoes. They were okay during the day, just wanted something closed in as the temperatures dipped at night. The cosy cardi didn't keep my feet warm! The hot chocolate for the drive home helped a little though ;)
I don't know what my hair was doing this day either! Had to get ready in a rush as didn't want to be late - we went to farewell our friends at the airport. We had coffee together and then after they flew away baby T and I went out for lunch with my mum.
As above, a maxi skirt and cardigan seemed like a comfortable and cosy option - although ankle boots this time to keep my feet warm!
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 😂
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.
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.
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. Linking up with Fancy Friday, Fabulous Friday, Lizzie In Lace, Weekend Wear.
Strange to see this maxi dress without the baby bump! I bought it in my third trimester when I felt I was running out of pretty dresses to wear, knowing I'd be able to wear it post-pregnancy as well. It's got gorgeous lace detail on the back, but as it's winter I covered it up with a cardi and added some boots to keep warm.
I first tried the belted jacket and maxi dress combo during my pregnancy, and I really liked it. Thought it would be a good way to keep cosy and look nice for spending the day with the in-laws. We had lunch and Baby T got the chance to meet some more of his relatives from out of state, it was a lovely day. Picked this cardigan to wear over my other ones as I really like purple and blue together, and the way the little waterfall drape looks with the maxi dress.
I'm glad I can still wear this maternity maxi dress post-baby! It was one of my favourite maternity pieces, and is a nursing dress too, really practical. I did worry that it might be a little too long on my petite frame without the belly holding it up a bit, but belted it's still a nice floor-skimming length.
I've been wanting to wear the dress and denim jacket together for a while. It's also the perfect piece for the last day of the Style and Shenanigans texture challenge. Minus the snood, this was the outfit I had planned out to wear the evening before I unexpectedly went into labour. I woke up early in the morning, feeling funny. When DH got up I was sitting on the end of the bed breathing through a contraction and as soon as I could I said "I think I'm in labour!". Instead of the pretty dress I'd laid out, I put on my ninja baby tee (for its last wear!) and some trackie dacks to wait it out at home a bit longer until it was time to head to the hospital. Changed into a hospital gown soon after arriving there, and baby was born shortly after! It was so wonderful to meet him, he was so tiny and perfect!
This is the second wear of the snood since I bought it, so as I've done with all my July purchases, the final verdict:
I like it! I've never really liked the idea of a snood before, it seems less versatile than a scarf and I was always worried the style would overwhelm me, being short. Trying it on in store helped to make sure it was a purchase that looked good on me and one that I'd wear. An impulse buy I didn't need to make (I have a LOT of scarves) but one I'll get lots of use from. Especially now as I'm favouring soft scarves instead of necklaces baby could get tangled in.
The other week, we had a busy weekend with a couple of first birthday parties to attend for baby T's friends, so I went with my trusty maxi dresses. They always seem to fit any dress-code. And they are easy to wash after the inevitable food-covered baby hands start grabbing at them. Maxi dresses are perfect first birthday party wear!
As it's winter here in Brisbane (and late autumn when I took these pictures) I had to layer up a little. It is possible to wear maxi skirts and dresses year round (and I've shown a few times when I've worn maxi dresses in winter), you just need to wear a little more than you would in summer. It helps if you have snow-free winters like we do here.
I wore this to a little girl's first birthday party. I shared a picture of the party decor on instagram, as it was done so well, got me thinking about baby T's upcoming party! Her mum had spent a long time planning and had some of her friends help out to create a beautiful party, it was really fun.
Thought the glittery belt and the embroidered neckline of this black maxi dress made it a little dressed up for the occasion, and as well as meeting the 'sparkle' style challenge for the day, it was good for both playing on the floor with baby and standing around chatting to the adults. As much as I wanted to wear sandals, it was a little chilly so closed in ballet flats were the best option.
I shared a little bit about this maxi dress in my monthly purchases video. I got it from the local op-shop (thrift store) in the 'fill a bag for $2' sale. It looked familiar and it also looked like it was my size and in great condition, so into the bag it went. It was when I got it home and tried it and everything else on for the first time that I realised...I used to have a very similar dress when I was younger! Still haven't found a photo of me in the black version though.
I wore a denim jacket with this as I always used to think it was the coolest item of clothing ever when I was younger, to meet the 'hello cool' style challenge for the day. I needed a little more than just the denim jacket with this though as the first birthday party we were attending was outdoors. In the end I settled on the pink scarf, after trying on a few. I thought it looked nice with the teal and it matches the pink in the print well.
First up, my July purchases! I decided to set myself a #noBuyJuly15 challenge after buying a lot in June. The rules were simple - no unnecessary spending, limited only to essential things like food.
I decided to just 'take a look' at the target sale, and then just 'try a few things on' and then just bought this $10 shirt. Not as bad as it could have been, I took 6 things into the change room, but definitely shows me that avoiding sales is the best way for me to curb unnecessary spending. Sale shopping is wonderful, and the main way I shop, but if you aren't shopping for something in particular you will walk out with a bargain you didn't plan to buy.
Now, what I've been wearing. Some recent outfits following a simple outfit formula: cardigan, skinny jeans and a plaid shirt.
One of the perks of having a stylish sister is getting to share her wardrobe! Even though we no longer live together, when we have wardrobe clearouts we always give each other the first chance to grab things. I was lucky enough to get two plaid shirts from my sisters rather large collection. I had no plaid shirts in my wardrobe, while she had so many she was getting rid of that I lost count!
This was a tiring day! I was in a bit of a rush in the morning so instead of trying to figure out which bag would work, I just threw my things in the baby bag, which was overflowing more than usual as I had thrown in some extra things to keep baby T amused. It can be taxing trying to keep a wriggly toddler happy, quiet and amused on your lap in a waiting room, so I overstuffed the bag with every toy I could cram into it that morning.
Since getting the bag hook for the stroller I've been enjoying being able to carry my own bag and have one or both bags on the stroller if needed, but some days you just need the simplicity of one bag for everything. I'm so glad we bought a large baby bag, my wallet, phone and keys fit in nicely.
Another plaid shirt, and another cosy cardigan. This shirt has a bit of a history. I bought it online as a final sale from the Outnet a few years ago. I thought I'd read the size chart correctly, but it just didn't fit quite right. My sister was happy to take it off my hands and she wore it for a few years. Now as she was going to get rid of it, I was happy to take it back again! I don't mind the slightly oversized relaxed fit, it was comfortable for a morning at playgroup with baby.
This poor cardigan, it's second wearing this year after rediscovering it in my wardrobe, and the second time it didn't make it through a full day before baby 'added' to it and it's had to go in the wash!
No scarf with this as I couldn't figure out what one would go best, and as it's been warming up a little I didn't miss it too much.
I really like the Remix Friday challenge that Ash has set each week. This week was difficult as it was so cold I just dressed for warmth this morning. It was hard to think of 3 different looks for the cardi, so this week I thought up 3 ways to wear it instead. I'll need to try harder next week, and come up with different looks and outfits like I did last week.
Added a belt as a second way to wear it, as the cardi tends to flutter about as I walk. The belt would keep in in place. For the third way to wear it I could wear it as a sweater on it's own, again with the belt keeping it closed.
Also got a very exciting email today! Reebonz Australia are having a special Australia and New Zealand only Weekend Treasures Chanel sale. The email is copied below.
In October we took the boys on their first flight down to Sydney for a few days. I'm sharing what we did and things to see in Sydney if you're travelling with toddlers. If you want to skip that, I've included my regular outfits too.
Toddler T is 3, and Baby Boy is 19 months. Both are good walkers. We took a travel stroller and I had my Ergobaby carrier. The stroller was great for carrying the baby bag, layers to wear and food and snacks for the boys but we didn't think Sydney was very stroller friendly. Sydney had daylight savings time but it was only an hour different from Brisbane so we stuck to Brisbane time as normal.
I was looking forward to this day the most! I didn't have a lot of space as we packed light, mostly taking extra clothes for the boys. I still prioritised so while I wore the same Converse every day, I had room for a change of bag and instead of my Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere I swapped out to this magenta Balenciaga day bag for our morning at the aquarium and spending the afternoon with my bestie. She has a magenta Balenciaga bag too so I had to wear this for the occasion!
Did wish I'd packed another jacket, as it was an overcast and colder day and this purple cardigan was the warmest piece I'd packed.
We landed in Sydney in the afternoon, and it was off to where we were staying for nap time. I will not be sharing the name of the place we stayed as it was the worst place I have ever stayed and if there had been other options available I would have demanded a refund and moved out.
After failed nap time for Toddler T, I took him with me on my bloggy date with Rachel from a Nesting Nomad. It was great to catch up with her again, after meeting her in Brisbane a while back. I followed Google Maps but failed to realise the route resulted in walking up a very long hill to get to the meeting point. Only slightly late. Sorry again Rachel!
We walked through Hyde Park to let Toddler T run around a bit, then met up with Hubby and Baby Boy once he'd woken up. We went for a walk around Paddy's markets and through Chinatown before going to Darling Harbour.
Tip: Darling Harbour playground is perfect for toddlers.
The boys had the chance to run around and play to expend some energy after sitting still on the flight. Lots of lovely restaurants nearby for dinner options too, although we went back to where we were staying and ordered takeout!
Day Two
A cold and dull day, it was supposed to rain so we headed to the aquarium as we suspected we might. We hadn't bought our tickets in advance, not wanting to tie ourselves down to anything much with two toddlers.
Tip: Buy your aquarium ticket in advance. The line to purchase was extremely slow.
The aquarium was worth the wait though, the boys loved it. Despite it being perfect indoors weather and a weekend, there was plenty of space for the boys to run around from exhibit to exhibit as it wasn't too crowded. There were roving staff members in a few rooms presenting and talking about things to see, as well as lots of helpful educational information near each tank. Made it easy to explain to the boys what they were seeing, even though they were a little young to read for themselves.
Tip: Take toddlers to the bathroom before you enter. The bathrooms are at the end of the aquarium which is not what you want to discover halfway round.
After the aquarium, we attempted to head over the Pyrmont bridge to get to the shopping centre for lunch. I have fond memories of walking along the bridge on holiday as a kid, back when the monorail was still there! So difficult to do with a stroller though. We'd walked past the lift a few times before we found it, and then getting the lift down into the shopping centre on the other side of the harbour involved getting out on the top floor, walking through the shopping centre, getting another lift down then walking back to go to where we wanted to eat for lunch. On our way back we just walked around the harbour in the cold rather than attempt the silly lift system again.
As the boys napped, my bestie arrived and I snuck out leaving hubby and the boys to rest as we went to the Lindt Cafe for some chocolate and a catch up. It might have just been the company, but it was easily one of my favourite meals in Sydney, as we shared the 'dome of decadence' between 3 of us.
Tip: Lindt Cafe might be a little too chocolate filled to be a good option with a toddler, but they do takeaway!
After an amazing afternoon catching up, it was dinner time and we just headed to the nearest McDonalds for a fuss-free meal, perfect for toddlers!
Day Three
The day Toddler T was looking forward to most - a trip to the zoo and a ride on a Sydney Ferry!
After a slight detour into the Rocks, we eventually made our way to Circular Quay and had the chance to take photos with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Tip: The Rocks is NOT stroller friendly, don't even try it. Or you'll end up stuck looking down on the harbour realising the only way down is a very long flight of stairs with a stroller. Thanks again Google Maps!
I expected some excitement from the toddlers about the landmarks we'd been pointing out in books for weeks, but it was of course all about the boats! There was a big cruise liner docked while we were there which was exciting to see.
After buying our tickets we hopped on the ferry to go to Taronga Zoo. It's a short trip, just enough time for the toddlers to enjoy being on a boat and you to point out and take photos of all the landmarks before you arrive at the zoo.
Tip: You don't need to travel round all of Circular Quay to get landmark photos with toddlers - just hop on the Manly ferry and take photos from the boat!
When we arrived at the zoo, as we had bought our tickets in advance we were able to take the gondola up over the animals to the very top, with amazing views of the harbour. Of course it was the animals you fly over that the boys enjoyed more than the view! Tip: buy your zoo ticket in advance, even if just at the ferry terminal. It gives you the ability to take a gondola up to the top of the hill and work your way down.
Starting at the top of the zoo made getting around with the stroller very easy, no need to push up any hills. While we didn't see all the animals (we skipped the aquatic section after the aquarium the day before, and the line for the tiger experience was too long for a toddler's attention span) the boys had a great time running around and getting up close with the animals we did see.
We had lunch at 'The Fish Stop' which does have non-seafood options, and was less busy than the central 'Food Market' although it does have less choices. It was so easy to get food and then sit in one of the many picnic areas right next to it, with incredible views of the Sydney city and the harbour.
Tip: Grab a bite to eat at 'The Fish Stop' or bring a picnic and sit back on the lawns for an amazing view out over the harbour!
While the monkeys were the favourite animal of the day (and it was incredible watching one of them mesmerised by my teething necklace!) there were so many to choose from. There was a lovely playground in the farm animal section. Although it was geared towards older kids the boys really enjoyed playing there for a break from animal-watching.
The walk back to the ferry was a really nice downhill stretch, and while you do have to go through a gift shop as you exit the big shark tank and presentation that was on around the sharks meant the boys were nicely distracted as we left, souvenir free. If only that had been the case at the aquarium, ha!
Once we got back to Sydney, we headed to Helm Bar for dinner. I'd looked up a few places online for food and Helm bar was highly recommended, but seemed like a noisy party bar every time we passed it before. Having no luck finding anywhere else open on a Sunday night in our price range, we went there as it was listed as wheelchair accessible. While there's no easy way to get a stroller up the stairs to the bar, there is a lovely beer garden you can sit in and order food and drinks. It was perfect for families.
Food was so well priced, especially for Sydney, and the boys loved their kids meal. I'm still sad we tried it on the last night so I couldn't go back for another schnitzel burger - definitely will be next time I'm in Sydney!
Day Four
This was our travel day, we didn't do much other than pack up, prepare another lunchbox full of snacks for the plane trip home, and make our way to the airport.
Top Tips for Travelling With Toddlers
Have transport options
The toddlers can walk, and we had the stroller and Ergo Baby carrier for babywearing so there were options when the boys didn't want to walk any more.
Be flexible
We had a general list of the sights we wanted to see but didn't buy any tickets in advance so that our days could change if necessary, and we weren't feeling rushed as we didn't try to do too much each day. One activity or outing is fine, and just wing it for the rest of the day.
Pack snacks
This works for the plane flight too, but when you're in a new place you might not know how far away the next kid-friendly place to eat is, so having snacks with you for the toddlers and yourself comes in helpful.
Take lots of photos
The only regret I had in Sydney was that I didn't take a lot of photos (a few hundred over the 4 days instead of my usual couple of hundred I take a day when something exciting is going on!).
Would we do it again?
Not until the boys are bigger and the stroller isn't needed - it was a real pain trying to fit the stroller in places - even though we packed a small umbrella travel stroller instead of our usual big one. Sydney definitely felt a lot more cramped and less stroller friendly than Brisbane.
Unlike the outfit above, I actually found it too warm to wear the cardigan on this day and wished I hadn't brought it! We took the boys to see the Harbour Bridge and Opera House at last (our third day in Sydney...) and hopped on the Manly Ferry over to Taronga Zoo.
The benefit of wearing the Ergo Baby carrier in the back carry position (you can just see Baby Boy's little foot peeking out in the pic!) is that it's easy to wear a cross body bag, and my Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere was perfect for keeping my camera close by for walking around the zoo.
