Corporate Style: Chloe Paddington Bag and Wrap Dresses for The Second Trimester Baby Bump

Before I bought my first ever designer handbag, I'd spent ages researching and reading up on it and struck up quite a few online friendships. One of my friends, @jessicaval, had recently been talking about Chloe Paddingtons again, and we all decided to get out our old favourites and carry them for an informal #internationalPaddingtonWeek. I only managed two days as I figured a heavy bag with a padlock wasn't best for a day at home with a toddler, but it was perfect for taking to the office. It reminded my why I love and keep this bag, even if I don't wear it often, there are so many happy memories attached.

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)
Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace
Tank: Jeanswest brown marle singlet
Dress: Jeanswest floral wrap dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Ferragamo double wrap bracelet
Bag: Chloe Paddington in 2007 Brun

Why I wore it:

I'd only worn this dress two weeks ago, but really wanted to wear it again as I remembered I couldn't wear it after my second trimester in my last pregnancy as it was getting a bit tricky to wrap all the way around the bump. I'm glad I could give it one last wear before the baby arrives.

Picked gold flats to match the gold padlock on my Chloe Paddington. Can't believe it's been a year since I last wore it!


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, brown marle tank, Jeanswest wrap dress, gold mouse flats, Chloe Paddington bag.

Other ways to wear: brown marle tank and a maxi skirt, wrap dress layered up for winter, gold mouse flats and flares, Chloe Paddington bag and a vintage pencil skirt.

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Shop more Chloe Paddington bags:

Note: If you're ever looking for a Chloe Paddington I'd suggest not paying retail and instead buying second hand from somewhere that guarantees authenticity like Fashionphile, or Vestiaire Collective  that authenticates the item after you purchase but before you receive it. I've featured bags from these places above. While ebay has a lot of Paddington bags, many are counterfeit.

What I wore:

Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace

Dress: Soon Maternity 'Madeline' grey print wrap dress
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Chloe Paddington in 2007 Brun

Why I wore it:

Another wrap dress! They are such easy maternity options. this is a special maternity dress that I picked up second hand on ebay in my last pregnancy, and wore it 6 wonderful times. I wished I'd bought it sooner than I did, so I was pleased to be able to pull it out of the 'maternity clothes' bag I'd set aside and start wearing it now in the second trimester.

I'm not looking to buy any more maternity workwear, with the two pencil skirts and this maternity wrap dress from last time I'm pretty set as I'm only in the office twice a week.

I was a little sad to pack my Chloe Paddington bag away after wearing it, although it's not the most practical of bags and I can't use it every day I'm pleased @jessicaval inspired us to get our old bags out again.


I know that there is still a lot of interest in the Chloe Paddington bag as the video review of it is one of the most popular on my channel!

The Chloe Paddington will always be my first handbag 'love' and I'm never going to get rid of this one. What was your first ever handbag splurge? Do you still own and use it?


Last worn: Soon Maternity printed wrap dress, black ballet flats, Chloe Paddington bag (above).

Other ways to wear: Soon Maternity wrap dress in the third trimester, black ballet flats and layers, Chloe Paddington bag and skinny jeans.



Linking up with Fresh Fashion, Pleated Poppy, What I Wore, Style Me Wednesday, Oh Hey Girl, Fashion Files, Throwback Thursday, What I Wore to Work, Weekend Link Up, Fun Fashion, Flashback Fashion.

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Pregnancy Wardrobe Essentials: Favourite Maternity Outfits

While I'm in the hospital with baby, I've set up a few scheduled posts.

As soon as I can I will be back to posting my usual daily outfits. I'll be sharing bits and pieces on my instagram (@awayfromblue) about life with baby until I'm back to blogging. Until then I hope you enjoy the little break and slight change of format.


Today I wanted to share some of my favourite outfits and clothes I wore during my pregnancy, across all three trimesters. Bit of a picture heavy post!

You can click on each image to go to the original post and view the outfit details.


Mothers En Vogue Havana Maxi Dress

28 Weeks	32 Weeks	38 Weeks

Soon Maternity 'Madeline' grey print wrap dress

30 Weeks	33 Weeks	34 Weeks

Asos maternity tartan check pencil skirt

26 Weeks	34 Weeks	37 Weeks

Asos maternity graphic print pencil skirt

27 Weeks	32 Weeks	35 Weeks

Jeanswest maternity super skinny jeans in antique blue

23 Weeks	26 Weeks	40 Weeks

AT by Atmos&Here Mars striped maxi skirt

First Trimester	Second Trimester	Third Trimester

Jeanswest plain jersey black maxi skirt

First Trimester	Second Trimester	Third Trimester

'Ninja baby' maternity skeleton tee

34 Weeks	37 Weeks	39 Weeks

Target grey marle maxi skirt

35 Weeks	37 Weeks	39 Weeks

Target black and white striped maxi skirt

33 Weeks	35 Weeks	36 Weeks

I definitely made the most of maxi skirts this pregnancy! They are my pregnancy must-haves.

Which outfit or item of clothing is your favourite?


Linking up with Casual Friday, Friday's Fab Favourites, Fashion Item Friday, Friday's Fancies, Passion For Fashion, Monday Bloom, Funday Monday, Mix It Monday, Manic Monday today.

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Want more outfit inspiration and advice on how to come up with a wardrobe plan for your pregnancy? The ultimate guide, How to Have a Stylish Pregnancy On a Budget is available now!

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Pregnancy Wardrobe Essentials - Review of Maternity Pieces in My Wardrobe

While I'm in the hospital with baby, I've set up a few scheduled posts.

As soon as I can I will be back to posting my usual daily outfits. Until then I hope you enjoy the little break and slight change of format.

First up, talking about my pregnancy wardrobe and the maternity pieces I wore through my pregnancy.

I had a total of 14 maternity pieces to supplement my existing wardrobe. I've included links below so you can see when I wore them, and how often I wore them. My goal was to buy as little maternity pieces as possible.

Tops:

• MEV Britney bubble tank in mood indigo C/O Zibibo. Worn in second trimester | worn in third trimester
• Asos drape tank in space dye fabric. Worn in second trimester | worn in third trimester
• Jeanswest 'Felicity' maternity shirt in amethyst. Worn in third trimester, three times.
• Jeanswest 'Tilda' black shirt. Worn in first trimester | worn in second trimester | worn in third trimester

Dresses:

• Soon Maternity 'Madeline' grey print wrap dress. Worn in third trimester 6 times
• MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo. Worn in second trimester | worn in third trimester 5 times
• Burgundy button sash maternity dress C/O Pink Blush Maternity. Worn in second trimester | worn in third trimester twice

Skirts:

• Asos maternity tartan check pencil skirt. Worn in second trimester 4 times | worn in third trimester 5 times
• Asos maternity graphic print pencil skirt. Worn in second trimester 4 times | worn in third trimester 6 times
• Soon Maternity Flora fold pencil skirt. Worn in second trimester | worn in third trimester twice

Shorts:

• Jeanswest maternity rolled up shorts. Worn in second trimester twice | worn in third trimester 4 times

Pants:

• Jeanswest Maternity slim straight jeans. Worn in second trimester twice
• Jeanswest maternity super skinny jeans in antique blue. Worn in second trimester 8 times | worn in third trimester 7 times
• Jeanswest maternity skinny jeans in black. Worn in second trimester 4 times | worn in third trimester 5 times

You can hear my thoughts and opinions by watching the video, but in summary:

• I was lucky to have a lot of pieces in my existing wardrobe that worked well in pregnancy. Lots of flowy, loose, oversized and stretchy pieces meant I didn't need much maternity wear. I'll do a follow up post about the non-maternity items I found most helpful.
• Maternity tops I found tricky to wear as the extra length swamped my petite frame.
• Dresses were the easiest, most comfortable maternity wear option for me. Great go-to pieces!
• The Asos maternity pencil skirts I bought were fantastic for work and I'd recommend them to anyone who has to dress for pregnancy in the office.
• Jeanswest maternity denim is the only brand of maternity jeans I tried - perfect first time so I didn't try to look elsewhere.

I hope that you found this post useful, and that you can pass it along to anyone who might benefit from it :) Different from my usual posts, but I thought that laying out what I wore and how I wore it during my pregnancy might come in helpful for someone.


Linking up with Manic Monday, Style Sessions, Three-Fer Thursday today.

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Maternity Dresses! Maxi Dress Baby Shower Outfit, Wrap Dress For The Office

Here's what I wore on Sunday:

Necklace: gold heart shaped necklace layered with vintage gold chain
Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Disney Couture Winnie the Pooh bangle, Hermes pink clic clac
Bag: Miu Miu cammeo studded clutch bag


Had a busy Sunday! After Saturday's trip to Australia Zoo, I had another luxurious pregnancy massage booked in the morning to get rid of all of the anticipated aches and pains from all of the walking around. Then it was a spot of shopping with my sister, the baby shower at my parents, and a BBQ dinner at the in-laws.

The baby shower was really fun. Baby got so many gifts! We had put together a little registry advising people that gifts weren't necessary, and suggesting a few little things if people wanted to buy something. So many people got us things, it was really unexpected and I got a little teary opening presents.

I'd initially been against the idea of a baby shower, but warmed up to it more during the pregnancy. They aren't very common in Australia. It was such a lovely way to spend Mother's Day though, and I'm very thankful to my mum and sister who put so much effort into the party. Spending time with friends, family and with my mother and mother in law celebrating the impending arrival of their grandchild was really special. Hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day too. :)


Last worn: purple maternity maxi dress, gold glitter belt, Havaianas, Miu Miu studded cammeo bag.

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Here's what I wore to work today:

Dress: Soon Maternity 'Madeline' grey print wrap dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey
Bracelets: the usual plus enamel coated Marc By Marc Jacobs Katie bracelet
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with GSH


After a busy weekend, simplicity was needed, so went with this Soon Maternity wrap dress for work again. Made getting ready easy, and was perfect for the many meetings I had.

Shocked to search the blog and find that I haven't carried this bag for 5 months - I need to get better at rotating through my handbags. It's a little tricky now that they are all stored in boxes under the bed though, bending down to get things is not the easiest manoeuvre when pregnant, haha!


Last worn: maternity wrap dress, studded mouse flats, Balenciaga Part Time bag.

Linking up with Mix It Mondays, Manic Mondays, Style Sessions, Trend Spin Linkup today.

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Balenciaga Sorbet City Bag. Soon Maternity Wrap Dress | Grey Tee, Asos Tartan Pencil Skirt

Here's what I wore on Wednesday:

Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette layered with Dogeared silver wishbone necklace
Dress: Soon Maternity 'Madeline' grey print wrap dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs two tone flats in blush and black
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet


Wednesday was a long day, so wore this dress again to be comfortable. After work, DH and I had our first antenatal class at the hospital. It was really good, answered a lot of questions for us and we got a bit of a tour. So exciting how close we are getting to baby's arrival! I thought about getting changed for the class, but figured the dress would be fine. There were a few people who had come directly from work like ourselves too. I've never been around so many pregnant ladies in one place before, was interesting seeing how everyone dressed for their bumps.


Last worn: Soon Maternity wrap dress, cap toe flats, Balenciaga sorbet city.

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Here's what I wore to work today:

Necklace: House of Harlow 5 station necklace in black and silver
Top: Atmos&Here charcoal grey v neck tee
Skirt: Asos panelled pencil skirt in tartan check on sale! (materntity version here)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey
Bracelets: the usual plus enamel coated Marc By Marc Jacobs Katie bracelet
Bag: Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet


Pink Balenciaga city bag again today! Although it's not Friday, this post will be live on my blog on Friday, so had to have a little bit of pink in support of Renae :) Pink accessories seemed like a good choice, and it means I didn't have to change my bag.

Just a simple pencil skirt and tee outfit again. I really wish I'd bought more colours or even a backup of this tee when it was still made - it really is the perfect tee! It's even able to handle the second trimester and third trimester baby bumps and still look good!


Don't forget I'm selling some items on ebay as part of my wardrobe clear out. A mix of clothes (regular and maternity), accessories and even handbags too. Everything ships internationally :)


Last worn: Atmos&Here grey tee, Asos tartan pencil skirt, studded mouse flats, Balenciaga sorbet city (see above).


Linking up with Three-Fer Thursday, What I Wore to Work, Fashion Item Friday, Friday's Fab Favourites, Fashion Informant today.

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Sales! Balenciaga Sapphire Purple City Bag, Maxi Skirt, Maternity Wrap Dress.

Here's what I wore to work from home on Tuesday:

Scarf: Sportsgirl animal scarf in Violet
Necklace: House of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
Top: Jeanswest 'Josie' striped back strap tank (new purchase)
Skirt: Target grey marle maxi skirt
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Balenciaga purple RH city in 2008 sapphire


Nice casual comfortable outfit to work from home and attend a doctor's appointment on Tuesday. This stripe tank is one of the bargains I picked up in the last 40% off Jeanswest sale. They have another sale on at the moment too...and I bought more things... I can't resist the sales, I should subscribe from the emails! The scarf was a good addition for a bit of print mixing and to keep me warm as it was a little chilly in the morning.


Last worn: purple leopard print scarf, grey maxi skirt, Havaianas, Balenciaga sapphire city. first time I've worn the tank as it's a recent purchase.

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Here's what I wore to work today:

Scarf: Alexander McQueen magenta skull scarf in roses print (new purchase)
Necklace: gift from DH
Dress: Soon Maternity 'Madeline' grey print wrap dress
Shoes:  Marc by Marc Jacobs two tone flats in blush and black
Bracelets: the usual plus purple Salvatore Ferragamo 'Vara' leather bow bracelet (25% off with code with code 'INTHEFAMILY14')
Bag: Balenciaga purple RH city in 2008 sapphire


Are you sick of this dress yet? haha! I'm not! I'm planning to wear it every week for the rest of my pregnancy, it's just such a good maternity work wear option. Had a big meeting this afternoon so I felt appropriately dressed.

Added some colour with the shoes, bag and scarf as I don't tend to wear a lot of colour with this dress and wanted to change that. The scarf is a new purchase from Reebonz a while back to use up some more of my credits, bought in anticipation of the weather cooling down! I can't even resist sales when the items are for another season!

And yet more sale talk.... the ShopBop friends and family sale is on now! 25% off everything - including sale items! - with code 'INTHEFAMILY14'

Last worn: Soon Maternity wrap dress, cap toe flats, Balenciaga sapphire city (see above). First time I've worn the scarf as it's a recent purchase.

Linking up with Colour Brigade, What I Wore Wednesday, What I Wore, Fashion Informant, Spotlight Weekly Linkup, Three-Fer Thursday, Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday, What I Wore to Work today.

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Balenciaga Rouille Work Bag. French Connection Top, Skinny Jeans | Soon Maternity Wrap Dress

Here's what I wore to work on Monday:

Necklace: Lovisa silver love knitted heart pendant necklace
Top: French Connection Moon Moire printed top
Jeans: Jeanswest maternity skinny jeans in black
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Balenciaga classic work in 2006 Rouille


This outfit was a bit of a fail. It seemed like such a good idea the night before, the top still fits (just!) over the baby bump, and the black jeans easily pass as normal pants for work. I just felt a little too large with it on. I much prefer the way the top still draped nicely in my second trimester, haha! Although the skinny jeans did help balance out the volume a little, still wish I'd worn a different top.


Last worn: French Connection print top, black maternity skinny jeans, MbMJ camel flats, Balenciaga rouille work.

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Here's what I wore to work today:

Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette
Dress: Soon Maternity 'Madeline' grey print wrap dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs patent leather black mouse flats
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Balenciaga classic work in 2006 Rouille


Wearing this maternity wrap dress again! It is definitely going to be a regular occurrence in my pregnancy work wardrobe! Not long left to go at work now. After not feeling great in yesterday's outfit, I wanted to wear something that I knew I felt good in, so this dress was perfect :) And I kept on wearing my rouille Balenciaga as I love the orange colour.


Last worn: Soon Maternity wrap dress, patent mouse flats, Balenciaga rouille work (see above).

Linking up with Style Sessions, Real Mom Style, Trend Spin Linkup, What I Wore Wednesday, Colour Brigade, What I Wore today.

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