Boxing Day Sales! Jeanswest Maternity Skinny Jeans in the Second Trimester

Hope you had a lovely Christmas! Back to posting as usual, and I wanted to share some of the boxing day sales as well as a couple of things I bought in December.

We had a few cool and stormy days in December so I took the opportunity to get some more wear from my maternity skinny jeans, before the summer temperatures make jeans too hot to wear.

What I wore:

Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette layered with Dogeared silver wishbone necklace

Dress: French Connection black paisley printed empire top (with pink Supre singlet underneath)
Jeans: Jeanswest maternity skinny jeans in black
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs two tone flats in blush and black
Bracelets: the usual plus Balenciaga classic double tour bracelet in pearly grey and  Hermes pink clic clac
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

Had been wanting to wear this pretty printed top for a while! It looks nice without a baby bump, but I enjoyed wearing it in my last pregnancy so I wanted to get more wear from it this time around too. It was perfect with the black skinny jeans.

While these are denim, they are such a dark wash that you wouldn't be able to easily tell that they are jeans, so I wear them to the office quite a bit. A good pregnancy workwear option!

As I'm doing the fox in flats DAREcember style challenge, I wore a bit of a bracelet stack to meet the 'army candy' prompt.


Last worn: paisley print top, pink singlet, black maternity skinny jeans, two tone flats, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag.

Other ways to wear: paisley print top and a pencil skirt, pink singlet and a floral dress, black maternity skinny jeans and a floral cami, cap toe flats and a maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff MAM and a leopard print dress.

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Great boxing day sales:

• 50% off sale at Matches Fashion
• 70% off sale at Net-A-Porter. With free Australian shopping on orders over $300!

• 50% off sale at Asos

• Up to 70% off at Rebecca Minkoff - plus an extra 40% off sale items with code 'BYE2015'!

• 50% off Christmas Sale at The Iconic
• 50% off sale at Sass and Bide

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What I wore:

Necklace: Australian coin and crest necklace (new purchase)
Tee: Cotton On Luxe pearl tee
Jeans: Jeanswest maternity super skinny jeans in antique blue
Shoes: Ikwetta 'Circles of life' sandals (C/O)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

Managed to do two style challenges in one! 'Red lip' for Fox in Flats DAREcember and 'sparkle and shine' for Summer Style File. After never having worn red lipstick before and only buying it as part of a challenge, I've quickly become a fan. I love this shade.

This tee was another one I'd been looking at in my wardrobe wanting to wear before the bump gets too big! It has a subtle metallic shimmer to it, a really nice piece and perfect for the challenge theme.

Despite the sunshine in the photos, it turned into quite an overcast day and with all the running around I was doing with toddler T (looking at day care centres for next year) I actually wished I'd worn a cardi a couple of times.

The necklace is new - I'd heard of the group For King & Country through Spotify, and then they did a live set at Church Online and I ended up buying the latest album. I saw this necklace while browsing their store and loved the message behind it, that women are priceless and that everyone should be treated with respect and honour.


Last worn: metallic tee, blue maternity skinny jeans, beaded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff MAM (above).

Other ways to wear: metallic tee and cobalt leather jacket, maternity skinny jeans and a graphic tee, beaded sandals and a blue maxi dress, grey MAM bag and print mixing outfit.


What I bought in December:

I was pretty good budget wise in December! As the baby bump gets bigger shopping for clothes is more difficult so I don't do it as often. I shopped more for Christmas presents for others. I did take advantage of the ASOS sale and pick myself up a couple of things I'd been wanting though.

• Somedays Lovin' Yakuza print kimono - $33.60
• New Look Petite print kimono - $19

Linking up with Modest Monday, Let It Shine, Hello Monday, December Budget, Mix It Monday, Style Sessions, Turning Heads, What I Wore, Confident Twosday, On Trend, Fresh Fashion Forum.

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Corporate Style: Maternity Pencil Skirts and Grey Tees in Summer, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Bag

I will always love a grey tee! Even after my wardrobe detox session and finding out that grey wasn't the best colour for me, I still wear it and still have a bunch of grey tees in my wardrobe. They are just so easy to wear. And thankfully, my very relaxed 'business casual' office dress code makes a tee and a pencil skirt an easy outfit for a day without a lot of face-to-face meetings.

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)

Necklace: Diva red stone necklace
Tee: Atmos&Here charcoal grey v neck tee
Skirt: Asos maternity graphic print pencil skirt (non-maternity version here)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey (on sale in black)
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes Kelly double tour bracelet in rubis
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

This was the first outfit for the Fox in Flats style challenge, the theme was 'stripes' so I thought the graphic stripe print on this pencil skirt worked well, especially when worn with my favourite grey tee.

I added the red necklace for a bit of colour with the otherwise fairly monochrome outfit - and also as that was one of the tips the stylist gave me. If I insisted on keeping my grey tees (I did keep most of them...) then I should try to wear colourful accessories with them.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, grey tee, graphic print pencil skirt, studded mouse flats, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB.

Other ways to wear: grey tee for casual Friday, graphic print pencil skirt and a black tank, studded mouse flats and denim shorts, casual SAHM outfits with Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB.

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Great pencil skirt options under $50:

Maternity pencil skirts under $50:

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What I wore:

Necklace: pink beaded disc necklace (maybe Diva? Really old!)
Tee: Asos new forever grey tee (on sale!)
Skirt: Asos maternity panelled pencil skirt in tartan check (non-maternity version here)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs two tone flats in blush and black
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes twilly Kelly en Calèche tied as bracelet
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

Again, going with the easy option of a grey tee and a printed pencil skirt. The style challenge for the day was 'new do' and as I'd got my hair cut the day before I just fell back on this simple outfit as the summer heat usually gets me feeling pretty uninspired and looking for easy options. That's why the DAREcember style challenge is so great, at a time I want to do nothing other than sit in the pool in a bikini, I'm encouraged to explore my wardrobe, try different things and have some fun with my clothes. I've shared more before about why I love instagram style challenges.

I just wouldn't go do anything as permanent as actually get a new haircut for a challenge next time, I regretted the cut pretty quickly! Thankfully I still have some unshared pics with my longer hair as I figure out how to style the new length.


Last worn: grey tee, tartan pencil skirt, Hermes twilly, cap toe flats, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB (above).

Other ways to wear: grey tee layered up for winter, tartan pencil skirt and a ruffled cami, two tone flats and tights, Hermes twilly bow on a bag, Rebecca Minkoff MAM and a printed dress.

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Asos is a great place to pick up some bargain pencil skirts that really last - I have skirts over 5 years old that are still going strong, and this is the second pregnancy for these maternity skirts! Plus you can get up to 70% off in their outlet.

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Linking up with Hello Monday, Modest Monday, Classy Monday, Mix It Monday, On Trend Tuesday, Confident Twosday, Style Sessions, Fresh Fashion, What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl.

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Shopbop Buy More, Save More Sale! Second Trimester Office Wear: Maternity Pencil Skirts

First up, there's another big Shopbop sale on right now! It's the buy more, save more sale.

Use code 'GOBIG15' at Shopbop to get:

15% off orders over $250

20% off orders over $500

25% off orders over $1000

Having a bit of trouble filling up your cart enough to get the bigger discount you want?

• It's so close to Christmas - check out the gift section and grab a few things for the special people on your Christmas lists. 
• Try coordinating with a friend - you could consolidate an order to get bigger discounts for you both.
• Do what I do, check out the handbag section (Rebecca Minkoff bags are my favourite) and you'll be sure to find something you 'have' to have, to hit that top discount easily!

Hope you pick up some great gifts and bargains, or bargain gifts!


Back to the usual what I've been wearing. It was actually a little exciting to open up the big bag of maternity clothes I'd set aside post-baby, and rediscover pieces I'd loved in my last pregnancy. I was extremely happy to see these Asos maternity pencil skirts again, they were real workhorses before.

What I wore:

Scarf: Louis Vuitton "comete" bandeau scarf
Necklace: Lovisa silver love knitted heart pendant necklace
Cami: Jeanswest 'Maria' cami in cream
Skirt: Asos maternity panelled pencil skirt in tartan check (non-maternity version here)
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow Aztec bangles in fuschia pink and silver, white and silver, Hermes pink clic clac
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

Just like last time I wore this scarf as a headband to the office, I got a bunch of compliments, which is always nice! I had a scan to check baby's progress in the early morning, and then it was Melbourne cup day so we had a bunch of events in the afternoon in the office. As I had just recently finished up the Frocktober fundraising challenge, I didn't really want to wear my usual dress option for Melbourne cup.

I figured the ruffles on this cami made it a little more dressy than a standard pencil skirt outfit, and the scarf in my hair was a nod to the headpieces worn to our themed event that afternoon.


Last worn: Louis Vuitton bandeau, ruffle cami, tartan pencil skirt, black ballet flats, Balenciaga part time bag.

Other ways to wear: Louis Vuitton bandeau as a belt with a LBD, ruffle cami and a maix skirt, tartan pencil skirt in the third trimester, black ballet flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga part time bag and a striped dress.

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Shopbop's buy more, save more sale is on right now! Check out the exclusions so you don't get any nasty surprises at the checkout.

(everything pictured above is from the Shopbop gift section and under $100 before discount)

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What I wore:

Top: Jeanswest 'Aubrey' pintuck yoke henley in deep teal

Necklace: Dogeared silver wishbone necklace (on sale!)
Skirt: Asos maternity graphic print pencil skirt (non-maternity version here)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

Back when I was still hiding the baby bump on the blog and in the office, I'd gone through my wardrobe pulling out a few possible outfit ideas. This pretty teal top was one of them, so it had been hanging at the front of the wardrobe waiting for me to wear it. I didn't get around to wearing it before starting Frocktober, so it had been sitting there unworn.

Was wondering what to wear with this pencil skirt when I saw this top and figured I'd better wear it again before the spring weather heats up too much. It was a slightly cooler day when I wore this so it worked out perfectly. I wasn't too happy with the length of this top worn like this - I usually always partially tuck it in - but I liked the combination of the teal with the black and white.


Last worn: teal henley, Asos graphic pencil skirt, studded mouse flats, Balenciaga part time bag (above).

Other ways to wear: teal henley and a maxi skirt, graphic pencil skirt and burgundy tee, studded mouse flats and jeans, Balenciaga part time and skinny jeans.

Linking up with On Trend Tuesday, Style Sessions, Wardrobe Wednesday, Fresh Fashion, What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl, Weekend Link Up, Fun Fashion, Friday Favourites, Labour of Fashion, Fab Favourites, Flashback Fashion, Passion for Fashion.


This post was created in partnership with Shopbop. Occasionally, Away From The Blue blog may receive vendor or brand sponsorships for mentioning their products or services. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.

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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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