Second Trimester Evening Outfits: Jersey Maxi Dresses & Pregnancy Weight Comments

As much as I love a good singlet and shorts combo for being pregnant over summer, you can't beat the simplicity of a maxi dress for looking put-together. They are perfect for feeling dressed up enough for going out for dinner, while still being incredibly comfortable and accommodating to a baby bump.

What I wore:

Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace layered with thrifted pearl and heart charm long necklace
Dress: Jeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
Shoes: Balenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH (on sale!)
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow sunburst wrap bracelet in cobalt and Disney Couture Winnie the Pooh bangle
Bag: Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap

Why I wore it:

This is what I wore to hubby's work Christmas party. We went out for dinner, and I had planned to wear one of my dressier non-maternity maxi dresses, but quickly found I couldn't squeeze the bump into it! Clothes that zip up are generally are not pregnancy friendly. Tried on a few and settled on this one instead. Stretchy jersey so I knew it would fit (I wore it through the third trimester last time) and I just added some glam accessories with my vintage Chanel bag.


Last worn: tie dye maxi dress, Balenciaga studded sandals, vintage Chanel flap bag.

Other ways to wear: tie dye maxi dress without a baby bump, Balenciaga studded sandals and a chambray dress, Chanel bag and a purple maxi dress.

---

 Marvellous maxi dresses under $50:

---

What I wore:

Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette layered with Chanel necklace
Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Louis Vuitton "comete" bandeau scarf
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes pink clic clac
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

We had a dinner out with friends booked for a while and I was looking forward to it, but so much more after the Christmas party the night before. There were a lot of 'you're huge!', 'it must be twins!' and 'are you sure it's not twins?' comments from strangers at the party and it was getting to me a little, with all the pregnancy hormones! While my OB reassures me I'm measuring right on track, I still think I look a couple weeks bigger than at the same point in pregnancy with baby T. I know you'll always look bigger in subsequent pregnancies too as your abdominal muscles aren't as taught as they were the last time, but so many comments seem designed to put pregnant women down for the natural and normal weight gain that comes along with growing another human.

I am completely in awe and so grateful for a growing baby, and I'd happily have a belly twice the size if that means baby is growing as it should. Being pregnant is a blessing I am thankful for every day. It still stings a little to be constantly told how huge you are though, especially at a time when emotions are already a little unstable!
I don't want to appear ungrateful, I just want to highlight that there are nice ways to say things and not-so nice ways to say things and that when someone is pregnant suddenly all the weight comments start flying, with very few filters. Commenting that the bump is growing nicely or has gotten bigger since you last saw it is a lot politer than saying that pregnant women swell up like massive puffer fish, haha.

It was awesome to put on a pretty dress I knew I would fit, look good in, and laugh and joke with my friends for the evening. I am so blessed to have friends that know exactly how to compliment a pregnant lady, giant baby belly and all ;)


Last worn: purple maxi dress, Louis Vuitton bandeau, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: maxi dress in winter without a baby bump, Louis Vuitton bandeau worn in hair, studded sandals and denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC and skinny jeans.

---

The Asos 70% off sale includes some really pretty dresses if you're after some more maxi dress bargains.

---

Linking up with Fab Favourites, Flashback Friday, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Link Up, Let It Shine, Shoe and Tell, Modest Monday.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram : LikeToKnow.It : Youtube 

Maxi Dresses and Purple Accessories

I find purple just as easy to wear as blue, it looks great with blue and being my sister's favourite colour probably influenced me too as we shared wardrobes growing up. I have a few purple accessories, and below I'm wearing them with some maxi dresses.

I love how maxi dresses can work for multiple seasons,  I like to wear as much of my wardrobe as I can year-round. I wore these dresses on a warmer and then a cooler day, showcasing how they can work for different temperatures.

What I wore:

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Louis Vuitton "comete" bandeau scarf
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black, and super cute in cherry print!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in pink!)

Why I wore it:

This dress is one of those magical pieces in my wardrobe that makes me feel great whenever I wear it - even while heavily pregnant! I've worn the LV bandeau scarf as a belt with it before, and worn the purple bag with it before too.

This was the perfect outfit for a family birthday celebration, love everything in this outfit and wouldn't change a thing.


Last worn: Louis Vuitton bandeau, pink maxi dress, gold mouse flats, purple mini MAB tote bag.

Other ways to wear: Louis Vuitton bandeau as headband, pink maxi dress in winter, gold mouse flats and jeans, purple mini MAB tote bag and maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: bandeau as adjustable belt in third trimester, pink maxi dress at 39 weeks, mouse flats and maternity wrap dress, purple MAB tote and maternity denim shorts.

---

More Pink Maxi Dresses Under $50:

---

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Peggie kimono cardigan in purple mulberry marle

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Dress: Jeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats (on sale!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

It was a bit cooler when I wore this! And wetter, I wished I'd not worn such a long maxi dress when I stood in a puddle. The struggles of being petite, ha! We had an appointment with a house builder as we were looking at a plot of land. Went out for lunch on the way home.

Just like the outfit above, I've worn the bag and dress together before, and did so again as I really like the combination. I liked the purple cardigan with this too. Kept me cosy and added a little more colour to my outfit. It was great for babywearing too, I don't like to wear a lot of zips or buttons if I'm babywearing.

I was feeling a little unwell so liked how easy and cosy this was to wear. A jersey maxi dress like this is just as comfortable as pyjamas but looks a lot more presentable!


Last worn: purple cocoon cardigan, tie dye maxi dress, silver ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff quilted Love cross body bag.

Other ways to wear: purple cocoon cardigan and jeans, tie dye maxi dress and fringe bag, silver ballet flats and purple jeans, Rebecca Minkoff quilted Love cross body bag and chambray.

Perfect for pregnancy: purple cardi in second trimester, tie dye maxi dress at 38 weeks, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag and maternity shorts.

---

More Tie Dye Maxi Dresses Under $50:

---

How You Can Wear It

Maxi Dresses are a simple, comfortable instant outfit. While they look great in summer, you can wear them in other seasons too. Swap sandals for ballet flats to give your feet a little more warmth, and layer with a cosy cardigan for a chilly day.


Linking up with Fabulous Friday, Weekend Wear.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Empire Waist Maxi Dresses and Cross Body Bags | 6 Months Without Shopping Month 1

First month of the 6 months without shopping challenge completed already and I found it pretty easy for once! Didn't buy anything, despite tagging along for a trip to the outlets. Hoping I continue to do so well for the next 5 months.

I spent a lot of January catching up with friends and family and since they knew I was trying not to spend, we avoided the shops. The summer weather makes shops a less attractive option as well. The boys are keeping me busy too so I have less computer time which means less online shopping time.

Even though I'm not shopping there have been a few changes to my wardrobe since I last shared an update post in December. I got a cosy knit dress from my grandma and two scarves as belated Christmas gifts. I'm looking forward to wearing and enjoying them when autumn arrives. I also returned a couple of pieces from my December purchases as I didn't love them when I tried them on at home.



For what I've been wearing, some simple outfits with empire waist maxi dresses. I have always liked that style for maxi dresses, it accommodates pregnant belly nicely and it's wonderful post-baby when you have leftover mum-tum!

What I wore:

Earrings: A Little Bit of North blue mandala earrings (giveaway prize, close up photo)

Dress: Gypsy 05 orange ombre maxi dress
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale!)
Bracelets: the usual plus vintage charm bracelet
Bag: Mulberry Lily in maroon metallic suede leopard (get it in pink! Extra 20% off with code 'WINTER')
Nails: OPI Breakfast at Tiffany collection 'I got the mean reds' and 'Sunrise...bedtime'

Why I wore it:

Wore this pretty maxi dress to attend a late Christmas celebration with family who were overseas in December. I really wanted to wear this pretty metallic and suede bag as it matched my red and silver manicure (OPI Breakfast at Tiffany collection), and I knew I wanted to wear the dress. Wasn't sure if the orange and red would work together until I remembered something Sheila said - if the colours occur together in nature you know they will look good together in an outfit. Red and orange remind me of sunsets. So pleased I wore both pieces I think they look lovely together and I really liked this outfit!

Despite it not being one of my most popular outfits on Instagram this is one of my favourite outfits, wouldn't change a thing. It's such a simple outfit too. Every time I wear this dress I think of my lovely friend who gave it to me, I always feel good when I wear it.

The earrings are a beautiful prize I won on Instagram - handmade by A Little Bit of North. Highly recommend checking them out, they are based in Canberra. I did add a teething necklace to this but was in a rush so it was still in the baby bag when I took pics that morning.


Last worn: ombre maxi dress, Mulberry red suede Lily bag, Rebecca Minkoff studded sandals.

Other ways to wear: ombre maxi dress and kimono, Mulberry red suede Lily bag and graphic tee, Rebecca Minkoff studded sandals and chambray.

---

More orange and pink empire waist maxi dresses under $50:

---

What I wore:

Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo

Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

This is an old photo - from November! I'm not sure why this outfit hasn't been shared before now. I was trying to organise my photos to post and realised I hadn't used this one yet. While I take photos every day (as you can see on Instagram), I try to group them together into things that make sense for a post, like breastfeeding dresses or studded sandals and denim shorts.

It's what I wore to a playgroup Christmas picnic before the summer break. I've worn this dress with yellow before and really liked the combination so it was good to recreate it again with this mustard yellow bag. Nice and simple outfit, perfect for a picnic on a hot day and playing with the boys.


Last worn: Mothers En Vogue maxi dress, studded gladiator sandals (above), Rebecca Minkoff Micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wear: Mothers En Vogue maxi dress at 39 weeks pregnant, studded gladiator sandals and denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff Micro Regan bag and printed kimono.


Linking up with Budgeting Bloggers, Mix It Monday, Monday Mode, On Trend, Turning Heads, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday, Midweek Inspo, Oh Hey Girl, WIW Wednesday, What I Wore.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Wearing Maxi Dresses in Winter: with Scarves and Cardis

Here's what I wore to have lunch and spend the day with family:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers
Jacket: Jeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in Boysenberry
Dress: Jeanswest 'Chantelle' crochet detail blue printed maxi dress
Belt: Asos metal keeper skinny waist belt in bright blue
Shoes: Acne pistol boots in "skin"


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.


Last worn: waterfall cardi, skinny belt, printed maxi dress, Acne Pistol boots.

---

Here's what I wore to go to my new parent group:

Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
Scarf: Seed Heritage Paisley print snood
Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Asos skinny pale yellow belt
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs two tone flats in blush and black
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs pretty nylon Eliz-A-Baby bag


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.


Last worn: denim jacket, paisley print snood, skinny belt, maternity maxi dress, cap toe flats.



Lining up with Style and Shenanigans, Friday's Fab Favourites, Passion for Fashion, Fashion Item Friday, Casual Friday today.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram : Youtube

Postpartum Outfits: Maxi Dress, Maxi Skirt and Cross Body Bags

A mix of outfits - slightly dressier outfit with a maxi dress for a birthday dinner, and a more casual maxi skirt outfit to run errands and do the day care drop off / pick-up.

What I wore:

Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo

Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

I adore this maxi dress, I really do! It's a maternity/nursing dress, and I wore it heavily in the second and third trimesters of both pregnancies, as well as wearing it post-baby too. It was the last pregnancy outfit I got photos of for the blog. It's nice to wear it again without the bump, and appreciate the ease of breastfeeding in it! In the early weeks, your wardrobe needs to accommodate your changing postbaby body as well as being easy to pull up or down or sideways to allow for easy breastfeeding too while you and baby master the art.

Wore this out to a family birthday dinner.  I'd usually pick a clutch or smaller bag, but I had all my stuff in the speedy bag from the last time I wore it and didn't have the energy to swap out for an evening bag I'd have to juggle with a newborn and toddler. No extra accessories either, just a simple pull on and go outfit.


Last worn: Mothers En Vogue maxi dress, Marc Jacobs ballet flats, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere.

Other ways to wear: pink maxi dress and LV neverfull, Marc Jacobs ballet flats with black and grey, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere and denim shorts.

---

---

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Tee: Atmos&Here rolled sleeve oversize tee in black (also in grey)
Skirt: Izabel London Aztec print maxi skirt (C/O)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red (new purchase)

Why I wore it:

I finally swapped my handbags over! I wore my Balenciaga day bag for a while post baby as that's the bag I had everything in when I went into labour. It was a bag that was easy to continue using while hubby had some time off from work to help us settle in. Now it's just me and the boys, a cross body bag like the Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere I wore above is an essential to keep my hands free. I'd had my eye on this saddle bag at Shopbop for a while and with the recent friends and family sale it was the perfect time to buy it.

It's a great size, so easy to wear when spending the day with two under 2, and really pops against a monochrome black outfit like I've worn it here. A nice easy outfit to do the day care drop off / pick up and a chance to wear my new bag.


As it's the second and third times I've worn my Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats, and I'm trying to reflect on everything I buy after wearing it twice to make sure I'm making thoughtful purchases, my purchase review:

I have a few pairs of Marc by Marc Jacobs flats now. They are comfortable, look cute and are easy to pick up on sale, just like I got these ones. I have this same style in silver so it was an easy choice to get it in black too when they were reduced and available in my size. I'm really pleased with them. Although I already have a pair of black ballet flats, I tend to favour neutral coloured shoes so I know I'll get a lot of wear out of these. Happy I bought them.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, black tee, printed maxi skirt, black ballet flats (above). First time I've worn the saddle bag as it is a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: black tee and printed jeans, printed maxi skirt layered up for winter, black ballet flats and a grey maxi skirt. 

Linking up with Flashback Fashion, Fab Favourites, Passion for Fashion, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Shoe & Tell, Let It Shine, Modest Monday.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Maxi Lengths and Balenciaga Bags

Every now and then I'll get a comment that someone who's short (but actually taller than me) wishes they could wear maxi lengths. You can! In some cases you might need to get things hemmed, or buy a petite length, but both the maxi skirt and dress I'm wearing below haven't been altered in any way to fit my petite 5"2 self.

A slightly more formal and more casual way to wear maxi lengths, both with Balenciaga bags.

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest brown marle waterfall cardigan

Necklace: Silhoupette gold plated Shih Tzu necklace layered with Tai gold alphabet necklaces
Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Asos metal keeper skinny waist belt in bright blue
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black or silver!)
Bracelets: the usual plus silver charm bracelet
Bag: Balenciaga envelope clutch in 2012 mangue with giant 12 RGGH

Why I wore it:

I feel like I say this every time I wear this dress, but I loved this outfit. It is my favourite dress - even in pregnancy it never fails to make me feel good. Wore this to baby boy's dedication ceremony. It's like a christening, the baby wears a traditional gown but there's no baptising. You just thank God for the amazing miracle you have, welcome baby into the family and circle of friends and promise to tell them all about God. It was exciting having baby boy wear the same gown his brother did almost two years ago, it was my dedication gown too and it's been in the family for generations.

Wasn't sure if the weather was going to be as cold and rainy as predicted or not so added this cardigan. It was warm enough to take it off for the ceremony and the rain stayed away until later that afternoon thankfully.

I've worn a yellow bag with this dress before, it's a great combination. The style challenge for the day was 'lighter' so the bright colour and smaller size met the theme nicely. The clutch did spent most of the time in the baby bag though, as if I wasn't holding baby boy or toddler T or Cooper I had a camera in my hand taking pics.


Last worn: brown marle cardigan, cobalt belt, pink maxi dress, gold mouse flats, Balenciaga yellow envelope clutch.

Other ways to wear: brown cardigan and khaki tank, cobalt belt and boho dress, pink maxi dress at 39 weeks pregnant, gold mouse flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga yellow envelope clutch and a lace dress.

---

What I wore:

Sunnies: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers (on sale)

Scarf: Marc by Marc Jacobs mauve square scarf
Top: Dorothy Perkins 3/4 sleeve wrap top
Skirt: Target black and white striped maxi skirt
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
Bag: Balenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete

Why I wore it:

A much more casual way to wear a maxi! This maxi skirt was an awesome buy when I was pregnant with toddler T. It stretched to accommodate two pregnancies (have to love an elastic waist!) and is still so comfy post baby. With this wrap top it was an easy breastfeeding outfit. Picked the purple scarf as I wanted a little something to keep my chest covered in the chilly morning after all the coughs and colds we've battled the past few weeks, and I really like blue and purple together. Ended up taking the scarf off in the afternoon as it got warmer.

Wore this for a relaxed day - went to view a house in the morning and then the in laws came over for dinner. The Converse and maxi skirt together met the 'kicks and skirt' Spring Fling style challenge prompt, and the black maxi skirt was perfect for the 'darker' theme of the TRMstyle challenge.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, purple scarf, blue wrap top, striped maxi skirt, Converse, Balenciaga day bag.

Other ways to wear: purple scarf and pink bag, blue wrap top and printed jeans, striped maxi skirt and skull scarf, Converse and flares, Balenciaga day bag and denim shorts.


Linking up with Friday Faves, Passion for Fashion, Hello Monday, Let It Shine, Shoe & Tell, Modest Monday, Monday Mode.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

How to Have a Stylish Pregnancy On a Budget: eBook & Giveaway!

This has to be the most nervous and excited I have ever been about posting. I'm sharing my first eBook!

Stylish Pregnancy on a Budget: how to stick to your personal style and budget during pregnancy

It's a guide for you to identify your own pregnancy style and wear what works for you and your growing bump. I've crammed it full of all of the best tips, tricks and exactly what you need to know to effortlessly dress your bump and feel comfortable and confident through your pregnancy. It explains how to navigate maternity clothing and only buy what you really need, identify what you already have that will work for you, and even how to create your own pregnancy capsule wardrobe. With more than 5 years of personal style blogging over two pregnancies, I have of course included a lot of outfit inspiration and ideas too.

When you're pregnant your 'I have nothing to wear' days increase as your growing baby limits your wardrobe options. With this pregnancy style guide you'll be able to minimise those days! You'll know what outfits you have in your wardrobe that will work for you in each trimester and be able to stay true to your personal style through your pregnancy. It's got the knowledge I acquired through two pregnancies so you don't have to make the same expensive mistakes I did when buying maternity clothing.



It's normally $2.95, but for everyone who enters the giveaway to win a copy I'm giving you a special discount code just for the book launch. The discount code will bring the price down to $1.50, even if you don't win the giveaway. The code is only valid for 48 hours so snap it up when you can! Just click here to buy it.


Newer readers might wonder why I'm coming out with this book now, over a month after baby boy's first birthday. This has been a long time in the making. Spending time in July last year with a special friend gave me the confidence to give the book a try and I started writing it. With Baby Boy's health issues and hospital stay it just kept getting pushed back further and further. It's come together now with a lot of support and encouragement! A little later than I hoped, but I'm no less proud of managing to actually write an eBook. I even have an affiliate program, so if you like the book and want to be part of it send me a message.

All of the early feedback has been so positive and I'm thrilled to be able to offer this pregnancy style resource to you!

---

Enter the giveaway below to get your discount code and have the chance to win a copy. To enter, leave a blog post comment telling me who you'd want to win the eBook for. The answer that makes me smile the most will be the winner. Giveaway ends on Sunday 28th May. Winning is a game of skill, judge's decision is final.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

---

Excited about the ebook but don't need it in your life right now and can't think of anyone who does? That's okay, I've got an outfit to share too!

What I wore:

Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklaces

Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: white and silver sequin scarf worn as a belt
Bracelets: the usual plus silver charm bracelet

Why I wore it:

This is what I wore for Baby Boy's first birthday party. I wanted to wear this pretty dress again after it was the last blog photo I took while pregnant with him, seemed fitting to wear it for his party.

The first birthday is always an emotional celebration, but even more so this time. Since Baby Boy's speedy arrival into the world things have been so different in so many ways, but through it all we have been blessed. Thank you to everyone who has supported us over his first year, from friends and family helping us to people online reaching out with advice, support and encouragement.


Blogging is my me-time and while it might be in short supply with 2 boys under 3, it's always fun to come and share my outfits and now my eBook with you all. Thank you. 💕


Last worn: sequin scarf, Mothers En Vogue Maxi Dress.

Other ways to wear: sequin scarf as a headband, pink maxi dress and denim jacket.

Perfect for pregnancy: Mothers En Vogue maxi dress at 39 weeks.



Linking up with Style Nudge, Mix It Monday, Modest Monday, Hello Monday, How I Spring, On Monday We Link Up, Monday Mode, On Trend, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Turning Heads, The Style File, Spread The Kindness, Midweek Inspo, What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl, Wardrobe Wednesday, Thursday Moda, Fashion Files, WIWT, Spotlight Weekly, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, Passion for Fashion, Friday Faves, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Tip Tuesday.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Maxi Dresses and Printed Kimonos with Rebecca Minkoff Bags

I love maxi dresses and I love kimonos, so it just makes sense to wear them together! I thought that these printed kimonos would be a nice touch with the plain maxi dresses, to add a little more fun to my outfits.

What I wore:

Jacket: Somedays Lovin' Yakuza print kimono
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
Dress: black Jeanswest halterneck maxi dress
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

This is one of my most worn kimonos, but it's still not at 30 wears yet, this is only it's 26th wear! I'm hopeful I'll hit 30 wears on it by the end of the year, so you'll probably see it being worn a lot more often, just like I did with my purple cardigan when I was so close to 30 wears with it. Nice and comfortable outfit for a busy morning, taking Baby Boy for his weigh in session and getting my tax done and picking up groceries.

The only downside to this outfit was that it was a very windy day. I had so many issues trying to get a good photo, as the kimono kept getting caught in the wind!

Windy #dressOfTheDay #OOTD! 😂 Really hard getting a pic this morning from any direction! 🌬https://t.co/GFn08LTwKV #liketkit #LTKItBag pic.twitter.com/sXM6Mo3jNm

— Mica (@AwayFromTheBlue) October 27, 2017

Last worn: Somedays Lovin' kimono, black maxi dress, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: Somedays Lovin' kimono and denim shorts, black maxi dress and denim jacket, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC and pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: printed kimono and maternity tank, maxi dress in third trimester, mini MAC in third trimester.

---

Maxi Dresses Under $50:

---

What I wore:

Jacket: thrifted Edited floral and bird print kimono

Necklace: Nibbly Bits BB plum silicone teething necklace (C/O)
Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow sunburst wrap bracelet in cobalt
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in pink, 43% off!)

Why I wore it:

I grabbed this maxi dress, my favourite, out of my wardrobe to try break a bit of an outfit slump I was in after our Sydney trip. It always makes me feel good when I wear it.

In an effort to try change this up a little, I decided to try belting a kimono over it. I've belted things over it in pregnancy before so I figured I'd try the look without the bump. While I liked this in the mirror, I think it looks a little off in the photo as the belt slipped down. Was a nice and colourful, comfortable outfit for playgroup though. I really liked the colours with the pink dress, purple bag and blue kimono together.

Last worn: navy printed kimono, gold glitter belt, pink maternity maxi dress, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote bag.

Other ways to wear: navy printed kimono and shorts, gold glitter belt and little black dress, pink maxi dress for a first birthday party, studded sandals and black shorts, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote bag and leopard print jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: belted dress in second trimester, pink maxi dress at 39 weeks, studded sandals and maternity shorts, mini MAB tote in third trimester.

---

Printed Kimonos Under $50:

---

How You Can Wear It:

A printed kimono is a great layer with a plain maxi dress. It's perfect for spring or autumn, as kimonos are so lightweight. It's a nice way to add some extra colour or print to your outfit, and you can belt it to try something a little different too.



Linking up with Friday Favourites, Shoe and Tell, Mix It Monday.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It