Corporate Style: Colourful With French Connection Printed Dresses and Scarves

After I finished doing the two instagram style challenges at once, I was looking forward to not dressing for a theme. I wanted to wear some of my office wear that I hadn't worn in a long time, my printed French Connection dresses. The weather was a little cooler, so I layered up and added some scarves.

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Dixie collarless jacket

Scarf: Cotton On turquoise pashmina
Dress: French Connection 'Fast Rhonda' dress in black/caramel
Shoes: Acne pistol boots in "skin"
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

I had decided in advance I wanted to wear this dress again, but as it's gotten a little cooler since then I had to add some layers. I thought that the print mixing with the dress and the blazer was a bit different, but looked okay, so I laid this out to wear the next day. As I woke up a little under the weather and I wanted to be cosy, at the last minute I added a scarf. Went with this plain one as I thought it was a nice colour with the orange in the dress, and I didn't want to add a third print to the mix.

I have three of these Cotton On pashminas. (Cotton On had them for $5 with any purchase for a while). I have a white one, a fuchsia pink one and this turquoise one. I can find the last time I wore the white one and the pink one, but not the last time I wore this one. I wonder if I really haven't worn it in the 3 years I've been blogging, or if I just tagged it incorrectly so I can't find it in my archives! No real reason why I haven't worn it more often, it's a great colour and being a nice basic scarf it will work with a lot of prints. I re-discovered it during my wardrobe detox, expect to see it again!

I've had this dress for years, even before the blog. It's been a year and a half since I last wore it though! It's definitely one of those office-only pieces in my wardrobe, and with it being so slim fitting I didn't get a chance to wear it during my pregnancy. I worried it showed off the developing baby bump in the first trimester, and by the second trimester, when I had stopped hiding the pregnancy at work, I couldn't even zip it up. It's good to be back wearing it again now, even if it does fit a little snugger around my belly than it did pre-baby ;)


Last worn: tweed blazer, French Connection sheath dress, orange wool jumper, Acne Pistol boots, Rebecca Minkoff grey MAM bag. First time I've worn this scarf on the blog.

Other ways to wear: tweed blazer with printed top for travel, dark floral print dress in summer, pistol boots with denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff grey MAM with wrap dresses and a baby bump.

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What I wore:

Scarf: Nali feather print pashmina scarf

Jumper: vintage David Jones orange wool knit jumper from AWLQ vintage sale
Dress: French Connection 'Woodblock wonder' panache dress in white/geranium rose
Shoes: Wittner 'Lumen' heel in patent leather
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

This printed dress isn't as snug a fit as the one above, so I did get away with wearing it to the office in the first trimester, using the print to distract from the tiny little baby bump. I didn't wear this dress on my maternity leave either, I like this dress and it's definitely more forgiving than the one above, I could have fit into it earlier, but I'm happy to have it as an office-only piece as well.

Again, I had made up my mind that I wanted to wear this dress before I got sick. I was determined to still make it work though! I've worn this dress with a jumper over the top before, so thought that was the best way to go to keep my chest warm, instead of adding a coat and having to fiddle with lots of buttons. I added the scarf as yet another layer as I was beginning to lose my voice and wanted to keep my neck warm.

Beth pointed out on instagram that it was a very Queensland look - layered up on top but bare legs! I didn't think it was that cold in the morning to need to cover up my legs, but by the end of the day I was wishing I'd worn tights or pants. It was really chilly in the evening on the way home from work, as the stormy and wet weather started to set in.


Last worn: feather print pashmina, orange wool jumper, French Connection orange print dress, nude patent heels, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag (above).

Other ways to wear: feather print pashmina with polka dot dress, wool jumper with skinny jeans, orange print dress in summer, nude heels with a monochrome blue outfit, grey handbag with a neutral outfit in the third trimester.

Linking up with Whatcha Wearing, What I Wore, WIW, Style Me Weekly, Get Your Pretty On, Oh Hey Girl, Trendy Wednesday, The Wednesday Pants, Thursday Fashion Files, Throwback Thursday, Look What I Got, What I Wore to Work, Fun Fashion Friday today.

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Two Ways To Wear Bright Tanks: Denim Shorts and Kimono, Black Jersey Maxi Skirt

Wearing some of my bright tanks! Blue and green today. I'll often pick up some of the Jeanswest tanks if they go on sale - they frequently have new colours and I like to have a little collection of bright tops I can layer with or wear on their own. I think a good collection of basic tanks is essential for someone who dresses so casually like I do. I need to actually use them and wear them though! I've been pushing myself to wear them more often, and not just have them as colourful 'decorations' in my wardrobe.


Here's what I wore to go shopping with DH and baby:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers
Jacket: Choies red vintage pattern kimono
Necklace: Roie Designs long freshwater pearl necklace with tassel
Tank: Jeanswest 'Jenni' singlet in indigo blue (on sale here!)
Shorts: Jeanswest denim cuff shorts
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Little Ukita bag in Rock Lobster


Casual weekend outfit, enjoying the the summer heat that's sticking around well into autumn in Brisbane. I actually wondered if the kimono might make me too warm for a while, it did get quite hot. I originally was going to wear a grey tank with this, and then I thought I'd try be a little different and pick a colourful one instead. I thought the blue tank worked nicely as there is blue in the print on the kimono. Worked well with the red bag too.

After going shopping in the morning, we ended going for a swim in the afternoon to cool down. Our pool is outdoors, so I tend to wait for really hot days to take baby T for a swim as he gets grouchy if the water is too cold! He's starting to get more enjoyment out of being in the water though, it's so good to see.


Last worn: Rayban Wayfarers, red kimono, blue tank, denim shorts, Havaianas, Marc By Marc Jacobs Ukita bag.

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Here's what I wore to go to playgroup with baby T today:

Necklace: Roie Designs pearl and antique gold long necklace
Tank: Jeanswest Jenni basic singlet in Emerald green
Skirt: Jeanswest plain jersey black maxi skirt
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs pretty nylon Eliz-A-Baby bag


Although I posted it a day late, this totally counts as a green outfit for St Patrick's day right? ha! I don't really have a lot of green in my wardrobe, it isn't one of my favourite colours and I don't really know what to wear it with (I tend to just wear it with black). I decided to give this green tank a wear as it's been a long time since I last wore it, I was (hugely!) pregnant last time. Although I don't reach for this green tank as much as the other ones that I own, it's still staying in my wardrobe because it's good to have another colour to wear now and then.

Really casual outfit as I was just going out to playgroup with baby. I didn't take the stroller this time, just the baby carrier, so I put all of my things in the baby bag again.


Last worn: green tank, black maxi skirt, Havaianas (above), Marc by Marc Jacobs baby bag.

Linking up with What I Wore, I feel pretty, Because Shana Said So, Whatcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Weekly, What I Wore, Style Me Wednesday, Trendy Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, A Labour of Fashion, Fun Fashion Friday, Fab Favourites today.

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Corporate Style: Scarves and Rebecca Minkoff MAB Tote

I've only been back at work a few months, so I have lots of summery work outfit ideas. I'm trying to wear them and go bare-legged as long as possible. It's certainly warm enough to do during the day, but it is pretty cold in the mornings!

Two autumn work outfits, one that got a lot of love on instagram despite how much I hated it in person, and another I really liked!

What I wore:

Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 

Scarf: Grey and pink leopard print scarf from Paddy's Markets in Sydney
Dress: Leona Edmiston Jemima fern print dress
Shoes: Wittner 'Bloomy' black heels
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale, 40% off!)

Why I wore it:

I really did not like this outfit. I liked the idea in my head, and it met the style challenge theme of 'a hint of pink' with both the dress and scarf...but it just felt really bulky on. It was all too much with the layers and the print mixing. Cosy with all the layers, just didn't feel very confident in it, felt a bit 'bleh'. Thankfully I didn't need the scarf indoors, and I was able to change as soon as I got home.

Everyone on instagram really seemed to love this outfit though! It even got more likes than Baby T's newborn photo! Maybe the print mixing didn't look as bad as I thought.


Last worn: trench coat, leopard print scarf, Leona Edmiston printed dress, ankle strap heels, Rebecca Minkoff navy MAB tote.

Other ways to wear: leopard print scarf with skinny jeans, trench coat with jersey dress, ankle strap heels with pencil skirts, navy MAB tote with a monochrome blue outfit.

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What I wore:

Jacket: Zara cream jersey blazer

Scarf: Alexander McQueen modal and cashmere skull scarf
Tee: Thrifted valleygirl blue 3/4 sleeve tee (new purchase)
Skirt: vintage pencil skirt from The Thrifty Kitten
Shoes: Wittner 'Lumen' heel in patent leather
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy

Why I wore it:

The next style challenge was 'powerful' and I don't really think I have any clothes that make me feel powerful. Confident I do though! Like most people, I tend to think heels make me feel more confident. Heels, a pencil skirt and a blazer is a staple work wear combination for me so I feel pretty confident in it.  Just might have been a little cosier with the trench coat on top rather than the blazer, as I was bare-legged. Winter temperatures are definitely here in the mornings!

This top is one of the new-to-me ones I got from the 'fill a bag for $2' op-shop sale. I wanted to wear it like this as I remembered the comment Kiki had made last time I wore this skirt about how nice it would look with cobalt blue. I've worn it with white, brown and purple before but this is the first time I've tried it with blue. This top isn't cobalt, but I did really like the blue with the printed skirt.


I'm always so grateful when you leave constructive criticism or outfit suggestions - it's good to get some ideas from an impartial third party about how things look, and some different things to try. As I learnt in my wardrobe detox session with the personal stylist, I'm not always using my wardrobe to it's full potential or dressing in the most flattering outfit combinations. But just like the terrible outfit above, I'll still share what I wore anyway - and think of different ways to wear things in future so I am back to feeling confident and happy with what I'm wearing.


Last worn: cream blazer, skull scarf, printed pencil skirt, nude heels, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote (above). First time I've worn the tee as it's a new purchase.

Other ways to wear: blazer with skinny jeans, tan skull scarf with red, printed pencil skirt in summer, nude heels with a printed dress, navy tote with printed dress and pink blazer.

Linking up with WIW, Style Me Weekly, What I Wore, I Feel Pretty, The Wednesday Pants, Trendy Wednesday, Oh Hey Girl, Wardrobe Wednesday, Thursday Fashion Files, Throwback Thursday, Thursday Favourites, Look What I Got today.

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Bright Bags! Balenciaga Velo and RM Mini MAC. Shirt and Shorts, Printed Tee Dress

Two more Style and Shenanigans Colour challenge outfits. A little out of order, sharing day 1 and day 4. Wore bright bags with both looks, first one was a bright red bag with neutral clothes and the second a bright bag matching a bright printed dress.


Here's what I wore for a playdate:

Necklace: vintage gold initial necklace
Dress:  Jeanswest 'Ruby' mixed print shirt
Shorts: Jeanswest black denim cuff shorts
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bag: Balenciaga Coquelicot Velo


Decided to catch up with some other mums and bubs I hadn't seen in a while and have a little playdate. All our babies are crawling, so we can meet at indoor playgrounds and just let them crawl around and tire each other out before nap time!

One of the ladies suggested a play place I'd never been too before. It was really fun. They had a little baby area with a tiny little ball pit, baby T loved it! The best bit was that it was early in the morning so it was quite quiet, and we could have a chat too.

I wanted something cool but comfortable, so I went with a shirt and shorts. We had to wear socks for the play area so I went with Converse. I wore something really similar to this outfit before, just with a different shirt. The style challenge was 'shades of grey' so I thought this grey shirt worked nicely! And the red bag for a bit of colour.


Last worn: mixed print shirt, black denim shorts, Converse, Balenciaga Coquelicot velo.

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Here's what I wore to have another baby free day today:

Dress: Atmos & Here Willow printed tee dress
Shoes: Acne pistol boots in "skin"
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch C/O JORD Watches
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC with python embossed leather in aquamarine


The style challenge for the day was 'back to nature' with botanical prints one of the suggested ideas. I thought this printed tee dress would be perfect. And quite matchy-matchy with the aquamarine Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag!

It was Baby T's second day at day care. There were some tears from him this time around, but mostly because he was a bit cranky as he hadn't slept well the night before. He got lots of cuddle time and was feeling much better in the afternoon when I came to pick him up.

Like his first day at day care, I was a little lost without him! Just as I dropped him off, my sister called to say she'd been given the day off so we went out for lunch and a bit of shopping after my haircut. It was really weird being out shopping with her without having to time things around baby's feed or nap times! I've gotten so used to doing everything with baby in tow, going back to work will be a huge change.


Last worn: printed dress, pistol boots, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC.


The Atmos & Here tee dress is now sold out, but I've linked up some similar items below.

Linking up with Passion For Fashion, Casual Friday, Fab Favourites, Fashion Cache Friday, Mix It Up Friday today.

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Second Trimester SAHM Style: Maxi Skirts and Tank Tops

My stretchy elastic waist maxi skirts were the purchases I was most pleased with in my last pregnancy, they got a lot of wear and I consider them wardrobe essentials in pregnancy just as much as I do when I'm not pregnant. Buying regular maxi skirts with elastic waists means I've been able to wear them outside of pregnancy too.

While I do wear my maxi skirts year round (just layered up more and usually with ankle boots in winter), they are comfortable things to wear in the summer heat here in Brisbane. The tank and maxi skirt combination is one I'll be wearing just as frequently this time as I did last summer!

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)

Necklace: Jeanswest Taki necklace (C/O)
Singlet: Jeanswest maternity tank in white (new purchase)
Skirt: Target black and white striped maxi skirt (see more maxi skirts at Shopbop)
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs (shop more Havaianas at Shopbop)
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

I am so pleased I picked up some maternity tanks in the Jeanswest sale! This was a nice simple and cool outfit to wear to go to playgroup with toddler T. I did think about adding a scarf for some colour but the high humidity made me pick up this new necklace instead. I don't mind black and white outfits now and then.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, striped maxi skirt, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere. First time I've worn the tank as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: striped maxi skirt in winter, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere in the office.

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Great maxi skirt options under $50:

Some maternity maxi skirt options under $50:

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)

Necklace: Roie Designs long freshwater pearl necklace with tassel
Tank: Jeanswest 'Rowena' print tank
Skirt: Target grey marle maxi skirt (shop similar maxi skirts from $26.40 at Shopbop)
Shoes: Asos 'five star' leather sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus Ferragamo double wrap bracelet
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (shop more Rebecca Minkoff mini bags)

Why I wore it:

Another playgroup outfit with the same formula, tank and maxi skirt. I added a little extra colour this time with the pink sandals and the purple Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag.

This tank is a regular non-maternity one and I'm fairly certain I won't get to wear it again this pregnancy as the bump grows bigger. I'm finding the larger than last time baby bump means I'm outgrowing more of my regular wardrobe quicker than expected. Your belly really does get bigger with each pregnancy, in my case anyway. I'm glad I picked up a few maternity tanks like the one in the outfit above to see me through the rest of my pregnancy.


Last worn: Rayban Wayferer (above), printed tank, grey maxi skirt, Asos leather sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote.

Other ways to wear: printed tank and purple skinny jeans, grey maxi skirt and a graphic tee, Asos leather sandals and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote and a boho dress.



Linking up with Fresh Fashion, Pleated Poppy, Wednesday Wearables, Style Me Wednesday, Oh Hey Girl, Thursday Fashion Files, Throwback Thursday, Weekend Linkup, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Flashback 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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Plain Maternity Tanks, Printed Pencil Skirts, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere: Third Trimester Office Wear

I'd fallen into a rut of wearing wrap dresses to the office, so tried to make a little bit of effort and wear my maternity pencil skirts for a change. I do love these skirts, and wore them a lot in my last pregnancy, but this time around I've been so uninspired with facing the summer heat in the third trimester that dresses have just seemed easier!

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Cassandra jacquard jacket

Necklace: House of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey (on sale here!)
Singlet: Jeanswest maternity tank in white
Skirt: Asos maternity graphic print pencil skirt (non-maternity version here)
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

It was a slightly cooler morning so I got excited and wore a jacket. While I liked the extra print mixing it brought to my outfit, I quickly realised that it was still much too hot for wearing layers, and regretted my decision a little.

By the time I went to my OB's appointment in the afternoon, I'd had my jacket off for a while!


Last worn: jacquard blazer, white maternity tank, graphic print pencil skirt, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere.

Other ways to wear: jacquard blazer and a little black dress, white maternity tank and denim shorts, graphic print pencil skirt and a grey tee, black ballet flats and skinny jeans, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere and winter layers.

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More maternity pencil skirts under $100:

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What I wore:

Necklace: Eye Candy LA 'Sasha' statement necklace

Tank: Jeanswest Carla maternity cut out tank (non-maternity version)
Skirt: Asos maternity panelled pencil skirt in tartan check (non-maternity version here)
Shoes:  Marc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey (on sale in black)
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

Kept things much simpler with this outfit - no extra layer, I added a statement necklace for a bit of interest instead. I've worn this necklace and tank together before - I love the way the colours look against the black.

I felt really happy and confident in this outfit all day - even though it's just a simple maternity tank and pencil skirt outfit. An outfit doesn't have to be overly fancy or complex to make you feel good :)


Last worn: laser cut detail tank, Asos maternity tartan pencil skirt, studded mouse flats, Louis Vuitton Speedy bandouliere (above).

Other ways to wear: laser cut detail tank and denim shorts, tartan pencil skirt and a grey tee, studded mouse flats and shorts, Louis Vuitton Speedy bandouliere and denim shorts.

Linking up with Let It Shine, Shoe and Tell, Modest Monday, Hello Monday, Mix It Monday, On Trend, Style Sessions, Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, What I Wore to Work.

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Corporate Style: Wrap Dresses In Third Trimester and Rebecca Minkoff Medium MAB Tote

Gong Xi Fa Cai to everyone celebrating the Lunar New Year! Neither of the outfits below feature the traditional red or gold, instead I'm sharing what I wore to work a few weeks ago. Toddler T is still getting generously showered in little red envelopes though, we celebrate Chinese New Year.


Congratulations to Sarah who won the #Struggles Book giveaway, by sharing some great advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed with social media:

The advice that I would give is to fast from social media. When you give it up, you give up your ties to it and it's hold on you is gone. Just distance yourself from it at least for a while.

There were lots of great entries, and similar advice, but I liked Sarah's mention that sometimes we need to to break the 'hold' we feel social media has on us.

What I wore:

Necklace: Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace
Dress: Atmos&Here Betsy jersey wrap dress in watercolour print (new purchase)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey (on sale in black)
Bracelets: the usual plus turquoise and silver beaded bracelet set
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale in black, or in blue)

Why I wore it:

I was excited to wear my new dress! I saw this on incredible sale at the Iconic for boxing day and ordered a size larger than my usual so that it would hopefully fit the baby bump. Was really pleased to find it accommodated a third trimester belly nicely. It's still on sale too...

I had an important meeting in the morning and then lunch with friends in the afternoon, this dress was the perfect office wear for that. And the print nicely disguised the fact that I spilled a little sauce down the front at lunch, haha!



Last worn: studded mouse flats, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote bag. First time I've worn the dress as it is a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: studded mouse flats and a pencil skirt, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote bag and winter layering.

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More beautiful printed wrap dresses under $100:

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What I wore:

Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette, Tiffany diamonds by the yard necklace
Dress: Soon Maternity 'Madeline' grey print wrap dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale in grey, or in burgundy)

Why I wore it:

While the dress in my first outfit isn't a maternity piece, this maternity wrap dress is one of my favourite pregnancy purchases from last time around. It always looks good, worked well for another day in the office and the navy MAB tote goes with everything of course.

I'm not sure how much use this bag will get when I go on maternity leave, but it's so perfect for the office and I think such a classic style I'm pleased I bought it last year.


Last worn: Soon Maternity printed wrap dress, metallic ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote (above).

Other ways to wear: Soon Maternity printed wrap dress and Chloe paddington, metallic ballet flats and a maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote with a dress as a top.

Linking up with Hello Monday, Let It Shine, Modest Monday, Classy Monday, Mix It Monday, On Trend, Turning Heads, Style Sessions, Fashion Party, Wardrobe Wednesday, Dress to Impress, What I Wore to Work.

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Handbag Gift Guide! Jeanswest Maternity Shorts, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere

Two simple summer outfits with my Jeanswest maternity shorts. I'm glad I picked up a second pair last month, they are being worn often.
Also thought I'd put together a handbag gift guide (for any budget!) after a few of you suggested it when I asked for your opinions on gift guides. Time to snap up last minute gifts now, with a week until Christmas!

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)
Scarf:  Jeanswest Lux paisley print scarf (C/O)
Singlet: Jeanswest maternity tank in black (new purchase)
Shorts: Jeanswest maternity rolled up shorts
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

An easy, simple outfit for a hot day. I wanted to add a little bit of interest to the outfit with the printed scarf, I think it worked pretty well as it's a lightweight scarf so didn't keep me too warm. I've recently gone through my scarf collection and pulled out a few of the light ones to try and wear them a little more over spring/summer.

Wore this to take toddler T to his gymboree class, it was a perfect outfit for running around with a toddler.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, mixed print scarf, Jeanswest maternity shorts, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere. First time I've worn the tank as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: mixed print scarf and a chambray dress, Jeanswest maternity shorts in the third trimester, LV speedy bandouliere and a dress in winter.

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If you are a handbag lover, or you have a handbag fan on your Christmas list to buy for, you definitely can't go wrong with a designer bag! All of the options below are under $500.

Of course, the budget can't stretch to a new bag every Christmas, so here are some more great gift ideas from Shopbop that are a little friendlier to the wallet - bag accessories!

1: a handbag raincoat for the lady who has everything!

2: a cute bag charm to adorn one of the many bags someone already owns.

3: a coin purse a mini, budget-friendly version of that bag they've always wanted.

Shop more bag accessories at Shopbop. 
(With free express shipping worldwide, it's a great place to pick up that last minute gift!)

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)

Necklace: Tai gold alphabet necklace
Tee: Jeanswest Sonny maternity tee in lagoon marle (C/O)
Shorts: Jeanswest Georgie maternity boyfriend shorts (available in non-maternity also)
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

Extremely similar to the last time I wore this tee, only with different shoes and without the scarves. I like wearing the tee with denim though I think it's a lovely combination and it's an easy go-to!

Wore this for a very hot day out at Seaworld on the gold coast. My sister was lucky enough to score free tickets, and they had just opened up the recently re-done kid's area so we thought it would be fun for toddler T to go have a play. Even though I could only go on one ride, being pregnant. As we had been to Seaworld earlier in the year, we'd seen a lot of the shows so the day was all about toddler T having fun.


As it's the second time I've worn these shorts since I bought them, and I try to review everything I buy after wearing it twice to learn more about my shopping habits, my purchase review:

I love these shorts. I confess they were a total impulse buy, I hadn't even thought about getting another pair of shorts when I wandered into Jeanswest and spotted these. I'm so glad I bought them though. They are perfect for being pregnant over summer, when it's just too warm for my maternity jeans.


Last worn: Ray-ban Wayfarers (above), green maternity tee, Jeanswest maternity shorts, Converse Chucks, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere (above).

Other ways to wear:  green maternity tee with a scarf, denim shorts and studded mouse flats, Converse with a dress, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere and skinny jeans.



The Net-A-Porter sale is on now, up to 50% off pretty things I can't afford until sale time rolls around. Perfect time to score that handbag you've been lusting after!




Linking up with Flashback Friday, Fab Favourites, Passion For Fashion, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Let It Shine, Shoe and Tell.

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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