Friday 4 December 2015

Melbourne Girl's Weekend - Second Trimester Travel Style And Pregnancy Trip Essentials

First up, thank you all so much for your kind words on my last post when I mentioned our house hunting is taking longer than we thought. Hopefully we will find the perfect place soon.


Slightly longer post than usual, sharing 3 outfits. It's what I wore when we went down to Melbourne for a girl's weekend to enjoy the food and the shopping. I did think about summarising everywhere we went and ate but it was such a big weekend the list was quite long and would be boring to read. I'll just do my usual and focus on what I wore instead.

It feels odd to be sharing such layered up winter-like outfits in December, but it was a cold weekend when we went down and the temps were around 10 to 20 Celsius, a good 20 degrees cooler than Brisbane. More like autumn/winter temperatures than spring!

What I wore:

Away From Blue | Second Trimester Flight Outfit grey tee Jeanswest maternity skinny jeans
NecklaceTai gold alphabet necklace layered with Happiness Boutique turquoise and coral pendant necklace (C/O)
TeeAtmos&Here grey v-neck tee with rolled sleeves (similar in black or white)
JeansJeanswest maternity super skinny jeans in antique blue
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
BagBalenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag

Why I wore it:

This is what I wore to fly down to Melbourne and to explore the city a little. It was much too warm for Brisbane, but I was thankful for the jeans in Melbourne, especially at night as it got very cold.

In the evening I had a quick change out of this grey tee into a few more layers and my Church Online tee to meet one of the ladies on the team I work with each week at church online who is in my online life group (like online bible study). I felt so bad that I got lost, got the trains all mixed up and was very late for dinner - but I made it in the end and we had a wonderful time catching up! It's so nice meeting someone in person after working together and chatting so much with them online.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, grey v-neck tee, Jeanswest maternity skinny jeans, Converse, Balenciaga day bag.

Other ways to wear grey v-neck tee and shorts, Jeanswest maternity skinny jeans and a graphic tee, Converse and flares, Balenciaga day bag in the office.




What I wore:

Away from blue | Second Trimester layered outfit paisley snood leather jacket burgundy tee grey maxi skirt

AwayFromTheBlue | Balenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag
ScarfSeed Heritage Paisley print snood
Necklace: hidden under scarf: Tai gold alphabet necklace Happiness Boutique turquoise and coral pendant necklace (C/O)
TeeAtmos&Here rolled sleeve oversized tee in wine (similar in pink or in black)
Skirt: Target grey marle maxi skirt
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
BagBalenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag

Why I wore it:

This was my comfortable yet cosy outfit for a day full of shopping. We started when the shops opened and then eventually were the last people to leave Tiffany in the evening when it closed. I appreciated the layers I'd packed. I took the scarf and jacket off and on through the day as the temperatures changed, but certainly needed them both in the morning and at night when we went out for dinner and dessert.

Out of all the places we visited and all the shopping we did, I have to comment on one experience in particular. If you ever find yourself in the Collins St Tiffany store in Melbourne, ask for Helen. She was extremely helpful and knowledgeable and we picked out some great gifts with her that I can't wait for everyone to receive!


Last worn: Jeanswest leather jacket, printed snood, burgundy tee, grey maxi skirt, Converse Chucks (above), Balenciaga day bag (above).

Other ways to wearleather jacket and a summer dress in winter, printed snood in the office, burgundy tee and printed jeans, maxi skirt and a graphic tee, Converse and purple skinny jeans, Balenciaga day bag with flares.



What I wore:

Away From Blue | Melbourne Travel outfit floral tank star pashmina maternity skinny jeans converse

Away From Blue | Balenciaga autumne truffle brown RH day bag leather jacket
JacketJeanswest black leather jacket
Necklace: hidden under scarf: Tai gold alphabet necklace 
Scarf: gifted star print pashmina
Tank: no label floral and lace top
JeansJeanswest maternity super skinny jeans in antique blue
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
BagBalenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag

Why I wore it:

The third day in Melbourne, back in the skinny jeans I'd worn for the trip down and wearing my new scarf that was a gift bought for me the day before from the Queen Victoria markets. I'm pleased how great this scarf looked with the tank! I knew the snood I'd packed wouldn't work with it, so was hoping for a warmer day, but was thankful I had the new pashmia for the chilly morning.



I was sad to leave Melbourne behind (the shopping and the food really doesn't even compare to Brisbane!) but I was really glad to get home and see toddler T. It's the longest I'd ever been away from him since he was born and I really missed him. And Cooper too, I kept stopping to pat cute dogs over the city! I really missed my boys.


I was really happy with everything I packed - I packed just enough, wore everything at least once, and my mostly empty LV keepall became stuffed full of purchases for the flight home! I did find myself wishing I'd picked a bag with a cross body strap by the end of the second day so I'd have the chance to give my shoulder a rest, but it wasn't too bad. First time I've ever not over packed! The allure of filling up empty space in my carry on with shopping helped me make the tough decisions of what to pack and what to leave behind.


Last worn: Jeanswest leather jacket (above), floral tank, Jeanswest maternity skinny jeans (above), Converse Chucks (above), Balenciaga day bag (above). First time I've worn the star print pashmina.

Other ways to wearleather jacket and plaid scarf, floral tank and a pencil skirt, maternity skinny jeans post baby, Converse and a plaid shirt, Balenciaga day bag and a chambray dress.


Pregnancy travel essentials: stretchy tees, maternity jeans, scarves to layer with and comfortable shoes.












Linking up with Fab Favourites, Fabulous Friday, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Let It Shine, Modest Monday.




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Wednesday 2 December 2015

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:

Away From Blue | Second Trimester Office Wear floral wrap dress Chloe paddington

AwayFromTheBlue | Chloe brun Paddington black dress brown bag
SunglassesRayban new Wayfarers (on sale!)
NecklaceTai gold alphabet necklace
TankJeanswest brown marle singlet
DressJeanswest floral wrap dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Ferragamo double wrap bracelet
BagChloe 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 wearbrown 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.


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:

Away from Blue | Soon Maternity Printed Wrap Dress Second Trimester Office Wear Chloe Paddington bag

AwayFromTheBlue | Chloe Paddington brun black printed dress brown bag
Dress: Soon Maternity 'Madeline' grey print wrap dress
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
BagChloe 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 wearSoon 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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Monday 30 November 2015

Cyber Monday Sales! Easy Second Trimester Outfits: Bright Tanks and Maxi Skirts for Spring

I wore the tank top and maxi skirt combination frequently in my last pregnancy, so I have a go-to outfit for those 'I don't know what to wear' days. My maxi skirts have stretchy and comfortable elastic waistbands and are so easy to wear. Add a bright and colourful tank top and I'm set for a hot day! And comfortable too, even though everything I'm wearing is from my regular, non-maternity wardrobe it accommodates a baby bump nicely.

What I wore:

Away from Blue | Easy Spring Second trimester outfit stretchy tank printed maxi skirt

Away from the Blue | printed maxi skirt Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag plum
Necklace: thrifted pearl and heart charm long necklace
SingletJeanswest 'Jenni' basic singlet in festival fuchsia
Skirt: Izabel London Aztec print maxi skirt (C/O)
ShoesBalenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale with 25% off and free shipping at Rebecca Minkoff)

Why I wore it:

More house hunting! I've mentioned it here and there on the blog but finding the perfect house is taking longer than we thought. Anyway, the outfit. This maxi skirt is quite a thick one but it wasn't too warm paired with the berry singlet.

I was really wishing I'd picked something different for my feet though. Buckling and unbuckling sandals before entering an open house when pregnant and juggling a toddler is not the easiest thing to do...I ended up leaving the sandals unbuckled by the time we got to the fourth house.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, berry tank, printed maxi skirt, Balenciaga sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote.

Other ways to wearberry tank and a statement necklace, printed maxi skirt in winter, Balenciaga sandals and skinny jeans, purple Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote with a black dress.


As it's been a big weekend in the USA with thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, don't forget to check out these sales:

Anthropologie 25% off everything with code 'SHOPTOIT'
ASOS 30% off everything with code 'BLESSED'
(I picked up this cute blue kimono and this floral one for summer)

Boohoo - 70% off everything
Choies up to 80% off sale with extra 15% off orders over $49 with code 'BLACK15'
Luisaviaroma - extra 20% off sale items with code 'BFR20'
Matches Fashion - 50% off sale plus free shipping with code 'FREEAUS'

Rebecca Minkoff - 25% off all orders plus free shipping and Essie Polish. No code needed.


If I wasn't having problems at checkout, the Rebecca Minkoff sale is the one I'd be shopping! I have my eye on the custom bag offerings! Sadly, I can't get past the shipping stage without getting an error. I've emailed but still haven't heard back.


What I wore:

Away from Blue | Spring second trimester pregnancy outfit lace kimono bright tank black maxi skirt

AwayFromBlue | green tank Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC with python embossed leather in aquamarine
JacketShein cream lace kimono (C/O)
NecklaceRoie Designs feather, quartz and love charm long necklace
TankJeanswest Jenni basic singlet in Emerald green
SkirtJeanswest plain jersey black maxi skirt
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC with python embossed leather in aquamarine (on sale with 25% off and free shipping at Rebecca Minkoff)

Why I wore it:

It was a slightly cooler day than the one above, so I took the chance to add a kimono over the singlet and maxi skirt combo to try make it a little different.

I've worn this singlet and skirt together before, just with different accessories, and no kimono or baby belly. It's a nice simple combination. I don't wear a lot of green, so this singlet hasn't been worn often, but I'm being much more adventurous with colours after my wardrobe detox session with a personal stylist and I even went out and got a similar shade of green in a maternity tank.


Last worn: lace kimono, green singlet, black jersey maxi skirt, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff aquamarine mini MAC.

Other ways to wearlace kimono and a chambray dressgreen singlet at 39 weeks pregnant, maxi skirt and a graphic tee, Rebecca Minkoff aquamarine mini MAC and skinny jeans in winter.


Wrapping up this post with my monthly purchases (can you believe November is almost over?!). I bought a lot of Christmas presents for others this month, and stocked up on maternity wear for summer in the Jeanswest 40% off sale.




What I added to my wardrobe in November:


Linking up with Let It Shine, More Pieces of Me, Hello Monday, Modest Monday, Budget Bloggers, Mix It Monday, Style Sessions, Turning Heads, On Trend Tuesday, Confident Twosday.




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