Grey Tees, Black Jeans and Purple Mini MAB Tote Bag

While I kicked off spring by joining in a couple of style challenges on instagram, we had a cooler couple of days that left me a little uninspired, even with the prompts giving me ideas of what to wear. I ended up wearing a simple combo of black skinny jeans and a grey tee. However I wasn't completely happy with either outfit, both outfit fails for me.

Keeping with my usual posting method and sharing what I wore as I manged to get a picture of it, even if I didn't like the outfit.

What I wore:

Jacket: Kmart striped maxi cardigan

Tee: Grey 'making magic happen' tee C/O Shein
Jeans: Jeanswest prima denim super skinny jeans in absolute black
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in pink!)

Why I wore it:

The style challenge for the day was 'monochrome' although I couldn't resist breaking it up and adding a little bit of colour with my purple mini MAB tote bag.

This outfit seemed like a good idea in theory but was a pain to wear. It didn't help that I was running late, but I felt this tee kept sliding around and wouldn't sit right for photos. It annoyed me as I wore it through the day too, but I'm not sure how much of my bad mood was coming from our failed shopping trip that morning! I just popped out to get something quickly but you can never do anything too quickly with a baby and a toddler in tow...


Last worn: striped duster, making magic happen tee, black Prima jeans, black ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff purple mini MAB tote bag.

Other ways to wear: striped cardi and grey dress, making magic happen tee and baby bump, black Prima jeans and winter layers, ballet flats and a wrap dress, Rebecca Minkoff purple mini MAB tote bag and denim jacket.

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What I wore:

Sunnies: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers (on sale)

Jacket: Jeanswest Peggie kimono cardigan in purple mulberry marle

Scarf: Alexander McQueen modal and cashmere skull scarf
Tee: Jeanswest 'Lucy' colour block tee in grey marle/rosebud
Jeans: Sass & Bide Playman skinny jeans
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in blue and on sale in pink!)

Why I wore it:

Baby boy had his vaccinations, so in anticipation of having a tough day I'd planned a simple outfit. Just like the grey tee and black skinny jeans combo above, although with a little more colour from the purple cardigan and some print mixing with the scarf and jeans. The jeans met the 'special' style challenge prompt too as they always feel a little more special to wear than plain blue jeans.

I really liked this outfit - comfortable for running a few errands, getting baby boy's vaccinations and then spending the afternoon with my sister. I added the scarf at the last minute as it looked like it might be a cooler day that morning but quickly took it off as it warmed up. I wish I'd just left it at home, I don't think it looks quite right and I much preferred the outfit without it.

Aside from the scarf not really working with the rest of what I was wearing, I did really like the rest of this outfit and I had a fun day wearing it.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, taupe skull scarf, grey tee, purple cardigan, printed skinny jeans, ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote (above).

Other ways to wear: taupe skull scarf and burgundy tee, purple cardigan and a maxi skirt, grey tee and a baby bump, printed skinny jeans worn two ways, ballet flats and a printed maxi skirt, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote and denim shorts.

Linking up with Modest Monday, Red Carpet Linkup, Mix It Monday, On Trend, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday.

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Purple, Jeans and Rebecca Minkoff Plum Mini MAB Tote Bag

First, #noSpenderSeptember results! After achieving #noBuyJuly16 and only buying two things in August, I decided to tackle a #noSpenderSeptember challenge, inspired by Beth from Almost Posh. I'm pleased to report that even with a trip to the outlets, I didn't buy any clothes or accessories. October is Buy Nothing New month and while I've considered doing another no-buy month I'm not going to commit just yet.

This year I tallied up my spend in June for the year and said it would be nice to spend less than that in the last 6 months of the year - so far I'm managing to do so! I think the change in weather bringing up new outfit options within my wardrobe has helped me feel more content with the clothes I already own.



When Brisbane started to hit proper spring temperatures I got all excited and declared it kimono season! I was quickly looking out my cardigans again not too long after though as we got some really wet weather.

What I wore:

Sunnies: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers (on sale)

Jacket: Cotton On 'Gemma' cocoon kimono in Laos blossom navy print
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in washed lilac
Jeans: Jeanswest Bindi skinny 7/8 jeans in indigo luxe
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black or silver!)
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in blue and on sale in pink!)

Why I wore it:

There is not a single thing I'd change about this outfit, I loved every part of it. I wanted to try purple with this kimono, really liked the navy with the v-neck tee.

Took the boys to DFO (outlet stores) to pick out some cute outfits for an upcoming photoshoot. I got lucky when I visited the baby expo a few months ago and won a competition! The prize was a photoshoot and gift voucher. I'm looking forward to having some updated family photos, and wanted to try and get a little matching outfit for the boys.

Although there was a ton of sales and extra discounts and even a Jeanswest store, I stuck to my #noSpenderSeptember challenge and only bought lunch, I didn't buy anything else. I had no luck tracking down an outfit for the boys sadly.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, floral cocoon kimono, purple tee, skinny jeans, gold mouse flats, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag.

Other ways to wear: floral cocoon kimono and a red saddle bag, purple tee and lace pencil skirt, skinny jeans and a long cardi, gold mouse flats and a maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag and shorts.

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Where to buy the Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry

Tee: Cotton On Luxe pearl tee
Jeans: Sass and Bide pale grey skinny jeans
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black or silver!)
Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in pink!)

Why I wore it:

The style challenge for the day was 'old faithful' so I figured these jeans that are over 10 years old would be a good thing to wear. I needed a cardigan to keep cosy as it was a really rainy day. You can't see that in the photos though. When a toddler distracts you as you are adjusting the exposure and you can't double-check the photos right away, you end up looking really washed out. ;)

This tee is leaving my wardrobe. I bought it in 2012 for $5 and it's been worn 7 times since then. I'm constantly looking at it in my wardrobe thinking I should wear it again. It's nice but it's a bit of a pain to wear (the back is completely sheer so I have to layer) and I have other tops I enjoy wearing more. Looking at it and thinking 'I should really wear this again' without actually wearing it was getting annoying too. Time for it to go.

Last worn: purple cardigan, metallic gold tee, grey jeans, gold mouse flats (above), Rebecca Minkoff purple mini MAB tote (above).

Other ways to wear: purple cardigan and chambray dress, metallic gold tee and a pencil skirt, grey jeans and printed top, gold mouse flats and a pencil skirt, purple mini MAB tote and black maxi dress.


Linking up with Budget Bloggers, Let It Shine, Grace & Lace, Shoe & Tell, Hello Monday.

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Blush Pink Boyfriend Blazer, Jeans and Blue Balenciaga Day Bag

With our unexpected autumn heatwave, I wasn't able to wear this beautiful blush pink boyfriend blazer much this year. I mentioned when I last wore it (in March!) that I was just waiting for a bit of a cooler day. Which didn't seem to arrive! Now it's spring and warming up and I need less layers it's been the perfect time to wear it again. Although it's from a Jeanswest spring 2014 collection, it's a great match for the 'rose quartz' colour of the year.

What I wore:

Sunnies: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers 

Jacket: Jeanswest Nadine 3/4 sleeve dusky pink blazer
Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Ava elephant pendant teething necklace
Top: MEV Britney bubble tank in mood indigo C/O Zibibo
Jeans: Jeanswest Super Skinny Jeans in Mid Indigo
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats (on sale!)
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:

I loved this outfit! The style challenge was 'my favourite colour' which is of course blue. I really like blue and pink together so this blazer seemed like a great topper, despite the warm day I needed just a little something extra to cover my arms.

Took the boys out to brunch with a friend which we had been looking forward to for a while. We've caught up now and then but a dedicated morning to talk over a couple of changes and events was needed. Bringing both boys along led to us cutting our date short when it drew near to nap time and not even yummy food would keep them amused. I'm lucky my friend saw the funny side of the situation, unlike the older ladies sitting a few tables down from us who kept glaring at me as I tried a couple things to calm an overly cranky baby in his ergo carrier while also convincing a toddler that it was time to hop back into the stroller and go home, ha!

Despite feeling a bit flustered towards the end I was grateful to get out and have some adult conversation for a while. The teething necklace bought us a few more minutes of quiet which was appreciated too!


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, blush pink blazer, navy breastfeeding tank, skinny jeans, silver ballet flats, Balenciaga tempete day bag.

Other ways to wear: blush pink blazer and a LBD, navy breastfeeding tank and purple accessories, skinny jeans and tall boots, silver ballet flats and a maxi skirt, Balenciaga tempete day bag and a printed dress.

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Shop more pink / rose quartz / blush / pastel / dusty pink blazers under $50:

No matter what you call the shade, it's a pretty colour and all the blazers above are bargains at less than $50!

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What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Nadine 3/4 sleeve dusky pink blazer

Scarf: Alexander McQueen modal skull scarf in white/pink (on sale in black and white!)
Tee: Atmos&Here navy stripe v-neck tee
Jeans: Sass and Bide pale grey skinny jeans
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs two tone flats in blush and 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:

Unlike the outfit above, I'm really not sure about this one. I didn't feel great wearing it. This outfit got more love than the one above on instagram though so maybe I got something right!

I was trying to hit two style challenges again, 'pinktastic' and 'make it casual'. I also wanted to try these grey jeans with the blush blazer. I like all of the pieces on their own, I just don't feel it looked all that great together.

I was in a rush in the morning (as usual!) and trying to get the boys out the door for an appointment. I was thinking of what to wear in between getting them ready. When I saw the photos, the first time I'd seen it all together, I wasn't happy. Definitely an outfit fail. I think if I'd spent the time to pick a different bag I'd have liked this outfit more. Maybe something grey instead of my tempete Balenciaga day. I did consider it but really had no time. Even the pretty blazer couldn't make this better. A good reminder to myself to take longer planning my outfits in the evening when I have more time, so I'm more confident with what I've picked to wear.


Last worn: boyfriend blazer (above), pink skull scarf, navy striped tee, grey jeans, two tone ballet flats, Balenciaga day bag (above).

Other ways to wear: boyfriend blazer in the office, pink skull scarf and a striped dress, navy striped tee and purple cardi, grey jeans and a trench, two tone ballet flats and a wrap dress, Balenciaga day bag and a maxi dress.


Linking up with What I Wore, Fresh Fashion, Oh Hey Girl, Fashion Files, On the Edge, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Passion for Fashion, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Turning Heads.

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