Black Maxi Dresses, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Bags

I've shared my love of bright maxi dresses recently, but you can't beat a classic black maxi dress. It lets you wear colourful accessories without worrying about colours clashing.

When I bought the embellished maxi dress below I got rid of an older black maxi dress I had, but then a few months later picked up a second halter neck one in an opshop sale. While I'm not sure I need two black maxi dresses, I have been enjoying having both in my wardrobe. A black maxi dress is a neutral base that lets you wear any other colours you like.

What I wore: 

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Dress: Jeanswest 'Sierra' embellished black maxi dress (on sale!)
Shoes: Balenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH (on sale, 58% off!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

This maxi dress always feels a little special with the embellishments on the neckline. I'm aware that if I try to 'save' it in my wardrobe for a perfect occasion it will never get worn. While it's nice to feel dressed up for something like a family photoshoot, it's also good to add a little sparkle to everyday and so I wore this out to playgroup in the morning. It was definitely overdue a wear, last being worn almost a year ago while I was pregnant! It was worn to playgroup then too as I felt it was overdue a wear, ha!

I then foolishly attempted to go out in the afternoon again, where both the boys greatly amused the people waiting in line at the post office as I tried to mail some parcels of things I'd sold on ebay. Luckily they didn't get up to too much mischief!


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, embellished maxi dress, Balenciaga gladiator sandals, aquamarine mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: embellished maxi dress for Christmas day, pink Balenciaga gladiator sandals and shorts, aquamarine mini MAC and pink vest.

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More Colourful Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Bags:

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Nibbly Bits Wilma teething necklace in pale daffodil
Dress: black Jeanswest halterneck maxi dress
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff striped coated canvas mini MAC in berry stripe

Why I wore it:

We had a playdate in the city so I knew a maxi dress would keep me cool and comfortable. The Queensland State Library has an area called 'The Corner' for kids which had a construction theme, perfect for Toddler T. Cooper didn't seem to like this outfit much, not wanting to be pictured near it, but I loved it. The plain black maxi dress is perfect with the printed Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag.

I find the little Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bags great for a day out with the boys - I can keep all the essentials on me while having my hands free (and the baby bag on the stroller) or even slip the bag into the baby bag if needed.

This striped mini MAC bag hasn't been worn as much as my other ones (like the aqua one above) as sometimes I find it tricky to pair with an outfit, but a plain black dress like this is perfect.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (above), black halterneck maxi dress, studded sandals, striped Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wear: black halterneck maxi dress and denim jacket, studded sandals and printed skirt, striped Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag.

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Embellished or Halterneck Black Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

Black maxi dresses provide an awesome backdrop for a colourful or printed bag - it really makes colours pop. A bright bag is a easy way to change up any neutral outfit, not just a LBD.



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Printed Shorts with Neutral and Bright Fitted Tanks

Before starting my #6MonthsWithoutShopping challenge and trying to hit 30 wears on more of my wardrobe, I'd been admiring a pair of printed shorts at Jeanswest. It was a good motivation for me to get the printed shorts I already have and wear them more often. This post brings them to 14 wears, even though the lightweight fabric and relaxed cut make them perfect for a hot day.

The outfit formulas followed below are incredibly similar, but I think they look different just by changing from a neutral to a colourful top. Anything to justify the huge box of fitted tanks I have in multiple colours! 😉

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Ava elephant pendant teething necklace
Tank: Target grey marle tank top
Shorts: Jeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale, 44% off!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

I really liked my outfit last time I wore this teething necklace and Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag together, so it was good wearing the combination again. They go quite well together!

Grey and blue is another one of my usual combinations. It's been such a long time since I wore this Target tank, a shame as it's a really good basic. A nice neutral tank went well with the busy printed shorts.

Ran a few errands in the morning and had a haircut too. You might have notice my hair doesn't look any different! I've decided to grow it out and donate it, so just had a trim. I usually grow my hair long and then change my mind and cut it short again, so this way it will benefit a sick child. Completely inspired by my friend who grew her hair for two years in order to donate it.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, Target grey tank, printed shorts, Rebecca Minkoff studded sandals, aquamarine Mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wear: grey tank and maxi skirt, printed shorts and stripes, Rebecca Minkoff studded sandals and denim, aquamarine Mini MAC bag and wrap dress.

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Blue Printed Shorts Under $50:

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Charlotte teething necklace
Tank: thrifted Cotton On yellow tank
Shorts: Jeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale, 44% off!)
Bag: Balenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete

Why I wore it:

I liked the neutral tank and printed shorts combo above but wanted to try something a little more colourful the next time I wore these shorts. I like blue and yellow together so this tank seemed like a good choice. I mentioned on Instagram that this isn't a 'flattering' look.

When doing my wardrobe detox with a personal stylist two years ago, soon after buying these shorts, she pointed out that they didn't hit at the slimmest part on my waist (none of my tummy region is slim after having my beautiful babies!). It's easy to disguise by wearing the shorts with similar colours. But some days, you just want to wear a cheerful bright yellow tank and enjoy the colour combination more than the way the outfit flatters your post-baby body. I'm grateful for the advice of the stylist (she was so knowledgable and helpful!) but I'm also going to wear what makes me happy even if it doesn't look the best.

While this outfit does seem to highlight my rounded 'mum-tum', these shorts and blue and yellow together make me happy. Even if it did feel a little overly bright for a quiet day with not much else on other than a trip to the post office, I enjoyed wearing this.


Last worn: Ray-ban Wayfarer (above), yellow tank, printed shorts (above), studded gladiator sandals (above), Balenciaga tempete Day bag.

Other ways to wear: yellow tank and baby bump, printed shorts and ankle boots, studded gladiator sandals worn 30 ways, Balenciaga tempete Day bag and blue dress.

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More Printed Shorts Under $50:

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You don't have to pair colourful printed shorts with a neutral top, you can wear a complimentary colour for an extra touch of brightness to your outfit. Neutral shoes are a good addition to a bright outfit like this.


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Bright Maxi Dresses and Blue Bags

Despite my love for bright bags, I have very few bright clothes. Blue and grey are the main colours in my wardrobe. Over the past few years I've been trying to be more adventurous with colour thanks to reading lots of great blogs and looking up to people like Sheila who wear colour so easily. Now I have a couple of bright maxi dresses. I like maxi dresses as they are fuss-free instant outfits, and colourful dresses are a great way to ease into a more colourful wardrobe.

What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Ava elephant pendant teething necklace
Dress: Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale, 44% off!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

Last time I wore this dress I shared that I bought it after seeing it on Instagram. Quite a few of the #everydaystyle ladies have it, and I always smile when I see it pop up in my feed. It also makes me smile every time I wear it, such a cheerful colour. Perfect for a hot day and I love how the aquamarine Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag matches with the print on the dress. We had a fun morning attending rhyme time for some singing and the dancing with the boys, a quiet day.

I don't always go matchy matchy with accessories, but the necklace and bag worked so wonderfully with this print I was glad I did it this time. I'll probably wear this similarly again, I liked it so much. It's only March but this is easily my favourite outfit of the year. Wouldn't change a single thing.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, coral printed maxi dress, studded gladiator sandals, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: coral printed maxi dress for Christmas day, studded gladiator sandals worn 30 ways, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC and pink vest.

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More Bright Floral Print Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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What I wore:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban new Wayfarers

Dress: MEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo

Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
Shoes: Balenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH (on sale, 58% off!)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale in black, or in blue)

Why I wore it:

Unlike the outfit above, I wore this for a much busier day. We had Baby Boy's weekly weigh and then a trip into the city for another specialist appointment, and family visiting in the afternoon. I really like this bright maxi dress as it's a nursing dress, perfect for a busy day and breastfeeding on the go.

I kept thinking of this bag after sharing it (and all my other bags) in my wardrobe inventory post, as it's really only worn in the office. Thought this tote would be a good carry all for the folder of documents I bring along to appointments for Baby Boy. Unlike my neverfull, it's quite a stiff bag and not very flexible or easy to use when you have a baby on your hip. You can't just use one hand to dig around inside when it's on your shoulder due to the inflexible sides. It spent most of the time hooked onto the stroller which I actually didn't mind.

Pink and blue is one of those colour combinations I really enjoy, but this bag just isn't practical for stay at home mum life. I was annoyed by this bag most of the day. It's going back to sit in the wardrobe awaiting my return to work in a few months.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (above), Mothers En Vogue maxi dress, gold glitter belt, sorbet Balenciaga sandals, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote.

Other ways to wear: Mothers En Vogue maxi dress and denim jacket, gold glitter belt in the office, studded Balenciaga sandals and maternity shorts, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote and fit and flare dresses.

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More Pink Maxi Dresses Under $50:

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If you want to add more colour to your wardrobe, try a bright dress. You don't have to worry about mixing and matching or clashing with other colours. You can let it shine on its own as the focal piece in your outfit, so it's incredibly easy to wear.


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