Wednesday 1 November 2017

30 Ways To Wear a Striped Maxi Skirt - White and Navy #30Wears Series

Another month, another #30wears achieved for a piece from my wardrobe. This time it's another maxi skirt. It's interesting that there are only a few jeans that I've hit 30 wears on but I've easily hit that on so many of my maxi skirts. I've always thought I was more of a jeans than skirt person, my style has definitely evolved over the years. It's useful having the blog to look back on and see what I've worn over the years, and it's great that I can compile my outfit pics together into posts like this.


I have started to look up pieces I'm close to 30 wears on and wearing them a little more regularly, as you've probably seen on Instagram. I do want to wear more of my wardrobe, but I'm also enjoying the challenge of thinking up more ways to wear things to hit 30 wears.



#30 Wears: Navy and White Striped Maxi Skirt


While I don't wear a lot of white, I find this maxi skirt so easy to wear. Being machine washable helps! The stretchy elastic waistband has stretched through to the third trimester of two pregnancies and still fits perfectly post-baby. Non-maternity clothes with elastic waists are wonderful in pregnancy. In fact the very first time I wore this skirt I was pregnant, it's a great pregnancy piece.

It's not just pregnancy this works well for though! Stretchy skirts are great postpartum and incredibly comfortable post-baby. It's easy to see why I've hit 30 wears on this. In fact, half of them were during pregnancy and the other 15 were when I wasn't pregnant. Really funny to see the perfect split when I counted up the 30 wears.


stripe maxi skirt 30 ways to wear series outfit ideas | Away From The Blue blog




Stripe Maxi Skirt With Printed And Embellished Tanks


stripe maxi skirt 4 ways printed embellished tanks | awayfromblue

A printed skirt doesn't mean you have to wear it with plain pieces! I've enjoyed doing a little print mixing by pairing the striped skirt with printed tanks. If you're looking for something slightly different you can add something extra to the stripes with embellished tanks with beading or sequins. The benefit of the beaded and sequin embellished tanks were that they draw the eye up and away from what was an early second trimester baby bump. Of course as you can see with the brown floral tank, you can only disguise a baby bump for so long! Get more ways to hide a baby bump here.


Navy Stripe Maxi Skirt and Matching Top


stripe maxi skirt 3 ways matching navy tops awayfromblue

stripe maxi skirt 3 ways with matching navy tops awayfromblue

Since the white maxi skirt has a navy stripe, it's good to be matchy-matchy and wear a navy tee with it. It's a quick fool-proof outfit technique you can use for any printed piece. Grab a plain piece in a similar colour to one that's in the print to wear with it for an easy outfit that is perfectly co-ordinated.


Stripe Maxi Skirt and Grey Tee


stripe maxi skirt and grey tees 5 ways to wear with bright bags | awayfromtheblue

A grey tee is another one of those fail-safe outfit options with a printed maxi skirt. I have quite a few grey tees in my wardrobe, as you can see above as each time I've worn this skirt it's been with a different grey tee! I like them when I need a neutral piece to wear with a print. A grey tee and a maxi skirt is a favourite frequently worn combination of mine. A grey tee will always be a classic to me. A nice neutral grey tee lets you be a little more bold and adventurous with your accessory choices and I like to wear a bright handbag often with grey tees as the colour really pops.


Stripe Maxi Skirt and Colourful Tanks


stripe maxi skirt in pregnancy with colourful fitted tanks on baby bump | away from blue

While grey tees are a great neutral with prints, and you can easily pick a navy top for an easy coordinating outfit, I like wearing bright and colourful tanks with this stripe maxi skirt too. I love this in pregnancy, as my colourful fitted tanks really work nicely to show off a baby bump. Because this skirt is a non-maternity piece, there is a limit to how far the elastic will stretch around a growing baby belly. When it hits its limit, a maternity tank comes in helpful as the longer bump-covering length lets you wear the skirt lower with the waist band under the baby bump like in the last photo.


Maxi Skirts and Light Layers In Cooler Weather


stripe maxi skirt 4 ways in spring autumn light layers | awayfromtheblue

I try to wear most of my wardrobe year-round, but with the slit up the side it gets a little too cold to wear this maxi skirt over winter. I make it work outside of summer by adding a light layer, something as simple as a scarf or denim jacket, or a little more colourful with a printed kimono or colourful knit. Just that extra layer can make it easier to wear this skirt for spring or autumn. You don't have to keep maxi skirts just for summer!


Maxi Skirt and Ruffle Camis


stripe maxi skirt and ruffle camis 3 outfit ideas with print mixing | awayfromtheblue

Sometimes i's nice to add some extra texture to your outfit. The close fit of this jersey maxi skirt means voluminous tops are a good pairing with it, and my ruffle camis are such fun pieces to wear. You can even add in some print mixing like I've done in two of those three outfits above. Stripes really do go with so much, and a strappy cami is a wonderful piece to wear in the summer heat.


Maxi Skirt and Tees


stripe maxi skrit and tees 5 ways to wear in pregnancy and postbaby | Away From Blue

As you can see above, I love my grey tees and my navy tees with this striped maxi skirt. Any kind of tee pairs beautifully with a maxi skirt though, and as well as some brightly coloured ones it's been fun wearing graphic tees with this striped skirt. It makes a great casual outfit for places like playgroup if you're wanting to dress a maxi skirt down a little. A simple outfit formula like this can continue on in pregnancy as well!




Striped Maxi Skirts Under $50:











A striped skirt can be surprisingly versatile, and this was definitely good value for money! I bought this Atmos & Here maxi skirt back in 2013 for $17.45, so it's now down to 58 cents per wear and still going strong 4 years later.


Want more outfit inspiration? All the 30+ ways I've worn this striped maxi skirt.


Previous 30 Wears posts:

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Monday 30 October 2017

Black Dresses for the Office With a Twist and Colourful Accessories

A little black dress will always be a classic corporate style outfit option. It gives you the opportunity to experiment with bright and colourful accessories without worrying about clashing with colours in your outfit.

While they are a classic, you can always pick a little black dress with a twist for something different from the standard black. Both of the dresses I'm wearing below have just a little bit extra. They are still as easy to wear as a plain black dress, but they each have a little extra.



First, what I bought in October. It's 'buy nothing new month' here but as per usual I didn't quite stick to it. I bought a heap of Christmas presents in the Shopbop sale, and was on track to buy nothing other than a $2 bag at the local opshop "fill a bag for $2" sale. Then I saw this dress on a blog and just had to buy it. It arrived at the end of last week so I've only worn it once, not quite meeting my 'wear it twice in the month you buy it' rule. I then bought a blazer second hand off facebook which only arrived today, so that's not even been worn once this month.

I did well in the fill a bag for $2 sale, buying a couple bags with clothes for me and for the boys. Most of what I bought needs tailored though, with the exception of the black tee I bought to replace the one I had to retire recently. Hoping everything I bought turns out to be a keeper, especially the pieces I haven't been able to wear yet.


What I bought In October:



What I wore:

lace little black dress and trench coat: spring corporate style with colourful accessories | AwayFromBlue


Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram #motherhoodAndPregnancyStyle during and after pregnancy non-maternity black lace dress
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
NecklaceStarfish Project Hannah turquoise bead necklace
DressJeanswest 'Gisele' contrast lace dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

This little black lace dress is one of the oldies in my wardrobe! I've worn it for nights out but it works perfectly for the office too with the modest neckline and just above the knee length. I even wore it while pregnant with both my boys, the elastic empire waist was very flattering over a baby bump. Made it the perfect outfit for another #motherhoodAndPregnancyStyle side by side photo.

I knew that the purple bag would work brilliantly with the black dress, but I also wanted to wear the colourful turquoise necklace. I'd usually try to coordinate or match my accessories, but I've been having a bit of fun trying different colours together and the turquoise necklace and purple Balenciaga bag worked nicely last time I wore them together too. I really liked this outfit. Perfect for a busy day at work.

The trench coat was probably a bit much though - it was a really warm morning and I regretted not picking a lighter jacket!


Last worn: camel trench, black lace dress, Marc Jacobs ballet flats, purple Balenciaga work bag.

Other ways to wearcamel trench and burgundy pants, black lace dress for a night out, Marc Jacobs ballet flats and skinny jeans, purple Balenciaga work bag and pink pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: camel trench and first trimester, lace dress in third trimester.


Statement Beaded Necklaces from Starfish Project Under $50:







What I wore:

navy mac jacket knit print black dress for the office | Away From The Blue

balenciaga purple giant silver g21 hardware slouchy work bag | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram black knit dress for the office with colourful accessories purple Balenciaga bag statement necklace
JacketJeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo
NecklaceStarfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
Dress: black and white knit dress from my Grandma's wardrobe
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

First time I wore this dress I tried a bit of print mixing with a leopard print scarf and wasn't quite sure on the outfit so this time around I went with a simple statement necklace again. The same outfit formula as the outfit above, but it looks different as instead of a lace dress, it's a black knit one with a print on the skirt.

This is one of those outfits where how I felt turned out to be different from how the outfit looked. I loved the dress and ankle boots together. I'm petite so midi lengths like this are usually more flattering with a heel, but I decided to try with these flat boots anyway. I thought it was definitely a winner, then I added my navy MAC jacket for the cooler morning commute to work and I wasn't sure if it was the right length with the dress. I figured it didn't look that bad. Looking at the photos afterwards I realised it really doesn't look the best. While I was comfortable and happy in this with the jacket hanging on my chair at work, I think this all together would have looked better if I'd picked a different jacket that morning.


Last worn: navy macintosh, black knit dress, black ankle boots, Balenciaga work bag (above).

Other ways to wearnavy macintosh and pencil skirt, black knit dress and leopard print scarf, black ankle boots and maxi dress, purple Balenciaga work bag and blue dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: ankle boots and pregnancy announcement.




Little Black Dresses for the Office Under $50:









How You Can Wear It:


A little black dress for the office is a corporate wardrobe staple. You can get so many cute ones with different textures like lace, or even a bit of a print. A black dress is a great outfit base to allow you to add on some brightly coloured accessories.

Accessories are also a good way to change up the look or your favourite little black dress and make it feel new each time with different colours or accessory styles.


Linking up with On Monday We Link Up, Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday.



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Friday 27 October 2017

Dresses and Kimonos: Easy Spring Boho Stay at Home Mum Style

So excited for warm weather and the chance to wear my kimonos again! I love wearing dresses in spring, so dresses and kimonos together make me happy.

What I wore:

awayfromblue instagram printed tribal kimono aztec print tiered dress spring boho outfit

red ribal print kimono with little black tiered aztec print dress Rebecca Minkoff bag | AwayFromBlue

Rebecca Minkoff quilted Love cross body bag in grey | AwayFromTheBlue
JacketChoies red vintage pattern kimono
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
Dress: Kmart Aztec print tiered little black dress
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
BagRebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey

Why I wore it:

A quick errand in the morning, my local ABA mother's group meeting and then a doctor's appointment for Baby Boy in the afternoon. As it was such a hot day, I wanted something nice and easy to wear. I knew I wanted to wear this dress again, but wasn't sure what kimono to wear with it. In the end I settled on this tribal print kimono as some of the print is similar to the Aztec print on the dress. The night before I held them up side by side and figured it would look okay.

When I put it on in the morning, I loved this outfit. I like the extra colour the kimono adds to the dress, and this was perfect for a day with a bit of running around. This dress is loose and flowy and knee-length on me so it's just as good for a doctor's appointment as it is sitting down on the floor chatting to my mum friends who have younger babies doing tummy time. I wouldn't change anything about this outfit. So glad I was able to buy this dress at the end of my #6MonthsWithoutShopping challenge, I've loved it every time I've worn it.


Last worn: red tribal print kimono, black Aztec print dress, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff grey Love bag.

Other ways to wearred tribal print kimono and gold jeans, black Aztec print dress worn two ways, studded sandals and maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff grey Love bag and flares.

Perfect for pregnancy: red kimono and maternity tank, studded sandals in second trimester, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag in third trimester.


Spring Dresses Under $50:








What I wore:

Somedays Lovin' kimono Jeanswest chambray lyocell dress studded RM sandals mini MAC bag | Away From Blue

silver tiffany heart bracelet stack, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather | Away From The Blue
JacketSomedays Lovin' Yakuza print kimono
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
DressJeanswest Rachel Lyocell chambray dress (C/O)
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)
NailsOPI This Cost Me a Mint

Why I wore it:

Another doctor's appointment! Vaccinations for baby boy meant we were going to have a quiet day. After the doctors, we headed out to do a little shopping and take part in a fun plant pot decorating activity for the boys. Surprisingly we have managed to not only keep the seeds alive, they are now sprouting quite nicely! As someone who has killed succulents and cacti I'm quite proud we are keeping these plants alive so far.

The morning came undone when we stopped at Kmart to buy some new shorts and tees for the warmer weather and someone wanted to buy a train (even though they had just convinced their Grandmother to buy them two trains the day before). Ended up getting lots of side eyes as I hurriedly finished shopping and headed home after realising nothing I was saying was helping end the tantrum. Not quite the quiet relaxing day I had planned, but will be a funny story to tell later! "Remember that time you screamed in Kmart and all the way home because you wanted a train?" 😂

At least I liked my outfit, plenty of people saw it when they looked around to see where the screaming child was! Toddler tantrums are just an unavoidable part of motherhood.


Last worn: floral kimono, chambray dress, studded Rebecca Minkoff sandals, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC.

Other ways to wearfloral kimono and striped tank, chambray dress and ankle boots, studded Rebecca Minkoff sandals worn 30 ways, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC and graphic tee.

Perfect for pregnancy: kimono and maternity shorts in second trimester, chambray dress and second trimester bump, mini MAC and non-maternity clothes in third trimester.



Kimonos Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:

Kimonos work perfectly in spring when you need a light layer. While they look wonderful with denim shorts and jeans, they look equally good worn with dresses. It's a quick and easy spring outfit.

If you're unsure what kimono to wear with your dress, you can pick one with a similar print, or add some more colour and print with a kimono over a plain dress.


Linking up with Flashback Fashion, Friday Favourites, Shoe and Tell, Mix It Monday, Hello Monday, Modest Monday.



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