Printed Sheath Dresses and Jersey Blazer With Balenciaga Day Bag: Spring Office Wear

Like everyone, my wardrobe has fluctuated over the years. In the past 10 or so years I've gone from being a uni student to working full time, changing careers, having two beautiful babies, over 2 years of maternity leave and now a part time working mum of two toddlers.

While it's been fun unboxing my office clothes after maternity leave, it's eye opening to see that I'm wearing the last of the office dresses now, over 3 months since I started back at work.

It's an interesting place to be at wardrobe-wise. Having more office wear than I need but not really wanting to let any of it go. It's not that I don't use office wear, just that I have much more than a part time worker needs. Not entirely sure if I should downsize more or just enjoy having lots of choice for workwear! Despite not being worn often, I love both of these sheath dresses.

What I wore:

Jacket: Zara cream jersey blazer
Necklace: Starfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
Dress: French Connection 'Woodblock wonder' panache dress in white/geranium rose
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
Bag: Balenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag

Why I wore it:

This dress is it, the final as yet unworn office dress, 3 months after returning to work. It's a beautiful dress and always gets compliments, perfect for the office and light enough for summer but not so light that it can't work for spring layered with a jersey blazer. The only reason it was the last office dress I had left to wear is that I prefer to wear it without tights. Now that spring has arrived it's the ideal weather for it.

I wasn't sure if the bright yellow necklace would be too much with the orange print on the dress, but I really liked the bold combination. With all of the colour going on in my outfit, I picked a neutral cream blazer and a brown Balenciaga bag with camel flats, they look so nice together and were perfect to pair with the print and colour.


Last worn: cream jersey blazer, orange printed sheath dress, camel flats, Truffle Balenciaga Day bag.

Other ways to wear: cream jersey blazer and skinny jeans, sheath dress with layered knit, camel flats and wrap dress, Truffle Balenciaga Day bag and maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: blazer and belly band with an early baby bump, dress hiding an early second trimester bump, camel flats in third trimester, Balenciaga day bag for second trimester travel.

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Jersey Blazers Under $50:

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What I wore:

Jacket: Zara cream jersey blazer
Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
Dress: French Connection blue Paisley print dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black!)
Bag: Balenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag

Why I wore it:

Another printed sheath dress, sticking with the same cream jersey blazer I wore above and the same Balenciaga day bag. As the blue necklace matched the blue print of the dress, I added a little more interest to my outfit with the gold mouse flats. I love these shoes so much, they are so cute but so wearable to the office too, a nice way to add a little personality to a corporate outfit.

I've already worn this dress once since my return to work from maternity leave, but it was good to wear it again as it will always be one of my favourites! When I had my wardrobe detox session this was one of those 'hmmm' pieces in my wardrobe that the personal stylist stopped for a moment to consider - so of course I explained that I really wanted it to stay, and it moved into the 'keep' pile! It's actually one of the dresses I bought when starting out with my current company about 8 and a half years ago, it's definitely got staying power in my wardrobe! I've worn it 15 times since I started blogging, and many more times before then, one of those pieces I think I've already hit 30 wears on although sadly don't have a photo of every wear.

It's worked for two pregnancies too - it's quite roomy, although with the zip up the back I've never worn it past the second trimester!


Last worn: cream jersey blazer (above), Paisley print sheath dress, mouse flats, Truffle Balenciaga Day bag (above).

Other ways to wear: cream jersey blazer and a-line skirt, Paisley print sheath dress and pink accessories, mouse flats and printed jeans, Truffle Balenciaga Day bag and shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: blazer and hidden second trimester baby bump, paisley print dress in the second trimester, mouse flats in the second trimester, Balenciaga day bag in first trimester.

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Printed Sheath Dresses for the Office Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

Printed sheath dresses are quick and easy office outfits. With a printed statement dress you don't have to try to had with accessories as the dress makes a bold enough statement on its own. If you're unsure what to wear them with, stick with neutral accessories like tan bags and shoes that go with everything. A blazer helps add to the professional look and keeps you warm in the office aircon.

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SALE ALERT!

Jeanswest have 40% off at the moment, perfect time to pick up some spring/summer pieces! New pieces as well as sale items are all reduced.

I've already had a blast spending my saved gift cards there, stocked up on shorts!

Couldn't resist this embroidered pair, a printed pair and this distressed pair to replace my other black ones. All 40% off means I still have 2 gift cards left to spend!

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Linking up with On Trend, Confident Twosday, Trend Spin, Turning Heads, Style Sessions, Wardrobe Wednesday, Style On The Daily.

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First Flight With Two Toddlers: Travel Style Brisbane to Sydney

Mid-October we took the boys on their first ever flight, a short trip for a few days down to Sydney. When I was planning our trip I was curious about how I'd keep the boys entertained on the flights and what our first flight experience would be like. I've had a few questions about that too so I thought I'd share more about what the flights were like as well as what I was wearing. Feel free to skip the flight-related stuff if you're not interested and just focus on the outfits, it's a bit of a long post otherwise.

Background to Our Trip:

Toddler T is 3, and Baby Boy is 19 months. Both are good walkers. We took a travel stroller but checked it at the gate along with a suitcase and I had my Ergobaby carrier (which couldn't be used during takeoff and landing or to go through airport security, but can be used at all other times). Baby Boy was on an infant ticket and had to sit in my lap, Toddler T had his own seat.

For luggage, we had my Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere, the baby bag, hubby's backpack and a carry on 'pull along' suitcase as hand luggage.

We flew Qantas both ways. Both flights were mid-morning flights, when the boys are most relaxed. Toddler T was enthusiastically greeted and given a small activity pack gift on boarding and the flight attendants were polite, friendly, and reminded us we could ask them for anything if we needed help.

What I wore:

Jacket: Kmart striped maxi cardigan
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Tank: Target embroidered khaki tank
Jeans: Jeanswest Cecile dove grey skinny jeans
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

Simple comfortable outfit for our first flight. While it was a warm day in Brisbane, I suspected I might need the light duster on the plane and in cooler Sydney. This duster washes well, dries quickly and the print disguises any creases so it's perfect for travel.

While I had multiple outfit choices for the boys, I limited what I brought along to just one pair of shoes (my trusty Converse) and these jeans and a maxi skirt. I usually wear jeans when flying, they are comfortable and it also means that the the heaviest item of clothing is outside your bag in case you're getting near the baggage weight limit!


Last worn: stripe duster, khaki embroidered tank, grey skinny jeans, Converse, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere.

Other ways to wear: stripe duster and chambray dress, khaki embroidered tank and denim shorts, grey skinny jeans and colourful cardis, Converse and a shift dress, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere and maxi dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: stripe duster and maternity shorts, Converse for second trimester travel, wrap dresses and speedy bandouliere in second trimester.

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How To Keep Two Toddlers Amused on a Flight

Take a Short Flight

The flight from Brisbane to Sydney is only around an hour and a half, so we didn't have to keep the boys amused for too long. We also luckily didn't have to attempt using the airplane bathroom with either of them. Not always possible, but definitely helpful for us to have a small flight as our first one, and it's one of the reasons we picked Sydney to travel to.

Run Around the Airport

We got to the airport and the gate early. We picked window seats at the gate so that the boys could watch the planes and vehicles on the tarmac, while also giving them a large 'corridor' along the window to run up and down while staying in sight and out of the way of the rest of the waiting passengers. We encouraged them to run frequently while we waited for boarding. Did have to stop them from crawling under the seats and disturbing the other people waiting at one point though....

Boarding Tips

We didn't board right away, and waited until the line was shorter so they weren't standing in one spot too long. Toddler T had his boarding pass so he was responsible for getting it scanned and showing it to the flight attendants as we boarded which got him involved. We found it best to have Baby Boy and I on the window seat with Toddler T in the middle of hubby and I so there were two sets of hands if either boy needed anything. Boarding time is a good time to wipe down the tray tables and other surfaces with a disinfectant wipe too.

Breastfeeding

If you're breastfeeding remember that baby has to stay seated in your lap and sitting upright for takeoff and landing, so you'll need to wear something you can easily pull down or unbutton to breastfeed as your toddler sits up. Breastfeeding during takeoff and landing is a good way to help with the pressure on little ears.

Bring Snacks

The flights were around regular morning tea time for the boys so that they would be looking for something to eat. As they are so small, eating and drinking during takeoff and landing is the best way to relieve the pressure in their ears. In keeping with my usual over-packing style, I had a Bento lunchbox with two 'levels' of snacks, as well as two identical smaller snack-boxes.
This worked out well for our first flight, when baby Boy enthusiastically grabbed one of the smaller boxes and managed to open it and shower the gate area with food. I was relieved to still have the second backup box.
We opened out the second 'level' of the lunchbox for snacks for the descent. While they weren't as hungry at the end of the flight, having favourite foods and treats available like biscuits meant they were still happy to eat and help their ears on the descent.
One important point to note is that you have to check the customs requirements for food. There are interstate laws about taking fruit across state lines in Australia. This meant we picked strawberries, raisins and apple which could be freshly prepared, cut and washed the morning of the flight and completely consumed before landing. We left out bananas and mandarins as we didn't want to get in trouble for still having the peel, and just bought more fruit when we arrived in Sydney.

Bring Things to Do

As well as the activity pack Qantas provided, I brought a few books along, some colouring books and activity packs with stickers and pencils. We put the bento lunchbox in the seat pocket, along with their drinks and a book and kept the activity packs in the baby bag under the seat in front. With backups in the carry on case we put in the overhead compartment, but never needed to use.
We didn't bring toys as everything you bring will end up on the floor at least once. My teething necklace was the only 'toy' as it stayed around my neck, and Baby Boy gnawed on it a little when he got grizzly during the descent into Sydney.

Plan Your Flight Entertainment

On takeoff we sat the lunchbox in Toddler T's lap so both boys could easily reach it and pick what they wanted to eat. Once the plane was level, we packed it away and did some of the activity books together until the refreshments were served (we asked for a bottle of water at this point to refill the boys drinks). Once they got tired of picking at the bun provided for morning tea, as neither of them seemed to like it, we got out the books to read and did some more activity packs. We followed what the boys wanted to do and changed activities as they wanted until it was time to descend and pack up the tray tables and bring the snacks out again.

Explain Everything

For weeks leading up to the flight we were reading all the plane related books we had, explaining the check in process, take off and landing. Knowing that the plane would go fast, that the plane would be noisy and that eating and drinking will stop your ears feeling funny helped. Instead of trying to detail everything in the moment, we could quickly refer back to earlier conversations. With a toddler who doesn't like loud noises, explaining each and every noise and movement of the plane helped calm any fears. A tip I picked up from my Dad, who would always tell us what noises to look out for next on our flights as kids. It's a habit now!

What I wore:

Jacket: Kmart striped maxi cardigan
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Dress: MEV Britney bubble tank in mood indigo C/O Zibibo
Jeans: Jeanswest Cecile dove grey skinny jeans
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

This is what I wore for our flight home from Sydney to Brisbane. The same duster, jeans and shoes, just a different tank. I wore my Converse every day, there was no room to pack two pairs of shoes with all the extra clothes I had for the boys. I did manage to pack an extra handbag though, ha! I used my Speedy Bandouliere most days. It's so helpful having a cross body bag when you're navigating airports with toddlers in tow.

My jeans were covered with food crumbs after the first flight, but nothing that a baby wipe couldn't fix to make them presentable enough to travel home in a few days later. The ultimate mum essential: baby wipes clean everything!


Last worn: stripe duster (above), navy breastfeeding tank, grey skinny jeans (above), Converse (above), Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere (above).

Other ways to wear: stripe duster and flares, navy breastfeeding tank and maxi skirt, grey skinny jeans and purple cardi, Converse and colourful jeans, Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere and a dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: stripe duster and skater dress, bubble tank in second trimester, Converse in Third Trimester, speedy bandouliere and maternity pencil skirts.

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Style Essentials for Traveling with Toddlers:

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How You Can Wear It:

Comfort is key when flying with toddlers - you don't want to be fussing over your outfit. Make everything machine washable as it will get dirty! A cover-up like a cardigan or duster hides spills and stains and keeps you warm on a cold plane. Converse are comfortable and practical for running around in airports. Jeans are a good choice too as you can easily wipe food crumbs off with a baby wipe.


Linking up with Fab Favourites, Mummy Monday, Style Nudge, Hello Monday.

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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 With Printed And Embellished Tanks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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Striped Maxi Skirts Under $50:

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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:

• 30 ways to wear a black maxi skirt
• 30 ways to wear red Balenciaga velo bag
• 30 ways to wear gladiator sandals
• 30 different ways to wear striped maxi skirt
• 30 different ways to wear skinny jeans
• 30 ways to wear a grey Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag
• 30 ways to wear a printed leather jacket
• 30 ways to wear black ankle boots in multiple seasons
• 30 ways to wear mustard yellow Rebecca Minkoff bag
• 30 ways to wear a classic denim jacket

Linking up with Fashion Frenzy, Fashion Files Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Friday Faves, Weekend Wear, Passion for Fashion, Flashback Fashion, Modest Monday.

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