Monday 27 November 2017

Printed Black Wrap Dresses For The Office With Purple Balenciaga Work Bag (and Cyber Monday Sales!)

I love wrap dresses. Perfect for breastfeeding in, I wore them on maternity leave and yet they work nicely for the office too. With a classic black and white print, it's easy to accessorise with colourful statement necklaces and a purple bag.

What I wore:

floral wrap dress, grey jersey blazer with statement necklace and purple work bag | away from the blue

Balenciaga 2009 raisin purple Balenciaga work bag GSH G21 hardware | away from the blue
Jacket: Jeanswest grey jersey blazer (new purchase, via facebook)
Necklace: Eye Candy LA 'Sasha' statement necklace
Dress:  Jeanswest floral wrap dress
SingletJeanswest Jenni basic singlet in Royal Lilac purple
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

This floral wrap dress is one of my wardrobe oldies. I love how well it worked for two pregnancies and afterwards, still going strong considering it's at least 10 years old. I added the purple singlet underneath for a little extra colour and more coverage for work. While the dress is floral print, I thought the statement necklace accompanied it nicely. The bright colours near my face and the blazer on top were a bit of a distraction too.

You thankfully can't really see it in the photos (unless you look too closely at my knee) but that morning I'd woken up covered in a rash having a reaction to something. Bright accessories to disguise that and I headed to work for a busy day with a bunch of meetings. I stopped off on my way into the office to get an antihistamine to try keep the reaction at bay. Unfortunately after the first meeting of the morning I realised that if I didn't take my bracelets off they were going to cut off circulation, I'd swollen up so much. Not fun. Off to the doctors and a shocking amount of medication later, I was restricted to working from home for a few days until everything died down. And it started to, and then we all caught gastro. It wasn't the best week!


Last worn: purple singlet, floral print wrap dress, silver bow flats, Balenciaga work bag. First time I've worn the blazer as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: grey blazer with stripespurple singlet and maxi skirt, floral print wrap dress in summer, silver bow flats and red skinny jeans, Balenciaga work bag and blue dresses.

Perfect for pregnancy: purple tank in second trimesterfloral wrap dress in second trimester, silver ballet flats and maternity jeans.


Black and White Wrap Dresses Under $50:







What I wore:

Atmos&Here black white zig zag Arlette jersey wrap dress tulip hem with colourful pink and purple accessories | Awayfromblue

zig zag wrap dress, Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag  | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram spring workwear atmos&here arlete jersey black white wrap dress purple Balenciaga bag
Necklace: pink bead statement necklace
DressAtmos&Here Arlette jersey wrap dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

A much better day health-wise when I wore this! Feeling better and back at work, again I went with the easy option of a black and white wrap dress. I stuck to a similar outfit formula, with the colourful statement necklace and the purple Balenciaga work bag.

Jersey wrap dresses like this are so comfortable, and the long sleeves and midi length skirt helped beat the slight chill when a storm rolled in that afternoon.


Last worn: Atmos&Here wrap dress, black ballet flats, Balenciaga purple work bag (above).

Other ways to wearAtmos&Here wrap dress and Louis Vuitton neverfull, black ballet flats and silk skirt, Balenciaga purple work bag and textured pencil skirts.




Atmos & Here Wrap Dresses Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:


Wrap dresses are a classic wardrobe staple, especially in black and white! Floral print or zig zags, you can't go wrong pairing them with bright accessories. Perfect office wear, and easy to add a blazer.



Cyber Monday Sales!


The sales and discounts are still ongoing if you haven't finished all of your Christmas shopping yet!






  • Shopbop Sale! Get an extra 35% off already reduced sale items with code 'WOW35'!


I may have done a little splurging on myself for Christmas at Rebecca Minkoff! Have you bought anything in the sales?


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Friday 24 November 2017

Tiered Boho Dresses and Rebecca Minkoff Aqua Mini MAC Bag (With The Best Black Friday Sales!)

Outfits and of course some black friday sales!

Ever since impulse buying a tiered floral print maxi dress last year, I've been a fan of tiered dresses. If it's got an extra layer or ruffle I'm admiring it! With my 7 months without shopping at the start of the year I've been pretty good and not gone overboard with buying everything I see, but couldn't resist adding a couple more dresses to my collection now I'm shopping again!

What I wore:


studded gladiator sandals, Zaful floral print ruffle hem dress in ginger | Away From Blue

mustard floral ruffle dress Zaful statement sleeves with aqua mini MAC Rebecca Minkoff Bag | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram twirl swing dress Zaful floral print ruffle hem dress in ginger
DressZaful floral print ruffle hem dress in ginger (new purchase)
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

Fell in love with this dress on Ruth's blog. Thought about it for a while and then Zaful had a free shipping sale so I went for it. After waiting 4 weeks it finally arrived.

As I've had experience with these kinds of store before, I knew what to expect. I checked the sizing carefully, and knew it would be a while before it arrived. As I'd seen real life photos on Ruth's blog I knew I'd get what I ordered, so didn't worry about that. Apart from being a little unsure it was worth the $30 I paid (after spending months not buying anything) and a lot of time cutting off loose threads, this dress really grew on me. It gets compliments everywhere you go and lets me try out a few trends at once with the tiers, ruffles, statement sleeves, floral print and victorian collar.

The statement sleeves are fun but of course got wet and caught in a door. Not the most practical choice for life with toddlers! I wore this for a day out where there was less food prep and cleaning at home to try avoid getting the sleeves dirty. I had a rare morning to myself shopping the 'fill a bag for $2' sale at the local opshop and then a parade through the city with the boys and lunch before a quiet afternoon at home, with the in-laws over for dinner in the evening.

I found this length okay for life with two toddlers, the swing style means it doesn't ride up as you walk which is good, and even babywearing didn't pull the dress up and make it feel too short. Was nice and light for a hot day too.


Last worn: Rebecca Minkoff gladiator sandals, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC. First time I've worn the dress as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: floral ruffle dress at a theme parkRebecca Minkoff gladiator sandals and denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC and pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: mini MAC and third trimester bump.


Tiered Dresses Under $50:







What I wore:

blush pink boyfriend blazer with little black tiered aztec print kmart dress spring outfit | awayfromblue

Roie Designs pearl, howlite and hematite beaded bracelets, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue Instagram blush blazer with little black tiered dress for spring
NecklaceRoie Designs long freshwater pearl necklace with tassel
Dress: Kmart Aztec print tiered little black dress
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs pearl, howlite and hematite beaded bracelets
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

I'd planned this outfit for a work from home day, and as usual laid out the outfit the night before. However in the morning I realised as soon as I woke toddler T up he wasn't going to be able to go to daycare as he was unwell, so I called out of work and we had a quiet day together with a doctor's appointment for him in the morning and then Baby Boy's specialist appointment in the afternoon.

Wore this pink blazer as I wanted a little something to cover my shoulders in the cooler morning, although I didn't need it in the heat of the day. This is one of those outfits I've worn just because of seeing something on another blog. I was reading Lorena's blog and she was inspired by Gemma from Jacquard Flower to wear her pink blazer, which made me realise I needed to give mine a wear again, and so this outfit was the result. I definitely get a lot of outfit ideas and inspiration from blogs even if I don't recreate the outfit exactly (stripes, jeans and pink blazer was the original inspiration!).

Last wornblush blazer, Aztec print dress, gladiator sandals (above), Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC (above).

Other ways to wear: blush blazer and skinny jeans, Aztec print dress and ankle bootsgladiator sandals worn 30 ways, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC and denim shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: blush blazer in third trimestermini MAC in second trimester.




More Tiered Dresses Under $50:






How You Can Wear It:


Dresses are so easy to throw on for spring. Picking a dress with extra details like a fun print, tiers, ruffles, statement sleeves or even all of the above can make your simple dress outfit feel a little more special. Even with the same accessories, the details on each of these dresses are so different it seems like a completely new outfit even though it's exactly the same formula.




Best of the Black Friday Sales!


A few of my top picks from the Black Friday sales that are live right now.

20% off orders of $200+ 
25% off orders of $500+
30% off orders of $800+
I recommend buying lots of pressies here to maximise discounts, check out their gift options!

Incredible savings!
I recommend: $100 shoes for $15?! Yes please!

30% off at The Iconic for Black Friday

I recommend getting a pretty dress for you to wear at Christmas or New Years!

20% off everything in ASOS Black Friday sale!

I recommend doing some Christmas present shopping, lots of cute and fun options!

Use discount code 'BLACK25' for 25% off orders over $100, for up to 70% off already reduced items!
I recommend picking up yourself a cute bag for Christmas, and maybe one for your bestie!




Linking up with weekend wear, flashback fashion, passion for fashion, friday faves, shoe and tell, mix it monday, hello monday.



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Wednesday 22 November 2017

Relaxed Fit Shorts and Floral Kimono: Spring Playgroup Style

I've been on a bit of a shorts buying binge this spring! I've been slowly swapping out some of my current shorts and selling or donating them to make room for some more of these cute relaxed fit soft shorts. I'm not really sure if they have a proper name, 'relaxed fit soft shorts' seems a bit long. I do know that they are insanely comfortable and perfect for Brisbane's heat though. They look great with this floral print kimono too.

Ordinarily I wouldn't wear voluminous pieces with a kimono, I don't always like the results, but I loved the relaxed vibe of both these outfits. Perfect for playgroup.

What I wore:

floral kimono and printed relaxed shorts with metallic tank pink mini MAC | awayfromtheblue

Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet, Rebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC | awayfromblue
JacketSomedays Lovin' Yakuza print kimono
Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
TankJeanswest Maji metallic tank in soft green and silver (on sale!)
ShortsJeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC

Why I wore it:

With the warmer weather, I have been so excited to wear these blue printed shorts again. I know from my personal stylist session that they aren't the best style for me, because post-babies my waist isn't the narrowest part of my body and these shorts highlight that. But I really don't care, I love them anyway. So much so that I went and bought a couple more in a similar style!

I'm surprised that these have only been worn 16 times so far, nowhere near 30 wears but I'm aiming to reach that goal with them this spring/summer!

I usually pair these shorts with stripes if I'm wearing another print, but decided to go with the neutral metallic tank and add the floral print kimono for something different. Partly also because I'm trying to hit 30 wears with this kimono this season. I really liked this combination, nice and comfortable for a warm day at playgroup with the boys. I've worn the tank and shorts together before too.


Last worn: Somedays Lovin' kimono, metallic tank, blue printed shorts, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wearSomedays Lovin' kimono and chambray dress, metallic tank and chambray skirt, blue printed shorts and pink vest, Rebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC bag and skinny jeans.


Perfect for pregnancy: floral kimono and maternity tank in third trimester.


Printed Shorts Under $50:







What I wore:

floral kimono with oversized tee relaxed embroidered shorts casual comfy spring playgroup outfit | away from blue

Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram olive embroidered relaxed shorts slouchy tee kimono spring
JacketSomedays Lovin' Yakuza print kimono
Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
Top: thrifted mix apparel black space dye tee
ShortsJeanswest Tessa olive embroidered shorts (new purchase)
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

Back when we had our failed shopping trip that ended up with x-rays, I'd seen these shorts in Jeanswest and considered them but figured they were a little too expensive and I didn't love them enough to go try them on. I hadn't been able to get them out of my head since then though, and even tried going back in store to buy them. They didn't have my size and again something came up with the boys and I couldn't get to the store that did have my size.

So when I saw these shorts in the 40% off sale I had to get them! Was so pleased to discover them as it's been a while since I last saw them. While the shorts are already a relaxed fit, I thought of pairing them with this black tee right away. I really liked the combination, and the floral kimono added a little extra colour to the outfit. I was really inspired by loving the first outfit so much.

It's got a bit much going on, with the voluminous pieces together, and the mix of prints and embroidery, but I really liked this outfit. So insanely comfortable, and such an easy outfit after our big day out the day before.


Last worn: Somedays Lovin' kimono (above), Havaianas (above), Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere bag. First time I've worn the tee and the embroidered shorts as they are recent purchases.

Other ways to wearSomedays Lovin' kimono and skinny jeans, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere bag and winter knit.

Perfect for pregnancy: kimono and maxi skirt in second trimesterspeedy bandouliere and maternity wrap dress.




Embroidered Shorts Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:

Relaxed fit, soft shorts are perfect for hot days. light and airy, and still great coverage when running around with two toddlers, without having to worry about things riding up. You don't have to stick to neutrals if you have a pair of printed shorts either, a kimono is a fun layer that doesn't make you overheat in the sun.




SHOPBOP SALE ALERT!



20% off orders of $200+

25% off orders of $500+
30% off orders of $800+

Just use discount code 'MORE17'! Perfect time to get all your Christmas shopping - the more gifts you add to your cart, the higher the discount! Shopbop have an awesome gift guide to give you inspiration. Plus the discounts mean you can get up to 75% off sale items!



Linking up with Style on the Daily, Wardrobe Wednesday.



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