Friday 29 December 2017

December Purchases and 2017 Spend: Yearly Budget

Not too many purchases to share with you for December! I hope 2017 has been a good year for you, and 2018 is even better!


I did end up purchasing something off my wishlist from Rebecca Minkoff in the Cyber Monday sale, but as it didn't arrive until December I've included it in this monthly wrap up instead of November's purchases. With an extra 35% off and the items I wanted already reduced before the discount, I got a bargain! Both items together and shipping were still much less than the bag at full price. I love the Rebecca Minkoff sales!


What I Bought:

Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon worn 4 times
Rebecca Minkoff Crystal Star Shoulder Guitar strap worn 3 times
Jeanswest Brianna basque hem tank in black (gift card purchase, worn once)








How I Wore It:


It's easy to achieve my goal of wearing things twice in the month I buy them with accessories, they are frequently reworn. While I technically bought the bag and guitar strap in November, as they didn't arrive until December I count that as the month they arrive. Since I bought the tank in the post-Christmas sales at Jeanswest I didn't get a chance to wear it twice, but a good basic black tank like this is sure to get a lot of wear over the coming months.


December Purchases and Yearly Budget spend for fashion blogger away from the blue


Fashion Spend For The Year


See what I bought in August, in October, and in November.

In January I set myself the goal of 6 months without shopping. And I exceed that, managing 7 months without shopping in the end. I was curious how much more I'd save this year as a result. This year I spent $1,696.53. Only $127.58 less than last year.

Not the massive savings I'd expected, but I did excitedly splurge on an expensive bag that to be honest made up most of the total spend! I'm still pleased I managed to spend less this year, even with the splurge on the drool-worthy bag!

What I'm doing in 2018


I'm not doing another 6 months without shopping. I did have a lot of fun with it in the end. It was amazing that I could change my shopaholic ways and not only achieve but exceed the goal I set myself.

While I'm not setting myself another no-shop challenge, I am continuing with my #30wears goal. This means continuing to blog my daily outfits so I can look back and tally up how many times I've worn things, with the goal of sharing monthly something I've hit 30 wears on. The only way I can continue to do this with my clothes (I've hit it with so many of my shoes and bags already!) is to buy less.

So 2018 will be a buy less and rewear more year. You're likely to keep seeing the same few pieces on frequent rotation as I get closer to 30 wears of them. Also going to try to spend less in 2018 than I did in 2017, and continue the reduction in my spending.



Blogaversary


2018 also marks 6 years of blogging for me and 1165 posts, wow! Hope you're having as much fun reading as I am writing. I don't see myself stopping blogging any time soon, it's nice to have a little relaxing time to myself each day to browse blogs and write posts while the boys sleep.

Thank you all for your clicks, comments, shares and follows over the past few years. Have a happy new year!


Linking up with Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, Friday Favourites, Style Elixir.



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Wednesday 27 December 2017

Boxing Day Sales! Bright Tanks and Printed Relaxed Fit Shorts

I love printed pieces, especially stripes, and given the choice between a plain piece and a printed piece I'll usually go for the print! Over the past couple of years I've been really trying to focus more on adding basics to my wardrobe - nice plain pieces that go with anything in my wardrobe. Plain doesn't have to mean boring though, as you can see from these fun colourful tanks. Simple style and cut but bright and cheerful colours.

For their first wear, I wore these bright tanks with some relaxed and soft printed shorts. Easy summer SAHM dressing.

What I wore:

blue tank, aqua bag, Jeanswest Parker printed shirred short. Summer SAHM style | awayfromtheblue

printed relaxed fit shorts, rebecca minkoff aqua mini MAC bag Roise Designs beaded bracelet | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram bright blue tank, Jeanswest parker printed shorts
NecklaceHouse of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
TankJeanswest Maya gather back tank in mid turquoise (new purchase)
ShortsJeanswest Parker printed shirred short (new purchase)
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather

Why I wore it:

I was excited to wear these two new pieces together, I bought them both during separate shopping trips at the Jeanswest sale. I like that these shorts have pockets too. I was surprised to see how nicely the blue tank works with the aqua bag - I wouldn't change anything about this outfit! It was so comfortable and perfect for a hot summer day.

We took each of the boys shopping separately to let them pick out Christmas gifts for each other, then watched Santa's arrival parade at out local shopping centre. (I wore this earlier in December). To finish off a busy morning, we had swim lessons. It was a much more relaxing and quiet afternoon!


Last worn: black Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC. First time I've worn the blue tank and the printed shorts as they are recent purchases.

Other ways to wear: blue tank in the office, printed tank and grey teeHavaianas in multiple seasonsRebecca Minkoff mini MAC and purple cardigan

Perfect for pregnancy: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in third trimester.



Printed Relaxed Fit Shorts Under $50:








What I wore:

bright yellow tank, navy printed shorts, colourful summer outfit | away from blue

silver bracelet stack, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather | away from the blue

awayfromblue Instagram | yellow and blue summer soft printed shorts outfit
Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
TankJeanswest Maya gather back tank in chartreuse (new purchase)
ShortsJeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
Shoesslim gold Havaianas
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather

Why I wore it:

I've worn these blue printed shorts with a yellow top before, and my little mustard yellow micro Regan bag. I like blue and yellow together, and this is the first outfit I thought about when I tried on this yellow tank in store. Even if it is incredibly similar to the last time I wore these shorts with yellow!

It was a quiet Sunday, just a couple of errands in the morning, but I loved how bright and colourful this outfit was. I'm looking forward to wearing this tank a lot more - perfect addition to my wardrobe.


Last wornblue printed shortsgold HavaianasRebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC (above). First time I've worn the tank as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: yellow tank and lace pencil skirt, blue printed shorts and pink vest, Havaianas in multiple seasons, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC and maxi dress.

Perfect for pregnancyRebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC and maternity denim.



How You Can Wear It:


An ideal wardrobe would have the perfect balance of plain pieces and printed pieces to allow for a lot of outfit options. Basic plain pieces don't have to be neutrals - add a little colour with bright basics that still pair just as nicely with printed pieces as neutrals do!




Boxing Day Sales!


Here are some of the best boxing day sales around:



  • Up to 50% off at The Iconic plus get an extra 20% off with code 'HOT20'! Same day or next day delivery available for New Year's Eve outfits! Order up to 29th December for NYE delivery.






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    Monday 25 December 2017

    Merry Christmas

    Hope that you have a wonderful Christmas with family, food, and all the gifts you wished for!



    No regular blog post today, but I'll be back on the blog as usual on Wednesday the 27th with some boxing day sales for you.

    We will be driving between family this Christmas so I'll try update my Insta stories while we are on the move if hubbys driving.



    8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
    13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
    14Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.



    It's getting harder and harder to share a Christmas tree pic as we add more personalised decorations to the tree, ha!


    Enjoy your Christmas day, however you plan to celebrate God's great gift.



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