Friday 26 January 2018

Navy Printed Dresses and Red Saddle Bag

Blogging does influences my outfits. I try to plan my outfits the night before, but sometimes I'll think ahead and plan them out a little more in advance. I wasn't sure at first how I'd wear this new dress I got from Shein, but an evening out seemed like the perfect time. As we were going out for dinner again a few days later, I thought I'd wear my navy Zara dress, and create an easy post with navy dinner dresses. Simple.

I changed my mind last minute and wore something else to dinner instead of my Zara dress. Still wore it a few days later so I could still group both dress outfits together in this post though!

What I wore:

Shein navy flower print flowy dress with Rebecca Minkoff accessories red saddle bag | away from blue

navy swing dress, Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram rebecca minkoff sandals saddle bag, Shein navy flower print flowy dress
Necklace: Lovisa gold filigree heart pendant
Dress: Shein navy flower print flowy dress (C/O)
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush
BagRebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red (on sale in blue!)

Why I wore it:

When I ordered this dress from Shein, I wasn't sure about the sizing. Most people said it ran true to size, with a few saying it was on the larger size. As it was a relaxed fit, I decided to order my usual small size instead of a medium. I'm so glad I ordered a small as this swing dress is so perfectly loose and floaty, the medium would have been much too big. It was actually tricky trying to get a good photo of the dress with the evening breeze blowing it around, but I managed in the end!

Since there was red in the print of the dress, I thought my red Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag would pair nicely. I was going to wear a new red necklace I got for Christmas too, but it didn't work with the neckline of the dress, so I went for my rose gold filigree heart pendant instead.

As I got this dress C/O, my thoughts on it: unlike the crochet trim kimono I got in the same order, there were no stray threads on this dress at all. The material is thin and light as expected, but not see-through. It's ideal for summer, even with the slightly longer sleeves. While bigger than I expected, it makes the dress a nice length on my petite self and based on all the compliments this dress got I'm not the only one that likes it. Not bad for a dress that's less than $22!


Last worn: studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag. First time I've worn the dress as it's a recent addition to my wardrobe.

Other ways to wearstudded sandals worn 30 ways, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag and jeans.




Rebecca Minkoff Saddle Bags:









What I wore:

Zara navy printed bib front tunic dress summer studded sandals saddle bag | awayfromblue

mixed metal bracelet stack, navy dress, Red Rebecca Minkoff studded saddle bag | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram navy printed shift dress Zara with red Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag
Necklace: gifted ZuriCollections blue polymer clay necklace
Dress: Zara printed bib front tunic dress
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus Lovisa rose gold beaded bracelet stack
BagRebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red (on sale in blue!)

Why I wore it:

While I'd had this in mind to wear to a new year's dinner, I changed my mind at the last moment and went with another outfit. I'd really liked the navy dress with red bag combo above though, so wanted to wear it again. It's not the first time I've worn this Zara dress with a red bag (see here and here) but it's the first time I've worn this saddle bag with the dress. Just like the outfit above, I really liked this combination.

Wore this for a busy day with hubby. We both had the day off and the boys were in daycare so we ran around running a few errands and getting things done. While this dress isn't that short, it feels that way when I'm rushing around with the kids and bending down every few minutes, so I try wear it on days I'm not spending all my time with the boys. Just as nice for going out for dinner as it is for a kid-free day of errands.


Last wornnavy printed shift dress, studded sandals, red saddle bag (above).

Other ways to wear: navy printed shift dress and denim jacket, studded sandals and embroidered shortsred saddle bag and maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancynavy printed shift dress in third trimester, studded sandals and maternity shorts.



Navy Printed Dresses Under $50:







How You Can Wear It:

Navy printed dresses are so easy to accessorise. If you're unsure what colour of bag to chose, you could pick a colour from the print like I did in the first outfit. Or you could just pick a bright pop of colour that doesn't match with the print like I did in the second outfit. Red and blue are such a nice colour combination, you can't go wrong with a red bag and navy dress.



Linking up with Friday Faves, Lizzie In Lace, Shoe & Tell, Modest Monday.



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Wednesday 24 January 2018

Shein White Crochet Trim Kimono, Monochrome Printed Shorts Outfits

A while back Shein asked me to pick a few pieces for another collaboration. I picked out a navy swing dress as well as this white crochet trim kimono. I love my printed kimono collection, but wanted something a little more plain to pair with some of my printed shorts for summer.

What I wore:

Shein white crochet kimono with grey tank black Jeanswest parker printed shorts monochrome summer outfit LV neverfull | away from blue

jeanswest parker printed shorts, Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram monochrome printed shorts summer outfit with Shein lace trimmed crochet inset white kimono


awayfromblue instagram detail shot of Shein lace trimmed crochet inset white kimono
Necklace: Lovisa gold filigree heart pendant
TankCotton On 'eternity' tank in charcoal marle
ShortsJeanswest Parker printed shirred short
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bracelets: the usual Lovisa rose gold beaded bracelet stack
BagLouis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Why I wore it:

This was supposed to be a quiet day at home with the boys, but ended up with us getting their grandparents to babysit at the last moment as I had to go into the city with hubby in the morning. I am so very thankful that we live nearby to our parents, they help us so much.

I took the chance to wear a proper necklace instead of a teething one for a change! The rose gold heart matches nicely to my rose gold bracelet stack. The first time I wore these shorts I paired them with a bright tank, but when I bought them I was thinking about wearing them with greys for a monochromatic kind of outfit. I've worn the shorts with grey tees before, but I really liked this fitted grey tank. Even if it took me a while to accept my post baby bulge in tight clothes at first!

First time I've worn this kimono, so I thought I'd share my thoughts on it. As mentioned above, it came free from Shein. It actually arrived super quickly via courier, which I wasn't expecting. It did however arrive completely crushed, as expected! Nothing a quick wash and couldn't sort out. This kimono is an air-dry only one, no ironing needed, which is a bonus. Threw it in the washing machine and left it to air dry.

In terms of quality, it had a couple of loose threads I had to cut before I wore it, but no more have appeared since, even after the wash. I like the crochet detail, it was quite popular on Instagram too. The pretty detail on the back is definitely the best thing about it, I don't have any kimonos like that. Even with the detail on the back and the crochet trim, it's so easy to wear as it's a neutral white that goes with everything. Great if you have printed shorts like these that might be tricky to pair with printed kimonos. Pleased to have added it to my summer wardrobe.


Last worn: grey tank, Parker printed shorts, studded sandals, Louis Vuitton neverfull. First time I've worn the kimono as it's a new arrival.

Other ways to weargrey tank and Paisley skirt, Parker printed shorts and turquoise tank, studded sandals and little black dress, Louis Vuitton neverfull at the beach.

Perfect for pregnancy: grey tank in third trimester, studded sandals in second trimester, Louis Vuitton neverfull at 38 weeks.



Printed Shorts Under $50:







What I wore:

shein crochet trim white kimono with monochrome navy printed shorts outfit Rebecca Minkoff love bag | awayfromblue

Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet stack, Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram navy monochrome printed shorts outfit white kimono RM love bag
JacketShein lace trimmed crochet inset white kimono C/O
NecklaceNibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Tank: Kmart navy ribbed tank
ShortsJeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey with Rebecca Minkoff Crystal Star Shoulder Guitar strap

Why I wore it:

Squinting like crazy in these pics! I'd gotten excited when the sun was behind a cloud, setup the camera and tripod and then just as I went to take the pics the sun popped out again, ha!

As the previous day (above) hadn't gone according to plan, we fitted more Christmas fun into this day. We spend the morning in the pool as it was so hot, and then baked some Christmas tree brownies in the afternoon, before taking a walk around the local Christmas lights in the evening. It feels strange to be writing about Christmas so close to the end of January, but I've been so behind with blogging pics!

I've worn the navy tank and printed shorts together before, it's a combination I really like. With the white in the print on the shorts I thought the white kimono was a good layer to tie it all together really nicely.


Last worn: crochet trim kimono (above), navy tank, printed shorts, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff guitar strap, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag.

Other ways to wearnavy tank and yellow accessories, printed shorts and floral kimono, Rebecca Minkoff guitar strap and red and Green Christmas outfit, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag and maxi dress.

Perfect for pregnancyRebecca Minkoff Love bag in second trimester.



White Kimonos Under $50:






How You Can Wear It:


A kimono is a fun light layer to add to summer outfits, to get the benefits of a complete piece on your outfit without overheating. If you have a lot of printed pieces in your wardrobe, consider a block colour kimono in a neutral shade like this white one. It doesn't have to be boring though, even with a neutral colour you can get fun details like lace, crochet or tseels to add a little more interest to your kimono and outfit.




Did You Know: I have a YouTube Channel! Full of pregnancy style ideas, handbag reviews and ways to wear inspo, along with a lot of what's in my bag videos: Away From The Blue YouTube.


Linking up with Oh Hey Girl, Style on the Daily, What I Wore, Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Passion for Fashion.


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Monday 22 January 2018

Summer Maxi Dresses and Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere

Maxi dresses are such an easy summer option for me. I tend to wear any and all kinds of accessories with them too. While they are perfect with sandals, they look just as good with Converse, and with a Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere instead of a smaller cross body bag.

What I wore:

Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress, Converse Chucks LV speedy bandouliere | awayfromtheblue

floral maxi dress, Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere handheld | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram summer kmart tropicana coral print maxi dress Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
Dress: Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

I wanted something light and airy to wear for a planned morning out at the markets, but when it was cooler and cloudy in the morning I thought I'd add some Converse instead of my havaianas, as it was predicted to rain. By the time we got to the markets though, we realised our mistake. The humidity was so bad and closed in shoes were definitely not needed. I was glad I'd forgotten to grab my denim jacket on the way out the door!

We managed to have a speedy browse before Cooper decided he'd had enough of the heat and we reatreated home again. Somehow still managing to pick up bags of treats and things for Cooper before we left, ha! He's such a spoiled little pup.

The Converse helped meet the style challenge for the day on Instagram, as did the dress itself. I picked the speedy as it's damier ebene and waterproof if the predicted rain did happen. It's also just the right size to carry the water bottles for the boys and my own essentials, as we left the baby bag and stroller in the car as we walked around.


Last worn: coral tropical print maxi dress, Converse, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere.

Other ways to wearcoral tropical print maxi dress and denim jacket, Converse for travel with toddlers, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere and printed jeans.

Perfect for pregnancyConverse for second trimester travel, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere and maternity pencil skirt.


Louis Vuitton Damier Speedy Bag:








What I wore:

tie dye maxi dress Jeanswest summer studded sandals outfit statement necklace LV speedy bag | away from blue

tie dye maxi dress, louis vuitton speedy bandouliere worn cross body | away from the blue

instagram awayfromblue Jeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress louis vuitton speedy bandouliere
Necklace: gifted Oxfam Noah's Ark green red beaded necklace
DressJeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere
NailsOPI Breakfast at Tiffany Collection Five and Ten

Why I wore it:


I was excited to wear my new Christmas necklace with this dress - the neckline is just right for it! I was thrilled to unwrap this (and a bunch of other things!) from my bestie on Christmas, she always has such great taste and I adore everything she sends for the boys and I.

Wore this for a day that was just as hot as the one I wore the floral dress for above - but it was more bearable with sandals this time! Midway through our busy morning I got a few messages from Beth at Almost Posh. I'd found out from Insta stories she was staying nearby on holiday, so we quickly setup a quick coffee catch-up for that afternoon. After a bit of lunch with hubby and a little Jeanswest sale shopping to spend one of my Christmas gift cards, we met-up for a drink and chat. Beth is one of those bloggers I admire so it was nice to chat and pick her brain about Instagram, blogging and the juggle of a blog, work and motherhood.

Of course we discussed bags, and she even bought a clutch afterwards! It's a given that whenever you talk to me bags will come up at some point! I smiled that she had worn her Louis Vuitton neverfull tote as I had worn my Louis Vuitton speedy bag, although I completely forgot to get a photo of us together.

Last worn: tie dye maxi dress, studded sandals, Louis Vuitton damier ebene speedy (above).

Other ways to weartie dye maxi dress layered for winter, studded sandals and floral kimono, Louis Vuitton damier ebene speedy for a first flight with toddlers.

Perfect for pregnancytie dye maxi dress at 38 weeks, studded sandals and maternity shorts, Louis Vuitton damier ebene speedy and wrap dress in third trimester.


Printed Maxi Dresses Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:

Maxi dresses are perfect to combat the summer heat. A pretty printed one makes accessorising simple and not really required. You can think outside the box and wear a maxi dress with Converse too, you don't have to stick with simple sandals. Although sandals are a great choice in the heat! Any cross body bag looks great too, from a large LV speedy to a small clutch.


Linking up with Modest Monday, Hello Monday, Style Sessions, On Trend, Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday.



Did You Know: I have a YouTube Channel! Full of pregnancy style ideas, handbag reviews and ways to wear inspo, along with a lot of what's in my bag videos: Away From The Blue YouTube. (There's the unboxing of my Speedy bag on there too!)



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