Friday 2 February 2018

30 Ways To Wear: Red Rebecca Minkoff Saddle Bag - #30wears Series

This months #30wears post is a bag I've been loving lately, my Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag. It's been a few months since I did a 30 wears post with a handbag so thought it was a nice time to do one again.

I'm enjoying my #30wears series. The 30 wears challenge is committing to wear everything you buy at least 30 times. Since I have this blog with an archive of what I wear each day that extends over 6 years, it's been interesting counting up how many times I've worn things and fun to be able to put a post together showing how I've done so. There are other bags I've worn more than this one, I just realised this was over 30 wears as I've been wearing it frequently recently and so it was perfect timing to do a post on it.


#30Wears: Rebecca Minkoff Red Saddle Bag




I bought this saddle bag in the Shopbop sale in April 2016, so it's just under 2 years old, and I've worn it over 30 times since then. In terms of cost per wear, it was $154.88 and I've worn it 33 times so that's $4.69 a wear. Higher than the often-aimed-for 'cents per wear' but considering I'll have this bag in my wardrobe for a long time yet, it's not too bad, it's going to get a lot more wear.

Red Saddle Bag With Blue Outfits


Rebecca Minkoff red studded saddle bag with blue and navy outfits | awayfromtheblue

Red and blue are such a nice combination and red and navy is one of my favourite versions of this combo. You can see in all of the pics in this post that it's a colour combination that pops up frequently. I just love the touch of colour a red bag gives against a blue outfit.


Saddle Bag With Monochrome Outfits


3 ways to wear red saddle bag with monochrome maxi skirt outfits | awayfromblue

Sometimes you just want your bag to be a pop of colour with your outfit. This bright cherry red bag is the perfect touch with a monochromatic neutral outfit. Black really makes the red shine, any neutrals do really. While I love this red bag with other colours, like the blue outfits I featured above, I do love the simplicity of a monochrome outfit of neutrals and a tiny pop of colour with a statement bag like this.


Red Saddle Bag to Compliment Other Red Pieces In An Outfit


5 outfit ideas with red Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag with complimentary clothes | awayfromblue

Sometimes I like a bit of matchy matchy, and if I'm wearing something red in my outfit I'll reach for this red saddle bag. The shades don't have to match exactly, as you can see from the red maxi skirt outfit which is slightly more yellow than the cherry red of the bag. It's still a nice combination though. This is a good way to wear a colourful bag if you're unsure how to style it as you're used to more neutral ones.


Saddle Bag With Flares


retro vibe outfits flared jeans and red saddle bag from Rebecca Minkoff fall fashion | awayfromtheblue

Pairing this red saddle bag with flared jeans has such a retro vibe, and it's probably the most worn accessory with these jeans since I started my blog. I expect this combination will pop up a few more times over winter when it gets cold enough to wear these jeans again.


Red Saddle Bag With Jeans


4 ways to wear red saddle bag and skinny jeans | awayfromtheblue blog

It's not just flared jeans I wear this bag with though. Skinny jeans are my favourite jeans style, and make up the majority of my denim collection. The red saddle bag pairs so nicely with any kind of denim, from the traditional blue jeans, classic black or fun printed pairs.


Saddle Bag with Maxi Skirts


4 Ways to Wear: red saddle bag and maxi skirt outfit ideas | awayfromtheblue

Maxi skirts don't have to be tricky to accessorise. A small cross body is my usual go-to with them, but I've worn large bags with them too. This cute cross body saddle bag is the perfect pairing with any of my maxi skirts, from a plain chambray one to a printed striped skirt.



Red Saddle Bag In Winter


ways to wear red Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag in winter | awayfromblue

Red is a trending colour this winter in the northern hemisphere. There's something about any winter that makes me reach for red accessories often though. Maybe it's because of all the blacks and greys you layer with, as red is a wonderful pop against them. This spring/summer bag still gets worn frequently in winter with cosy layers. I like to wear my dresses and skirts year round as much as my bags too.


Saddle Bag in Summer


3 ways to wear denim shorts and Rebecca Minkoff red unlined saddle bag | awayfromblue

Of course, a red bag works just as well in summer as it does in winter. There's no need to keep a bag hidden away in your wardrobe for a season. I love the way this red bag looks with shorts, it's often worn with my denim shorts in summer. While it's a little small to carry all the summer pieces like hats and sunscreen, I carry the baby bag for that and just have the essentials on me like my phone, keys and wallet while I'm running around with the boys.




Where to Buy Rebecca Minkoff Unlined Saddle Bag:






More Rebecca Minkoff Saddle Bags:







30 Ways To Wear a Red Saddle Bag Video:

For something a little different, I thought I'd do a video version of this post too, so you can hear a bit more about why I chose the bag for each outfit and what my favourite outfits were. Would love to hear what you think of the video format - good or bad!




Looking for more outfit inspiration?


I hope that this post inspired out and gave you some outfit ideas for ways you can wear a red bag. If you want more inspo, you can read 30 ways to wear a red Balenciaga velo bag, or all the 33+ times I've worn this saddle bag in my blog archives.



Want to know more about the bag and what fits inside?






Linking up with Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, Passion for Fashion, Lizzie in Lace, Friday Faves, Shoe & Tell, Mix It Monday, Modest Monday, Hello Monday, Trend Spin.


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Wednesday 31 January 2018

Soft Shorts and Printed Kimonos with Black Tanks

When people asked what to get me for Christmas, I suggested kimonos and necklaces, and was lucky to receive the beautiful ones I'm wearing here. Kimonos are the perfect layer with soft shorts for Brisbane's summer heat, especially when paired with the new necklaces that I got too!

What I wore:

The Kindness Kimono 'Dream Catch Me' print olive shorts black tank and bag | away from blue

 Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH olive shorts | away from the blue

awayfromblue Instagram | Jeanswest Tessa olive embroidered shorts, printed kindness kimono black tank, Balenciaga part time bag
Jacket: gifted The Kindness Kimono 'Dream Catch Me' print
Necklace: gifted Zatini red pendant necklace
TankFrench Connection feather foil singlet
ShortsJeanswest Tessa olive embroidered shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagBalenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

When I unwrapped this Kindness Collective kimono, I thought of these olive shorts right away. A black tank, bag and Havaianas made sense with the black in the print too. I really loved this outfit! It gave me the chance to wear another new piece, this lovely red necklace I also got for Christmas.

My mother in law got me this kimono and was so excited to tell me about the good it does too. Every kindness kimono purchased donates a reusable sanitary kit to help keep girls at school and women at work, and the kimonos are made from remnant fabrics.

It was another day for hubby and I to get things done as we ran around fitting in some errands after a swim, while the boys spent some time with their grandparents. I managed to film some YouTube videos too, a very productive day. I have such a hard time trying to find a quiet time to film them when the boys are in the house, and it's so rare to be at home without the boys! I really want to try more videos this year, so recording a few was helpful.


Last worn: metallic tank, olive embroidered shorts, Havaianas, Balenciaga part time bag. First time I've worn the kimono as it's a recent addition to my wardrobe.

Other ways to wearmetallic tank and printed shorts, olive embroidered shorts and florals, Balenciaga part time bag and dress in winter

Perfect for pregnancy: Balenciaga part time bag in second trimester


Soft Shorts Under $50:







What I wore:

print mixing jeanswest jasmine kimono soft shorts Rebecca Minkoff regan bag with guitar strap | awayfromblue

Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon with Rebecca Minkoff Crystal Star Shoulder Guitar strap | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram | print mixing attempt navy kimono black tank and soft shorts summer style
Jacket: gifted Jeanswest Jamie printed kimono
Necklace: gifted silver ball multi chain long necklace
Top: Jeanswest Brianna basque hem tank (new purchase)
ShortsJeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon with Rebecca Minkoff Crystal Star Shoulder Guitar strap

Why I wore it:

I bought this Rebecca Minkoff guitar strap and the Regan satchel bag together, so it was only a matter of time before I added the strap to the bag. I really liked the combination.

This combination of printed shorts and kimono together I'm not too sure about though! I wanted to wear both with the new black tank I picked up in the Jeanswest sale with one of my Christmas gift cards. I'd debated them in front of the mirror as I was trying to pick which one to wear and thought that as they are such similar shades of blue, they might look okay in the same outfit. While hubby was unimpressed, I decided to give the combo a try anyway. I don't think I'll be rushing to repeat this print mix, but I'm pleased I tried something new.

Another day of trying to get things done, with another YouTube video filmed despite facing memory card and camera battery issues - it wasn't as productive a day as I'd hoped, ha! Included the video I filmed below. You'll recognise the outfit, although I took the kimono off at home.





Last worn: blue printed shorts, Havaianas (above), Rebecca Minkoff guitar strap, Rebecca Minkoff Regan tote. First time I've worn the black tank and navy kimono as they are recent additions to my wardrobe.

Other ways to wearblue printed shorts and ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff guitar strap on Love bag, Rebecca Minkoff Regan tote and tee dress





Printed Kimonos Under $50:





How You Can Wear It:


Soft, relaxed fit shorts and loose voluminous kimonos are the perfect light layers for a hot summer day. You can keep things neutral with blacks and olives, or try something different and wear another print with your kimonos. Wondering how versatile a printed kimono could really be? 30 ways to wear a floral kimono!


Linking up with What I Wore, Style on the Daily, Thursday Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday.


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Monday 29 January 2018

Making Casual Dresses Work For The Office With a Pencil Skirt

One way I like to get more wear from my dresses is to layer a skirt over them and wear them as tops. I've done that with both of the dresses below before. Putting a pencil skirt over a dress is the perfect way to make a dress on the shorter side work-appropriate!

What I wore:

botanical print tee dress for the office layered under black pencil skirt | awayfromblue

silver bracelet stack and Rebecca Minkoff moon navy Regan medium satchel tote bag | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram botanical print tee dress made office appropriate with pencil skirt layered over
Necklace: gifted silver heart long pendant necklace
DressAtmos & Here Willow printed tee dress
SkirtJeanswest zip detail ponte pencil skirt
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bracelets: the usual
Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon

Why I wore it:

My first day back after an extended leave over Christmas time meant picking bright colours to cheer me up. Especially after spending the week before I went back to work feeling sick. I knew it would be a day of catching upon emails and everything else I missed, so wanted to pep myself up as much as possible with this bright and colourful dress worn as a top. It's not the first time I've layered a skirt over this dress, I've done it before here with a maxi skirt and with a pencil skirt again. Way back when I first bought this I fell in love with the print and couldn't decide between getting the dress or tee in the print. I'm glad I picked the dress, as it's so easy to wear it as a top too to mix things up a little.


Last worn: botanical print tee dress, black pencil skirt, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff Regan satchel.

Other ways to wearbotanical print tee dress and Converse, black pencil skirt in winter, black ballet flats and fit and flare dress, Rebecca Minkoff Regan satchel and shorts.

Perfect for pregnancybotanical print tee dress for pregnancy announcement, black pencil skirt in first trimester, black ballet flats in second trimester.


Pencil Skirts Under $50:



Both pencil skirts I'm wearing in this post are Jeanswest, and they've just released a new office wear collection!



What I wore:

zara printed tunic dress for the office work layered under a pencil skirt easy business casual outfit | away from blue

Rebecca Minkoff Regan moon navy satchel tote bag for the office | away from the blue

awayfromblue Instagram zara navy printed dress under black pencil skirt Rebecca Minkoff regan stachel
Necklace: Lovisa gold filigree heart pendant
Dress: Zara printed bib front tunic dress
SkirtJeanswest black ponte pencil skirt
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon

Why I wore it:

Another day in the office, another dress as a top. This dress has been worn with a pencil skirt before too. I'd planned to wear this outfit after the one above, but after wearing that and dragging myself to the office, I made myself much worse and the doctor sent me back home to rest for a few more days. It did make getting ready for work when I was eventually well enough to go back really easy though, just pulled on this outfit I'd had sitting planned for a few days!

The only thing I didn't like about this outfit was the necklace. I love the way it looks, but I didn't consider that when I wore my work security pass around my neck on the long lanyard like I usually do, it would hit and jingle with the necklace all day. It was a little frustrating as I moved around between meetings, as I didn't always have a hand free to separate the two. Might need to save this necklace for weekend wear, which is a shame as it's so pretty!


Last worn: navy shift dress, black pencil skirt, MbMJ ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag (above).

Other ways to wearnavy shift dress and denim jacket, black pencil skirt and tan accessoriesMbMJ ballet flats and little black dress, Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag and tee dress.

Perfect for pregnancynavy shift dress in third trimester, black pencil skirt in second trimester.


Printed Dresses Under $50 great for layering with:






How You Can Wear It:


Not all dresses are work appropriate lengths, even though they might be ideal for weekend wear. If you're worried a dress is too short for the office, try turning it into a top by putting it under a pencil skirt. A pencil skirt works so well for different office dress codes, and it's a fun way to remix a dress and make it less casual.



Have you seen my latest YouTube video? Top 3 must-have bags for mums!





Linking up with Modest Monday, Mix It Monday, Hello Monday, Creative Monday, On Mondays We Link Up, Style Sessions, On Trend, Turning HeadsConfident Twosday.


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