Wednesday 21 February 2018

Louis Vuitton Neverfull, Grey Tees and Printed Maxi Skirts: SAHM Style

This summer has definitely been the summer of shorts, but I haven't completely forgotten my maxi skirts! The classic combo of a printed maxi skirt and grey tee makes an easy, comfortable outfit that's perfect for running around with the kids.

What I wore:

hospital style grey v neck tee navy stripe maxi skirt LV neverfull damier azur | awayfromblue

navy stripe maxi skirt and Louis Vuitton damier azur neverfull MM tote bag | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue Instagram grey tee navy stripe maxi skirt and Louis Vuitton damier azur MM tote
NecklaceNibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in grey marl
Skirt: Target navy side split maxi skirt
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
BagLouis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Why I wore it:

I was surprised to find I hadn't worn this tee and navy striped maxi skirt together before! I thought it was what I wore last time we went to hospital, but it was a different tee I wore then. This very similar outfit was worn again to the same hospital, but a day stay this time. I shared some pics on Twitter and my Instagram stories, as one of the boys had his first surgery.

There are a few times in adulthood I have a little panic to myself that "I'm not grown up enough for this", and having to comfort my child through an operation was one of those times. Thankfully, it was just a short day stay. The operation went well, and apart from being a little woozy afterwards, it was a smooth recovery.

I wasn't sure if I needed closed in shoes for the operating room, I forgot to ask with all the other questions I had, so I went with Converse just in case, even if I did take them off as soon as we got home. I picked comfortable clothes for all the sitting around waiting I was going to have to do, and my big Louis Vuitton neverfull to carry snacks and things to amuse me as I waited, with everything else in the baby bag. I've tried the neverfull as a baby bag before, as you can see in the video below, but I'm not a fan so it meant carrying two bags with me. Easy when I had the stroller to throw everything on.

It was a difficult day, made just a little easier by having a fuss-free outfit I was ready to face anything in. I'm just hoping to have no further days of hospital style!


Last worn: grey v-neck tee, navy stripe maxi skirt, Converse Chucks, Louis Vuitton neverfull tote.

Other ways to weargrey v-neck tee and skinny jeans, navy stripe maxi skirt and band tee, Converse Chucks and pencil skirt, Louis Vuitton neverfull tote and wrap dress.


Perfect for pregnancygrey v-neck tee in second trimester, Converse Chucks and maternity shorts, Louis Vuitton neverfull tote at 38 weeks pregnant.






What I wore:

slouchy summer style grey tee red boho print maxi skirt Louis Vuitton neverfull MM | away from blue

Louis Vuitton Damier Azur MM neverfull patina on shoulder | away from the blue blog

awayfromblue instagram grey tee red boho print maxi skirt lv neverfull damier azur tote
Necklace: silver heart long pendant necklace
TeeAtmos&Here grey v-neck tee with rolled sleeves (also in black)
Skirt: thrifted Billabong red printed maxi skirt
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagLouis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Why I wore it:

Onto happier days! I wore this the weekend before operation day. We'd planned a day out but after taking these photos and our morning walk, the rain showers started to we decided to stay home instead, after running a quick errand. In the end I think a quiet day was just what was needed as operation week was crazy.

Very similar outfit formula to the one above, with a more voluminous printed maxi skirt and a slouchier grey tee. This was a lovely outfit for a humid day, nice loose layers. The only thing I didn't like so much was that the hem of my skirt got wet quickly when the rain started. I really need to get this skirt properly tailored. I'm currently doing the well-known petite girl hack of wearing it higher on my waist and rolling the waistband to keep it in place. It's definitely proven it's a keeper in my wardrobe, so I need to get it tailored to be just the right length.

Again I was wearing my Louis Vuitton neverfull tote, although this time around it had a lot less stuffed into it. That's the beauty of the neverfull, it always looks good no matter if you carry a little or a lot.


Last worn: slouchy grey tee, Billabong red maxi skirt, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton neverfull (above).

Other ways to wearslouchy grey tee worn two ways, Billabong red maxi skirt and denim jacket, Louis Vuitton neverfull in the office.

Perfect for pregnancyslouchy grey tee for second trimester travel, Louis Vuitton neverfull and maternity jeans.



Printed Maxi Skirts Under $50:







How You Can Wear It:


With a printed maxi skirt (or any printed piece in your wardrobe) pairing it with a grey tee is an easy outfit formula to follow that's guaranteed to look good. If grey tees aren't your thing, you could substitute with a similar neutral like black or white. I'm just such a fan of grey v-neck tees, they are what I reach for most often when wearing prints.



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



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Monday 19 February 2018

Balenciaga City Compared To Rebecca Minkoff Regan (with Sheath Dresses For The Office)

I love my Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag, but held off buying the bigger Regan satchel as I wasn't sure if it was too similar to the Balenciaga city bag. After extra reductions in the Rebecca Minkoff sale, I snapped it up. It's interesting seeing the similarities and differences between the city and the Regan bags. Both look great for work with some printed sheath dresses!

What I wore:

jersey blazer, scarf, orange print sheath dress, navy rebecca Minkoff regan satchel | awayfromblue

Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon with orange dress | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram orange sheath dress layered scarf jersey blazer office wear
Jacketthrifted Zara black blazer
Scarf: gifted blush metallic rose gold shimmer scarf
Necklace: Lovisa gold filigree heart pendant
DressFrench Connection 'Woodblock wonder' panache dress in white/geranium rose
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Lovisa rose gold beaded bracelet stack
BagRebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

No, it isn't scarf weather yet in Brisbane! This scarf I got from my mum is so pretty though, a lovely blush shade with rose gold thread running through it. I added it in the morning as I'd lost my voice the afternoon before, and thought it best to keep wrapped up in the office air con. Thankfully my voice (mostly) made it through to the end of the day.

I forgot that this necklace hangs at an awkward length and bangs noisily on my work pass when I wear it, but the scarf did help muffle it a litte.

I usually pick neutral bags to wear with this colourful orange sheath dress. Although there was one time I paired it with an orange bag. I like blue and orange together, so the navy Regan satchel was a nice addition and a change from my usual grey. With the blazer and ballet flats, it's a classic office outfit combo, and one that I relly on a lot. Especially when life gets hectic, as happens often with two little ones. I wonder how full time office workers with kids do it all sometimes!

This dress is on it's eighth wear, even though this year marks 5 years since I bought it. I do tend to keep it to spring/summer as I prefer to wear it without tights. Other than not getting worn a lot (which is even harder to do now I'm only in the office a couple of days a week), there's nothing wrong with it. I feel bad keeping pieces like this that are so rarely worn in my wardrobe, but given the choice again today I'd still buy it if I saw it in a store so it's staying, even if it will be a while before it gets worn again!


Last worn: jersey blazer, orange sheath dress, ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff Regan satchel.

Other ways to wearjersey blazer and a-line skirt, orange sheath dress layered for winter, ballet flats and printed shorts, Rebecca Minkoff Regan satchel and shorts.

Perfect for pregnancyjersey blazer in third trimester, orange sheath dress hiding a baby bump.




Balenciaga City and Rebecca Minkoff Regan Side By Side Comparison:





What I wore:

French Connection paisley print sheath dress, jersey blazer pink Balenciaga city bag | away from blue

Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram paisley print dress jersey blazer pink Balenciaga city bag summer office wear
Necklace: freshwater pearl necklace and long freshwater pearl strand necklace
DressFrench Connection blue Paisley print dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black!)
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
BagBalenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet (more affordable preloved)

Why I wore it:

Unlike the orange sheath dress above, this blue paisley print one has been worn a lot more often. One of my favourite work pieces, it just makes me feel pulled together and confident. I've worn blue bags with this dress in the past, but this is the first time I've worn the dress and Balenciaga city bag together. I've worn it with a pink blazer in the past, but never a pink bag. I really liked the combination - I'm sure it will come up again in my quest to get to 30 wears with this dress this year!

While I love the Rebecca Minkoff Regan above and think it's a great classic option for work, there's something so cheerful about the pink Balenciaga city bag that makes me smile when I wear it. Paired with my favourite blue sheath dress, it's a great mood booster for a tough week.

The pearl necklaces were a last minute choice, I'd planned to wear another necklace but changed my mind that morning. I'm not completely happy with them. I did try knot the longer chain of pearls but when I couldn't get the knot to sit right and I was in a rush I just left it. I think knotting it would have looked better though, like this time I knotted the necklace.


Last worn: cream jersey blazer, Paisley print sheath dress, gold mouse flats, Balenciaga sorbet city bag.

Other ways to wearcream jersey blazer and pencil skirt, Paisley print sheath dress and purple bag, gold mouse flats and flares, Balenciaga sorbet city bag and denim shorts.

Perfect for pregnancyPaisley print sheath dress in second trimester, gold mouse flats and maternity wrap dress, Balenciaga sorbet city bag at 37 weeks.


Sheath Dresses For The Office Under $50:







How You Can Wear It


Sheath dresses are a classic cut and style for the office. They work in many different office dress codes. Fun printed ones like these two are perfect for business casual offices, but if you have a more formal dress code you could go with a plain version.




Linking up with Creative Mondays, Trend Spin, Turning Heads, Confident Twosday.



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Friday 16 February 2018

Green And Gold: Mustard Tanks and Soft Shorts with Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Bag

Combining two of my loves together for some colourful summer outfits: soft shorts and mustard yellow. Buying these shorts at the start of summer was such a good idea!

What I wore:

mustard tank, jeanswest parker printed shorts aquamarine accessories, Australia day green and gold | awayfromblue

jeanswest parker printed shirred shorts, Rebecca Minkoff aquamarine python embossed mini MAC bag | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram OOTD at Yayoi Kusama The Obliteration Room Exhibit at GOMA Brisbane
NecklaceStarfish Project Hannah turquoise bead necklace
TopJeanswest Maya gather back tank in chartreuse
ShortsJeanswest Parker printed shirred short
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather

Why I wore it:

Wore this for Australia day, so I had to go with the green necklace to have a bit of green and gold with the mustard tank. I've worn this tank and necklace together before too. It was something a little different for Australia Day, as we usually try host a BBQ but skipped it this year. We went to the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at Brisbane's Gallery Of Modern Art before having lunch in the city. I was hopeful we might get to see some more of the exhibition but our main goal was to see The Obliteration Room in the kid's area. You get given a sheet of stickers, walk into a white room and get to stick the stickers wherever you want. Toddler heaven!

The boys are always trying to stick stickers everywhere at home, so I thought they'd enjoy being given free reign and leaving their imprint on a fun work of art. As you can see from the Instagram photo, it was near the end of the exhibition so there wasn't much white left, but it was still a lot of fun. They had an incredible time and although I didn't get to see other bits of the exhibition I'd wanted to, it was so much fun seeing how much they enjoyed the room.

I'd thought of wearing a monochromatic outfit as it would look great in photos, but wanted to wear my mustard tank more. I did feel a little regret when I watched a lady in a black and white dress posing in front of a professional grade camera and realised her shots would look beautiful! But I was happy and comfortable in this outfit, nice for a hot day out in the city. I did dress the boys in white shirts and they looked especially cute in all the photos. Of course I regretted that outfit choice later too when they had ice cream... 😂


Last worn: mustard tank, Parker printed shorts, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC.

Other ways to wearmustard tank and blue shorts, Parker printed shorts and grey tee, Rebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC and boho dress.

Perfect for pregnancyRebecca Minkoff aqua mini MAC and mustard tank in second trimester.



The aqua mini MAC was my first Rebecca Minkoff bag purchase. My collection has grown quite a lot since!





What I wore:

mustard tank, olive embroidered shorts, statement wooden necklace and aqua bag | away from blue

olive shorts, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram mustard tank olive embroidered shorts wooden beaded necklace rebecca minkoff mini MAC bag
Necklace: Lovisa wooden statement bead necklace
Top: thrifted Cotton On yellow tank
ShortsJeanswest Tessa olive embroidered shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather

Why I wore it:

I shared this on Instagram for Australia day but I'd worn it a few days before, I just hadn't gotten around to sharing it then. It was a busy day, with the daycare runs, my usual working from home, and then a specialist appointment for the little one. The stress of a busy day and of trying to find and get to a new location on time was quickly forgotten when we stopped to buy milk on the way home and  I picked myself up a well-earned tub of Ben and Jerry's!

Given how high I had to wear these shorts to disguise the mum-tum though, probably could have skipped the ice cream. Still ate and enjoyed it though!

The necklace is gold and the chain on the mini MAC is silver, and the aquamarine doesn't match anything else I'm wearing, but I really liked this outfit. I think the colours all worked so nicely together despite not matching, and it was perfect for a hot summer day.


Last worn: mustard tank, olive embroidered shorts, Havaianas (above), Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC (above).

Other ways to wearmustard tank and flares, olive embroidered shorts with stripesRebecca Minkoff mini MAC and maxi dress.

Perfect for pregnancymustard tank in second trimesterRebecca Minkoff mini MAC and maternity denim.



Soft Shorts Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:


Soft shorts are the best for a hot and humid day. A plain tank is always a good basic to wear with them, especially if they have a print or embroidery as these ones do. Another benefit to a basic tank is that you can be a little more adventurous with your necklace and pick a bolder statement piece if you want.



Linking up with Lizzie In Lace, Style Wise, Fabulous Friday, Fab Favourites, Shoe & Tell, Hello Monday, On Mondays We Link Up, Mix It Monday.



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