Wednesday 7 March 2018

Balenciaga Sorbet Pink City Bag & How To Wear Kimonos With Printed Tanks

I knew this summer would be the summer of shorts after I bought so many new pairs back in November. There's something so easy about pulling on a pair of denim shorts and adding a printed tank. Despite the busy prints on both of these Sass and Bide tanks, I found kimonos to wear with them.

What I wore:

lace embroidered kimono with geometric sass bide tank distressed denim shorts balenciaga city | away from the blue

bracelet stack with jord wood watch and Balenciaga sorbet pink city bag with split tassels | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram embroidered kimono, printed tank, denim shorts Balenciaga city summer SAHM style
JacketShein cream lace kimono (C/O)
Necklace: For King & Country Priceless Australian coin and crest necklace layered with Happiness Boutique turquoise and coral pendant necklace (C/O)
TankSass and Bide 'Musical Genius' tank
ShortsJeanswest Sara distressed hot short
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
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:

Wasn't too sure about wearing a kimono with this top, as it has a pretty bold print on it already with touches of neon. Wanted to try wear it a little differently though, so decided to try this lace kimono with it. It worked well I thought, I was pleasantly surprised and I really enjoyed wearing this!

We had a day full of errands, nothing really exciting, just the library and a few stores. I still wanted to wear this tank though as it's been such a long time since I last wore it. 10 months! I tend to save this top for 'special' occasions, and I've really been trying to question that lately and wear more of what I own. Got to try hit that 30 wears number!

With the pink in the tank I went with a pink bag. Although the sorbet Balenciaga city doesn't match exactly, it's a nice colour combination. I liked the layered necklaces with this too.


Last worn: lace kimono, neon tank, denim shorts, Havaianas, Balenciaga sorbet city bag.

Other ways to wearlace kimono and maxi dress, neon tank and orange pants, denim shorts in a capsule wardrobe, Balenciaga sorbet city bag and wrap dresses.

Perfect for pregnancy: kimono in third trimester, Sass & Bide tank in second trimester, sorbet city at 37 weeks.







What I wore:

crochet trim kimono, printed tank, bermuda denim shorts, pink Balenciaga city | awayfromblue

Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet with Juicy Couture ice cream charm | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram crochet kimono printed sass bide tank bermuda denim shorts
JacketShein lace trimmed crochet inset white kimono C/O
NecklaceZuriCollections blue polymer clay necklace
TankSass and Bide "For Easy Reference" tank
ShortsJeanswest Trinity Bermuda denim shorts
Shoesslim gold Havaianas
BagBalenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet (more affordable preloved)

Why I wore it:

Another summer day with the boys, another denim shorts outfit! I loved my shorts over summer, and with the heat here in Brisbane I can wear them into autumn too. This tank is one of my favourites, every time I wear it I say it's been too long between wears and that I should wear it more often. Once again I really enjoyed wearing it!

Ended up going for the plain white kimono to wear with this tank, adding colour through the pink Balenciaga city bag again and the blue bead necklace. I liked this outfit, it was casual and comfortable for playgroup in the morning and a doctor's appointment in the afternoon.


Last worn: crochet kimono, Sass & Bide tank, bermuda denim shortsgold HavaianasBalenciaga sorbet city bag (above).

Other ways to wearcrochet kimono ad printed shorts, Sass & Bide tank and burgundy pants, bermuda denim shortsBalenciaga sorbet city bag and little black dress.

Perfect for pregnancySass & Bide tank in second trimester, Balenciaga sorbet city bag and maternity denim.



Lace or Crochet Kimonos Under $50:






How You Can Wear It:


You can still wear kimonos if you're wearing a printed tank! A good idea is to stick with neutrals like cream or white. Neutral doesn't mean boring though, as you can see with the textures on the kimonos. The first geometric print tank is paired with a lace kimono. WIth the second, the all white kimono has a fun crochet detail on the back and along the hems.



Linking up with Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Flashback Fashion, Weekend Wear, Passion for Fashion, Trend Spin.




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Monday 5 March 2018

Chloe Paddington & Wearing Loose Printed Tanks To The Office With Pencil Skirts

The Chloe Paddington was my first ever designer handbag purchase. It might not be worn often (the heavy padlock really isn't kid friendly) but I do still love it. Of course I loved both times I wore it below. Not sure if it was the cooler weather after our heatwaves, or getting my first bag splurge out again to enjoy, but I was so happy in both of these outfits. Printed tank and black pencil skirts, such simple office style.

What I wore:

Jeanswest Elissa leaf print tank black pencil skirt, Chloe Paddington brun Summer office outfit | awayfromblue

2007 Chloe paddington in brun chocolate brown | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram boho leaf print tank in office black pencil skirt chloe paddington bag
Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
TankJeanswest Elissa leaf print tank
SkirtJeanswest black ponte pencil skirt
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
BagChloe Paddington in 2007 Brun

Why I wore it:

This tank was a gift from my mum and it was such a good one, it's looked great with everything I've worn it with so far. See two more ways to wear it here.

I debated a little in the morning which necklace I should wear with the top. The leaf print has so many different colours, it's easy to pick a colour out of the print and wear a matching accessory. In the end I went with blue, of course.

Someone on Instagram contacted me to ask about my experiences with Chloe Paddington bags, and I was happy to chat a little about my first bag obsession. I'm not good with small talk, and meeting new people often leaves me at a loss for words, but if anyone talks handbags they will find it hard to shut me up, haha! After talking about the bag I couldn't resist getting it out again for a wear.

I did add a cardigan to this outfit to cover up in the cold office air con, but it wasn't needed for my commute, the weather was just right.


Last worn: leaf print tank, black pencil skirt with elastic panel, Marc by Marc Jacobs ballet flats, Chloe Paddington bag.

Other ways to wearleaf print tank and pink shorts, black pencil skirt in winter, Marc by Marc Jacobs ballet flats and shorts, Chloe Paddington bag and burgundy pants.

Perfect for pregnancy: pencil skirt and hidden second trimester bump, Chloe Paddy at a few weeks pregnant.



Chloe Paddington Review and Contents:




(yes, it really is that heavy!)

Where To Buy a Chloe Paddington:




What I wore:

crochet print tank, black pencil skirt cream jersey blazer and chloe paddington summer office wear | away from the blue

Jord Cora wood watch with Chloe Paddington padlock bag in 07 brun | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram black jersey blazer red printed tank chloe paddington bag
JacketZara cream jersey blazer
Necklace: Happiness Boutique turquoise and coral pendant necklace (C/O)
Tank: Emerson crochet lace bib print top
SkirtJeanswest zip detail ponte pencil skirt
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
BagChloe Paddington in 2007 Brun


Why I wore it:

Since I liked the printed tank and black pencil skirt combination above, I wore it again for my next day in the office. Funnily, this tank was also a gift from my mum, back when I was pregnant. Didn't realise the coincidence in wearing the tanks so close to each other until I put this post together!


As it was a little cooler with some rain forecast, I added the blazer over the top and kept it on pretty much all day. It was a little tricky taking photos - while the rain held off until later in the day, my neighbour (who you can see in the back there) kept walking past as I was trying to take photos. I don't spend long taking photos, just setup the tripod, align the camera then shoot. Still she managed to walk past twice! It was so awkward. I find it weird taking blog photos in front of people, as I'd have no idea what to say if they asked. "I take photos for the internet" sounds normal to another style blogger, but is kinda crazy when you think of it!

The only issue with a Chloe Paddington is the weight - while it was fun carrying it, it was back in its dust bag after these two wears. Twice in a week is enough for me, I have frequent back pain with my diastasis recti so a heavy bag just adds to it unfortunately! I think I'll always love my Paddy though, even if I don't wear it as much as I used to.


Last worn: cream blazer, red crochet detail tank, black pencil skirt, ballet flats, Chloe Paddington (above).

Other ways to wearcream blazer and sheath dress, red crochet detail tank and shorts, black pencil skirt worn over a dress, ballet flats and fit and flare dress, Chloe Paddington and jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: cream blazer in first trimester, red crochet detail tank in third trimester, black pencil skirt in first trimester, ballet flats in third trimesterChloe Paddy at a few weeks pregnant.



Printed Tanks Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:


A black pencil skirt is an office staple, and it's so easy to pair with a printed piece like these fun printed tanks. Depending on the dress code for your office, you may need to cover up bare shoulders with a blazer. A cardigan is another option if the office aircon is particularly frosty and your dress code isn't as formal.

Linking up with Trend Spin, Turning Heads, Style Sessions, Style On The Daily.


 

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Friday 2 March 2018

30 Ways to Wear a Grey Maxi Skirt: #30Wears Challenge Outfits

A 30 wears post with this classic grey marle jersey maxi skirt is so overdue. It's been worn nearly 50 times (48 exactly!) since I bought it in my third trimester four years ago.

The #30wears challenge is committing to wearing things you buy at least 30 times. As I take daily outfit photos, I have over 6 years of outfits to look back on and see all the different times I've worn things. Blog labels and searches in the archives come in helpful for pulling these posts together, and it's fun to see how many things I've hit 30 wears on.

#30Wears: Grey Marle Jersey Maxi Skirt


30 ways to wear a grey jersey maxi skirt | away from the blue blog #30wears

It's no secret that I love maxi skirts, and I've posted a few #30 wears posts featuring some of my maxi skirt collection (see them at the end of the post).

Maxi skirts are for petites too! I got lucky with this Target one, the perfect petite friendly length with no hemming required. It was $25, so that's 52 cents a wear so far on it. It's got a lot of life left in it still, and it's not going anywhere from my wardrobe. Not bad for an impulsive pregnancy buy four years ago!


Maxi Skirt and Graphic Tees (and a Tank)


outfit ideas grey jersey maxi skirt and graphic tees | away from the blue

A plain grey maxi skirt makes it easy to wear fun printed graphic tees, as it's a great neutral base. Even though one of these is a graphic tank instead of a tee, you can see it's still just as simple to wear. A nice easy outfit to pull together, the graphic top adds interest that the plain skirt lacks.


Maxi Skirt and Long Sleeve Tops


3 ways to wear grey maxi skirt and long sleeve tops | awayfromtheblue


Maxi skirts work well in cooler weather with long sleeve tops. The long skirt protects your legs from the cold and keeps you cosy, and a longer sleeved top is an extra layer for a cooler day. If it's really cold, a scarf makes you even warmer. Again, you can see in these three outfits that the plain maxi skirt base means you can add fun printed scarves, bright colours, or even a top with embroidery detail, without your outfit feeling too overpowering.


Maxi Skirt and Layers


6 different ways to layer a maxi skirt for cooler weather | awayfromblue

Sometimes you need a little more than a long sleeve top with a maxi skirt. As I wear my maxi skirts year-round, I've worn them with all kinds of layers. You can see the variety in these outfits, with a denim jacket, cardigans, a blazer, and a kimono. I've also worn this skirt in the middle of winter with a leather jacket when it's been really cold. These layering options are great pieces to add in spring or autumn when it's too cool to wear a skirt and top on it's own.


Grey Maxi Skirt And Summer Outfits


3 easy ways to wear a grey maxi skirt in summer | away from blue

A maxi skirt is really made for summer though, it makes summer dressing easy. And if you have babies or toddlers, the long maxi length means you can run around with them and not worry about things being too short or showing more than you intended when you bend over to pickup the kids, or something they've dropped for the tenth time that day, ha!


Grey Maxi Skirt and Monochromatic Outfits


3 monochromatic outfit ideas with grey jersey maxi skirt | awayfromtheblue

Lots of colourful outfits so far, but you can go completely neutral with a grey skirt and create a monochrome or monochromatic outfit. I like the two shades of grey together on the end there, but with the black v-neck tee is my favourite. I'm still sad that tee didn't survive through too many incorrect wash cycles on the washing machine and had to leave my wardrobe.


Jersey Maxi Skirt In Pregnancy


jersey maxi skirt in third trimester | away from the blue blog

third trimester outfits with jersey stretchy maxi skirt | away from the blue

Since I bought this maxi skirt while I was pregnant, it makes sense that the most frequent way to wear it has been with a baby bump. It's been so nice having this piece that I could wear through my third trimesters with both my boys - and still be wearing and loving it afterwards. I'm impressed the elastic has held up too, they were pretty big baby bumps near the end!


Jersey Maxi Skirt Postpartum


postpartum outfit ideas with a grey maxi skirt | away from the blue blog

Forgiving jersey material, a soft stretchy elastic waistband, all the things I loved about this skirt in pregnancy make it a great postpartum choice too. Much nicer pulling this on in the newborn days than attempting to squeeze into something with buttons, a zipper, or zero stretch! Having something you know will still fit and make you feel great makes getting dressed easy after being up all night with a newborn, and anything to make parenting easier is a winner!


Grey Maxi Skirt for Travel


travel style with a grey jersey maxi skirt: outfit ideas | awayfromtheblue


I've gone on about how great this jersey maxi skirt is to wear, but the material is perfect to travel with too! It's comfortable for a long day of sightseeing, it can be crumpled up in a carry on bag and doesn't need ironing at your destination. For pregnancy travel (the middle pic) it was wonderful, and for running around Sydney with two toddlers (the left and right photos) it works just as well.



It makes me happy to have a piece in my wardrobe that's wrapped around my baby bump for both boys that's still going strong. It's nice to put together a post like this and see the bumps at different stages. So many fun memories attached to the times I've worn this skirt. I'm enjoying continuing the 30 wears challenge this year as it's great putting these posts together.



Grey Jersey Maxi Skirts Under $50:





This Target skirt is no longer available, but above are some great alternatives, all under $50!




30 Ways to Wear a Grey Maxi Skirt (In Video Format):





More Posts in the #30Wears Series:


Perfect if you're looking for more ways to wear outfit inspiration! Alternative, see all the 48+ ways I've worn this skirt in my blog archives.


Linking up with Passion for Fashion, Lizzie In Lace, Shoe & Tell, Mix It Monday, Hello Monday, On Monday We Link Up, Modest Monday, Wardrobe Wednesday.


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