Print Mixing: Stripes and Kimonos with Denim Shorts & Rebecca Minkoff Bags

To try change things up a little when my shorts are on heavy repeat, I like to add a kimono. This gives me a chance to do some print mixing too, and of course it means I pull out some of my striped tops to pair with the printed kimonos. I feel this has been the summer of shorts, but adding an extra layer makes things just a little different. Which is good as the heat has meant my shorts have been worn into Autumn too!

What I wore:

Jacket: Jeanswest Jamie printed kimono (on sale!)
Necklace: Lovisa gold filigree heart pendant
Tee: Atmos&Here oversized stripe tee
Shorts: Thrifted Jeanswest distressed denim shorts
Shoes: slim gold Havaianas
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold
Nails: OPI Purple With A Purpose

Why I wore it:

Was such a fun day when I wore this. We spent the day with my mum, a little shopping in the morning and then the afternoon at an indoor play place for the boys. They had a wonderful time running around and playing on everything. They are so fearless! There was a 2 storey high inflatable slide and they kept wanting me to take them up over and over again. Hilarious to see their reactions as we slid down. It was also a lovely break from the humidity that had taken hold for most of the week, as it was air conditioned inside. We did a little baking in the evening before dinner too, using a couple of the Caramilk bars I found to make delicious cupcakes.

Accessorising this outfit was easy, I picked the kimono as it was a piece mum got me for Christmas, and the necklace was a gift from her too. The little cross body micro Regan bag meant I could have my phone with me ready to take cute pics of the boys at the playcentre, yet still run around after them when needed.


Last worn: printed kimono, striped tee, distressed denim shorts, gold Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wear: printed kimono with printed shorts, striped tee and red jeans, distressed denim shorts and print mixing, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag worn 30 ways.

Perfect for pregnancy: striped tee at 40 weeks pregnant.

---

My Latest Handbag Reveal:

In case you missed it, I shared my latest Balenciaga handbag reveal on YouTube! A very special one...

---

What I wore:

Jacket: Cotton On 'Gemma' cocoon kimono in Laos blossom navy print
Necklace: Roie Designs long freshwater pearl necklace with tassel
Tank: Atmos & Here Oregon stripe tank
Shorts: Jeanswest Trinity Bermuda denim shorts
Shoes: Wittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC

Why I wore it:

I kept forgetting to share this outfit on Instagram. Not because I didn't like it, just because I wore this on a Wednesday. With the daycare drop off and pickups, a specialist appointment and working from home, I often don't get to look at my phone all day unless it rings. At least on my days in the office I have the commute to spend time on Instagram.

I really like stripes and florals together, although it's not a combination I wear frequently as I don't have that many floral pieces. I do have this awesome floral cocoon kimono through, which I liked with the black striped tank. Made such a comfortable outfit too. This kimono is a slightly thicker fabric than my others (cotton and viscose) so it's really soft, and like being cocooned up in a big lightweight blanket all day!


Last worn: floral cocoon kimono, striped trapeze tank, bermuda denim shorts, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wear: floral cocoon kimono and flares, striped trapeze tank and red jeans, bermuda denim shorts and wrap top, studded sandals and maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC bag and colourful jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: floral cocoon kimono at 39 weeks, studded sandals in second trimester, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC bag in third trimester.

---

Blue Kimonos Under $50:

---

How You Can Wear It:

Stripes are a great print to use for pattern mixing - you can pair them with florals, geometric prints, anything really! When I want a little more interest in an outfit, I'll add stripes as they just seem to go with everything. If you're unsure, pick complimenting colours, like I did in the second outfit where the white stripes in the tank tie in with the white in the floral print.


Linking up with Fun Fashion, Flashback Fashion, Weekend Wear, Fabulous Friday, Friday Faves.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

Rebecca Minkoff Regan Bag & Tulip Hem Wrap Dresses For The Office

You can't beat a classic wrap dress for easy office style. I love printed dresses as they are instant outfits, with little to no accessorising required. Both of these Atmos&Here dresses have tulip hems. The tulip hem and midi length is something I'd usually worry would make my petite self look even shorter, but I don't feel that with these dresses. I love them both, even when worn with flats.

What I wore:

Necklace: turquoise and gold beaded necklace from my mum's wardrobe
Dress: Atmos&Here Betsy jersey wrap dress in watercolour print
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon
Nails: OPI Purple With A Purpose

Why I wore it:

Although I lay my outfit out the night before to make getting ready in the morning faster, I don't always know what accessories I'm going to wear. I was standing in front of the mirror trying to pick a necklace when I saw this turquoise and gold beaded one and realised it would be perfect, and meet the 'matchy matchy' theme for the #AutumnStyleFile challenge on Instagram. Only I got my days mixed up and the challenge for the day was actually 'colour makes me happy'. This dress was still perfect for that theme though with the colourful turquoise print.

With the turquoise dress I thought the navy blue Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag would be a good accessory, and it's such a nice bag for the office with the structured sides.


Last worn: printed wrap dress, camel flats, Rebecca Minkoff Regan satchel.

Other ways to wear: printed wrap dress and ankle boots, camel flats and tights in winter, Rebecca Minkoff Regan satchel and shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: printed wrap dress in third trimester, camel flats in second trimester.

---

Rebecca Minkoff Regan Review (And What's In My Bag)

---

What I wore:

Necklace: Zanele 40 handmade rope necklace

Dress: Atmos&Here Arlette jersey wrap dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black!)
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon

Why I wore it:

This was my 'I don't know what to wear' outfit solution. The beautiful zig zag print wrap dress always gets compliments. It's the perfect dress to wear as it goes with any colour of accessories, although again I went with the navy Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag.

There was no style challenge this day to help me pick out what necklace to wear like there was with the first outfit, so I went with this pretty gold beaded necklace that my bestie gave me, I thought it tied in nicely with the gold mouse flats.

Whenever I wear these mouse flats they always get a reaction when someone spots them - usually causing a debate over what animal they are meant to be. They are Marc Jacobs mouse flats, the animal is in the name, but someone suggested they look more like wombats. I'm tempted to call them my golden wombat shoes now next time anyone asks about them! 😂


Last worn: chevron print wrap dress, gold mouse flats, Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag (above).

Other ways to wear: chevron print wrap dress in winter, gold mouse flats and flare jeans, Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag and sheath dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: gold mouse flats in second trimester.

---

Tulip Hem Wrap Dresses Under $50:

---

How You Can Wear It:

A wrap dress is one of those classic wardrobe 'must-have pieces' I completely agree with and think everyone needs in their wardrobe. They work in pregnancy, although you may need to size up to continue to cover an expanding bump. The turquoise printed wrap dress above is a size larger than normal and I wore it through my third trimester. The wrap style is perfect for breastfeeding post-baby too, flattering on any leftover baby bump and something you know will fit even with all the postpartum body changes! And of course, they work in an office setting. A great all-rounder!



Linking up with Trend Spin, On Trend, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday, What I Wore, Style On The Daily, Oh Hey Girl, Fashion Frenzy.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

What To Wear On Days Out With Kids: Model Railway With Printed Tank, Denim Shorts, Kimono

I titled this post what to wear on days out with kids, but honestly this was my staple stay at home mum style for any days with the boys over summer. Shorts, tanks and kimonos. Perfection!

What I wore:

Jacket: Shein lace trimmed crochet inset white kimono C/O
Necklace: Lovisa gold filigree heart pendant
Tank: Atmos&Here 'Florida' tank in Aztec print
Shorts: Thrifted Jeanswest distressed denim shorts
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold
Nails: OPI Koala Bear-y

Why I wore it:

Despite the heat, I had to wear closed in shoes, so I went with my trusty Converse. I don't like wearing closed in shoes on hot days, but those were the rules! We surprised the boys with a trip to the local model railway club, Brisbane Bayside Steam Railway Society. It had been a tough few weeks so I thought a day out was a nice idea.

I've included the video below, the model railway society have a track set up at a park (1900 Wynnum Road) and you can ride on miniature versions of trains. For my train mad boys, it was perfect. We went around a few times, trying out the different trains. So much fun for them. There's a little model race track setup for remote control cars too so we spent some time there before heading away to get lunch.

I knew I'd need a bit of physical sunblock too for being out in the sun, so I added this white kimono over the top of my printed tank and denim shorts. With the gold in the tank, the rose gold filigree heart necklace seemed like a good accessory, as well as the 'harvest gold' / mustard micro Regan bag.

While I did take the Converse off as soon as I got home, the rest of the outfit stayed on. I wore it to film a couple YouTube videos while hubby occupied the boys.


Last worn: crochet trim kimono, Aztec print tank, distressed denim shorts, Converse Chucks, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wear: crochet trim kimono and printed shorts, Aztec print tank and skinny jeans, distressed denim shorts and stripes, Converse Chucks and pencil skirt, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag and maxi dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: Aztec print tank and hidden baby bump, Converse Chucks and maternity shorts.

---

Day Out Vlog

---

What I wore:

Jacket: Shein lace trimmed crochet inset white kimono C/O
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Tank: Jeanswest 'Rowena' print tank
Shorts: Jeanswest Trinity Bermuda denim shorts
Shoes: black slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC

Why I wore it:

Since I liked the outfit above so much, recreated it again with the same kimono, but different tank and shorts. And different shoes! Havaianas are much better suited to the hot Queensland weather! Swapped the micro Regan bag for my silver mini MAC bag too.

We had a few things to do on this day. I took the boys to a messy play day at playgroup in the morning, then we had the doctors in the afternoon. Not quite as much fun as the day out on the miniature railway, but the boys always enjoy playgroup, especially if it's a messy play day!

Unlike the outfit above, I expected to be holding squirming kids on my lap at least some point in the doctor's waiting room, so I went with a more kid friendly necklace! My boys are passed the teething stage but I still like these silicone teething necklaces as they are safe for them to play with and tug on and I know they won't break them!


Last worn: crochet trim kimono (above), animal print tank, bermuda denim shorts, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wear: crochet trim kimono with monochrome outfit, animal print tank and maxi skirt, bermuda denim shorts and wrap top, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC bag and embroidered shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: animal print tank hiding 20 week bump, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC in third trimester.

---

Printed Tanks Under $50

---

How You Can Wear It:

Printed tanks and denim shorts are a comfortable stay at home mum outfit for me in the warmer weather. If you need to add a little physical sunblock, try adding a plain kimono. It's breezy fabric won't overheat you, even on a warm day. The beauty of a printed tank outfit is that just by swapping one tank for another, you change the whole outfit by just changing the print you're wearing. A good way to keep your outfits feeling fresh and new without buying anything extra.


Linking up with Lizzie In Lace, The Weekend Link Up, Style Wise, Shoe & Tell, Hello Monday, Modest Monday, On Mondays We Link Up.

Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Twitter : Instagram : Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It