Friday 12 October 2018

Spring Dresses, Cute Scarves and Rebecca Minkoff Bags

The best thing about spring weather is getting to wear more dresses! I do like to wear most of my wardrobe year round, but it's so good in spring when you can shed the layers and just wear dresses and comfortable sneakers without tights.

The colourful scarves were really just for decoration and didn't need to keep me warm, on two beautiful spring days where we made the most of the sunshine at the park.

What I wore: 

gray skater dress ASOS with silver glitter sneakers red accessories Avery bag and poppy scarf | awayfromblue

Rebecca Minkoff red micro Avery cross body bag | away from the blue

awayfromtheblue instagram | asos grey skater dress twil photo with red poppy print scarf
ScarfFashion Scarf Girl large poppy scarf in white (c/o)
DressAsos grey skater dress
Shoes: Kmart sparkly silver glitter sneakers
BagRebecca Minkoff red micro Avery cross body bag

Why I wore it:

This grey skater dress is a little worn piece in my wardrobe. In the past I've wondered why as it's always a nice piece to wear. Last worn over a year ago! Wearing it again reminded me I really should enjoy it more often, and not pass it over for more 'interesting' printed dresses.

They grey dress was a beautiful backdrop for the bold red poppy print scarf and mini Avery tote bag. Also was a nice length for walking around and playing at the playground with the boys. Being knee length I found it an okay length, even if I was a little more considerate with exactly how I crouched down to toddler level!

First time I've walked so far in these shoes - and I was really pleased they were so comfortable all day. There was a little rubbing right before we got home but I think that was because my sock slipped down. We decided to make the most of the beautiful weather and walk to a park a couple of Ks away, a little further than our usual park. The boys loved it though, it was such a nice day.


Last worn: red poppy print scarf, ASOS grey skater dress, glitter sneakers, Rebecca Minkoff mini Avery bag.

Other ways to wearpoppy print scarf and red tee, grey skater dress and purple scarf, glitter sneakers and green jeans, Rebecca Minkoff mini Avery bag and skinny jeans.

Perfect for pregnancygrey skater dress in second trimester.


Rebecca Minkoff Vs Balenciaga:



Showing you more of my Rebecca Minkoff and Balenciaga collection side by side and talking about the similarities and differences of each. Since they are the two brands most common in my handbag collection, I also share my favourite and why!




What I wore:

orange crinkle scarf with aztec print elasticated waist dress and white Converse Chucks silver mini MAC bag | away from blue

Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC bag | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram | park playdate outfit converse chucks aztec print dress and orange crinkle scarf
ScarfFashion Scarf Girl plain crinkle scarf in orange (c/o)
Dress: Rivers Aztec print dress
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC

Why I wore it:

Another lovely spring day, another morning at the park! Took the boys on a quick errand in the morning and then we walked to our local park to enjoy the sunshine. I love the spring days where it's warm enough to get out and get some fresh air but it's not so hot you're suffering!

I really liked the orange scarf with the Aztec print on this dress. The print wasn't as orange as I thought it would be when I was planning this outfit, but I felt the crinkles on the scarf still worked nicely with the lines in the print. I did consider adding a denim jacket to this as it was a little breezy in the morning, but I actually couldn't find it.  I had slipped off the hanger in my wardrobe, I found it later that evening. While there were a few moments during the day I felt a bit of a chill, with all of the walking and running around I was pretty warm and glad I hadn't found the jacket in time.

Picked my little silver Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC to wear with this outfit, as it felt quite busy with the bright scarf and printed dress. I loved how well it worked, it's one of those neutral bags that goes with everything. Most importantly, it slips inside the baby bag which I still carry even on trips to the park as who knows when the boys will find a puddle and I'll need that extra change of clothes!


Last worn: orange crinkle scarf, Aztec print dress, Converse, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC.

Other ways to wearorange crinkle scarf and navy dress, Aztec print dress at the beachConverse and pencil skirtRebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC and maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancyAztec print dress in second trimester, Converse in second trimester, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC in third trimester.



Dresses For Spring Under $50:





How You Can Wear It:

Spring weather is perfect for a simple outfit formula of sneakers and dresses. A bold bright scarf can be used to add an extra touch of colour to your outfit, and keep you warmer if the temperatures fluctuate through the day.



Linking up with Sunday Reflections, On Mondays We Link Up, Start The Week Stylish.



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Wednesday 10 October 2018

Mater Mothers' Hospitals Skin Care Review: For Mum And Baby

When I went to the Bloggers Brunch a few months ago, I had the opportunity to talk with some brands about collaborations, including Mater. You might have already seen my Mater nappies review. This time around, I'm reviewing their skin care range! They kindly sent me all four products to try out.


Mater Mothers' Hospitals Skin Care Range 4 products for mum and bubs | awayfromblue


Just like the nappies, the skin care range was developed by Mater midwives and mums! The products are all Australian made. They are specifically developed for sensitive skin with low irritant ingredients, dermatologically tested and do not have petrochemicals or added parabens. You don't need a newborn to enjoy them either, I've included some other uses in the review.

As a mum and find these products are perfect for our family. I also love that the proceeds from the sale of the Mater maternity and baby care products go to support Mater Little Miracles, helping fund life-saving care and research for Australian babies. Read on for the details about how you can use and how we have used each product.


Mater Body Balm For Pregnancy


Mater Body Balm for Pregnancy | away from the blue

No, this isn't an announcement post! I'm not pregnant! While this product is formulated to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, I think the ones I have gained over my pregnancies (that have been around for over 4 and a half years) might be a little too stubborn for this cream to have any effect! I still enjoyed using it though.

Uses:
  • During pregnancy to soften and replenish stretching skin
  • An all over intensive moisturising treatment (during, before, and after pregnancy)
  • As a light moisturiser in summer that quickly absorbs into skin without being greasy

It smells really nice - not overpowering at all. It is really moisturising and it made my hands feel softer right away. I have eczema on my hands but this soothed the skin and didn't make it react at all - possibly the oat extract helping there. It's a great all over moisturiser and one I'm going to continue to use even though I'm not pregnant. I found myself reaching for this over my regular moisturiser. This smells so much better!



Mater Baby Wash


Mater Baby Wash product review | awayfromblue

A soap free, no SLS cleanser. Developed for the sensitive skin of newborns, but suitable for older children and adults. Ideal for daily use, and can be applied to the skin like a shower gel or added to the bath to create bubbles.

Uses:
  • All-in-one wash for skin and scalp of babies
  • Anyone with sensitive skin who needs a soap free cleanser
  • Dogs who need a gentle soap free wash (yes, gentle enough to use on your fur-babies too!)

I love that this is soap free - having come across more than one baby wash that's irritated my eczema. This is so gentle, there are no issues to my skin when I fill up the bath with it. It creates plenty of bubbles despite the lack of SLS, as you can see from the photo above. It smells so good too, leaves a nice scent behind after a bath. So easy to dispense with the pump as well.



Mater Baby Moisturiser


mater mothers' hospitals baby moisturiser | awayfromtheblue

Extra mild moisturising lotion designed to protect against dryness and keep skin smooth. Full of wonderful emollients like the pregnancy body balm.

Uses:
  • After bath time to keep skin soft
  • For baby massage before bedtime
  • As a makeup remover

On my skin, I didn't like this product as much as the body balm for pregnancy above. On the kids it was perfect though. Nice and moisturising without feeling greasy, and smells beautiful. The pump makes it so easy to dispense the moisturiser while also trying to apply it to a wriggling toddler too. Such a good feature that parents of older kids will appreciate, I certainly did!



Mater Nappy Balm


mater nappy balm skin care product | away from the blue

The Mater nappy balm is unique in that it was formulated to closely replicate vernix! (That's the substance produced in the womb that coats and protects the baby, the 'waxy' white substance many are born with). Forms a protective barrier to repel wetness while also moisturising.

Uses:
  • as a protective nappy balm after changes
  • to soothe and heal irritated skin
  • as a spot treatment on mozzie bites or sunburn

I was really impressed with this product, particularly the tube packaging. It's really hygienic when you are changing multiple babies (as I was when I had 2 under 2!) and this would have come in very handy then. With the easy flip top to dispense it's a great one to have in your nappy bag, and will be a staple for us. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much, a nappy cream is a nappy cream right? This made such a difference and made changing nappies much faster. I am so glad I got to try it, has definitely replaced our usual go-to cream.



Don't just take my word for it! As you can see from all the stickers on the products, these have won multiple Mother & Baby and My Child awards. Definitely worth checking out. Their website has a full list of the ingredients in each product, along with the purpose of each, so you know exactly what you're getting.

Shop the range here: https://www.materbabyproducts.com.au/skin-care


Mater Mothers' Hospitals baby and mum skin care pack all 4 products reviewed | away from blue


Aren't the dogs cute? Even if the products aren't for you, you can get your own Miracle Max plush dog to show your support for Mater Little Miracles. The boys have been having so much fun with theirs!


Items in this post were provided to me for review purposes. As always: all thoughts, opinions and photographs are my own.


Linking up with Fabulous Friday, Weekend Blog Hop, Lizzie In Lace.



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Monday 8 October 2018

Ruffle Dresses In The Office: Printed And Plain with Purple Balenciaga Work

Like anyone with a large wardrobe, there are many different factors that come into play when picking what to wear. Mood, planned activities, weather... however the only reason I wore these dresses was because I saw them hanging in my wardrobe and realised I hadn't worn them in a while! They are sleeveless, but it was easy to layer them up for cold mornings.

While both of these dresses look different, they are exactly the same style with a ruffled neckline, sheer top layer with opaque lining, and an elasticated waist. Because one is printed and one is plain, they look like two completely different dresses.

What I wore:

camel trench, bleu louis vuitton monogram shawl, balenciaga work bag | away from blue

Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | away from the blue

office selfie leopard print ruffle dress grey cardigan | working mum style | away from blue

awayfromblue instagram cobalt Louis Vuitton scarf with animal print dress trench coat cold weather office outfit
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
EarringJeanswest Evy dangly earring
ScarfLouis Vuitton monogram shawl in bleu
DressJeanswest ruffle neckline animal print dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

While this dress does have a lot going on - it's a busy animal print, with a lot of ruffles on top - it never feels overpowering. The neutral colours make it really easy to accessorise. I went with some bright colours, picking the blue Louis Vuitton scarf and the purple Balenciaga work bag for another touch of colour.

While it is spring, when I wore this a few weeks ago it was still quite cold in the mornings, so my cosy trench coat and some fleece lined tights were much needed additions for my early morning commute.

As I wonder every time I wear this dress, I'm not sure why I don't wear it more often! It's a beautiful piece and got me a few compliments through the work day.


Last worn: camel trench, dangly earrings, Louis Vuitton shawl, animal print ruffle dress, Marc Jacobs ballet flats, Balenciaga purple work bag.

Other ways to wear: camel trench and burgundy pants, Louis Vuitton shawl and black pencil skirt outfit, animal print ruffle dress and blazer, Marc Jacobs ballet flats and sheath dress, Balenciaga purple work bag.

Perfect for pregnancy: camel trench in first trimesterprinted dress hiding 4 month baby bump.


What's In My Bag: Balenciaga Work Edition





What I wore:

berry pink ruffle detail dress with navy macintosh and bird print scarf, purple Balenciaga work | away from blue

slouchy purple Balenciaga work bag | away from the blue

awayfromtheblue instagram navy macintosh coat ruffle dress with purple balenciaga work bag
JacketJeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo
Scarf: navy bird print scarf
DressJeanswest deep pink ruffle neckline dress (updated version)
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

This dress is just as bold as the one in the first outfit, although it's due to the colour rather than the print. It's a lovely plain dress, a very berry toned pink so it looks more red here, but it looks more pink in other photos. I wouldn't ordinarily go with a purple bag for a red dress, but felt this reddish pink was pink enough that I could wear the combo. I've worn this dress with another purple bag before too.

The only downside to this outfit was that I realised on the way to work that the 'I think I've forgotten something' feeling I have most mornings I go to work was actually valid. I'd left my cardigan behind at home. Since we moved to 'hot desking' at work, I don't have a permanent desk or a desk drawer to stash a cardigan in and have to take one to work each day. I ended up taking my scarf off and tying it into a kind of kimono as I needed my shoulders covered for a few meetings. I figured a strange cover up was better than no cover up, plus the air con was particularly cold that day. It may also have felt colder because I was coming down with the bug the boys had.

So while I liked this outfit when I put it on in the morning, the lack of a cosy layer to cover up the sleeveless design and feeling a little unwell meant I wasn't too happy with it in the end!


Last worn: navy macintosh, bird print scarf, berry ruffle neckline dress, Walnut Melbourne flats, Balenciaga work bag (above).

Other ways to wearnavy macintosh and colourful pants, bird print scarf and stripes, berry ruffle neckline dress and LV speedy, Walnut Melbourne flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga work bag.

Perfect for pregnancyWalnut Melbourne flats in second trimester.



Ruffle Dresses Under $50:




How You Can Wear It:

Ruffle dresses are perfect for a business casual workplace. A bright colour or print makes it a fun change from a classic black pencil skirt. Just make sure to bring something to cover up with in meetings or to battle the office air-con, particularly if your dress is sleeveless like these 😂


Linking up with Trend Spin, Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, Style Sessions, Fashion Frenzy, Style On The Daily, Fashion Files, Chic and Stylish.


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