Wednesday 24 October 2018

Two Ways To Wear Navy: With Green Or Purple Skinny Jeans

Again, taking advantage of some cooler spring days with a bit of rain to layer up a little. It meant I could try layering my navy cardigan with my colourful jeans. While blue and green is a colour combination I've only recently started wearing, blue and purple is an old favourite. The navy waterfall cardigan was the perfect topper with both of these outfits, especially when paired with the navy Regan bag.

What I wore:

navy waterfall cardigan, green skinny jeans, printed tank and regan satchel | awayfromblue

Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon with green jeans | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram | green asos petite skinny jeans with navy waterfall cardigan, regan bag and printed tank
JacketJeanswest waterfall drape cardigan in navy night sky marle
Necklace: Kmart gold and navy beaded necklace
TankJeanswest Florence print long line tank
Jeans: thrifted ASOS petite green skinny jeans
Shoesslim gold Havaianas
BagRebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon

Why I wore it:

Bit of a busy day when I wore this! I had a few errands to run with the boys in the morning, after having a mobile tailor come over and hem a few pieces for me. I wore this out to watch Church Online at my friends place in the evening too.

You might remember me mentioning before that my normal tailor retired, so I was on the lookout for someone similar. I've tried the 'chain' stores in the shopping centres and been unhappy with the results and the price. MAMAS Mobile Alterations Mending and Sewing was recommended to me and I'm so glad. She came over, set up her machines and got to work on the little pile of alterations I had. In an hour she had fixed or altered 4 pieces for me, it worked out really cheaply as you pay for an hour instead of per item. Not sponsored, I just think it's an awesome service, especially as she didn't mind that I had the boys running around at home too!

Back to the outfit! I knew I wanted an extra layer in the morning and evening so picked this navy cardigan to wear with the green jeans - and I'm glad I did as I really loved this combination. It definitely wasn't needed during the day, but came in helpful running around the shopping centre aircon in the morning and it was nice to have in the evening too.


Last worn: navy waterfall cardigan, button up printed tank, green skinny jeans, gold Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff regan tote.

Other ways to wearnavy waterfall cardigan and little black dress, button up printed tank and flares, green skinny jeans and mustard cardigan, Rebecca Minkoff regan tote and wrap dress.

Perfect for pregnancybutton up printed tank in third trimester.


What's In My Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Regan Edition!







What I wore:

purple skinny jeans, gold and navy printed tank, waterfall cardigan wet spring day outfit | away from blue

purple skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon | away from the blue

Awayfromtheblue instagram | Wearing a navy cardigan with purple skinny jeans and aztec print gold tank
JacketJeanswest waterfall drape cardigan in navy night sky marle
Necklace: Lovisa gold filigree heart pendant
TankAtmos&Here 'Florida' tank in Aztec print
JeansJeanswest blackberry super skinny jeans
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats
BagRebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon

Why I wore it:

Since I loved the outfit combination above so much, it made sense to wear something similar again. You might remember I've worn these purple jeans and navy cardigan together before, I really like the combination of colours. I was looking up how many times I'd worn these jeans to see if I could get a 30 wears post together and I was surprised I hadn't worn this tank with the jeans before, I was sure I had. Gave me the idea to actually wear the combination together. I like the navy and gold with the purple jeans, and the navy in the printed tank tied in so nicely with the cardigan and the Rebecca Minkoff regan bag.

I wore this to take the boys to BrisBricks - a big lego exhibition in Brisbane. While I knew we'd be indoors and away from the rain, I thought the cardigan would be good in the aircon at the event. I was glad I'd worn this, after we got soaked walking from the carpark inside. 2 adults and 2 kids don't fit under one tiny umbrella! It was nice having it to keep me warm as I shivered in the hall - although how much of that was the air conditioning and how much of that was because we got wet outside I don't really know!


Last worn: navy waterfall cardigan (above), printed tank, purple skinny jeans, mouse flats, Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag (above).

Other ways to wearnavy waterfall cardigan worn two ways, printed tank and shorts, purple skinny jeans and kimono, gold mouse flats and pencil skirt, Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag and floral dress.

Perfect for pregnancyprinted tank in second trimester, purple skinny jeans in first trimester, metallic mouse flats in third trimester.


Navy Cardigans Under $50:



How You Can Wear It:

It's so easy to introduce another colour to your outfit by throwing a cardigan on top. Paired with bright jeans, or any other colourful item of clothing, it's a fun way to try some different colour combinations with your outfit. I've worn navy with purple and green here, but you could also try navy with pink or other neutrals like black, white or grey.


Linking up with Thursday Fashion Files, Fancy Friday, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, Friday Faves.



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Monday 22 October 2018

Printed Dresses For The Office With Colourful Scarves and Balenciaga Bags

When I'm feeling uninspired picking workwear I make things easy on myself and pull on a printed dress! While both of these dresses are different styles and prints, they solved my 'no idea what to wear' dilema by becoming instant, easy outfits. I added some bright scarves and Balenciaga bags and I was ready for the office!

What I wore:

fern print black dress, jersey blazer, ankle boots and colourful pink purple blue accessories spring office wear | awayfromblue

Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | awayfromblue

instagram awayfromtheblue black dress for the office with blue scarf, purple balenciaga work bag pink earrings
Jacketthrifted Zara black blazer
Earrings: Ana Luisa 'Olivia' tassel earrings in pink (giveaway prize)
ScarfLouis Vuitton monogram shawl in bleu
DressLeona Edmiston Jemima fern print dress
Shoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

I really liked the colours in this outfit, with pink blue and purple together. Not the first time I've worn that combination to the office. The pink statement earrings were won in a giveaway and I thought they worked perfectly with the pink fern print on the dress. Despite the earrings being gold and the hardware on the bag being silver, I think because they are far enough apart from each other the combination still works.

Originally when I'd put this together I had planned to wear my purple scarf, to match my purple bag. A text from my colleague the evening before reminding me we needed to wear blue that day made me pick this Louis Vuitton shawl instead. I adore this scarf so much, it's so cosy! As it's always cold in the office, I kept it on all day and matched the rest of the team wearing blue perfectly.

The ankle boots were a necessity with the cooler morning. Despite thinking the week before it was time to retire my tights, I was happy to have them this morning with the overcast and cooler day with lots of rain forecast.


Last worn: jersey blazer, Louis Vuitton shawl, Leona Edmiston dress, black ankle boots, Balenciaga Work Bag.

Other ways to wearjersey blazer and fit and flare dress, Louis Vuitton shawl with stripes, Leona Edmiston dress and grey accessories, black ankle boots worn 30 ways, Balenciaga Work Bag and skinny jeans.


Perfect for pregnancyjersey blazer in third trimester, Leona Edmiston dress in second trimester, black ankle boots in second trimester.




How To Pick Your First Balenciaga Bag:




My most popular YouTube video with over 74,000 views! Short and sweet talking you through some popular Balenciaga styles.




What I wore:

orange printed sheath dress black jersey blazer matching crinkle scarf balenciaga part time bag | away from the blue

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

awayfromblue instagram orange dress and scarf with black accessories tights spring work outfit
Jacketthrifted Zara black blazer
ScarfFashion Scarf Girl plain crinkle scarf in orange (c/o)
DressFrench Connection 'Woodblock wonder' panache dress in white/geranium rose
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
BagBalenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

A completely different look even though this follows the same outfit formula as the one above. I even wore the same blazer. I can't believe it's taken me this long to wear the orange crinkle scarf with this printed orange sheath dress, it's the perfect matchy-matchy layer!

With all of the colour in my scarf and outfit, I decided to go with neutral accessories this time, letting the scarf and dress be the touch of colour against all of the black. I really liked this outfit. You might recall me saying a few times I'm wary of wearing black with the orange dress as it reminds me of Halloween but I think it worked really well. When I was popping out to get lunch one of the sales people standing on the street complimented my outfit as I ran past shaking my head. Was nice of them to do that, but I was too busy to stop to see what they were selling!


Last worn: jersey blazer (above), orange crinkle scarf, orange sheath dress, black ballet flats, Balenciaga Part Time Bag.

Other ways to wearjersey blazer and a-line skirt, orange crinkle scarf and navy dress, orange sheath dress under a knit, black ballet flats and jeans, Balenciaga Part Time bag worn 30 ways.

Perfect for pregnancyjersey blazer at 39 weeks, orange sheath dress in first trimester, black ballet flats in second trimester, Balenciaga Part Time Bag in second trimester.



Printed Dresses For The Office Under $50:




How You Can Wear It:

Printed dresses are an easy and quick outfit to put together for the office. You can accessorise them with bright and colourful scarves. You could try using the scarf to introduce another bold colour to your outfit like the first pics, or by matching the scarf to a colour in the print of your dress like the last outfit.


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


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Saturday 20 October 2018

What's In My Bag: #ItsInTheBag Christmas Campaign Edition!

A what's in my bag post with a bit of a difference!

You might recall I mentioned a very inspiring and moving talk by Rochelle at the blogger's brunch a few months ago. Rochelle runs Share the Dignity, a charity that aims to provide women across Australia with access to sanitary products.

It's In The Bag is their Christmas campaign. Given my fondness for handbags, I had to share this with you.

What's In My Bag: Share The Dignity It's In The Bag Campaign Christmas 2018 | awayfromblue


Just grab one of your gently used bags you no longer need, or buy a new one, and fill it up to give to a woman or girl at need over Christmas. It's an impactful way you can help women who are homeless, at risk, or experiencing domestic violence. You fill it with new essentials like pads or tampons, other hygiene products, and little (non-food) treats to let a someone in need know they are being thought of at Christmas.

I shared the bag I chose to donate in the video below, along with what I filled it with and why!



The Gabi bag was an obvious choice! As I discussed in the video, it's my kind of bag with multiple ways you can wear it. I love bags you can wear multiple ways! Someone will be thrilled to get this at Christmas. (Checkout the video to see what it looks like worn).

Each of the handbags available for purchase on the site is named after one of the women who have been helped by the campaign. The Gabi bag is named because of a lovely lady who donated to the campaign in 2017. Gabi herself was homeless the year before and had benefited from the campaign, and she wanted to give back the next year.

Gabi's story is so inspiring and shows you that you don't need a large budget, just a large heart to get involved with the campaign.

Ways You Can Help:

  • Why not shop the share the dignity website to find some Christmas gifts? The majority of the bags and clutches are PU faux leather and vegan friendly, and all proceeds help fund the charity programs.
  • Share the campaign with your friends/family.
  • Start putting a bag together of your own to donate. See my tips below.



What Should You Include In Your Handbag Donation?

As well as the items you saw in the video, these are some helpful suggestions for things you could include.



Follow Share the Dignity on facebook for more ideas!

Tips:

  • Start buying now so that you can take advantage of sales and specials on products to make the most of your budget. 
  • Try Kmart or eBay for cheap but cheerful accessories, look out for specials on hygiene products at Priceline and don't forget you can pick up some extras with your weekly shop at Coles or Woolworths, both have a good selection of products and often sales.
  • You will be able to drop off your donation between 16th November and 2nd December 2018, so you have plenty of time to get shopping.

Have you donated to #ItsInTheBag before? What did or would you put in your bag?


Note: I was not paid for this post. As always: all thoughts, opinions and images are my own.


Linking up with Mummy Monday, Modest Monday, On Mondays We Link Up, Start The Week Stylish.



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Wednesday 17 October 2018

Purple Jeans, Stripe Tanks and Grey Cardis With Mini MAB Tote Bag

I love repeating outfits I've enjoyed before and just tweaking the formula slightly to make a new outfit. It's nice being able to group them together when I post too so you can get some different ideas of ways to wear things. There wasn't a lot of changing things up with these outfits though! I wore almost completely identical outfits. Striped tanks, grey cardigans, blue accessories and purple jeans with a little Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB Tote.

It seems a little strange for me to be posting these layered up outfits in October and the middle of spring, but on the early spring days I shared these the mornings were chilly enough for me to want layers. Even if the layers didn't stay on long!

What I wore:


windy spring style purple skinny jeans stripe tank mini MAB bag grey cardigan | away from blue

Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram | striped tank, grey cardi and purple jeans: Spring SAHM mothers group style
Jacket: Paper Scissors grey wrap cardigan
Necklace: silk beaded baby-friendly necklace
TankAtmos & Here Oregon stripe tank
JeansJeanswest blackberry super skinny jeans
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum

Why I wore it:

Wore this to head to our ABA mothers group catch up. Usually I just delete pics like this, but I thought it was a perfect representation of the day (and also because I spent much longer than usual battling the wind to try get an okay photo that morning before I gave up!). Coopers windblown face is just too funny not to share too 😂

While it was forecast to be a warm day, it was a cold morning, especially with the wind, and our catch up is in a church hall. Big and spacious, but also a little chilly! This light cardigan was the perfect layer over the striped tank and easy to take off when we ventured back outside in the afternoon. Now that scarves are not needed for warmth and are more of an optional accessory, it's good to wear my necklace collection again! This is a baby friendly one, perfect for sitting around chatting with mums and babies as I don't have to worry if a curious baby grabs it!


Last worn: grey cardigan, black striped tank, purple skinny jeans, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote.

Other ways to weargrey cardigan and skinny jeans, black striped tank and maxi skirt postpartum, purple skinny jeans and printed shirt, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote and maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancypurple skinny jeans in first trimester, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in third trimester.



What's In My Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote






What I wore:

grey maxi cardigan with bleu louis vuitton shawl stripe tank purple jeans | away from blue

Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum with faux fur pom pom charm | away from the blue

awayfromtheblue instagram purple skinny jeans maxi cardigan blue louis vuitton shawl
JacketJeanswest Alice longline Australian wool cardigan
ScarfLouis Vuitton monogram shawl in bleu
TankJeanswest 'Josie' striped back strap tank
JeansJeanswest blackberry super skinny jeans
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum

Why I wore it:

Almost the exact same outfit as the first one, just slightly warmer layers. With it being windy and a little chilly in the morning, I thought the cosy cardigan and big blanket scarf would be helpful when sitting outside with the boys at playgroup. I ended up taking the scarf off quite early in the day though. A wool scarf and a wool cardigan are just too much for a Brisbane spring!

It was actually our last session of playgroup. I was a little sad as we have been going there for over 3 and a half years. (First time we went here!) It's been shut down as the organisation that own the building feel it and the other services are no longer needed. They have found another space and organisation to run it which some of the mums will try going to, but for various reasons we can't attend in the new location.

It was sweet of the boys to give me lots of cuddles through the morning, and so sad saying goodbye. More for me than them, it's been such a constant, welcoming space for years for us, from one baby to 2 and I have so many happy memories. The big party we had was a nice way to say goodbye.


Last worn: wool cardigan, Louis Vuitton shawl, striped tank, purple skinny jeans (above), Converse, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote (above).

Other ways to wearwool cardigan and maxi dress, Louis Vuitton shawl with black and white, striped tank and pencil skirt, purple skinny jeans and ombre knit, Converse and denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote and maxi dress.

Perfect for pregnancystriped tank in second trimester, purple skinny jeans in first trimester, Converse in second trimester, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in second trimester.




Purple Jeans Under $50:





How You Can Wear It:

Colourful jeans are simple to wear when you pair them with neutral cardigans, and a striped tank is a great basic to add to any outfit! Light layers like scarves and cardigans are perfect for spring as you can wear them as needed. If you do want to add another colour into your outfit, I love blue and purple together.


Linking up with Style On The Daily, Oh Hey Girl, Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Weekend Wear, Fabulous Friday, Flashback Fashion, Lizzie In Lace, Friday Faves.



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Monday 15 October 2018

Textured Jackets, Grey Pencil Skirts and Rebecca Minkoff MAB Tote

When the weather warmed up a little it was good to leave my trench coats behind and wear some lighter jackets better suited to spring. As both of these jackets are textured I kept the rest of my outfit simple, with neutral shoes, a big navy tote and plain tops with grey pencil skirts.

What I wore:

jacquard blazer, navy boho blouse, grey jersey pencil skirt spring business casual outfit | awayfromblue

fashion scarf girl family tree print in blue tied on Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy bag | awayfromtheblue

awayfromtheblue instagram jacquard blazer grey jersey pencil skirt navy top and bag MAB tote
JacketJeanswest Cassandra jacquard jacket
ScarfFashion Scarf Girl Family tree scarf in blue and navy (c/o)
TopJeanswest chana long sleeve stud top in night sky navy
SkirtAtmos&Here grey marle jersey pencil skirt
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy

Why I wore it:

I knew that this light blue family tree print scarf would work really nicely with the navy blue blouse. I wasn't too happy with how it looked with the busy jacquard jacket though. I knew I'd appreciate the scarf in the cold office air con, so decided at the last minute to accessorise my bag a bit by knotting the scarf on it. I think the blue scarf worked just as nicely with the navy tote as it did with the navy blouse when I wore it to keep warm in the office.

With the metallic thread running through the jacket, the silver ballet flats were an obvious choice, I do like a bit of matchy matchy, with even the top and bag matching too.

This pencil skirt is a comfortable grey jersey I sometimes worry is a little too casual, but for a mostly quiet day with little face to face meetings it was perfect. And it doesn't look out of place when others in the office are wearing jeans!


Last worn: jacquard blazer, family tree scarfnavy studded blouse, grey jersey pencil skirt, silver ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote.

Other ways to wearjacquard blazer and jeans, family tree scarf and stripesnavy studded blouse worn two ways, grey jersey pencil skirt and Converse, silver ballet flats and purple pants, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote and sheath dress.


Perfect for pregnancyjacquard blazer in third trimester, grey jersey pencil skirt in third trimester, silver ballet flats in third trimester, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in first trimester.



More Ways To Accessorise A Bag:


Just like in the outfit above, you can change the look of your bags a little by accessorising them. I share tying a scarf on them and 5 other ways you can accessorise your handbags in this video:






What I wore:

monochrome spring office outfit boucle blazer black blouse grey skirt parrot print scarf | away from blue

Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy bag | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram | adding colour to a monochrome office outfit with navy bag parrot print scarf with boucle jacket
JacketJeanswest Dixie collarless jacket
ScarfFashion Scarf Girl parrot print scarf (c/o)
TopJeanswest 'Tilda' black shirt
SkirtAsos tailored tab front pencil skirt in grey
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy

Why I wore it:

Since I loved the plain top, textured jacket and grey pencil skirt combo, I tried it again the next time I was in the office. This time around, with the black boucle jacket and plain black top, I felt the outfit needed a bit of colour. I decided to wear this colourful parrot print scarf. Despite the busy texture of the jacket, I think the printed scarf worked well as the top of my outfit was all black, unlike the first outfit.

I really enjoyed wearing this - and the more formal fabric of the pencil skirt made me feel suitably attired for a couple of big meetings I had during the day. I was glad when the day was over though, it was such a busy afternoon, I even had to cancel lunch with hubby to get more work done.


Last worn: boucle jacket, parrot print scarf, black blouse, grey pencil skirt, black ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote (above).

Other ways to wearboucle jacket and a-line skirt, parrot print scarf and blue knit, black blouse and leopard print jeans, grey pencil skirt in winter, black ballet flats and jeans, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote and fit and flare dress.

Perfect for pregnancyboucle jacket in second trimester, black blouse in second trimester, grey pencil skirt in first trimester, black ballet flats in third trimester, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in third trimester.



Textured Jackets Under $50




How You Can Wear It:

Textured jackets are a nice alternative to a plain jacket and add some extra interest to your outfit. To keep things simple, you can wear them with plain, block colour pieces and let the jacket shine and be the statement part of your outfit. They work nicely in the office, fitting in with any dress code.


Linking up with Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, Style Sessions, Fashion Frenzy.



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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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