Friday 3 January 2020

30 Ways To Wear: Gold Marc By Marc Jacobs Mouse Flats & 2019 Shopping Review, 2020 Budget

For this month's 30 ways to wear post I'm also sharing how my "spend less on fashion" year went in 2019, and my spending goals for 2020!


These little metallic Marc by Marc Jacobs mouse flats definitely deserve their own 30 wears post. It's not a style that's made any more, you can find some on eBay and other resale sites though. I bought them on sale back in 2013 for $166, and they've been worn 92 times since then. (So currently $1.80 per wear). I think I'm definitely getting my money's worth from them! While they are showing a little wear they are still very comfortable and wearable and I expect them to be around for a while yet. Even if they could do with a bit of a polish!


30 ways to wear metallic ballet flats Marc by Marc Jacobs mouse shoes | away from the blue blog


It's such a talking point when people realise I'm wearing little mouse shoes, they are too fun for me to ever think of giving them up, even if they are discontinued and the Marc by Marc Jacobs brand isn't around any more. I like to wear them whenever I know I'll be meeting new people as they are a cute conversation starter. The metallic gold goes with absolutely everything too, I had a hard time putting this 30 wears post together as I wear them with so many colours!

I decided to show you 34 outfits, with different styles of clothing I've worn these flats with rather than focusing on colour combinations to try. I hope it inspires you to try something different with a similar pair of flats you own - I find bold bright shoes tricky to wear but these fun novelty metallic gold ones are very versatile! Much more versatile that you'd expect from a pair of shoes with mouse ears and whiskers!



Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse Flats with Dresses


Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse Flats with Dresses 8 ways to wear | away from the blue


Ballet flats and a dress is a staple outfit for a hot day - and add a blazer, a more structured bag maybe, and it's perfect for the office! I had a hard time picking my fave dress and mouse flats outfits to share here as I have worn this outfit combo a lot!


Metallic Gold Ballet Flats with Skirts


Metallic Gold Ballet Flats with Skirts 8 outfit ideas | awayfromblue blog


Of course just as I wear my mouse flats to the office with dresses, I like to wear them with pencil skirts too, another work staple for me! You can match the metallic flats to something else gold in our your outfit, like how I've matched the necklaces or gold hardware on the bags in most of these outfits. They can also be worn on their own, like in the first outfit, where the only gold touch is the ballet flats.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse Flats with Jeans


Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse Flats with Jeans ways to wear metallic flats 8 ideas | awayfromtheblue


Simple mum style for a busy day with the kids - ballet flats and jeans! I like how printed, flared or colourful jeans all work as well with these shoes as much as skinny jeans do. Being metallic, I also feel they dress up the stay at home mum outfits a little more thank classic black ballet flats. My kids love that the shoes have little ears and whiskers too!


Gold Mouse Flats in Pregnancy


marc by marc jacobs mouse flats in pregnancy 4 outfit ideas | away from blue blog


While my pregnancies with the boys both ended with massive heatwaves and my feet swelled up massively with the heat and humidity, there were some days in pregnancy (second trimester and early third trimester) when I could still wear these shoes. I think the elasticated sections helped them stretch out a little, and they were still comfortable to wear.  It's not always possible to wear the same pair of shoes all 40 weeks of pregnancy, but I love looking back at my baby bump pics and seeing how I could still wear my pre-pregnancy pieces, even if they were just accessories!



Where to Buy Marc By Marc Jacobs Mouse Flats:







Similar Posts in the 30 Wears Series:





2019 Fashion Spend and 2020 Budget


Last year I set a simple goal, I wanted to spend less on fashion than I had the year before. In 2017 I spent $1,696.53, in 2018 I met that goal and only spent $1,014.44.

For 2019, I also met that goal and only spent $633.18 on fashion over the year (this includes a $158.99 gift card spend). For 2018, I'd spent $664.44 without gift cards and so I'm pleased to see I spent less than that in 2019 even with gift card spend included.

I had an average spend of $52.27 a month which is pretty good (my average spend in 2018 was $84.54 a month). Despite spending less, I bought more in 2019, with 43 items for the year so average of $14.72 each. Most of my gift card spend went to house things which is why I don't have a nice round figure for gift card spend on fashion.


How I spent less:


  • We had our big Europe trip at the start of the year as well as the move into our house when the build was finished.
  • We had a few things in mind to buy for the new house which reduced my budget, and I used most of the gift cards I got for Christmas (stores like Kmart and David Jones) on things for our new house.
  • I usually spend a lot in the January sales, but with the house build going on, studying for a big exam and saving for our Europe trip my mind was occupied with other things!
  • I focused on the 30 wear series more and on rewearing what I had instead of frequently buying new.
  • I shopped in the opshops more frequently and in high street stores less and although I couldn't resist all the sales I used my gift cards as much as possible when I did shop in the big shopping centres.
  • I had the 2018 previous spend figure of $1,014.44 in mind when spending anything on fashion to keep me on track, and I noted down my spend each month to know where I stood.


2020 Budget:


For this new year, I'd love to spend less on fashion than I did in 2019. $633.18 is a pretty low figure for me and one I'm very impressed with, but I'm not sure I could meet that again! I'm going to try meet that figure, but give myself a $1,000 budget similar to what I had in 2019 and I'll see how I go with spending less than that this year. If I can get less than $633.18 I'll be really impressed, but under $1,000, similar to the budget I had last year, and I'll be happy.

What's your fashion budget for this year?




Note: This post, like all my posts, was written and scheduled in advance. I had to add this note in though given the horrible situation unfolding in Australia, especially with it looking bleaker every day. So soon after my last note, once again the country is consumed with bushfires. We are safe from the bushfires, as are our family and friends for now.




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Wednesday 1 January 2020

Casual Summer Mum Style: V-Neck Tees and Striped Maxi Skirts

Happy new year! Kicking off the new year with how I intend to continue, in casual and comfortable mum style (even if I wore these back in December!). Two simple mum outfits for summer days with the kids - pairing some colourful v-neck tees with striped maxi skirts for easy outfits on hot days!

What I wore:

mustard tee with navy stripe maxi skirt rebecca minkoff mab bag summer mum style | awayfromblue

navy grey stripe maxi skirt with  Rebecca Minkoff MAB Camera Bag in almond | awayfromtheblue

awayfromtheblue Instagram | summer mum playground outfit striped maxi skirt mustard tee rebecca minkoff mab camera bag
NecklaceZuriCollections blue polymer clay necklace
Tee: Big W mustard v-neck tee
Skirt: thrifted Cotton On navy and grey striped maxi skirt
Shoesslim gold Havaianas
BagRebecca Minkoff MAB Camera Bag in almond

Why I wore it:

I really like yellow and blue together, and I've worn this mustard tee with another navy striped maxi skirt recently. I love stripes! Thought it was a nice colourful outfit choice for a day with the boys - stopping at the park for a bit of a play before the heat sent us home again!

We spent the afternoon wrapping a few Christmas pressies and chilling in the aircon. It was such a hot day, skirt and a tee was the only thing I felt like wearing. I like how easily a maxi skirt works at the playground too, you don't need to worry about the length when running around with the kids or pushing them on the swings!

With the bright mustard yellow and nay blue, thought that this neutral tan Rebecca Minkoff MAB camera bag was a good choice.


Last worn: mustard tee, beaded necklace, navy stripe maxi skirt, gold Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff MAB camera bag.

Other ways to wearmustard tee worn two ways, navy stripe maxi skirt and denim jacket, Rebecca Minkoff MAB camera bag and jeans.


What's In My Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB Camera Bag










What I wore:

church and shopping outfit purple tee pinstripe maxi skirt tan rebecca minkoff camera bag studded sandals | away from blue

pinstripe maxi skirt and Rebecca Minkoff MAB Camera Bag in almond | away from the blue

awayfromblue Instagram | summer lilac tee striped maxi skirt and camera bag outfit for church shopping
Necklace: blush pink and gold beaded tassel necklace
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in washed lilac
Skirt: thrifted pinstripe maxi skirt
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush
BagRebecca Minkoff MAB Camera Bag in almond

Why I wore it:

Another v-neck tee and maxi skirt outfit! Again, wearing a striped skirt although this pinstripe doesn't show up well in pics and the skirt just looks grey. I really liked the lilac tee with it, it's nice with the grey.

Added a little extra colour to my outfit with this blush tassel necklace, I like pink and purple together too and I felt it dressed up my casual outfit a little more for church and then lunch and an afternoon shopping with my mum. Was so good to spend time together, even if it was a little crazy trying to get a car park as it was December! Was so nice getting time to decorate the house later too, it was our first Christmas in our new house so I was very excited and kept wanting to buy more decorations.

I think the studded sandals helped dress up this outfit a little more too, as I'd just worn my casual Havaianas in the first outfit. Although not quite as colourful as the first outfit, I thought the Rebecca Minkoff MAB camera bag was a good companion with this outfit too - it goes with everything!


Last worn: purple tee, tassel necklace, pinstripe maxi skirt, gladiator sandals, Rebecca Minkoff MAB camera bag (above).

Other ways to wearpurple tee in the office, pinstripe maxi skirt and scarf, gladiator sandals worn 30 ways, Rebecca Minkoff MAB camera bag and floral dress.

Perfect for pregnancypurple tee in second trimester.



Striped maxi Skirts Under $50:





How You Can Wear It:

A maxi skirt is a great piece to have in your mum wardrobe! The perfect length for running around with and bending down to toddlers all day, and still looks and feels a little more pulled together to go to church or a lunch date! Worn with a simple colourful tee it's an easy outfit choice for a hot summer day.



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Monday 30 December 2019

Weekday wear link up: Printed Tanks and Grey Pencil Skirts With Chloe Paddington Bag

My last post and Weekday Wear Linkup for the year. So exciting, I can't believe I've been running the linkup for almost a year (and blogging for 8 years!). Thank you so much to everyone who links up! Hope you have a very happy new year!


For my last week at work before the Christmas break I dressed down a little more than usual. I ditched my usual office staple of a blazer and just wore these plain grey pencil skirts with some striped tanks. I did have a cardigan at my desk to combat the cold office aircon and provide shoulder coverage for meetings, but otherwise these outfits felt pretty dressed down.

Maybe it was the Christmas decorations in the office, the summer heat, the casually dressed shorts wearing teammates or the fact that I had 3 weeks of leave lined up over Christmas and New Years - I just wanted something simple and easy for my last couple of days!

What I wore:

casual summer office outfit brushstroke stripe tank jersey pencil skirt chloe paddington bag | awayfromblue

bracelet stack with Ferragamo and Chloe Paddington in 2007 Brun | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue Instagram | casual summer office outfit striped tank jersey pencil skirt chloe paddington bag
Necklace: Lovisa wooden statement bead necklace
TankJeanswest 'Hannah' print tank in paradise pink multi
SkirtAtmos&Here grey marle jersey pencil skirt
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Ferragamo double wrap bracelet
BagChloe Paddington in 2007 Brun

Why I wore it:

Felt like this tank was overdue a wear - the red/coral brushstroke stripes seemed a little festive without being overly so and it's such a colourful choice to brighten up this grey jersey pencil skirt a bit. Decided to go very matchy-matchy with the rest of my accessories, using the brown Chloe Paddington bag as my inspiration. The gold mouse flats matched the gold padlock, and the Ferragamo wrap bracelet and the wooden beaded statement necklace both have brown and gold in them.

I really liked this outfit, simple for a hot day in the office!


Last worn: brushstroke stripe tank, wooden statement necklace, jersey pencil skirt, gold mouse flats, Chloe Paddington bag.

Other ways to wearbrushstroke stripe tank and maxi skirtjersey pencil skirt worn 2 ways, gold mouse flats and jeans, Chloe Paddington bag and ruffle dress.

Perfect for pregnancybrushstroke stripe tank in second trimester, jersey pencil skirt in third trimester, gold mouse flats in third trimester, Chloe Paddington bag in second trimester.


Story Behind My First Designer Bag: Chloe Paddington










What I wore:

green necklace with striped tank grey pencil skirt summer heatwave office outfit chloe paddington bag | away from blue

silver and gold mixed metal bracelet stack with brown chloe paddington bag | away from the blue

awayfromtheblue Instagram | striped tank grey pencil skirt summer heatwave office outfit green necklace chloe paddington bag
NecklaceStarfish Project Hannah turquoise bead necklace
TankJeanswest 'Josie' striped back strap tank
SkirtAsos tailored tab front pencil skirt in grey
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats
Bracelets: the usual plus gold leaf cuff from my sister's wardrobe
BagChloe Paddington in 2007 Brun

Why I wore it:

This outfit felt even more casual than the first one. This is a pretty casual striped tank, but oh-so comfortable to wear! I paired it with a dressier pencil skirt but still felt very dressed down. As I mentioned above, we usually have a relaxation of the office dress code in the summer heat and with others wearing shorts to work, I didn't feel out of place.

I thought the green necklace was a little festive touch with this! I was going to wear a pair of red earrings as well but decided not to at the last minute. I did add this pretty gold leaf cuff on to my bracelet stack though, a piece my sister no longer wanted but I was happy to pick up! I should have worn it on my other wrist, it didn't sit well with my silver bracelets, but I wasn't sure how it would go on my other arm, my mouse hand. It was a day at the computer tidying up all my tasks and handing things over to others if they couldn't be resolved before I left, and didn't want the cuff getting in the way each time I used the mouse.


Last worn: striped tank, green beaded necklace, grey pencil skirt, black ballet flats, Chloe Paddington bag (above).

Other ways to wearstriped tank and shorts, grey pencil skirt and peplum tank, black ballet flats and floral dress, Chloe Paddington bag and jeans.

Perfect for pregnancystriped tank at 37 weeks, grey pencil skirt in second trimester, black ballet flats in second trimester, Chloe Paddington bag in second trimester.



Striped Tanks Under $50:




How You Can Wear It:

A striped tank looks just as good with a pencil skirt as it does with denim! Both of these tanks are worn on my days with the boys and in the office - they are a great double duty piece. If your office doesn't dress down over the Christmas break, or if it's on a more formal side, you can easily throw a blazer over these outfits to make them a little more presentable.



Weekday Wear Linkup #51


Welcome to the Weekday Wear linkup! A linkup for you to share your weekday outfits - whether that is office wear or stay at home mum wear - if you wore it on a weekday, you can link it up!

Guidelines:
1. Please link to a specific outfit post, not your blog homepage.
2. Link back to this post so others can find the link up.
3. Follow your host Away From The Blue on BloglovinInstagramTwitterFacebook or YouTube.
4. Add up to two posts and be sure to visit and comment on as many other posts as possible to get some weekday outfit inspiration!
Optional: tweet the post you linked up with the hashtag #weekdayWearLinkUp so I can retweet!


Subscribe for The Weekday Wear Linkup reminder emails




Linking up with Confident Twosday, Trend Spin, Thursday Moda, Chic and Stylish.



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