Friday 11 August 2017

Winter Maxi Skirts, Knits and Red Saddle Bag

I love my maxi skirts, even in winter. An easy way to make them winter-appropriate is by adding a cosy knit jumper. My bright handbags are another thing I wear often in winter too, I don't think you need to reserve brighter bags for summer wear.

What I wore:

monochrome blue maxi skirt knit winter outfit with red accessories saddle bag | Away From Blue

blue knit and chambray with red Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag | Away From The Blue
Jumper: Valleygirl blue knit jumper
SkirtNoisy May long denim maxi skirt
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
BagRebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red (on sale in blue!)

Why I wore it:

I decided to wear this knit because as I said in my previous post, I'm trying to wear through more of my winter things before the cold weather disappears. I thought this jumper would look nice in a monochrome outfit with my chambray maxi skirt.

It was a very cold day when I wore this to playgroup though. As we'd have to be outside, I added a few extra layers. A long sleeve top under my jumper, and some leggings under my maxi skirt. The chambray isn't the thickest material to keep me cosy in winter, but the leggings underneath worked perfectly for our time spent at the playground outside.

I've worn red and blue together before and liked the combo, so the red skull scarf and saddle bag seemed like a nice touch with all of the blue.


Last worn: cobalt marle knit, red skull scarf, chambray maxi skirt, white Converse, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag.

Other ways to wearcobalt marle knit and pencil skirt, red skull scarf and striped dress, chambray maxi skirt in summer, Converse and printed dress, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag and printed kimono.

Perfect for pregnancy: red skull scarf in second trimester, Converse and maternity denim shorts.


Colourful Knits Under $50:








What I wore:

Wildfox Couture rainbow dreamer Lennon distressed knit, striped maxi skirt | AwayFromBlue

striped skirt, Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red | AwayFromTheBlue
JumperWildfox Couture rainbow dreamer Lennon distressed knit (from my bestie's wardrobe)
Skirt: Target black and white striped maxi skirt
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bracelets: the usual
BagRebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red (on sale in pink!)

Why I wore it:

First time I wore this knit I didn't manage to get a blog photo, although I did share a pic on my insta stories. My friend very generously let me have this Wildfox Couture jumper when she had a wardrobe clearout last year. It took a while for the weather to be cool enough to wear it again.

It's a very comfy knit, and it's got a lot of distressing on it. So much so that when I shared it on Insta stories people asked if Cooper had gotten to it, ha! The first time around I found that the rips were a little inconvenient with a toddler, he kept grabbing at them.

This time around I rolled up the sleeves and tucked the jumper in a little to keep the distressing out of the way, and found it a lot more kid-friendly. I wore this to work from home and do the daycare drop off/pickup so it limited the amount of time the boys could tug on it too 😂

Will try pick a fairly kid free day for the next time I wear this jumper too. It's too cosy and pretty to leave in a box until next winter when the boys are bigger and less grabby.


Last worn: striped maxi skirt, Converse, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag (above). First time I've worn this rainbow knit on the blog.

Other ways to wearstriped maxi skirt worn 30 ways, Converse and printed shirt dress, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag and denim shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: stripe maxi skirt and graphic tee in third trimester, Converse for a weekend away in second trimester.



Maxi Skirts Under $50:










How You Can Wear It:


Maxi skirts can be layered up and worn year round. You can add a colourful and cosy knit to be weather appropriate. If it's a really cold day or you plan on being outside a lot, you can add hidden layers with a long sleeve tee or even leggings underneath. I'm wearing Converse in these outfits but ankle boots are another option to keep your feet cosy.

Make these outfits work for breastfeeding by layering a breastfeeding singlet under and just lifting the jumper to feed.


Linking up with Friday Faves, Friday Favourites, Passion for Fashion, Shoe & Tell, Mix It Monday, On Monday We Link Up, Hello Monday, Modest Monday, Mummy Monday.



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Wednesday 9 August 2017

Stripe Henleys in Neutral Outfits with Colourful Pink and Purple Accessories

I unpacked all my winter stuff months ago, but even with my #6MonthsWithoutShopping and #noBuyJuly17 and no new things in my wardrobe, I still have winter pieces unworn. Part of this is due to not having a lot of space in my wardrobe and some of my winter things having to go into one of the boy's rooms where I forget to look when picking out things to wear. I've been making more of an effort lately to wear some of my long sleeved winter tops.

The same outfit formula was used to wear each of the striped henley tops below, but I think the outfits look quite different! Striped henley, monochrome jeans and cardigan and colourful scarf and bag is easy winter stay at home mum style.


What I wore:

magenta accessories with striped henley and monochrome black outfit Converse winter | AwayFromBlue

Magenta accessories with stripes and black cardigan: Balenciaga Day bag | AwayFromTheBlue
ScarfAlexander McQueen magenta skull scarf in roses print
Top: Jeanswest 'Marina' stripe henley
JeansNobody Denim Siren skinny super high-rise jeans in power black denim (C/O, on sale!)
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
BagBalenciaga Day bag in 2005 magenta (20% off with code 'REAL')


Why I wore it:

You can tell that this scarf has been sitting unworn in a storage box for a while as it's so crumpled! I probably should have ironed it, but I barely have time to iron my clothes (#mumLife!) so accessories are probably never going to get ironed! 😂

I liked the addition of the magenta Balenciaga bag and skull scarf together with the black and white - really made the outfit more colourful and cheerful.

Wore this for a little bit of a busy day - had my local ABA group meeting in the morning, then lunch, a quick shopping trip and a doctors appointment. The shopping trip was very special! It was back when I was still doing my #6MonthsWithoutShopping, but as I've shared previously, I was treated to a pair of jeans! Thanks to a special someone doing the $5 challenge and deciding to surprise people with the money they saved. I went into Jeanswest 'just for a look' and found the perfect grey jeans to replace my old pair.

The $5 challenge is where you save all the $5 notes you get as change for the year. Even as someone who doesn't use cash often, they saved a lot! I think I'll give it a go next year!


Last worn: black wrap cardigan, magenta skull scarf, navy stripe henley, Nobody Denim jeansConverse, Balenciaga magenta day bag

Other ways to wearblack wrap cardigan and flares, magenta skull scarf and grey tee, navy stripe henley and maxi skirt, Nobody Denim jeans and ankle bootsConverse and printed dresses, Balenciaga magenta day bag and printed jeans

Perfect for pregnancy: black cardigan and hiding an early baby bump, skull scarf and plaid shirt in first trimester, stripe henley for an obstetrician appointment, Converse for a weekend trip in the second trimestermagenta day in the office in third trimester.



Striped Henleys Under $50:








What I wore:

pink scarf and magenta bag with casual monochrome grey skinny jeans outfit winter | Away From Blue

grey wool cardigan and skinny jeans, Balenciaga Day bag in 2005 magenta | Away From The Blue
ScarfAlexander McQueen pink pashmina in skull and floral print
TopJeanswest 'Melanie' Stripe henley in black/coconut
JeansJeanswest Cecile dove grey skinny jeans (on sale, 25% off!)
Shoes: Purple high top Converse look-a-likes (from my sister's wardrobe)
BagBalenciaga Day bag in 2005 magenta (20% off with code 'REAL')


Why I wore it:

These are the wonderful jeans I was treated to as part of the $5 challenge - I was surprised to see them in store as I'd been wanting a pair of grey jeans to replace my old ones, and actually had just finished a phone call with my sister asking if she had any grey jeans from her massive wardrobe clearout!

The purple Converse-like high tops I'm wearing are from my sister's wardrobe clearout. I've always wondered if I should add a colourful pair of Converse to my shoe collection, given how much my black and white Chucks are worn, but never been sure what colour to add. This made the decision for me, perfect! I like the purple shoes with the pink skull scarf and magenta bag. Just the right amount of colour for a grey outfit, and perfect for a morning at playgroup.

Last time I wore this scarf I wore it with this striped top too, I really like the combination!


Last worn: wool cardigan, neon pink skull scarf, grey stripe henley, grey skinny jeans, magenta Balenciaga day bag (above). First time I've worn the shoes as they are a recent addition from my sister's wardrobe to mine!

Other ways to wearwool cardigan and flared jeans, neon pink skull scarf and chambray dress, stripe henley in the office, grey skinny jeans with animal print, magenta Balenciaga day bag and graphic tee.

Perfect for pregnancy: stripe henley in first trimester, skull scarf in third trimester, magenta Balenciaga bag and novelty pregnancy tees.



Pink and Magenta Skull Scarves Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:


Bright accessories aren't just for summer! Don't be afraid to add a little (or a lot!) of colour to a winter outfit with a bright scarf, bag or even shoes. Neutral outfits are so easy to wear in winter as you know all the pieces look good together. Adding a bright accessory or two really pops against the neutrals and is a quick and simple way to add a little colour to all your grey or black layers.


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



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Monday 7 August 2017

Monochrome Winter Office Outfits: Pencil Skirts and Matching Knits

Returning to work in winter has meant I not only get to wear my neglected pencil skirts that were packed away in pregnancy, but also some of my winter knits I haven't seen in a while! I had a little fun trying to create monochrome outfits, even if one of the outfits wasn't my first choice for what to wear.

What I wore:

monochrome winter office outfit with blue accessories grey beaded jumper pencil skirt | AwayFromBlue

beaded jumper, pencil skirt Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy | AwayFrom The Blue
ScarfMarc by Marc Jacobs bright blue stole
KnitWarehouse grey bead front jumper
SkirtAsos tailored tab front pencil skirt in grey
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs silver tuxedo flats
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale in pinkor in white)

Why I wore it:

To help make things easier with my return to work, I've gone back to laying out what I want to wear for work the night before. I used to do this a lot before kids came along - now I usually plan it out in my head before falling asleep. Despite a tough and tiring day, I decided to actually try on what I'd set out the night before, and I'm glad I did. Although it's 16 months post-baby, the fixed waist zipped pencil skirt I wanted to wear still didn't fit! ðŸ˜‚

It had always been a bit of a snug fit and my diastasis recti wasn't helping the situation. I was able to take the time to find something else that fit, this lovely pencil skirt. Hooray for elasticated waists! Still managed to achieve a monochrome look liked I'd first planned by picking this lovely grey beaded knit to wear with it. Not a bad outfit, one that looks quite nice in the photos actually, just not what my first choice had been!


Last worn: navy mac, cobalt scarf, beaded jumper, grey pencil skirt, silver ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote.

Other ways to wearnavy mac and striped dress, cobalt scarf and maxi skirt, beaded jumper and skinny jeans, grey pencil skirt and floral cami in summer, silver ballet flats and purple jeans, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote and plaid shirt.


Perfect for pregnancy: embellished jumper in first trimester, grey pencil skirt and hidden 20 week baby bumpRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote and wrap dress in third trimester.


Knits Under $50 for a Business Casual Office:







What I wore:

monochrome blue winter office outfit cobalt knit lace pencil skirt Rebecca MInkoff MAB Tote | Away From Blue

Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy | Away From The Blue
Necklace: Eye Candy LA 'Sasha' statement necklace
Jumper: blue Mossman knit jumper
SkirtAsos blue textured lace pencil skirt
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale in pinkor in white)

Why I wore it:

Unlike the outfit above, this planned outfit worked perfectly. This pencil skirt is stretchy and has an elasticated waist - it worked quite far into my pregnancies too!

No scarf with this outfit so I took the chance to wear my favourite statement necklace. I didn't need the scarf as it was supposed to get up to summer temperatures in the middle of the day. I did however need the cosy knit to keep me warm on my very early morning commute. I'm usually up and out the door early, but had to leave just as the sun was starting to rise, which is the reason for the colours being slightly off in the photo. You can see the lights still on behind me in the dark! Thankfully my camera copes okay with low light settings and the photo doesn't look too bad. I also got to see a beautiful sunrise while waiting for the train, so a pretty good morning overall.


Last worn: navy mac (above) cobalt knit, lace pencil skirt, black ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote (above).

Other ways to wearnavy mac and burgundy dress, cobalt knit and teal maxi dress, lace pencil skirt worn casually, black ballet flats with blush and olive, Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote and printed dresses.

Perfect for pregnancy: cobalt knit in early first trimester, lace pencil skirt and third trimester bumpballet flats in third trimesterRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote and wrap dress in third trimester.



Elasticated Waist Pencil Skirts for Work Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:


If you're unsure how to wear your pencil skirts to the office in winter, add some cosy tights (mine are fleece-lined!) and a matching knit. It's an easy, monochrome outfit that will keep you warm. If your office dress code is more formal or corporate, it's easy to layer a button up shirt under your knit and take your jumper off when you reach your desk.


One final thing: I'm thrilled my latest office wear post for World Breastfeeding Week was selected for Links A La Mode! 😃

Links à la Mode, August 3rd
SPONSOR: Shopbop Vince, KORAL ACTIVEWEAR, Etre Cecile, Alpha Industries, Maggie Marilyn, NUDE, Patent Pumps, Plaid Pants, Mini Bucket Bags, Men's Club Monaco



Linking up with Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, Style Sessions, Wardrobe Wednesday, Style On The Daily.


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