Monday 14 May 2018

Dressing Up Tees For The Office: Business Casual Style With Pencil Skirts and Blazers

The benefit of working in a business casual environment is that it's perfectly acceptable to wear a tee to work. It was a staple for casual Fridays for me (back when I worked 5 days a week) but I thought I'd give it a go again recently. With some heels, a pencil skirt and a blazer, I felt my tees were dressed up perfectly for my office - particularly when my boss is wearing jeans. I do have a very casual business casual office.

What I wore:

grey v-neck tee in office with cream blazer heels pencil skirt and purple balenciaga work bag | away from the blue

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

awayfromblue instagram | office outfit with grey tee jersey blazer pencil skirt and heels
Jacket:  Zara cream jersey blazer
Necklace: Lovisa wooden statement bead necklace
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in grey marl
SkirtAsos blue textured lace pencil skirt
ShoesWittner 'Mimi' heels in mushroom
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

I didn't like this outfit as much as I'd hoped. Last time I wore this cream blazer with grey I wasn't very impressed with the final outfit. I decided to try it again with a grey tee this time, one of my favourite grey pieces, so I was sure I'd love it. I really didn't like this combo though. It was a comment from Sheila that explained it to me: the grey tee is a cool neutral, the cream blazer a warm neutral, and they are both a similar intensity of colour, so they don't look great together.

It's definitely not going to be a combination I repeat again in a hurry. I did think about a bright necklace with this in the morning to add some more colour, and think that or a scarf would have helped. I thought the purple Balenciaga work bag would be bright enough but it really wasn't.

It was a really busy day at work though, so it flew by and I didn't have much time to question my outfit choices, other than to kick myself for not taking an extra minute or two to try something different when I looked in the mirror that morning before leaving the house! I forgot my lipstick and mascara that morning too - I think I was still half asleep for a while! 😂


Last worncream jersey blazergrey v-neck tee, ASOS lace pencil skirtmushroom heelsBalenciaga purple work bag.

Other ways to wearcream jersey blazer and a-line skirtgrey v-neck tee and kimono, ASOS lace pencil skirt, mushroom heels and flaresBalenciaga purple work bag and wrap dress.

Perfect for pregnancycream jersey blazer in second trimestergrey v-neck tee in second trimester, ASOS lace pencil skirt.



Review and Contents of the Balenciaga Work Bag






What I wore:

purple tee with statement necklace jacquard pencil skirt jersey blazer and Bal work | awayfromblue

purple raisin 2009 balenciaga work bag giant silver GSH hardware bag | purple tee with statement necklace jacquard pencil skirt jersey blazer and Bal work | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram lilac tee purple work bag jacquard pencil skirt blazer and heels
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in washed lilac

Why I wore it:

Was a little unsure about the lilac tee with the darker purple bag when I was planning this in my head, but I really liked this outfit! Unlike the outfit  above, I think this black blazer matched the outfit nicely, with the black texture on the skirt.

It's really interesting how even if you follow the same outfit formula you can have such different results with the outfits you create! Definitely shows me I still have lots to learn about style :)

What also helped I think was the bright colourful statement necklace to make me look more awake this time, as well as remembering to put my lipstick on! 😂


Last wornblack jersey blazerlilac v-neck teejacquard pencil skirtpatent heels, Balenciaga purple work bag (above).



V-Neck Tees Under $50:






How You Can Wear It:

A tee is one of those pieces you can easily dress up or down just by changing what you wear with it. If you have a more formal dress code these might be casual Friday only options for you. If you have a business casual environment like mine or aren't in a customer facing role then dressing up a casual tee for the office with a blazer, pencil skirt and heels could be a great mid-week outfit idea for you!


Linking up with On Mondays We Link Up, Turning Heads, On Trend, Style Sessions, Trend Spin, Confident Twosday.


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Friday 11 May 2018

Two Ways To Wear Rebecca Minkoff Ruana Poncho with Shorts: Adding Autumn Layers to Summer Outfits

When I stumbled across this Rebecca Minkoff knit poncho / kimono in the Shopbop sale I couldn't get it out of my head. I have no shortage of kimonos in my wardrobe, but it is different from any of the ones I already owned. From the fall/winter collection, it's a thick and cosy acrylic knit that I knew would be perfect for autumn or winter outfits when it gets too chilly to wear my thinner kimonos.

I hadn't planned to wear it with shorts, I was thinking of cooler temperatures and jeans! But it was good to take advantage of the cooler mornings and evenings in this mild Brisbane autumn and throw it on as an extra layer with my shorts.


What I wore:

 Rebecca Minkoff Ruana poncho in monochrome shorts and tee outfit print mixing with foil stripes | awayfromblue

tassel poncho and Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC | awayfromtheblue

Necklace: silver heart long pendant necklace
TeeJeanswest Anika foil stripe tee in white and silver
ShortJeanswest Sara distressed hot short
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC

Why I wore it:

Kept things simple this time I wore the kimono. As it was predicted to rain, I thought this would be perfect to keep cosy as we ran a few errands before and after our Australian Breastfeeding Association mothers group. Picked the Converse as a practical choice too, although we were lucky to get home just before the storms rolled in, the rain and thunder chased us home!

I was going to wear a colourful necklace with this, one of my baby-friendly teething ones, but decided at the last moment to keep things completely monochrome and went with a silver necklace to match the silver foil stripes on the tee and silver bag. I ended up having a conversation with a friend about how I might just stick to baby friendly necklaces for the group in future - this necklace got tugged on quite a few times, and that was just by my boys!

Usually I'll add a little colour to a monochrome outfit, but with the print mixing with the print on the kimono and the striped tee, I felt my outfit was busy enough. I really liked this outfit, and I'm looking forward to wearing this kimono more as the weather continues to cool in Brisbane.


Last worn: foil stripe tee, distressed denim shorts, Converse, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC.

Other ways to wearfoil stripe tee and olive short, distressed denim shorts in capsule wardrobe, Converse and swing dress, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC and purple jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: Converse in second trimester, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC in third trimester.


What I Bought Last Month:

(Including some action shots of me wearing the kimono in different ways)






What I wore:

Rebecca Minkoff Ruana poncho print mixing with mustard tank shorts autumn SAHM style | away from blue

silver bracelet stack, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold | away from the blue

awayfromblue print mixing Rebecca Minkoff Ruana poncho mustard and blue tank and shorts micro regan bag
JacketRebecca Minkoff Ruana poncho
Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
TankJeanswest Maya gather back tank in chartreuse
ShortsJeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold

Why I wore it:

This was a much more colourful outfit to wear with the black and white kimono. This had seemed like a great idea in my head, but I felt it was a little busy when I looked back at the photos. I did really like the mustard tank under the kimono though, I'm going to have to give that a try again.

Was a busy day with daycare drop off and pick up and working from home, but at the last minute Baby Boy's specialist appointment was postponed so that freed up the evening a little and gave me a little more time to do the daycare pickup and get dinner organised.

Although it's the first time I've worn the kimono with these pieces, I have worn the tank and shorts together before. I like wearing these blue shorts with yellow, so cheerful and colourful.


Last worn: Rebecca Minkoff kimono (above), mustard tank, blue printed shorts, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wearmustard tank in the office, blue printed shorts in monochrome outfit, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag and little black dress.



More Black and White Kimonos Under $50:



This poncho I'm wearing has just been added to the 75% off Rebecca Minkoff Online sample sale too!


How You Can Wear It:

Cosy knitted ponchos or kimonos make great layers when the weather starts to cool in autumn or when it hasn't warmed up enough in spring. A classic black and white one works just was well with a monochrome outfit as it does with a bold and colourful one, so it's easier to wear more often.


Linking up with Lizzie In Lace, Shoe & Tell, Hello Monday, Mix It Monday.


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Wednesday 9 May 2018

Long Sleeve Tops and Shorts with Rebecca Minkoff Neon Pink Mini MAC

While waiting for autumn weather to arrive in Brisbane, I tried to make my outfits a little more autumn-like by wearing longer sleeved tops with my shorts. It's a good option for a day that's not too warm, not too cold.

I didn't love both of these outfits the same though, even though they followed the same outfit formula and I carried the same neon pink Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC with them both.

What I wore:

blue and white embroidered blouse soft shorts outfit with neon pink mini MAC bag | awayfromblue

Blue printed shorts, OPI Koala bear-y polish, Rebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram neon pink mini MAC bag with blue soft printed shorts embroidered white blouse
BlouseJeanswest Elise longline embroidered shirt in coconut blue
ShortsJeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC
NailsOPI Koala Bear-y

Why I wore it:

After spending a few days in bed unwell, on Friday I felt like getting out of the house. I was lucky to have my mum help me with the boys. It was school holidays so we took them along to one of the free activities at the shopping centre, a dinosaur exhibit. They both loved it! By the end of the day though, I was exhausted and felt I'd pushed myself a little too far - had a cruisy weekend after that!

I was so sure I'd worn this embroidered top and the blue soft shorts together before. With them being blue and white, and loving a bit of matchy matchy, I was so sure I'd have already worn them together. I was surprised to look through the blog and find out I hadn't! I really liked the combination. In the cooler morning and air conditioning at the shopping centre, the longer length sleeves were perfect. Of course I couldn't resist adding a little pop of colour, so brought out my neon pink mini MAC bag again. It's been a little while between wears, so it was definitely overdue a wear.


Last worn: embroidered blouse, blue printed shorts, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff neon mini MAC.

Other ways to wearembroidered blouse and maxi skirt, blue printed shorts and star print tee, Rebecca Minkoff neon mini MAC and khaki tank.


My Rebecca Minkoff Handbag Collection

I have just a few mini MAC bags.... 😂






What I wore:

Grey long sleeve tee, Jeanswest Tessa olive embroidered shorts neon pink bag SAHM style | away from blue

olive shorts, neon pink rebecca minkoff mini MAC bag | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram | SAHM style long sleeve grey tee with olive embroidered shorts pink bag Cooper
NecklaceRoie Designs long freshwater pearl necklace with tassel
TopAtmos&Here grey Arizona zip tee
ShortsJeanswest Tessa olive embroidered shorts
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
BagRebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC
NailsOPI Koala Bear-y

Why I wore it:

Following the same outfit formula as the one above, picking a longer sleeved top and pairing it with my soft shorts. I didn't like this outfit as much as the one above. It was a relaxed day with a couple of errands so loose light layers seemed like a good idea in the morning. It was also unfortunately a very hot and humid day, and I was wishing I hadn't gone with such a warm top! It was the last touch of summer before the rain and cooler autumn weather arrived, 32 degrees (90 fahrenheit).

I did like the colours of this outfit though - I love grey and pink together, and have started to try wearing olive and pink together too. The neon mini MAC was such a fun splash of colour. And it was a perfectly comfortable outfit for sitting around playing with the boys after we ran all our errands.


Last worn: grey long sleeve top, olive embroidered shorts, studded sandals, neon mini MAC (above).

Other ways to weargrey long sleeve top and denim shorts, olive embroidered shorts and striped tee, studded sandals and navy dress, neon mini MAC and maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancygrey long sleeve top in first trimester, studded sandals in second trimester.



Soft Shorts Under $50:




How You Can Wear It:


Long sleeved tops and shorts work well together in spring or autumn where it's not warm enough to bare arms and legs at the same time. If it does heat up through the day, you can always push or roll the sleeves on your top up too.


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


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