Showing posts with label kimono. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kimono. Show all posts

Wednesday 14 February 2018

Denim Shorts, Summer Layers and Rebecca Minkoff MAM Bag

Happy Valentine's Day! Sharing two un-Valentine's Day like outfits, although one does have a little pink in it!

With Brisbane's summer heart, shorts and a tank are a good way to dress. It's easy to add a little summer layer to them though for more colour, as I've done with each of the outfits below.

What I wore:

summer print mixing outfit navy kimono stripe tank black distressed denim shorts | away from blue

Jeanswest Jeanswest Sara distressed hot short, Rebecca Minkoff MAM soft grey | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram Jamie jeanswest printed kimono pattern mixing stripe tank denim shorts
Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
TankAtmos & Here Oregon stripe tank
ShortsJeanswest Sara distressed hot short
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

Wore this to go to an appointment in the morning. I wanted something easy to wear and it has been a while since I've worn these denim shorts. I was going to wear a different printed tank, but then I saw the kimono and realised that it would look great with stripes. Last time I wore this kimono I tried a little print mixing too. I liked this combination and felt that it looked good, but got a few side eyes when we went out for lunch so maybe it wasn't the best choice. I was happy in it though, and that's all that matters!

Was a really comfortable outfit, with a very practical bag. I had to juggle the baby bag, my handbag and the toddlers, so I appreciated the cross body strap on my Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag as well as the fact that it held everything I needed in it.


Last worn: blue printed kimono, black striped tank, distressed denim shorts, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag.

Other ways to wearblue printed kimono and printed shorts, black striped tank in winter, distressed denim shorts in 5 piece wardrobe capsule, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag worn 30 wears.

Perfect for pregnancy: Rebecca Minkoff MAM and maternity pencil skirt.








What I wore:

summer layer denim shorts pink sleeveless jacket vest outfit statement necklace RM MAM bag | awayfromblue

silver bracelet stack and Rebecca Minkoff soft grey slouchy morning after mini MAB MAM bag

awayfromblue instagram pink vest bermuda denim shorts Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag
JacketJeanswest Peri drape sleeveless jacket (on sale!)
Necklace: gifted Lovisa wooden statement bead necklace
TankJeanswest Brianna basque hem tank
ShortsJeanswest Trinity Bermuda denim shorts (on sale!)
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
BagRebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

Another appointment, going to see the specialist for a checkup for Baby Boy. As I liked the outfit I'd worn above the day before, I wore a similar outfit the next day. A plain black tank this time, with longer bermuda denim shorts and instead of a kimono I added the pink vest. I'd been thinking about wearing my pink blazer again, after seeing Lorna wearing hers so well, but it was a bit warm for that so I went with this pink vest instead.

Again I wore my Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag, it's such a good bag with the boys as the cross body strap makes it so easy to wear. I added this fun wooden statement necklace I got for Christmas too, it looks nice against the plain black tank. As the specialist's office is full of toys I didn't have to worry about wearing a teething necklace to entertain the boys. It's nice to wear non-silicone necklaces sometimes!


Last worn: pink vest, black tank, bermuda denim shorts, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini (above).

Other ways to wearpink vest and printed jeans, black tank and printed shorts, bermuda denim shorts worn two ways, studded sandals and little black dress, Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini and blue dresses.

Perfect for pregnancy: studded sandals in third trimester, Rebecca Minkoff MAM and maternity jeans.







How You Can Wear It:

Add some colour to a denim shorts and tank outfit in summer with an extra layer. Kimonos and lightweight vests don't overheat you, but add a fun touch to your outfit.



Linking up with Wardrobe Wednesday, What I Wore, Style On The Daily, Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion.




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Wednesday 31 January 2018

Soft Shorts and Printed Kimonos with Black Tanks

When people asked what to get me for Christmas, I suggested kimonos and necklaces, and was lucky to receive the beautiful ones I'm wearing here. Kimonos are the perfect layer with soft shorts for Brisbane's summer heat, especially when paired with the new necklaces that I got too!

What I wore:

The Kindness Kimono 'Dream Catch Me' print olive shorts black tank and bag | away from blue

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

awayfromblue Instagram | Jeanswest Tessa olive embroidered shorts, printed kindness kimono black tank, Balenciaga part time bag
Jacket: gifted The Kindness Kimono 'Dream Catch Me' print
Necklace: gifted Zatini red pendant necklace
TankFrench Connection feather foil singlet
ShortsJeanswest Tessa olive embroidered shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagBalenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

When I unwrapped this Kindness Collective kimono, I thought of these olive shorts right away. A black tank, bag and Havaianas made sense with the black in the print too. I really loved this outfit! It gave me the chance to wear another new piece, this lovely red necklace I also got for Christmas.

My mother in law got me this kimono and was so excited to tell me about the good it does too. Every kindness kimono purchased donates a reusable sanitary kit to help keep girls at school and women at work, and the kimonos are made from remnant fabrics.

It was another day for hubby and I to get things done as we ran around fitting in some errands after a swim, while the boys spent some time with their grandparents. I managed to film some YouTube videos too, a very productive day. I have such a hard time trying to find a quiet time to film them when the boys are in the house, and it's so rare to be at home without the boys! I really want to try more videos this year, so recording a few was helpful.


Last worn: metallic tank, olive embroidered shorts, Havaianas, Balenciaga part time bag. First time I've worn the kimono as it's a recent addition to my wardrobe.

Other ways to wearmetallic tank and printed shorts, olive embroidered shorts and florals, Balenciaga part time bag and dress in winter

Perfect for pregnancy: Balenciaga part time bag in second trimester


Soft Shorts Under $50:







What I wore:

print mixing jeanswest jasmine kimono soft shorts Rebecca Minkoff regan bag with guitar strap | awayfromblue

Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon with Rebecca Minkoff Crystal Star Shoulder Guitar strap | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram | print mixing attempt navy kimono black tank and soft shorts summer style
Jacket: gifted Jeanswest Jamie printed kimono
Necklace: gifted silver ball multi chain long necklace
Top: Jeanswest Brianna basque hem tank (new purchase)
ShortsJeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon with Rebecca Minkoff Crystal Star Shoulder Guitar strap

Why I wore it:

I bought this Rebecca Minkoff guitar strap and the Regan satchel bag together, so it was only a matter of time before I added the strap to the bag. I really liked the combination.

This combination of printed shorts and kimono together I'm not too sure about though! I wanted to wear both with the new black tank I picked up in the Jeanswest sale with one of my Christmas gift cards. I'd debated them in front of the mirror as I was trying to pick which one to wear and thought that as they are such similar shades of blue, they might look okay in the same outfit. While hubby was unimpressed, I decided to give the combo a try anyway. I don't think I'll be rushing to repeat this print mix, but I'm pleased I tried something new.

Another day of trying to get things done, with another YouTube video filmed despite facing memory card and camera battery issues - it wasn't as productive a day as I'd hoped, ha! Included the video I filmed below. You'll recognise the outfit, although I took the kimono off at home.





Last worn: blue printed shorts, Havaianas (above), Rebecca Minkoff guitar strap, Rebecca Minkoff Regan tote. First time I've worn the black tank and navy kimono as they are recent additions to my wardrobe.

Other ways to wearblue printed shorts and ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff guitar strap on Love bag, Rebecca Minkoff Regan tote and tee dress





Printed Kimonos Under $50:





How You Can Wear It:


Soft, relaxed fit shorts and loose voluminous kimonos are the perfect light layers for a hot summer day. You can keep things neutral with blacks and olives, or try something different and wear another print with your kimonos. Wondering how versatile a printed kimono could really be? 30 ways to wear a floral kimono!


Linking up with What I Wore, Style on the Daily, Thursday Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday.


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Wednesday 24 January 2018

Shein White Crochet Trim Kimono, Monochrome Printed Shorts Outfits

A while back Shein asked me to pick a few pieces for another collaboration. I picked out a navy swing dress as well as this white crochet trim kimono. I love my printed kimono collection, but wanted something a little more plain to pair with some of my printed shorts for summer.

What I wore:

Shein white crochet kimono with grey tank black Jeanswest parker printed shorts monochrome summer outfit LV neverfull | away from blue

jeanswest parker printed shorts, Louis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram monochrome printed shorts summer outfit with Shein lace trimmed crochet inset white kimono


awayfromblue instagram detail shot of Shein lace trimmed crochet inset white kimono
Necklace: Lovisa gold filigree heart pendant
TankCotton On 'eternity' tank in charcoal marle
ShortsJeanswest Parker printed shirred short
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bracelets: the usual Lovisa rose gold beaded bracelet stack
BagLouis Vuitton MM damier azur neverfull

Why I wore it:

This was supposed to be a quiet day at home with the boys, but ended up with us getting their grandparents to babysit at the last moment as I had to go into the city with hubby in the morning. I am so very thankful that we live nearby to our parents, they help us so much.

I took the chance to wear a proper necklace instead of a teething one for a change! The rose gold heart matches nicely to my rose gold bracelet stack. The first time I wore these shorts I paired them with a bright tank, but when I bought them I was thinking about wearing them with greys for a monochromatic kind of outfit. I've worn the shorts with grey tees before, but I really liked this fitted grey tank. Even if it took me a while to accept my post baby bulge in tight clothes at first!

First time I've worn this kimono, so I thought I'd share my thoughts on it. As mentioned above, it came free from Shein. It actually arrived super quickly via courier, which I wasn't expecting. It did however arrive completely crushed, as expected! Nothing a quick wash and couldn't sort out. This kimono is an air-dry only one, no ironing needed, which is a bonus. Threw it in the washing machine and left it to air dry.

In terms of quality, it had a couple of loose threads I had to cut before I wore it, but no more have appeared since, even after the wash. I like the crochet detail, it was quite popular on Instagram too. The pretty detail on the back is definitely the best thing about it, I don't have any kimonos like that. Even with the detail on the back and the crochet trim, it's so easy to wear as it's a neutral white that goes with everything. Great if you have printed shorts like these that might be tricky to pair with printed kimonos. Pleased to have added it to my summer wardrobe.


Last worn: grey tank, Parker printed shorts, studded sandals, Louis Vuitton neverfull. First time I've worn the kimono as it's a new arrival.

Other ways to weargrey tank and Paisley skirt, Parker printed shorts and turquoise tank, studded sandals and little black dress, Louis Vuitton neverfull at the beach.

Perfect for pregnancy: grey tank in third trimester, studded sandals in second trimester, Louis Vuitton neverfull at 38 weeks.



Printed Shorts Under $50:







What I wore:

shein crochet trim white kimono with monochrome navy printed shorts outfit Rebecca Minkoff love bag | awayfromblue

Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet stack, Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram navy monochrome printed shorts outfit white kimono RM love bag
JacketShein lace trimmed crochet inset white kimono C/O
NecklaceNibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Tank: Kmart navy ribbed tank
ShortsJeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey with Rebecca Minkoff Crystal Star Shoulder Guitar strap

Why I wore it:

Squinting like crazy in these pics! I'd gotten excited when the sun was behind a cloud, setup the camera and tripod and then just as I went to take the pics the sun popped out again, ha!

As the previous day (above) hadn't gone according to plan, we fitted more Christmas fun into this day. We spend the morning in the pool as it was so hot, and then baked some Christmas tree brownies in the afternoon, before taking a walk around the local Christmas lights in the evening. It feels strange to be writing about Christmas so close to the end of January, but I've been so behind with blogging pics!

I've worn the navy tank and printed shorts together before, it's a combination I really like. With the white in the print on the shorts I thought the white kimono was a good layer to tie it all together really nicely.


Last worn: crochet trim kimono (above), navy tank, printed shorts, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff guitar strap, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag.

Other ways to wearnavy tank and yellow accessories, printed shorts and floral kimono, Rebecca Minkoff guitar strap and red and Green Christmas outfit, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag and maxi dress.

Perfect for pregnancyRebecca Minkoff Love bag in second trimester.



White Kimonos Under $50:






How You Can Wear It:


A kimono is a fun light layer to add to summer outfits, to get the benefits of a complete piece on your outfit without overheating. If you have a lot of printed pieces in your wardrobe, consider a block colour kimono in a neutral shade like this white one. It doesn't have to be boring though, even with a neutral colour you can get fun details like lace, crochet or tseels to add a little more interest to your kimono and outfit.




Did You Know: I have a YouTube Channel! Full of pregnancy style ideas, handbag reviews and ways to wear inspo, along with a lot of what's in my bag videos: Away From The Blue YouTube.


Linking up with Oh Hey Girl, Style on the Daily, What I Wore, Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Passion for Fashion.


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Friday 22 December 2017

Print Mixing: Floral Kimono With Stripes and Polka Dots Foil Print Tees

I love this floral kimono, and I've been wearing it a little more than usual lately to meet a challenge I set myself at the start of the year to wear more pieces in my wardrobe 30 times.

As I recently got two new foil print tees, I took the chance to wear it with them for a little bit of print mixing: floral with stripes and polka dots. It helped me hit 30 wears of the kimono too!



What I wore:

Somedays Lovin Yakuza print kimono mixing stripe foil jeanswest tee denim shorts | away from the blue

denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey with silver hardware | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram summer shorts outfit print mixing foil stripe tee floral kimono
JacketSomedays Lovin' Yakuza print kimono
TeeJeanswest Anika foil stripe tee in white and silver
ShortsJeanswest Sara distressed hot short
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
BagRebecca Minkoff Love cross body bag in grey

Why I wore it:

I've worn this floral kimono with stripes before - stripes are my go-to for print mixing as they really go with everything! When I got this striped tee in the Jeanswest sale I knew I'd wear it with this kimono, i think the grey of the kimono and the silver foil stripes go together nicely. With the busy print mixing on top, I stuck with a neutral pair of shorts on the bottom - another Jeanswest sale purchase! I continued on the grey and silver theme with the grey Rebecca Minkoff love bag with silver hardware. I really liked how this outfit came together, perfect for a quiet Saturday running a few errands.


Last worn: floral kimono, black denim shorts, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag. First time I've worn the striped tee on the blog as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wearfloral kimono worn 30 ways, stripe tee, black denim shorts and burgundy tee, studded sandals and denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag and boho dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: kimono and maxi skirt in second trimesterstudded sandals in second trimester, Rebecca Minkoff Love bag in third trimester.



Floral Kimonos Under $50:








What I wore:

print mixing summer outfit polka dot gold foil tee floral kimono Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan | awayfromblue

Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram print mixing polka dot navy foil tee black shorts floral kimono
JacketSomedays Lovin' Yakuza print kimono
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
TeeJeanswest Flavia foil printed polka dot tee deep iris
ShortsJeanswest Sara distressed hot short
Shoesslim gold Havaianas
BagRebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold
NailsOPI Fire Escape Rendezvous

Why I wore it:

Once again I'm realising I've worn this tee to my Australian Breastfeeding Association group - it gets worn there quite a lot, haha! I wore this to a topic I'd really been looking forward to - we had a first aid presentation from St John's ambulance. When Toddler T was little, I'd gone to a first aid course for babies and felt quite confident with everything baby first aid related.
A few months ago, when Baby Boy fell ill, everything went out the window and I panicked. I barely remembered what to do and had to ask the 000 operator to tell me each step to do as my mind was blank. Instinct kicked in and I did a few things but couldn't remember what to do next, it was scary. It wasn't until we were out of the ambulance and in the hospital when we were asked if we had done a first aid course that it all came flooding back to me, and I started remembering what we'd been taught.

I asked the presenter to cover the topic again for me and it was nice to know I'd done the right thing calling the ambulance. I picked up some other useful tips and advice from her too, that I hope I'll never have to put into practice!

Outfit-wise, I thought the polka dots and floral print was something very different for me. I don't have a lot of polka dot pieces in my wardrobe. Really liked this combo though - I think the gold foil polka dots on the tee work just as well with the floral kimono as the silver stripes on the tee above. And the mustard yellow micro Regan bag is a nice combination with the yellow on the kimono as well as the navy tee. I've worn this tee and bag together before.

I usually do a purchase review after wearing everything I buy twice. The goal is to learn what works and doesn't in my wardrobe, so I make wiser purchasing decisions in the future.

I love these shorts (even if this is the fourth wear, I forgot to do the review earlier). I already had a couple pairs of black shorts, but I got rid of them as I was worried they were too short. These are still short shorts, but slightly longer than the ones I had before, and still just as comfortable (perhaps even more so!). A classic pair of black shorts is essential for Brisbane summers, I'm really pleased I bought these, and thankful for the Christmas gift card I used to buy them!


Last worn: floral kimono (above), polka dot tee, black denim shorts (above), gold Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wearfloral kimono and chambray dress, polka dot tee and mustard cardigan, black denim shorts and a dress, gold Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag worn 30 ways.

Perfect for pregnancy: floral kimono and maternity shorts.




Foil Print Tees Under $50:








How You Can Wear It:


You don't have to stick with neutral basic pieces when wearing colourful printed kimonos. Stripes and polka dots are fun to try print mixing with. If you're unsure, picking similarly coloured pieces like the silver stripes and grey kimono is a good way to go, and keeping it simple with just two prints and having the rest of your outfit plain makes it easy. The benefit of having one of your pieces being a printed kimono is that if you are unsure when leaving the house and later change your mind, you can easily take that layer off!


Linking up with Fabulous Friday, Fab Favourites, Trend Spin.


I hope that you have a very merry Christmas and enjoy spending time with your friends and family on Monday as we reflect on the greatest gift of all, God sending Jesus.


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Friday 15 December 2017

Capsule Wardrobe - 5 Outfits, 5 Days! International Style Challenge with Black and Burgundy

My blog friend Ruth does these 5x5 style challenges on Instagram. Another blog friend, Eileen and I started talking with her about it and thought it would be fun to participate. We decided to do an international style challenge a couple of weeks ago near the end of November.

The rules: 5 pieces of clothing to create 5 outfits over 5 days, with a black and burgundy colour scheme. Accessories like shoes, necklaces, scarves, handbags, outerwear, can be added as needed and don't count as one of the 5 pieces.

Who took part: Ruth @ruthyannie, Eileen @eileensed and myself, @awayfromblue. Ruth did this over autumn in the cold weather, and Eileen had to dress a growing baby bump too! I have so much admiration for them both!

This is going to be a bit of a long post as I share with you what we wore over 5 days! I hope you'll get a lot of outfit inspiration from it though, and discover some new ways you can rewear pieces you already own.

5 outfits 5 days, 5x5 International Style Challenge capsule wardrobe 5 outfits 5 days, 5x5 International Style Challenge capsule wardrobe | awayfromtheblue

My Capsule Wardrobe

After a few last minute swaps and changes, these are the 5 pieces I came up with for the challenge.
  • black drawstring waist maxi skirt
  • black denim shorts
  • burgundy jersey dress
  • black, burgundy and cream shirt dress
  • burgundy slouchy tee





My choices were limited by the colour scheme which helped me make decisions about what to pick as my 5 pieces. The last time I did a capsule, it was my third trimester capsule wardrobe and the growing bump helped limit my options there too! I did have to go into the office for one day which made me pick the shirt dress, even if the print is more red than burgundy. I figured it was close enough!

The main worry I had was around structuring the pieces I wore to allow me to have them washed and ironed ready for the next wear With two messy toddlers it was highly unlikely I was going to be able to wear things twice in a row without washing them! In the end I came up with 6 outfit ideas so that if something wasn't ready in time, I'd have a fall back option.

What I wore - Day 1


 5 outfits, 5 days outfit 1 burgundy tee black drawstring waist maxi skirt for playgroup | awayfromblue

Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC | awayfromtheblue

awayfromtheblue instagram international style challenge 5 outfits 5 days day1
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
TeeZalora Basics maroon stepped t-shirt
SkirtJeanswest Luxe jersey maxi skirt
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC

Why I wore it:

For the first day of the challenge I went with a classic tee and maxi skirt combo. When I'd first started planning outfits and pieces for the challenge I'd went with a different burgundy tee, and changed my mind and swapped it for this tee instead. I didn't like the way this one sat with the maxi skirt though, I was a bit frustrated with it both tucked and untucked and wasn't as comfortable with this outfit as I could have been. Easy outfit for playgroup though.


Last worn: burgundy tee, black maxi skirtblack ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: burgundy tee and navy kimono, black maxi skirt in autumn, black ballet flats and pencil skirt, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC and printed jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: burgundy tee in first trimester, black ballet flats and maternity wrap dress, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC and maternity shorts.

What Ruth Wore - Day 1:


A post shared by ruthyannie (@ruthyannie) on


What Eileen Wore - Day 1:


A post shared by Eileen (@eileensed) on






What I wore - Day 2

5 outfits 5 days day 2 atmos&here nigella printed shirt dress | away from the blue

Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown | away from the blue

awayfromtheblue instagram printed shirt dress marc jacobs fran bag
NecklaceRoie Designs pearl and antique gold long necklace
DressAtmos&Here Nigella collarless shirt dress
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
BagMarc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

This was as 'formal' as my outfits got during the challenge, the majority of them were casual outfits. I had to go into the office, so picked this shirt dress to fit in with the business casual dress code. I found myself fussing with this outfit too during the day though, the dress seemed to ride up a lot and I was constantly tugging it back down. I much prefer wearing this dress as a kimono, or layering it up with tights in winter.

I knew with the darker black and red print on the dress (it's a geometric print although it looks like polka dots in the pics!) that this Marc Jacobs bag would work perfectly with it. This bag doesn't get worn as often as it did when I first got it, but it's still a nice choice for work. It's been tagged in 62 posts on the blog and most of the time it featured in both outfits of the posts, so you can see it was worn a lot in the past! Such a unique colour too, a deep purple-y brown.


Last worn: geometric print shift dress, black ankle boots, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag.

Other ways to weargeometric print shift dress layered for winter, 30 ways to wear black ankle boots, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag and maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancyblack ankle boots and pregnancy announcement, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag at 40 weeks pregnant.



What Ruth Wore - Day 2:


A post shared by ruthyannie (@ruthyannie) on


What Eileen Wore - Day 2:

A post shared by Eileen (@eileensed) on







What I wore - Day 3

5 outfits 5 days international style challenge 3 burgundy dress black mimco bag ankle boots | awayfromblue

Mimco black button bag | away from the blue blog

awayfromtheblue instagram international style challenge 5x5 5 outfits 5 days outfit burgundy dress
NecklaceZanele 40 handmade rope necklace
DressFrench Connection star dancing jersey dress in red rust/almond
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
Bag: Mimco black button bag

Why I wore it:

The simplest of all my challenge outfits, and also the most popular. I wore this to work from home and attend a specialist appointment with baby boy in the afternoon. With the burgundy star print dress, I added black through my accessories, with the same ankle boots I'd worn the day before and another little worn bag, my Mimco button bag.

This was actually my first expensive bag purchase, despite how little I wear it now I'm never going to let it go. I spent months thinking about it and saving for it and picking out the perfect colour combo I wanted and I still remember the excitement of going to the store to pick it up! Very treasured even if not frequently worn now. I think I bought it in 2007 at the height of the button bag trend, still looks great. Sadly it's discontinued, the closest thing is the Mimco Turnlock bag that's around $200 more expensive than the button bag was 10 or so years ago, or to go to ebay for the classic style.


Last worn: burgundy star print dress, black ankle boots (above, day 2), Mimco button bag.

Other ways to wearburgundy star print dress in third trimester, black ankle boots and skinny jeans, Mimco button bag for the office.

Perfect for pregnancyburgundy star print dress for travel in Melbourne, black ankle boots in second trimester.



What Ruth Wore - Day 3:


A post shared by ruthyannie (@ruthyannie) on


What Eileen Wore - Day 3:

A post shared by Eileen (@eileensed) on





What I wore - Day 4

5 outfits 5 days day 5 medical appointment Christmas shopping burgundy tee shorts dress as kimono | awayfromblue

Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold | away from the blue

awayfromtheblue isntagram 5x5 international style challenge 4 burgundy black shorts dress as kimono
JacketAtmos&Here Nigella collarless shirt dress (worn as a kimono)
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
TeeZalora Basics maroon stepped t-shirt
ShortsJeanswest Sara distressed hot short
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
BagRebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold

Why I wore it:

An incredibly busy day called for a comfortable and casual outfit, and the first wearing of the last of my 5 pieces, my black denim shorts. Added the comfy slouchy burgundy tee and the printed dress was worn as a kimono. Converse were a practical choice for a busy day, and the mustard yellow bag was a fun touch of colour with the black and burgundy.

Baby boy had some more tests at the hospital in the morning, so I had the day off. With my mother in law available to watch the boys, as it was a day I normally work, I made the most of it and she looked after them both once the testing was done so I could gt a rare child free afternoon to go Christmas shopping. And I shopped up a storm, getting the majority of the things remaining on my Christmas present list!

Last worn: shirt dress as a kimono (day 2), burgundy tee (day 1), black denim shorts, Converse, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wearshirt dress and ankle boots, burgundy tee and skinny jeans, black denim shorts and stripes, Converse and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff mustard micro Regan bag and red maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: burgundy tee in first trimesterConverse in the second trimester.


What Ruth Wore - Day 4:

A post shared by ruthyannie (@ruthyannie) on


What Eileen Wore - Day 4:

A post shared by Eileen (@eileensed) on



What I wore - Day 5

5 outfit 5 days final day burgundy dress worn as top with black denim shorts turquoise accessories | awayfromtheblue

Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather | away from the blue

awayfromtheblue instagram | burgundy jersey dress worn as a top with denim shorts 5x5 style challenge
Necklace: Turquoise and gold beaded necklace from my mum's wardrobe
DressFrench Connection star dancing jersey dress in red rust/almond (worn as a top)
ShortsJeanswest Sara distressed hot short
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather

Why I wore it:

For my fifth and final outfit with my 5 pieces, I wore my denim shorts again and the lovely burgundy dress as a top. I added turquoise accessories with the necklace and Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag for an extra touch of colour. I've won dresses as tops before, it's a nice way to wear something a little differently. The extra dress fabric wasn't too bulky although it was a bit of a pain tucking it in to the shorts every time I went to the bathroom! I had considered doubling up on the dresses and wearing the shift dress as a kimono over this again, but despite how little time I spent with the boys the day before it still got messy and had to have a wash. That was the hardest part of this challenge - making sure everything was washed and ironed in time to wear again!

This was a nice outfit to finish the challenge on, I ran around with the boys completing a few errands.


Last worn: burgundy star print dress (above, day 3), black denim shorts (above, day 4), Havaianas, aquamarine mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wear: burgundy dress layered for winter, black shorts and polka dots, aqua mini MAC bag and maxi dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: burgundy dress and second trimester bump, aqua mini MAC bag and maternity shorts.



What Ruth Wore - Day 5:


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What Eileen Wore - Day 5:


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Hope you enjoyed seeing the different outfits we were able to create for the challenge. While it was a fun challenge for me, I was looking forward to getting back into my regular wardrobe at the end of it! Especially after buying lots of new pieces that month that I was eager to wear.

Thanks so much to Ruth and Eileen for inviting me to take part - if you don't already, you should follow them on Instagram!


Linking up with Passion for Fashion, Mix It Monday, Hello Monday, On Mondays We Link Up.


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