Friday 10 April 2015

Casual Denim Shorts Outfits - Stay At Home Mum Style

While I am back at work, I still have some days to spend with baby T, so I am getting to enjoy the more casual stay at home mum style outfits a little longer. Despite it being autumn, it's still quite warm in Brisbane and shorts and a tee is a good go-to. One day I tried to dress that casual outfit combination up a little, and the other I just kept it easy and simple.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with reaching for the same thing every day, parent or not. Some days just getting out of pyjamas is something to be celebrated, no matter what you've pulled on. And some days you don't have the time, energy or reason to wear anything other than PJs. I just want to try new things now and then and break away from the fail-safe outfits, wear more of what I have in my wardrobe instead of reaching for the same things over and over. Thank you for following along with my little journey! Hopefully you find something interesting or relevant or inspiring, just as I do reading other blogs.

What I wore:

Blush Pink Boyfriend Blazer graphic tee shorts acne pistol boots LV Speedy B

Away From Blue Handbag Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere
SunglassesRayban new Wayfarers
JacketJeanswest Nadine 3/4 Sleeve dusky pink blazer
Top: gifted Monsterthreads star print graphic tee
ShortsJeanswest denim cuff shorts
BootsAcne pistol boots in "skin"
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere (with Coach feather bag charm)

Why I wore it:

Another awesome Monster threads tee from my bestie! She got me one a couple years ago with a cute cat dog print on it. I actually got this tee for Christmas! I was doing a monthly style challenge on instagram in December so couldn't wear it right away, and then did another style challenge in January. This tee didn't fit any of the challenge prompts so I put it in my wardrobe to wear later...and it got lost in between all the other tees I have! I 'found' it again one day and knew I had to wear it. Isn't it cute?

This was a slightly more dressed up version of a comfortable casual jeans and tee outfit. I went out with DH and baby T to baby's favourite indoor playground. As it was a little cooler, I wanted to wear my blazer. And you have to wear socks to run around inside the ball pit and things, so closed in shoes were needed. I thought Pistol boots were a slightly more dressy option than Converse. I like wearing these shorts and boots together.

I have to say I really liked this outfit. I was a little unsure about the first two outfits with this new blazer, but I love it here. I wouldn't change a single thing about this outfit. I was really happy with how it turned out, and pleased at how quickly I could put my shoes on again after baby T had enough of playing and was ready for to go home for a nap - I just had to zip up my boots, no fiddling with laces!


Last worn: Ray-ban wayfarersblush pink blazer, denim shorts, Acne Pistol bootsLouis Vuitton Speedy bandouliere bag.

Other ways to wear: pastel pink blazer with a dress, wearing denim shorts in cooler weather, pistol boots with a dress.







What I wore:

casual grey tee and shorts wardrobe detox SAHM outfit LV Speedy B

Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus necklace in pop
TopAtmos&Here grey v-neck tee with rolled sleeves
ShortsJeanswest printed denim shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere (with Coach feather bag charm)

Why I wore it:

In contrast to the outfit above, this is a plain and simple shorts and tee outfit. No modifications necessary. This is what I wore a few days after the outfit above, for my wardrobe detox with the personal stylist. I figured I'd need to wear something comfortable and easy to try clothes on with. As you can see I took it off and on a lot - got very creased. I wore the teething necklace just in case baby T got grouchy and needed to be kept amused as we sorted through my wardrobe. He ended up preferring the stylist's necklace over mine though, poor Maudie probably has some tiny teeth marks in her beautiful wooden statement necklace now!

This was good for running errands afterwards too - had to pop out to the post office to start my closet cleanout that I have on ebay. The majority of the things I have listed were things we decided just weren't doing any good for me any more during the detox. It was nice to get some more space in my wardrobe!


Last worn: grey tee, printed shorts, Havaianas, Louis Vuitton speedy B (above).

Other ways to wear: grey tee with a maxi skirtdressing up denim shorts, speedy B with a maxi skirt.





Linking up with Fab Favourites, Passion 4 Fashion, Fashion Friday, Mix It Up, Fashion Cache Friday, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Shoe & Tell, Let It Shine today.



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Wednesday 8 April 2015

Jeanswest Dresses: Work and Weekend. Black Maxi, Aztec Print in the Office

First, the Shopbop Friends and Family Sale is on NOW! You can get 25% off with code 'SPRING25' at checkout. Some exclusions apply. Great time to buy those things you've been keeping in your cart while wishing for a sale! :)

My Shopbop Friends and Family Sale picks:




And of course, the usual outfits. I like shopping at Jeanswest, and I like pretty dresses....so two dress outfits! A new dress for a party and an old one being worn again (after a year!!!) for work.

What I wore:

Away From Blue Autumn House Party Outfit Black Maxi Dress Silver Bag

Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC bag
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale in rose gold!)

Why I wore it:

Wore this pretty maxi dress for a friend's birthday house party. I just wore my Havaianas with it as I knew I'd be taking my shoes off at the door. I did take a jacket with me in case it got colder, but didn't wear it as it was quite humid. It was a really fun party although I couldn't stay long as I had baby T with me. He enjoyed meeting new people and dancing around to some of the music, as well as watching the bigger kids playing.


As this is the second time I've worn this dress since I bought it, and I've been reviewing all my new wardrobe additions lately, this is my purchase review:

I love this maxi dress! I picked it up in the Jeanswest outlet last month as I thought it looked pretty, and when I came out of the change room in it everyone was full of compliments. It's just perfect on me. Length and all, even on my petite frame! I don't really need to wear a necklace with it because of the detailed neckline, which works perfectly for life with a grabby baby.

When I was weighing up the purchase in the change room I was thinking about how I already had a black maxi dress, and there was no point in having two black maxi dresses. I definitely have enough maxi dresses! I reasoned that I loved this one more than the one in my wardrobe at home. So I decided to buy this one and get rid of my old French Connection one (I sold it on ebay). I'm not too sad I got rid of the old one bought this one instead, this is such a lovely dress.


Last worn: black embellished maxi dressHavaianasRebecca Minkoff mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: black maxi dress and studded accessories, silver mini MAC with a colourful pattern mixing outfit.








What I wore:

Blue Aztec Print dress office wear yellow belt Louis Vuitton Speedy B

Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere
Dress: Jeanswest Aztec print dress
BeltAsos skinny pale yellow belt
Shoes: Wittner 'Mimi' heels in mushroom
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere (with Coach feather bag charm)

Why I wore it:

Last time I wore this dress, I was in the third trimester (with a giant baby belly) and still working in the office. Funny to wear it again now almost a year later! It's been a long time between wears, and this is one of my favourite dresses. It hasn't been worn sooner as it's not ideal for life with baby, it's actually sheer with a blue slip underneath and the neckline isn't stretchy. It is perfect for working in my business casual office and having a lunch date in the city with my friends though!


Last worn: Aztec print dressskinny yellow belt, brown heels, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere.

Other ways to wear: Aztec print dress layered up for winteryellow belt with a purple maxi dress, brown heels for first day back at work after maternity leave, speedy bandouliere with denim.






Linking up with What I Wore, Get Your Pretty On, Because Shanna Said So, Whatcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me WeeklyWhat I Wore, Style Me Wednesday, Oh Hey Girl, Trendy Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, What I Wore to Work, Spotlight Weekly, Fun Fashion Friday, That Friday Blog Hop, Casual Friday, Fab Favourites, Modest Monday today.



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Monday 6 April 2015

Blush Pink Boyfriend Blazer. With Striped Tank and Shorts, LBD and Heels for the Office

As part of my shopping in March, I crossed an item off my want list, a pastel pink blazer! I was really excited to find one at a good price in the outlets, and excited to wear it. I'm worried it was a case of something looking great in the change room and not working when you get it home as neither of these outfits are really striking me as great outfits...sharing them anyway.

What I wore:

Pastel Pink Boyfriend blazer worn with denim shorts autumn pink

Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere
Jacket: Jeanswest Nadine 3/4 Sleeve dusky pink blazer (new purchase)
NecklaceHouse of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
Tank: AT By Atmos&Here Orion stripe tank
ShortsJeanswest printed denim shorts
ShoesAsos 'five star' leather sandals
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere (with Coach feather bag charm)

Why I wore it:

I was excited for a slightly cooler day so I could wear my new blazer! I really wanted to wear this with jeans but despite the rain it was extremely humid, so shorts it was.

Thought this dressed up a shorts and tank outfit nicely, although it does look a little odd in the photos. I think it's the length of the shorts and the blazer not working well together. We went out for lunch and a little bit of shopping.


Last worn: stripe tank, printed shorts, leather sandals, Louis Vuitton Speedy bandouliere. First time I've worn the blazer.

Other ways to wear: striped tank and paisley print skirt, printed shorts in summer, sandals with dressesspeedy bandouliere with skirts.









What I wore:

dusty pink pblazer french conenction little black dress Balenciaga part time heels office wear

Away From Blue Blog Balenciaga Part Time Bag
JacketJeanswest Nadine 3/4 Sleeve dusky pink blazer (new purchase)
Scarf: Paris print silk scarf
Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette
DressFrench Connection fitted little black dress
Shoes: Wittner 'Bloomy' black heels
BagBalenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

Firstly, let me say that I know this outfit would have looked better without a headband. With running late, only having a few hours sleep, having a bad hair day and not having hair long enough to tie back, I had to go for a quick fix and settled on the scarf. Probably looked a little out of place in the office. I had one colleague tell me I "looked very 1930s". I just said thanks and that I'd take it as a compliment! It had been a tough night with an unsettled baby so I was more impressed I made it to work on time and less worried about the overall outfit.

Last time I wore this dress I was using the cut to disguise what I thought was a very visible first trimester baby bump. It has a little gathered section under the fitted waistband that's quite flattering and hides a slightly protruding belly! Works post-baby too ;)


I'm trying to review all my new purchases on the blog, to encourage myself to style things differently when I buy them and think about how they will work in my wardrobe, to make sure I'm not buying things that will just sit in my wardrobe unworn and adding to my overflowing closet. You can read more about why I'm doing this here.


As it's the second time I've worn this blazer, my purchase review:

This blazer is something I've been wanting for a while! It's a cute dusty pastel pink, and after seeing all the northern hemisphere bloggers with their pastel pink coats for winter I thought I'd buy into the trend for autumn. Don't really need a wool coat in Brisbane, a blazer will do. When I tried it on in store I tried it with a pair of skinny jeans and thought it looked good. A little creased and crumpled, but I reasoned that as it was spring stock it was bound to get a little creased from being in the outlet a few months. After wearing it once above, I quickly realised it was the material itself - it creases so easy. And dry clean only is not ideal for life with baby! Pastel pink is not the best colour on me (I now know after my personal stylist session), and the long-line boyfriend style length is not great on a petite frame.

However, I'm keeping this jacket. I really want to make it work! Even if I do have to iron it constantly, and neither of these are my favourite outfits. I know that when the cooler weather eventually comes to Brisbane (still in shorts in Autumn!) I will be able to wear it with jeans. And I could try belting it too, and wearing it with brighter scarves and tops to balance out the paler blazer. What do you think? How else would you style this blazer? Or should I just cut my losses and admit I was too overexcited by finding a pastel pink blazer to consider how it really looks on me?


Last worn: pastel blazer (above), French Connection LBD, black heelsBalenciaga Part Time.

Other ways to wear: black headscarf with black maxi dressbelted cardi over a LBD, ankle strap heels for a night out, black bag with grey outfits.




Linking up with Styled Up, Let It Shine, Style to Inspire, Mix It Mondays, Manic Mondays, Real Mom Style, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, What I Wore, Wardrobe Wednesday today.


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