Wednesday 15 March 2017

Black Tanks, Printed Pieces and Rebecca Minkoff Mustard Yellow Micro Regan Bag

Doing #6MonthsWithoutShopping has given me a good reason to go through and wear more of my wardrobe. I have a big box of tanks I don't always wear so it's been fun going through it and wearing some of them again. As well as rediscovering some old ones I thought I no longer had, it's giving me the chance to wear more of my printed pieces. A black tank and a pretty print makes an easy outfit.

What I wore:

black tank, gladiator sandals, mustard printed skirt, Rebecca Minkoff harvest gold micro Regan | AwayFromBlue

pleated mustard print skirt, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold | AwayFromTheBlue
Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Charlotte teething necklace
Tank: Cotton On basics black tank
Skirt: Garfunkle Australia pleated print skirt
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush (on sale!)
BagRebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

Wore this to playgroup. For some reason I feel happy wearing dresses and maxi skirts to playgroup but I worried this might be a little overdressed. I'm making an effort to wear this skirt more often though, it's too pretty to be 'saved' for a perfect occasion and it's nice and light for summer. It dried out pretty quickly after getting soaked during water play at playgroup.

While I liked the way this looked, the only thing I didn't like about this outfit was how the tank felt to wear. This is one of those really old pieces in my wardrobe. I remember buying this when I was at uni, and for some reason it's been kept all those years. I don't actually think I've worn it at all in the 5 years I've had this blog! I couldn't find it in my archives.

It felt different to wear, and I didn't enjoy wearing it. I'm conscious that when I'm breastfeeding some tops will just fit differently, so I haven't gotten rid of this top at the moment...but if I don't enjoy it next time I wear it it won't be hanging around in my wardrobe for long.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, printed pleated skirt, Rebecca Minkoff gladiator sandals, micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wearmustard yellow printed skirt with peach cami, 30 outfits with Rebecca Minkoff gladiator sandals, micro Regan bag and denim shorts.



Basic Black Tanks Under $50:







What I wore:

yellow accesories wtih black tank and blue printed shorts | AwayFromTheBlue

Blue printed wide leg shorts, yellow Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel | AwayFromTheBlue
SunglassesRay-Ban new Wayfarers
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Wilma teething necklace in pale daffodil
TankFrench Connection feather foil singlet
ShortsJeanswest 'Scarlette' printed shorts
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
BagRebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

Unlike the outfit above, I loved the way this looked and felt to wear. I've even worn these blue shorts with yellow again since. I was really happy in this all day. Which was a good thing as our quiet day turned into quite a busy one! Had baby boy's weekly weigh in the morning, and my mum was coming over in the afternoon. After dropping Cooper off at the groomers, a ute nearly drove into the front of our car. I was a little shaken as I'm not a very confident driver normally, but luckily no-one was hurt. I had to get my mum to come pick up Cooper with me though as I wasn't comfortable doing it myself after that!

When we got home I was anticipating a quiet afternoon, until Toddler T found a snake. I liked this outfit but when staring down a snake in the back yard trying to see it if was dangerous, I wished I was wearing something a little more suited for snake-wrangling like lots of layers and steel capped boots! Snake catcher confirmed it was just a tree snake and it slithered off happily into the tree. After trying twice to get into the house. 😱 We do a quick scan of the yard now before we let the boys or Cooper out!


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (above), black metallic tank, printed shorts, two tone sandals, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag (above).

Other ways to wearmetallic tank and sparkly skirt, printed shorts in monochrome outfit, two tone sandals and printed dress, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag and a maxi dress.




Not-so-basic Black Tanks Under $50:





Black tanks with a twist - peplum, lace or metallic.





A black tank is a great wardrobe basic that you can easily pair with prints for an instant fuss-free outfit.



Linking up with Fashion Frenzy, Fashion Files, On The Edge, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion.



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Monday 13 March 2017

Printed Kimonos, Plain Tops and Denim Shorts with Colourful Cross Body Bags

When it's hot you really don't want to put a lot of thought into your outfit, you want something easy and light to wear. Shorts and a tee or tank is a pretty standard warm weather outfit, especially here in Brisbane.

It's still easy to add a 'completer piece' layer to your outfit without overheating if you pick a pretty printed kimono. Luckily I have lots in my wardrobe to pair with otherwise plain outfits. I wore these two outfits below during one of our summer heatwaves (which I feel I'm always going on about, but it's been so insanely hot it's been hard to think of much else!).

What I wore:

OneTeaspoon Hawks shorts in Fox black, red Choies printed kimono, grey tee, saddle bag | AwayFromBlue

Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red | AwayFromTheBlue
SunglassesRay-Ban new Wayfarers
JacketChoies red vintage pattern kimono
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Wilma teething necklace in pale daffodil
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in grey marl
Shorts:  OneTeaspoon Hawks shorts in Fox black (C/O, on sale!)
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red (on sale in pink, and there's a spend and save sale on now at Rebecca Minkoff!)

Why I wore it:

I took these pictures in the afternoon. I usually get photos on my way out the door in the morning as there's less chance it will be covered in something courtesy of the Baby Boy or Toddler T! It was just far too hot in the morning to want to stand outside in the sun. We moved from one airconditioned place to another trying to minimise the amount of time we spent outside. Thankfully my outfit was still presentable in the afternoon when it was a little cooler.

The grey tee and black shorts outfit was a little boring, but I really liked it with the colourful saddle bag and red printed kimono. Bright accessories are one of the tricks I use to try and hide a lack of sleep! Baby Boy has recently decided to stop sleeping through the night, and the night before this was particularly bad. I lost count of the number of wakeups at around 2.30am... I know it's just a phase and he will be back to sleeping like normal soon. That's what I'm telling myself anyway!


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, printed kimono, grey tee, OneTeaspoon Hawks shorts, Havaianas, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag.

Other ways to wearprinted kimono and striped tank, grey tee and a baby bump, OneTeaspoon Hawks shorts and pink vest, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag and shirt dress.



Printed Kimonos Under $50:






What I wore:

Somedays Lovin' Yakuza print kimono, peplum tank, denim shorts | AwayFromBlue

Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold | Away From The Blue
JacketSomedays Lovin' Yakuza print kimono
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Top: Zalora basics ruffle hem tank in black
ShortsJeanswest denim cuff shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

Wore this to run a few errands. While the peplum tank does add a nice bit of interest to a plain shorts and tank outfit, again I thought a completer piece would make the outfit better. Adding colourful accessories is always a good idea too.

You might notice that I wear this bag and kimono together a lot! I really like the pairing as the mustard yellow works so well with the floral print of the kimono. No surprise that I really liked wearing this combination again.

I wasn't too sure how the peplum tank would work with a kimono but I think it looked okay. You can see it a little better in my instagram photo. I can use filters on instagram to fix my less-than-perfect photos 😉 Ideally this time of year I'd be in the yard taking photos and making the most of the shade, but it's even messier than usual with all of the boys toys.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (above), Somedays Lovin' kimono, black peplum tank, Jeanswest denim shorts, Havaianas (above), Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wearSomedays Lovin' kimono and colourful top, black peplum tank and red jeans, Jeanswest denim shorts and printed tank, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag and maxi skirt.





There is a Rebecca Minkoff Spend and Save Sale on at the moment, from 20 to 30% off!

Spend $250, get 20% off.
Spend $350, get 25% off.
Spend $500, get 30% off.
No code needed.




Good time to splurge on any of the bags you might have had your eye on! It ends 15th March. Prices above are before the discount.





Printed kimonos are perfect outfit completers. They add more depth to your outfit with colour and print without making you warm on a hot day.


Linking up with Hello Monday, Mix It Monday, On Trend, Style Sessions, Midweek Inspo, Oh Hey Girl.



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Friday 10 March 2017

Maxi Skirts and Stripes

Over the past couple of years, there have been some pieces that have become staples in my wardrobe. Stripes and maxi skirts are two of the things I wear often. It's an easy outfit formula for a busy day, although I don't always love the results.


What I wore:

monochrome outfit blue tank navy strip maxi skirt brown hobo bag colourfulteething necklace | AwayFromBlue

Balenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag | AwayFromTheBlue
SunglassesRay-Ban new Wayfarers
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
TankJeanswest 'Jenni' basic singlet in Hawaii blue
Skirt: Target navy side split maxi skirt
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs pearl, howlite and hematite beaded bracelets
BagBalenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag (currently 30% off!)


Why I wore it:

This was an outfit I loved. I've worn a very similar outfit before and liked it just as much then. We had a relaxed day, a playdate at a friend's house in the morning. While I don't like breastfeeding in fitted tanks like this, we were back home before baby boy needed another feed.

The pink and purple teething necklace and brown Balenciaga bag were good accessories to stop the outfit looking too monochrome with the blue tank and navy skirt. There isn't anything I'd change about this outfit! It's so simple but also so perfect for a stay at home mum.


You hear a lot about 'shopping your closet' and wearing things you already love, and it's something I'm doing with my #6monthsWithoutShoppingChallenge. It's good to get inspired by your own outfits too, and recreate something you loved in the past.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, blue fitted tank, navy stripe maxi skirt, Havaianas, Balenciaga truffle brown day bag.

Other ways to wearblue fitted tank and sheer tee, navy stripe maxi skirt worn two ways, Balenciaga truffle brown day bag for a weekend trip.



Striped Maxi Skirts Under $50:







What I wore:

olive green and red together black drawstring waist maxi skirt cross body bag | Away From Blue

Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red | Away From The Blue
SunglassesRay-Ban new Wayfarers
Necklace: Ruby Olive Softies Charlotte teething necklace
Top: Cotton On stripe sailor tank in dusky green / grey marle
SkirtJeanswest Luxe maxi jersey skirt
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
BagRebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red (on sale in pink, and there's a spend and save sale on now at Rebecca Minkoff!)

Why I wore it:

This was a new outfit idea I wanted to try. It's a similar outfit formula to the one I loved so much above with stripes and a maxi skirt, but I don't think the pieces worked as well together.


Olive green and red is a colour combination I'd seen around on a few blogs (like Carylee's) and got inspired to try. I was worried it would look to Christmasy with the green and red, but I think the olive and poppy red worked nicely without looking like a Christmas tree!

The tank is one I haven't worn for a while - I was pregnant when I last wore it. I thought it would look nice tucked in with the black maxi skirt. At the last minute I decided to pull it out a little and make a blouson effect to see if it looked better, but as you can see from the photos it really didn't help! I didn't have time to change without being late to playgroup, so I just stuck with wearing it how you see here. Not one of my favourite outfits, although I did like the new-to-me colour combination. Just one of those 'okay' outfits.


Last worn:Ray-Ban Wayfarer (above), striped tank, drawstring waist maxi skirt, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff red saddle bag.

Other ways to wearstriped tank and printed jeans, drawstring waist maxi skirt worn two ways, studded sandals and denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff red saddle bag and jeans.





More Maxi Skirts Under $50:








Wardrobe staples like stripes are perfect for those days where you need to get out the door quickly. It's best to check your final outfit in the mirror so you're still wearing something you feel happy in, no matter how much you like each piece separately.


Linking up with Shoe & Tell, Modest Monday.


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