Friday 10 November 2017

Sydney With Two Toddlers: What We Did and What I Wore

In October we took the boys on their first flight down to Sydney for a few days. I'm sharing what we did and things to see in Sydney if you're travelling with toddlers. If you want to skip that, I've included my regular outfits too.

Toddler T is 3, and Baby Boy is 19 months. Both are good walkers. We took a travel stroller and I had my Ergobaby carrier. The stroller was great for carrying the baby bag, layers to wear and food and snacks for the boys but we didn't think Sydney was very stroller friendly. Sydney had daylight savings time but it was only an hour different from Brisbane so we stuck to Brisbane time as normal.

What I wore:

Sydney Darling Harbour sightseeing outfit maxi skirt cardigan converse balenciaga hobo bag | awayfromblue
JacketJeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
TankFrench Connection feather foil singlet
Skirt: Target grey marle maxi skirt
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
BagBalenciaga Day bag in 2005 magenta (20% off with code 'REAL')


Why I wore it:

I was looking forward to this day the most! I didn't have a lot of space as we packed light, mostly taking extra clothes for the boys. I still prioritised so while I wore the same Converse every day, I had room for a change of bag and instead of my Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere I swapped out to this magenta Balenciaga day bag for our morning at the aquarium and spending the afternoon with my bestie. She has a magenta Balenciaga bag too so I had to wear this for the occasion!

Did wish I'd packed another jacket, as it was an overcast and colder day and this purple cardigan was the warmest piece I'd packed.


Last worn: purple cardigan, black tank, grey jersey maxi skirt, Converse, Balenciaga magenta day bag.

Other ways to wearpurple cardigan and chambray dress, black tank and printed shorts, grey jersey maxi skirt in monochrome outfit, Converse and printed dresses, Balenciaga magenta day bag with button up breastfeeding dresses.

Perfect for pregnancy: black tank in first trimester, maxi skirt for second trimester travel, magenta Balenciaga and maternity denim.



4 Days in Sydney With Toddlers: Itinerary


Day One


We landed in Sydney in the afternoon, and it was off to where we were staying for nap time. I will not be sharing the name of the place we stayed as it was the worst place I have ever stayed and if there had been other options available I would have demanded a refund and moved out.

After failed nap time for Toddler T, I took him with me on my bloggy date with Rachel from a Nesting Nomad. It was great to catch up with her again, after meeting her in Brisbane a while back. I followed Google Maps but failed to realise the route resulted in walking up a very long hill to get to the meeting point. Only slightly late. Sorry again Rachel!

We walked through Hyde Park to let Toddler T run around a bit, then met up with Hubby and Baby Boy once he'd woken up. We went for a walk around Paddy's markets and through Chinatown before going to Darling Harbour.

sydney with toddlers darling harbour playground | awayfromblue


Tip: Darling Harbour playground is perfect for toddlers. 

The boys had the chance to run around and play to expend some energy after sitting still on the flight. Lots of lovely restaurants nearby for dinner options too, although we went back to where we were staying and ordered takeout!


Day Two 

Sydney aquarium shark tunnel outfit maxi skirt tank converse teething necklace | away from the blue

A cold and dull day, it was supposed to rain so we headed to the aquarium as we suspected we might. We hadn't bought our tickets in advance, not wanting to tie ourselves down to anything much with two toddlers.

Tip: Buy your aquarium ticket in advance. The line to purchase was extremely slow.

Sydney Aquarium shark tank selfie | away from the blue blog


The aquarium was worth the wait though, the boys loved it. Despite it being perfect indoors weather and a weekend, there was plenty of space for the boys to run around from exhibit to exhibit as it wasn't too crowded. There were roving staff members in a few rooms presenting and talking about things to see, as well as lots of helpful educational information near each tank. Made it easy to explain to the boys what they were seeing, even though they were a little young to read for themselves.



Tip: Take toddlers to the bathroom before you enter. The bathrooms are at the end of the aquarium which is not what you want to discover halfway round.

After the aquarium, we attempted to head over the Pyrmont bridge to get to the shopping centre for lunch. I have fond memories of walking along the bridge on holiday as a kid, back when the monorail was still there! So difficult to do with a stroller though. We'd walked past the lift a few times before we found it, and then getting the lift down into the shopping centre on the other side of the harbour involved getting out on the top floor, walking through the shopping centre, getting another lift down then walking back to go to where we wanted to eat for lunch. On our way back we just walked around the harbour in the cold rather than attempt the silly lift system again.



As the boys napped, my bestie arrived and I snuck out leaving hubby and the boys to rest as we went to the Lindt Cafe for some chocolate and a catch up. It might have just been the company, but it was easily one of my favourite meals in Sydney, as we shared the 'dome of decadence' between 3 of us.




Tip: Lindt Cafe might be a little too chocolate filled to be a good option with a toddler, but they do takeaway!


After an amazing afternoon catching up, it was dinner time and we just headed to the nearest McDonalds for a fuss-free meal, perfect for toddlers!



Day Three


The day Toddler T was looking forward to most - a trip to the zoo and a ride on a Sydney Ferry!

After a slight detour into the Rocks, we eventually made our way to Circular Quay and had the chance to take photos with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

sydney with toddlers circular quay opera house | Away from the blue


Tip: The Rocks is NOT stroller friendly, don't even try it. Or you'll end up stuck looking down on the harbour realising the only way down is a very long flight of stairs with a stroller. Thanks again Google Maps!

I expected some excitement from the toddlers about the landmarks we'd been pointing out in books for weeks, but it was of course all about the boats! There was a big cruise liner docked while we were there which was exciting to see.

After buying our tickets we hopped on the ferry to go to Taronga Zoo. It's a short trip, just enough time for the toddlers to enjoy being on a boat and you to point out and take photos of all the landmarks before you arrive at the zoo.

Tip: You don't need to travel round all of Circular Quay to get landmark photos with toddlers - just hop on the Manly ferry and take photos from the boat!

selfie with sydney harbour bridge from manly ferry | away from the blue


When we arrived at the zoo, as we had bought our tickets in advance we were able to take the gondola up over the animals to the very top, with amazing views of the harbour. Of course it was the animals you fly over that the boys enjoyed more than the view!

Tip: buy your zoo ticket in advance, even if just at the ferry terminal. It gives you the ability to take a gondola up to the top of the hill and work your way down.


sydney with toddlers taronga zoo giraffe selfie and harbour bridge backdrop | awayfromblue


Starting at the top of the zoo made getting around with the stroller very easy, no need to push up any hills. While we didn't see all the animals (we skipped the aquatic section after the aquarium the day before, and the line for the tiger experience was too long for a toddler's attention span) the boys had a great time running around and getting up close with the animals we did see.

Sydney with toddlers: taronga zoo red bellied black snake behind glass


We had lunch at 'The Fish Stop' which does have non-seafood options, and was less busy than the central 'Food Market' although it does have less choices. It was so easy to get food and then sit in one of the many picnic areas right next to it, with incredible views of the Sydney city and the harbour.

Tip: Grab a bite to eat at 'The Fish Stop' or bring a picnic and sit back on the lawns for an amazing view out over the harbour!


sydney with toddlers taronga zoo 4wd | awayfromblue


While the monkeys were the favourite animal of the day (and it was incredible watching one of them mesmerised by my teething necklace!) there were so many to choose from. There was a lovely playground in the farm animal section. Although it was geared towards older kids the boys really enjoyed playing there for a break from animal-watching.

Sydney with Toddlers: skyline and harbour view from Taronga zoo with giraffes | Away from the blue blog


The walk back to the ferry was a really nice downhill stretch, and while you do have to go through a gift shop as you exit the big shark tank and presentation that was on around the sharks meant the boys were nicely distracted as we left, souvenir free. If only that had been the case at the aquarium, ha!


Once we got back to Sydney, we headed to Helm Bar for dinner. I'd looked up a few places online for food and Helm bar was highly recommended, but seemed like a noisy party bar every time we passed it before. Having no luck finding anywhere else open on a Sunday night in our price range, we went there as it was listed as wheelchair accessible. While there's no easy way to get a stroller up the stairs to the bar, there is a lovely beer garden you can sit in and order food and drinks. It was perfect for families.

Food was so well priced, especially for Sydney, and the boys loved their kids meal. I'm still sad we tried it on the last night so I couldn't go back for another schnitzel burger - definitely will be next time I'm in Sydney!

Sydney with toddlers place to eat helm bar darling harbour | away from blue


Day Four


This was our travel day, we didn't do much other than pack up, prepare another lunchbox full of snacks for the plane trip home, and make our way to the airport.


Top Tips for Travelling With Toddlers


Have transport options
The toddlers can walk, and we had the stroller and Ergo Baby carrier for babywearing so there were options when the boys didn't want to walk any more.

Be flexible
We had a general list of the sights we wanted to see but didn't buy any tickets in advance so that our days could change if necessary, and we weren't feeling rushed as we didn't try to do too much each day. One activity or outing is fine, and just wing it for the rest of the day.

Pack snacks
This works for the plane flight too, but when you're in a new place you might not know how far away the next kid-friendly place to eat is, so having snacks with you for the toddlers and yourself comes in helpful.

Take lots of photos
The only regret I had in Sydney was that I didn't take a lot of photos (a few hundred over the 4 days instead of my usual couple of hundred I take a day when something exciting is going on!).


Would we do it again?
Not until the boys are bigger and the stroller isn't needed - it was a real pain trying to fit the stroller in places - even though we packed a small umbrella travel stroller instead of our usual big one. Sydney definitely felt a lot more cramped and less stroller friendly than Brisbane.


What I wore:
Targona zoo and ferry ride outfit babywearing Sydney Circular Quay Harbour | away from the blue

Away from blue polka dot tee LV speedy damier Sydney Opera House tourist pic from ferry | awayfromblue
JacketJeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
TeeJeanswest Flavia foil printed polka dot tee deep iris
Skirt: Target grey marle maxi skirt
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

Unlike the outfit above, I actually found it too warm to wear the cardigan on this day and wished I hadn't brought it! We took the boys to see the Harbour Bridge and Opera House at last (our third day in Sydney...) and hopped on the Manly Ferry over to Taronga Zoo.

The benefit of wearing the Ergo Baby carrier in the back carry position (you can just see Baby Boy's little foot peeking out in the pic!) is that it's easy to wear a cross body bag, and my Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere was perfect for keeping my camera close by for walking around the zoo.


Last worn: purple cardigan (above), polka dot tee, jersey maxi skirt (above), Converse (above), Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere bag.

Other ways to wearpurple cardigan and button down tank, polka dot tee and mustard cardi, jersey maxi skirt and graphic tee, Converse and colourful jeans, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere bag and skinny jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: maxi skirt in third trimester, Converse in the second trimesterLouis Vuitton speedy Bandouliere and maternity denim.


Linking up with Friday Faves, Style Wise, Mix It Monday, Modest Monday, Hello Monday, On Monday We Link Up, On Trend, Confident Twosday, Trend Spin, Turning Heads.



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Wednesday 8 November 2017

Grey Tees and Printed Maxi Skirts With A Red Rebecca Minkoff Saddle Bag

I've managed to cut the number of grey tees in my wardrobe down to 7 (it was once 14...) but there's no denying they are the perfect basic item for me. If I'm ever unsure what to wear with something, I'll pick a grey tee! With these printed maxi skirts, a grey tee is the ideal piece to pair with them.

What I wore: 

asos forever new grey tee stripe maxi skirt red bag with neutral outfit | away From the Blue

bracelet stack, Rebecca Minnkoff red unlined studded saddle bag with stripe skirt | away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram grey tee stripe maxi skirt red pop of colour Rebecca Minkoff cherry saddle bag
NecklaceRoie Designs long freshwater pearl necklace with tassel
TeeAsos new forever grey tee
SkirtAT by Atmos&Here Mars striped maxi skirt
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs pearl, howlite and hematite beaded bracelets
BagRebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red (on sale in blue!)

Why I wore it:

For a lazy Sunday, this was a nice casual outfit. It's also the 30th time I've worn this maxi skirt! See all the 30 ways I've worn this stripe maxi skirt. We had the usual errands, grocery shopping and a swim lesson then church online in the evening.

I was originally going to wear a different bag with this, but changed my mind and went with the red saddle bag instead. It was the perfect pop of colour for the neutral outfit and despite not being too pleased with the tee I did otherwise like this outfit, the red bag was the perfect accessory.


Leaving My Wardrobe: ASOS Grey Forever Tee


11 ways to wear ASOS forever new grey tee #pregnancyAndMotherhoodStyle pregnancy postpartum outfit ideas


This grey tee used to be a favourite, but it's the last wear for it, it's starting to look really worn so it's leaving my wardrobe. I got 12 wears out of it, so not too bad, but I am a little disappointed it didn't hang around for longer. Especially as it's called the 'forever tee', ha! Like my trusty black tee, I suspect it's rather quick demise was due to me washing it incorrectly and not following the delicate instructions on the label - no time for delicate clothes with toddlers! I'll probably keep this as a sleep tee too, just like the black one.

I paid $27.18 for it and wore it 12 times, so a high $2.26 cost per wear. Could have worn it a lot more if I'd just followed the washing instructions or not worn it near toddlers that necessitated the heavy washes!





Last worn: grey tee, striped maxi skirt, Rebecca Minkoff studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag.

Other ways to weargrey tee for casual Friday, striped maxi skirt worn 30 ways, Rebecca Minkoff studded sandals worn 30 ways, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag and skinny jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: grey tee in second trimester, stripe maxi skirt and novelty pregnancy tee.


Printed Maxi Skirts Under $50:







What I wore:

red boho printed maxi skirt charcoal grey v neck tee saddle bag spring SAHM Style | awayFromBlue

Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram grey v neck tee with boho red print maxi skirt Spring SAHM outfit
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
TeeAtmos&Here charcoal grey v neck tee
Skirt: thrifted Billabong red printed maxi skirt
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
BagRebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red (on sale in blue!)

Why I wore it:

This tee is still a firm favourite! It's one of the few pieces I have in my wardrobe that I've wanted to buy a backup of, so that when this one wears out I'll still have another one to wear. Sadly I've never found another version of it, so this one gets worn a lot more sparingly than you'd expect my favourite grey tee to get worn!

When I first picked up this red printed maxi skirt in the opshop for $3 I did my usual 'think of two ways to wear it' and of course a grey tee was top of my list. I've ended up wearing it with blue tees every time I've worn it, except now! Although it took a while for me to pair this skirt with a grey tee I'm pleased I did. A plain, neutral tee is a good partner for a brightly coloured printed piece in your outfit. This was nice and comfortable for playgroup, errands and a specialist appointment for baby boy.

I wore the same red bag again! Unlike the outfit above, this outfit already had some colour with the red maxi skirt, but I still think the red bag was a nice touch with it. As much as I liked the outfit above, this one is my favourite of the two.

Last worn: grey tee, printed maxi skirt, studded leather sandals, red Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag (above).

Other ways to weargrey tee and leopard print jeans, printed maxi skirt and leather jacket, studded leather sandals and denim shorts, red Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag and printed kimono.

Perfect for pregnancy: grey tee in third trimesterstudded sandals in second trimester.



Grey Tees Under $50:











How You Can Wear It:


A grey tee is a wardrobe staple. The ultimate basic, you can wear it with so many things. A grey tee really works when you pair it with a printed piece, from a simple striped skirt to a brightly coloured printed maxi skirt. Makes getting dressed simple: one printed piece, one basic grey tee, and you're out the door.


Linking up with Fashion Frenzy, What I Wore, Hey Girl, Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Wear, Passion for Fashion, Flashback Fashion.



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Monday 6 November 2017

Printed Sheath Dresses and Jersey Blazer With Balenciaga Day Bag: Spring Office Wear

Like everyone, my wardrobe has fluctuated over the years. In the past 10 or so years I've gone from being a uni student to working full time, changing careers, having two beautiful babies, over 2 years of maternity leave and now a part time working mum of two toddlers.

While it's been fun unboxing my office clothes after maternity leave, it's eye opening to see that I'm wearing the last of the office dresses now, over 3 months since I started back at work.

It's an interesting place to be at wardrobe-wise. Having more office wear than I need but not really wanting to let any of it go. It's not that I don't use office wear, just that I have much more than a part time worker needs. Not entirely sure if I should downsize more or just enjoy having lots of choice for workwear! Despite not being worn often, I love both of these sheath dresses.

What I wore:

orange sheath dress spring office wear with yellow statement necklace brown bag cream blazer | awayFromBlue

Balenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag | AWayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram cream blazer jersey knit linen orange printed sheath dress office wear
JacketZara cream jersey blazer
NecklaceStarfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
DressFrench Connection 'Woodblock wonder' panache dress in white/geranium rose
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
BagBalenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag

Why I wore it:

This dress is it, the final as yet unworn office dress, 3 months after returning to work. It's a beautiful dress and always gets compliments, perfect for the office and light enough for summer but not so light that it can't work for spring layered with a jersey blazer. The only reason it was the last office dress I had left to wear is that I prefer to wear it without tights. Now that spring has arrived it's the ideal weather for it.

I wasn't sure if the bright yellow necklace would be too much with the orange print on the dress, but I really liked the bold combination. With all of the colour going on in my outfit, I picked a neutral cream blazer and a brown Balenciaga bag with camel flats, they look so nice together and were perfect to pair with the print and colour.


Last worn: cream jersey blazer, orange printed sheath dress, camel flats, Truffle Balenciaga Day bag.

Other ways to wearcream jersey blazer and skinny jeans, sheath dress with layered knit, camel flats and wrap dress, Truffle Balenciaga Day bag and maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: blazer and belly band with an early baby bump, dress hiding an early second trimester bump, camel flats in third trimester, Balenciaga day bag for second trimester travel.



Jersey Blazers Under $50:








What I wore:

cream jersey blazer, brown hobo bag, blue paisley print sheath dress for the office gold mouse flats | away from Blue

Blue paisley print dress with Balenciaga autumne truffle brown classic day bag  | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram french connection blue paisley print sheath dress, jersey blazer

pregnancy and motherhood outfits: 1 dress second trimester and post baby return to work awayfromblue
JacketZara cream jersey blazer
NecklaceUniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
DressFrench Connection blue Paisley print dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black!)
BagBalenciaga truffle brown RH classic day bag

Why I wore it:

Another printed sheath dress, sticking with the same cream jersey blazer I wore above and the same Balenciaga day bag. As the blue necklace matched the blue print of the dress, I added a little more interest to my outfit with the gold mouse flats. I love these shoes so much, they are so cute but so wearable to the office too, a nice way to add a little personality to a corporate outfit.

I've already worn this dress once since my return to work from maternity leave, but it was good to wear it again as it will always be one of my favourites! When I had my wardrobe detox session this was one of those 'hmmm' pieces in my wardrobe that the personal stylist stopped for a moment to consider - so of course I explained that I really wanted it to stay, and it moved into the 'keep' pile! It's actually one of the dresses I bought when starting out with my current company about 8 and a half years ago, it's definitely got staying power in my wardrobe! I've worn it 15 times since I started blogging, and many more times before then, one of those pieces I think I've already hit 30 wears on although sadly don't have a photo of every wear.

It's worked for two pregnancies too - it's quite roomy, although with the zip up the back I've never worn it past the second trimester!


Last worncream jersey blazer (above), Paisley print sheath dress, mouse flats, Truffle Balenciaga Day bag (above).

Other ways to wearcream jersey blazer and a-line skirt, Paisley print sheath dress and pink accessories, mouse flats and printed jeans, Truffle Balenciaga Day bag and shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: blazer and hidden second trimester baby bump, paisley print dress in the second trimester, mouse flats in the second trimester, Balenciaga day bag in first trimester.




Printed Sheath Dresses for the Office Under $50:






How You Can Wear It:


Printed sheath dresses are quick and easy office outfits. With a printed statement dress you don't have to try to had with accessories as the dress makes a bold enough statement on its own. If you're unsure what to wear them with, stick with neutral accessories like tan bags and shoes that go with everything. A blazer helps add to the professional look and keeps you warm in the office aircon.






SALE ALERT!




Jeanswest have 40% off at the moment, perfect time to pick up some spring/summer pieces! New pieces as well as sale items are all reduced.


I've already had a blast spending my saved gift cards there, stocked up on shorts!

Couldn't resist this embroidered pair, a printed pair and this distressed pair to replace my other black ones. All 40% off means I still have 2 gift cards left to spend!




Linking up with On Trend, Confident TwosdayTrend Spin, Turning Heads, Style Sessions, Wardrobe Wednesday, Style On The Daily.



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