Showing posts with label boots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boots. Show all posts

Friday 13 October 2017

Printed Dresses and Ankle Boots for Spring with Neon Pink Mini MAC Bag

Even though we had a pretty mild winter, it's always exciting to start wearing dresses with bare legs again. When it's the start of spring and still a little cooler, ankle boots are an essential.

My neon pink Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag is a cute and colourful accessory, but I don't just reserve it for spring, it works brilliantly year-round.

What I wore:

aztec print back dress, ankle boots, denim jacket pink cross body bag for spring | Away From Blue

neon pink rebecca minkoff mini MAC bag with little black dress | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue isntagram little black dress denim jacket and ankle boots for spring with pink bag
Jacket: Bubblegum denim jacket
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
Dress: Kmart Aztec print tiered little black dress
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs pearl, howlite and hematite beaded bracelets
BagRebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC

Why I wore it:

The style challenge for the day was pretty in pink, which made the pink accessories an obvious choice. I love how the neon pink mini MAC looks with the little black dress too. It's funny, I was in Kmart the other day and saw that they have this same style dress in pink now. I still think this black dress will work nicely in spring and summer, but if you want something a little brighter for spring definitely check it out!

Wearing the denim jacket with the dress is one of the outfit combinations I thought of when I first bought this dress. I have so many outfit ideas still, definitely a good buy.

I just wore this to work from home and do the daycare drop off and pick up, but I added the teething necklace anyway. While I wasn't around the boys during the day, I love the colours of this necklace with the mini MAC bag, and the colour it adds to the black dress.


Last worn: denim jacket, black tiered dress, black ankle boots, neon pink mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: denim jacket worn 30 waysblack tiered dress worn two ways, black ankle boots in the office, neon pink mini MAC and denim shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: denim jacket and hidden first trimester bump, ankle boots and pregnancy announcement.



Ankle Boots Under $50:







What I wore:

navy stripe tee dress for spring with Chelsea leather ankle boots neon pink mini MAC | AwayFromBlue

navy stripe dress with cobalt bracelet and neon pink Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram spring stripe tee dress and ankle boots pink mini MAC
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
DressAtmos&Here navy stripe tee dress
ShoesAsos leather Chelsea boots in tan
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow sunburst wrap bracelet in cobalt
BagRebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC

Why I wore it:

A warmer spring day so the extra layer of a denim jacket needed above wasn't necessary. Still good to have ankle boots on though, and the long sleeves of this dress came in handy. I felt this dress was due another wear. One of my favourite pieces a few years back, it's been neglected recently as it was boxed away during pregnancy and breastfeeding. With the thick fabric and longer sleeves, there might not be many more opportunities to wear it again this year so I took the chance while I could. This time I wore it is still one of my favourite outfits ever.

Was a busy morning, errands, groceries and taking toddler T for a haircut before going out for lunch followed by dinner at the inlaws in the evening. I ended up using my Ergo baby carrier in the backwards position so that I could back carry Baby Boy and still wear my bag easily without it slipping off my shoulder. I'm thrilled to have a new way to babywear after learning at the ABA mum's group recently.

Much like the dress, this cobalt bracelet hasn't been worn a lot recently. Last time was when I was pregnant! I didn't overly accessorise while Baby Boy was little, but now that the boys are getting bigger it's nice to pick out some extra bracelets to wear. Although teething necklaces are still the safest and most practical neckwear option to wear around the toddlers!


Last worn: navy stripe tee dress, Chelsea leather ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff pink mini MAC (above).

Other ways to wearnavy stripe tee dress in winter, Chelsea leather ankle boots and burgundy pants, Rebecca Minkoff pink mini MAC and maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: stripe dress and second trimester bump, Chelsea ankle boots and chambray in second trimester.



Printed Dresses For Spring Under $50:








How You can Wear It:


Dresses and ankle boots is such a simple and quick outfit idea for spring. It works just as well in autumn too, although as the weather cools you may need to add an extra layer like a denim jacket or even tights.


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


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Monday 9 October 2017

Ruffle Dresses for the Office with Chloe Paddington Bag

If I like something I'll buy multiples of it. While I'm a bit more discerning now and I wait until something has proved its worth in my wardrobe before I buy another version of it, there are a handful of pieces in my wardrobe that I bought different prints of at the same time, like these dresses!

These ruffle dresses were purchased at the same time and both are must-haves in my wardrobe. While they are identical styles, just different prints, I find them both useful additions to my wardrobe. Neither of them are breastfeeding friendly so they have been packed away while I was on maternity leave. They are perfect for the office though and it's been good to get them out again. I decided to wear them with a little worn bag, my Chloe Paddington.

What I wore:

blush pink blazer, ankle boots, animal print ruffle dress and Chloe paddington brun chocolate brown bag | Away From Blue

animal print dress, Chloe Paddington bag in 2007 Brun | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram ruffle animal print dress pink bazer ankle boots Chloe Paddington
JacketJeanswest Nadine 3/4 sleeve dusky pink blazer
NecklaceZanele 40 handmade rope necklace
DressJeanswest ruffle neckline animal print dress
ShoesAcne pistol boots in "skin"
BagChloe Paddington in 2007 Brun

Why I wore it:

The style challenge for the day was 'spot my shoe style' so I decided to wear my favourite boots, my Acne Pistol ankle boots. Last time I wore these to the office I really enjoyed wearing them again. While they have a high heel they are so comfortable, and I had no issues wearing them last time on a quiet day in the office. This time round I ended up unexpectedly rushing around the office to and from meetings in these and by the end of the day I was wishing I'd picked flat shoes! My feet were comfortable, but my weak knee, used to wearing flats during pregnancy and on maternity leave, was a little sore as they are quite tall.

Knee problems aside, I loved everything else about this outfit. The pastel pink blazer works perfectly with the print on the dress, and it was fun carrying my Chloe paddington again. It was my first ever designer bag purchase, over 10 years ago!


Last worn: blush pink blazer, ruffle printed dress, Acne Pistol Boots, Chloe Paddington bag.

Other ways to wearblush pink blazer and olive tank, ruffle printed dress and red accessories, Acne Pistol Boots and bodycon dress, Chloe Paddington bag with graphic tee and jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: blush blazer and maternity pencil skirt in third trimester, printed dress hiding 4 month baby bump, pistol boots in third trimesterChloe Paddington in first trimester.



Ruffle Detail Dresses Under $50:








What I wore:

jacquard blazer with pink ruffle neckline dress, gold mouse flats, Chloe paddy bag | AwayFromBlue

Chloe paddington gold hardware padlock bag in Brun chocolate brown 2007 | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram pink ruffle dress with yellow statement necklace business casual office wear spring
JacketJeanswest Cassandra jacquard jacket
NecklaceStarfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
DressJeanswest deep pink ruffle neckline dress (updated version recently released)
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs metallic mouse flats (on sale in black!)
BagChloe Paddington in 2007 Brun

Why I wore it:

The colour of this dress is always so hard to capture! It's a really berry pink, looking hot pink and red in different lights. I thought the fun yellow statement necklace would look great with it, and the embellished blazer kind of has stripes on it for the 'team stripes' style challenge that day.


Surprised to look up and see that the last time I wore this dress was over 2 years ago though! No idea why it's been so long between wears.

I was wearing my trusty gold mouse flats instead of heels, which was definitely needed. As I shared on my Insta stories, daycare lost a lovey/comforter/snuggly whatever you want to call it. As we didn't have a backup, I had to rush around the city stores at lunch time trying desperately to find a replacement. Without any luck sadly! I was more than a little annoyed, especially as it's not the first time I've made this frantic shop!

Thankfully I liked my outfit, even if I did go home empty handed with no replacement cuddly toy. Daycare eventually found it again a couple days later. And we also now have a back up one!


Last worn: jacquard blazer, ruffle detail dress, gold mouse flats, Chloe Paddington bag (above).

Other ways to wearjacquard blazer and maxi skirt, ruffle detail dress and purple bag, gold mouse flats and skinny jeans, Chloe Paddington bag and printed pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: jacquard blazer in second trimester, mouse flats and maternity wrap dress, Chloe Paddington in second trimester.



Where To Buy a Chloe Paddington Bag:




While the Chloe Paddington is no longer in production, there are plenty of trusted places to get it second hand!



How You Can Wear It:

Need a quick and easy outfit for work? Grab a pretty dress and add a blazer and your fave bag, simple and professional!
If you're buying multiples of clothes for work, dresses are a good option. Different prints and colours make it look like a whole new outfit, even if they are the same style of dress, like the two in this post.


Linking up with Confident Twosday, Style Sessions, Oh Hey Girl, Style On the Daily, Fashion Frenzy.



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Friday 6 October 2017

Skinny Jeans, Printed Tops and Colourful Cardigans

Easy spring stay at home mum style for me has quickly become jeans, colourful cardigan and a fun bright bag. It's simple to pull together and I always feel confident in it. No matter how great you feel or think you look though, there are days of motherhood that are far from perfect.

What I wore:

Pink and purple accessories cardigan mini mac with printed tank black skinny jeans spring shopping outfit | AwayFromBlue

neon pink hot Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC cross body bag purple cardi | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram pic printed tank nobody denim skinny jeans pink accessories shopping OOTD
JacketJeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
TopJeanswest Florence print long line tank
JeansNobody Denim Siren skinny super high-rise jeans in power black denim (C/O, on sale!)
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
BagRebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC (on sale, 25% off!)

Why I wore it:

Cooper was being so cute I had to include this pic on the blog! He was staring at me intently while I was trying to take outfit photos this morning for some reason. Adorable.

I loved this outfit. I had time to do my hair in the morning, and an incredible day planned out down the coast for a girly day of shopping (I still have lots of gift cards I'd planned to spend to celebrate the end of #6MonthsWithoutShopping). I wasn't sure if it would be warmer on the coast so took a cardigan, although I did take it off in the middle of the day. My tank ended up untucked too.

Sadly, the outfit was the only thing I loved about this day. This is the perfect example of photos never representing real life. I could talk about how much I liked the colour combo, it's simple and perfect SAHM style for a fun day of shopping....but nothing turned out how I expected. Just a reminder that no matter how great something looks online, you never know the full story!

Long story short, just before we went out shopping I had one of those slow-mo moments of motherhood where you see something happening but are too far away to stop it and time seems to slow down. Baby Boy fell face-first from a height onto his nose. Lots of screaming, tears and blood later we headed to the nearest doctors. More screaming during the x-rays, a half-hearted attempt at shopping and then we went home. Thankfully nothing broken, and I was in the best company all day, but I felt so horrible for not being able to stop the accident and for derailing everyone's day off plans.

Could have been a lot worse, and will be a funny story later I'm sure. Right now it's not so funny when everyone gasps at your baby's bruised face and asks what happened!


Last worn: purple cardigan, printed tank, Nobody Denim skinny jeans, black ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC.

Other ways to wearpurple cardigan and chambray dress, printed tank and shorts, Nobody Denim skinny jeans and striped duster, black ballet flats and wrap dress, Rebecca Minkoff neon pink mini MAC and shorts.

Perfect for pregnancy: purple cardigan in first trimester, printed tank in third trimesterballet flats and maternity pencil skirt.


Black and Grey Skinny Jeans Under $50:







What I wore:


navy polka dot tee grey skinny jeans paediatrician appointment outfit spring | away from blue

Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold | Away From The Blue
Jacket: thrifted SES Fashions mustard yellow cardigan
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
TeeJeanswest Flavia foil printed polka dot tee deep iris
JeansJeanswest Cecile dove grey skinny jeans
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
BagRebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold

Why I wore it:

This was a much less eventful day! This pic was taken a while ago, as you can tell by Cooper's winter fur coat still being on!

It follows a similar outfit formula to the outfit above, so of course I loved this too. When I bought this polka dot tee I was thinking of pairing it with my mustard yellow cardigan. I love blue and yellow together, and really liked the mustard and navy. And of course I just had to wear my mustard yellow micro Regan bag if I was wearing the yellow cardigan!

This was a simple but colourful outfit for baby boy's planned specialist appointment.

As it's the second time I've worn this tee on the blog, my purchase review:
I like to review everything I buy after wearing it twice to see how it's working for my wardrobe and learn any lessons that could avoid shopping regrets in future. Sometimes though, there are impulse buys like this tee that prove I don't need to over analyse everything before I buy!

This was my first and so far only purchase with my end of #6MonthsWithoutShopping celebratory gift cards. I'd actually walked into Jeanswest to try on another top, and picked this up just to try it on as it was so soft. While I didn't get the top I originally went in for, I couldn't leave without this tee. I have lots of tees. I particularly have a lot of blue ones. But this is still a piece I keep reaching for, and I'm glad I bought it. An impulse buy that worked out nicely!


Last worn: mustard yellow cardigan, polka dot tee, grey skinny jeans, black ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wearmustard yellow cardigan and little black dress, polka dot tee and maxi skirt, grey skinny jeans and purple cardi, black ankle boots and maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag worn 30 ways.


Perfect for pregnancy: black ankle boots and pregnancy announcement.



Colourful Cardigans Under $50:









How You Can Wear It


Skinny jeans are a stay at home mum staple as they work for whatever life throws at you (even if your planned day out ends up consisting of sitting in doctor's waiting rooms). In the cooler months, it's so easy to add extra colours to these outfits with a bright cardigan. A bright bag that compliments the cardigan is a fun accessory choice, and something you can continue to wear as a pop of colour in your outfit as the weather heats up and the cardigans get packed away.



Linking up with Style Wise, Hello Monday, Modest Monday, Mix It Monday.


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Wednesday 20 September 2017

Maxi Skirts with Cobalt Leather Jacket And Ankle Boots

I really liked maxi dress and leather jacket outfit formula the few times I did wear it over winter. I didn't get the chance to wear it as much as I liked and thought I'd have to pack away all my leather jackets for spring, but a sudden cold snap did give me the chance to get more wear out of my cobalt leather jacket. This time around I paired it with maxi skirts instead of dresses, although I didn't keep it on for long when I wore either outfit.

What I wore:

monochrome winter chamrbay maxi skirt outfit cobalt leather jacket polka dot tee acne pistol boots | AwayFromBlue

chambray maxi skirt, Rebecca Minkoff striped coated canvas mini MAC in berry stripe | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram monochrome chambray maxi skirt outfit winter
JacketWittner 'Santa Fe' cobalt blue leather jacket
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
TeeJeanswest Flavia foil printed polka dot tee deep iris (recent purchase)
SkirtNoisy May long denim maxi skirt
ShoesAcne pistol boots in "skin"
BagRebecca Minkoff striped coated canvas mini MAC in berry stripe

Why I wore it:

I liked this outfit so much I actually wore it twice in one week! Put it together to work from home and then wore it again a couple days later to attend my local ABA meeting after viewing a house design. I really like this polka dot tee and chambray maxi skirt together, I'm sure I'll wear them together again at some stage! For an impluse buy this tee has been getting a lot of wear lately. Might just be that I'm excited to have something new in my wardrobe after seven months without shopping.

I did briefly swap out the leather jacket for a softer hoodie to babywear baby boy through the house as it was a building site, and picked flat boots instead of the heeled Pistol boots I'd worn to work from home. I babywear a lot, but babywearing with a heel I haven't attempted!


Last worn: leather jacket, chambray maxi skirt, Acne Pistol Boots, Rebecca Minkoff stripe mini MAC. First time I've worn the polka dot tee as it is a recent purchase.

Other ways to wearleather jacket and printed jeans, chambray maxi skirt and graphic tee, Acne Pistol Boots and printed shorts, Rebecca Minkoff stripe mini MAC and jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: pistol boots in third trimester, striped mini MAC in second trimester.


Blue Faux Leather Jackets Under $100:


Cobalt blue leather jackets like this are hard to find, but there are some great faux leather options!


What I wore:

red boho printed maxi skirt ankle boots, cobalt leather jacket | Away From The Blue

cobalt jacket, red printed boho maxi skirt and Rebecca Minkoff striped coated canvas mini MAC in berry stripe | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram cobalt leather jacket boho maxi skirt
JacketWittner 'Santa Fe' cobalt blue leather jacket
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
TopJeanswest 'Tilda' black shirt
Skirt: thrifted Billabong red printed maxi skirt
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
BagRebecca Minkoff striped coated canvas mini MAC in berry stripe

Why I wore it:

Just like the second time I wore the outfit above, the cobalt leather jacket didn't stay on long this time either. It was a cold morning so I decided on a long sleeve top as well as the leather jacket. Had a few errands to run before playgroup and so by the time I'd got there I'd decided to leave the jacket in the car - it was a really warm day and so nice sitting outside as the boys played.

I've been wearing this recently thrifted maxi skirt with a lot of blue. When I saw it in store while dropping off some donations and realised it was my size, I did a quick mental run through of some outfits I could make with it - all involving neutrals. The first time I wore it I tried it with a blue tee and since I loved it so much, I figured the cobalt jacket would look great with it.

Despite being overly warm on a hot day, I really liked this outfit. I still have so many ways I want to wear this skirt, a great $3 find!


Last worn: cobalt leather jacket (above), black henley, black ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff striped mini MAC (above). First time I've worn the maxi skirt as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wearcobalt leather jacket and office wear, black henley and pencil skirt, black ankle boots and little black dress, Rebecca Minkoff striped mini MAC and navy tunic.

Perfect for pregnancyblack henley in second trimesterankle boots in second trimesterstripe mini MAC and maternity jeans.




Maxi Skirts Under $50:











How You Can Wear It:


You can make your maxi skirts work in cooler weather by adding a leather jacket. Good for a snow and rain-less winter day, or a milder spring or autumn day. Ankle boots help keep you warm too.
If you have a colourful leather jacket you could go monochrome like in the first outfit, or a bright contrast like the the red and blue in the second outfit.


Linking up with Wardrobe Wednesday, Fashion Frenzy, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, Passion for Fashion.


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Monday 18 September 2017

Printed Blouses and Black Pencil Skirts: Cold Weather Office Wear

I try to get the most out of my wardrobe by wearing summer pieces year-round and making things work as both office wear and stay at home mum style. There are a few pieces I keep strictly for work wear though.

Both printed tops I'm wearing below were packed away when I outgrew them in pregnancy and left aside while I was on maternity leave. It's been good to unbox them again now I'm back in the office! Printed tops pair so nicely with black pencil skirts.

What I wore:

navy ruffled printed blouse with black pencil skirt colourful accessories winter office outfit | AwayFromBlue

navy trench, Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue colourful witner office otufit polka dot ruffle blouse purple bag yellow necklace
JacketJeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo
NecklaceStarfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
BlouseJeanswest 'Ricky' ruffle front top in midnight
SkirtJeanswest zip detail ponte pencil skirt
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

While I'd been going without tights in the mornings, the not quite spring weather didn't hang around long so it was a bit chilly this morning, back to tights and ankle boots. Despite it being a very cold morning, I still wanted a cheerful and colourful outfit.

With the navy polka dot top and the purple bag, the outfit was already colourful, but I thought I'd add the yellow statement necklace for a finishing touch. I really liked this outfit combination. Nothing like a bit of colour to cheer you up on a cold morning!


Last worn: navy macintosh, polka dot ruffle top, black zip detail pencil skirt, black ankle boots, purple Balenciaga work bag.

Other ways to wearnavy macintosh and chambray dress, polka dot ruffle top and red jeans, black zip detail pencil skirt over a dress, ankle boots and little black dress, purple Balenciaga work bag and textured pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: ruffle top hiding an early baby bump, pencil skirt in first trimester, ankle boots in second trimester.



Printed Blouses Under $50:







What I wore:

trench coat, printed blouse black pencil skirt purple balenciaga work bag | Away From Blue

Trench coat, pencil skirt, Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram trench coat printed blouse black ponte pencil skirt purple bag
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
NecklaceRoie Designs pearl and antique gold long necklace
Top: Target ruffle sleeve dog print blouse
SkirtJeanswest black ponte pencil skirt
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

I always have a hard time remembering the differences between these two black pencil skirts when I write blog posts! The one above has an exposed zipper detail on the back, and this one here has elastic panels displayed at the waist but it's hidden under the trench coat. Despite these minor differences they do look identical - but with so many printed tops in my wardrobe a couple of black pencil skirts are a necessity for easy office outfits.

This dachshund print top was an impulse Target buy a few years ago. It didn't get worn an awful lot when I first got it as I found the stitched on waist belt a bit limiting with how I could wear it. A comment from Sheila on her blog about how she removed a similar belt gave me the idea to take the belt off. Removing the stitching and the belt was my first ever DIY attempt with a top, and I love how it makes this top a lot more wearable.

The purple in the print made this purple Balenciaga work bag an easy accessory to pair with it!


Last worn: camel trench, dachshund print top, ponte pencil skirt, camel ballet flats, Balenciaga purple work bag (above).

Other ways to wearcamel trench and skinny jeans, dachshund print top and red jeans, ponte pencil skirt in summer, camel ballet flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga purple work bag and blue dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: camel trench in the first trimester, dachshund print top hiding a second trimester bump, ballet flats in third trimester.



Black Pencil Skirts Under $50:







How You Can Wear It:



A black pencil skirt is an easy base for an office outfit. You can add some colour and fun with a printed top, and go a step further with colourful statement accessories too like in the first outfit. Not all printed outfits need to be overly colourful, sometimes keeping things simple and picking one colour from the print to wear in your accessories too works as well like in the second outfit. A black pencil skirt is one of those must-have pieces in your office wardrobe.


Linking up with Confident Twosday, Turning Heads, On Trend, Style Sessions, What I Wore.


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Monday 11 September 2017

Office Outfits: Blue Printed Dresses, Purple Balenciaga Work Bag and Starfish Project Necklaces

I've been back at work for 2 months now and I still have unworn office pieces in my wardrobe! Working part time I definitely have less need for strictly office clothing in my wardrobe. I was so excited to unbox my office pieces from storage near the end of my maternity leave, but now I'm wondering if I really need all of them.

I had a mini wardrobe declutter recently where I went through the still unworn office pieces and pulled a few out to donate or sell on ebay, but these dresses will definitely be staying in my wardrobe. Blue is my favourite colour, so there's always room in my wardrobe for a blue dress or two. Blue looks so good with purple too.

What I wore:

navy mac and Aztec print dress with purple Balenciaga work bag g21 hardware office style | AwayFromBlue

Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram navy aztec print dress mac jacket winter office outfit | AwayFromTheBlue
JacketJeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo
NecklaceStarfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
DressJeanswest Aztec print dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag


Why I wore it:

If I had to pick just one favourite office dress, this would be it! Can't believe it's been a year and a half since it was last worn, but it's not breastfeeding friendly so was packed away while I was on maternity leave. I love the navy colour and the print. I usually wear a belt with this, but I'd decided to wear a long necklace so took the belt off. I changed my mind at the last minute and picked this yellow Starfish Project necklace instead. It met the style challenge prompt of 'V' as it's the 'Veronica' necklace! I do think this dress looks much better with a belt though!

I love blue and yellow together, and blue and purple, but I wasn't sure about the purple bag and yellow necklace together. I figured that they were far enough apart in my outfit that it didn't matter and I could wear it anyway. Still not sure I'd wear the two colours together again, but it doesn't look too bad here.


Last worn: navy macintosh, Aztec print dress, Marc by Marc jacobs tan flats, Balenciaga purple work bag.

Other ways to wearnavy macintosh and monochrome outfit, Aztec print dress and tights, tan flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga purple work bag and pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: Aztec print dress in third trimester, tan flats in third trimester.


Blue Printed Dresses Under $50:







What I wore:

statement beaded necklace, ankle boots, paisley print shift dress trench office style | Away From Blue

beaded accessories, Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | Away From The Blue

awayfromblue instagram acne pistol boots trench coat french connection paisley print dress
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
NecklaceStarfish Project Hannah turquoise bead necklace
DressFrench Connection blue Paisley print dress
ShoesAcne pistol boots in "skin"
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

Another take on the same outfit formula, with a blue paisley print dress this time and a long turquoise Starfish Project necklace. Just like in the outfit above, I was happy to wear a statement beaded necklace with the printed dress. You can wear statement necklaces with more than just plain basics.

It was a little cooler when I wore this too so I got another old favourite out of my wardrobe, these Acne Pistol boots. I wasn't sure I could handle the whole day in heels, even though these are very comfortable they are quite high. I was pleased my weak knee held up well despite not having worn tall heels in a very long time. Over 2 years!

Just like the paisley print dress, these ankle boots haven't been worn in such a long time as they aren't ideal stay at home mum style. While I probably could run in them if I had to, I prefer to chase toddlers in flats, ha! Wearing Pistol boots and dresses is a spring outfit favourite of mine, so I'm sure you will see these pop up more now as I wear them to work. I'm thankful for a business casual dress code that lets me wear ankle boots!


Last worn: camel trench, paisley print dress, Acne pistol boots, Balenciaga purple work bag (above).

Other ways to wear: camel trench and fit and flare dress,  blue printed dress and pink accessories, Acne pistol boots and printed shorts, Balenciaga purple work bag and pink skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: trench coat in first trimester, paisley print dress in second trimester, pistol boots and maxi skirt in third trimester.




Starfish Project Beaded Necklaces:







How You Can Wear It:


Printed dresses make getting ready for work in the mornings easy as they are instant outfits. You can still add accessories though, colourful statement necklaces work just as well with printed pieces as they do with plain basics. These Starfish Project necklaces support a very good cause too!



Linking up with Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, On Trend, The Style File, Style on the Daily, Wardrobe Wednesday, What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl.




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