Monday 12 February 2018

Balenciaga Tempete Day Bag With Ruffle Camis and Pencil Skirts For The Office

Continuing the 30 wears challenge is one of my goals for this year, but at the same time I want to make sure I'm wearing as much of my wardrobe as possible. It's a balancing act between rewearing pieces that are close to the 30 wears number, and not neglecting the other pieces in my wardrobe that aren't. I'd noticed I hadn't worn any of my camis at all this summer, so it was time to pull them out again! Camis look great work to the office with some textured pencil skirts and a blazer.

What I wore:

jersey blazer, peach ruffle cami and blue lace pencil skirt business casual summer office wear | awayfromblue

Balenciaga tempete storm blue day hobo bag with lace pencil skirt | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue insta stories mirror selfie office outfit peach ruffle cami blue lace skirt
JacketZara cream jersey blazer
Necklace: statement silver plate necklace
DressJeanswest peach ruffle cami
BeltAsos blue textured lace pencil skirt
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
BagBalenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete

Why I wore it:

Id' planned this outfit in advance the weekend before. Usually I plan my outfits the evening before, to help me get ready faster in the mornings. I was feeling a bit stressed on Sunday night though before a big Monday so decided to play in my wardrobe a bit to relax, and pulled this together. I've worn orange and blue together before, but this is the first time I've paired this blue lace pencil skirt with peach. I really liked this combination of colours.

Wasn't entirely sure that the cami untucked looked as good as I thought though - I preferred it without the blazer. The spaghetti straps on the cami mean a coverup was required at work, but I didn't check the blazer addition before I left the house. I think tucking in the cami would have looked better. Otherwise, I really liked this outfit. Perfect for a hot day as I took the jacket off whenever I was outside and had it to keep me warm in the aircon at my desk.


Last worn: cream jersey blazer, peach ruffle cami, blue lace pencil skirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs ballet flats, Balenciaga Tempete day bag.

Other ways to wearcream jersey blazer and sheath dress, peach ruffle cami and jeans, blue lace pencil skirt and purple tank, Marc by Marc Jacobs ballet flats and printed dress, Balenciaga Tempete day bag and maxi dress.

Perfect for pregnancyblue lace pencil skirt in third trimester, Marc by Marc Jacobs ballet flats in third trimester, Balenciaga Tempete day bag in second trimester.









What I wore:

jersey blazer, white ruffle cami, pastel pink polka dot pencil skirt balenciaga day bag | away from blue

Balenciaga 2009 storm tempete day hobo bag giant g21 hardware | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram office outfit polka dot pencil skirt, jersey blazer and white ruffle cami
Jacketthrifted Zara black blazer
Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
DressJeanswest 'Maria' cami in cream
Skirt: Cotton On 'Mica' mesh spot skirt in dusty pink
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
BagBalenciaga giant hardware Day bag in 2009 tempete

Why I wore it:

Another day in the office, another opportunity to wear a cami and textured pencil skirt. After not being too sure about the untucked top above, I tucked the cami into the skirt this time, and I preferred this look.

I continue to be impressed by how well this mesh layer skirt is holding up, coming up to having it 6 years now. It has only been worn 13 times in that period though. It's not the first time I've paired it with this white ruffle cami, I love the combination so it makes sense I'd repeat it. This time, instead of the grey cardigan I wore it with the black blazer.

Kept the blue Balenciaga bag with this, I like blue and pink together and I thought that the necklace tied it in nicely. There was a style challenge on Instagram too and I thought the colour of the day was blue, but I was a day early and it was supposed to be green. I enjoyed the blue accessories anyway.


Last worn: black jersey blazer, white ruffle cami, polka dot pencil skirt, black ballet flats, Balenciaga tempete day bag (above).

Other ways to wearblack jersey blazer and printed tee dress, white ruffle cami and maxi skirt, polka dot pencil skirt with florals, black ballet flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga tempete day bag and printed shorts.

Perfect for pregnancyblack jersey blazer in third trimester, white ruffle cami in second trimester, polka dot pencil skirt hiding an early baby bump, black ballet flats and maternity wrap dress, Balenciaga tempete day bag and maternity shorts.



Ruffle Camis Under $50:









How You Can Wear It:



A cami is one of those pieces that you can wear for work or weekend! If your office dress code means spaghetti straps aren't an option, you can go for one with thicker straps, or cover up with a blazer. Adding a blazer to anything is my favourite way to make it ready for a business casual office.


Linking up with Hello Monday, On Mondays We Link Up, Shoe & Tell, Turning Heads, Style Sessions, Oh Hey Girl.


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Friday 9 February 2018

Two Ways to Wear: Jeanswest Elissa Leaf Print Tank

I got so many nice new wardrobe additions as Christmas presents! This top is one of them, and I got some pretty necklaces and kimonos too. While I have my 30 ways to wear series, it's nice to use the two outfit format I have in each post to show two ways to wear something too.

The beauty of this printed tank from Jeanswest is that it goes with so much in my wardrobe. It's nice and light for summer and was perfect to wear on two very hot days during some of the heatwaves we had in Brisbane.

What I wore:

summer chambray maxi skirt outfit with Jeanswest Elissa left print tank red saddle bag | awayfromblue

silver bracelet stack, Rebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red  | awayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram summer chambray maxi skirt outfit leaf print tank red bag
EarringsJeanswest Evy dangly earring
Necklace: Lovisa gold filigree heart pendant
Tank: Jeanswest Elissa leaf print tank
SkirtNoisy May long denim maxi skirt
ShoesRebecca Minkoff Georgina studded gladiator sandals in blush
Bracelets: the usual plus vintage silver charm bracelet and silver diamonte bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff unlined saddle bag in cherry red (on sale in blue!)

Why I wore it:

Wore this pretty tank for the first time to go out to dinner. I thought the chambray maxi skirt would be nice with the blue leaves in the print, and they are both light pieces which was perfect for the heatwave we were experiencing.

The red leaves in the print made me think of this little red saddle bag right away too. (See 30 ways to wear a red saddle bag here.) I really liked how this outfit came together. While the usual 'fashion rule' is to avoid pairing two voluminous pieces like this skirt and tank together, I've done it a few times. Sometimes you just want loose, comfortable layers, and on this super hot day it was exactly what was needed. I really liked wearing this outfit. So comfortable, and great for overindulging at dinner as the maxi skirt has an elastic waistband!


Last worn: earrings, chambray maxi skirt, studded rebecca minkoff sandals, red saddle bag.

Other ways to wearearrings and maxi dress, chambray maxi skirt worn two ways in winter, studded rebecca minkoff sandals worn 30 ways, red saddle bag worn 30 ways.








What I wore:

Summer pastel SAHM outfit silver accessories black bag blush shorts leaf print Elissa tank

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

awayfromblue Instagram pastel pink leaf print tank and shorts outfit with black Balenciaga part time bag
Necklace: gifted statement silver plate necklace
TankJeanswest Elissa leaf print tank
Shorts: thrifted pastel pink cotton shorts
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagBalenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

Had a fun day out planned with my mum and sister. Again, it was a hot day so I went with comfortable pieces like the printed tank and the pastel pink shorts. The tank has pink leaves in the print that match so nicely to the shorts. Just like last time I wore these shorts though, I managed to get them dirty. I'm kinda glad I thrifted these as they are confirming my suspicion that I'm just too clumsy to get white shorts or jeans, ha! It's annoying to have to try remove stains so often though.

The pretty necklace was a Christmas gift, I thought it worked really well with the neckline of the top.

There were just a few things I wasn't too happy about with this outfit. I think a different bag would have worked better, the black is a bit harsh with all the pastels. It looks okay, but I have other bags (like my metallic mini MAC) that would have looked better I think.

I also wish I'd gone for a different backdrop to show the outfit off better, it kinda blends in with the bricks. I was just looking for a shady spot to take a photo that morning though, didn't think about how it looked with my outfit. I always pick spots for their shade, I admire the bloggers that drive around looking for the perfect locations to match their outfits! It's too sunny to use my normal spot over summer, so I'm finding the shade where I can.


Last worn: leaf print tank (above), pink shorts, Havaianas, Balenciaga part time bag

Other ways to wearpink shorts and denim jacket, Balenciaga part time bag in the office

Perfect for pregnancyBalenciaga part time bag in third trimester.



Similar Leaf Print Tanks Under $50:





How You Can Wear It:


A multi coloured printed piece like this leaf print tank makes creating outfits easy. You can change up the way you wear it each time by picking clothing that matches different colours out of the print. Picking a colour out of a printed piece is a good way to pick an accessory too if you're unsure what would go best and you don't want something other than a neutral piece.




Linking up with Passion for Fashion, Lizzie In Lace, Shoe and Tell, Mix it Monday.


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Wednesday 7 February 2018

Maxi Dresses and Balenciaga Bags with Giant G21 Hardware

When you're not feeling your best, a dress is an easy outfit. Just pull it on and you're done, no need to try think about what pieces look good together. Printed dresses like these make it even simpler. Just pick a handbag that matches one of the colours in the print and you look like you spent a lot more time and effort getting dressed than you really did.

Both the maxi dresses worn below were when I wasn't feeling the best, and looking after a sick baby meant I had even less energy.

What I wore:

tie dye jersey maxi dress knotted hem teething necklace Bal part time bag | awayfromblue

Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram | knotted tie dye maxi dress balenciaga part time bag
NecklaceNibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
DressJeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagBalenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

Despite being unwell, we had an appointment to get to though that morning, so I threw on this maxi dress. It's not the first time I've knotted this maxi dress, it's a good way to change it up a little. I did it on this day as I didn't want to do the 'grab the skirt when walking up the stairs' bit I usually have to do, haha! Tying it up made it easier to move around in.

Added the teething necklace so I'd have something to amuse the boys with as we waited at the appointment. It did help keep baby boy entertained for a few minutes. They might have passed the teething stage, but they still find these necklaces to be fun toys!

Picked my Balenciaga bag as it went with the Havianas and the black in the tie dye print of the dress, but also because I was feeling lazy. It had been the bag I'd used previously so I didn't have to move everything over into a new bag.


Last worn: tie dye maxi dress, Havaianas, Balenciaga Part Time bag.

Other ways to weartie dye maxi dress for a Christmas party, Balenciaga Part Time bag and jeans.

Perfect for pregnancytie dye maxi dress at 38 weeks pregnant, Balenciaga Part Time bag in second trimester.


Tie Dye Maxi Dresses Under $50:





What I wore:

jay jays feather print maxi dress with purple balenciaga bag SAHM style summer | away from blue

Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram feather print maxi dress balenciaga purple work bag
NecklaceZuriCollections blue polymer clay necklace
DressJayJays feather print maxi dress
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

Another day of feeling unwell, another maxi dress! I picked this purple Balenciaga work bag to wear as I've only worn it with office outfits since I got it, need to wear this bag casually as well. It was a good carry all tote to take to the shops with me while the boys were with their grandparents.

I'd planned just a short trip out, to pickup a few groceries and return an incorrectly sized Christmas gift. I got away from the house and realised I'd forgotten the item to return, so turned back to go pick it up. In doing so, I came up to the garage at a weird angle and managed to scrape the car on it. Not a good start. At least the outfit looked good as my day was less than great! Spent the afternoon recovering from the crazy morning, thank goodness for Netflix.


Last worn: feather print maxi dress, Havaianas (above), purple Balenciaga work bag.

Other ways to wearfeather print maxi dress at a wedding, purple Balenciaga work bag in the office.

Perfect for pregnancy: feather print maxi dress in second trimester.



Feather Print Maxi Dresses Under $50:







How You Can Wear It:


In summer a printed dress is a great way to beat the heat. It's an easy instant outfit too. To accessorise, keep things simple and pick pieces that match one or more of the colours in the print. If you're like me and you feel a little better when you get dressed properly, you might find a colourful printed dress a good mood booster too!



Curious about what Balenciaga Bag would be best for you?




Linking up with Style on the Daily, What I Wore, Fashion Frenzy, Fashion Files, Fun Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Wear, Flashback Fashion, Style Elixir.


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