Blue blouses, black trousers

Since I start to pay more attention on what I wear to work, I do notice I have a tendency to grab items in navy/blue color and patterns. I am very easily to make impulse purchase if items are blue.  Such obsession include tops, dresses, and handbags. 

I may have mentioned this in my previous posts, just before I returned to work from a year long maternity leave, I got really nervous about being back. I was anxious about a lot of things, including what to wear. So I had a really good look and study on Audrey's Putting Me Together blog, and worked through her suggestions on both' building wardrobe from scratch' and 'remix your wardrobe' sections.

BLUE and BLACK are definitely my wardrobe colors. 

I think they go well together, and as an easy default choice for a busy working mum! 

These two outfit combinations are essential the same - a blue blouse with black trousers. First one from today, and the second one from last week. This style, including the same pair of shoes, is perfect for a commuting mum as it is easy and comfortable enough to chase after a handful, early terrible-two boy on the train! (*Real Mum Style*)

top: Oasis (last worn)

trousers: H&M straight leg (new purchase this month)

shoes: Hush Puppies

coat: Zara

bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Bobo bag

top: Oasis (eBay purchase this month)

trousers: H&M straight leg (new purchase this month)

shoes: Hush Puppies

coat: Zara

bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Bobo bag

AA xxx

Blue Monday #5

Top: (last worn here)

Skirt: Max Mara wool skirt (last worn here)

Cardi: Topshop (very old)

Boots: Schuh black ankle boots (new purchase in March)

Bag: the usual 

For the first time for a long long time (and probably ever in my life), I planned for the week's outfits in my head and wrote them down on Sunday night. I think having this blog documenting my outfits help me know better what items I have got, like to wear, and would work in what combinations. So I can do this mind-map planning in my head... 

Another factor that contributes to this 'planning ahead' exercise is I finally had time to tidy up my chest of drawers (what an achievement over the weekend!).  I've been leaving clean clothes in piles and piles around the room as there is no time during the day to put away clean clothes! (Another downside of co-sleeping with your little one - you cannot switch on the light at night, but can only read/word around with a torch App on your phone!)  So, after the spring clean, many items are now leaving my wardrobe and I keep a drawer of my work outfit essentials.

Previously on Blue Monday Project.... 

Blue Monday #4

Blue Monday #3

  

Blue Monday #2

Blue Monday #1

AA xxx

Zara skinny jeans, Balenciaga city bag. Shopping in real shops

Top: Dorothy Perkins knitted top (very old one)

Jeans: Zara skinny jeans - new purchase in March on eBay

Coat: Zara - new purchase in Feb on eBay

Boots: Dune

Bag: Balenciaga city in violet (last worn)

About my outfit, I was actually thinking to give the knitted top one last wear before it left my wardrobe as it is sooo worn and had some tears too as you can clearly see in the below pictures.  But, I always feel so comfortable when wearing it, so I am thinking to keep it as my stay-home wear on weekends.... 

It is very rare these days that I can actually go shopping in real shops, trying on clothes and taking the time in a fitting room.  As we had an extra day for Easter holiday, we decided to enjoy the day by having a romantic time in the city, shopping and having lunch in our favourite restaurant. 

As a couple, we are both not very good at shopping in real shops as we run out of steam very quickly, after 2-3 shops, the limit is approx an hour and half in average. 

I thought to document what I tried on and the reasons why I decided to buy the items, or not, as a different way to learn about myself and my style.

I have been rather inspired by Mica's tweed jackets style for work wear, so I picked up the jacket and cardigan to re-create those outfit ideas. Well, probably it's what I wore underneath, I just wasn't impressed, although I am sure they will look more flattering when wearing with a dress.  I did feel the length of these sort of highlight the width of my hip bones, which I sooo wish to be un-noticed.... so a NO NO.

This is a good pair of denim short, and the fabric is very stretchy and comfortable. However, British summer is never that warm for me to wear a short!  And I won't wear it in Taiwan as I am too self-conscious about my wobbly legs.... 

This midi dress is my last pick of the day - see, I can only do so little shopping!! It was on the sale rack, and happened to be the last one hanging at the end, so I noticed it on my way to the fitting rooms.... And it turns out to be great! (and it is very festivalie.... goes so well with my city bag!)

I did wonder about the length of a midi and the style of a jersey dress - both elements are something I always thought to avoid as they may not suit me. How wrong I was! 

On a separate trip over the Easter break, I also picked up a pair of straight legs work trousers, stripe top (short sleeves) and a light-weighted denim short from H&M - no photos for now, but I am sure they will be featured shortly on the blog. 

AA xxx