Stripes blouse, colored trousers, grey cardi, Rebecca Minkcoff bag

Top: Oasis (a recent purchase on ebay)

Trousers: Uniqlo (bought in Aug)

Grey cardi: Paul & Bear

Shoes: (flat, as in the picture) & Clark's (heels, not in the picture)

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff M.A.B mini bag in black

Necklace: Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlocks 

I am back!  I've taken a long break off blogging here, partly because I was away for nearly a month back home with my family in Taiwan, to be a hands-on, full-time mum again (I forgot about how hard but rewarding these can be!).

When packing for the holiday, I made a decision to take only 8-10 essential pieces per person, and for adults, to try to not buy new clothes too. This is partly because we'd like to travel light - only one check-in suitcase for two adults and a 2 year-old.  But also, to allow max. spaces for bringing home (Taiwan) and to bring as many books, in Chinese,  as possible, for myself and the little one back home (UK).  

For me, 8-10 essential items for a summer holiday in tropical country is a rather easy task, so dresses, skirts, shorts, tops all in. And I've been wearing the same outfit formula in turns. It was very hot, like 38-40 degrees every day. So we tried to stay air-conditioning indoor as much as possible, or in the pool. We often took 2 or 3 showers a day and changed at least twice. 

I've found this quite liberating, to my surprise, especially after working on remixing my wardrobe for quite some time since last summer. I did feel rather limited and bored with my look quite quickly, but this experience, in some way, forced me to just accept the limitation, full stop.  For example, I've been wearing the same two dresses to the church on Sundays and for going out with friends - when . The rest of my essentials are more like comfortable wear for potting around in the neighborhood and to the pool.  

Since coming back to work after the holiday, I have been pretty much doing similar things, wearing the same few items in different or the same formula. And, to be honest, I am quite happy that way.  I even downsized my wardrobe and handbag collection as well.  Limitation is liberating. How strange!

Anyway, here I am, back in the blogging world.  I would still like to continue with my remix wardrobe, and to find out what my styles are and how different, or the same, 'formula' could work.  

By the way, in case you are wondering, adults did manage to hold off buying clothes, but my parents treated us two pairs of new shoes from Sketchers each! So we had to pack 4 extra shoes with us.... luckily, my mum traveled to UK with us, so we got extra spaces for those! 

AA xxx

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

Animal print dress, chunky cardi, boots

This is what I wore to work on Tue - a blouse, sweater, black trousers style.

This is what I wore to work on Wed - a dress, cardi dress style. 

I always feel that my photo doesn't do any justice to this French Connection long chunky cardi. It is very warm, a great addition for the winter when wearing a spring/autumn dress. 

When I bought this cardi, I thought it would work really really well for a home party in winter, so that I can still wear a dress, not worrying being too cold.  Then, the baby comes along and this home party idea hasn't been tried out yet at all.  : ) 

Dress: French Connection (last worn)

Cardi: French Connection 

Boots: Schuh

AA xxx

Animal print top, skirt, heels, little black dress, blazer, boots

In an attempt to look more 'professional' and learn to remix my wardrobe, this is what I wear to work on Tue. I have been out of the habits of wearing a necklace and ear rings for a long time, although I seem to still purchase them from time to time! I think it would probably look better with another goldish necklace for layering. 

On reflection of my outfit, I actually don't like this look. I feel there are too many colours in my upper body, although you cannot really see the cami. I think I will wear the white cardi with this blouse next time.

Blouse: New Look (last worn) - bought on eBay 

Cami: Dorothy Perkins

Skirt: a very old one (last worn)

Cardi: Uniqlo

Heels: Clarks

Necklace: recent purchase on eBay

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I've been thinking about what to wear to work today since Baby D went to sleep last night.  I fell asleep in thinking 'Oh Gosh, I haven't got anything to wear to work tomorrow!' (My only black smart trousers still await to be washed, and I don't feel like wearing a dress that I wore last week). 

This morning, I woke up with the same worry. Once Baby D is fed and content with his daddy downstairs, I had a bit of time to open the wardrobe in daylight (we are still co-sleeping at night) and I can now see clearly what have been neglected.... I then dug out two summer dresses and the blazer. I decided to go with this little black summer dress, bought ages ago! 

What I like about this dress is it works for both casual and work occasions. And the design on the waist gives it more character - it will go really well with any Balenciaga moto bags!!  

The weather in the northern UK has been rather mild, a summer dress with thick warm leggings/tights and boots are just fine during day time. (And I actually took off the blazer in my office today.)   

Dress: bought ages ago in Taiwan

Nude Blazer: bought in Taiwan in Dec 2013 (around the time I discovered my pregnancy!)

Boots: Hush Puppies

Bag: as usual

I did wear the bar necklace this morning, but by the time I got to my office, I somehow lost it!!! (I have only worn it for a handful time!) My plan was to wear the bar necklace with the one in the picture as layering....

AA xxxx

Blue Monday #3, blue top, blue trousers, blue shirt, grey jeggings

Only an hour in the office, I am getting anxious and feeling overwhelmed by the workload! - definite feeling Monday blue today!!

Top: Oasis (last worn)

Cardi: George at ASDA

Trousers: Next

Coat: Warehouse

Bag: as usual

Wearing a blue dotty top today for the Blue Monday project, although I have other blue dresses that can be wore to work : )   

Previous on Blue Monday Project...

Blue Monday #2

Blue Monday #1

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This is what I wore on Friday last week...

We had to go to a performance after work with Baby D - this show is sort of supervised by my hubby as part of his job.  We'd like to achieve as much as work-life balance right whenever possible, so after thinking for few nights, I decided to go with Baby D. My outfit therefore needs to be something more casual (for chasing after a toddler in the evening). 

Top: White Stuff (last worn)

Jeggings

Cardi: George at ASDA

Boots: Hush Puppies

Baby D had such a good time during the show. He was running around at the end and by the side of the stage and seating area, and he even made some friends too in the evening. It was quite fun although it did involvement a lot of parenting work! 

It was Red Nose Day on Friday, so the dress code for the nursery is RED.

We put Baby D on the stage after the event, and he started to dance as he had such a good time seeing people dancing and singing! 

AA xxx

Animal prints top, black trousers

 

Top: Oasis (last worn here)

Trousers: Next (last worn with the Oasis top on the same day!)

Cardi: George from ASDA

Shoes: Clarks 

Bag: as usual

Coat: Warehouse

Necklace: (bought on eBay lately)

I decide to take a break from wearing another dress to work today. Partly because I feel wearing different dresses everyday is against the idea of learning how to remix my wardrobe, but also I need a change in personal image, at least for the day!  So I am back to my default office wear look today - a top x black smart trousers x cardi. 

However, as the day goes on today, I start to wonder if I am too relaxed about the dress code at work lately, and perhaps I should be more ready in my outlook... erm.. just murmuring.... 

AA xxx 

New top for Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese New Year!!

Blouse: Vero Moda from ASOS
Trousers: Next (old one)
Boots and Bag: as usuasl

I am organising a student event this afternoon - Event planning and organisation takes up soooo much time and energy (and worry too), and I am glad this is just a one-off, not what I do for living !!  (I feel planning a teaching session/workshop is probably slightly easier although it comes with more responsibilities....)

So I am wearing this Chinesie looking red blouse for work today, and I've received some compliments from hubby and colleagues already.

Whenever I am wearing a shirt/blouse, I am always unsure whether it looks better to have them tucked in the trousers or have them loose... Well, this blouse is quite short, but has enough length to be tucked in, which is what I decided to do in the end for today as the trousers I am wearing is in boot cut shape.  But, I think it would work better with a fitted black/grey trousers/jeans and flats, like on ASOS website.

Just thought to add a couple of photos from the event. We probably had about at least 100 students involved, coming and going like, not all in one time. The volunteers helping out  on the stall were just amazing, really on board and really into writing calligraphy too. Everyone definitely had a good fun today. 

 AA xxx

Outfits ideas for Chinese New Year

This year will be the 9th year that I didn't go home to be with my family for the Chinese New Year (upset).  

When you are young, marrying someone from a different culture and settling down abroad is such a romantic idea. In reality, it comes with a lot of trade-off, for either the wife or the husband, which you don't get to fully appreciate until a lot later in life. Then it is too late to make changes... 

It's the festival season, and I am getting a bit soft and home-sick (although I now have a home away from home too).  Being a mum makes me realize how much I miss to have close family around and how much I've missed out.... 

'Wearing new clothes for the Chinese New Year' is an old Chinese phrase, and as far as I can remember about my childhood, I always got/wore a new redish coat (or an expensive item) as part of the Chinese New Year celebration.  I remember being wrapped up warm in the new red winter coat when visiting my uncles and the first thing I said are 'Hello' and 'Gong Shi Fat Choy' (asking for the red envelope). (See, I have missed out so much from living abroad.)  

  

This childhood memory totally explains why my favourite picks below are all in red (I actually didn't consider any other colour themes than RED!). And in real life, I seldom buy any clothes in red colour, probably also as a result of the association. 

I love the patterns of the above blouse - they are somehow quite chinesy. In fact, I am going to wear this top for an event I am organizing at work later this week.

I like basic tops as they can be dressed up or down easily - this red top is another good choice (for next year perhaps).

 


This knitted dress below looks good too.

   

(PS. All pictures are taken from ASOS.com)

AA xxx

Finally Friday

top: Dorothy Perkins

cardi: New Look

trousers: Next chino trousers

shoes: Clark's black heels

trench coat: as usual; Ted Baker

bag: as usual

The minute I left the house, I happened to notice the white snotty marks on my trousers. I pondered for few seconds whether to rush back in and change to a different pair. As husband was getting Darcy on the car seat, I decided to hope for the best that no one would notice... Well, no one has said anything to me about it all day....

AA xxx

Grey blouse, olive trousers, black cardi, grey heels

 

top: H&M long sleeves blouse/shirt

cardi: George from ASDA

trousers: Uniqlo Heattech corduroy trousers in olive (new purchase - exact)

shoes: Nine West
necklace: sunburst style
trench coat: Ted Baker (not in the picture) 
bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo bag  (not in the picture) 


If I say I am being very 'adventurous' about my outfits today, you may laugh out loud!!
But, I stand by my claim and celebrate the fact that I am moving onto where I want to be...

I used to wear black trousers to work every day and some dresses occasionally. Since pregnancy and coming back to work from maternity leave, I have been trying out different bottom pieces, ie skirts (still only occasionally), chino trousers, jeggings, and now this pair - Hooray!

I have always been a fan of the Uniqlo Heattech line, only previously trying on tops and a lounge dress. Since this winter is supposed to be the coldest winter in 60 years allergically, I decided to invest more pieces from the Heattech line - so I bought this trousers, two tops, some leggings and tights (not yet try them on) spending over £150!! (ordered a top for Baby D too).

I am quite pleased with this trousers so far. I'd normally need the portable heater on in the office, but I don't feel the need just yet. We shall wait and see if it would keep me warm in the winter months to come.

AA xxx

animal print blouse, chino trousers, Marc Jacobs Hillier Hobo bag

 

top: animal print blouse from Oasis

trousers: Next chino trousers (2014 S/S)

shoes: Hush Puppies

bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo bag

trench coat: Uniqlo (not in the picture)

Reaching out for the same outfit combination again (here and here)! Where has my spirit of building a remix wardrobe gone!?

AA xxx

blouse, jeggings, flat, trench coat, Marc Jacobs Hillier Hobo bag, CiPUmini city

same outfit, but wearing Hush Puppies flat today.

Another day of taking baby D home on train and bus after a long working day and having a two-bags system, and unfortunately I will have to commute home with baby D on our own in the next two weeks!

First time this CiPU baby blue stripes diaper bag made its appearance on the blog. This is the smallest diaper bag I own, and from the CiPU city line. This bag has been 'stolen' by my husband for his everyday work bag (he alternates between this stripy bag and the CiPU pink stripy bag) until very recently I bought him his own manly work bag.  As Baby D would have a light tea in the nursery at 4ish before I pick him up, I don't need to carry a lot in my diaper bag, only a spare nappy, changing mat, Baby D's water jug, wet wipe, some snack and a coat.

AA xxx

animal print top, chino trousers, sunburst necklace, Balenciaga city

top: Oasis

trousers: Next chino cropped trousers

necklace: sunburst style (not in picture)

flat: Hush Puppies (not in pucture)

bag: Balenciaga violet city

having a very action packed day - GP appointments before work, teaching for 4 hours with a meeting, working lunch in the middle. At about mid afternoon, got a call from nursery saying Baby D was unwell, not eating or drinking all day. So rushed to pick up Baby D, held him to work and walked uphills....

anyway, I am very glad that I had my favourite flat by Hush Puppies on today, so I can run and walk and be fine afterwards. 

So, I didn't have time to take #OOTD selfies. this photo was taken by hubby before we set off in the morning.

last worn: top (identical outfit actually), trousers, necklace, bag, flat

AA xxx

blue top, blue trousers, grey cardi and brown shoes

top: bought on eBay

trousers: Next chino 

cardi: Linea in grey colour

shoes: Hush Puppies

bag: Balenciaga violet city

a new programme starts tomorrow and I have the overall responsibility in overseeing, planning and a bit of teaching. so, I deliberately wear something more laid-back today as this is probably my last chance for a while. 

AA xxx

animal print, jeggings, grey cardi, Balenciaga violet city

top: New Look

black jeggings

cardi: Linea grey waterfall

shoes: ASOS safari leather heels

bag: Balenciaga city

necklace: Topshop

I start to leave this necklace at work as it goes pretty well with most of my outfits.

{blouse x black jeggings x blazer/cardi} seems to be my default dress code these days. I am not sure how I think about having a ‘default’ style if my aim is to have a remix work wardrobe…. And it will be very boring for blog readers (not that there are many!) to see similar outfits every day.

This ASOS safari leather heels is my favourite purchase and item this summer. I almost wear it every single working day! Well, I figure I’d better wear it as much and as often as I can before the autumn and the wind and rain set in….    

last worn: cardi

AA xxx