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

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

------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------

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

Wearing a shift dress

Dress: Zara
Cardi: Uniqlo
Heels: Clarks
Necklace: Topshop
Bag: Usual


Today is the big day at work where I was expecting to be grilled by panel of experts in HE about all sorts of questions of our programmes/students/service.  But, I managed to not say a word in the one-hour long meeting (I was with a group of 10 academics and support/admin staff) - yes I was rather pleased with getting away of answering questions !

As like last time when I was in the mock session for preparation, I managed to find some fun in style watching what other ladies are wearing !

Black and Grey are definitely the dominate colours for an important occasion like this.  Most of the female colleagues either go for a black top with a pop colour skirt or trousers and heels, with black/grey cardi or work blazer. So, I have definitely chosen the right outfit/colour themes, and I could choose to wear a cardi in brighter colours next time (bright blue, dark red etc). 

The most senior (title wise, not the age) female colleague goes for a black dress with a bright orange/pink cardi (not a work blazer), with see-through black tights, black heels and a brown leather tote, which I thought was CK not couldn't pinpoint a picture from internet.
But it looks similar to this one:

I paid quite a lot of admiration on the brown leather tote...  I thought it must have been a 'pratical' tote for a busy woman like her, who goes to many meetings:

• A good size for A4 papers and notebooks, which can stand vertical in the bag although slightly sticking out. 
• Can stand up on its own. So it is easy to reach and find relevant papers during meetings.  
• It has long stripes - so can be carried two ways - I do find a tote with long stripes a blessing these days, easy to grab and go in a rush, and good for changing the style/look too. 
• 'Brown leather bag' looks fab with formal dress - elegant, classic, upper class. 

I once read a book about time management and how to be more organised, in which a famous Japanese writer recommends that in order to maximize the efficiency (at work or during the commute journey) a bag that could stand up on its own and could fit in A4 papers is the best size and style. (I wish I could remember which book I read it from or which writer proposes this).

I have been thinking of buying another handbag that could fit in A4 papers and notebook (What, do you really need another bag?!) - Although I adore my Balenciaga Work tote, it doesn't come with the long stripes... So what I have in mind is a Balenciaga Velo for work (Can it stand up on its own??)

Well, women and bags go hand in hand.....

AA xxx

Stripes dress, Cardi and Boots

I am back, after having two months, or nearly three months perhaps, break from blogging my outfits. 

One reason of that is because I ran out of ideas and thoughts to comment on my outfit combination, and inspiration and energy to keep up with that due to exhaustion from juggling between a full-time job and off-work full-on mum. I was sooo exhausted to a degree that I kept picking up terrible colds one after another till the new year !

While I was recovering from being poorly and from lack of energy, I have been thinking about my blogs (I have two 'active' blogs, one here in English and the other in Mandarine). I have been on and off blogging for a decade now. Although I had taken short and long breaks every now and then, I do generally go back to blogging as I do enjoy it and as a form to be true to myself. 

The original thought of this blog is to simply keep records of my outfit /style, and mostly to see how it would develop over time. I now feel more relaxed about sticking to that plan as life is not always so simple and clear-cut, and I feel I want to embrace more flexibility generally in life. 

I would still blog about my outfits, but I may also share my motherhood ups and downs here too ! : )

Back to my outfits, this is what I wore to work today. 

Dress: 

Cardi: Uniqlo 

Tights: 

Boots: Clarks in Taupe 

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier Hobo Bag in Taupe

Coat: Traveler (not in picture)

Had a meeting with colleagues from different departments. Although it was a casual catch-up, I thought a more formal look may go down better, so I put on F&F blazer for the meeting (blazer not in the picture).  The meeting was in the atrium, which was rather cold even with the central heating on. So for that reason, it was a wise decision to have the blazer on !  

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

stripes dress, cardi, boots, Marc Jacobs Hillier Hobo bag

  

dress: bought on eBay

cardi: George at ASDA

boots: Forever 21 ankle boots (bought on eBay)

bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo bag (bought on eBay)

trench coat: Uniqlo

Most item I wear to work today (Thursday) are bought from eBay - told you that I am addicted to finding gems on eBay!! 

This dress looks lovely on eBay picture (the one against the white door), but I cannot hide my disappointment when I received it. It was just slightly too long for my liking, and also slightly too big and baggy. Of course the trouble with buying second-hand clothes on eBay is that you cannot refund/return an item. 

After sitting on this for few days, I feel more positive about it again - it is actually a functional dress for a working full-time mum!! It is comfortable to wear all day at work, to sit in the playpen after work, and to bend down checking on the baby when on the go - I am sure many mums would recognise these elements in every day life : )

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

pink knitted top, black trousers, ASOS heels, Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo bag

 

top: pink knitted top (last worn here as in real mum style last weekend)

black trousers: Next size 12R (2014 S/S) (last worn here)

shoes: ASOS safari leather heels

bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo (new purchase on eBay this month!)

necklace: French Connection and sunburst style (last worn here and here)

trench coat: Uniqlo (last worn here as in real mum style last weekend)

This was what I wore to work on Thursday.  

A day commuting to work by bus and train, and walk uphills/downhills for 15 mins to the office/train station. This ASOS safari leather heels always surprises me how comfortable it is considering the height and for such a long walk in a day. 

I've mentioned that I wanted to replace my old Salad hangbag with something that is more functional and baby-friendly for going to the park after work and for walking with a pushchair.  This Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo is the replacement - although I am still half looking for another perfect bag!  It is in a kharki/brown colour, very functional and going well with most of outfits.    

As life gets really busy this week, I am slipping back to my old habits of {top x black trousers} work style. On the grand scheme, it doesn't matter, and in fact, it makes life a lot easier and saves lots of time in the morning. So much so, I am wearing a similar combination today (Friday).....

AA xxx

family day out in Yorkshire Dales

top: pink knitted short sleeves top - not shown in the picture

blue jeggings: F&F @ASDA (July 2014)

trench coat: Uniqlo 

shoes: Hush Puppies 

scarf: ASOS owl print (Aug 2014)

bag: CiPU B-bag in pink/black stripes

Had a fab day out in the Forbidden Corner in Yorkshire Dales today.  So much fun that we decided to have this trip every September from now on, until Baby D is bored by it!! 

my real mum style is fixed to the formula of 'jeggings + trench coat + flat/boots" at the moment.  

AA xxx

French Connection dress, boots, Balenciaga city

 

dress: French Connection

boots: Forever 21

bag: Balenciaga violet city

trench coat: Uniqlo (not in the picture)

this is what I wore to work today - a day of teaching in the morning and office based teaching prep in the afternoon.

erm, not a big fan of the combination of boots and this dress - this boots feel too casual for the teaching role and I regret wearing it today all day long - I want a new pair of ankle boots in black colour!

last worn: Forever 21 boots, bag

AA xxx