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 Monday #4

I asked my hubby to join me on the Blue Monday project, and this morning he dressed 'up' with different tones of blue and is very smart (sorry, no photo showing here).  But he then complained a lot when he saw what I have on.... He basically nearly shouted at me, "There is very little BLUE !"

I am hitting a style block AGAIN, not knowing what to wear, and in blue. 

Top: blue butterflies blouse

Skirt: MaxMara grey wool skirt (bought a while ago, first featured on the blog)

Cardi: Mango purple/black stripes

Boots: Schuh black ankle boots (new purchase this month)

Coat and Bag: as usual 

Necklace: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Recently, I've found an outlet shop on ebay, where they sell shoes/boots that were previously in display in shops. I won the bid for this brown/tan Hush Puppies boots few weeks ago at a fraction of the RPR price, although I wasn't sure about what condition to expect in terms of how 'new/used' the shoes may be. But soon after I've received the boots, I was blew away by its in nearly new condition.  So here again, I won the bid for this ankle boots at a really really bargain price for this very comfortable boots! So you will probably see me wearing this boots a lot in the coming warmer spring time. 

This is my first time wearing this Max Mara wool skirt, and it keeps me really warm all day, at least to the knee height. I wasn't sure about this outfit - Although I want to dress smarter and I figure a skirt like this pair would work well, I think a top/blouse/shirt in a brighter colour or patterns might work better than I've come up with. In a desperation to brighten up the look, I went for the black-purple stripes cardigan. Yet, I am still not sure....  

Previously on Blue Monday Project....

Blue Monday #3

Blue Monday #2

 

Blue Monday #1

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

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 

Dress, Cardi/Sweater, Boots

I am wearing similar outfits today and yesterday - Dress, Cardi/Sweater and Boots. 

Dress: French Connection I think (last worn)

Cardi: George at ASDA

Boots: Hush Puppies (new purchase in January)

Bag: as usual

Necklace: French Connection

Coat: SLY N3B 

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Dress: Oasis (last worn on blog)

Sweater: Dorothy Perkins

Boots: Hush Puppies

Bag: as usual 

Necklace: Topshop (not in the picture)

Coat: Warehouse long winter coat

I had this purple dress on originally before Baby D threw his toy digger on my cereal bowl ! I ended up with cereals and milk all over myself and the sofa.... (annoyed!!) 

I begin to wonder how many different dresses that I could wear to work before I start to re-cycle them..... Has anyone tried to do this before?? 

AA xxx

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

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

Same cardi three days in a row

top: French Connection (last worn here)

cardi: New Look 

trousers: Next 

trench coat: Ted Baker (not in the picture) 

shoes: ASOS leather safari heels  (not in the picture) 

bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo bag  (not in the picture) 

necklace: French Connection

scarf: ASOS owl print (not in the picture) 

This purple top is something I don't think I'd wear it as it is. I like the patterns and the colour, but the design/shape of the sleeves isn't very complementary. Perhaps it was a fashion back then, but not any more. 

My day today is filled up with several meetings, and I'd like to wear more 'appropriately' for all occasions. So, I figure the dressing code of {black trousers with a blouse/top, and a cardi} is best option.  And I certainly saw other colleagues, both academics and admin staff, wearing similar combination. I guess you can never go wrong with this formula : )

AA xxx 

Dress, cardi, trench coat, boots, Marc Jacobs Hillier Hobo bag

 

dress: A|Wear (very old)

white knitted cardi

boots: Forever 21

trench coat: Ted Baker & Longchamp style bag as baby diaper bag (two bags system)

bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo bag

necklace: French Connection 

This dress was on its way out several times when I tried to make rooms for the wardrobe in the past. I didn't have the heart to give it away to charity shops every time, mostly because it is in the right length for my liking!! And several years on, probably three or four old now, it's amazing that I still find it fit for the work environment. 

(Although this is a proof that I am back to the pre-pregnancy size, it is still depressing that I didn't manage to lose any weights all these years! - I am one or one and a half size bigger than when I live in Taiwan.)

It is a cotton, jersey style dress, probably A-line. The length is a better fit than many dresses I owned and tried on in the past (ie French Connection, Topshop, Warehouse, Dorothy Perkins). I think once you find a piece that cannot go wrong, you tend to keep it or go back to it every now and then - I hope that I can find more this type of dresses....  

AA xxx

A commuting mum in autumn

top: Dorothy Perkins pink knitted top (old)

trousers: Next chino trouser 

shoes: Hush Puppies

trench coat: Ted Baker (bought on ebay)

bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier Hobo bag (bought on ebay)

necklace: sunburst style

Had to commute to work this morning with my husband - we drove to Ilkley, the nearby train station and got on the same train to work, my workplace and the nursery is one stop before his. 

I always enjoy the 'occasional' commute on the train to/from work as I enjoy people/style watching. Where we live, or I should say, the town nearby, is a posh place, and you get to see many well-polished women at all ages coming and going in decent, stylish and classic look (so probably not as fashionable as in big cities). And that is the style I like and I want to be like or associated with - classic and stylish.

As I was travelling with my husband, I had the chance to be left alone people watching, rather than chasing the baby!  This has set me in a good, refresh mood (plus the fact, today is Friday!) - A little bit of ME time for a working mum makes all the differences !   

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

blue top, French Connection skirt, ASOS owl scarf, Balenciaga city

top: Dorothy Perkins

skirt: French Connection 

shoes: ASOS safari leather heels

scarf: ASOS owl prints

bag: Balenciaga violet city

trench coat: Uniqlo 

necklace: French Connection 

Since I started this 'what I wore' blog, I have been paying more attention on how to put my outfit together as well as wanting to try out new, different styles. This is definitely the later one - a different style as I haven't worn a skirt like today's for many years, or even never ever. 

I tend to pick up faults on myself, and I am probably struggling with my body image. I also tend to shy away from skirts that don't sit well 'just above knee height'. And because of my height, this is a mini skirt to me and wearing such short skirt to work seems wrong somehow in my opinion. But when I shared this with my hubby, he laughed and said 'hey, are you from the Saudi!' and he clearly likes to see me wearing more skirts in this height. 

Although I can still see all the little things that I am not happy about (see, body image issue!), I didn't feel too bad having this outfit on, except when I needed to bend down putting the baby in his car seat. 

A good start, shall we say....

AA xxx

jersey dress, blazer, Balenciaga city

 

dress: new purchase this month

shoes: ASOS safari heels

blazer: F&F

bag: Balenciaga violet city

necklace: French Connection (new purchase this month)

received the dress the day before and decided to wear it to work the next day!  

AA xxx