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 #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 

Laid back Friday at work

After having two events in the last two days, the plan for the day is to catch up on emails and to finalise teaching plan for the coming Monday.  A day in the office quietly....

Top: French Connection (last worn)

Cardi: Warehouse (last worn)

Black jeggings

Bag and boots: as usual

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

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 

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

Balenciaga City travels with the pram, animal print and blue chino

How do you travel home from work when you have to pick up your little one from the nursery? I mean, what bags arrangement/solutions do you come up with? 

Today is the second day of the week that I have to travel with the baby, a pram and two bags. The commute time is around 1.5 hours: 30 mins on the train, 10 mins on bus and waiting time before/after train and bus. (Baby D's nursery is near my office). 

And because it's a long journey home, I'd like to have some essentials with me just in case, so nibbles, toys, nappy, water etc all go in..

Depending on the weather (forecast) and how my day plays out, I come up with these solutions: I alter between Balenciaga city and Salad bag for work; CiPU bag and Longchamp bag (small size) for baby. 

About this Salad bag, although it has been used a lot recently (not always in the #OOTD pictures), I don't like it as much as any of my Balenciaga collections (city, part-time and work). The reason it gets plenty of use is because it is my only cross body bag I own, plus the fact that I don't like it that much so it can be dumped on the floor, if must, without me frowning. So, it becomes the default IT bag for a raining day, either with or without traveling with the pram. I will want to find a replacement, which is smaller and lighter though - I am torn between a Marc Jacob bag or from a high street shop.

Are you in a similar situation? Do you pick up children from work and then travel home by public transport? What is your bags solution??

top: Oasis animal print

trousers: Next chino in blue colour

cardi: Linea waterfall cardi

shoes: Hush Puppies
bag: Balenciaga city in violet colour; Salad bag; CiPU diaper bag. 

Last worn: animal print top, chino trousers, Balenciaga city, CiPU bag

AA xxx

dotty top, jeggings, trench coat, a British summer

top: Oasis

jeggings: Mark & Spenser

necklace: Topshop

trench coat: Uniqlo in beige colour

bag: Salad bag

A day of low on energy, and feeling chilled all day.....

Being a full time working mum makes it really hard to stay organised. 

Last worn: top, jeggings

AA xxx

navy week :: animal print and blue chino trousers

top: Oasis 
trousers: Next navy chino cropped trousers
shoes: ASOS safari leather heels
bag: Salad bag (not in the picture)
trench coat: Uniqlo (not in the picture)

[three things]
1. this ASOS safari shoes AGAIN! I wear it almost every single working day! - perhaps it is really time to buy another pair in black now.

2. animal print is always like a statement piece, and can be wore stylist without any accessories. I do find myself not wearing accessories these days as that is one less thing to worry about when I am trying to rush out of the house in the morning. Also, baby D always goes for necklace or belt etc and puts into his mouth.... he tore off my favourite necklace few weeks ago and that's when I think to myself, perhaps no more necklace for a while.

3. After a couple of wash, the navy chino trousers looks more casual. Do I need to invest on another pair, but in different fabric?? - I am never a ironing person, so ironing is not an option to rescue the look.



this post is a link-up to Kate's navy week theme.



AA xxx  

Hearty top, black trousers, heels

top: Oasis hearty blouse

trousers: Next 

blazer: George at ASDA

shoes: ASOS safari leather heels

bag: Salad bag (not in the picture)

[three things]

1. {black trousers x blouse} is probably my default office wear style and the dress code for HE. I used to only wear this sort of style every working day when I first started to work in HE. I feel safe, secure and fit-in in wearing them somehow. 

2. The red hearty top and leather heels make the outfit less boring. 

3. Next trousers is a new purchase in June before I returned to work from maternity leave. It fits really well, making me look thinner. I am thinking of buying another the same pair (and a black ASOS safari heels) now. 

Last worn: blazer, shoes, bag

AA xxx