Retro-Style Floral Summer Dress & a Panama Hat

Retro style dress and Panama hat
Nothing beats a floral dress in the summer. I’ve had this retro-style dress for years, yet somehow it’s never appeared on the blog before. As I’m a sucker for a ladylike dress (see the one that made me go all Grace Kelly a couple of weeks ago here), it made sense to wear one on my birthday when we visited Stourhead House and Gardens in Wiltshire on Wednesday. Florals were only right for such a beautiful setting – and as always a Panama hat works with any summer outfit. Ever.

The photos at the end really need no explanation (the shot of the lake was taken on my iPhone and I can’t get over how unbelievably beautiful and awe-inspiring it was) – and I had to include a photo that you may have seen on my Instagram feed… there were so many statues and busts inside temples that I just couldn’t help myself and had to do a selfie with one of them. I may have turned 42 but the child inside will never die 😉


Do you dress up on your birthday? And like me do you always have to do something to celebrate the occasion – do share in the comments!



Retro style dress and Panama hat
Retro style print and delicate jewellery
Retro style dress and Panama hat
Stourhead Gardens lake #scenery #lake
Hydrangeas - Stourhead Gardens
Statue impression #roman #bust

Catherine x

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P.S. If you want to keep up with all my summery outfits from the blog, why not follow my Spring/Summer Pinterest board?

Dress: Very.co.uk (old), Hat: Tumi (similar), Flats: c/o La Redoute, Bag: Unknown (old), Necklace: Gift, Bracelet: c/o Aspire Style




Linking up to: Visible MondayLet It ShineShare in StyleMonday MingleStyle SessionsTrend Spin Link-UpWhat I Wore WednesdayPassion for Fashion FridayFriday’s Fab Favourites

28 Comments

  1. 5 August 2014 / 2:00 pm

    Such a wonderful post, Catherine.
    Thank you, thank you, thank you for joining and sharing your style with us.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

    • 12 August 2014 / 7:51 am

      You're most welcome Sacramento – and thank YOU!!

  2. 5 August 2014 / 5:13 am

    Hello dear Catherine! What a stunning photoshooting!! I love ladylike dresses styled with hats, you look super pretty. I think the ballet flats are the perfect choice too. Have a lovely day darling!!
    Baci,
    Coco
    Coco et La vie en rose / Bloglovin / Facebook

    • 12 August 2014 / 7:50 am

      Thanks so much, Coco! The place was absolutely stunning :))

  3. 4 August 2014 / 8:02 pm

    You look very chic! And the pics are really awesome 😉

  4. 4 August 2014 / 11:35 am

    That turquoisey blue of your dress is an excellent compliment to your awesome red hair. Don't you love blue hydrangeas? I actually bought some special powder on Amazon this year that would keep mine from going pink (Aluminum salts, I think). It worked!
    http://www.highlandfashionista.com

    • 4 August 2014 / 11:19 pm

      Gosh I didn't know that about hydrangeas, Kristin – so that's how they get them in different colours! Thanks hun, so glad you liked the dress….!

  5. 4 August 2014 / 8:11 am

    Wonderful pics, love your dress and that fab panama hat. I do own a very similar one! What a pretty location as well!

    HIPPY AT HEART ///

  6. 4 August 2014 / 7:45 am

    the last picture got me! Your dress suits you well, pretty!

  7. 28 July 2014 / 7:23 pm

    The floral print dress paired with the hat is so casual! so perfect!

  8. 28 July 2014 / 2:07 pm

    That dress is beautiful, Catherine! I can see why you love it! Hope your birthday was a blast…that garden looks like a stunning place!

    xx April

  9. 28 July 2014 / 12:23 pm

    Happy Birthday Catherine!

    Such a beautiful dress and backdrop. I love to dress up on my birthday… actually, I love to dress up almost everyday, which has lead to some "Is it your birthday today?"-comments in the past, ha!

  10. 28 July 2014 / 10:46 am

    I am not sure it's a retro but I like it anyway! 🙂 Photos are great especially the last one! I fall about laughing!
    I read it and looked at the photos several times but I still cannot believe that you're 42! You made me both laugh and shocked 🙂 Hope we'll be friend 🙂
    Love,
    Cherié Chloé
    nzlgl.blogspot.com.tr

    • 4 August 2014 / 11:20 pm

      Oh I think it has a very retro feel to it – I have many pictures of my mum in the 1950s wearing dresses in this style…! Anyway thank you Cherie – lovely compliment about my age!!!

  11. 28 July 2014 / 6:25 am

    Stunning view of the garden, dear Catherine…what a lovely place to celebrate your birthday!! My own blog post tomorrow talks about how I probably own waaay too many dresses considering my rather casual lifestyle; but like you, I have a hard time saying no to a pretty one!! XO

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.blogspot.com

  12. 27 July 2014 / 9:37 pm

    You look so beautiful Catherine. I adore your dress and the setting is so pretty and perfect for your outfit 🙂

    Take care,
    Daniella xox

    • 4 August 2014 / 11:15 pm

      A floral dress for a gardens settings with loads of flowers… a cliché maybe but a good one! Thanks D xx

  13. 27 July 2014 / 4:08 pm

    Happy birthday, young woman! Love this floral frock and beautiful setting. xox
    And thanks for linking up to Vis Monday too!

  14. 27 July 2014 / 3:34 pm

    You look lovely…the setting is lovely…and you made me laugh at the end!! Good post!

    • 4 August 2014 / 11:14 pm

      I had to include it really, didn't I Pam?!!

  15. 27 July 2014 / 3:31 pm

    Oh yes, beautiful dres. And I love how that hat of yours always makes an outfit special. Love the last two pictures too. Glad you included them. And happy birthday youngster (everything in life is relative.)
    Greetje

    • 4 August 2014 / 11:14 pm

      Heehee what did Mae West say: You're only as young as the man you feel. I like that one ;))

      Thank you Greetje my lovely x

    • 11 August 2014 / 7:29 pm

      That reminds me of a very good but naughty joke by Sophie Tucker, told by Bette Midler. But I would have to send you that one by mail LOL

  16. 27 July 2014 / 2:57 pm

    Love the dress, the backdrop and your selfies!!!
    I once bought a beautiful panama hat in the States and forgot it at the airport bathroom… I wonder whether the cleaning lady is still wearing it 😉

    xo
    Annette | Lady of Style

    • 4 August 2014 / 11:13 pm

      Oh no Annette – that's so sad! Though it's funny to think of a cleaner cleaning bathrooms wearing it…!! Thanks hun x

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