How to Wear the Pantone Colour of the Year, Rose Quartz and Serenity #iwillwearwhatilike

Not Dressed As Lamb | Pantone Rose Quartz and Serenity winter outfit

I guess it had to happen eventually: Pantone’s Colour of the Year (Rose Quartz and Serenity) is the theme for this week’s #iwillwearwhatilike link up.

I chose these colours as part of my blog’s new design and colour palette just a few days before Pantone announced the Colour of the Year for 2016 (honestly!) and it’s no surprise that I’ve been drawn to them where my wardrobe’s concerned as well.

The star of the show is undoubtedly this blue check coat by Ganni at Asos – another believable fact but this coat is now reduced from £320 to just £54(!!), and there are a few sizes left (bargain of the century methinks).

Pantone Color of the Year 2016 | Rose Quartz and Serenity

Like the crazy-cheap orange animal print coat I wore on the blog on Saturday, it seems that an incredibly mild December has meant retailers haven’t sold much outerwear this season, so coats are all severely reduced. Great news for statement coat-loving gals like me – this one’s only gone and bought =ahem= four coats in the sale…!

So the blue in the checks of this coat are the perfect match for Serenity, and the boyfriend jeans aren’t far off either. The Rose Quartz comes in the shape of my fluffy pink sweater (last worn here and here) and the old-but-trusty pink brogues – I’ve had them so long I’m wondering if they’ll ever go out of style. I have at least 10+ pairs of brogues and I’ll be gutted if one day I realise they just look a bit old fashioned!

A quick mention for the cutest earrings I got from Asos: Mixed metal triangle earrings, which I think are going to be my new go-with-everything pair. I was also originally going to wear my bright blue Marc Jacobs sunglasses, but thought better of it and decided they might be too matchy-matchy. Neutral brown sunnies and my taupe leather bag let the pink and blue “sing” a little more – I know some people think this year’s Pantone colours are a bit sickly but I happen to love them. Easiest colours to wear (for me) ever…!

Are you a fan of Pantone’s Rose Quartz and Serenity – either together or separately? Tell me in the comments or tweet me @notlamb! (And don’t forget the theme to link up is optional as always!)

Not Dressed As Lamb | Pantone Rose Quartz and Serenity winter outfit
Not Dressed As Lamb | Pantone Rose Quartz and Serenity winter outfit
Not Dressed As Lamb | Pantone Rose Quartz and Serenity winter outfit
Not Dressed As Lamb | Pantone Rose Quartz and Serenity winter outfit


Not Dressed As Lamb | Pantone Rose Quartz and Serenity winter outfit
Coat: ASOS (just £54 down from £320!!) | Sweater: Dorothy Perkins | Jeans: La Redoute  | Shoes: Zalando | Bag: Karen Millen | Earrings: ASOS | Sunglasses: Badgley Mischka | Lips: Maybelline Color Sensational ‘Sugar Plum’

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#iwillwearwhatilike | Not Dressed As Lamb
Thank you for joining the #iwillwearwhatilike link up! This started as a campaign on Instagram in August 2015 where women over 30 wore everything on a journalist’s list of “inappropriate” items for 30+ women (including leopard print, short dresses and oversized sunglasses. Yes, really). It was so popular that I decided to carry it on weekly where women of all ages link up their fabulous style, never mind what anyone tells them not to wear!

So link up all your fabulous outfits (or shoes, accessories, make-up, etc.) every Monday at 3pm UK time – it’ll stay open for a week. Whilst the original article was of course aimed at the 30+, you can be ANY age to link up. The only criteria is that you’re wearing whatever you damn well like!

RELATED  How I Like to Layer For Warmth AND For Style in Autumn/Winter

Bloggers' tributes to David Bowie #iwillwearwhatilike

My favourite DAVID BOWIE tribute outfits from last week’s link up (well done all those ladies who joined in with this, I thought I’d struggle to find anyone to feature)!

(L-R) Chartoega | CatoInAmsterdam | Sheela Writes | The Barefaced Chic

Do share the love and visit as many links as you can (you never know what other lovely like-minded ladies you might meet) – the original Instagram campaign forged some wonderful new relationships so don’t miss out!

74 Comments

  1. 9 February 2016 / 2:58 pm

    What a babe, stunning and those brogues *swoon. Love pastels x

  2. 3 February 2016 / 6:00 am

    Great Post! I am doing a post on the colors of the year tomorrow as well. Love how they just look so great together.

    Lindsay | selleatlove.blogspot.com

    • 3 February 2016 / 4:31 pm

      I'm kinda obsessed with them right now, Lindsay…! Thank you sweetie x

  3. 3 February 2016 / 4:22 am

    Catherine, I had been noticing you becoming the epitome of the rose quartz and serenity colors of the year–oh maybe back since your trip to Greece. Maybe Pantone chose it because of you. It is possible you know! These colors are Catherine's colors!

    Was it the new blog theme that made you switch your color scheme? Time? I'm just curious….At what point is it time to switch up our blog themes? I think mine is almost three years old or so. I am definitely ready to move on to something else. Huge endeavor though right. Oh, so many things to get better at with blogging! Gives one drive doesn't it!

    Thank you for offering this link up to your readers AND in turn coming on over to the Kremb de la Kremb Style Stories Link Up. I love seeing you there. And I love seeing you in rose quartz and blue. So pretty!!

    Love, Ann

    • 3 February 2016 / 4:31 pm

      Hi Ann, thanks so much my lovely! I wanted to get my blog completely redesigned anyway, so it was the right time to change the colours and fonts and my avatar as well (of course I'd chopped off my hair to my new bob and the old avatar just didn't look like me anymore).

      It was after coming back from Santorini and looking at all the pinks, peaches and blues in my Instagram feed that I had the eureka moment of what my new palette should be, so once I knew that, the rest just followed.

      It's the first time I've actually had someone else do the design for me, before that I'd been changing the layout, header, etc. myself – but it had become a bit of a mess. But mine was so easy with pipdig doing it, I can't recommend him enough! It was all done within 48 hours, it couldn't have been easier :))

  4. 28 January 2016 / 5:46 pm

    You look fantastic in pastels, and I love your coat. I'm more of a bold colour person at this moment but I'm always changing. Thanks for the linkup – I'm a bit late. I might put an Instagram link too.

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:53 pm

      Yes please do, Melanie – the more the merrier!! Thank you sweetheart x

  5. 28 January 2016 / 8:06 am

    This outfit is wonderful! And the shoes are out of this world! Where can I find them in pink?

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:53 pm

      Thank you Natasha! I'm afraid the nearest I could find anywhere were the two styles I linked to in the outfit details – but they're more of a blush colour. If you can find pink laces (you can pick up ones in every colour imaginable on eBay) you'd get almost the same effect…! :))

  6. 27 January 2016 / 2:17 pm

    Ah the sweater and shoes are dreamy! And yes, coats are deeply discounted here too (if only I needed one!) You look fabulous, xox

    Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:50 pm

      Haha I'm surprised they even NEED to sell coats in Florida, Patti!!! Thank you so much x

  7. 27 January 2016 / 9:44 am

    Thank you so much for choosing to feature my Bowie inspired look among your favourites, Catherine. I'm truly honored. Great choose for this weeks challenge too – those colours really work for you. So lovely. I'm coming to rip your closet of those brogues and the Ganni jacket that I have had my eye on for quite a while 😉
    xx Charlotte

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:50 pm

      hehe noooooooooo you can't have the brogues, Charlotte – you'll have to rip them out of my dead cold hands…!!!! But you can get your own coat, and we can be coat twinsies ;)))
      Plus it was my pleasure to feature your Bowie look – I was hoping someone would do the Thin White Duke…!

      Thanks hun xx

  8. Carly Walko
    26 January 2016 / 3:01 pm

    I am pretty sure that coat is EVERYTHING! Its like screaming spring but cozy and warm enough for winter. LOVE LOVE LOVE! #asalways
    C

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:48 pm

      hehe I'm pretty sure it is too, Carly!! Thank you sweetie x

  9. 26 January 2016 / 2:17 pm

    What a great look!
    An oversized (bargaintastic) coat in a gorgeous colour/texture combination.
    Those perfect little earrings, Super-cheap and don't look it.
    Those shoooooooooes….LOVE….sigh (I am a sucker for a brogue) and pink laces too (It kills me!)
    I am in need of some non-skinny non-flared jeans (I am so bored of the old styles).
    Boyfriend (or girlfriend) look great, but it is all about the feel and the fit.
    These look like they are soft and comfortable.
    A winning (early) Spring look!
    XXX
    Samantha
    fakefabulous.com

    P.S. Thank you for inspiring me with more pastels…..I might be coming round to them!

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:47 pm

      Ooooh get you with the pastels, Samantha…!! They look lovely on you I think! Thank you my lovely for linking up and your lovely (as always) comments x

  10. 26 January 2016 / 12:08 pm

    Wow, the coat was a real bargain! I love the brogues, I don't think they'll ever go out of fashion! Thanks for hosting, I hope you have a great week xxx
    Emma
    http://style-splash.com/

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:46 pm

      I truly hope they don't, Emma!!! Thank you my lovely xx

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:45 pm

      It's such a great shape, isn't it Irene…? Thank you sweetie x

  11. 26 January 2016 / 5:40 am

    Great use of the colors of the year. I love those oxfords! Thank you for hosting and hope you are having a fab week!

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

    Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:45 pm

      aww thank you so much Alice – you too!! x

  12. 25 January 2016 / 11:01 pm

    I must confess. Waking up and making the cut (so to speak) is always such a thrill, Catherine, it's like winning an award and you have utterly made my day!!! Really, really (pause to gush).

    Thank you thank you for choosing my Bowie outfit. It was/is very special for me because (a) it's Bowie and (b) Bowie is no more. Much love.

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:44 pm

      I'm so glad it made your day, Sheela – your t-shirt was amazing, and to pair it with a tutu… Truly inspired!! x

  13. 25 January 2016 / 10:34 pm

    I am loving these colours! perfect for me. I love how you have styled the colours,which reminds me not to be so monochromatic.A bad habit of mine!
    Thank you for hosting
    Laurie x

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:40 pm

      Oh it's always good to shake things up once in a while, isn't it Laurie – you're looking lovely in pink and blue!! Thank you so much x

  14. 25 January 2016 / 8:27 pm

    How lovely that coat looks, and so tempting now it's been massively reduced Catherine. There's probably a stampede at the online checkout as we speak! And how heavenly are those cute pink brougues. Well that's my weakness, as you may already know. Fab post, absloutely lovely x
    Anna
    Anna's Island Style

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:39 pm

      Isn't it just the BEST when things you love are seriously reduced, Anna…?!!! And yes I know all about your love of brogues – you're as bad as me (can you beat me with number of pairs? I think I have about 13)!

      Thank you sweetie x

  15. 25 January 2016 / 6:05 pm

    Fabulous pink and blue together. In love with your hair.
    Tons of love, dear Catherine
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:37 pm

      aww thank you Sacramento – I still love my shorter hair too…!!!

  16. 25 January 2016 / 5:27 pm

    First of all, your brogues are to die for! And your coat is so much fun. I would wear any colour so this year's colours won't be a challenge for me.
    Thank you for choosing my Bowie inspired look as one of your favourites! I'm honoured to be in such excellent company!! Xx Carin

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:37 pm

      Haha I know you wear every colour going, Carin – and how fabulously you do it, too!!! And thank you, and it was my pleasure to feature you (yet again)! x

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:36 pm

      Hehe it was a good excuse to dig them out again, Jodie – I hadn't worn them in a while…! Thanks my lovely xx

  17. 25 January 2016 / 5:11 pm

    The Pantone 2016 colors look wonderful on you! However, you won't be seeing them on me. I look terrible in pastels. They wash me out and make me look old.

    Alicia
    spashionista.com

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:35 pm

      Aww that's a shame, Alicia, but at least you know what's right on you and stick to it! Thank you for the sweet comment x

  18. 25 January 2016 / 5:00 pm

    Love this combo, your post just reminded me that denim is the color of blue. I guess I have to edit my post now…LOL!

    xo,
    Janise

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:34 pm

      Amazingly a mid wash denim is the perfect match for Serenity, Janise! Thank you sweetie, glad you liked it x

  19. 25 January 2016 / 4:18 pm

    I absolutely love these colors, and for once, Pantone picked colors I like and would wear. Your outfit is amazing! Love the coat and shoes.

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:33 pm

      I thought the same about the new COTY, Amy!! Thank you so much my lovely x

  20. 25 January 2016 / 4:04 pm

    Love how you styled them, coincidentally, "how to wear the pantone colors of 2016 according to your skin tone" is the latest post on my blog.
    Modavracha | Blog

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:33 pm

      Thank you Onyinye, I shall pop over and take a look! x

  21. 25 January 2016 / 4:01 pm

    What an absolutely beautiful outfit showcasing this year's Pantone colors! I love the coat and shoes especially! Peace! Cheryl

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:32 pm

      Aww Cheryl thank you! Those shoes are *always* popular whenever I wear them…!!

  22. 25 January 2016 / 3:50 pm

    What a fabulous coat at such a fabulous price! Lucky you. You made a perfect outfit with it.
    Greetje

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:31 pm

      Thank you Greetje… I think you could probably tell how pleased I was with my bargain buy!!

  23. 25 January 2016 / 3:46 pm

    I love that coat, what a great deal! I'm not much of a pale pink girl, but maybe in small doses I could give it a try. Like maybe a rose quartz bracelet and ring. 🙂

    • 31 January 2016 / 7:31 pm

      Jewellery is a wonderful idea, Laurie!! thank you hun x

  24. 25 January 2016 / 3:45 pm

    A challenge for me but perfect for you, Catherine!! I probably have to wait for spring before I'll jump on the Pantone colour bandwagon myself 😉 Then most likely I will wear them separately paired with neutrals.

    xx
    Annette | Lady of Style

    • 26 January 2016 / 12:17 am

      Both colours would look beautiful on you I bet, Annette! xx

  25. 25 January 2016 / 3:44 pm

    Oooh! Those brogues are FABULOUS!

    bisous
    Suzanne

  26. 25 January 2016 / 3:41 pm

    I wasn't blown away by the colours when it was first announce but they're growing on me. I'm always a bit iffy about light pinks – bit insipid for me and not always a great colour for me to wear (unlike you, for whom it was totally meant!) but I've started to think about pairing it with other deeper colours like grape, teal and grey it works really well.

    Lovely to see those brogues again – they'll never go out of style!

    Where do you store all your coats, Catherine???? Serious question! Is your wardrobe like the Tardis?

    http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

    • 26 January 2016 / 12:07 am

      I think the colours have grown on a lot of people, Jacqueline – though I was in love the second I saw them (no surprise there)!! I love the idea of pairing them with grape and teal though!

      Er, as for the coats: They're not kept in my wardrobes… Either of them! (Yes, I have one in our room and one in the spare room, oops.) Both wardrobes are too full for winter coats, so I have a rail I put up just in the winter for big coats. In the summer they all get vacuum packed away. If only I had another wardrobe – or rather, somewhere to PUT another wardrobe!! I'm a bit of a nightmare as you can imagine…!!

  27. 25 January 2016 / 3:40 pm

    What a beautiful coat! I find these colours a bit tricky to wear as anything so pale will wash me out completely. But I think they would look better in accessories, I even have a blush pink tote bag.

    • 26 January 2016 / 12:02 am

      Bags especially look amazing in that pink and that blue, Tiina – you're right! x

  28. 25 January 2016 / 3:38 pm

    Proof once again that "great minds think alike," dearest Catherine; how cool is it that you chose EXACTLY the two newest Pantone colours of the year for your blog update…BEFORE they were announced?! And this plaid coat of yours (in Serenity blue!) was indeed a terrific bargain; it's the ideal topper for your jeans and Rose Quartz sweater combination!! P.S. I've got my final vote in for you for the UK Blog Awards…and my fingers tightly crossed for the win!! XOXO

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

    • 26 January 2016 / 12:01 am

      To be fair I did choose other colours as well, but they were based around the blues and pinks from my Santorini holiday sunsets, Monika!! And thank you, your support has been greatly appreciated – I find out Friday if I've been shortlisted! x

  29. 25 January 2016 / 3:34 pm

    What a bargain coat! Love the pink brogues too, I bought a Clarks pair before Christmas. Xx

    • 26 January 2016 / 12:00 am

      Hehe we all need pink shoes in our lives, Porcelina…! x

  30. 25 January 2016 / 3:32 pm

    I know I've said this before, but rose quartz and serenity are your colors! What a great coat! And, yes, I am a bit jealous of the great coats you got (mainly because it just doesn't get cold enough around here to justify a "coat collection"). I love the shoes, too. I have been adding light pinks as accessories, but I don't have shoes (yet)!

    • 25 January 2016 / 4:53 pm

      Everyone neeeeeeds a pair of pink shoes, Andrea!!!! ;)) hehe seriously – thank you my lovely, that's really sweet of you to say. I love these colours being the Pantone COTY 🙂

  31. 25 January 2016 / 3:23 pm

    Absolutely love the colors of the year – already planning
    this year's Christmas tree around this palette!
    Thank you for hosting us every week – it's always a joy!
    Mimi
    http://inmyprimetime.blogspot.com

    • 25 January 2016 / 4:29 pm

      Oh wow I hadn't thought about doing a Christmas tree n this year's colours, Mimi – what a great idea!! And thank you, it's my pleasure to host the linky x

  32. 25 January 2016 / 3:18 pm

    Fabulous showcase of the Pantone colors!! Great coat, great shoes, greater YOU!! xo

  33. 25 January 2016 / 3:10 pm

    Pink and Blue will never do – rubbish! They do just dandyly! I'm loving this year's choice. They're really adult versions of the colours that make for some great outfits and yours is certainly one. I'm so happy for your mild winter bonus in the form of coats. Have loved both of them you have featured this week. Thanks so much for hosting!

    Charlie
    Fur Earwig

    • 25 January 2016 / 4:27 pm

      I love this year's choice too, Charlie!! Thank you so much for your kind words and for linking up x

    • 27 January 2016 / 11:06 am

      Blue & green should never be seen! Another doozy hahahaha
      xxx

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