Dressed Like a Fairy Princess in a Sparkly Crop Top and Maxi Tulle Skirt (The UK Blog Awards)

Fairy princess Cinderella style: Blush pink crystal covered crop top, floor length tulle skirt, pink pointed heels | Evening wear, gown, dress | Not Dressed As Lamb

Have I ever been more excited about an outfit I have ready waiting to wear to an event? Probably not.

Last Friday I channelled my inner fairy princess in a sparkly crop top and maxi tulle skirt for the UK Blog Awards – I was nominated for Best Fashion/Beauty Blog which was down to your endless daily votes around Christmas time.

And I can’t thank you all enough for voting for me which was what helped me get shortlisted: Alas I didn’t win – for the second year in a row. But you know what? Getting in the top 10 from all the fashion blogs in the UK is pretty phenomenal, and we had such an amazing night that not winning didn’t really matter all that much.

What did matter is that I received an endless stream of good luck wishes on my social media coverage of the event (I’m so sorry I haven’t yet thanked everyone, I’m so behind!) which means that I have an incredible support system of both loyal readers and fellow bloggers, and that means the world to me.

So THANK YOU for voting for me you lovely lot, I’m sorry I didn’t bring home the trophy but it’s all good…!!

Fairy princess Cinderella style: Blush pink crystal covered crop top, floor length tulle skirt, pink pointed heels | Evening wear, gown, dress | Not Dressed As Lamb

The fairy princess outfit

As I wore a vintage 70s gown last year that drew a ton of admiration, I knew I had to up the ante this year – and to be honest I was really feeling the pressure. I saw this blush maxi tulle skirt temporarily reduced on ASOS before Christmas, and in a moment of madness I bought it even though I hadn’t actually been shortlisted at that stage… I took a chance that thankfully paid off in the end! I loved the skirt so much – and was rather enjoying prancing about the house like a fairy princess in it – that I set out to get a top to go with it once [my sensible head had kicked in and] I knew I’d been shortlisted and was definitely going to the awards ceremony.

SHOP THE LOOK:


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I ordered top after top after top… Nothing seemed quite right and was beginning to despair when this long-sleeved, crystal crop top in one remaining size popped up on ASOS: I think it must have completely sold out over Christmas and then this single one was returned and back in stock. And would you believe it – it was my size.

Oh, the joy! You know sometimes you just know something’s going to be perfect? I just knew it was the perfect top for my skirt. I knew it.

So when it arrived and I tried it on with the skirt I actually felt my heart flutter a little: I stood in the mirror and felt like a flippin’ fairy princess in my sparkles and tulle. I think the combination of watching too many episodes of Say Yes to the Dress combined with getting married in trousers (not that I regret that) meant I was totally up for looking like (to quote Kit De Luca in Pretty Woman) Cinderf*ckinrella.

Fairy princess Cinderella style: Blush pink crystal covered crop top, floor length tulle skirt, pink pointed heels | Evening wear, gown, dress | Not Dressed As Lamb

There are some times when it’s hard to contain your excitement about how fabulous you feel in an outfit, and this was one of those times. In fact the best (indirect) compliment I had on the night was when I walked past a girl who was overheard saying “She looks like Cinderella!”, which of course absolutely made my night.

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The awards ceremony

The UK Blog Awards really pulled out all the stops this year and put on a fantastic event. My husband and I spent most of the evening with one of my blogging besties Michelle of The Barefaced Chic – both that and her wedding blog A Very Curious Wedding were nominated, how proud was I? Neither of us won but a couple of other girls I knew there did, so it’s always nice when you can share someone’s well-deserved win.

We were one of a handful of nominees to have a brand new 7 series BMW (one of the sponsors) laid on for us for the night with our very own driver (massaging seats, champagne and DVD players) – together with flowing Prosecco and delicious food at the event it was all pretty incredible.

I must also say a big thank you to another blogging bestie Lisa of The Sequinist who let us stay at her place in London (where these pictures were taken): Your hospitality was incredible, I can’t tell you how much we appreciated your generosity!

So before this gets too much like an acceptance speech for something I didn’t win I’ll leave it there – and just say that despite my earlier declaration to not enter again next year, I was made to pinky-swear on the night [by someone that shall remain nameless =cough= Michelle] to enter again in 2017. We did collar the organiser on the night and made her promise not to make it a daily vote though – there’s no way I’d ask people to vote every day for three weeks again, that was too much (and I apologise unreservedly for that, it was unexpected). I’m pretty sure she’ll change that next year to one vote per IP address thank goodness.

It was such a great night that I fancy going every year to be honest – and if I win an award one year then that would just be the cherry on top. If all it means is a chance to get told you look like Cinderf*ckinrella then I’ll take it 😉

I CAN’T THINK OF A QUESTION TO ASK AS I’VE WITTERED ON SO MUCH – I’LL SIMPLY SAY DO PLEASE COMMENT BELOW!

 

Catherine signature

 

Fairy princess Cinderella style: Blush pink crystal covered crop top, floor length tulle skirt, pink pointed heels | Evening wear, gown, dress | Not Dressed As Lamb
Fairy princess Cinderella style: Blush pink crystal covered crop top, floor length tulle skirt, pink pointed heels | Evening wear, gown, dress | Not Dressed As Lamb
Fairy princess Cinderella style: Blush pink crystal covered crop top, floor length tulle skirt, pink pointed heels | Evening wear, gown, dress | Not Dressed As Lamb
Fairy princess Cinderella style: Blush pink crystal covered crop top, floor length tulle skirt | Evening wear, gown, dress | Not Dressed As Lamb
Fairy princess Cinderella style: Blush pink crystal covered crop top, floor length tulle skirt, pink pointed heels | Evening wear, gown, dress | Not Dressed As Lamb
Fairy princess Cinderella style: Blush pink crystal covered crop top, floor length tulle skirt, pink pointed heels | Evening wear, gown, dress | Not Dressed As Lamb

Fairy princess Cinderella style: Floor length tulle skirt, pink pointed heels | Evening wear, gown, dress | Not Dressed As Lamb
Fairy princess Cinderella style: Blush pink crystal covered crop top, floor length tulle skirt, pink pointed heels | Evening wear, gown, dress | Not Dressed As Lamb

Fairy princess Cinderella style: Blush pink crystal covered crop top, floor length tulle skirt, pink pointed heels | Evening wear, gown, dress | Not Dressed As Lamb
Above, L-R: Inside our chauffeur-driven 7 Series BMW | Getting papped outside the awards | With my gorgeous blogger friend Michelle of The Barefaced Chic (and below)

 

Fairy princess Cinderella style: Blush pink crystal covered crop top, floor length tulle skirt, pink pointed heels | Evening wear, gown, dress | Not Dressed As Lamb
Photo credits for above, left: Caron of Caron Cares; right: Michelle of The Barefaced Chic

56 Comments

  1. 18 May 2016 / 8:10 pm

    That is gorgeous and you looked beautiful! & congratulations on being shortlisted! #brilliantblogposts

  2. 16 May 2016 / 8:52 pm

    holy moly having a major well jel moment! gorgeous
    #brilliantblogpost

  3. 14 May 2016 / 10:10 pm

    Wowzer Catherine! You've really captured the beauty of your outfit in these shots. I can attest to the fact that not only did you look every inch the fairy princess on the night, you have the heart of a true princess! Just as gorgeous on the inside as you are on the out.
    I had a brilliant night with you and next year is our year 🙂
    Michelle xxx
    http://www.thebarefacedchic.co.uk

  4. 12 May 2016 / 3:53 pm

    wouuuu, fairy princess fabulousness, you looked gorgeous and elegant and absolutely original!
    besos

  5. 12 May 2016 / 5:03 am

    Beautiful dress! So in love. <3 And you look beautiful too, obviously. 🙂
    Also about the voting, I think one vote per IP address sounds fair! It should be how many people voted for you, not how many times a day. Hope you win next year!:)
    Madara
    lookforsmile.com

  6. 11 May 2016 / 5:26 pm

    OMGEEEE Catherine, I think this might be my favourite outfit post of yours EVER!! I love it so much. I actually have a very similar version of that skirt in ivory but I've only ever wore it once – I feel the need to get it back out again after looking at these pics. You look AH-MAY-ZING!!! xx

  7. 10 May 2016 / 11:28 am

    First congratulations on being nominated! this is the perfect outfit for such an event and you looked fabulous!! love the touch of colour the shoes provide!!

  8. 10 May 2016 / 9:36 am

    So beautiful! You should have won the award for best dressed blogger!

    Emma xxx
    style-splash.com

  9. 10 May 2016 / 9:09 am

    Thank you for breaking almost every single ridiculous "style" rule for women over 40 with such aplomb.You look absolutely f'in gorgeous.

  10. 9 May 2016 / 1:21 pm

    My oh my you are simply stunning. The outfit is fabulous and a crop top, wowser. I need to get to the gym. I adore everything about this. and sorry you didn't win

  11. 9 May 2016 / 11:38 am

    WOW! I love your tulle maxi skirt. Last week I just bought one almost exactly like yours that I found at a consignment shop. I love how you paired the cropped top with it. You really look amazing – truly like a fairy princess. You must have felt like one all night!

    Cherie
    STYLE NUDGE
    http://www.stylenudge.com

  12. 9 May 2016 / 12:50 am

    OH MY GOSH! Breathtaking! You really do look like a modern day princess!! Wow!! Just lovely. Now I need to actually go read the post!!

    Love, Ann

    • 9 May 2016 / 5:04 am

      Ok, I went back to read, and yes, you really do look like Cinderf*ckinrella! Love it!! Hahhah! But more importantly I love how beautiful you felt. That right there, that's teh f*ckin BEST!! (And I never swear online!!)

      What a lovely evening! I'm happy you had such a great time. Now, I'm off to see if I can get a hold of that skirt!

      Love, Annie

  13. Sharron Goodyear
    8 May 2016 / 4:29 pm

    I adore this outfit. Truly stunning. You look amaze balls!!! Love!

  14. 8 May 2016 / 12:32 pm

    Oh my, what can I add – you are a beautiful vision and a real-life gorgeous woman. Twirl away, and congrats on being in the top ten, a huge honor. xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

  15. 7 May 2016 / 11:20 pm

    This sounds incredible Catherine, and so very well-deserved! You are a vision.

    Heidi || Wishes & Reality

  16. 7 May 2016 / 6:56 pm

    Stunning! You are stunning!

  17. 7 May 2016 / 6:42 pm

    Honestly Catherine…. you hit the nail right on the top (Dutch expression) when you quoted: Cinderf*ckinrella (I love expressions like this haha). Thank you for living my dream. I never even had a wedding dress. Sore point. Still is after 21 years… I just live the dream through you.
    It is going to be hard to top this one next year. Mind you, that dress of last year was pretty spectacular too.
    Greetje

  18. 7 May 2016 / 2:30 pm

    WOW! WOW! WOW! Faints at the gorgeousness of it all. You are bloody amazing lady xxx

  19. 7 May 2016 / 1:22 pm

    Hey Cinders, if they had an on-the-night award for best dressed blogger, you surely would have won! You look so beautiful and clearly all that work has brought your figure to a point of perfection none of us could hope to achieve. Congratulations once again for doing so well. Glad you enjoyed the ball x
    Anna
    http://www.annasislandstyle.com

  20. 7 May 2016 / 7:53 am

    Catherine,
    What a wonderful event and congratulations on your success! This is a stunning look, how could it not make you feel special? Love the sparkles, the romantic skirt, and your hair! I need to know how to create the pouf-factor! Pretty! Congrats again
    Xx Jess
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

  21. 7 May 2016 / 4:52 am

    You look absolutely stunning Catherine, and yes, " wow, she looks like a gorgeous fairy tale princess" were the words that came into my mind when I saw your photo on instagram.

  22. 6 May 2016 / 9:20 pm

    This made me smile, I love this! That is the way I think we all feel when that perfect outfit just falls into place. Congratulations!

  23. 6 May 2016 / 5:33 pm

    You look absolutely stunning in your outfit!! Pat S

  24. 6 May 2016 / 1:22 pm

    You look freaking amazing, Catherine!! Cinderella was always my favourite fairytale and I have to agree – you were her on that night!! So gorgeous!!
    LOVE LOVE LOVE this skirt, I'm going to leave now and check it out. I wonder if it'd go with my Converse 😉
    Suzy xxx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

  25. 6 May 2016 / 10:58 am

    Supermodel, no other word to describe you-you look utterly, utterly STUNNING xxx

  26. 6 May 2016 / 10:34 am

    Magnifique, truly! A little bit SJP in SATC, a little bit Cinder f'in rella indeed! Perfect. I'm sorry you didn't win but it sounds like a wonderful evening nonetheless, glad you are entering again next year, that's the spirit! xo p.s. I LOVE your hair colour right now, it is so gorgeous and sets off the outfit perfectly.

  27. 6 May 2016 / 5:38 am

    OH. EM. GEE. This is truly the epitome of "princess" ensembles, dearest Catherine…you look beyond breathtaking!! From your elegant updo (you've tweaked your hair colour again, haven't you? Sooo gorgeous!) to the acres of crystals and tulle (this combination was simply meant to be!) all the way down to the "pop" of those perfect pink shoes…you should have won an award based on this outfit alone!! 😉 Never mind though…it sounds – and looks! – like you had a spectacular evening; and I'm already looking forward to next year's sartorial creation!! XOXO

    StyleIsMyPudding.com

  28. 6 May 2016 / 3:33 am

    Truly a princess, beautiful inside and out! I wish you had won, but what an honor to be nominated. You are such an inspiration to all of us, congratulations! STUNNNNINGGGG!!!!!
    XO
    Suzanne
    http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com

  29. 5 May 2016 / 10:57 pm

    You look absolutely stunning! I especially love it because I jusy recently read an article saying "tulle" was not appropriate for over 40! I want them to see how wrong they are …. Cinderf*kinrella!

  30. 5 May 2016 / 10:57 pm

    Wowza, wowza & wowza again!! All you forgot was the tiara—and it would have looked totally appropriate (not being a smart ass, I promise)
    I'm so glad you bared your midriff—-that's the way to show everyone that getting old does not mean dressing frumpy!
    Love this so so much Catherine!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  31. 5 May 2016 / 9:41 pm

    All I can say is that the outfit looked even better in person than in the photos (due to the iridescent multiple sparkles from any movement) and Catherine rocked it like no one else possibly could. You are the coolest Cinderf*kinrella that ever Cinderella'd. I think next year you'll have to go in Clare Danes' illuminated Zac Posen dress from this year's Met Ball to top this one! You were a charming houseguest and you're welcome back any time you please, love. xxx

  32. 5 May 2016 / 8:48 pm

    Oh my! You do indeed look like a princess !!! What a lovely outfit <3

    Monica.

  33. 5 May 2016 / 8:23 pm

    Wow what a stunning outfit! You look gorgeous, not very many people could pull off a crop top/tulle skirt combo but you have and effortlessly too. Hope it's 3rd time lucky for you next year xx

  34. 5 May 2016 / 7:04 pm

    you look so incredible catherine! not only is the top and skirt just amazing, but your hair, makeup, and accessories are so on point! xx

  35. 5 May 2016 / 6:53 pm

    Wow wow wow!!!!!!!!! You look absolutely stunning. So beautiful. The whole ensemble is divine but the skirt is just perfect. So sorry you didn't win but it's lovely to read about your evening. Love Liz xxx http://www.whatlizzyloves.com xxx

  36. 5 May 2016 / 6:27 pm

    The beauty of the ball indeed, so magic, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    I have no words, but you know what a skirt like that makes me feel.
    Great of you to show a bit of flesh.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  37. 5 May 2016 / 6:03 pm

    Um, WOW! This is absolutely stunning, Catherine – you really do look like a fairytale princess: love it!

  38. 5 May 2016 / 5:45 pm

    STUNNING!!
    Wow.
    How many women (at any age, 40+…20+…whatever) could pull off this cropped top and full "twirling" skirt with such epic fabulousness??
    Not many.
    You smashed this look…..cinderf*ckirella eat your heart out!!
    XXX
    Samantha
    P.S Next year is going to be your year. BUT…How are you going to beat this look!!?
    That is another great outfit to look forward to!
    fakefabulous.com

  39. 5 May 2016 / 5:44 pm

    OMG!!! You looked stunning, like a princess indeed:). I love your pink shoes, great idea. Renata xo

  40. 5 May 2016 / 5:11 pm

    And the little girl was right, Catherine!!! A beautiful outfit and I love that you sticked to your unique style, it suits you so well!
    Honestly, you should have won but #thesquad will support you even stronger next year…

    xx
    Annette | Lady of Style

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