Back in July I was invited to an informal awards ceremony and of course the “what shall I wear” question inevitably came up.
I did, of course, eventually find something to wear (my usual daily outfit of jeans and t-shirts or sweatshirts with slippers is not a good look at an awards do!) – but as it was an evening thing in London and my photographer-husband wasn’t with me I didn’t get any photos of my outfit.
So fast forward three months and I finally found some time to recreate the outfit and show you the fruits of my “panicking-the-night-before” labour – it was time to get my superhero cape on!
THIS WAS ONE OF THOSE PURCHASES THAT I BOUGHT WITHOUT AN EVENT TO WEAR IT TO (ALTHOUGH DOING THE DISHES IN IT WAS VERY TEMPTING), AND UNTIL THAT DAY IN JULY IT HAD SAT UNWORN IN MY WARDROBE WAITING PATIENTLY FOR THE PERFECT EVENT TO COME ALONG.
Actually not a super hero cape at all, but a smart white tailored cape from Zara (similar) I bought last year, I think. Yep, this was one of those purchases that I bought without an event to wear it to (although doing the dishes in it was very tempting), and until that day in July it had sat unworn in my wardrobe waiting patiently for the perfect event to come along.
SHOP THE LOOK:
I went flarey in my choice of trousers for this outfit (the culottes from the M&S Archive by Alexa range from this Spring/Summer), and I added a pair of funky skyscraper heels and a couple of layered camisoles.
IF YOU DON’T KNOW MANY PEOPLE AT THE EVENT YOU’RE GOING TO, ALWAYS WEAR A CONVERSATION-STARTING PIECE. IT’S PERFECT FOR BREAKING THE ICE, AND YOU’LL FIND PEOPLE WILL COME AND TALK TO YOU.
Oh, and I’ve been banging on about accessories for some time now… Accessories are what spice up an outfit (she says again). The feather earrings and novelty book clutch are the sorts of pieces that get people talking. If you don’t know many people at the event you’re going to, ALWAYS wear a conversation-starting piece. It’s perfect for breaking the ice, and you’ll find people will come and talk to you.
Add your outfits to this week’s link up and if you’ve added a link to here or my button to your post you may be featured next week!
HAVE YOU TRIED THE CAPE TREND YET? OR WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE CONVERSATION-STARTING PIECE? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB!
Zara cape (this Ted Baker cape is almost identical) | Marks & Spencer culottes (these wide leg crop trousers are similar) | Layered camisole and tank (both old – love this this lace trimmed camisole) | Vince Camuto heels (if I were choosing again I’d go for these Vince Camuto caged heels) | ASOS clutch (you can get an Alice in Wonderland book clutch and many others from this Etsy seller) | Accessorize earrings (I love these feather drop earrings) | Leighton Denny ‘Speakeasy’ nail polish
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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!
The link up goes live every Monday at 3pm UK time and will 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!
Linking up etiquette…
CLICK HERE to read the rules of linking up (and to grab the #iwillwearwhatilike button). Basically it’s just good manners to link back to here – to leave a comment is even nicer!
Featured favourites
My favourite outfits from last week’s link up:
(L-R) Shelbee on the Edge | She She Show | Its Pam Del | Mis Papelicos | Style is My Pudding
To get yourself featured next week, make sure you’ve included a link back to Not Dressed As Lamb or my button in your post/sidebar!
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 FRIENDSHIPS SO DON’T MISS OUT!
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Linking up to: iwillwearwhatilike, Shoe and Tell, Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Brilliant Blog Posts, Fun Fashion Friday, Passion for Fashion Friday
You look stunning, Catherine in a beautiful, elegant outfit. I love the shoes and the clutch. xx
https://fabulousageing.blogspot.com.au/
Beautiful outfit, Catherine. Love the "bag" and shoes. Very chic! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Catherine, I am so honored to be a featured favorite this week! Thank you so very much! And you do look so lovely in your white cape (although I would continue calling it my superhero cape if it were me…because often I feel like I need superhero powers to get through the day!). So for throwing together an outfit in a panic the night before, you really did a great job! You look fabulous as usual!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Isn't it awful when you have the perfect outfit and yet no one to take your photo or you forgot your camera? That for sure happens to me! I especially love the shoes with that little hint of hot pink. Awesome!
Nina
aworldofdresses.com
Oh my…I am SOOO in love with this black and white look, dearest Catherine – I don't even know where to start!! Your Zara cape is a stunner; those Vince Camuto heels have me drooling on my laptop; and the feather earrings are an unexpected – yet perfect – boho touch!! And how absolutely adorable is that storybook clutch?! I think this combo of yours is my newest Number One!! 🙂 P.S. Thank you again (and ALWAYS!) for all your support…I'm totally thrilled to once again be included in your "Featured Favourites!!" XOXO
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com
Fabulous outfit! For sure a conversation starter! Don't you love it when you are in a (slight) panic and then a fabulous outfit comes together? This is one of my favorite looks of yours!
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
Oh my gosh, I want a cape like that – it's so chic and classic, and so pretty on you. Thank you so much for hosting, Catherine!
The cape is such a stand out piece…I really love it. I myself don't own any capes. I always feel like I'll get my purse strap all tangled up in the sleeves!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
O M G I love absolutely everything about this, each and every little detail. The hair, the clutch, the earrings, THE CAPE, all of it. Can I just have this whole thing delivered to my closet please? Just stunning, Catherine. Thank= you for hosting xx
It's funny, I have an informal awards ceremony next week and was clueless as to what to wear. I think you nailed it with this outfit, soft tailoring is everything and I'm so inspired now. Thank you and thank you for hosting xxx
What a perfect outfit Catherine! It's so you – stylish, understated, cool without trying too hard, and oh yes, such interesting accessories. Fabulous, daaahling, as Sharon Osborne would say! Thanks for the link up party x
Anna
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
You looked very classy. And unique (in a good way; not in the way some people say it.. ). And the accessories indeed add a lot to the outfit. Great piece of styling again.
Greetje
What you are wearing is so chic, the cape and those heels are def conversation starters!!
~ xo Sheree
Posh Classy Mom
Instagram
What a chic look – the cape is so unique and unexpected – love it! Thank you for hosting Catherine!!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
Wow! Amazing look, perfect for the occasion. I love it with those gorgeous earrings.
I LOVE this entire outfit, Catherine! Thank you for recreating it ans sharing with us. Have a great week!!!
xo,
Janise
Love the idea of you wearing a 'super cape', Catherine and frankly, this really is a super cape on you. The shape, silhouette, everything. Understated glamour as it's finest.
If it were me, I know I'd end up spilling soup on it!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk
Breathtaking Catherine, simply breathtaking! I would have been running around like a headless chicken if I'd had to throw an outfit like this together last minute – bravo lady, bravo.
Michelle xxx
You look chic and so stunning.
Thank you soooooooooooooooooooo much for chosing my outfit, ahhhhhhhhhhhh.
Much love, dear friend
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This is such a chic and fabulous look! You are quite the artist to have thrown this together in trying to find something event-appropriate to wear last minute. I love the clutch; it adds a whimsical touch to the ensemble….and I'm sure it was a perfect conversation piece, as you said.
Jane
http://www.unextraordinarilyjane.com
Oh, I adore this outfit!! I will link up later but had to comment NOW. xxx
I love this look. That cape is a real hero piece to me.
http://www.mydailywear.co.uk
Wow, this look is soooo gorgeous, Catherine, I adore the cape and you styled the culottes so fabulously. Love the hints of violet!
Great tip about the statement piece!!!
xx
Annette | Lady of Style
Love this outfit Catherine! I remember this cape on Zara! Love this look, so glam and chic> it is a statement piece for the wardrobe. You look lovely, and those shoes are really sexy.
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I wished I would look good in culottes! That's a fun clutch!
Very cute & I <3 the clutch!!
It's a lively outfit, both unique and chic. Just the right balance for the occasion. Thanks for sharing and hosting.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
This is wonderful!!
Jaymie
I think what you said is key—-if you have something interesting on, people will use it as a conversation starter!!
I haven't tried a capelet yet like this. Are the sleeves functional? I was worried they would get in the way and be a pain?
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com