As soon as I got back from Paris* on Sunday I had an hour or so to change and head straight over to my parents’ house for my dad’s birthday party – and luckily I had my outfit all organised before my trip. I’d been dying for a special occasion to wear my pretty floral pencil skirt from Great Plains (it had the perfect colours to be paired with my ) – as a lover of black background florals it has the perfect combination of dark to light that’ll work in the summer with bare legs, and in the winter with tights. Some ladylike heels, dark sunglasses and crystal drop earrings finished off a very simple but elegant outfit.
I urge you to check out Great Plains – if, like me, you thought they were perhaps a slightly old-fashioned catalogue brand, well I’ll be honest and say that yes, I thought they were too. However, they’ve had a rebranding and I’m pleased to say that both the website and the clothes are now extremely chic, very modern and still quite reasonably priced. I was hesitant to check them out when I was approached but I’m so glad I did; if you like Zara, French Connection or Mango I reckon you’ll love Great Plains as well.
Have you rediscovered a brand lately that’s had a makeover? What made you go back to them, and what was their style before and after? Do share in the comments!
*Paris posts to follow this weekend 🙂
Skirt: c/o , Top: c/o , Heels: , Earrings: Accessorize (in store only), Chevron rings: Asos, Sunglasses: c/o Lulus (), Watch: Debenhams (, ), Nails: Models Own Utopia
Linking up to: Visible Monday, Monday Mingle, Funday Monday, Style Sessions, Trend Spin Link-Up, What I Wore Wednesday, All Things Thursday, Three-Fer Thursday, Passion for Fashion Friday, Friday’s Fab Favourites, Sunday Style Link-Up, Fashionably Employed Link Up
Oh yes, indeed a very elegant combination. You look slim and tall in it. Hope your father's birthday was nice and you didn't fall asleep because of your Paris weekend.
Greetje
I just love this skirt. It can be paired with many tops. The outfit is just gorgeous. 🙂
Beautiful outfit! You look so well put together and sophisticated!!!
xo,
Janise
http://MamaInHeels.com
Aww Janise that's so nice of you, thank you xx
Paris! My dream is to learn to cook in Paris ^.^
Love this outfit, so pretty~~
Gina
http://www.thepinkwings.com
Love your earrings, so pretty!
~Ann
http://www.stepinsidemycloset.com
That really is a great look – the skirt is gorgeous and matches the blouse perfectly! And the green also looks wonderful with your red hair. If you're interested, I host a weekly link up called Fashionably Employed to showcase professional / sophisticated style. I think this outfit would make a great contribution if you're like to join (no worries either way). Thanks for sharing the great look!
http://www.basictrainingcorporatestyle.com/2014/05/wear-to-graduation-fashionably-employed.html
~ Jen
Thanks so much for the invitation, Jen – I've now linked up! Great idea for a link up hun x
This is such an elegant & feminine look! That pencil skirt and those earrings are so pretty!
Marta
http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
Very pretty & feminine look!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
Catherine you are the high priestess of pattern mixing and this outfit is a perfect example! Gorgeous.
Alison that's a wonderful description, thank you so much! I may just have to quote you one day…!!
Dear Catherine, I'll bet your dad liked this look a wee bit more than the ripped jeans you wore to visit a while back, hmmm?! 😉 So pretty and birthday party-perfect!! I'm often hesitant about a "puffed" sleeve and ruffles, but this Redoute blouse is gorgeous…I absolutely love the pattern and colour combo; and I agree that it's a "match made in heaven" for that floral pencil skirt!! XO
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com
Haha you remembered about the ripped jeans, Monika!! Funnily enough my parents commented on me wearing ripped jeans in the Woman & Home magazine photo shoot… they weren't impressed ;)))
Pretty! I love that floral skirt 🙂
monica, http://www.pear-shaped-gal.com
So beauteous! I love this whole look, top to toe, and I'll have your gorgeous hair too, if I can : > xox
Oh Patti no – you rival me for sure in the pretty hair stakes with your gorgeous curls!!! Thank you =mwah=
Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, too xoxo
A beautiful skirt indeed Catherine. Looks lovely with the printed blouse. Wonderful outfit, stylish & chic 🙂
Take care,
Daniella xox
Thanks Daniella my lovely! Hope you're well x
Awesome outfit! Very chic and summery!
Happy birthday!
XO
Jeanne
http://fashionmusingsdiary.blogspot.fr
Wow! I love this outfit. That skirt is so gorgeous.
bisous
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
Excellent match! Simple and impressive!
Hi Ctherine
Love this whole outfit. THe pretty blues and then the floral skirt. I would totally wear this combo! Looks great on you and I hope you had a great time in Pari!
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
JESS
Awww thank you Jess, I can totally see you wearing this outfit I must admit xx
Gorgeous, Catherine! You know that's my style and I love wearing this look. Great Plains is new to me and I just had a look at their dresses. Definitely worth a second look…!
I look forward to your Paris posts!
xo
Annette | Lady of Style
Perfect partywear, that's a lovely outfit. I'd never thought before about the dark and light in a skirt making it suitable for winter and summer, that's very forward thinking! I hope your Dad had a good party, and I can't wait to hear all about Paris! P x P.S. rediscovered Great Plains recently in House of Fraser, have my eye on a few things!
I only thought about the dark/light thing when looking at the photos, Sarah! Clever, eh ;))
I really like Great Plains, definitely never thought they were an old fashioned catalogue brand but I think that's because an insert fell out of red magazine years ago & the colour and patterns immediately appealed to me!
It's been a long time since I looked at them I must admit, but their designs are great now I think 🙂
You look gorgeous as usual! Hope the party was good fun, looked like the sun was shining unlike in Paris! x
Thank you lovely Annie – it was sunny but VERY cold (hence the pose in the last photo)!! xx