Recycled Pattern Mixing #iwillwearwhatilike

Pattern mixing | Sheer vintage blouse, chevron midi skirt
Last week saw the very first #iwillwearwhatilike link up and I just want to say a huge thank you to all who joined in!

With nearly 80 posts linked up I’d say that was pretty successful for the very first one, so please spread the word to get more lovely ladies to join in (say yes to the tweet option when you link up and don’t forget to add the hashtag on your Instagram your post too). I’d love it to grow and grow, so thank you in advance!

Today’s theme is sheer as suggested by Amy Johnson a couple of weeks ago – a good one to get in before autumn properly gets a grip. I’ve had both the vintage sheer blouse and the chevron midi skirt a long time… in fact I wore the same two pieces in this post four years ago when the blog was only a baby(!). You might see how I’ve improved my hand-posing tenfold, and don’t miss the hilarious “advice” I was given in the comments about not mixing patterns. Quite apt, seeing as this link up is called #iwillwearwhatilike…!

I thought I’d simply switch up the styling and accessories (including a completely different hairstyle which I find always makes a huge difference to the look of an outfit) to make it fresh again.

Scroll down for the link up – remember you can link up Instagram posts as well as blog posts, and the sheer theme is optional so link up any outfit, hairstyle, make-up or accessories that you like!

Do you ever go back and re-style outfit combinations you’ve worn before? Let me know in the comments!

Pattern mixing | Sheer vintage blouse, chevron midi skirt
Pattern mixing | Sheer vintage blouse, chevron midi skirt
Pattern mixing | Sheer vintage blouse, chevron midi skirt
Pattern mixing | Sheer vintage blouse, chevron midi skirt
Chevron midi skirt, nude pointed heels
Sheer vintage blouse, blue Marc Jacobs cat eye sunglasses
Blouse: Vintage, eBay | Skirt: River Island | Bag: Asos | Heels: Aldo | Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs c/o The Sunglasses Shop | Watch: c/o Olivia Burton | Nails: Max Factor Glossfinity ‘Red Passion’ | Lips: Maybelline Color Drama Lipstick ‘In With Coral’

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#iwillwearwhatilike link up | Not Dressed As Lamb

Thank you for joining my new #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. 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 fabulous!

Fabulous colour outfits #iwillwearwhatilike

My favourite riots of COLOUR from last week’s link up:

(L-R) The BareFaced Chic | The LIFB Issue | A Colourful Canvas | Bag and a Beret

An InLinkz Link-up


Do spread some blogging love around 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!

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63 Comments

  1. 20 September 2015 / 6:05 pm

    I think your blouse and skirt make an awesome combination. You are so good in pattern and colour mixing.
    I had one sheer blouse but you cannot see that on the picture, so I didn't bother sending it in. Is next weeks theme awesome shoes? If so let me know as I have the best booties ever on my blog.
    Greetje

    • 24 September 2015 / 10:05 pm

      Greetje the theme is optional so even if it wasn't sheer it doesn't matter, you can link up whatever you want!! No rules, as always :))

      (and thank you for the lovely compliment, sorry this reply is so late, my bad) x

  2. 19 September 2015 / 8:40 pm

    That is hilarious that someone advised you not to mix patterns. It highlights that maybe fashion advice is something not worth giving – you never know when it will come back to bite you on the bottom. Like fashion advice about 'what not to wear' gets it's bottom bitten every time all these fabulous ladies turn up here or twit on your hashtag. Take that fashion advice! Thanks so much for hosting! (Sorry my comment was late; not sure where this week disappeared to!)

    Charlie
    Fur Earwig

    • 19 September 2015 / 9:33 pm

      Haha yes that's true, Charlie – I think so many people break fashion rules these days that it's become outdated to tell people what they should and shouldn't be wearing… How fabulous that we wear what we like!!!! Thank you sweetie (and no problem about the commenting, I'm always behind with comments and replies myself)! xx

  3. 17 September 2015 / 2:13 pm

    So happy to have discovered your linkup, Catherine! I am continually inspired by your sense of style. You always add a fresh and modern twist to all of your looks. Loving your midi skirt and sheer top and especially the mix of patterns. You look amazing!

    http://marymurnane.com

    • 19 September 2015 / 5:43 pm

      Oh Mary I'm so glad!! Thank you for linking up and the very kind comments…! xx

    • 19 September 2015 / 5:42 pm

      Oh Laura thank you! Lots of mutual linky love going on here…!!

  4. 16 September 2015 / 12:10 pm

    Great mix of patterns;)

    • 19 September 2015 / 5:41 pm

      So glad you do, Catherine – thank you! x

    • 19 September 2015 / 5:41 pm

      I'm so glad you always wear what you like, Jess – then we get to enjoy all your gorgeous florals and va-va-voom dresses!! Thanks for the love xx

  5. 15 September 2015 / 9:35 am

    Your pattern mixing is always spot on and this outfit is no exception. Thank you so much for hosting the link up. As its early Spring here in Australia, way to cool for sheer I included a post from last Summer, due to my lack of technical skills I have made an error somehow.Sorry about that.

    • 19 September 2015 / 5:40 pm

      Aww that's so nice of you, thank you Jill…! Sorry you had problems, you didn't say whether you got it done okay in the end? x

  6. 15 September 2015 / 6:54 am

    Such beautiful pictures Catherine , and I love this look. My shirt is sheer, but didn't show too well in the pic .Thanks for hosting
    Laurie x

    • 19 September 2015 / 5:39 pm

      Oh that's fine, Laurie, as I say to everyone the theme is optional so even if it wasn't sheer it's fine!! Thanks for the lovely comment x

  7. 15 September 2015 / 4:53 am

    I adore the mix of patterns and the play on the neutral colors. I do repeat outfits and change accessories/shoes to give it a different feel. I wished I was more talented in changing my hair style but that's a big challenge for me.

    Alice
    http://www.happpinessatmidlife.com

    Would love to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.

    • 19 September 2015 / 5:38 pm

      I don't know why I don't do it more, Alice… I must bear it in mind!! Thank you hun xx

  8. 15 September 2015 / 2:34 am

    I really like the pattern mixing, and the sunglasses, shoes, and bag make it fabulous!

    Pattern mixing is not something I do "naturally" so I love watching others and inch myself toward it… πŸ™‚

    • 19 September 2015 / 5:37 pm

      I tend to do it without thinking, Andrea – I see patterns as just colours and not patterns, if that makes sense?!! Thank you xx

    • 19 September 2015 / 5:36 pm

      Once you try it Monica you'll never go back, I guarantee it…!! Thank you sweetie x

  9. 15 September 2015 / 12:28 am

    Catherine, I've been looking forward to this link up all week! I haven't worn much sheer lately, but there's definitely a place where I do wear sheer, and it's at the beach. I have this lace long tunic that I would try to style to no avail. It wasn't until I brought it on a holiday with me, and I was like, Ahhaa, this is how this top needs to be worn. So, you see my lace cover up has been linked twice–one from a trip to Bali and once for the Fab 40s lace theme on a beach very close to my house in Hong Kong. Basically, to feel sexy but still covered, I highly recommend a see through cover up over the swimsuit. Works wonders when I don't want to be fully exposed!

    Catherine, at first I was like this hand pose is just fine–on the one four years ago. But then, I went back and forth between the pics. You're right, and that is so funny! I think I see some post potential here on mastering certain poses. You elongated your had some how…? Anyway, good job for always improving.

    This outfit is so super. I mean. What can I say other than it's pretty much perfection. Both times.

    Bravo to #iwillwearwhatilike and to you for continuing the revolution with this link up! Thank you!!

    Love,

    Ann from Kremb de la Kremb

    • 19 September 2015 / 5:36 pm

      I LOVE that you went back and forth between the two pics Ann – the difference is amazing, isn't it?!!! And boy do you wear sheer well… one HOT mamma!!!!!! Thanks my lovely xx

    • 19 September 2015 / 5:35 pm

      hehe it was a good 'un, wasn't it Debbie…? Thanks sweetie x

  10. 14 September 2015 / 9:52 pm

    I love your skirt! It has a hypnotizing quality to it.

    The pattern mixing is spot on as well.

    I don't think I own anything sheer. Must think about this…

    bisous
    Suzanne

    • 19 September 2015 / 5:34 pm

      Thanks Suzanne – and yes I agree about the hypnotic quality…!!

    • 19 September 2015 / 5:34 pm

      Janise thank you – coming from you that's a major compliment!! x

    • 19 September 2015 / 5:33 pm

      Aww Irene thank you! And you're welcome too x

  11. 14 September 2015 / 5:14 pm

    I echo Sue of A Colourful Canvas – thanks so much for the mention. Colour is life and joy, a great prompt. Your patterns together are where it's at! I often restyle, so in this linkup photo I have different hair, cool Miu Miu boots and a patterned linen jacket compared to past wearings. Thanks for hosting! And thanks, Amy, for thinking of sheer.

    • 19 September 2015 / 5:33 pm

      My pleasure Melanie – it was a joy to feature you in your colourful splendour! x

  12. 14 September 2015 / 5:04 pm

    Thanks so much for the mention Catherine! Being a tile in that colourful mosaic last week was so much fun!

    So funny….the comment made about not mixing two patterns. Seriously!

    This week's theme has got me musing….do I have any garments made with sheer fabrics? At the top of my head, I think not. Off I go to rummage through my closet. This has got me curious.

    • 19 September 2015 / 9:06 am

      The thumbnails looked amazing with all that colour, didn't they Sue…?! It was my pleasure to feature you and your gorgeous blue! Thank you my lovely x

  13. 14 September 2015 / 4:57 pm

    Lovely combo of sheer blouse and skirt. It's subtle pattern mixing which is so what I like. This looks confident, stylish and uber sexy without screaming 'oh look, I'm pattern mixing'. Statement shoes next week? Bring it on!!!

    • 19 September 2015 / 9:04 am

      That's a lovely way to describe it, Jacqueline – thank you sweetie!! Looking forward to seeing your funky shoes :)))

  14. 14 September 2015 / 4:56 pm

    Oh my Gosh, love your outfit so much Catherine, you look beautiful! And thanks so much for the feature, you've made me smile today. Hope I can take part again soon, sadly I don't have a sheer outfit worth sharing. Love, Kirsten xx

    http://www.thelifbissue.com

    • 15 September 2015 / 9:17 pm

      Aww Kirsten thank you, and I'm glad to have featured you – it was a gorgeous colour combination you wore!! x

  15. 14 September 2015 / 4:49 pm

    How I laughed at the "advice" comment….she is right, mixing patterns does not look good…it looks FABULOUS!
    Your blouse is a beauty, I love a little houndstooth.
    I have my eye on a fantastic Houndstooth Jacket…I might just go for it now that you have reminded me how great it can look.
    Keep doing what you are doing…. I love this look (and your original too).
    Thank you for hosting another link…I'm off to check out some other beautiful ladies.
    XXX
    Samantha
    Fake Fabulous

    • 15 September 2015 / 4:09 pm

      BTW, I love the Culotte-esque shadow in your "mirror" photograph….brilliant (and those perfectly aligned bricks didn't go unnoticed).

    • 15 September 2015 / 9:15 pm

      Houndstooth is quite unusual, isn't it, Samantha – you don't get many pieces in that pattern, do you…? A jacket sounds gorgeous, get it!! Thanks for the kind words, and I'm so glad you liked the mirror image :))

  16. 14 September 2015 / 4:45 pm

    To be honest I don't own a lot of sheer clothing items, but I bought a lovely shirt this year which I posted on the blog last week (along with tips on what to wear on Greek summer vacations) and was delighted to see that this week's theme is sheer! Needless to say I have a post for next week too! I love your pattern combination and that photo with the hair flip now has a place on my fall style Pinterest board! Once again thank you for hosting the link up!

    • 15 September 2015 / 9:07 pm

      How apt was your linked post, Anna – as you know I'm going to Santorini soon so this was perfect!! Thank you for your kind comments too xx

  17. 14 September 2015 / 3:52 pm

    Oh Catherine, I can't believe that someone tried to give The Queen of Clash advice on pattern mixing!!!! You look lovely, as usual! Thanks for hosting the link up.
    BTW – thank you for including me in you picks from last week πŸ™‚
    Michelle x

    • 15 September 2015 / 9:04 pm

      Haha I think it was one of the first times I'd experienced criticism, Michelle – didn't bother me at all, I just found it funny because it was around the pattern mixing became "the" thing to do…!! Thank you sweetie, I loved how uber colourful you were last week xx

  18. 14 September 2015 / 3:27 pm

    Thanks so much for picking my theme! I love your outfit! The pattern mixing is fab, and that skirt is amazing!

    • 15 September 2015 / 8:52 pm

      It was my pleasure, Amy – thank you for the great idea! xx

  19. 14 September 2015 / 2:22 pm

    Of course pattern mixing works, when it is in harmony with the wearer's personality. You do it so well, and it's your signature. As far as I'm concerned, stripes are the only pattern I need…

    • 15 September 2015 / 8:45 pm

      Tiina that's a really nice compliment, thank you so much…!

  20. 14 September 2015 / 2:18 pm

    oh I love this skirt on you! i remember first time you blogged it and i was in awe. It is still so so wonderful on you sweetie and perfect with this sheer blouse.
    Thank you so much for hosting, i have of course joined in, and i must remember to add your wonderful linkup to my linkup blogroll!!–off to go do that right now!!XXXX

    • 15 September 2015 / 8:42 pm

      Rachel my lovely thank you, I can't believe you remember it first time around…!!

  21. 14 September 2015 / 2:15 pm

    I am first again, well after you, yeahhhhhhhhhhhh. I so look forward to your link up. It is a time to get together, and you do it sooooooooooo well.
    About your ensemble,WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. The mixprint is genius and so up my alley, and thank you for the cutest skirt everrrrrrrrrrrr
    Bravo, my dear Catherine

    • 15 September 2015 / 12:28 am

      I might have to wake up in the middle of my Hong Kong night to get closer to the top! Heehee. Ann

    • 15 September 2015 / 8:30 pm

      Thank you Sacramento – I'm so glad you've linked up and that you're first!! It wouldn't be the same without you xx

    • 15 September 2015 / 8:37 pm

      aww Ann I'm so sorry it's completely the wrong time of day for you…! πŸ™

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