Christmas Party Outfits + the #iwillwearwhatilike Link Up

Christmas party outfit: little green dress
How is it the time of year for Christmas party outfits already?! This week it’s time to show off what you’ve been wearing to parties and events – but don’t forget the theme is optional so please, please link up everything else you’ve been wearing too!

So much has been happening lately, then there’s the fact that I haven’t actually worn any party outfits myself yet (I’ll explain why), so I’ve featured some of my favourites from the last couple of years. I’m still totally crushing on all four of these dresses and hope I get a chance to wear at least one of them this Christmas, except…

I’M STILL TOTALLY CRUSHING ON ALL FOUR OF THESE DRESSES AND HOPE I GET A CHANCE TO WEAR AT LEAST ONE OF THEM THIS CHRISTMAS… EXCEPT I’VE SLIPPED A DISC AND AM NOT IN THE SLIGHTEST BIT MOBILE [CUE TINY VIOLINS]

… I’ve slipped a disc(!!) and am not in the slightest bit mobile. [Cue tiny violins.] I have sciatica (where the sciatic nerve has been damaged) so it’s not my back that’s in pain, but the whole of the back of my right leg. The doctor thinks I did it while carrying my overnight bag on the tube and trains when I went to Paris the other weekend, and it’s been getting gradually more and more painful, numb and tingly over the last two weeks. It now hurts so much I can’t walk without a walking stick (I’ve borrowed one of my mum’s, she’s 81 and uses them now and then); however, I actually love pointing and waving it at everyone like an old lady – you have to see the funny side of it!

So unfortunately heels and tight clothes are completely out for me at the moment, and although physio is the next step I could be like this for up to eight weeks. We shall see how it affects my wardrobe – no skinny jeans for quite a while I’m afraid.

And finally – you may have noticed that the blog looks (more than) a little different: I’ve had a major redesign! I’ll mention it properly in my next post (Wednesday), but in the meantime please bear with me as I have to reformat some of the pages as they’re a bit skew-y at the moment. Also note my new avatar: It’ll be popping up on all my social media platforms as I work my way through changing them all to match.

YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THAT THE BLOG LOOKS (MORE THAN) A LITTLE DIFFERENT: I’VE HAD A MAJOR REDESIGN!

Scroll down to join the link up and don’t forget to check out the amazing faux fur outfits from last week – I’ve picked out and featured my favourites as usual 🙂

Have you been to any Christmas parties yet (office party or otherwise)? What are you – and everybody else – wearing this year? Tell me in the comments or tweet me @notlamb!

Bastyan Arin cocktail dress, grey
Bastyan Arin cocktail dress with deep V back
Bastyan embellished V-back grey dress – see the original post here

Red, black & white ombre patterned dress
Black & white ombre dress & white clutch
Debenhams floral ombre maxi dress – see the original post here

Statement necklace
Pale blue dress over black skinnies
Reiss pale blue cocktail dress layered over skinnies – see the original post here

Christmas party outfit: little green dress
Christmas party outfit: little green dress
Louche emerald green mini dress with patterned tights – see the original post here


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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!

Fashion bloggers in faux fur #iwillwearwhatilike

My favourite FAUX FUR outfits from last week’s link up

(L-R) Style is My Pudding | Bag and a Beret | It’s Not That Deep | Elegantly Dressed and Stylish | Colour Queen


NEXT WEEK:
THE OPTIONAL THEME FOR 21ST DECEMBER IS ANYTHING GOES
(No pressure for a theme as it’ll be right before Christmas – just make it fabulous!)

All I ask of you linking up is that you:

1. Please follow your host Not Dressed As Lamb (via Bloglovin or Instagram)
2. Link up your outfits (blog or Instagram posts) that show how you choose to wear what you like – as many as you like!
3. Please remember this is only for posts of what you’ve been wearing, not links to giveaways or anything else
4. Include a link back to this post if you’re linking from a blog post, or add my button (below)
5. Post your outfit on Instagram (if you use it) with the hashtag #iwillwearwhatilike – Monday’s the day to join in the IG fun
6. Visit some of the other links and share the love!

#iwillwearwhatilike | Not Dressed As Lamb

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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!

Catherine

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | BLOGLOVIN | YOUTUBE | NEWSLETTER

Linking up to: Style StoriesiwillwearwhatilikeVisible MondayLet It ShineMonday MingleStyle SessionsTurning Heads TuesdayTrend Spin Link-UpWhat I Wore WednesdayBrilliant Blog PostsThrowback ThursdayPassion for Fashion FridayFriday’s Fab Favourites

48 Comments

  1. 25 December 2015 / 10:44 am

    And I totally did not read about your slipped disc. Sorry. Probably was going through your post without reading glasses on my iPhone…. that usually doesn't work too well. Hope you get better soon. And be careful with the walking stick. It should be adjusted to your height. Otherwise it might even do you more harm than good.
    Greetje

  2. 21 December 2015 / 11:11 pm

    You are always so utterly, utterly stunning but this is my all time most favourite post ever because you look like a screen siren, a movie star! I adore the lace tights, the sleek, red carpet worthy dresses and this is just amazing. Sorry to hear about the sciatica, really not good, hoping you feel better soon beautiful x

  3. 18 December 2015 / 8:10 am

    Oh Catherine, so very sorry to hear about the disc and the sciatica – ooof – and now of all times. My husband had sciatica for some time and in the end of after numerous appointments with his GP, practitioners, consultants etc he was offered acupuncture on the NHS. And it worked! Best of luck with everything but especially get well soon!
    Joining you on the linkup shortly – had such a busy week. Oh and I love the green party dress on you – lovely.

  4. 18 December 2015 / 1:13 am

    Love them all, but especially the green one! #brillantblogposts

  5. 16 December 2015 / 3:25 pm

    Here I am again, dearest Catherine!! I'm afraid I still don't have my own Christmas outfit to share (my holiday party isn't happening until this coming weekend!) but I am VERY much a believer in "I will wear what I like"…as evidenced by the wooly mammoth jacket I'm featuring today!! I'm sure some people think it's atrocious, but I don't care…it's one of my faves!! 😀 P.S. Thinking of you and your poor back and leg!! XOXO

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

  6. 15 December 2015 / 3:21 pm

    Í am soooooooooooooo glad not to be alone , ahhahhahah
    Much love dear friend
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  7. 15 December 2015 / 9:59 am

    Crikey! Back pain is the worst, frustrating as well as debilitating! Hope you get well soon Catherine xxx
    p.s. Your new design is so so chic – Bravo you clever girl!

  8. 15 December 2015 / 7:08 am

    Thank you for choosing me as a favourite faux fur look! I live for faux fur when it's cold and I'm honoured to be in your lineup with these other fantastic women. I haven't chosen a party look yet but later in the week…
    Your redesign is awesome! At least you have this one fantastic thing to help balance out that one horrible thing… I'm so sorry to hear about your pain! I wish you the speediest recovery humanly possible. Hang in there!!

  9. 15 December 2015 / 5:52 am

    I love all the holiday looks and the new redesign! 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.

  10. 15 December 2015 / 1:11 am

    Hi Catherine, the new design looks great! I am partial to the fabulous emerald green dress. I am so sorry to hear about your pain; especially at this time of the year. I will keep you in my prayers.

    Shellie
    http://www.thefabjourney.com

  11. 14 December 2015 / 11:57 pm

    Love the design and I do love the colors in the long butterfly dress, each has its own unique and beautiful detail, however, I love love the green dress with the fancy dressy patterned tights, I would wear in a heartbeat. Looking beautiful!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylishcom

  12. 14 December 2015 / 11:08 pm

    Love the new blog design Catherine! I think my most favorite of your looks is the blue dress over the skinnies. And most importantly, rest and do all you can to feel better my beautiful friend.
    Debbie
    http://www.fashionfairydust.com

  13. 14 December 2015 / 9:24 pm

    Oh Catherine…you poor thing…agony!!! :o(
    On the positive side your new avatar is STUNNING!
    and your new design is sleek, sleek, sleek…..bravo.
    I have inundated your linky with links.
    I hope you don't mind!
    Party looks are so much fun….That necklace over dress, over skinnies with cobalt shoes is my absolute favourite.
    You have inspired me to layer more dresses over trousers, such a fresh look.
    I do hope you feel better soon.
    Sending you a virtual hug….:oD
    XXX
    Samantha
    Fake Fabulous

    • 15 December 2015 / 10:11 am

      Can I just add….. I always admire the way that, as a women with a more "ample" bust, you never have it the focus of attention. In eveningwear and at Christmas events, especially, cleavage is often 'out-there'….You, however, always look feminine and elegant NEVER overtly sexy….always demure. Not "look at my boobies!!" just "Look at my fabulous outfit!". It is a real skill to balance a figure, and give the illusion of perfection, using clothes. Even though we have totally different shapes (and suit different things) I still take your styling points on board….often knowing that a certain shape suits you will let me know that I won't be able to pull it off (I hope that makes sense). XXX

  14. 14 December 2015 / 9:05 pm

    You look absolutely stunning! Sorry to hear about your slipped disc, I hope you get better soon, perhaps best to lay off the dancing in those party frocks!!! Loving the new layout too.
    Steph
    xx
    http://www.pricelesslifeofmine.com

  15. 14 December 2015 / 8:41 pm

    Oh yikes. That does not sound fun at all. I've slipped discs in my lower back before which have ignited sciatica pain and it is dreadful. Slipped discs in general are awful. I hope you feel better soon.

    I love your new blog design. It fits in well with your IG. I will soon call that soft rosy hazy filter the Catherine filter ; )

    My favourite by far is the green dress with the fabulous accessories. Truly stunning.

    bisous
    Suzanne

  16. 14 December 2015 / 7:27 pm

    Get well soon Catherine. I love the maxi dress shown and think it may be ok for you to waft about in currently as it's flowing and not in the least restrictive, poor you! Thanks for the link up again this week and take it easy x
    Anna
    Anna's Island Style

  17. 14 December 2015 / 7:05 pm

    Beautiful dresses,I especially love the first two! Hope you are feeling better soon! 🙂

  18. 14 December 2015 / 6:57 pm

    I know how painful sciatica can be! Hope you get a swift recovery Catherine. All of your evening wear's are show stoppers, . Will be linking tomorrow, just too busy to even get a post together!
    Laurie x

  19. 14 December 2015 / 6:08 pm

    Oh, and congratulations on your new design. So fresh and sleek:)
    Abby

  20. 14 December 2015 / 6:04 pm

    My favorite look is the grey embellished dress – so sophisticated and classy. Thank you for hosting such a great link up! So sorry to hear about your back, feel better soon!

    Cherie
    http://www.stylenudge.com

  21. 14 December 2015 / 6:04 pm

    Sorry to hear about your back Catherine! Hopefully you'll get better soon. I like the sexy look of the first picture:) xx Abby

  22. 14 December 2015 / 6:04 pm

    I love the new blog design, Catherine. It's gorgeous. The colours are so you!
    I can totally empathise with you about your poor back. I recommend you try some very gentle yoga therapy, it works wonders. I used to suffer with sciatica for years but since yoga, it's gone! I do still have sacroiliac problems though 🙁
    I'm loving all the dresses – you have such great taste!!
    Suzy x
    http://www.suzyturner.com

  23. 14 December 2015 / 5:53 pm

    So sorry to hear this Catherine! From experience I know that the pain can be gruesome. Hopefully you'll have a quick recovery xx
    As to the party dresses: the floral one from Debenhams has totally stolen my heart. What a beauty, so colourful and I love that it's a maxi dress. You of course look wonderful in all dresses!!

  24. 14 December 2015 / 5:40 pm

    All these outfits are wearable to any holiday parties to this day. Thank you for sharing.

    xo,
    Janise

  25. 14 December 2015 / 4:54 pm

    I'm so sorry to hear that you're hurt, Catherine. So yucky, especially during the holidays. These dresses are amazing and you're styling is of course on point. And hey, since you won't be wearing them …. hee hee …. J/K. 😉 Feel better soon, Dear!

    Oh and LOVE the new blog design!

    OXOX
    Dawn Lucy
    http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com

  26. 14 December 2015 / 4:51 pm

    4 beautiful looks Catherine but I am still partial to the green, I remember when you actually posted that outfit and that vision has always remained in my mind, such a great dress and a great look. Page looks wonderful as well.

  27. 14 December 2015 / 4:45 pm

    You look utterly, utterly BEAUTIFUL (yes I'm shouting)-so elegant and gorgeous, wow and look at your stunning blog, stylish, easy to navigate, so clean and dreamy! Yay xx

  28. 14 December 2015 / 4:12 pm

    Ughhhhh…that's so not fair about your sciatica! A chipped nail or small bruise is fine, but to be immobile is killer! (although maybe you should do a post with the walking stick—we'll probably all need one at one time or another!).
    I have my book club christmas party tonight….i should take a photo or two—thanks for the reminder (i still don't think that way yet!) jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • 14 December 2015 / 8:16 pm

      It is a stunning dress, isn't it Elise, thank you! Though I've put on a few pounds since then, plus I can't exercise (or barely walk) right now, plus it's Christmas… That dress is unforgiving so I'm going to have to work reeeeeeeally hard to get back in it after my back (leg) is better…!

  29. 14 December 2015 / 3:52 pm

    I love all your dresses, but I think you look the best with the green one.
    Fantastic new blog design, dear catherine. Are you still on Blogger?
    Mil besos
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    • 14 December 2015 / 8:12 pm

      Thank you Sacramento, I'm so glad you like it! Yes I'm still on Blogger (you can tell by these comments boxes which I'm thinking of changing) – I have used WordPress to write blogs for clients outside of my blogging work, but I hated using it. I know I'm probably in the minority but I just didn't get on with it at all…!

      Most of the things that were limiting me with my blog layout, features, etc. have now been fixed by this lovely pipdig design, so I'm happy to continue with Blogger!

  30. 14 December 2015 / 3:40 pm

    Oh!! How could I forget to mention the new blog design?! It's BEAUTIFUL!!

    • 14 December 2015 / 8:09 pm

      awww thank you!! I'm so so pleased with it!

  31. 14 December 2015 / 3:37 pm

    Oh nooo, dearest Catherine!! Being unwell at ANY time of year is the pits…but over the holiday season?! That's got to be the absolute WORST!! I have all my fingers and toes crossed that your recovery is miraculously speedy!! XOXO P.S. Loving (and remembering!) every one of your Christmas party outfit options here…but my favourite is that little blue dress layered over those black skinnies; it's just so chic and unexpected and perfectly "Catherine!!" P.P.S. Thank you BUNCHES for featuring my faux-fur look as one of your picks from last week's link-up; it really is a pretty awesome jacket, isn't it?! 😉

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

    • 14 December 2015 / 8:08 pm

      I'm sure you know what it's like after you breaking your foot – it's sooooo frustrating, isn't it Monika?! I'm so annoyed that getting dressed is going to be so challenging over Christmas, of all times! Thank you my lovely – I'm thinking positively so fingers crossed my recovery WILL be speedy x

    • 14 December 2015 / 9:42 pm

      Oh boy, Catherine!! I'm afraid I was NOT very patient when it came to recovering from my broken foot…those five weeks in a cast seemed ENDLESS!! And yes, working around an injury just when you want to get festive and REALLY have some fun with your outfits is so…NOT fun 🙁 But I have complete faith in you…and I know you'll come through with flying colours!! XOXO

  32. 14 December 2015 / 3:18 pm

    Love the new blog design! And all of your party outfits are lovely. Get well soon, Catherine!

    • 14 December 2015 / 8:06 pm

      Thank you so much, Tiina – it's such a bummer to have this happen right before Christmas, but what can you do, eh?!!

  33. 14 December 2015 / 3:15 pm

    I won't have this year's holiday outfit posted until Friday so I'll link up last year's for now, and if it's o.k., I'll come back on Friday and link up again. Love your amazing holiday outfits. The first one is my fav. Other than church and time with family/friends, we don't have any fancy holiday parties to attend so my festive outfits are more understated. I wish I had a place to wear some of the pretty outfits to that you have on!

    • 14 December 2015 / 8:05 pm

      Of course you can link up any posts you like, Amy – that's absolutely fine! I'm not sure I'm going to make it to any fancy parties now, dancing is most definitely out…! Thank you sweetie, so glad you liked the ones I featured x

  34. 14 December 2015 / 3:15 pm

    I remember each and every one of these posts and being wowed by your beauty. And today i am still wowed! I think my favourite, although its so hard to choose, is the white dress over the black jeans with the shocking blue heels. That look is so utterly divine!
    And can we just take a minute for the fabulous new NDAL look! it looks so perfect, so right, so you! Sheer brilliance xxx

    • 14 December 2015 / 8:02 pm

      Ohhhhh bless you lovely Rachel, thank you! =blushes= And I'm so glad you like the design, I now need to come and check yours out!! xx

  35. 14 December 2015 / 3:13 pm

    Love all of your outfit choices Catherine but the green dress is my fave because I think green is so so beautiful on you. I absolutely love your new design as well, well done. I have a new logo from today on with an addition and I'm quite excited. Will hopefully change my design next year but the logo was absolutely necessary. Much love, Kirsten xx

    http://www.thelifbissue.com

    • 14 December 2015 / 8:01 pm

      Thanks so much Kirsten – I'm so pleased with the design… You'll be so excited when you get yours done!!

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