I finally made a decision over the M&S Archive by Alexa ruffled Harry Blouse – it was a keeper after all…!
I’d been wrangling over whether to keep it after talking about my concerns over wearing something so hyped, but you know what?
Sometimes you have to remember that what you see constantly online isn’t necessarily what happens IRL (in real life), and just because I kept seeing it all over Instagram and Twitter doesn’t mean I’m going to see it on every person walking down the street.
So thanks to many of you who told me to keep it (thank you!), I did – and wore it in London over the weekend. It was one reader’s great suggestion to wear it with distressed denim to counteract the feminine ruffles, and I went one step further and added my black biker jacket as well.
The verdict: I like it. No, I really like it. Ruffles are quite different to anything I normally wear (I think this is a first), and although it’s not the sort of top you can style that many different ways I think it’s such a great statement piece. Plus there’s that nostalgia thing I mentioned, so a reminder of my first ever fashionable piece of clothing is no bad thing.
The Harry blouse is unsurprisingly almost completely sold out (I think some people must have returned theirs so a couple of sizes are in stock), but if you scroll down you’ll see some other pieces I’ve found if you do want to jump on board the ruffles train.
So of course this week’s #iwillwearwhatilike theme is ruffles – so do add your outfits to this week’s link up. You may be featured next week if you’ve linked up something ruffly!
ARE YOU ON BOARD WITH THE RUFFLES TREND? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS!
M&S Archive by Alexa Harry blouse | ASOS jeans (similar distressed boyfriend jeans) | Debenhams biker jacket (similar black leather biker jacket) | Hobbs Adlington tote bag c/o | Daniel Footwear pointed flats c/o (I love these black and white pointed flats with a red heel) | ASOS oversized round sunglasses
SHOP THE LOOK:
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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!
PLEASE NOTE
This is for linking up what you’ve been wearing (or would like to wear) only. I like to keep it all looking tidy because I’m a bit of a neat-freak, so non-outfit links will be removed – it’s only fair to others linking up!
Please be a good sport and do the following…
1. 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. Include a link back to the post if you’re linking from a blog post, or add my button (below)
4. Post your outfit on Instagram (if you use it) with the hashtag #iwillwearwhatilike – Monday’s the day to join in the IG fun
5. Please do not link up anything other than outfits, shoes, accessories or make-up – non-outfit links will be removed. This link up is for linking up what you’ve been wearing (or would like to wear) only
6. Visit some of the other links and share the love!
Featured favourites
My favourite JUMPSUITS and DUNGAREES from last week’s link up:
(L-R) Vanity & Me | Suzanne Bell | The Lady of Style | Kremb de la Kremb | Fake Fabulous | Retrochicmama
To get yourself featured next week, link up something following this week’s theme and make sure you’ve included a link back to Not Dressed As Lamb or my button in your post/sidebar!
Stunning, love how you've toughened it up with jeans and leather-adore the shoot too. Gorgeous as always x
Beyond the fact that everything about you looks positively fresh, new, these days, love, I'm adoring the fact that you're now taking pictures in the streets 🙂 such a new vibrancy to everything xoxo
Oh gosh! I'm so glad you liked my turquoise jumpsuit Catherine! How exciting!! I always appreciate the traffic I receive from Not Dressed as Lamb. Thank you!
I know what you mean about hyped up items. I'm the same, but then when there's a good thing, you gotta go with it. And this blouse on you is a good thing!
I'm linking up a trend that I LOVE but I feel is definitely too popular–the off the shoulder trend. But I'll tell you what: this style looks good on my sloping (nonexistent!) shoulders, so I'm going to wear the heck out of this style! You'll be able to see…
Thank you for the link up.
Love, Ann
Oh gosh! I'm so glad you liked my turquoise jumpsuit Catherine! How exciting!! I always appreciate the traffic I receive from Not Dressed as Lamb. Thank you!
I know what you mean about hyped up items. I'm the same, but then when there's a good thing, you gotta go with it. And this blouse on you is a good thing!
I'm linking up a trend that I LOVE but I feel is definitely too popular–the off the shoulder trend. But I'll tell you what: this style looks good on my sloping (nonexistent!) shoulders, so I'm going to wear the heck out of this style! You'll be able to see…
Thank you for the link up.
Love, Ann
I really like the blouse, and especially how you've styled it with jeans and a biker jacket. It doesn't really matter if you see other people wearing it, if you look and feel good in it that's all that matters!
Emma xxx
style-splash.com
Perfectly done, C! The shoes are the perfect finishers. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Beautiful blouse but I am in LOVE with your flats!!
xo Sheree
http://poshclassymom.com
IG: @poshclassymom
Love the way you styled them adding some edgy bits with leather and jeans. Way cool. And your hair looks phantastic! xo Sabina
Love this look Catherine – especially the glasses – they are awesome!
XOXO
Yvonne
http://www.funkyforty.com
Hi Catherine! I've been away from blogging for a while and I have to say that your hair looks amazing! And I love the contrast between the soft pink ruffles and the black leather. Fantastic! I could never pull off the ruffle look (I don't think.), but you are absolutely rocking it! Thanks for the fun link up as well!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
You look great! Love your hair by the way.
I think your ruffled shirt looks great with the distressed denim and moto jacket! You look amazing in this outfit! Would I wear it? Probably not, I never cared for too much frill on top for my body type.
I will always be a ruffles kind of gal no matter what! Love how you made it edgier with the jacket – Come check out my latest collab with CHICWISH and let me know what you think of the LBD! Have a great week!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
I adore this look, I think pairing the feminine ruffled shirt with the distressed denim is brilliant and then throwing on a motorcycle jacket just makes the look perfect! Also, I love your new Doo Catherine! Thank you for hosting.
Make sure to come on over and link up this great look on The SHOE AND TELL Fashion Link Up, NOT just for shoes, on STYLE NUDGE.
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
That is a super fabulous blouse, good thing you kept it! It's perfect with the distressed denim.
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
You look simply fantastic! Love your look – this hair, this outfit – beautiful! 🙂
I am loving your shoes. They are so pretty!
Jenny’s Bicycle-Indian Fashion Blog!!
You styled this ruffle top perfectly. The moto jacket and distressed denim really balanced out the sweetness of the top.
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.
Joining your link up for the first time Catherine. Thanks for hosting. Love this outfit you are wearing. It's a little different to your norm I think. Quite neutral and minimal, you look gorgeous.
Oh yes, this is a very good example of perfect styling. Indeed. Apart from my love for everything, I especially love the shoes with it as well (as I am looking for pointy toed flats). Great look.
Greetje
What a badass outfit…feminine but edgy! LOVE IT!!!
xo,
Janise
I love that soft rock look on you Catherine. It's good to step out of our comfort zone sometimes isn't it? The leather jacket is a great ploy against this pink blouse, and pairing them up with these ripped jeans are just another little fashion tweak that's so right for you. I loved your award outfit over the weekend and was gutted that you didn't win. You looked a dream x
Anna
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
I love this blouse even more after seeing it on you! The perfect shade of blue and I love the juxtaposition with the denim and leather. Such a great look!
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
I really love that soft colour with your hair. It was a great choice to pair it with leather and distressed jeans. Great look!
bisous
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
The only thing ruffled I have for this week's linkup are my nerves! Hahaha. Your photos are stunning, simply stunning! Thanks, Catherine, for the linkup. Your soft pink ruffles look great contrasted with those hardy pieces.
I love to wear very feminine items with an edgy item. I love this style!
Catherine…not only does this look superb on you, I think it's something that every "real" woman across the countries could & would wear!! A little feminine, a little masculine, very stylish & great fitting!!
So glad you kept the blouse—and I have to say, I haven't seen anyone else in person wearing it!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
thanks for hosting!
LOVE that ruffled blouse to pieces! You look adorable as can be!!
I have a saying "I never met a ruffle I did not love!" and your top certainly fits the bill. Looking lovely as always, Catherine.
I love, love your hair. It gets better in every post. Great photography too.
Besos
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You look super cool in this outfit Catherine and what stunning photography. A visual treat! Love Liz, http://www.whatlizzyloves.com xxxx
I love ruffles! They are so romantic and glam! Thank you for hosting dear! I'm linking back to you HERE And… you are welcome any time to join my
monthly FASHION LINKUP
How on earth did you manage to make ruffles so EDGY?? I love this look! Especially with those demure flats — such a fun mix-up of classics!!
Xoxo,
Ashley || Sed Bona
What pretty pictures! Love the background and of course this lovely ruffled top. I would wear it in a heartbeat. Yes for keeping.The leather jacket and jeans gives it a more edgy look, love it!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
You make ruffles look super cool! Thanks for the fun linky, Dear!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Cathrine! You look so chic in this outfit!! Love ruffles, especially when paired with moto jacket. Fabulous post! xo Zuma
http://www.splashofteal.com
No one would ever know that this is your very first ruffled piece, dearest Catherine…you're wearing your new blush-pink blouse like a total pro!! 😉 It really is the perfect counterpoint to an edgy jeans and moto jacket combo; and since THAT particular combo happens to be one of my faves, I may just have to follow your lead and invest in some ruffles for my OWN wardrobe!! P.S. These street-style photos are simply stunning!! XOXO
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com
I really like how you styled this ruffled blouse! On it's own, I would think it's too feminine. But the distressed jeans and biker jacket are perfect with it! I also really like your shoes! And perfect bag!
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
You're definitely right about it being feminine, Andrea! Was there ever a more feminine style thank this one…?!! hehe thank you sweetie x
I love anything feminine with black leather-what great street wear. I could see me wearing this on a First Friday art walk.
Honestly? I don't think I've EVER seen anyone look more at home in this blouse than you do. Even Alexa looks like she's modelling the blouse, you are really WEARING the blouse. It looks amazing on you, and I'm SO pleased you kept it. STUNNING STUNNING photos too. xx
Awww Lisa thank you!!!!! That's a great compliment…! x