Summer Sightseeing in the Cotswolds in Mixed Patterns #iwillwearwhatilike

Summer brights - neon florals and Aztec print mixed patterns | Not Dressed As Lamb

Last week we spent several days in the Cotswolds, an area we’ve always wanted to visit… We were not disappointed, it absolutely lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful areas of England! 

The day after my birthday – which we spent in Cheltenham – we did a little sightseeing drive in the car around a few villages and ended up in the gorgeous (and strangely named) Lower Slaughter.

The name doesn’t mean what you’d think: It stems from the Old English name for a wet land ‘slough’ or ‘slothre’ (Old English for muddy place) upon which it lies [source]. One of its streets was also named the most romantic street in Britain in 2011 due to the unspoilt limestone cottages and stunning views… I won’t argue with that!

So if you want to see a lot of both look no further than this photo shoot – we’ve captured just about everything in this picture-perfect place!

ONE OF ITS STREETS WAS NAMED THE MOST ROMANTIC STREET IN BRITAIN IN 2011 DUE TO THE UNSPOILT LIMESTONE COTTAGES AND STUNNING VIEWS – IF YOU WANT TO SEE A LOT OF BOTH LOOK NO FURTHER…

No theme for this week’s #iwillwearwhatilike link up as I’ve been away – for our day out I wore mixed patterns (again) and was just about warm enough for a rather cloudy summer’s day. Though I think the colours in my outfit made up for the lack of sunshine:

Summer brights - neon florals and Aztec print mixed patterns | Not Dressed As Lamb

SHOP THE LOOK:

I wore the same printed trousers I wore on holiday last year (elasticated waist, wide legs, cotton – there’s nothing comfier) and picked out the pink in the pattern with my floral neon pink t-shirt that’s seen a few summers now. The silver embellished sandals were a recent purchase (the leather is incredibly soft) and perfect for a day trundling round pretty villages… they add to the slightly mismatched boho look with the vintage butterfly belt and floppy straw fedora.

There’s all sorts to see in this photo shoot: An impromptu vintage car procession, huge trees to sit under, old stone bridges, limestone cottages, country cottage gardens, shallow streams – not forgetting a strangely-dressed fashion blogger who walked, posed and smiled her way through the village, followed closely by her Instagram husband ðŸ˜‰

(Just to note: We did go to the very well-known village of Bourton-on-the-Water – I wouldn’t recommend it in the summer holidays: It was so full of people you practically couldn’t see the place itself. It was obviously very beautiful but we decided to visit again at another time of year when it’s a lot quieter…!)

Until such time that you’ve started planning your own getaway to the Cotswolds(!) you can add your outfits to this week’s link up – you may be featured* next time if it stands out because remember, anything goes this week!

HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE COTSWOLDS – IF SO, WHERE AND WHEN? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB!

Summer brights - neon florals and Aztec print mixed patterns | Not Dressed As Lamb
Summer brights - neon florals and Aztec print mixed patterns | Not Dressed As Lamb
Summer brights - neon florals and Aztec print mixed patterns | Not Dressed As Lamb
Summer brights - neon florals and Aztec print mixed patterns | Not Dressed As Lamb
Summer brights - neon florals and Aztec print mixed patterns | Not Dressed As Lamb
Summer brights - neon florals and Aztec print mixed patterns | Not Dressed As Lamb
Summer brights - neon florals and Aztec print mixed patterns | Not Dressed As Lamb
Summer brights - neon florals and Aztec print mixed patterns | Not Dressed As Lamb
Summer brights - neon florals and Aztec print mixed patterns | Not Dressed As Lamb
Summer brights - neon florals and Aztec print mixed patterns | Not Dressed As Lamb
Summer brights - neon florals and Aztec print mixed patterns | Not Dressed As Lamb
Summer brights - neon florals and Aztec print mixed patterns | Not Dressed As Lamb
The Cotswolds - Lower Slaughter
Summer brights - neon florals and Aztec print mixed patterns | Not Dressed As Lamb
Warehouse top via ASOS (I like this plain bright pink t-shirt) | New Look trousers (love these printed wide leg pants) | ASOS silver embellished sandals | Hobbs tote c/o (try this orange leather tote bag) | La Redoute hat (this straw fedora is almost identical) | ASOS sunglasses (these oversized round sunglasses are similar) | Vintage 80s butterfly belt from eBay (try this black stretch belt or search “vintage butterfly belt” on eBay) | Lizzy O diamante wrap bracelets c/o | New Look earrings (similar teardrop gold earrings)

RELATED  How I Like to Layer For Warmth AND For Style in Autumn/Winter

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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!

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!

An InLinkz Link-up


NEXT WEEK:

THE OPTIONAL THEME FOR 8 AUGUST IS EMBROIDERY


Linking up etiquette…

CLICK HERE to read the rules of linking up (and to grab the #iwillwearwhatilike button)

Featured favourites

Fashion bloggers in cold shoulder and off the shoulder tops and dresses #iwillwearwhatilike

My favourite COLD SHOULDER & OFF THE SHOULDER outfits from last week’s link up:

(L-R) Peridot Skies | Ocean Blue Style | Kitty & B | Style Crone | Moody Girl in Style

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!


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!

Catherine

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Linking up to: iwillwearwhatilikeShoe and TellVisible MondayTurning Heads TuesdayBrilliant Blog Posts, Fun Fashion Friday, Passion for Fashion Friday

47 Comments

  1. 4 August 2016 / 2:46 pm

    I commewnted earlier and will reiterate that i love the prints, and if I visit England this would be somewhere I would love to see. love the English countryside
    Thank you for linking with Turning Heads Tuesday
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

  2. 4 August 2016 / 8:30 am

    When I turn to U40, I always think that I must wear dark color for my age and I am not confident to choose pink, green, yellow or any bright color… And my life becomes darker like my clothes…
    You are so beautiful, so brilliant, so graceful in any color, any style…
    I will change from now.
    Thanks for your posts

  3. 3 August 2016 / 3:36 pm

    Love this mix Catherine. Already admired it on Insta. And my best friend loves the Cotswolds. Will tell her about your lovely and stylish blog. Mixing patterns can be so tricky and you just pulled it off! Thank you so much again for the feature. Feeling so honored to be on your wonderful blog. xo Sabina

    • 3 August 2016 / 9:46 pm

      Aww thanks Sabina – and it was my pleasure to feature you and your lovely blue dress!! x

  4. 2 August 2016 / 6:46 pm

    Your outfit has such pretty colors! Your pictures teally show how lovely that place looks!

  5. 2 August 2016 / 2:52 pm

    These are such beautiful shots Catherine. It looks like such an absolutely charming and romantic place to visit. Love the bright colors and pattern mix, but I especially love the butterfly belt. It's such a cool detail.
    Debbie
    http://www.fashionfairydust.com

    • 3 August 2016 / 9:42 pm

      Thank you Debbie – it really is as charming and romantic as it looks…!!

  6. 2 August 2016 / 2:24 pm

    My that outfit looks perfect for a walk, and very chic too! 🙂

  7. 2 August 2016 / 2:06 pm

    The Cotswolds look like a scene straight out of a fairytale, dearest Catherine…so charming!! And even with the two different patterns going on, your pink tee and soft pants combo almost gives the illusion of a jumpsuit, don't you think?! The perfect little "getaway" outfit – especially together with the floppy hat and rockstar sunglasses!! 😉 And let's not forget your new shoes, which seem made for miles of walking!! XOXO

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

    • 3 August 2016 / 9:36 pm

      I see what you mean about a jumpsuit, Monika…!! Thanks my lovely xx

  8. 2 August 2016 / 12:54 pm

    Nice print combination! It's not easy to mix prints and you've done a stellar job. The scenery is beautiful. I have not been to the Cotswolds, but friends of mine here in the US own a home there and are always inviting my husband and I to join them when they are there. Your photos have now convinced me I must make travel plans 🙂

    • 3 August 2016 / 9:34 pm

      Oh gosh you absolutely should!! It must be wonderful to own a home there 🙂

      and thank you x

  9. 2 August 2016 / 2:50 am

    What a quaint village. I love the fun mix of patterns in this outfit and it looks perfect for walking around.

    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. 2 August 2016 / 1:10 am

    That village looks magical. I am SOOOOO going there!

    Your pattern mix and colour mix is on point as always. I'm so pleased you were swanning around in a beautiful place looking beautiful on your birthday weekend. xxx

    • 3 August 2016 / 9:28 pm

      You sooooooooooo should, Lisa!! And thank you – MUAH x

  11. 1 August 2016 / 9:48 pm

    I've never been to the Cotswolds but you've certainly sold it to me now Catherine. Your outfit looked perfect for a bit of sightseeing with the obligatory flat sandals looking very cute too. And let's not forget to mention that lovely pattern mixing in those feminine colours – you've nailed it!
    Anna x

  12. 1 August 2016 / 5:59 pm

    I love these patterns together, and the pink. Riding on its reputation, the name Cotswolds alone has a romantic ring to it. These photos show why. What a charming place. Thanks for the linkup.

    • 3 August 2016 / 9:27 pm

      I've not thought about the name before, Melanie – but you're right, it does sound romantic! Thanks sweetie, and thanks for linking up x

  13. 1 August 2016 / 3:39 pm

    Great print mixing and wonderful photography.
    I can´t hardly wait to spend 3 weeks in cool green England (up north)
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    • 3 August 2016 / 9:23 pm

      We should swap, Sacramento – I'll have your Spanish sunshine any day…!! Thank you my lovely x

  14. 1 August 2016 / 3:28 pm

    Lovely print mixing!

  15. 1 August 2016 / 3:06 pm

    Love the pink and the bright patterns. The detailed butterfly belt so pretty as well. I love the look of this place, very charming. Looks like something out of Midsommer!
    Thanks for linking up with turning heads tuesday
    jess x
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

  16. 1 August 2016 / 3:02 pm

    Sooo pretty…both you and the Cotswolds. It's somewhere I've always wanted to go but have never got around to it. You are a Summery vision in pinks! Hope you had a wonderful birthday 🙂

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

  17. 1 August 2016 / 2:59 pm

    What a charming spot to visit! Your outfit really brightens up the place.

    bisous
    Suzanne

  18. 1 August 2016 / 2:59 pm

    Wow that truly is one of the most charming streets I've ever seen! Happy belated Birthday Catherine! And also please wear more pink, it makes your auburn hair positively GLOW!

    Xoxo,

    Ashley || Sed Bona

    • 3 August 2016 / 9:21 pm

      Thanks so much Ashley… there's plenty more pink where that came from!! 😉

  19. 1 August 2016 / 2:57 pm

    Oh you are a vision in Pink! Gorgeous. And thank you for sharing this beatiful neck of the woods with us. It is somewhere i am desperate to visit, my sister went in Jan and said it was stunning. I must must go. Thanks so much for hosting lovely, wishing you a fab week
    Rxx

    • 3 August 2016 / 9:19 pm

      It IS stunning!! Thank you Rachel, you too x

  20. 1 August 2016 / 2:52 pm

    What a great look Catherine. I'm loving the way you've mixed those patterns and the colour is perfect for a (almost) sunless summer's day.
    I'm so glad you had a good birthday break.
    Michelle xxx
    http://www.thebarefacedchic.co.uk

    • 3 August 2016 / 9:15 pm

      Thank you MLD – we had such a nice break, shame it wasn't longer! x

  21. 1 August 2016 / 2:47 pm

    You look absolutely lovely Catherine, just last Friday I told Joerg that you are the queen of pattern mixing for me. I haven't been to the Cotswolds yet but am dying to go there, even if it's just to take outfit photos haha. Love this post and am so happy we finally met. Love, Kirsten xx

    http://www.thelifbissue.com

    • 3 August 2016 / 9:05 pm

      Yes you should, Kirsten – you'd love it and as you can see it makes for beautiful outfit locations! Thanks sweetie x

  22. 1 August 2016 / 2:30 pm

    What a lovely treat for your birthday, and a great location. You look stunning as always Catherine. I have actually played along with the link up this week! x
    http://www.vanityandmestyle.com

  23. 1 August 2016 / 2:16 pm

    Just loving the patterns and shots of the Cotswolds. Quite beautiful. x

  24. 1 August 2016 / 2:03 pm

    What a fabulous place for visiting and pictures!! It goes to show that many things get better with age, right?
    You really know how to mix your prints, Catherine—I feel like a constant student in your presence! Thanks, thanks & more thanks!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • 3 August 2016 / 9:01 pm

      Aww thanks Jodie – to be honest I'd be rubbish at minimalism, I think I have only do pattern mixing now…!

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