So I’m back, the #iwillwearwhatilike link up is back (not that it ever went away), my mojo is back… Basically, I’m back on track after my two week blogging break. I’m saying a final farewell to the last breath of the summer
and starting this week a little fresher, a little more inspired, and a little more financially secure (more on that later this week where I’ll explain what’s happened since I wrote that post… Rest assured I’ll be pouring a lot of “thank yous” into it).
THIS WAS ACTUALLY FROM THE AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY, NOTORIOUS IN THE UK FOR ITS (USUALLY) APPALLING WEATHER. BUT AS YOU CAN SEE WE HAD THE SUNSET TO END ALL SUNSETS.
I’ve had a bit of time to take some outfit photos at a nice leisurely pace – you may have seen a few of them on my Instagram feed – so this was actually from the August bank holiday Monday, notorious in the UK for its (usually) appalling weather. But as you can see we had the sunset to end all sunsets, resulting in a glorious golden hour (the likes of which hasn’t been seen on the blog since almost a year ago in Santorini) that made me look like I had a golden tan, when in reality the lack of sun this year has meant I’m still somewhat lily white.
SHOP THESE FABULOUS SUMMER-TO-AUTUMN MAXI DRESSES:
So we soaked up the sun, played games in the garden and had a family barbeque – I wore the tribal print maxi print I’ve had for a few years now. It was only afterwards I realised that I wore it with the same hat over three years ago as a beach wedding outfit idea… Goes to show some pieces were made to be worn together! We were quite lucky to get the shot in the wheat field: Just two days later the farmer came along and ploughed the field into bales of hay, and although I already dread the demise of summer it is one of my favourite things to see at the end of August when you look out from my parents’ garden.
Before I sign off to say link up all your outfits below, I just want to say THANK YOU for all the support and love I’ve received after I wrote that post about how hard it is to get paid as a blogger (as I mentioned I’ll write a follow-up post this week), and thank you to What Lizzy Loves for the inspo for the hat shot below. Mine isn’t as good as yours Liz, but we had a good try…!
And of course do add your outfits to this week’s link up and if you’ve added a link to here or my button to your post you may be featured next week!
HAVE YOU WAVED GOODBYE TO THE SUMMER YET? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB!
Designer resale dress (this is my current favourite maxi) | Reiss hat (this floppy hat is a beauty) | Lulus sunglasses c/o (similar black cat eye sunglasses) | Marks & Spencer sandals (love these sandals) | Crabtree & Evelyn ‘Poppy’ nail polish c/o (almost the same as Essie ‘Sun State of Mind’)
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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!
Linking up etiquette…
CLICK HERE to read the rules of linking up (and to grab the #iwillwearwhatilike button). Basically it’s just good manners to link back to here – to leave a comment is even nicer!
Featured favourites
My favourite outfits from last week’s link up:
(L-R) Mama in Heels | RetroChicMama | Suzanne Carillo | Elegance Revisited | No Fear of Fashion
To get yourself featured next week, 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!
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P.S. DO CHECK OUT MY PINTEREST BOARD WITH ALL THE BEST OF THE #IWILLWEARWHATILIKE LINK UPS – HAVE YOU BEEN PINNED…?
Linking up to: iwillwearwhatilike, Shoe and Tell, Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Brilliant Blog Posts, Fun Fashion Friday, Passion for Fashion Friday
Whata stunningly beautiful photo essay, Catherine. The dress, the hat and your beautiful self (so pleased you had your two week break and are back, feeling refreshed) in the wheat field with the sunset…gorgeous. xx
I love a tribal print, the sunset colours of yours are somehow autumnal too! I'm struggling to let go of summer, I was in a hot place in August and am returning to one next month, so I'm just biding my time for the next month until I can break out the summer clothes again! 😉 Glad your break has helped you sort things out, best of luck with everything! xo
I think we're all relieved that things are back on track for you again Catherine. The sisterhood seems to have really rallied on your behalf: you're much loved and respected amoungst the blogging gals. The photography is really beautiful this week, and your outfit is equally lovely. Wishing you good times ahead my dear x
Anna
Love the colors of this maxi. So pretty and fall appropriate. You could even do some layering over that to extend it for a few more weeks. Beautiful look, Catherine. -Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
this tribal print is stunning!
Those pictures are gorgeous! Love that dress!
Catherine,
Glad to hear things are going well! I bet it is a relief! You look so gorgeous in this dress, I really love the colors and print, it looks so versatile. The hat is a perfect nod to Fall. I am ready for the cooler weather, here in the South it is not quite there yet, so I have to use color to express my love for the season. Lovely pictures too!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
You're so pretty in that dress!
I am launching another exciting collaboration with this fashion-forward brand STAYING SUMMER this week at the blog – come on over & see why I am excited about it!
Happy Tuesday!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
I adore the colours in this maxi and the wonderfully lit photos you got.
So happy things are starting to turn around for you.
Thanks for featuring me last week.
bisous
Suzanne
Such beautiful photos, very peaceful. I took a big break this summer from the blog, it just becomes so all consuming and you forget to live your everyday life. I'm glad your back and rested and I look forward to what you have in store for the fall! Thank you for hosting and don't forget to come on over and link up with Shoe And Tell on STyle Nudge.
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
I adore these photos, Catherine, there's such an air of liberation, if you like. And given your recent decisions with the blog hiatus et al, it does make sense. I'm hoping you'll be back soon though, your posts are far too thought-provoking to disappear altogether xoxo
So nice to have you back Catherine! I've linked up. I'm going to try to make more efforts with Kremb de la Kremb these days now that I'm starting to feel back to my normal self!
All the best to you.
Love, Ann from Kremb de la Kremb
I think we experienced summer's "last hurrah" in Vancouver just this past week, dearest Catherine; I was able to sit outside for my lunch break every day…but today I'm inside with my sweater on!! These photos are sooo divinely warm and glowy looking; and you are absolutely right…that wide-brimmed hat and the gorgeous maxi dress are MADE for each other!! P.S. Hearing about your financial challenges as a blogger had a HUGE impact on me (I still can't believe that legitimate businesses would simply "forget" to pay you) and now I am beyond happy that things are back on track!! Sending love!! XOXO
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com
WOW… I mean seriously, WOW Catherine! These are some of the most stunning photos I've seen on your blog so far. You look absolutely beautiful. And wonderful to read that you're much more relaxed. You deserve it.
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
It's so lovely to see you on here Catherine, love this post and all the photos. Much love, Kirsten xx
http://www.thelifbissue.com
So beautiful XOXO. Stop by and linkup @ http://www.beauty101bylisa.com/2016/09/linkupwithlisa-67-plaid-scarf-mixing.html
Gorgeous dress and AMAZING photos! Thanks for hosting, Dear!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Such a stunning post my dear! Just fabulous!
Here in Southern California …one day we might have drifts of fall in the air … then we will have a hot spell and need the air conditioner still! I am making sure to savor what ever weather comes our way … especially the hot days at the beach!
So happy to hear you have reframed things my dear! I can't imagine our 'blogland' without your gorgeous presence!
xoxo
Tamera Beardsley
what absolutely gorgeous pictures!
Life is just Rosie
Instagram
Awesome – I love your lineup from last week!!
I say goodbye to summer every morning when it's very cool and hello to summer again every afternoon when I'm sweating in what I put on. It's the up and down season for me.
Fantastic outfit but more than that is that amazing golden hour you've captured. Good one!
I'm so envious of these shots – they're perfect. Great blog, glad you're back and feeling ready to go-get-em! Thanks for the link up. x Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
Yes I have said good bye to summer even though the temperature does not seem to want to let go! I am looking forward to fall. I love your photos especially the one in which you are doing the Mary Tyler Moore hat throw! lol
Beautiful photos! So glad you're feeling refreshed after your break. That mini heatwave last week was a nice surprise – I don't want Summer to be over just yet!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Pretty, pretty photos! Pop them in a frame and refer back to them when we're plunged into the depths of winter!!
I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better.
xx
OMG. These photos are magnificent. Mr Summers has absolutely outdone himself here! The outfit is beautiful on you, and perfectly captured in the photos.
I'm so pleased you're firing on all cylinders again after your blogging break. Onwards and Upwards my fearless Catherine!
Lots of love and a stiff drink to you xx
I'm so pleased to hear you're feeling better and that you've rediscovered your blogging mojo and that more importantly it sounds as if things are better on the financial front too. Good news.
What lovely shots – I especially love the one of you looking up at the hat in the air!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Glad to see you back 🙂 . And great shots!
I was always quite happy when the weather cooled and autumn came down a bit as London summers can be unbearable in the heat. However, having returned to Scotland I'm reminded of how much of a difference those few hundred miles make. We have wonderful long summer evenings (up to 11pm at midsummer!), but the nights are certainly rushing in again now!
I was in England too on that bank holiday! Yeah, Sunshine!
Hi lady, I'm just catching up on some blog reading and was reading about your blogging break. I do hope that things have picked up for you — financial woes are never fun, especially when it's you out there making it on your own. I can't imagine the stress, most of all about the possibility that it could mean giving up what you love. Sending you positive vibes.
Glad that you've still got your blogging mojo, and that you'll be writing new posts. I always hit a funk right about this time of year as the struggle to balance it all takes its toll. I'm still struggling to keep everything together. Do you know that every week I intend to add to your link up and I just can't get a post together in enough time. I have no real schedule for blogging which makes it hard, too.
Will be back to check in on you. Lots of love…
xo
n
How wonderful to capture the evening light and you.
I hope things are going well.
Much love
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Beautiful photos, and an amazing sunset. Good to see you 'back to work', and I hope your issues will all get resolved eventually. I know from personal experience that life as a freelancer can be hard at times, and the financial insecurity can be stressful.
Those photos are just so beautiful. I just got back from CA so still very much into summer. But I do love fall. Glad things are looking up for you Catherine! Sending lots of hugs. And fingers crossed. xo Thank you for hosting. Sabina
I'm glad things are improving and that you are refreshed!
That's a gorgeous dress! You look amazing! And the hat looks so nice with it! No wonder you wore it together before!
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
oh you are looking absolutely stunning with this golden glow and perfect dress. SO glad things are getting back on track for you. It was absolutely devastating to hear! And regarding autumn.. i am so ready for it! I love autumn, but so far we've just had this freakish Indian summer where its been sweltering most days! I'm ready for knitwear, layers and boots!
Wishing you the most wonderful week Catherine!
Rxx
Rachel thank you!!!!! Yes things are much better, though not exactly resolved unfortunately. I'm afraid I abhor the onset of autumn, it means summer is the furthest away it could possibly ever be… I'm SO a summer girl! x
Your photography skills really show in this set of pix!!
I laughed at your comment that you wore this dress with the same hat before, but isn't that what we all do? I think it's hard to switch things up unless we really try & think about it!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks Jodie, I can't take the credit for these photos as they're all Mr. Summer's work (I'll tell him)! I guess the dress and hat are just naturally drawn to each other 😉
What stunning, stunning, STUNNING photos Catherine. I actually feel warm after looking at them. The colours are glorious and Mr Summers has done a fantastic job as always! Thank you for the lovely compliment about the hat shot! Yours is perfect. Welcome back, of course, we are in touch regularly so I know that you're back on track and deservedly so. Lots of love, Liz xxx http://www.whatlizzyloves.com xxx
Thank you Liz!! We were rather lucky with that sunset, and you should see the outtakes from the hat throwing… LOL ;)))
Breathtaking photographs Catherine! I'm so glad that you're refreshed after your break – we missed you 🙂
Michelle xxx
http://www.thebarefacedchic.co.uk
Aww bless you for saying so, Michelle… thank you!! xx