An Easy Way to Throw Yourself into Spring: Stripes and Florals #iwillwearwhatilike

Bright spring weather outfit: Floral Seasalt raincoat high neck stripe Breton top wide leg cotton denim trousers red brogues ochre bucket bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

That classic mixed print combination of stripes and florals can be a real mood-lifter when spring is still desperately trying to make its presence felt. Breton stripes and florals, what’s more spring-like?

As we’re fully in the territory of milder days but there’s always a sunshine-and-showers danger, it seemed the perfect time to get out my old favourite Seasalt raincoat that I’ve had a few years now. The quality is so good it’s as if it’s almost brand new, and I have worn it loads. The happy pattern is just perfect for any time of year and it gets so many compliments.

The new addition to my wardrobe is this unusual Breton top – Breton stripes with a twist is what I’d call it – from the Finery Outlet section. You can’t really see from the photos but the fabric is ribbed and stretchy (amazing quality as with all Finery items, as discussed in Thursday’s transitional season outfit ideas post) and the stripes are graduated down the top from narrow to wide.

I own a gazillion Breton stripe tops (no I’m not exaggerating, and as no one really knows how many is a gazillion I think I’m safe in making that there declaration) but this one has a special something. It’s quite boxy and works tucked in or untucked and I’m super happy with my reduced price purchase, especially considering it has a high neck which is even more unusual for a Breton top. Top shopping marks pour moi.

Bright spring weather outfit: Floral Seasalt raincoat high neck stripe Breton top wide leg cotton denim trousers red brogues ochre bucket bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

SHOP THE LOOK:

Joules floral raincoat Finery Breton stripe top Lands End denim wide leg trousers Red patent brogues Tan bucket bag Gold and grey watch

The wide leg trousers (similar) have emerged into the light blinking from the darkness of my wardrobe after a long cold winter. It’s nice to be able to wear lighter denim fabric at last and not worry about the increased ventilation up my trouser legs. I’ve realised now they also suit brogues, which is a good job seeing as I had about 12 pairs at the last count – these patent red ones still make my heart flutter somewhat I’m glad to say.

You will also see that a certain someone has made his first appearance on the blog – this is our new family member Riley who I talked about the other Friday when I spoke about taking a chance in life. I can’t tell you how much I love new furry BFF just 11 days after getting him – as you can see he rarely leaves my side, but unfortunately it made shooting photos quite difficult. We just had to go with it in the end and shoot, shoot, shoot each time he finally decided to slope off and sniff something.

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He makes for rather a handsome doggy model, don’t you think (and yes I know I’ve been totally upstaged by those long legs and that silvery coat…!) I’m so much in love with this boy it’s ridiculous.

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!

RELATED  The Best Hat to Wear to a Summer Wedding

HAVE YOU BROKEN OUT THE FLORALS AND/OR THE BRETON STRIPES YET? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB!

Bright spring weather outfit: Floral Seasalt raincoat high neck stripe Breton top wide leg cotton denim trousers red brogues ochre bucket bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Bright spring weather outfit: Floral Seasalt raincoat high neck stripe Breton top wide leg cotton denim trousers red brogues ochre bucket bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Bright spring weather outfit: Floral Seasalt raincoat high neck stripe Breton top wide leg cotton denim trousers red brogues ochre bucket bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Bright spring weather outfit: Floral Seasalt raincoat high neck stripe Breton top wide leg cotton denim trousers red brogues ochre bucket bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

Bright spring weather outfit: Floral Seasalt raincoat high neck stripe Breton top wide leg cotton denim trousers red brogues ochre bucket bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

Bright spring weather outfit: Floral Seasalt raincoat high neck stripe Breton top wide leg cotton denim trousers red brogues ochre bucket bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Raincoat: Seasalt c/o (I like this one – here’s the US link) | Breton top: Finery London | Trousers: Marks & Spencer (similar) | Brogues: ASOS (similar) | Bag: Marks & Spencer (similar) | Belt: Old, unknown | Watch: ASOS (similar) | Earrings: Debenhams (similar)

 

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The #iwillwearwhatilike link up with 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


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

Fashion bloggers who believe in #iwillwearwhatilike

My favourite outfits from last week’s link up:

(L-R) Sheela Writes | Midlifechic | OceanblueStyle at Manderley | Jacket Society | Fake Fabulous

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!

Catherine

29 Comments

  1. 1 April 2017 / 7:23 am

    That is indeed a top to love, just as your red shoes. But be careful with this photo prop Riley. He will get allll the attention. Yes he is beautiful. And I take your word for it that he is sweet too.
    Greetje

  2. 25 March 2017 / 3:33 am

    Riley is so beautiful, Catherine, just magnificent. I love love dogs, as in big dogs, and he is a spectacular canine!!!!!!! Heart-eye emojis in abundance. I also want to thank you for featuring me, such a lovely treat xoxoxo

  3. 24 March 2017 / 11:40 am

    Floral print and stripes is a fab combination. The coat is gorgeous, just perfect for Spring. Riley is a handsome chappy, and he looks very happy to be in the photo…I hope we see more pics of him on the blog 🙂

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

  4. 23 March 2017 / 1:12 pm

    Such a fun and retro outfit! The mixed matched colours and patterns all work well together. The hoop earrings add the perfect final addition to the outfit!

  5. 22 March 2017 / 11:56 pm

    You always look ah-mazing Catherine. I would love a shopping trip with you! I adore that coat the merging of the stripes with the print-those shoes too are stunning! x

  6. 22 March 2017 / 1:51 pm

    Catherine, I am loving the stripe and floral trend. If you check out my post you'll see the strip and floral top I styled. This seems to be a great combination right now. I love that you did the look with separate pieces. Love that rain coat! I have a number of striped tops as well, so now you gave me an idea of styling one of those under something floral…maybe even a button up blouse. Love your inspiration, lovely lady. Riley looks like a wonderful puppy. Enjoy! – Amy
    http://stylingrannymama.com/

  7. 22 March 2017 / 12:54 pm

    I can see why you get so many compliments on that coat! It is absolutely gorgeous… so cheery, especially when worn with those cool stripes and the shiny red brogues. Love it all! The best accessory has to be Riley though, doesn't he look so handsome and happy to be by your side?! xx

  8. 21 March 2017 / 7:02 pm

    "Desperately" is right! Cor blimey it was 4 seasons in one day today.
    You're so right about the Finery Outlet what a brilliant addition to their site that is. I bought a pair of navy summer sandals for a snip from that page. It's clever really because they can move old stock yet we get a bargain & let's face it sandals, breton tees etc never go out of fashion they just go out of season.
    Well done highlighting another great point about Finery.

  9. 21 March 2017 / 3:32 pm

    The raincoat looks stunning. I love how you styled it so it doesn't wear you!

  10. 21 March 2017 / 3:25 pm

    Aw thank you so much for the feature Catherine. Really appreciate it and so glad you like it. Your styling here for spring is one to totally get me into the moooood. Even more so because the weather over here is quite dreadful…love the red shoes and the way you mixed the patterns. Have a fabulous week. xo Sabina

  11. 21 March 2017 / 12:54 pm

    That coat is gorgeous! I love your new puppy too!

  12. 21 March 2017 / 10:43 am

    Those shoes!

  13. 21 March 2017 / 9:57 am

    Riley is such a handsome boy!
    (He and Jake would have a ball together)
    I am looking forward to more appearances…and perhaps some Jake-like photobombing in your "outtakes" :oP
    I am desperately longing for the weather to heat up a little (come on spring!!!) BUT we had snow today.
    The classic stripe/floral mix looks totally fresh here. I think the striped top works beautifully and those red brogues always get my vote.
    Thank you for hosting your link and a BIG thank you for featuring me (in my undies) from last week! :o*
    XXX
    Samantha
    Fake Fabulous | Fashion & Style, over 40

  14. 21 March 2017 / 7:53 am

    Firstly Hi to Riley he is such a handsome boy and I think he likes a bit of modelling.
    I'm always putting stripes with flowers and love mix different patterns together it's such fun.
    Hopefully we will soon be able to go out without our coats
    Lynn x

  15. 21 March 2017 / 6:01 am

    Catherine, what a great outfit! Love everything about it, especially the bag; you know, that's so me. :))) And congrats on this cute gentleman, such a cutie.

    Victoria, "The Wind of Inspiration"

  16. 20 March 2017 / 11:51 pm

    Loving your stripes and floral mix, I did my Shoe And Tell post about stripes today as well! Thank you for hosting Catherine!

    Cherie
    http://www.stylenudge.com
    STYLE NUDGE

  17. 20 March 2017 / 8:30 pm

    Now there's a dog to melt your heart! I'm a dog person too Catherine and Riley looks like such a sweetheart. I think he could photo-bomb your shoots every week and no-one would complain.

    I love your pattern play today, but most of all it's the red brogues that bring on a pang of envy. Where did you get them?

    Have a fab week x
    Anna

  18. 20 March 2017 / 8:25 pm

    Catherine, I love everything about this post! Stripes and florals make me swoon every time. And wide leg trousers with brogues even more so! I have the most fabulous pair of floral wide legged cropped trousers that look perfect with my new shiny silver brogues…but it is still too cold here for bare ankles. That jacket is just everything that a rainy day needs, isn't it? You look gorgeous and how handsome is Riley?!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

  19. 20 March 2017 / 6:49 pm

    Hi Catherine! Riley is just the sweetest looking poser! And I'm loving the pattern play of your coat and shirt. I've always loved a great floral coat and it's especially fun paired with your stripes!

    Have a great week!

    Mary
    http://marymurnane.com

  20. 20 March 2017 / 4:09 pm

    As you say, there can never be enough stripes in the wardrobe. This one looks really good. I especially like to hide my old neck! Good to see Riley making an appearance xx
    http://www.vanityandmestyle.com

  21. 20 March 2017 / 3:58 pm

    Hello Riley! What a handsome chap! I love stripes, too. In fact, I wish I'd finished a post I shot some pics for on hols last week. New striped dress!

    Kat x

  22. 20 March 2017 / 3:48 pm

    Thanks for the feature Catherine! Love your look, love the mix of the stripe and that gorgeous coat pattern.
    Nora

  23. 20 March 2017 / 3:41 pm

    Hi Riley! You two look like you belong together!

    I also love stripes and have a gazillion, too… 😉 I like that this striped top is a bit different… Different stripes always make it easier for me to justify buying them… Plus, they are obviously special! And stripes and a floral print is a great combo! Great raincoat! Perfect to make a rainy day a bit more cheery!

    Thanks for the link up & have a wonderful week!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

  24. 20 March 2017 / 3:34 pm

    I wouldn't mind if Riley starred in every outfit post from now on 😉 Loving the red brogues, so cheery. x

  25. 20 March 2017 / 3:26 pm

    What a coincidence that I'm wearing stripes and florals (the shoes!) too today! A combination I absolutely love. You look fantastic. Those red brogues are to die for but the star of your post today is most definitely Riley lol 😉
    Suzy xx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

  26. 20 March 2017 / 3:23 pm

    What a lovely, happy outfit Catherine. It's grey and miserable here, driving rain and cold. This colour combination has brought a little bit of spring cheer into my rather dreary Monday.
    Michelle xxx
    http://www.thebarefacedchic.co.uk

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