It may not be Christmas yet but I’ve already broken out the sequins.
When you’re invited to an event that says cocktail dress code you just HAVE to get the sparkle on, don’t you?!
Last week I went to the Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year Awards (what a mouthful – it’s often called SWOTY which is easier) as an influencer to raise awareness of the event and the money it raises for charity. You may have seen on my Instagram feed last week that I was there in my Bowie t-shirt and sequinned trousers, feeling more than a little rock and roll…!
I attended last year as well and went for a vintage dress that time – this year I thought I’d go for (almost) head-to-toe black which isn’t like me at all! As I often say when asked about not wearing black I say that I often go for black for a nighttime event… maybe it’s something to do with me wanting to reflect the happy, positive vibes you get from daylight rather than sucking the life out it with black? Who knows.
Disclosure: I was paid to attend the event and feature it on social but this blog post was not sponsored or required by Specsavers (click here for my full disclosure).
The influencers, from left to right: Me, David of Grey Fox, Leanne Lim Walker, Nikki of Midlifechic, Helina of It’s Lina Mar, Charlie of Man About Town, Dina Tokio.
Aaaanyway the sequinned trousers are so fabulous (JD Williams again, and like last week’s floral midi dress act fast if you want a pair) and they went so well with my newest heels purchases: orange Aldo pointed heels. They’re sold out now but these Asos heels are almost the same (I thought it was about time I had some orange in my shoe arsenal). Another punch of bright colour with the turquoise clutch, some gold asymmetric earrings and a side-swept, braided-at-the-back messy hairdo and I felt suitably rock n roll enough for a celeb-filled bash.
I’ve featured a few shots that were taken on the night – a bit of a mish-mash of selfies, photos taken by the event photographer and casual outfit shots taken by the other influencers. It was quite nice not to have to worry about getting perfect outfit shots for a change, I thought I’d just go with whatever I could scramble together for today’s #iwillwearwhatilike – turns out the photos aren’t that bad at all!
SHOP MY LOOK:
I absolutely LOVE the shot above of all the influencers together. At the event last year there were only three of us – this year as you can see there were seven!
It’s great to see the power influencers have get stronger every year and that it’s being recognised by forward-thinking brands. SWOTY raises money for Kidscape, an anti-bullying charity – so it’s vital that we cover these sorts of events… I was really proud to be part of it. As well as the £120,000 that was raised on the night in the luxury prize draw raffle, £1 is donated to Kidscape for every selfie entry (for SWOTY) that people send in.
We had SUCH a fun evening. It’s always great to meet new and interesting people – especially other bloggers like David who I’ve known online for a while – and my new best friend is now Claire from Steps 😜 (see below). She’s cut her hair off and bleached it white blonde: Many of us had been admiring this stunning woman on the table next to us and no one recognised her for ages. Both Nikki and I asked for our photos with her and she couldn’t have been any nicer (or more beautiful).
So last year, Twiggy; this year, Claire from Steps. If Specsavers ask me back in 2018 I’ll see who I ask for a picture next time…!
Finally: The last picture I’ve added is so interesting – it’s a close up of my iris that was taken by EYECONArtists. It was just a bit of fun on the night and it’s fascinating to look at different eyes – my eyes are green but you can see that that’s only because my irises are a mixture of blue and yellow. Fascinating stuff, eh…?
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 BROKEN OUT THE SEQUINS YET? AND WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON BRANDS USING INFLUENCERS MORE? COMMENT BELOW!
Trousers: JD Williams c/o
T-shirt: Asos (very old – similar)
Heels: Aldo (similar)
Clutch: New Look (similar)
Earrings: Mango
Glasses: Specsavers c/o
OTHER BOWIE T-SHIRTS TO TRY…
All available in other fits and colours (click through and scroll down to change shipping country)
Above: the picture of my iris taken on the night by EYECONArtists
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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!
Love the outfit and the big eye. I do love those Bowie t-shirts!
Catherine I am SO pleased to meet you! I love your thinking, and as for sequins…well who can have too many sequins??? I've linked a post where I wore SEQUINNED shoes with my Mumsy after 5 dress…quelle horreur! How 70s mes Amies! Mimi xxx
Lovely to e-meet you too, Mimi x
I first saw this look on your Instagram story, so I'm happy you posted it here too—love the tee with the sequin pants and especially the red heels!
Cheryl
http://www.cherylshops.net
This is a fabulous dressing up alternative Catherine and the sequinned trousers are so well priced too. I think it's a step in the right direction for brands to use influencers more and more. These brands are making themselves more accessible, more in touch with real life by doing so.
Thanks for the link up party again!
Anna x
I quite agree with you, Anna!! x
You just look so SNAZZY Catherine! What a fun sounding event, and that's great about the number of influencers increasing. x
What a fun look! Perfect for the occasion!
hehe sorry for creeping you out, Monika!! thank you my lovely, glad you liked the outfit x
I love this look! You look so cool. I love your sequinned trousers and those heels are gorgeous. Your glasses are really stylish and the photo of your eye is amazing! XXX
thanks, Sasha! x
I haven't gotten to wear any sequins yet this year, but I hope to soon! You outfit is super cute!
Happy to see you rocking those sequin pants! They look great with the T. And you saw David – I admire his style and follow his IG. And glad to see another man, Charlie, in there as well. Great cause. Well done.
David was so lovely – I've been following him for ages and we've actually tried to meet up a couple of times but failed. Thanks Melanie x
It looks like you had a great time and what sounds like a very fun party. Your choice of sequinned pants and a graphic tee was brilliant and you look fabulous. Thank you for sharing your styling inspirations and for the link up.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
It's never to early to break out the sequins…early in the day or the year! I'm so pleased to see brands using bloggers/influencers more, I can relate to them much more than celebrities…talking of which…I wouldn't have recognised Claire from Steps either – she looks great with short hair. Looks like a really fun event 🙂
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
And the photos don't do her enough justice, Emma!! thanks hon – and yes I agree about bloggers being more relatable…!
LOVE those sequin pants!!
– http://www.inmyjoi.blogspot.com
Thank you, thank you, thank you for featuring me Catherine xoxoxox
Absolutely adore your sparkly trousers!!!
Wishing you a wonderful week,
Yvonne
http://www.funkyforty.com
my pleasure, Yvonne!! and thank you x
I love your pants and the entire outfit! Unexpected & fabulous!
Thanks for the link up & I hope your week is off to a good start!
Lovely outfit, and spot on for the glittering event. Hope you had a fun time. x Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
Who'd have thought wearing glasses could be so exciting? This looks like a fantastic event Catherine and you look amazing. I love the Mango earrings too xx
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
Laurie thank you!! It was SUCH a great evening 🙂
Wow, your pants are amazing!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
I love this look on you, Catherine! It certainly looks like you had a fabulous night – I also love the photo of you and the other influencers. Very cool 🙂
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
I LOVE this outfit. It's a little bit different for you and it really suits you. Fab-u-lous darling! xxx
aww thanks lovely Liz – yes it's unusual to see me in anything other than bright colours… what can I say, I'm a secret wearer of black after dark!! 😉
Aren't these events just so fun!! As much as I'm an introvert, it's still so refreshing to meet the people you communicate with in person!!!
I bought a pair of sequin shorts a couple of years ago, and have worn them once. Maybe it's time to try them again??
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
WOW sequin shorts sound daring, Jodie!! Go for it!
How fun are those pants! Loving this whole look <3
Green Fashionista
Thanks Kate – I'd tried some sequin trews before but they looked awful on me… I'm so glad I tried again with a different cut! x