Last week I spent two days in Amsterdam – it was half business, half leisure, and I had the most fabulous time. Friday’s post explains why I was there for business… today I’m talking about the outfit I wore on the second day for the sightseeing part of the trip (and on the plane home)!
I’ve created a little collage of the lovely day I spent with Greetje – scroll down to see the snaps I took. She showed me all the interesting small shops and boutiques (it was nice to avoid all the chain stores) and we ate delicious food in equal measures of healthy and naughty and took several tea and coffee breaks. The weather was predicted to be just about the worst you could possibly imagine: 50mph winds and pouring rain (not a good start). Although it was pretty bad in the morning, by the time met and had had our first cafe stop it actually brightened up and we enjoyed lots of sunshine with just a few short showers in between.
Sunshine on a day you’re not expecting any at all is just the best type, isn’t it…?
So this is the outfit I wore for that second day and then to catch my plane home – it was a 10pm flight so it had to be really, really comfortable to last me the day and not cheese me off (see what I did there – Amsterdam, cheese?! That was a cheesy joke, I’m sorry…)
I photographed the outfit properly at home over the weekend because I just wanted to enjoy my day with Greetje and not worry about having to get outfit photos done. However, those of you that follow her will know that a blog post about our day is bound to pop up on her blog before long – it’s only a matter of time, I can feel it!
Feeling like a 1970s Ralph Lauren advert
If you saw my InstaStories last week you may have seen that in the morning before leaving I did a quick story of the outfit saying how I felt like I’d stepped out of a 1970s Ralph Lauren advert… all vaguely hippyish florals with boots and a hat. Maybe I do look like that, maybe I don’t – either way I don’t mind because I am SO into this kind of look right now:
SHOP THE LOOK:
If I could justify buying several more floral maxi dresses I would – they’re so easy to wear at this time of year. You’re comfortable, you’re warm (just layer up with long sleeve tees or roll necks underneath) and you’re not in need of heels to make the dress work (unlike midi dresses which, on me, benefit from heels).
This floral maxi dress is the hero piece from the JD Williams video I’ve recently appeared in and it’s currently on sale (bonus!) – though judging by the positive reactions I’m getting about it (for example a young chap complimented me on the dress as we were boarding the plane) I think you need to move FAST if you want one. If you miss out on your size don’t fret, I have several more options at the end of the pictures.
The other part of this outfit I love is the footwear: introducing my very cool tan ankle boots. I usually go for knee-high boots but thought I’d try some ankle boots that don’t have high heels for a change. And OMG how I love these tough-looking beauties! Equally perfect with a maxi dress or trousers (skinnies, boyfriend jeans, peg legs), as with pretty much all Lotus shoes they are supremely comfortable. They’re great for walking the dog, doing the shopping, travelling on a plane or having a day out in the city (I’ve done all of the above in them).
❝
YOU DON’T HAVE TO LOOK LIKE A TOURIST EITHER, BUT DRESS TO PLEASE YOURSELF. ALWAYS.
❞
The finishing touches for the outfit were the tan belt to give the dress some shape and tie in the colour of the boots, a fedora to keep my hair from going scarecrow-like in the galeforce winds and my biker jacket and vintage scarf (I decided not to photograph it with them back home as I didn’t want to cover up the dress).
Not dressing like a local
I think it’s safe to say I wasn’t dressed like the locals – I was a little too colourful (even with a black jacket!) to blend in. But I like that; I don’t think when you go to a city you need to look like a local. I often hear women who say they want to dress like the women in Paris, for example, when they go there to blend in… I always think the opposite. You don’t have to look like a tourist either, but dress to please yourself. Always.
You never know, you too may get a nice young chap come and compliment you on your outfit…! 😉
So 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!
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO OUTFIT FOR A DAY SIGHTSEEING OR PLANE-TRAVELLING? COMMENT BELOW, OR TAKE IT TO TWITTER @NOTLAMB!
Above: All the things we did and saw, from the (utterly fabulous) shops and cafes to the canals and bicycles (of course!) to the food – both healthy and naughty. Greetje is the most fun ever and she kept me laughing ALL day.
Dress: JD Williams c/o (currently on sale!!)
Boots: Lotus c/o
Bag: Hobbs c/o (similar)
Hat: La Redoute (similar save, similar splurge)
Belt: Dorothy Perkins (I love this one)
Earrings: Eternal Collection c/o (I adore these)
Watch: River Island (similar)
OTHER 70S-STYLE FLORAL MAXI DRESSES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
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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) In My Joi | Fake Fabulous | Style Is My Pudding
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!
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Linking up to: iwillwearwhatilike, Shoe and Tell, Visible Monday, Fake It Until You Make It, Turning Heads Tuesday, Brilliant Blog Posts, Fun Fashion Friday, Passion for Fashion Friday, Saturday Share Link Up
What a fun trip that must have been. I love your dress and chic but casual style for the sightseeing day! I really want a floral maxi dress that I can wear in the winter months and now seeing yours, I really want one. Fabulous post!
Peace!
Cheryl
http://www.northwestmountainliving.com
What a great dress! I love this look Catherine:)
Don't you just love a maxi dress! They are so easy, just put it on and you're ready to go. Love how you belted it Catherine. Thank you for hosting.
Cherie
STYLE NUDGE
http://www.stylenudge.com
It's a fab dress, I love these 70s looks on you. No wonder you had a nice compliment 😉
Beautiful outfit ❤
A day with Greetje? Oh, what fun! I don't doubt you had a blast together since I had the privilege of spending time with her when she was in Vancouver for a meetup. I agree about dressing for yourself when traveling too. Yes, I see that Ralph Lauren there. Hahaha. Looks great.
I ended up putting together an outfit today that was influenced by this one. You might not think so on first glance, but the influence is there.
I like the fact you stuck with what pleases you! Love the dress you are wearing!
How lovely to got to meet up with Greetje again and on her home turf.
Always travel in comfort and you'll arrive, fresh as a daisy!
https://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
That looks like a great outfit for travel. Glad you enjoyed Amsterdam
Sadie
http://www.aimforfabulous.com
That's a great dress, Catherine! You styled it perfectly! Looking fabulous! And how fun that you got to meet up with Greetje! I so want to meet her! And you! One of these years…
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
Love the way that you styled this dress!! Definitely perfection for Autumn 🙂
Thank you very much for the lovely feature this week!!
Xx
– http://www.inmyjoi.blogspot.com
An absolutely lovely outfit, Catherine. Glad you had a good time. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Yes, I saw the taster of your trip on instagram and could see you ladies were having a lovely time. I'm sure Greetje is the perfect host. I do love your entire outfit Catherine and will have a lookout for something similar next time I'm going charity shopping. Thanks for the link up party!
Anna x
Oh yes, a blog post of our lovely day together will pop up. But has to wait as I have a few others planned first. And like you, I want to make some proper photos of my outfits. My hair looked like straw or rope that day. Never mind, we had such a very nice day and that is what counts.
I am linking up and as usual will link back next Sunday.
Greetje
That maxi, that print, and that styling…. love it ALL Catherine! You look like the most chic and bohemian globetrotter ever. Talitha Getty, eat your heart out! xx
That maxi looks fabulous on you! I so agree with you about travel clothes! I love to dress up when I travel. Why not? Talk about great photo fashion shoots!
This outfit is so so you!!!! You look beautiful. I love the close-up,shots too. I followed your Stories and seeing you in Amsterdam as everything happened. Greetje is such a fabulous woman isn't she!! xxxx
After oogling this beauty of a boho-chic combo on you, I'm determined to get my own moody floral maxi-dress out of my wardrobe and out on the street ASAP, dearest Catherine!! And your new combat-style boots are sooo cool; I have a weird aversion to wearing flat footwear – I just don't like the way flat shoes and boots look on me – but seeing yours has me inspired to give it another try!! P.S. Glad the sun was out for your Amsterdam adventure with Greetje!! P.P.S. How lucky am I to be featured in your faves once again?! I can never thank you enough for all the love!! XOXO
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com
Sounds (and looks) like a fabulous time in Amsterdam, thanks for sharing that gorgeous dress, I've got my eye on a similar one that I hope will be in my possession soon! Jacqui mummabstylish
You look absolutely fabulous, Catherine! And it looks like you had a fabulous day out too.
LOVE the dress with those boots 🙂
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
Those boots are simply divine – plus warm, comfortable looking and perfect for touring around and seeing the most of a place without worrying about sore feet. I love the 70s vibe you have going. And thanks for sharing photos of Amsterdam. I always think that rain heavy clouds make for great photos, even if they sometimes mean you have to go inside for a cuppa – not a bad thing!! Thanks so much for hosting! Have a great week.
Charlie
Fur Earwig
They were a godsend, Charlie – sooooo comfy!! thank you my lovely x
I adore the 70’s/RL/boho vibe as it’s one of my favorite trends. Thanks for sharing your exciting weekend and for wearing what you like.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
It's so comfy and easy-to-wear, isn't it Rena?! thank you x
I love Amsterdam! I bet you had fun. The dress is gorgeous Catherine. One of my all time favourites on you xx
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
thanks so much Laurie! x
I love the idea of not so much blending into where you are visiting! It's only taken me 50 years to figure out that we should stand out!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Great minds think alike, Jodie…! x
Beautiful dress! Love the pattern and colors 🙂