Florals With a Twist | A Loud Birds & Tropical Print #iwillwearwhatilike

Florals With a Twist | A Loud Birds & Botanical Print \ botanical print midi shirt dress \ grey lace-up espadrilles \ red tassel earrings \ white fringed crossbody bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

If you’re sick of florals in summer I make no apologies for this dress – it’s a floral print, but definitely not your average floral.

It’s got parrots, toucans, flamingoes, budgies (I think?) and pineapples. And that’s before the flowers…!

I’d had my eye on this tropical print midi dress from Marks & Spencer for such a long time – I’m not sure why I didn’t snap it up earlier but I think it was because I was waiting for warmer weather to really kick in. Now we seem to be having some regular, gloriously sunny days [don’t jinx it Catherine, don’t jinx it], I think it’ll see the light of day several times this summer.

I’ve worn it a couple of times already – once to the Dove spa break in Bath and once the other weekend at a family barbeque. It’s 100% cotton and the perfect midi length (a proper midi, not this knee-length nonsense some retailers advertise!) and it has long sleeves which can be rolled up with those handy button-strap thingies that a lot of shirts and dresses have these days.

Both times I wore the dress it got a ton of compliments, even making my florals-hating friend Lisa AKA The Sequinist die over its loud, in-your-faceness.

Florals With a Twist | A Loud Birds & Botanical Print \ botanical print midi shirt dress \ grey lace-up espadrilles \ red tassel earrings \ white fringed crossbody bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

SHOP THE LOOK:

Something she said that made me think: She asked how I seemed to always find the best of M&S every time. Unlike some people I seem to love so many of the things they bring out each season and to be honest I could spend a fortune there (except their prices are so reasonable it probably wouldn’t add up to that much anyway). So if you’ve dissed them in the past, I urge you to take another look!

I wore the dress with my new grey wedge espadrilles that were kindly gifted to me from Espadrille.co.uk – they were actually a gift to cheer me up following my operation in January (bless them)! They have every colour under the sun with all the heel heights, fabrics and ribbons/straps you could want. They’re a little pricier than your usual high street version, but since when do espadrilles date…?

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I think I’m going to live in dresses this summer. For some reason trousers just aren’t doing it for me, you know?!

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!

ARE YOU HAVING A DRESSES MOMENT LIKE ME RIGHT NOW? COMMENT BELOW…!

Catherine

Florals With a Twist | A Loud Birds & Tropical Print \ tropical print midi shirt dress \ grey lace-up espadrilles \ red tassel earrings \ white fringed crossbody bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Florals With a Twist | A Loud Birds & Tropical Print \ tropical print midi shirt dress \ grey lace-up espadrilles \ red tassel earrings \ white fringed crossbody bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Florals With a Twist | A Loud Birds & Tropical Print \ tropical print midi shirt dress \ grey lace-up espadrilles \ red tassel earrings \ white fringed crossbody bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Florals With a Twist | A Loud Birds & Tropical Print \ tropical print midi shirt dress \ grey lace-up espadrilles \ red tassel earrings \ white fringed crossbody bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Florals With a Twist | A Loud Birds & Tropical Print \ tropical print midi shirt dress \ grey lace-up espadrilles \ red tassel earrings \ white fringed crossbody bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Florals With a Twist | A Loud Birds & Tropical Print \ tropical print midi shirt dress \ grey lace-up espadrilles \ red tassel earrings \ white fringed crossbody bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Florals With a Twist | A Loud Birds & Tropical Print \ tropical print midi shirt dress \ grey lace-up espadrilles \ red tassel earrings \ white fringed crossbody bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Florals With a Twist | A Loud Birds & Tropical Print \ tropical print midi shirt dress \ grey lace-up espadrilles \ red tassel earrings \ white fringed crossbody bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

Dress: Marks & Spencer
Espadrilles: Espadrille.co.uk c/o
Bag: New Look (similar)
Earrings: Amazon (these are identical)
Sunglasses: Mango (similar)
Necklace: Ernest Jones c/o
Bracelet: What Lizzy Loves c/o

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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 around 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!


Want to receive an email reminder for the next link up?

Please note that due to the new GDPR laws I’m unable to send an email reminder unless you subscribe to the mailing list of your own accord. CLICK HERE if you wish to be sent an email with a reminder to link up to the #iwillwearwhatilike link up as soon as it’s live!

Featured favourites

Fashion bloggers who believe in #iwillwearwhatilike

My favourite outfits from last week’s link up:
(L-R) Style Splash | Lady of Style | Elegance Revisited

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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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you click through and buy I may receive a small commission at no cost to you (click here for my full disclosure). Items listed as c/o were gifted

Florals With a Twist | A Loud Birds & Tropical Print \ tropical print midi shirt dress \ grey lace-up espadrilles \ red tassel rarrings \ white fringed crossbody bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
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53 Comments

  1. 3 July 2018 / 5:08 am

    This dress is absolutely gorgeous, and I love how different it is. Very grown-up but in a good way.

  2. 22 June 2018 / 6:08 pm

    Love the dress. So cheerful. Makes me happy to look at you. Would totally be a dress for me as well. I do live in trousers and I really should do skirts and dresses more often as I like those too.
    Hmmm. Monday is salary time. Let’s see whether a visit to M&S is possible.
    The earrings are top.
    Greetje

  3. Edona Hadzovic
    18 June 2018 / 4:07 pm

    I love the way you chose to style your tropical dress! Your style is super unique and your accessories are stunning.

  4. 17 June 2018 / 2:50 pm

    Such a fab dress, love the cut and print a lot! Pineapples and parrots, so tropical and fun, will be fab for holidays too! Agree M&S have plenty of hidden treasures, I feel like this year they’ve gone a bit “young” with some things so am actually being thrifty and wating for the sales if possible! 😉 I really like your white fringe bag with it too, is that older?

  5. Nailil
    14 June 2018 / 11:52 pm

    This dress is beautiful, I love the print. And those shoes are absolutely adorable.

    Xx, Nailil

  6. 14 June 2018 / 6:17 am

    What a stunning dress. I have not seen it in Marks and Spencer. Maybe you do find the best items.

  7. 14 June 2018 / 4:17 am

    What a fun dress! Love the explosion of color and pattern.

  8. 13 June 2018 / 4:31 pm

    That’s such a pretty dress, Catherine! I don’t wear dresses very often, but I just got one, and I can’t wait to wear it!

  9. 13 June 2018 / 2:05 pm

    Im loving your dress… well of course I am its colourful, cheery and suits you down to the ground!
    Nothing wrong with florals anyway? who can ever be sick of flowers on dresses?
    bestest
    Ashley xx

  10. 13 June 2018 / 11:57 am

    I think, when it comes to florals, the bigger the better – or the crazier the better! So I happen to LOVE this dress. It’s pure perfection for the summer too. Gorgeous!
    Suzy xx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

  11. 13 June 2018 / 6:55 am

    OMG! I absolutely love this dress! All the best Catherine 🙂

  12. 12 June 2018 / 8:31 pm

    Ooooooooh Catherine!! I love this dress so much. I agree with Lisa that you always find the gemmiest of gems at M&S. It’s lovely. Gorgeous espadrilles too xxxx

  13. 12 June 2018 / 8:14 pm

    It’s the tropical birds that make this print so beautiful I think. To be honest Catherine I don’t even see floral here. Also I’m seeing it worn as a coat & with jeans so it’s defo a winner for me too #REwear xx

  14. 12 June 2018 / 8:06 pm

    I have been wearing quite a lot of florals recently and thought I need a break… until I saw this dress on you, Catherine! Might have to reconsider!!
    Love the combination with espadrilles, they are a must have for summer, aren’t they?
    And thank you so much for featuring my/our look :-)))

    xx Annette

  15. Danish Pastry
    12 June 2018 / 7:41 pm

    I love florals, and yes it does have to be a large print (small scale always reminds me of Laura Ashley in the 70s). Just bought a top and trouser set that looks like a jumpsuit when paired together!

  16. Kathryn
    12 June 2018 / 7:38 pm

    What a beautiful dress. You know how to put clothes together like a pro
    I am over the pond sitting by a beautiful lake wearing:wait for it a dress.

  17. 12 June 2018 / 6:58 pm

    How fun! I love a whimsical print! Several years ago i had a green dress with parrots all over it, I loved wearing it – but such a distinctive print got old pretty quick for me so after two summers it was out.

    Love all your styling – red tassle earrings, fringed bag and ankle-tied espadrilles. You look great!

    Bettye

  18. 12 June 2018 / 3:35 pm

    ABSOLUTELEY LOVE THIS DRESS AND THE WONDER SUMMERY PATTERN!! Love how you paired it w/ a fantastic statement earring duo 🙂
    Xx
    Joi

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 6:58 pm

      hehe thank you Joi!! It’s your kind of pattern, no…?!!

  19. 12 June 2018 / 1:16 pm

    Hi Catherine!

    I actually am having a dress moment as well! Usually you’ll find me in jeans, but there are so many great dresses to choose from right now! The one you are wearing is fabulous…I love the bright colors and the fun print. You’ve accessorized it beautifully here! Thanks so much for the link up! Have a great day!

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 6:57 pm

      I agree about there being so many fab dresses around right now Suzanne! It’s so hard to stop at just one or two #eep

      and thank you! x

  20. 12 June 2018 / 12:54 pm

    Wow! That dress is stunning and you styled it beautifully! I’m a bird lover, so I’m really drawn to the birds in the print.

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 6:56 pm

      Me too, Amy – I think it would make a crazy beautiful wallpaper!!

  21. 12 June 2018 / 10:16 am

    Your dress looks so fresh and contemporary that my knee length dresses look dated – so I’m scouring the shops to find a midi dress with oomph. Agree with you on M&S. If you look frequently at their new stuff on the app, you find some great things!

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 6:55 pm

      I tend to wear midis because I like to cover my legs as much as possible, Gail – if I had amazing gams I’m sure they’d be out in minis and knee lengths more often! I also just like the proportions of a midi… they break your body up into the thirds rule which just happens to work for me 🙂

  22. Kathy
    12 June 2018 / 10:08 am

    Lovely dress. You choose so many things that I love. I’ve already bought a number of items which I’ve seen you wear on your blog. A true influencer! I’ve just placed an order for this gorgeous dress, thank you

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 6:53 pm

      Oh gosh Kathy you too…?!! maybe I’m better at this influencer lark than I realised…!!!! 😉 lol

  23. 12 June 2018 / 9:17 am

    Yyyyep! Today I’m wearing my green Seasalt dress. Lovely long sleeves, v-neck and leafy pattern. Your Seasalt campaign worked for me.

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 6:53 pm

      Oh wow that’s lovely to hear, thanks Emerald!

  24. 12 June 2018 / 8:49 am

    I love a tropical print! My philosophy is go big or go home when it comes to florals. This is certainly a big punchy print, fabulous! And yes, I have wondered at how you are able to find such fab pieces at M&S, it can be tricky sifting through. Do you look at specific sections on the website or use certain key words? Xx

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 6:52 pm

      I think I find them because I’m always looking for alternatives for my other outfit posts, Porcelina – this dress featured in my favourite spring outfits post in April(?) when I looked for alternative floral dresses for another M&S midi dress beauty I bought last year. I just add them to my favourites then obviously go back to them over and over until I eventually cave..!!

  25. 12 June 2018 / 7:23 am

    I’m ALWAYS looking for pieces with a special “twist,” dearest Catherine…so this Marks & Spencer dress with its tropical bird-pineapple-flower print is right up my alley!! Loving that true midi-length, too – I think it’s the epitome of “chic” – and your red tassel earrings?? Absolute stunners!! But of course your fringy white bag is what captures my bohemian heart the most…it’s MY idea of summertime perfection!! 😀

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 6:49 pm

      hehe now why doesn’t it surprise me that you love the bag, Monika…?! 😉 Thank you hon x

  26. 12 June 2018 / 7:16 am

    A colorful and beautiful summer dress! Kind of perfect outfit for current season 😉 Have a great week xx

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 6:48 pm

      Thanks Lui! x

  27. You M&S dress is a real head-turner. I don’t know how they’ve made it work but they really have! Lovely backdrop too Catherine! xx

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 6:47 pm

      Thanks Maria – it’s a more colourful change from the usual green botanical prints I thought!

  28. 12 June 2018 / 3:36 am

    Catherine that tropical print dress looks just wonderful . I’m not really a floral print fan but the fact that this is strong and bright makes it so appealing . Perfect with the espadrilles. Many thanks for hosting.

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 1:05 pm

      It’s somewhat CRAZY strong and bright, isn’t Jill? But I love it…! thank you sweetie x

  29. 12 June 2018 / 1:12 am

    That dress is freaking amazing. I love an over-the-top tropical print. Your red tassel earrings are to-die-for too!
    Cheryl Shops

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 1:06 pm

      thanks Cheryl – the earrings were THE most popular style last year but who cares, I love them!! x

  30. 12 June 2018 / 12:07 am

    I love fabric with birds! This is so cute!

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 1:03 pm

      Tropical birds make SUCH good imagery for prints, don’t they Pam?! Thank you hon x

  31. 11 June 2018 / 9:47 pm

    You do find the best pieces, Catherine!! And I totally agree that summer is made for dresses!!
    XOXO
    Jodie

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 1:02 pm

      Thanks Jodie x

  32. 11 June 2018 / 9:10 pm

    This is a fabulous dress, I love the pattern, especially on the white background. Thanks for sharing too. Jacqui Mummabstylish

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 1:02 pm

      Aww thanks Jacqui x

  33. 11 June 2018 / 8:40 pm

    That dress is a true show stopper. I love the pattern, the style. It is a gorgeous dress.

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 1:01 pm

      Thanks Linda, I have to say I agree…! 😉

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 1:01 pm

      You too, Sabina – thank you! x

  34. 11 June 2018 / 7:54 pm

    We have a M&S in the Netherlands although I wonder if they are the same. I do know one in Hastings so I will pay them a visit in August! Great dress and what a lovely bag and espadrilles! The grey is different, love it.

    • catherine
      Author
      12 June 2018 / 1:00 pm

      Thanks Nancy! It’ll be interesting to know if there ARE differences…!

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