When this post goes out I’ll be in the middle of moving house – with the high temperatures predicted to continue I’ll need to take my own advice on how to keep cool in the summer on what will be a very busy and strenuous day.
So yes, moving day is finally here, hurrah!
I’m writing and scheduling this well in advance like I did with Friday’s post where you can read a brief rundown of how our move finally came to be in the end. Let’s just say the whole process was really, really slow, then there was a mad panic (and very last minute) in terms of setting an actual date for completion #rollseyes
This outfit was shot last weekend (or should I say the weekend before last? I get so confused when I schedule in advance) and I’ve worn this grey maxi dress several times already, but this is its first time on the blog. It’s from the Hot Squash range at Debenhams – Hot Squash make clothes with special cooling fabric which I’ve discovered is a GODSEND in this heat. (It also keeps you warm in the winter.) The fact that I’m pretty much covered up from head to toe but kept cool at the same time is a miracle… who knew this existed?
(This isn’t a sponsored post btw in case you thought I wasn’t disclosing – I bought the dress myself.)
Apparently they use fabric invented by NASA, so if it’s good enough for NASA then it’s good enough for the likes of me. I also bought the same dress in pink because I wasn’t sure which colour I’d like the most, and of course I’ve kept both. (Cue another judgmental eye roll I’m giving myself.) Although I adore the bright pink, this grey isn’t loved any less – who knew grey could work so well in the summer? See for yourself…
SHOP THE LOOK:
With straw accessories (the straw bag made its debut last week) and a little pink and gold with animal print (here’s a similar skinny leopard belt) it brings the grey to life: straw is great for adding warmth. Regular readers will know I’m normally ALL about the colour, but just occasionally I’ll go for neutrals and just add some subtle embellishments or splashes of colour.
And talking of embellishments: Most of the colour comes from the sparkly, multi-coloured sandals I got from Lotus last year. If you want to wear the comfiest shoes and sandals EVER then do check out Lotus which, like Hot Squash, is also available from Debenhams. I’ve worn many pairs of Lotus shoes, sandals and boots over the years and they are all supremely comfortable. I can walk Riley for hours in these strappy sandals without the merest hint of a blister or rubbing.
Oh and I forgot to add: THE DRESS HAS POCKETS. It’s a dream of a dress, in other words.
The house move and no Wifi means…
As far as the house move goes, we were given very little notice for this date and so we haven’t been able to give our broadband provider much notice. Therefore we’re going to be without Wifi for at least a couple of weeks, so I’ll have to see what I can do in the way of blog posts. It might mean an unenforced break from the blog – which could be a good thing? We shall have to see (though my annual birthday/blogiversary post will DEFINITELY go out a week today, the 23rd, so don’t miss that – it’ll be a good giggle)!
(Keep up with what’s happening today with the move on my Instagram Stories)
HAVE YOU TRIED ANYTHING IN THIS COOLFRESH FABRIC BEFORE (OR ARE YOU TEMPTED)? COMMENT BELOW…!
Dress: Hot Squash at Debenhams (on sale!)
Hat: Somerville Scarves c/o (love this one)
Sandals: Lotus c/o (love these)
Bag: Amazon (similar)
Sunglasses: Lulus c/o (similar)
Earrings: Accessorize
Belt: Unknown (similar)
Bracelets: Unknown (I really like these)
OTHER HOT SQUASH PIECES 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 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 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
No featured favourites this week due to the house move… it’ll be back when Wifi is back!
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!
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.
Fashion has always been part of me, but I will have to admit that working full-time behind a desk makes it hard to dress up in the warmer months. Waking up each morning at 7:10 am is never easy, especially when you’re trying to catch the 7:43 train in the heat, so as you can imagine, dressing up to work is a struggle. At times, I feel I need some type of motivation or inspiration (especially at the shops) to buy and dress new clothes – I always find it hard to buy clothes that are work-appropriate or buying clothes that I wear once, as I like to buy items that I can reuse multiple times. Finding your blog post has helped me to find an inspiration to grow my wardrobe for different occasions. I was impressed with the fabric you had selected, where you mentioned about the style and the most appropriate wear for the humid weather, as well as when you mentioned the fabric was invented by NASA – it solely made me convinced it will be the best dress to wear for work.
Author
I had to dress for a freezing cold office in winter for many years, Amanda – I know the problems it causes!! I used to sit at a desk wearing fingerless gloves and had a blanket over my legs 🙁
Thank you for the lovely comment, I’m so glad the Hotsquash dresses seem right for you, I’d heard so many good reports about them! x
Hi Catherine,
Such a gorgeous summer look. I love maxi dresses and hats. They are my favorites this summer too.it really suits you. And Good luck with the move! I hope the move is going well.
Great post! Long maxi dresses are the classy outfit in summer, I love its soft and comfortable, thanks for sharing.
https://evatrends.com/
Your outfit is great. a maxi for a perfect summer. I think I have to buy a maxi dress immediately. thank you for sharing!
Happy new home!!!! So glad you’re finally in! You look fab Catherine. I love Hotsquash too and think the fabric is a godsend in this heat. You suit grey and all of your accessories work perfectly, as always! Lots of love xxxxx
It’s difficult for my little brain to take in but maxi dresses really ARE cooler in summer and this one’s a beaut. Love your light-touch styling of this super dress. X.
Congrats on moving! That’s exciting. I hope you get great neighbors. Can’t wait to see the posts of your new home!
I was totally just looking at a similar Hot Squash dress in the Debenhams sale! A pink striped one! Yours looks fab, lovely styling as always I especially like your hat! I admit I thought twice because it seemed a bit pricey for a t-shirt type dress but since the fabric sounds so cooling and scientifically based tee hee ;-)I am really tempted now! So many U.K. brands use quite un-breathable fabrics for summer clothes, the older I get the more important it is to me to feel comfortable in things! Good luck with your move! x
Love your gorgeous look! Good luck with the move!
Kelly | https://lizado.com/
I love those sandals and the concept of the fabric – bonus that it looks so good. Good luck with your move!!!
Love the soft grey for summer. It’s such a nice base for either natural or colorful accessories.
Ooh, “keep cool” fabric?? Oh, those astronauts have all the best stuff! First TANG, and now this?!?
This very minimal maxi dress looks so lovely on you!
Best of luck on your move, it will all be over soon!
Bettye
https://fashionschlub.com
I’ve never tried this fabric before but it looks so dreamy! I am all about a great maxi dress. We moved 2 weeks ago during the heat wave and it was tough. Wishing you luck with the new wifi!
xo
Katrina
http://www.katrinagwenrose.com
Good luck Catherine I hope it went ok! xxx
How great to wear grey in summer and fabulous the way you have combined it with all summerly accessories. I love the look and wish you a happy start in your new home. Love, Lieske
Hope all is going well with the move…so stressful …and no internet…argh!!!! ❤️
I’ve been forgoing the necklaces lately in this heat—it’s just too hot!! But this material sounds perfect for the summer!!
Oh I am so in love with that look Catherine. You look beautiful. Enjoy your new house and keep cool 😉 xo Sabina
YAY for the home move, Catherine! Congrats 🙂
LOVE the dress and those sandals. The handbag is cute too, although I’ve got a thing about being hands free as much as possible when it comes to bags!
Look forward to reading how the move goes. Fingers crossed it’s super smooth.
Suzy x
http://www.suzyturner.com
Your dress is the perfect summer style. I love maxi dresses and hats. They are my favorites this summer too.
XO Martina from Munich/Germany
https://www.lady50plus.de
I’ll forever be a sucker for neutrals, dearest Catherine…and this grey maxi dress is simple but SO gorgeous with its flattering wrap neckline and the shirred sleeve detail. (And the pockets?? Icing on the sartorial cake!!) Of course I love the way you’ve styled it, too, with that floppy hat, of-the-moment straw tote…and those bling-tastic sandals!! P.S. Thinking of you as you get settled into your new home…with fingers crossed that it all goes as smoothly as possible!! P.P.S. Lovely to see handsome Riley making a cameo appearance; I’ll bet he’s really looking forward to having a yard to play in!! XOXO
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com
Such a pretty dress!
I love grey and white for summer! Feels cool and fresh to me… Good luck with the move!
Good luck with the move, I expect your eating the obligatory fish and chips with no plates and wine from a mug – lol. Hope all goes well. Love this dress, will have a look in Debenhams to see this one. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Good luck with the move, Catherine—I can’t imagine going without WiFi for that long, but I bet it will be a nice break. Can’t wait to hear all about your new house!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
Good luck with the move! When I moved a year and a half ago, the time without wifi was really difficult. I hope you don’t have to wait too long.
What a fabulous dress! And perfect styling, obviously. Good luck with the move!
Been thinking about you today and hoping all is going well with the move, its soooo stressful but it’ll be worth every frown, scowl and groan…that’s guarantee ( speaking from experience !)
Lovely outfit, very pretty -like the added bonus of the ‘keeping cool’ element !!!
Look forward to hearing from you when you get sorted x
I hope the move is going well Catherine! You look fab in this cotton dress – it really suits you! I hpe you are managing to keep cool xx
Love the idea of a maxi dress in a light, comfortable fabric and there are so many ways to style it! No wonder you have worn it many times, you look gorgeous in it with your glamorous sun glasses.
Fingers crossed for the final bits of your move, C!!
xx Annette
https://www.ladyofstyle.com
Such a gorgeous summer look, Catherine! I wish you all the best with the move. I hope the transition is smooth as can be!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Well, I hope by the time I write this you’re in! I think you’ve earned a break for sure too. I look forward to reading the blogversary post though! xx
LOOOVE this look on you Catherine and the slim leopard belt is inspired ❤️
Hope all is going well with the move…so stressful …and no internet…argh!!!! ❤️
Yay for moving….and don’t forget to rest. I feel like we always have that idea that everything should get done…and it will…in time!!
I’ve been forgoing the necklaces lately in this heat—it’s just too hot!! But this material sounds perfect for the summer!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com