The blog has a new look! Plus it’s all change for the #iwillwearwhatilike link up and the blog generally…
If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen that I posted about changes that would be happening here – Keith and I already made a major change in our lives this year by moving house (best decision ever!) and I mentioned a bit of a change in the hair department that’ll be happening soon too. I also addressed the problem that was my (now) terrible health and fitness routine by attending a detox retreat last month, so lots of things have changed which I LOVE.
Change is gooooood…!
In terms of the blog, it’s my full-time job, and it’s the one area of my life that was in desperate need of attention. I nearly always have a blog refresh in the new year (new layout, maybe a tweak to the colours, header, etc.), but I hadn’t changed anything at the beginning of this year as I was happy with everything and the way it looked. But recently I realised that the old blue header had to be updated – it’s a colour I don’t wear very often, and it no longer represented my bold, colourful style.
I had the new header all planned and ready to go for the new year, but then yesterday I had a bit of a mini-meltdown work-wise.
SHOP THE LOOK:
It was Monday, the day that the #iwillwearwhatilike link up is due to go out, and yet again I didn’t have the post ready for the “usual” posting time of 3pm. Mondays are always a crazy day for me: I try to not work over the weekend, but emails build up. I have a ton of editing photos to do. I haven’t quite yet got into my working week “groove”. It’s SO HARD to get the post up at 3pm on the dot when everyone’s coming at you for answers to emails and edited photos and drafts for sponsored work.
BUT MONDAYS ARE THE LINK UP DAY! IT HAS TO GO OUT ON A MONDAY!
I thought that it would be SO much better if the link up were on a Tuesday instead. And within 10 minutes, I’d changed the day to Tuesday, and I’d planned my new blogging schedule and decided to bring the new design date forward. My work/life balance was (soon to be) restored.
The changes
So without boring you with the details why TOO much, here’s what’s changed/is about to change on Not Dressed As Lamb:
- I have a new header in bold pink and orange – much more representative of my colourful style
- I have a new profile picture (though I might still reshoot this with a pink background)*
- There are a few new fonts here and there – always good for keeping your blog looking fresh and modern
- The Monday #iwillwearwhatilike link up will be on Tuesdays instead – I switch to Tuesdays when we have bank holidays so this makes sense
- The #SaturdayShareLinkUp will now switch to Thursdays and be renamed the #ShareAllLinkUp – Fridays have consistently proved far too hard for me
- Two posts a week will be much more manageable for me – and when I have extra posts to publish they’ll be on a Wednesday or Friday
- With two posts week going out I should have more time for social media (I might even get back to Facebook and post to Instagram regularly)!
*Edit: I’ve changed this to a photo I since remembered and think I’ll stick with… no reshoot hopefully!
My new posting schedule
And here’s my new posting schedule overall – this is what to expect from Not Dressed As Lamb throughout the months and the year:
- Weekly, Tuesdays: #iwillwearwhatilike link up
- Weekly, Thursdays: #ShareAllLinkUp
- Monthly, second Wednesday: OOTD featured favourites – see details below about the new feature
- Monthly, fourth Wednesday: Best of the Blogosphere links – no change
- Quarterly: My year in review (of the previous three months)
- Quarterly: My favourite Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter outfits from last year (with shopping links)
- Bi-annually: Everything I wore on the blog, now in the sales
- 1 January: Bloopers and outtakes for the previous year
- 23 July: My blogiversary and birthday post
Hopefully that’ll be much more manageable for me, and you’ll hopefully see some regularity back again! The link up should go out at 3pm on a Tuesday (UK time), but today the blog changes took me longer than planned, eep. From next week it’ll be 3pm, I promise 🙂
The outfit…
Of course as it’s the #iwillwearwhatilike link up I’ve got to talk outfit! This fabulous look is head-to-toe Next and was kindly gifted to me for an Instagram post I’ll be publishing very soon. The check coat is an absolute dream – HOW many of my fave colours does it have in it?! – and you may have seen the mustard yellow sweater and the tortoiseshell earrings in last week’s outfit post.
Proving that the colours of my new header and link hover colour were the right choice, my messenger bag and those flattering pointed toe heels are both a stunning burnt orange (a bit matchy-matchy I know, but as the bag is suede and the shoes are leather I think the texture contrast stops them being too m-m). I haven’t worn these bold, saturated colours since the early 90s when I went ALL OUT for burnt orange, dark green and purple. I may not have fallen back in love with purple (lilac and mauve are the exceptions for me), but I’ve added an abundance of burnt orange and mustard yellow to our house interiors. It makes sense that these saturated colours make their way into my wardrobe for autumn…!
That’s it – don’t forget to scroll down to add your outfits to this week’s link up!
DO YOU LIKE THE NEW BLOG DESIGN? ARE THESE SATURATED, AUTUMNAL COLOURS YOUR FAVES TOO? COMMENT BELOW…
Like this post? You might also like…
– WHY YOU SHOULD DRESS FOR YOUR PERSONALITY, NOT YOUR SHAPE
– PATTERN MIXED CHECKS WITH ORANGE AND YELLOW IN AUTUMN
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. I was not paid to write this post or under any obligation to feature the gifted items on my blog (the Instagram feature post is sponsored however).
All items c/o Next: Coat | Sweater | Trousers | Shoes | Bag | Earrings
✷ ✷ ✷ ✷ ✷
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 Tuesday 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!
PLEASE NOTE: This is for linking up WHAT YOU’VE BEEN WEARING ONLY. Non-outfit links will be removed and you might be blocked if you turn out to be a repeat “offender”! 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.
New button for your sidebar!
If you have a #iwillwearwhatilike button in your sidebar or post footer – thank you! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE update it, I’d really appreciate it if you would go to the trouble of changing or adding it. See below…
Copy and paste this HTML code into your blog post or sidebar:
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 – NEW!
From next month I’m going to start a monthly feature post where I’ll be sharing my favourite outfits from around the blogosphere and this link up. I haven’t quite decided what format it’ll yet take (how many outfits to feature for example), but I’ll have it worked out by the time the first post is due. It will be on the second Wednesday of each month, so don’t forget to come back for the first one on 14 November.
In fact so you don’t miss it why not sign up for free email updates? That way you’ll never miss a new post ever again!
Yes, lovely bright new colours for lovely bright you. Xx
Author
Oh that’s a lovely compliment, thank you Emerald x
I loev the new look of your blog. Perfect timing with your colorful, plaid fun! I’ll be showing up on Tuesdays then. Thank you for hosting and inspiring!
Author
No worries Chrissy, and thank you! xx
Love the new colours of your blog, Catherine. They’re totally you! And I love these photos of you. You looks HAPPY!
Suzy xx
Author
Thanks Suzy – I really don’t know why I went with a blue logo for so long…!
I love this new shake up Catherine. More importantly you love it, which will keep you doing what you do so well, keeping us entertained and up to speed with all we need to know. Life has swept me along for months now with new projects as well as full time running the gallery, but I do love knowing that you’re here for me to dip in and out of as I and when I can. You’re everyone’s big sister (weird for you considering my age), every reliable and always bubbling with enthusiasm and I thank you for that.
And today’s ensemble ain’t half bad either xxxx
Anna
Author
Anna what an AMAZING comment… I can’t thank you enough!!!! That’s such a lovely thing to say!
I LOVE seeing you in the JD Williams adverts on TV – every time I see you I shout “There’s my friend Anna!!” (whether anyone’s at home with me or not – poor Riley is probably sick of me saying it 😉 ) – you’re an inspiration and I’m so glad they picked you. I couldn’t be prouder xx
Love your coat and mustard sweater! Fab new header too!
Emma xxx
Author
thanks Emma – I know that mustard is one of your fave colours too…! x
I LOVE the new colours for your title; they are perfect for you!
It’s always so stressful trying to fit everything in that we need to get done; I’m glad you’ve found a better schedule; I hope it proves to be calmer for you!
I’m loving mustard jumpers too right now. And I want that bag!
Thank you for sharing and hosting 🙂
Best wishes
Helen x
Author
Helen you absolute sweetheart, thank you!!
As soon as it loaded on my screen I was like “WOW! I love the new header”! It looks great. Good for you switching things to fit your life better alleviate stress. I love the bold plaid jacket. Back when I needed coats I would have loved wearing one like that!
Author
Lisa THANK YOU – what a great compliment!!! So glad it’s been a popular choice with everyone 🙂
Catherine I was only saying the other day about how much a small change can make a big difference!
These colours suit you and your blog so well….YES TO ChANGE loving it all… and that coat!
Ash xxxx
Author
Small changes DO make a big difference, don’t they Ashley?! It’s weird how seeing a new look blog has been so inspiring for me, it sure stops complacency in its tracks 🙂
Thank you thank you xx
I really like the look of your new layout. The colours are fab, change really is for the good. Also love that coat, it’s gorgeous.
Alison
x
Author
Alison thank you – I feel so refreshed work-wise! x
Looking smart and chic. Lovely outfit, which beautiful colours – just right for your colouring too. Thanks for sharing and hosting. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
Pleasure Jacqui, and thank you!! Pink and orange is much more “me”…!
Loving everything about the new look Catherine. Looks already like it’s always been here { in a good way} … so you.
Author
It does, doesn’t it Sharon?! Thank you my lovely x
The new colours are very ‘you’! The freshen up of the blog looks great. I am glad you are reclaiming that precious work-life balance. Fab outfit, such a bright and cheery look! Xx
Author
Thanks Porcelina – it HAD to be orange really, didn’t it 😉
Looks wonderful, Catherine. You’ve inspired me to make some changes on my own blog. Wish I had a wonderful outfit to link up here today, but alas we’ve been travelling for a month and I haven’t taken any outfit shots since September. So I’ll just enjoy your wonderful new colours and check out some of the other links. See you next week!
I’m laughing because I just realized I said wonderful three times in that comment:)
Author
Sue what a wonderful comment, that was so wonderful of you to say such wonderful things!! heehee 😉
Seriously – thank you…! It’s good to hear you’ve been away enjoying yourself, you’ll feel refreshed for a new start and maybe a rebrand like I’ve done?! x
I’m so impressed with your attitude Catherine. In a job that can take over your life, you are making it work for you. Love the new logo and profile picture. I’ve made a note of your new linky dates. Great outfit, that coat is gorgeous xx Maria
Author
Taking over my life?? I don’t know WHAT you mean, Maria…! 😉 lol
Thank you my sweet, lovely to have you link up every week x
Oh this looks spectacular Catherine and it’s so you. You are such an autumn girl, colour wise. The coat is lovely too and your hair looks fab. You seem to have the spring back in your step and it’s very good to see xxxx
Author
Ironic that summer is my favourite season by a mile but autumn colours are definitely “my colours”, isn’t it Liz…?! Thank you darling, I have you and the other girls to thank for persuading me to get his particular coat when I couldn’t decide!!
This is SO YOU and so fabulous, Catherine! I adore the font and colours of your logo. I’m not wondering why you ever had a pale blue one when this one is so perfect?!?
This coat is an absolute dream. If I end up with a tartan coat in my closet soon, I am blaming you. xxx
Author
I don’t know why it was pale blue either?! From what I recall I was heavily into Pantone’s Serenity Blue and Rose Quartz of 2016, I think pink was too pale so I plumped for the blue. Since then my orange obsession began, hence the big change. I can safely say 2018 was the year of change!!
Thank you thank you lovely Lisa, and it wouldn’t be a bad thing to see you in a tartan coat 😉
WooHoo Catherine I love your new colours! Yes to re-shooting your bio pic with a pink background, I’m picturing it now #plantsonpinkqueen
Your check coat is amazing, I’m totally jelly. Been looking for a check coat with these colours for a while now actually. I do have a check coat but it’s all the browns and a bit boring if I’m honest. You’ve inspired me to up my colour game Woman!
Nice job on the new look blog, it’s definitely more you 😉
Author
Thanks MT! The colours in the coat sang to me, though it took you lot to tell me it really was “the one”…! MUAH xx
Brilliant changes, Catherine, and the outfit to match the announcement. Love your new profile photo.
Your example encourages me to create a schedule. I felt very calm reading your posting itinerary in contrast to my haphazard here-there approach. Deadlines always give me a creative and adrenaline boost. I know many bloggers have schedules but seeing it spelled on in letters affects me more.
Author
I’m terrible without structure and deadlines, Melanie… I don’t think I’d EVER post anything on the blog if I didn’t have set days, lol!! Thank you my sweet x
Love the coat! Love the new looks on the blog too! Makes me want to change! xx
Author
Thanks Laurie – a change feels so good, I highly recommend it! x
It’s funny how a little change here and there can make us feel so much better. Do you know I heard that Tuesday is our most productive day??
So you’re on the cusp girl!!
XOXO
Jodie
Author
I didn’t know that about Tuesdays Jodie, but it does make perfect sense! Thank you!!
Great looks! The blog and you! I will change the button tomorrow!
Author
Thank you Nancy! Though I’ve now seen you’re having trouble with it, I’ll look to see if I’ve messed up the code (it’s probably me) x
Love the new header and layout—it feels much more in line with your personality. And I’ve now updated my spreadsheet so I can link up with you on the proper days! Thanks, as always, for hosting, and I love the plaid coat you’re wearing here!
Cheryl Shops
Author
Pink and orange is MUCH more me, isn’t it Cheryl 😉 – thank you for always linking up and the lovely compliment! x
Love the new layout, schedule, and your COAT!!!
Xx
Joi
Author
Thanks Joi – if I could dress just a FRACTION of how colourfully you dress I’d be happy!! x
Love your new header. Much more you. The autumn colours of your outfit look divine with the tree backdrop.
Author
Thank you Gail – the backdrop was a bit of a winner, wasn’t it…?!