Before anything else I’ll address the elephant in the room: this is my first post in nearly two months.
Now I’m not going to skim over that fact – and I’m not ignoring what I talked about in my last post – but I WILL talk about what’s happened since in my next post (which I’ll definitely write and publish this weekend as 10-16 May is Mental Health Awareness Week). I’ve never, ever not published on the blog for that long before, and I’ve only ever been absent for about a week or so a couple of times in my nearly 10 years of blogging.
But today I’m just going to talk about fashun, and NEXT time I’ll talk about mental health and how I’ve been coping*, mmkay?
*spoiler: I’m genuinely loads better
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Disclosure: This blog uses affiliate links (at no cost to you) and any items listed as* were PR products received within the last 12 months. Full disclosure
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So as we briefly popped over to my parents’ place at the weekend to wish my dad a happy birthday, I thought it would be nice to transition from sweat pants attire to something smart-casual before the time comes to move onto full-on going out-out glad rags.
Behold, the blazer/boyfriend jeans combo! – my safe and happy place. And my fave colours of orange with green makes my happy place even happier.
As I haven’t been posting regularly it may seem like there are quite a few new items in this outfit, but safe to say it’s just that they haven’t yet appeared on the blog. All are well-worn IRL. It’s the first time I’ve really worn the strappy mules since last year’s transitional season outfit post as Spring 2021’s weather has been CRUSHINGLY disappointing so far – as I type this I’m looking out onto rain that hasn’t let up all day. In fact you may notice the spots of rain in the air and on my jacket in these photos: the closeup of my face shows the pain I’m in due to the cold, the wet and the wind… it belies my actual joy I was feeling!
Pained facial expressions aside, it was a happy day. Tony Stark glasses (that coordinate BEAUTIFULLY with my blazer/sweater combo) et al.
The #IWillWearWhatILike link up – news
Alas, I’m sorry to tell you that this is going to be the last link up as I’ve decided once and for all to retire it, if you’re a fan of linking up I’m sooooooo sorry…!
To explain: it’s one of the reasons that I’ve not posted in so long. It’s the extra admin that comes with it (creating the HTML code, updating the mailing list for reminders, sending the reminder email, etc. etc.), plus I’m paying a monthly subscription to host it which just isn’t getting used enough. The extra work does put me off writing a post at all, in a “Ughhh it’s such a chore having to do that extra admin” way… and the last thing I want is for blogging to be a chore!
I need to do everything I can to find my deep love for it again, and I’m having to pare things back. It’s just one of the things I’ve needed to do to get myself back on track (which is going well) and find my spark again. Old-school outfit posts will continue of course, just without the linkup.
(I also thought about making my “5 Ways to Wear” section that I throw in here a separate post that follows a new outfit post. So for example, I’d follow up this post in a few days with a “10 Ways to Wear Boyfriend Jeans” post – a post by itself means I can increase the number of outfits featured, depending on how many times a particular staple in my wardrobe has appeared on the blog… thoughts?)
It’s been a wonderful five and a half years of #IWillWearWhatILike on the blog (here’s the first one), and I thank each and every one of you for adding your outfits and making the hashtag crazy popular on Instagram (48.2k posts as of today – please keep the hashtag going!). MAYBE I’ll revisit it one day in the future – who knows. For now, it’s being put to bed indefinitely.
And then this weekend: an update post about my mental health.
Have you upped your outfit game according to the local rules about going out round your way? Comment below…
Stay safe, XOXO
P.S. Do add your outfits to the LAST EVER #IWillWearWhatILike link up – scroll down for all the info…
Blazer: JD Williams (similar cropped / longline)
Sweater: Mango (similar)
Jeans: La Redoute (eons old – similar)
Shoes: Asos (I like these)
Sunglasses: Asos (similar if they’re out of stock)
Bag: Marks & Spencer (similar)
Belt: & Other Stories (I like this one)
Jewellery: mostly Orelia & Asos / bracelet / similar pendant / link necklace / similar lips pin
Watch: FitBit
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CLICK HERE to read the rules of the #iwillwearwhatilike link up…
Linking up to… Monday: Inspire Me Monday, Ageless Style Linkup (first Monday of the month), My Glittery Heart, On Mondays We Link Up || Tuesday: Style With a Smile, Trend Spin/Walking in Memphis in High Heels, Turning Heads Tuesday, Spread the Kindness, Confident Twosday, Happy Now Blog Link Up || Wednesday: Style Me Wednesday, WowOnWednesday || Thursday: Chic & Stylish || Friday: Fancy Friday, On the Edge, Fabulous Friday, Fabulous Friday’s Link Up
SO good to have you back, Catherine. Really missed your posts. And adore your colorful look. How did we managed not wearing so much color? 🙂 xo Sabina
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Thank you Sabina!
You’re looking so lovely! Orange and green look great together! Thanks for hosting this link up!
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Thanks Celyn xx
Glad to see you back, Catherine, you look FAB! Love those orange mules. And yes, a “!0 Ways To Wear…” post is a brilliant idea.
The weather has been so odd here in the US Deep South as well—I had to unearth my winter clothing from its vacuum bag under the bed! And TURN THE HEATER back on! In mid May!!! (For perspective, daytime temps are usually 80F/27C – 90F/32C.)
Looking forward to hearing from you a bit more and I’m very glad you are feeling better.
XO
Rona
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Thank you Rona – wow you’ve had some crazy weather in the US the last 12 months…!!
Glad to see back and hear that you’re feeling better! I will miss your linkups but totally understand the amount of work and effort—I recently went down to one blog post a week (versus two) and it’s made such a big difference!
Cheryl Shops
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Thanks Cheryl – sorry the link up has gone, but you never know, maybe one day it’ll come back…!?
Nice to see you back and glad you are feeling better-and looking great! Love this bright and cheerful color combination on you. So sorry that your link-up is ending, but wishing you all the best with your new endeavors.
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Thank you so much Di xx
I am so glad to see you back sweetie!
Danielle
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aww thank you Danielle 😀
Adding my voice to all the comments. Love the green blazer – I’m a recent green convert having just acquired an amazing green blazer of my own. So nice to see you back i’m very glad to hear you’re doing better. Love the idea of 10 ways to wear some thing posts.
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Thank you Sue – I’ve had the blazer ages but not worn it much (why?!)
Missed you! Glad to hear you are doing better. As they say. .. take care of you ❤
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Aww that’s lovey of you, thanks Ann x
Sad to see the linkup go, but for me I visit your blog because I love it, so I’ll keep on coming. I find you very inspirational, and quite fearless. And sometimes…. it truly is just time to let something go…… I imagine that making this decision wasn’t the easiset. It’s been nice seeing your “stories” on instagram, too.
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That’s really sweet of you Ratnamurti – thank you! No I wouldn’t let it go if I didn’t have to, but sometimes life gets in the way as it were. The IG stories will continue though!!
First off, I’m so glad you are doing better! And I love this outfit! Those orange mules are fabulous. I don’t blame you at all for retiring the linkup. I had one for creative endeavors, and like you, I found it to be a lot of work. And it cut into my creative time!
Michelle
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Thanks for your understanding Michelle… it seems quite a simple thing to set up but in fact it’s a fair amount of work that does eat into your time – plus the pressure to be consistent is always there!
Good to see you back Catherine! What a happy and positive outfit, the green really suits you.
Hope you find your blogging mo-jo again, but i will be following what you post and can’t wait to see it all.
Have a great weekend, and yay for Monday and getting even more back to normal. Jacqui x
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Thank you Jacqui – yes the mojo is coming back, slowly but surely xx
Aw, it feels like the end of an era, Catherine. But I totally applaud your decision. If it isn’t fun or doesn’t give you joy, don’t do it!! I’m glad you will continue to blog, as you clearly love that part! And selfishly, I love getting inspiration from your style! I also love your idea to do a single post followed by many ways to style it. My very best wishes for continued peace in your wellness journey.
xx Darlene
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Aww it is a bit, Darlene – nearly six years it lasted! But blogging is my love and my career so I have no plans to stop doing it… I honestly don’t know what else I’d do!! Thank you xx
Good to hear you are feeling better Catherine. I look forward to your posts xx
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thanks so much Lovely Laurie x
Good to see you back and looking great.
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aww thanks Gail xx
While I’ve no doubt that your link up will be missed, you have to do what works for you Catherine. And as you say, #iwillwearwhatilike hashtag aint goin anywhere, it is phenomenal!
You look fabulous by the way lady xxx
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Thanks so much for the support, MT… I’m so pleased that the hashtag was picked up by so many: long live women wearing whatever tf they like!! 😉
Glad to see you back in the game and looking as fabulous as ever.
Rena
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aww that’s so sweet of you Rena – thank you 😀
So happy you are back. Missed that face!
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Aww bless you Kelly – thank you! xx
Great to see you back looking so good in those strong colours! I too would love to see a 5 Ways to Wear ( or 10 or however many you can manage ) feature on your blog. A blog which I have to say is absolutely one of the very best….so thank you for all your efforts….
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Erika what a lovely compliment – thank you!!!!! I’m getting there with the 5/10 ways to wear posts… watch this space…!
Oh Catherine – it’s so nice to see you posting again. Great colour combo btw, love the green of the jacket. And absolutely take your time and find your path. It’ll be great to read your blog again x
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Thanks so much Penny, the support is greatly appreciated x
Amazing outfit and so great to see a new post from you! 🙂 <3
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Bethanne thank you!! x
Good to see you back Mrs S and great decision to give up the linking bits you are now free to move on ! Xx
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It’s made a huge difference Ashley – thanks my lovely! Time to get creative 😉
Catherine, your blog has long been an inspiration for me. Not to mention your wonderful how-to posts. I recently found your old post about how you migrated to Word Press with all the helpful pointers and sent it to my friend who is changing her blog. You are such an important voice in blogger-land, my friend.
Happy to see you back in whatever form works best for you! xo
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Aww that’s so lovely to hear, Sue… thank you!!
YAY Catherine! it’s so good to see you back on the blog! You have been missed terribly! Your outfit is gorgeous — I’m in love with the orange and green combo. In fact, I have the exact same top from Mango!!
Looking forward to reading all your upcoming posts.
Big hugs, and welcome back!
Suzy xx
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Thanbk you Suzy, I feel like I’m finally getting there with the regular posting plans. Lots of ideas in my head, I’m just almost there with the time management at last…! 😀
Sweet Catherine, it is so good to see you back at it and feeling better! This outfit is wonderful. I love the bold color combination. And I, too, understand all the admin stress that goes into hosting link ups. I am still enjoying hosting link parties, so I do hope that you will pop by and join us every once in a while. I look forward to your future outfit posts and I think posts for how to wear one thing multiple ways are always hit posts so I yeah, definitely go for it if that is what is speaking to you. I also look forward to your upcoming mental health post. I do need to get on that topic this month myself as it is the main purpose for starting my blog!
Shelbee
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Thank you Shelbee… although I’m sad to see the link-up go, I don’t miss the admin – how on earth do you run two (or is it three)?!! You’re a machine! 😉
How nice to see you back! You always have something of interest to say and to show! Now, I do hope you appreciate my hard work on hosting the Fancy Friday linkup party for years now, and it would be fabulous to see you there! Have a great weekend!
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Thanks so much Nancy – I have every intention of linking myself up on other blogs, I just have to get some content out there first! 😉
Glad to hear that things are better!
I’ll miss your link-up. TOTALLY understand the admin angst.
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Thank you Anne (and for the admin overload understanding)! If only I had minions to do it for me, it would never have been ended…! 😉
Sorry to hear you’re calling time on the link up but I totally understand. I’ve found my motivation has taken a dip on numerous occasions over the last 14 months and any extra admin is definitely a deterrent. Going back to just posting what you want when you want is probably the best way to get that mojo back. I love this bright green and orange combination. Here’s hoping for better weather soon – I’m sick of the rain now! Take care Catherine xxx
Emma
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Thank you Emma – yes I’m sure you know about the admin side of it!! But I’m feeling more free about the blog schedule now… or should I say lack of schedule?! We shall see! x
O Gorgeous One – it is WONDERFUL to see a blog post from you again, but more importantly, to hear that you are “loads better”! I enjoy your morning walk IG stories every week, but had started to wonder if I just wasn’t getting your blog emails anymore. You were a major inspiration for me starting my blog a year ago, and I now haven’t posted in many weeks due to being crazy busy at my day job and in personal life, so people probably think I’ve gone underground….I really appreciate the exposure I got from the link-ups, but totally sympathize with effort and cost involved. I for one would LOVE a 10 Ways to Wear feature. I loved the dressing room photos you featured a while ago, too. It’s been rainy with temps way below normal here for weeks as well. If you’d told me I’d be wearing a wool cardigan at the office and my down jacket for my morning commute on May 14th, I’d have laughed…Well, I’m sure I’m not the only one delighted you’re BACK, in any form we can get you!
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Aww so much love, MK – thank you so much!! I think there’s been crazy up and down (and unseasonal) weather in all parts of the world this year, it’s like the pandemic has affected Mother Nature too…!
I have lots of blog posts ideas, all coming soon! Watch this space x
Good to see you back Catherine and looking so well. I’ve enjoyed your link parties so much and sincerely thank you for your hospitality and consistency over the years. But life changes and occasionally we have to re-evaluate the direction we’re taking.
Take the pressure off and find the route that is true to you again. Hopefully you can re-ignite that spark and bring back the joy!
Pamela
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Aww that’s so nice of you to say, thanks Pamela – and yes you’re right, reevaluation was needed for me and I’m glad I made the decision to end the link up, as hard as it was. A new fresh start! x