A long, long time ago I owned a charcoal grey overall dress made of the softest wool cotton blend. It had a pencil skirt, like this one, with a split in the back for easy walking and I wore it with a black turtleneck and boots all winter.

I loved that dress. I shudder to think of the size of it because, truly, had I kept it, it definitely wouldn’t fit me now! I was very thin at the time from disappointment and heartbreak.

But still, wandering into BigW to buy books last week (did you know BigW is the biggest book retailer in Australia, and does home delivery?), I saw this similar dress and bought it on the spot.

Can’t wait to wear it in summer with or without a T. The straps are wide and cover a bra (total bonus) and it’s super cute and stretchy.

It reminded me of myself — my previous self — and I loved that girl with all her foibles and mistakes, her fears and her hardworking brain. Despite everything she was and did, she was pretty darn amazing. Now, from an older and wiser and stronger place, I wanted to show young Catherine some solidarity.

If you need a pick-me-up, something fun and new, maybe it’s time for a dress you love. If you like the look of this one, you can get yours here. I found a couple of similar ones in Canada (this one and this one) and America.

Sometimes, you know, clothes should be FUN. And they should be about memories and making ourselves happy.

Have I brightened up your day?

Have I inspired you to find and re-buy an outfit you used to love, in a size that fits you now — just because it makes you HAPPY? (A jumpsuit, white boots, a velvet skirt, some bootleg jeans? What was ‘your outfit’ when you were younger?)

I hope so. Because life is so very short, my friends, and why are we here if we’re not making the most of it?

Love Catherine x

PS.

• Oooooh, I also did a little bit of winter clearance shopping and ordered this dress! It’s absolutely lovely, with an almost pleated flared skirt and will look amazing with boots next winter. Such a deal at the moment — not sure if they ship overseas? The plum colour is so pretty and the knit-plus-flare skirt makes it super flattering (not clingy). True to size. (40% off right now with code TAF40). I packed mine in tissue and will open it up next July. Voila! A treat next winter!

• Note: this is not a sponsored post or an #ad. Just sharing some favourite dresses with you.