Layer me up

I am the most ridiculously huge fan of layers.  I think my obsession with them may well have been born out of the fact that I live in an old, hugely draughty and insulated with sawdust house and so a couple of layers is prudent if one doesn't want to freeze to death. 

And really it should be easy to find them no?  Well you would think.  And you would be wrong. (purely in my opinion of course)  Proverbial rocking horse poo.  The law of layering also says that once you've found your perfect piece and dare to venture back to buy a second one, of course, they have sold out.  Never ever to be restocked.  You fool, did you think you could break the laws of layering?   As I said.  Rocking horse poo. 

There are many problems associated with locating the ideal layering item. 


  • Fit.  They can't be too snug.  I am not a large lady, in fact I'm pretty slim.  But I have things that wobble.  And I have no desire to accentuate the wobble with tight fitting lycra.  Or anything too snug for that matter.  This mainly applies to upper layers.
  • Length.  Either too long or too short.  The bottom layers need to be longer and tighter (you don't see them so it's not such an issue if you look like a sausage squeezed into a too small skin in it.  So long as you know you're not going to delayer during the day.  You can't.  Ever.  Just sweat.). The top layers need to be slightly shorter otherwise you risk looking like a rectangle.  Or a massive triangle.  Either way, not good. 
  • Fabric.  At this point I could go on forever.  Under layer needs to have lycra or elastane.  Otherwise it will stretch.  In my experience.  However I am well known for my washing disasters so that may be just me.  I like some stretch otherwise I find they lose their shape.  Top layer - well you can be much more flexible.
And whilst there are clearly other issues - let's not muddy the water and all decide we hate layering as it's way too difficult.  Which it is.  But on the upside, once you suss a couple of goodies, it really does make way for a plethora of outfits. 

So today I'm going to tackle my favourite for this time of year top layer - the linen top.  Which doesn't sound that exciting at all when you describe it like that. 

However it's the most versatile of beauties as far as I'm concerned.  Great for this time of year with either a longsleeved layer underneath if it's really chilly, making it a super warm option.  Or coming into Spring, (should it ever get above 10 degrees) then with a vest underneath.  Perfect for a dress down option with a leather jacket, jeans and a huge scarf.  Dress it up with trousers (skinny in my case of course), a statement necklace and a blazer.  Layer with different colours for an alternative look. 

There are lots of them around at the moment, but these are my favourite ones.  I should also add that H&M do them.  Occasionally.  When you see them, you need to buy them as they sell like hot cakes.  Obviously they're not online as that would be flouting the laws of layering - being able to easily get hold of a perfect specimen. 

Firstly starting with the old faithful Zara.  Their summer ones are my staple go to piece of clothing come the warmer weather but they also do a longer sleeve version which is perfect for the inbetweeny weather.  In 7 colours!











The White Company have got some gorgeous long sleeve t-shirts in either white or midnight.   Now these are very similar to the H&M ones in style - although they do look longer and narrower which would be preferable to me.  At £45.00 though and the H&M ones are £14.99. However seeing as you can't ever get hold of them - pretty moot point and the reason why there I'm listing the TWC ones and not the H&M ones. 








Coming down slightly in price are the linen slub raglan tees from Boden.   I know, I know, again, it's Boden and this used to be a Boden free zone but a) I'm 40 so it's got to be vaguely legit and b) they have genuinely changed their ways.  Honest guv.  Well, for a start they never had these fab linen tees which I live in.  7 colours to choose from.  Admittedly some of them are a bit errr jolly for me, but the Soot definitely floats my boat. £29 but there's always a code floating around.




Massimo Dutti have also come up trumps with what would be my first choice.









These for me are up there with being practically perfect, bar maybe a slightly lower neckline. I love the simplicity of them, the curved hem at the bottom and the button detailing at the back which separates them from the rest of the linen tees in my book.  And a pretty reasonable £29.95 for such a wearable top.  Definitely on my list of must haves. 

I'm sure there are others out there - I shall be taking a look.  What fits one person definitely isn't going to fit another.  For example having limited boobage, the Zara one probably isn't the best for me.  I benefit from something slightly higher cut.  Otherwise I verge into Skeletor territory.  Attractive not.  And for someone with a more generous bust, the high cut tops probably aren't going to work as well either.  But there will be a linen top out there for you.

So there in lies my first layering love.  Are you a linen tee fan?  Do you have a whole host of them in every colour?  Or is there something about them that leaves you cold?  Have I missed a blinding linen bargain somewhere?! 

Alternatively are you a layering fan or is it something that you just can't stand the look of?   Look away shortly if that's the case, as there is more on layering to come.  Maybe I can convince you.....

A quick round up of what I've been wearing the last couple of (freezing) days. 

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Maroon and off white top - Massimo Dutti
Indigo Baxters - Topshop
Brown leather biker jacket - All Saints
Blush & fuchsia Camel scarf - Virginia Johnson
Suede Bea wedge trainers - Ash
Stone maxi zip satchel - Anya Hindmarch

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Olive & bone tunic - Toast
Grey Baxters - Topshop
Petrol blue pleather biker jacket - Primark
Khaki & black leopard print scarf - By Malene Birger
Gunmetal hitops - Ash
Stone maxi-zip satchel - Anya Hindmarch
Sunglasses - Dior

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White longline vest - Joseph
Navy Elgar cowl dress - All Saints
Tie dye jeans - H&M
Navy cable knit cardigan - Nicole Farhi
Tan shopper - Zara
Tan suede pirate boots - ASOS
Earrings - bought from a friend

See you shortly! 

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CONVERSATION

45 comentarios:

  1. I've probably mentioned it once or twice that I'm quite partial to a linen top, I've probably got the full set from Zara. I'll be checking out the Massimo Dutti ones immediately. x

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    1. They look fab don't they. Gorgeous irl. xx

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  2. I too am a huge layering fan, again, mainly because I seem to feel cold until we hit around 35 degrees!! Aside from all the jersey and linen I think an oversized knit is also pretty key. xx

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    1. Yup, love an oversized knit too. Prefer them in a thinner knit for the Spring though without a jacket. Always feel slightly Michelin man-esque if I have a coat over the top as well!

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  3. Love love love that cardi!!! I have been eyeing up that bag in Zara for months now, You're making me want to recklessly purchase it with no consideration for my bank balance!

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  4. Love the nicola fahri cardi......stunning:-)

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    1. Thank you! If it makes you feel better, it needs regular debobblig at the dry cleaners which costs me a fortune. Can't do it on my own - it just doesn't come off. Looks like a dog has slept in it after two wears. Doh.

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  5. tee hee ...your Massimo link took me to an ebay page...Massimo mens linen shirts! I love layers...need some more longer length t shirts..I am always cold and even layer up in summer...(I do live in the West Country and its always cold and raining!)

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  6. Have the Zara linen top in white, which is fab, and will be checking out the MD ones. The only problem with the White Company and Boden ones (and this is typical Boden) are the wierdy crossover details at the neck, which I think are a bit mumsy. Another example is this at Boden: http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Coats-Jackets/Jackets/WE383/Womens-Fitzrovia-Jacket.html?NavGroupID=2

    Looks great, but a close up of the material reveals it is pure Jaques Vert... They are getting much better though. Got a great couple of tops last season, strictly no hotchpotch though! Jx

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    1. Oh you see I love the sweatshirt style detail at the neck. The H&M ones have that as well. And I hadn't seen that jacket before. I don't think it's remotely JV! I LOVE IT!! To me, it's less JV and more vintage. If I didn't have a plethora of jackets (and an almost identical one to that from Jesiree 7 yrs ago!) I'd buy in a heartbeat.

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  7. Oooh just discovered your blog, hurrah! Sitting with a mug of hot chocolate enjoying it...

    Anyway I am pregnant with my first baby and have recently discovered the joy of layering, as well as loose clothing - being comfy makes me so much more confident. Have turned into a bit of a catalogue / online shopper and most of the stuff I have is maternity right now, but definitely want to check out Zara and Massimo Dutti once the rugrat is out and my breasts have gone back to a normal size!

    Loving the Ash trainers, the scarves and the All Saints jacket too! Oh to fit into normal clothes again...:)

    Sasha @ The Happy Baby Project

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    1. So pleased to read that! Hope you continue to enjoy xxxxx

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  8. I have some of the Zara linen short sleeved tops in various colours, stripes etc but not the long sleeved ones. Are they warm enough even with something underneath? I hope you had a wonderful birthday by the way and that you got lots of lovely goodies. Marie S

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    1. Thank you! Personally in this weather I wear something underneath them. They're a bit thin otherwise - and the light coloured ones are a tad see through even in the warmer weather! Dark ones are fine mind. x

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  9. Love the MD ones you've shown. Like you I suffer from the limited boobage issue, so when I tried on the Zara ones, it was a serious fashion fail!! Love layering .. so looking forward to your next posts on the subject.

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    Replies
    1. They're v low cut aren't they.......Next one comign soon!

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  11. I am a layering woman too. It's as much a utilitarian thing getting on and off the Tube as a style thing (though I do love how it looks). My recommendation: COS (especially in the sale) is perfect for semi see-through layering, in different sleeve lengths, gorgeous colours and quality materials. My latest is long sleeved bright coral in very finespun merino. Just perfection!

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    1. OOOH I have that in black and in burnt orange from last year and only realised they'd done them in khaki, grey and coral this year. Was beyond gutted as they are my favourite tops in my wardrobe. Have checked with HO and they will be back next Autumn.

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  12. I love the layered look, and I like a long, slim fitting tee underneath with a loose layer over the top. I find it incredibly difficult to find good longline tees, but I'm currently wearing Next's maternity tees - longline, with lycra and don't fit too badly considering I'm not pregnant! I'm also loving Boden's Oversized Linen tee right now, which looks great layered!

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    1. Good longline tees are The most difficult thing to find. I am on a mission this season......

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  13. I am a big fan of layering too - someone told me that Esprit are great for longer length vests and long-sleeved tops for layering but haven't tried them yet. Jill

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    Replies
    1. hmmm that's interesting. We have an Esprit here I think - will check it out! Thank you xxx

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  15. Public Service Announcement for London types. H&M have loads of short-sleeved linen tees in their flagship store on Regent Street. I bought a white one yesterday for £12.99. I may have also bought a rather fab navy dress with a sculptural neckline.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The dress sounds gorgeous - more info needed....... (and thank you!)

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  18. Cute casual looks, I like the scarf!

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  19. On a recent note re. Emilia Fox in Silent Witness has anyone got any idea where the dress she wore in Fridays episode (at beginning attending a christening) is from? I need it really badly!!!!! It's just what I've been looking for but I've googled silly but can't find it.

    Shan x

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    1. I've got it on sky plus. Will look at it and let you know. x

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    3. Did you ever find out as I have also tried to find it

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    4. I'm so so sorry the husband managed to delete the episode and I never got round to watching it. If you have a pic of it you could email me at doesmybumlook40@gmail.com I'm more than happy to have a go at finding it. Kat x

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  20. I admire you for wearing sunglasses in Jan/Feb in England. Optimistic! (actually if you have an opthalmic problem I apologise, not taking the pee) xZZ

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    1. Believe it or not, the sun does actually shine in the UK in the winter months! Last week we had some lovely sunny days. I do also have an iris issue which does make my eyes very sensitive to light. (and no I'm not remotely offended!)

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  21. Verdict please , are Topshop or Boden skinny jeans best ? Also any ideas where can get black cropped work trousers that don't make me look as though I've tried to raid the 5 year olds wardrobe ( am 5 ft 9) . Zoe

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    1. I like both. Topshop Baxters are a much looser skinny and they do stretch in the leg. Leigh jeans are a much thinner fabric than a proper denim - more of a jegging than a jean. Kirstens are high waisted and very skinny. Limited range of colours. Boden are a proper skinny true jean. Depends what you're after. (sorry - bugger all use I appreciate)

      Work trousers - Next, Zara (they have some lovely black trousers in at the moment and would be my first choice). Jaeger and Joseph if you're looking for more expensive. But that's off the top of my head (saw the Zara ones earlier today)

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  22. Thankyou muchly , shopping slightly limited by 8 month old who is at the 'lets smear banana/snot etc over any clothing I can reach from the pushchair' stage and 5 year old who is just feral . Managed to speed buy coat , scarf and cardi in Zara whilst muttering alternate threats / bribery and am now trying to wangle a whole half hour there ON MY OWN .....(could probably empty my bank account nicely in that amount of time )

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  23. What you think of leather leggings v leather jeans. Have been looking at Theory pair for 2 years! Really live them, but expensive! Can get them at 25% discount. HELP!

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  24. Hello! Found your blog whilst looking for ash wedges.. I love it and now check religiously everyday! Find it so bloody handy as def need a shove in right direction when it comes to fashion tips.( Also having 2 pre schoolers shopping trips are few and far between so I need to know what to look for)! Anyhow went on a mission this morning to bag me some linen tshirts. Massimo dutti was late opening so I popped next door to pull and bear(never stepped foot in here before) .. Was so chuffed to find linen tshirts.. Long and short sleeved and just the right neck line for small boobed me.. And they were half the price of massimo.. wanted to share my find and let you know! Clare

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