Another summer essential (with maybe another amendment...)

So I officially can't remember which amendment to my New Year's rules we're up to - I appreciate there have been a *couple* - but I'm throwing in a summer special one. 

For anyone who hasn't been following the blog for long, at the beginning of the year, I set myself a challenge of buying only three things a month.  I then said, a pair of shoes and an accessory a month was allowed on top of the three items which were then purely meant for clothing.  Clear as mud?

My next slight change to the rules is one that has been mentioned a couple of times by other people - that of the Essential Basic.  Should this be an extra on top of the allowance?  Well yes, I decree that it should.  Especially if it's replacing an old essential that has died a death (darn moths/washing machine/just plain old).

There is nothing more irritating than having to buy a necessary basic item such as a new tee in place of an old plain tee.  It's hardly the most exciting purchase you'll ever make, is it?  But needed.  So, we can make this an extra.  Any basic purchase so long as you are replacing an old one, is an acceptable bonus buy. 

Which is handy, seeing as one of my old white linen Zara tops died.   Small hole appeared, consigned to the bin.   And I managed to snag an off white Max Studio tee from TK Maxx for a rather respectable £16.99.

They are my absolute favourite sort of basic tee.  I did post the other week about how I struggled with these and for sure, I do.  The only exception to the rule is the linen tee.  Somehow these work.  I don't wear them as often as I used to but certainly I love them for layering and with a print jacket or print trousers/shorts/skirts, they can be very useful. 

I've been trying some on *just in case* and whilst these aren't cheap cheap options, you will get such a lot of wear out of them, for me, they do represent a good investment. 

This from Jigsaw is probably my favourite.  

Jigsaw Linen Blend Slub Summer Jumper £59  Now it says that this is slate grey but I would say that it's definitely a navy.   This is stunning.  Perfect trim at the bottom, perfect neckline for those with or without boobs - ideal sleeve length.  I would advise buying all colours if you can.

In white 



Peppermint 


Other ones that I've tried on which I think are lovely and again, gorgeous quality are those from The White Company.  The code AD199 should hopefully give you 20% off with free delivery off fashion and homewares. (I just googled this so hopefully it will work)

Sporty Linen T-shirt from TWC £40



Ludicrous expression here, apologies.




V-Back T-shirt in White from The White Company £50






They also do this in an Ash Pink for £50 as well. 



And the pocket T-shirt in white for £45





And in navy £45



Double Layer Grey tee shirt from Jigsaw £49  Two for the price of one here.






And in a denim blue colour also £49




If you are looking for a slightly shorter tee to finish at your waist and sit perfectly on the top of your boyfriend jeans or, for example, smarter trousers that you want to have a neat waistband with and nothing tucked in, then this split hem one from Whistles would be perfect.  Also would be ideal for over skirts..... Save that excess fabric bunching round your waist which can be an issue. 

Whistles Linen Split Hem T-shirt in white £55



Also in black £55


I also love the Lauren top from Whistles at £65




In navy  £65




In green £65



And in black again £65 from Whistles 




There is cheaper to be found at Mango, but will it wash as well as the more expensive varieties?  I'd say probably not (thinking about the Zara ones which don't wash that well at all.....)  But they do look great in these pics and I love the slub effect of the colours. 

Linen t-shirt in gunmetal grey £19.99



And in sand vigore (their description not mine by the way) £19.99






They also do a long sleeve version which isn't a million miles away from the Whistles one although personally I do think the bottom shaping of the Whistles one gives it the edge for me.  But these, for this price are amazing. 

Linen Jumper from Mango in navy £29.99


In light beige again £29.99



A fabulous pastel yellow 



And what they call a Medium Pink £29.99 





Whilst this isn't plain, I'm throwing this in as I love it! (and it is a linen top....) 

Printed Linen top in navy £19.99 from Mango 



And another striped linen tee from Mango at £14.99



And a black and white linen tee also from Mango £19.99




So there hopefully are some suggestions to supplement your summer wardrobe but also work perfectly now with sweatshirts, jackets and jumpers for layering.  If you've never tried a linen top before, I can highly highly recommend.  I do love my viscose tees, but these really are a great drapey yet non clingy alternative.

Today though, we had SUN!  It was beautifully warm and we had a fab day trip out en famille - great lunch out at a wonderful hotel and then to Mitchelstown Caves, where alas we didn't bump into Kim or Kanye.  I have high hopes of maybe running into them if we go bowling tomorrow.  Now I would have worn my sandals but slippery floor on the caves meant sensible footwear was required.  Which I now own.  It's a miracle.