B number 3.

It's the blouse.  I had a look as to when I last did a blog on this and it was way back at the beginning of December.  But I haven't stopped thinking about them since. 

I have invested in a couple since then - a lace one from Monsoon and the frill one from M&S.  What I don't have, and what I keep seeing and lusting over, are print ones.  I have new jeans, I have high waisted trousers and I have a feeling that dungarees are going to be everywhere this Spring - all of which make the ideal playmates for blouses. 

Maybe I'm finally growing up (ok so that's doubtful).  But when you've been living in jumpers all winter - don't get me wrong, I love a jumper - a change is as good as a rest and since it is realistically months before we can crack out the tees, the blouse is the perfect transitional item of clothing.

It's also super useful.  And there's nothing more than I like than practical.  Cost per wear, these could easily be the most hardworking pieces of clothing in your wardrobe.  They're ideal for work, they double up as the perfect out out tops and with dungas for the weekend - they're ideal dress down fare.

I just need to get over my mental block of wearing them.  It can't only be me, can it?  So I'm going to be wearing my black blouse to London tomorrow for meetings - or maybe the white one... anyone else want to join me on the Blouse mission?

Today, I'm thinking about blouses for the occasions I mentioned above.  Work, play and out.  And I'm looking at print.

Adore this.

Floral Frill Mesh Blouse £36 from Topshop

I would prefer this to the floral personally but maybe I'm still in festive mode.

Star Embroidered Frill Blouse from Topshop £36


Thinking Spring colours now.

Spot Ruffle Blouse from Topshop £34



High collar again at & Other Stories but you can undo the top buttons if you don't like the full on high neck look.  

Raised Collar Frill Blouse at & Other Stories £55




Floral and a v neck now.  Love this with jeans. 

Peony Floral Tie Front Blouse from Topshop £34



Gardenia Silk Blouse from & Other Stories £69



Floral embroidered at Finery London. 

Eastlake Embroidered Lace Shirt £85



Coloured again but this time stripes.  Love the fact this is so different from most other blouses that are out there at the moment, and I think has a kind of retro vibe to it.  80s.  I am sitting here, realising with complete woe that that probably counts as properly vintage now, doesn't it?  Ugh.  

Flared Sleeve Blouse from & Other Stories £45



And then the plain colours. 

Tie Sleeve Blouse in pink from Topshop £29



Turquoise Ariannna Blouse from Boden was £69.50 now £41.70



You will note that there is a distinct lack of black and white here.  Saving them for another day as I think they deserve a blog all of their own.  I also may have a monochrome series coming up.  You will also notice that there isn't a bigger selection as there normally is but with a husband who can do nothing, I am completely and utterly exhausted.  A new found respect for single mothers.  Although I have to say, half my energy has been taken with going to the supermarket about 6 times this week as he is eating me out of house and home (he normally has dinner a couple of nights during the week and that's it.  He now obviously has three meals a day.  This is my fault as I'm not used to buying the amount of food being consumed!  I will know better for this week).  He's also (understandably) pretty miserable as he's finding it seriously frustrating not being able to get around and there's nothing I can do to help (well - certainly nothing I'm suggesting is working....). 

So I've dog walked, taken the children to Mass, gone to the supermarket, cooked a roast dinner, done all the washing and taken the children to the cinema (Sing by the way, which is amazing).  It hasn't left the largest amount of time for work today.

Therefore it was a quick blouse whizz through.  We're going back to the hospital on Tuesday (and I may be going to Bicester on Wednesday, birthday present shopping.  WHOOOP.  Life definitely isn't all bad...) so hopefully he'll have a better idea of how long he has to be housebound!

Today, there was no actual blouse action.  It was definitely jumper territory.  I will try harder tomorrow.  I'm thinking wide leg high waisted trousers, blouse, biker, scarf and hat.... watch this space.  And trainers.  Got to be trainers.




Striped jumper - Zara
Black double faced coat - Jaeger
Drawstring crepe joggers - M&S
Sneakers - Golden Goose
Willow Fedora - Penmayne of London
Red Soho Disco bag - Gucci

London tomorrow for meetings as I said.  Which could be very interesting.  I will be reporting back.  And I shall endeavour to wear a blouse (with layers.  Lots of layers as it's still going to be baltic till later in the week!).