I'm with the brand

Yes that is the brand, not the band.  Today, it's t-shirts.  If you're a regular Insta user (and if you're not, why not, although be warned, you will lose hours of your life and find hosts of things you need that you never realised you did previously) then you cannot have escaped the tee of the moment which is The Gucci one.

I have thought about it.  I've then given myself a big slap around the face and said no.  I will be completely and utterly honest, I do not know if I would have been buying it because I love the tee (I think I do) or because I thought it was cool as it's the *it* tee to have.  Total *things you're probably not supposed to admit as a fashion blogger* confession time.  There's a fine line between following your heart and buying things you love and then buying things because everyone else has got them.  Fashion schizophrenia at its worst, of which I am sure I have been a victim of at one time or another (blimey, it's all about the fess ups today, isn't it?).

And because I couldn't honestly say that I loved the t-shirt so much not to care if everyone else thought I was buying it for sheep reasons - that's why I said no.  Plus, it's completely irrelevant as I really don't think I could get my head around £320 for a tee (although cost per wear... STOP STOP STOP).  Yes, it's all relevant as to income etc blah blah blah but personally there are things I would rather spend my money on. 

But that's not to say I'm not a fan of the brand.  Not necessarily Gucci (although I am still loving my bag and loafers from last year) but branded things generally.  I am not even going to start going down the thorny psychological road of why we do like branded things but yes, hands up, I am generally a marketer's dream. 

Whilst this might not stretch to spending £320 on a t-shirt, it doesn't mean I haven't got my eye on a branded top. 

So this is what I won't be buying.

Gucci Logo Print Cotton T-Shirt £320

Or a black one... 



But I will say I am quite partial to the R&B one (Rag & Bone, not Russell & Bromley).  I do swing like a bonkers pendulum between mainstream and totally random and this fulfils my Aquarian need for a brand that's slightly left field.

Rag & Bone for a bargain now.  Brand - yup, as I said I like this.  Actually like this a lot.  Have jeans, have boots (although not that you need to justify affiliation with a brand but it helps) - an extra 20% off at checkout.  

Rag & Bone Printed Cotton Shirt was £70 now £35 pre discount  from My Theresa








So what would be your pick?  (not forcing you to do this by the way.. I have options, as per usual!)

Grey at McQueen.

Printed Tee at McQueen by Alexander McQueen £100




Classic Calvin Klein now £45  Retro tastic.




Or a little Italian chic.. 

Love Moschino Logo tee £65



However I think have decided to go for the Isabel Marant.  We're about to book our Summer holiday to France (camping.  Yes, you read that right.. camping.  I will need loads of tees won't I?  And all the gin).

Kolda Printed Linen T-shirt from Isabel Marant Etoile £100




Just whether to get the black or the white... £100




There's also the Kendrick but I have to say I quite like the coloured one better. 

Kendrick Printed Linen T-shirt from Isabel Marant Etoile £115



Another slightly less well known (which is code for *completely new to me*) brand.  But love this.  Super versatile.  And how fab would this look under a blazer with jeans.  Which is how I'm planning on wearing mine on repeat once I can get into the car in the morning without having to chip the ice off with a Match Attax card ("NOT THAT ONE MUMMY"...."And I TOLD you not to leave them on the floor of the car.. I may as well just burn my money"  We are the veritable Brady Bunch chez nous in the morning).

I love this more than the above, probably as it's not in your face branded.  It's just a cool tee actually - which probably means it shouldn't really be in this blog... errr.  Oops.  Have gone slightly off topic.  But then again, isn't there something to be said for a t-shirt that's obviously a "brand" but doesn't have to tell you?

Star Print Short Sleeved T-shirt from Rockins £90



And speaking of tees that you can tell are branded without them having to tell you, my favourites - good old Zoe Karssen.  I've found a whole host in the sale at Very Exclusive.  The best thing about the Karssen tees is that they're not particularly "in fashion".  They're just fab tees and ones from last season are just as good as ones you can buy now - merely a different message on the front.  For a fabulous reduction - bothered?

Best thing about these tees from La Karssen is they have a slightly lower neckline than most.

Zoe Karssen French Kissing in the USA was £55 now £22



Another white one. 

Zoe Karssen Love T-shirt was £60 now £24



Have to say I'm quite taken with the pink.  Tick all those trends with one tee. 

Zoe Karssen Hey It's Okay tee was £60 now £24



Good old Whistles.  On sale.  Stock up now as the ones they have coming through for Spring, really aren't they different.  Bar the price. 

Whistles C'est Moi Logo Tee from Very Exclusive was £45 now £27



Then we have another French super brand - Etre Cecile.

Velvet applique cotton T-shirt was £65 now £35.75




The epitome of French.  Easily identifiable by those in the know.  Timeless. 

Rouge Bleu Blanc tee by Etre Cecile was £65 now £35.75




Or Etre Cecile - P is for Parisienne was £80 now £40  All the love for this look.




So I shall obviously be adding to my collection as I find them so versatile and so wearable.  Now all we need is some slightly warmer weather to wear them. 

BUT I shall also be bringing you high street versions.  I've thrown in a Whistles one (but only because they're pretty much the same price as the branded ones).   However I know you can find a similar look for a lot less money, so I'll be bringing you those this week.  And the reason I know you can, is that I have two of them sitting in a carrier bag that I bought on Thursday.  Gems I tell you, gems.  

Outfit now from yesterday.  After the excesses of the end of last week - a quiet weekend was definitely due.  Lots of movies, the dreaded tutor (the 10yr old's words not mine although he does make us all suffer.  The 10yr old that is, not the poor tutor!), steak dinner and I can't actually remember what else.  Oh I may have had a power nap.  I am 44 now...



Navy polo neck - Zara
Navy side striped joggers - Me+Em 
Navy oversized biker - Me+Em
Superstar sneakers - Golden Goose
Black Small Tools Bag - Balenciaga

And today for three hours at the rugby followed by a highly glamorous trip to the supermarket and hours of homework to endure.  I say hours.  It was clearly 30 mins homework that required two hours of histrionics before sitting down to do it *weeps*.  But it's done.  I am now getting ready for a glass of wine and the last Endeavour.


Black swing polo neck - Me+Em
Parka - Jane & Tash
High rise skinny black jeans - Boden
Himalaya boots - Seven Boot Lane
Hat & Gloves - Black
Black Small Tools Bag - Balenciaga 

Tomorrow, I am off to Bluewater with the husband.  Which you can file under "things that NEVER happen".  He thinks we're going watch shopping (for him), I have plans to take him to the Virgin holiday shop... October half term, post 11+exam stress holiday to sort out.  I (and all three children) want to go back to Florida, he thinks South Africa is a better idea.  Discuss...  Ooh and in the meantime if anyone has any suggestions of any good B&B's to stay at in the Burgundy area of France, I would be beyond grateful for recommendations.  Needs to sleep 5.  And be boy child friendly...