Striped Magic

Because there's no other way to describe them.  Magic.  They act as the perfect neutral, they are completely timeless, they work with every style and you can get them in a style to suit everyone. 

Not to mention colours.  So today - not looking at the classic breton navy and white, we are thinking outside of the stripey box. 

Mainly because I have found a new favourite fabulous option at & Other Stories.  I got one last year and have worn it as a layering option, but coming into the Spring, I am going to be wearing this is a top.   It is the perfect option for when it's too warm for a jumper and too cold for a tee.  Voila!  

So first up, I should mention that these are not going to be super useful if you are a member of the more well endowed club.  However, there has to be some advantage to having zero cleavage and being able to wear striped tops is one of them.

These are the ones I have.

Striped Top in Black and Khaki £25

This is me in the 38 which is the 12.  So not super tight.  As in you could wear it as a top instead of a layer.  If you're a fan of the vacuum packed look or are super toned (in which case, we can't be friends), then take your usual size.  For those who have are carrying a whole pile of love around their middle (you rock and can join my gang), I would size up.

In the larger size, it is actually flattering (I also may be breathing in as if my life depended upon it here... and the majority of my muffin is tucked into the waistband of my leather leggings which are virtual spanx).



Or the black and white £25


Again in the 38.


And it seems that stripes are order of the day at Stories.  

Longerline again with a vented side.  These are a looser fit than the ones above. 

Jersey Long Sleeve Tee £25 in navy


In a black and white again £25



If you don't want a longer line version, these are great.

Striped Sweater in Blue £25 (they say sweater, I say longsleeved tee...)


Or in red again £25





Longer line again but slightly more expensive from Raey at Matches.

Long-sleeved striped ribbed t-shirt £95 from Raey.



Striped slash neck, again in black and white from Autograph £29.50



And then the reverse colourway £29.50



Shorter in the body again at M&S.  These are amazing every day staples, I have one in black and white and one in burgundy and pink from last year.

Pure Cotton Striped Long Sleeved Top £8.50 from M&S in denim mix.



Red and ecru at MaxMara 

Rabbino Top from Weekend MaxMara £78



Orcival Breton Striped Cotton Top £58




Long sleeved jersey top in white and a black mix. 

Striped 3/4 Raglan Sleeve Top from M&S £15




Slightly thicker and ok, so it is navy and white... I snuck one in.

Cotton Rich Striped Long Sleeve Sweat from M&S £22.50



However I have saved my favourite till last.  This I adore.  Why do I think this is so perfect?  It's that ultimate twist on a classic.  This sums up the sort of item of clothing that I adore.  Essentially a striped top which is super useful but with a variation on the theme.

Stripe Cut Cuff Top by Boutique £36  Black and white klaxon.




I had hoped to get to the end of a blog without thinking - I need that.  I have failed.  That last top is too perfect a "neutral" not to try.

I am clearly an addict.  Although I say that.. I am an addict of a breton style top and this is slightly different (to file under "discussions I need never have with the husband") so I will save my obsession confession to when I come back with some real breton numbers. (when I say real breton, I clearly mean "my" version - a boxy navy and white striped top, as opposed to a "from Brittany specifically" job).

So here I am in my red and black version (which alas they no longer have).



Red and black jersey top - & Other Stories
Embroidered biker jacket - Star by Julian McDonald at Debenhams
Black wide leg trousers - M&S
White trainers - Veja at Quattro Rish
Red Soho Disco Bag - Gucci

Tomorrow I will be back with some Mother's Day ideas.  I think I may have already had mine - the husband gets all the Brownie points for bringing me my perfume back from Belfast and buying the 100ml and not the 50ml.  In the meantime, I am simply loving this sunshine.  London tomorrow for a photo shoot so fingers crossed it lasts.  

I should probably go and count my striped tops and see how many I do in fact have.. care to share your tally?  And any colours that you're missing?  I fear that khaki and black one has my name on it.