They're just not going anywhere

It's the good old Out Out Top.

We may have been wearing these since Jesus was a boy but they are still one of the most useful things you will have in your wardrobe. 

They're also the perfect January pick me up.  One little top can work wonders to create a whole new set of outfits from your old favourites - jeans, skirts and trousers. 

This is really going to be the theme of January for the blog.  Instead of looking at entire new winter outfits - we're going to be cherry picking pieces that you can add into your existing wardrobe to get you through to Spring.  So the idea is that we don't have to buy all of the pieces all of the time, but we'll go through how each item can work, in isolation, with things that you already have. 

And today we're looking that long term fave - the Out Out Top.  Which you can also wear In In.   So there's not the hugest amount of skimpy sequin/lace numbers that were perhaps your top of choice from your younger days, but a more elegant, sophisticated version that you'll feel as comfortable wearing to work, as you would with jeans and trainers on the weekend and heels for the evening.

We've also waving a huge hello to New Season.  There will surely be some sales bargains to be had but today, all things "New In" are calling me. 

Starting with some great options at Mango. 

Polka-dot blouse from Mango £29.99

Print with attitude now.  This can easily be worn with the matching trousers or - for a slightly less "in your face" look, I would team over a pair of jeans with spike heels or leather leggings.

Button Printed Shirt from Mango £49.99



V neck again in a wrap style for a steal at ASOS. 

ASOS Kimono Wrap Top in Digi Floral £36



Wrap again at New Look. 

Floral Wrap Top in Print £22.99



Dutch Floral Print Top at Warehouse, new seaon £46



V neck at & Other Stories and this I absolutely LOVE.  Who says metallic has to be just for Christmas?

Gilded Blouse £79



I love the idea of this - a cropped shirt so you don't have to tuck it in and it will sit perfectly just over the waistband of any trousers.  Or a pencil skirt?  I'm just going to throw a pencil skirt in there as a suggestion as I have a feeling in my waters, we'll be looking at these next season.  Don't quote me on that.... This would look rather amazing with white jeans.

ASOS Crop Shirt in spot heart print £25



Lace Musea Shirt new in at French Connection £110  Teamed with a midi skirt = instant tribute to Self Portrait dress.



This would be absolutely perfect with black midi skirts.  Or how about just casually with jeans. 

Embroidery Puff Sleeve Blouse £59




Higher collar at & Other Stories £59  Green and pink.  On repeat.  LOVE.



High neck is definitely a trend this season (which is handy for me as I adore them).  I call them "no need for a hair wash" tops.  As in, they're perfect to wear with your hair scraped back and huge earrings.  Never let it be said I am not the ultimate in lazy chic.

Stradivarius High Neck Top £19.99




In blue at YAS £45




Ok GIVE ME ALL THE HIGH NECKS...

Floral Embroidered Blouse in Black £59   This for me wins top of the day.



But the find of the post has to be these, new in at Mango.  There would be no shame in buying these in all three colours.  I can't believe they're less than £20.

Combined printed t-shirt £19.99 from Mango in what they call blue



In the green



And the black...



And my beloved black.  This one would sit perfectly over leather leggings or coated skinnies.  Not to mention over a well worn pair of old faithful jeans.  I wear a cami under the one I have which is similar, as opposed to just a bra. 

Boohoo Crochet Lace Peplum Bell Sleeve Top £20



And cream at & Other Stories - Ruffle Collar Blouse £59 - which can be worn high necked or as a v neck.



So here I am in my Out Out top from last night.  To go with the new shoes I got in the sale at Harvey Nichols.  I may not have lucked out at Bicester, but after a trawl of the dregs of the sale yesterday at Selfridges, Harvey Nicks and Harrods, these are what I came home with.



Blouse - Rue de Femme (gift aw17)
Camisole - M&S (aw16)
Jeans - Mih from Fenwicks (sale aw16)
Belt - Weekday at ASOS (ss17)
Shoes - Celine from Harvey Nichols (sale aw17)
Clutch - Clare Vivier from Net A Porter (sale ss17)
Earrings - Aldo (ss17)

Today... drum roll... I WENT RUNNING!  I have joined a beginner's running course.  I have never run in my life.  Actually that's not true.  I have tried on a number of occasions to do the Couch to 5k running thingy and have almost died after the first gig.  Don't know what the second session was like as I never made it that.  But that was doing it by myself.  Running in a group is a totally different concept.  I LOVED it.  I didn't find it hard but I didn't find it easy.  I am definitely going back next week and shall be doing a homework run during the week (with friends - it's just too difficult).

Tomorrow - I have had so many people asking for more dresses!  Your wish is my command....