It's the simple things in life...

... a top. 

I know - how hard can that be to find?  Well, the answer is very.  The sorts of tops that every day you can just reach for.  You can wear them with skirts, jeans and trousers.  You can wear them out to dinner, you can them to work, you can throw them on to go to the supermarket.  

Easy.  Not expensive.  Every day tops.  

I'm going to come to the colourful ones.  But right now, I am collating a collection of good old, faithful white ones.  Some cream.  Yes I seem to be going heavy on the cream/white right now but that's because if we're looking for just one or two new things to add into our wardrobe to give it a fresher feel - you can guarantee a neutral will work with everything.  But fear not, I will be looking at some colour and print - just taking a little breather with some calming fresh numbers.  

First up THS.

Textured Jacquard Print Short Sleeve Top from M&S £22.50

I'm also thinking this could be super useful too... Flattering over the tummy hopefully.  I did try one on in Zara that was similar.  Except there was a whacking gap just under the knot through which my muffin protruded.  Not the best look...

Striped Tie Front Half Sleeve Top from M&S £29.50


Round neck again and I know that this isn't going to be for everyone - for me, the ironing would be a "no blooming way", I can't do a stiff cotton as it sort of wears me as opposed to me wearing it - but I know some will love the elegance of it. 

Pure Cotton Ruched Long Sleeved Blouse from Autograph at M&S £39.50


This is MUCH more my cup of tea.  A t-shirt with edge.  Literally.  A padded collar edge.  

Detail Neck T-shirt from Mango £17.99


Embroidered with puff sleeve top detail at Warehouse £36


But then I know that so many of you love love the v neck.  And I have to say - they've grown on me for the Summer.  This one I adore. 

Crossover Design Top from Mango £17.99


When a tee is so much more than just a tee... 

Ella Top in White from Baukjen £65


When a shirt is not a shirt.. when it's a drapey, wearable jersey number.   One of the major things that people commented yesterday that they couldn't wear but would love to, was a white shirt.  ME TOO.  I look like a sweaty coach driver in one.  This though, being jersey, wouldn't crease, has the perfect drape, fabulous for work, ideal with jeans.  

Eleanor Blouse in White from Baukjen £79


Or a sleeveless version.  The Ellie also from Baukjen at £69


Another sleeveless v neck at John Lewis.  Silky perfection to go with pretty much anything.

John Lewis Pleat V Neck Blouse £39


V neck at John Lewis in one of my favourite Summer fabrics - linen jersey. 

John Lewis Gathered Yoke £35



Sleeveless scoop neck at Mango.  This is a loose shape but looks like a very lightweight floaty fabric which is perfect tucked in. 

Ruched Detail Top from Mango £15.99


Another scoop neck with ruched detailing in a silk mix from Boden - 6T2C for a discount of either 25% or 15% depending on when you order (free delivery and free returns - the 25% is off different things at different times.  Clear as mud?!)

Ravello Top £55 pre discount


And a V Neck Version - The Ravello V Neck £55 (again pre discount)


This is the sort of skirt, that I wore today, that shouts out for one of these tops.  I always make do with a tee.  Oh and whilst we're on that subject, I will be exploring white tees very shortly.  Where to find the best ones.  If you have any you can recommend, do yell please!



Skirt - La Double J at Matches (sale ss17)
Loafers - Gucci (3yrs ago)
Bag - Loewe at Matches (ss18)
Tee - FWP by Rae (gift ss18)
Boucle jacket - Zara (about 4 yrs ago)

Yes I am on the HMS Belfast.  Yes this was THE most ridiculous outfit to wear.  DOH.  I had a day with the 11yr old (the one with Asperger's/ADHD).  He had an appointment in the morning (handily missing the swimming gala which is an annual disaster) and then this afternoon they were crowning Mary with flowers for May Day (spot the Catholic School).  I used to LOVE this at my primary school but for an 11yr old boy, it doesn't hold quite the same appeal.  He's also having a really tough time at school at the minute (yr 6).  A combination of a lot of things but - as I'm sure any of you with a child who has ASD will agree with - sometimes you just need to break the cycle.  A change from the status quo and a day away from everything which is getting to them. 

So it was a Home School day.  We played a lot of scrabble (can highly recommend the App..!) and then it was a whole afternoon aboard HMS Belfast.  Which is AMAZING.  I can highly, highly recommend.  Actually it's something we wouldn't be usually able to do as it really is a squeeze in certain areas and when it gets busy, apparently it can be very tricky - even for neurotypical people. 

We have come home with an Airfix model which he has spent the last two hours painting and I can just see the weight lifting from his shoulders.  Just for one day - he has been able to be himself.  And yes, I have had a little weep at having had such a great great day! 

Over and out. xxxx