It's all about the inspiration

Comes from everywhere.  And especially other people.  So a huge thank you to the lovely person who yesterday included me on a post on Instagram to a lovely lady in the US who I've never come across and who I CAN'T FIND NOW.  I started writing this at 6.30am this morning (I *may* have got up early to watch Love Island on catch up whilst working but can we not tell anyone?).

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I didn't screen shot the pic and now I have spent 30mins scrolling back through my feed trying to find her.  I did follow her but it doesn't list them in the order that you followed people. 

ARRGGHH.  Well. She had on the most amazing blazer and tee.  But it wasn't any old blazer, it was a textured grey number.  I appreciate at this juncture, a photo would be really helpful.... but moving on as we have ideas to consider.

ETA - I FOUND HER!!!  Thanks to the magic of instagram, I put a plea out to see if anyone knew who I was chuntering on about and yo - @goodbyecroptop.  IN the blazer.

Which got me to immediately thinking.  Blazers again.  I know this is something that I do fairly regularly but that's because they are simply the most perfect jackets.  That work all year round.  And can really change up your outfits with the addition of one simple item. 

So this time, we're looking at ones that are either textured or.. hmm, actually no, I'm going with check as well.  Or striped.  A stripe is a good a neutral as you can get next to a completely plain one (and I know I've done plain ones). 

They look amazing with a plain tee and jeans.  Throw on with a blouse - and the great thing about stripes or checks for example is that they do work really well with a print as well as a plain number.   Speaking of prints - if you are have any sort of affiliation with a longer printed frock as I do - these are perfect for giving them a different feel.  Discard the biker and add a hint of androgyny with a more structured jacket. 

First off this one which has a lovely texture to it. 

Miss Selfridge Check Double Breasted Blazer £45




Grey twill at The Outnet from W118 by Walter Baker was £240 now £120



Elvinia Checked Blazer from Anthropologie was £118 now £82.95



Check Structured Blazer from Mango £59.99



Looser in grey check also at Mango £69.99



Navy pure sophistication at Baukjen.

Evelyn Check Blazer was £219 now £131




If you're looking for a more cropped version then this is a corker from Topshop (corker.  Seriously, did I actually just type that?  Apologies.  Sort of fits though...!!) 

Check Side Stripe Jacket from Topshop £59



Then we have full on checktastic.  More commonly known as tartan...

Pink Tartan Jacket from Topshop £59



Red check also at Topshop (for some reason, this wasn't isn't badged as tartan.. tis tartan in my book though no?).

Summer Check Suit Jacket £59



Into the realm of stripes...

ASOS DESIGN Navy Regatta Stripe Blazer £55



Striped Linen Blazer from Mango £69.99




Then there are some that are definitely summery numbers.  But this one, for example, would look great with a denim shirt underneath - white tee, over a denim dress, dungarees - broderie anglaise dress.

New Look Stripe Blazer £22.99




My top stripe jacket is definitely this from Me+Em.  I love this whole look.  No, I am IN LOVE with this whole look.

Pinstripe Summer Tux Jacket £299



However, could this be my favourite?  This.  Different, smart, ok so maybe not entirely androgynous but meh - rules are made to be broken (you can keep the matching skirt).

Tweed Blazer from Mango £79.99



Hmmmm I say that might be my favourite.  And then out of the bag I find this.  Be still my beating loving heart of all things green. 

Double Breasted Check Blazer from Topshop £69

And then a ringer on the end as I may have mentioned that I'm loving the western vibe at the moment.  If you have a spare half hour to lose, it's PURE JACKET PORN over on the Free People website.  

Rodeo Blazer from Free People £169




And interestingly, I really wish I'd had one of these for today.  As I thought I liked my outfit, but it turns out, I didn't.  That classic moment of thinking you look ok and then catching a glimpse of yourself later on in the day and thinking - NOPE.  Don't like this at all. 


Tee - Rotten Roach from Donna Ida (ss17)
Jeans - Madewell from John Lewis (paid partnership ss18)
Trainers - Golden Goose (3yrs ago)
Jacket - Phase Eight (10yrs ago)
Bag - Hill & Friends (gift current)

A longerline blazer would have been a much better idea.

Anyway - tomorrow is another day.. must try harder.  I'm in London all day tomorrow and I already know what I'm wearing.  Well... I've planned it in my head, haven't tried it on which means it will be AWFUL!!   We'll see.....