Does my bum look 40 in this?

Showing posts with label breton. Show all posts

Inspiration from Carol Baskin

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And no it's NOT leopard print. As she's well and truly trashed that look for me for the foreseeable future. Which is an absolute crying shame, seeing as it was the BEST neutral out there.

But fear not. There's another awesome print alternative that works just as well as a neutral and you won't get any Bet Lynch/Pat Butcher snide comments from the husband.

Step forward the humble stripe. So I call it the Breton stripe although that should be a specific number by all accounts according to those that are true to the word Breton but who has time for all that malarkey.

These work with every print. Believe me. Navy and cream will pretty much work with every colour (I'm sure there are exceptions to this rule but right now, I can't think of one. However I do have lockdown brain so chances of me being wrong are very high). It's the best clash ever as it's not "really" a clash. Admittedly my husband doesn't agree with me but he knows NOTHING!

Breton stripe to me is an even stripe in a cream and navy but I will allow black (as I have zero allegiance to the original Breton tribe - I am a renegade pioneer of the new style Breton stripe.. come and join me on my journey).

I'm also going against the grain even further by not talking about a jersey top.

I want a knit. This is old school blogging for me. Fixating on one specific item and then spending hours researching until I find the exact thing I'm looking for. Which hopefully doesn't cost a billionty pounds but usually does. And then spending further hours finding one at a more reasonable price.

Starting with one we might find hard to beat at Arket.

Cotton crew neck jumper from Arket £45

Although it's not navy navy by the looks of things... but actually it's a pretty fab shade and ideal if you're not sure about navy with black.

This however is up there with almost being perfect bar the price.

Cordelia Breton Stripe Merino Wool Blend Sweater from APC at Matches £165 BUT with 20% off for a limited time off limited products with the code SPRING20.

But staying with all things French, oh THANK YOU La Redoute (where else?!)

Organic cotton breton striped jumper from La Redoute £32

Which they also do in a plus size - again £32

Breton Striped Cotton Mix Jumper from La Redoute £26

Brave Soul yacht button shoulder knit was £25.99 now £16

JDY Ebba long sleeve knit top was £16 now £14

Another great version with a slash neck at The White Company

Cotton rich breton jumper from The White Company £89

Magoero linen/cotton jumper from La Redoute £68

Lighter blue and linen again at The White Company

Linen-rich stripe jumper from The White Company £79

Thinner stripes in cashmere in the sale.

The White Company Striped Cashmere Jumper at Selfridges was £159 now £95.40

And in cotton at Me+Em with 25% off.

Feminine Cotton Knit Breton Jumper from Me+Em £150 with 25% off with the code THANKYOU25

Chunky knit now (this one I love with the idea of faded, distressed jeans and sandals for Spring/Summer days - in this country - seeing as we're hardly likely to be going anywhere...).

Chunky knit striped breton jumper at La Redoute was £55 now £24.75

Another chunky option again at La Redoute from Only. A more feminine touch with the knit...

Cotton mix breton striped chunky jumper from Only £30

I think this one has the addition of a metallic neckline. Perfect shape for those who prefer a boxy style. Ideal for those who are apple shaped - hides a multitude of sins around the middle.

Brora Merino Wool Striped Jumper in Ink and White £119.20

LOVE the addition of a ruffle lace neck from Warehouse at John Lewis.

Warehouse Stripe Lace Ruffle Neck Jumper was £42 now £25

And then reverse stripe versions. I'm not going to lie - I actually definitely prefer the original colourway. BUT I know that some people prefer more navy.

John Lewis & Partners Stripe Breton Jumper £45

Organic cotton from Esprit at Le Redoute £38

A variation on the theme now and a v neck hoodie. Reverse stripe.

Striped V-neck hoodie from Gap was £39.95 now £19.98

Another reverse V neck at The White Company in the sale (limited sizes only).

Reverse breton V-neck jumper at The White Company was £69 now £34.50

And a chunky version - reverse of the one above from Only at La Redoute again £30

Having said that, this one from APC I could definitely give a home to and wear often.

Cordelia Breton stripe merino wool-blend jumper from APC at Matches £165 but with 20% off using SPRING20.

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But this one is almost the same and a fraction of the price.

Organic cotton breton striped jumper from La Redoute £32

So there is no photo today as I don't own one of these. On the wish list for sure. And during this research I found loads of other amazing options in different colours. Coming tomorrow!

My Master Plan

Well. It's not entirely a master plan. That makes it sound rather grandiose. It's more of a pretty basic plan for what I am going to be wearing this A/W.

I'm just going to throw it out there in list form, for you to peruse over and ask questions about. I have been asked numerous times what my must have pieces for this Autumn are and so here (most of it?!) is.

It's in no particular order and there will definitely be things I've missed off but I think my life might be complete if I were to find the "perfect" versions of all of the below. Colourwise well... that's a personal thing but suffice to say, mine will be a conglomeration of black, navy and grey. With some gold and khaki thrown in for good measure. And any other colour I fancy along the way.

Metallic top
Stripe top
Polo neck
Intarsia jumper
Logo tee
Crew neck jumper
Wide leg crops - plain, pleather or leather
Tapered black trousers - plain, pleather or leather
Jeans
Cropped kick flare jeans
Leather leggings
Midi or maxi skirt
Maxi or midi dress
Oversized knit
White shirt
Blazer
Biker jacket
Sequin jacket
Oversized coat cardigan thingy
Leopard coat
Trench

Trainers
Skater shoes
Loafers
Ankle Boots x a million
Heels

And surely that's pretty conclusive? Ok clearly that's me being ridiculous - that's for starters. But seriously, without busting too many brain cells, I think that with the above list, I could happily dress until Spring. And most of those things would merrily take you into next season too. Without accessories...(that's a whole new delicious ball park to explore).

So what I plan to do - rather than go through each one now and describe how I'd wear it, is to tackle a piece at a time and devote a blog to my favourites available and what else in my capsule (capsule being code for massive) wardrobe would go with it.

Starting with one of my favourites (although I pretty much love all of the above which is why they've made it into my list of Must Haves) - the good old striped top. I won't limit it to specifically Breton as I am a stripe whore and anything in a two tone will do. Jumper, top, any two colours you fancy, I'm in. Cotton, cashmere, wool - I am not fussy.

For the purposes of this item though, it must be short. (although not cropped. Dear lord, not cropped). I do have a rather amazing breton tunic in black and white that I fortunately found in H&M last year (I say fortunately as I've never seen it since - the quality is genuinely as good as my Joseph one which cannot be said for much of H&M), but today, I'm all about the shorter top or jumper.

And what do I plan on wearing mine with? Jeans (oh I can feel a complete jean splurge coming on. At the moment I only like one pair of my jeans. Does anyone else go through this - they totally fall out of love with most of their wardrobe and only want to wear ONE thing), maxi or midi skirts (love this look) with a biker or blazer (the latter being especially perfect if it's a quite straight skirt.. I may have one in mind, my leopard print one).

Also looks amazing with wide leg crops and a more tailored trouser, as I have on today. Blazer, trench or oversized cardigan coat and it's the perfect Autumn (I actually nearly said Fall then. Who am I and what have I done with myself?) outfit.

Colourwise, I have to say at the moment, if you held a gun at my head (please don't) it would be black and white as opposed to the more classical navy. I know I love navy with black but I would be lying if I didn't admit that I do love black, black with more black even more.

But they have historically always been difficult to find which is why it makes sense to bag 'em whilst you can. Look no further.

Long sleeve breton from Boden in ivory and black £26.50 Plus 20% off everything at Boden at the moment with the code A3W3.

Another classic style from Jack Wills - perfect if you prefer shorter sleeves.

Jack Wills Aldeburgh Breton Stripe Top £34.50

Slightly looser at Me+Em and don't forget there is currently 20% off - code is ORDER20 (I have just spent way too long perusing all their new stock online and need to devote a whole blog to what I would choose. The short answer is "a lot").

Double Layer Stripe Tee from Me+Em £69 I probably wouldn't wear this with a skirt - but definitely all styles of jeans and trousers.

Lovely detailing at the back.

A jumper style. Not entirely sure how this has passed me by but guess what I'm ordering tomorrow?

Breton jumper £75 from hush

But there's navy and white in the sale at Me+Em in a crewneck style.

Stripe Raglan Crew jumper was £89 now £62

Or a fine knit jumper from H&M £14.99

However I have found two complete bargains (this is when you're comparing them to a) their full price and b) everything else on the Matches website - then they're a "bargain") from Isabel Marant in the sale.

Emsley Striped sweater was £190 now £95

Or the Isabel Marant Etoile Erwan button shoulder stripe jumper was £175 now £105

But one that I have and can highly highly recommend. I have the medium which I would say is a small 12. I bought this at the beginning of the Summer and have worn it a couple of times - it's perfect this in betweeny weather. It's actually a brown metallic - which sounds ming but it's a khaki brown, it does indeed look pretty darn good with olives if I say so myself, ditto black. It's also short in the body so is ideal with higher waisted trousers and skirts. Not so good with anything low rise, unless you have a penchant for flashing your prosecco tyre (speaking for myself) to the world and her dog.

Mango Stripe Long Sleeved Top was £25.99 now £12.50

I can also confirm that you simply cannot have too many of these as they are so ridiculously versatile. And anyone who tells you that you can (usually someone husbandish looking), is wrong. There are loads more out there, of that I am certain and will bring you them as I find them.

Here I am in one of my very many tops.

Breton top in black and white - H&M
Black pleather peg leg trousers - Zara
Oversized Blazer - Me+Em
Black Flame slip ons - Seven Boot Lane
Black fringed Mario bag - Jerome Dreyfuss

So I would love to hear if there are any surprises for you on my list or if you have anything that I should add. I can guarantee that I've left some corkers off, so please do let me know.

Can you ever have too many?

Well the answer is obviously no. Unless you're a husband. And you're talking about your wife's collection of striped tops. As the answer may well be yes, but they would be wrong. Very very wrong indeed, as I can officially confirm that one can never have too many striped tops. That is officially in no official sense of the word.

However if we're following the faithful equation of cost per wear, then I think we'll find that striped tops are always a winner. As they go with everything. They are the perfect top bar none, of that I am confident.

So when it comes to looking for tops for Autumn, first up for me was a striped top. And last week on holiday, a trip to one of my favourite boutiques ever, Collen & Clare was of course in order. What couldn't I resist? Well that will be....drum roll... yes, a striped top. There was not enough eye rolling that the husband could do. Were eye rolling an Olympic Sport my husband would be centre stage on that podium.

And super randomly, following on from my Here Come the Danes blog the other day, it just happened to be a Danish brand. Here is what I bought.

Second Female Laura Stripey Top £66

Here's why. Yes, look at the length of the sleeves... This is a large as I didn't want it super skin tight even though they are supposed to be very fitted. I will be layering it as well but to get the extra long arm length for me, I went Large. As you can see, I am very pleased with it. And yes, on the floor that is the pup Ginny - shops that let dogs in. Winner. Collen and Clare I love you. If you get a chance to pop in, I can't recommend it highly enough. One in Southwold, one in Aldeburgh and one in Burnham Market. Alternatively, browse to your heart's content online.

So others that are on my wishlist. Seeing as - you can genuinely never have too many.

I've said I was going to look at tops to wear with skirts (or culottes). Look no further (although I will be doing a full blog on this, I promise...)

Stripe Raglan Crew Neck from Me+Em £89 in navy and white with 20% off using the code NEW20

Love the bargains at La Redoute with 25% off with the code NEW.

Breton Jumper £24

Interwoven drawstring sweater from Mango £49.99

Navy and white reversed and again, the perfect shape for a midi skirt or culottes. Or any wide leg trousers.

Striped Jumper from La Redoute £24 with 25% discount using the code NEW20

The Knitted Breton in Navy and White from Me+Em £99 Again don't forget your discount with NEW20 and again perfect skirt top (although I wouldn't tuck in... this sits ideally just on waistband).

And moving away from the classic navy and white.

In the grey from Me+Em....£99 pre discount

Another grey version at La Redoute £29

Striped Jumper in red £24 from La Redoute with the code NEW20

Similar again at La Redoute so again with 25% off using the code NEW.

Striped Jumper £29

And the off piste polo necks. I need all of these.
Stripe Jacquard Roll Neck from Nobody's Child at Topshop £14

Fine Wool Tencel Polo Neck in Rosewood/Auburn £79 from Toast

Or in the Sage and Prussian Blue also £79 from Toast.

But when ti comes to different colourways, it has to be the cashmere jumper from Collen & Clare that I am regretting not getting. Navy and orange. Loved. I did try it on and it does come up large, so if you are thinking of getting it, size down.

Jumper 1234 French Stripe Jumper £169 The small was fine for me.

Now it was too warm to wear my new polo neck today so I'm sporting a Mango sales bargain in black and brown metallic.

Stripe metallic top - Mango

Military jacket - Zara

Black skirt - M&S

Superstar sneakers - Golden Goose

Black Half Moon Bag - APC

And what to wear tomorrow - off to London for the day and apparently it's going to be a gazillion degrees. Really? Well. We'll see... In the meantime, I shall be off ogling more stripe tops - can you ever have too many?

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