If it ain't broke don't fix it.

So whilst I am on the hunt for a new dress (to be continued...), it has struck me that I've already found a formula for nights out that does work.  As predictable as it may be, so what? It works really well.  It pretty much works on most people, especially those of a certain age (ie me) who, despite looking like they're in relatively good shape, have a multitude of sins to hide. 

It will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me in real life, when I confess that I'm not as au fait with exercise and the gym as perhaps I should be.  Yes I have spurts when I will mosey on down to a class a couple of times a week and feel ridiculously pleased with myself.  This however, is never that long lived.  Clearly I blame it on those darned school holidays (drat what a bummer) but to be honest, I do have the focus and concentration of a gnat and so chances are, interest would wane, holidays or no holidays.  

However the bare minimum I do manage to achieve, does keep my stomach from actually rolling down to my knees but there is still a muffin that is best hidden under loose fabric.  Especially when I'm going out for the night and there's food involved.  I need the stylish top equivalent of an elasticated waistband.

And the perfect top for me is a shell top.  Fitted over the shoulders, short sleeves that cover bingo wings but aren't too clingy, a boxy style that's loose over the tummy and hips finishing just below the waist so it doesn't look too oversized.  A totally genius shape which gives the impression of being structured without being too fitted or clingy. 

I have a plethora of skinnies which are great for nights out.  Some dressier ones for those more glamorous occasions (or just when I want an excuse to get dressed up) and some more casual distressed denim which dampens down the glitz.  I also think these work well with a more fitted pair of boyfriend jeans or straight legs.

Autograph Contrast Floral Lace Top - £59

Staying with my beloved leopard print - this would work in so so many different guises.  

Limited Edition Animal Print Textured Top - £35





F&F Limited Edition Leopard Print Shell top - £14  After the success of my lace yolk cream blouse from Tesco, it would be rude not to order this one as well, no?







A couple of jacquard ones which I think have a fabulous festive vibe about them.  

Limited Edition Faux Leather Raglan Sleeve Textured top - £35   This looks much better and less "pleather" in real life (funny that, it being from M&S and the photo having come from their website.  How on earth they sell anything from there, is a complete mystery to me) 









This one has a detailed neckline which means a built in necklace.  Gorgeous bright colours - would look as fab with black coated skinnies as indigo jeans.  Or even a pencil skirt and heels.  I didn't see it instore as it's only available online.  Once again, I am giving the photograph the benefit of the doubt.....

Limited Edition Tapestry Textured Embellished Shell top - £35 




Another textured top which is so pretty in a graphite grey from White Stuff.  (plus how ethereally gorgeous is the model - M&S note the difference between their pic and yours, says one who never ever shops at White Stuff but may well take a gander in now) 

Evelyn Top now reduced to £32






Love the neckline of this one and the unusual teal colour (looks navy to me but is clearly a greeny navy).  Again no necklace would be needed - this would be a fab option for those days when your hair isn't looking the best and you can scrape it up in a ponytail (those of us with longer tresses clearly) and just bung on some big earrings.  The ideal excuse not to blowdry! 

Vera Burnout Top - White Stuff £37.50




Watch the Birdy Top £45 from Great Plains in a black and rust colourway.  Lovely fluid silky top with slightly longer length arms than most. 




Or in a gorgeous blue version  £45  Very pleasing to my black and navy obsession. 



Also from Great Plains is this super cute Peter Pan collar blouse - another with a built in necklace, so no other detail needed.  Beautifully simple and chic.  I love the thought of this with looser distressed jeans - the prim top with the more casual look on the bottom half.

Twist and Shout Beaded Collar Blouse  £59




I've actually decided to divide this blog in two otherwise I'm never going to get it live and it will be the longest post in the history of posts.  Round two coming tomorrow.  I love the fact that there are so many of these tops out there - easily one for each occasion.  Plus, by my reckoning most of them go in the wash as well which makes them perfect for every day use as well!  Why save them just for nights out?

Finishing with my outfits from yesterday afternoon where we went to my godson's birthday party and I got to wear my new blouse.  Very very pleased indeed - love the fact it's quite long in the body and doesn't come untucked constantly like all the ones I've got from Zara do. 

Really need to do something about the vile urine effect lighting I've got going on in my inside pics.  Apologies.