All hail a stripe

It may or may not have slipped your notice that I am rather stripe obsessed.  Admittedly at the moment, my love lies predominantly with all things breton but from a quick trip around the shops this week, I have to say I am coming round to a whole new world of stripes. 

Clearly I've managed to hunt out loads of navy but there are some other beauties that I've unearthed that have grown on me and I am now really thinking about adding into my wardrobe. 

Why?  Well, as I've always said, they are the perfect neutral.  In my book they go with everything.  Perfect with all shades and just as versatile to mix in with a print.  (The Husband is still coming round to this and I can actually see him vomit a tiny bit in his mouth when I subject him to stripes and print - especially leopard print.  That's his *favourite*.....) 

Best thing about a stripe is that I can guarantee it will fit perfectly in with your wardrobe.  It will go with so much that you already have but at the same time totally transform all your old outfits.

What started me off on this trail was this shirt that I saw in M&S.  I thought this would look fabulous with the suede skirt but at the same time - super versatile to wear on its own.  Love over white jeans and a black blazer..... little ballet pumps.  Or heels and black super skinnies for the evening.  

No Peep Longline Striped Shirt from M&S £29.50

And then I just couldn't stop seeing striped things.  I love these.  Work perfectly for throwing on for the school run but smart enough to wear for work with a blazer.

Sandstorm Striped Tapered Trousers £35.00 from M&S 



They also do them in a cinnamon version which I have to say, as much as I thought I preferred the navy straight off, these with lots of cream and taupe shades, are fast becoming my favourite. 

In the cinnamon




They also have co-ordinating sleeveless blouses which you could put together as an outfit or just as easily wear them separately. 

Striped Wrap Blouse £25



Striped Wrap Blouse £25



Other co-ords in stripes that are definitely worth looking at - still at M&S are this skirt. 

Striped A-line skirt £45  Would look fantastic with a little black jumper.  Or fitted black or white shirts..... or even a plain tee.


Or there is the matching top to make a dress - a top which you could also easily wear on its own. 

Cap Sleeved Striped Organza Top £35


A breton inspired blouse now - something a bit different.  Looks like a breton top but is silky, gathered at the bottom, making it the perfect top to balance out those flared jeans.  Also ideal with a skirt of any shape.  

Longsleeve Striped Blouse £35





We can also look at other colours - and a quick whizz into Warehouse meant I was in stripe heaven.

Stripe Vest £32 from Warehouse



And the dress version.  Now this I am giving serious serious thought to - I love the length of this and perfect for those not tanned enough legs.  I think this would also work well with chunky heels.  

Stripe Column Midi Dress £40




Can't believe I forgot about this one - another couple of kettlercise sessions and my arms should be short sleeved worthy..... I do fear it's very short though.....

Striped Shift Dress £50



More colour in a gorgeous sleeveless striped blouse from M&S £29.50




Another dress that is probably only for those who are of a more diminutive stature.  Alas.  As it's so perfect.

Double-breasted dress from Mango £59.99



This one looks a better length though and although it's not something that I would usually choose, I have to say it's growing on me....

Striped Knit Dress £49.99




Some more casual dresses now.
Striped Ascot Dress £95 from Hush.  Perfect for a warm day.



More casual at Phase Eight - Sally Striped Kaftan Dress on offer at £59.25




Striped Double Layer Fit & Flare Dress £29.50 from M&S again.  This is a more formal dress - perfect for a smarter occasion.  Can't believe I haven't seen this before.  To me, much more Reiss than M&S.






And finally there are the jacket options.  A couple of peaches at Mango. 

Striped Knit Coat £49.99 in navy.



A great structured jacket £79.99




And my favourite - a complete classic - I love this whole outfit.

Striped Jacket £59.99



I'm pondering wearing the suede skirt today.... am I ready to bare the legs yet?  To be honest I could have worn them yesterday - it was so warm!  Took the children swimming and wished I had had my legs out.