So it seems that....

...they're not just holiday favourites.  I started the week going through my holiday heroes and what I've realised is that my best bits I take with me (and admittedly we're not talking dressing for 40 degrees in the Med here - we've got more of a Northern European Climate wardrobe chat going on) are in fact, my all year round must haves. 

And up there at the top is my most beloved - the stripe top.  Be it a breton, be it a jumper, be it a tee, it must be striped.  For me, my current favourite which I've been wearing non stop since I got it last year is the Hush black and white jumper.  This works on its own or with a tee underneath.  It's a jumper but it's a thin knit so is ideal for layering and slim enough to slip a blazer over the top. 

Can't recommend this highly enough and is perfect in this crazy weather when it's clammy and muggy one minute and full on chilly an hour later.  A must for my suitcase, especially as it's a black and off white so perfect for my mostly monochrome themed selection - obviously with the odd khaki thrown in for good measure and obviously the leopard print scarf.  In fact, whilst we're talking leopard print - my fave *print* combo (even though in my rather warped brain, I genuinely think of both of them as neutral....) - stripe & leopard.  And yes, The Husband does actually come out in hives when I wear these together.

Stripe Boatneck Jumper from Hush £65

Another bargain jumper in linen at Uniqlo - perfect for those rainy days on holiday when you still want to feel vaguely summery.  And also gorgeous with grey (I might mention this once or a gazillion times more....) and navy come Autumn. 

Premium Linen Sweater was £29.90 now £9.90 from Uniqlo


Another bargain to be had at ASOS - this time more fitted.  For me, this is ideal to wear under a blazer in the A/W.  Or now thrown on with shorts and a scarf. 

ASOS Tall jumper in Stripe with elbow pads £22 and 100% cotton. 




Instead of a jumper - a sweatshirt is a great alternative.  I am a huge huge sweatshirt fan (guess what's coming shortly in my capsule collection...)

BDG Stripe Sweatshirt in Ivory and navy £39



On a jumper roll now and an oversized version at Abercrombie.  A wide white stripe which some people may prefer. 

Abercrombie & Fitch Stripe Oversized Knit Jumper £36



However I have to say I can't do a striped top blog and not mention the iconic Petit Bateau Breton.  Admittedly less of a jumper and more of a top....

It may seem like a lot but it really is a fabulous investment.  One of my closest friends has one and every time she wears it I do think - I *really* need me one of these.  However I am scarred by the hideous story of a Joseph Breton that I owned.  And wore once.  And then handwashed.  In the machine.  Which a certain small 2yr old (now 8... how he has got to 8 is a minor miracle to be frank with you) decided to change from a cold handwash at 15 degrees to a 90 degree wash.  I can't even stand to relive the rest of the nightmare but suffice to say, 6yrs on, it still makes me WEEP when I even contemplate recalling it.  And no, the top could not be rescued.  Sob.

Were I to purchase one of these, I would be reminded every day.  Of a Breton I had that was very similar but dare I say it, nicer and more expensive.  (I spent absolutely ages justify its purchase.  But I must move on....)  However if you're not the (occasionally) proud owner of a busy (we now know Aspergers/ADHD and no we weren't surprised) and button obsessed small boy - this should be your go to Breton. 

Iconic Women's Breton Top £58


Or in the alternative colourway 




If we're talking about tops, then I have to say winner of my stripe tee shirt challenge would be Me+Em. 

Obviously the darling of Princess Kate (is that what we call her?) for the classic striped tee - I think she has the navy and white and also the cobalt and white.  My choice would be the black and white.  Really unusual to find a breton top in this combo. 

Breton top in black and white £48




I have to say my choice though would be this completely bargain box tee. 

Stripe V Neck Box Tee was £45 now £13.50





However this is new in and I simply adore this.  No need to layer it up with anything, just throw it on and go.  Perfect for work or the school run. 

The 2 in 1 Breton Shirt £88 from Me+Em




A sneaky last minute summer purchase could be a stripe dress.  Layer these over skinny jeans and a blazer, chunky cardi or biker jacket for Autumn. 

Stripe long sleeve tee dress by Boutique at Topshop £45



Another version in grey at Urban Outfitters BDG Slouchy Stripe Marled was £39 now £22




Finishing with a sale bargain though and it doesn't necessarily have to be a breton to be a stripe though - this would be as fab over shorts and a tee at the seaside as it would with jeans for travelling in or for the cooler months. 

Cashmere Stripe Jumper from hush was £120 now £85 with an extra 10% off with the code EXTRA10.  Last day of the hush sale today!




And here I am in my fave stripe jumper.  Home from hols now.  It went simply too too quickly.  


Grey tee - T by Alexander Wang
Off white jeans - All Saints
Black buckle sandals - Zara
Black Mario bag - Jerome Dreyfuss

Can you believe that we left the coffee machine on holiday?  Ok confession time,  I am such a sad caffeine obsessed freak that I take my Nespresso machine on holiday with me.  AND WE LEFT IT THERE.  It's say on the side in a bag.  Along with a shed load of pods and milk. 

Luckily we're going back to Suffolk in a couple of weeks for another week so hopefully we should be able to pick it up then.  Is it really really wrong to admit I think I might miss it more than had I left a child...? (OBVIOUSLY I'm joking... - spot the person who's not had a coffee since this morning.  I have resorted to prosecco instead....)

Smallest boy's birthday tomorrow morning.  He's requested Chilli for breakfast....