If in doubt...

.... go back to black. 

So yesterday there I was getting dressed.  I have been wearing jumpers for so long, day in day out - not complaining as I love wearing a knit and I've built up a lovely collection over the last couple of years.  And whilst the rain and wind were biblical, dare I say, it was vaguely milder.  

It suddenly seems to not be Cold anymore.  Not cold cold.  And it did make me suddenly focus on what I will we be wearing in the next month or so.  

I've got bottoms covered (although I do still need to talk you through new khakis as I am loving mine, along with boyfriend jeans, peg legs, cropped trousers and culottes - the trews are sorted).  Needless to say by bottoms I mostly mean trousers.  I've finally realised that I don't particularly like wearing skirts and so don't.

Jumpers and tees - yup, tick tick.  All ok for them at the mo.

But say top wise - for example yesterday - you want something ever so slightly dressier.  Something smarter.. something that you can throw on for lunch or wear out for dinner with heels. 

There is a special area of my wardrobe reserved for ... black tops.  Genuinely I cannot have too many of these.  They are perfect for every single occasion.  Work, day, play, weekend

Each season there are lots of new styles and trends that we (sometimes) fawn over but I'm pretty sure that the majority of our wardrobes are full of classics.  It's great to mix in the odd trend here and there but as a whole, we should be spending the majority of our budgets on those basics we rely on in and wear day in day out.  Season in and season out.  The building blocks of our wardrobes really are the things we should pay most attention to and look hard to buy. 

For me - for as long as I can remember, my mantra has been "do they have that in black".   Like I say all the time, I appreciate that at a certain age, we should all start migrating into swathes of navy but hell - it's just not quite the same as black.  And so I shall continue to indulge my obsession as I feel better in it.  I feel chic, I feel polished, I feel like me.  

Now one thing I don't have which I was looking for yesterday for more of an androgynous vibe was just a plain black blouse.  Something to tuck in or out of jeans or trousers that I could throw a blazer over and layer with lots of thin chains.  This one is perfect and no ironing required.  I have spent ages looking for the perfect cream blouse (and found it at hush where today is the last day to get 10% off... - their Essential Silk Blouse which they now only have in ecru, the black having all sold out, dang it.)

ASOS Blouse £28

Collarless options now - these will happily get worn all year round.

Selected Dynella shirt in black £50




ASOS V Neck Blouse £25



Wrap over option.  This doesn't work for me as I carry my girth at my waist (gosh that makes me sound attractive) so anything that draws attention to it  - like a belt - is a big no no for me.  But if you're more generous of bust, pear shaped or an hourglass, this would be ideal for you. 
ASOS Obi Band Wrap Shirt £32



A similar belted shirt version at Whistles was £85 now £60 Have to say I do in fact, prefer the significantly cheaper one above...




T shirt versions which are slightly smarter are my idea of heaven.  

ASOS The Ponte Top with V neck detail £16




A crossover flowy tee style at Mango (which they do also do in navy if that's more up your flattering street..!)  

Wrap v-neckline blouse £17.99 from Mango £17.99



Longsleeved and jersey now for a bargain price at Jaeger Outlet.  So easy to wear and dress up or down.

Jersey Drape Front Top was £80 now £25 with an extra 20% off taken off at checkout.




And a side pleat wrap top again at Jaeger. 

Side Pleat Wrap Top at Jaeger Outlet was £60 now £30 but again with the 20% off.  Super flattering with the ruching at the side.  This is a style that I honestly think most people can wear.





This won't be for everyone but I love the high neck top. 

Selected Coda High Neck Top £40




Similar now but without the high neck.  This fabric is fantastic from French Connection.  Washes and wears like a dream.  No creasing, ridiculously easy to fling on with joggers, jeans, leather leggings, culottes, pencil skirts, peg leg trousers, you name it, this top would go with it.

Arrow Crepe Top from FCUK £60



And if you prefer a V neck then they have the same fabric in a wrap over version. (with a woman who reminds me of a cross between Morton Harket and Jarvis Cocker.. maybe it's the leather trousers.. or the hair.. I can't take my eyes off her - curiously fascinated).

Aro Crepe Wrap Over Top £60



Now I'm not going to lie - I am not ready yet for bare arms.  Not enough of those pressy up things to avoid bingo wings and still white enough to be able to see me from space.

Drape Neck Top from Jigsaw £45



Now this has the teensiest of cap sleeves but for me, it somehow seems eminently more wearable than the one above.  Go figure.  This is part of Jigsaw's new building blocks essentials range which I am definitely going to explore in more detail.  I love the idea of this sort of wardrobe.  I'll be back soon...

Garment Dyed Dropped Hem Top £39




So this has really given me food for thought whilst researching (especially finishing with the new range at Jigsaw).  Very shortly, I'm going to do a round up of exactly what I shall be wearing in the Spring months (although sod's law we'll have a fortnight of Spring and then catapult straight into full on Summer....).  And then focus on filling any gaps and - most importantly, actually wearing those things we love and usually save for best.  I am on a mission to get you all wearing them every day. 

Although I have to say, I have failed miserably today.  But then no actually.  I love what I've got on today - a cashmere jumper backed with silk, that I would usually save for "going somewhere".  Well I did hike for a dog walk in it, with wellies and a raincoat on.  But hanging out at home with the family this afternoon - the husband is cooking me a proper dinner as I had to bribe the children with McDonald's for a late lunch to come for a walk (dear god - you would think I had asked them to climb the north face of the Eiger.  A WALK YOU LAZY SODS) and I'm wearing lots of favourites.



Grey cashmere and silk swing jumper - Cocoa Cashmere
Grey Lola Joggers - Whistles
Grey sleeveless knit - Primark
Grey suede Air Force Ones - Nike

Last night of the holiday weekend which has been unusually (but super pleasantly) quiet for us and so it's a glass of wine and another movie.  And then what on earth to do with the children to safeguard my sanity for the next two weeks... throw in one non-neurotypical child, a not very well 7yr old and an (understandably) more stroppy than usual 11yr old and suffice to say - how I'm not swigging gin from my coffee mug by 9.20 am is a miracle.  I think new shoes might be the answer...