*things I didn't want to blog about this time of year*

Layers. 

Let's face it, by now, we had all hoped we could be packing these away.  I've bought SANDALS for pity's sake.  Even though today, it does seem like we have had a glimpse of Spring, I have it good authority that tomorrow we are back to full on deluge of rain.

So this is a brief but important blog. Not the most exciting but I'm being asked about them all the time and so would take advantage of the lull in the proceedings to talk about the necessary.  And at this time of year (alas), they are incredibly useful and can (I am loathe to admit) make all the difference to an outfit.  Things that you didn't think you would be able to wear yet, you can - by adding a layer. 

I'm all about the under layer.  Yes, I've just made that up, but that, as opposed to an over layer.  Which, as I think about it, is more commonly known as a jumper. 

Moving therefore swiftly on and starting with my favourite which has been in and out of the machine this week as it's currently my favourite thing to fling on. 

They're not cheap but oh my lord, I have learnt over the years with these tops that mostly, if you buy cheap, you buy often.  Now there are always exceptions to the rule but  I have piles of Primark and H&M ones that I have shoved in the bin after a couple of washes.  Having said that, you can find the odd gem that will last you for years.  I've tried to work out how to spot these and I've come to the conclusion, it's the old feely trick.  There are cotton mix fabrics you know will wash well and last.  And ones that won't.  

Then there are those that throw you a curve ball and should be great but aren't.  Ugh.  Also beware that they often use different fabrics for different colours, so buying the same top (if you find one that's a winner) in all the shades, is normally a recipe for disaster.  The price that you end up paying for three tops, you are honestly better off buying one more expensive one that will last and last. 

From all that I've tried I can genuinely say my favourites are from Me+Em who take layering very seriously and have all the options covered.  Starting with a stripe top.  Which, in my book, is the best neutral you can have. 

Stripe Layering Tee in black and cream £48 pre 15% discount with BUY15.  This is the one that I have been wearing pretty much every day. 

In Tangerine and white again £48.  Love the idea of an orange.  Perfect with navy, khaki, grey, whites or black.  I definitely need to order this to add a spring to "Spring"... (I'm here all week).



And in the navy and white



Layering is something Me+Em are really masters at and my other must have tops which I live in are their jersey shirts.  Joy of these are that you can also wear them on their own.

Well, apart from this version.  This is the first one I bought a couple of years ago in the sale and still wear it as much as I did when I first got it.  Perfect for under crew neck jumpers (which I may have mentioned I also love). 

Long Cuff Layering Shirt was £78 now £54





And ones that you can wear on their own.

The Layering Shirt was £78 now £54



And a longer in the body version which is the one I have.

The Long Layering Shirt was £98 now £68




The other plain tops which I've had for years and years and again, aren't the cheapest but are worth it, are from hush and Baukjen. 

And I come armed with Easter gifts - discount codes for both.  20% off at Baukjen with the code Welcome242. 

I have one of these in black and one in white.  Mine must be almost as old as son number three.

Baukjen Longline Scoop tee in black £49



And in white



And from hush - the long length tank £22.50 in charcoal marl.  10% off with the code EASTER16 till Monday (plus you get free chocolate.  Which makes it a no brainer, surely?).

Warning - these come up big.  Size down.  And by the way - these in my book are strictly for layering...but each to their own.  They do these in longsleeved in the A/W but the vests are great for when (if) the weather gets warmer.



And in the black.



Like I say, H&M does sometimes come up trumps and I have some from Topshop.  The latter don't have any at the moment and the former - well - they have about 100 and I genuinely couldn't pick out which were good and which will end up looking like they could fit a weeble after two washes.  I can categorically say that all the above are tried and tested and will last you for years.

If anyone else has any suggestions for where they have found some great layers, then I'd love to know.

And as if by magic, here I am in my striped Me+Em one.



Black and cream striped layering top - Me+Em
Black dungarees - H&M
Black military jacket - Zara
Red Edie pumps - Jemima Vine
Black Mario fringed bag - Jerome Dreyfuss

Lovely day today - brunch with the family, then all of us went to the supermarket (which was far more successful than I would ever have anticipated although needless to say it's something we won't be repeating that often... actually I say successful.  May have lost the two small boys, only to find them in the cafe where the 9yr old had bought them both treats with his pocket money.  Sat there, like two little old men, tucking in...).  Long dog walk with the 11yr old and some of her friends and then an afternoon of movies.  Which is code for "the tv was on and I snoozed". 

Looking forward to a quiet and peaceful family weekend.  I feel tomorrow should be about luxury on the blog... let's pretend that Easter isn't really about chocolate and is about handbags instead?