And unearthing another favourite....

....from the back of the wardrobe. 

So as well as rediscovering all my denim (I may have decided to DIY some jeans this morning and I may have ruined them... ugh), as a consequence, I am now all over my old navy.  It's something I never get rid of as I come back to it every Spring/Summer. 

Navy is the perfect addition to blue denim and whilst I am the world's biggest fan of black, I do feel that navy occasionally wins over (occasionally...).

And my must have, go to, number one item at the moment is.... drum roll... (not entirely sure as it's really not that exciting...) a navy blazer. 

Well, I say it's not exciting but it's something that you will have for years and years and I think you'll find it more useful than you perhaps thought.  Yes, it's perfect for work but it also is ideal for everyday Spring or Summer wear.  Throw over a thin jumper and jeans, a shirt (and jeans), any old tee (and jeans) and of course, a breton (with... yes jeans).

But also... with a skirt....yes, I am embracing the midi with a blazer.  Which, I discovered from my outfit yesterday, actually works. (well, I think it does anyway).

I do love a good statement jacket and yes, they do last the test of time in my experience, but if you're thinking of adding a couple of "disgraceful" pieces to your wardrobe - something more on trend that you possibly won't stick around forever (pleated midi skirt - are your ears burning?), then teaming it with a classic piece ie a navy blazer, somehow, I find, works.

I have a couple of versions (honestly, they just work every season in every guise) but my favourite is definitely from Me+Em.  Alas, mine is from last year and they don't have it anymore but they have very similar.  The quality of Me+Em blazers (as with everything from there) is extraordinary - think Joseph quality for less than half the price.  And and and and if you use the code 15YOU - 15% off (not sale items). 

Belt Detail Longline Jacket in navy from Me+Em £198

But in the sale at Me+Em is even better.  Love this with the gold buttons - fitted like mine. 

Gold Button Blazer was £185 now £92



Then of course, blazer number two in my repertoire is the new Ada from M&S.  Now this has been a complete surprise to me.  I thought I'd live in the trousers and wear the blazer occasionally.  Well, I've had it for just over a week and I think I've worn it three times?  It's so unbelievably useful and randomly flattering. 

The Ada Blazer £49.50  It would also be amazing over a shift Summer dress as well.  Just add sneakers or loafers.  Tis the perfect lightweight blazer for warmer weather, believe me.  Oh and size down.




Whilst we're talking about M&S - over the years I've tried lots on from there and they are amazing if you are larger of bust.  The majority of them don't work on me at all.  Way too much fabric in the darts at the front which is supposed to be filled with gorgeous bosom.  Which I don't have. 

Love the fabric of this one - Pique Blazer £65 from M&S  and there's £10 off with a special offer online... 



And two fitted classic versions at great prices.. 

One shorter:- 1 Button Angle Seam Short Blazer from M&S £39.50




And a longer one, which they handily call exactly the same thing as the one above, except clearly it isn't (oh Marks.....).  

On the upside, their blazers are really really good for the money. 

1 Button Angle Seam Short Jacket £49.50 (with £5 off.... at till.  Lots of offers at M&S at the mo.)




Another great one button version at hush.  I have worn my black blazer from hush weekly for the past year or so - goes with pretty much everything and the similar (but slightly shorter) midnight jacket would be just as versatile. 

hush Georgia Jacket £65



Speaking of more casual jackets, Whistles do an amazing jersey blazer in black called the Molly, which I was looking for in the navy.  Which they don't do.  But Joules do one called the Mollie... and it's remarkably similar.. (although I haven't seen in the flesh...)

And it currently has 20% off at John Lewis - Joules Mollie Jersey Blazer was £74.95 now £59.96





But if we're talking investment, then my one investment recommendation from the high street would be Reiss.  This is the most gorgeous jacket - slightly textured which immediately eliminates any worky suit connotations, yet it's still easily smart enough to wear to work. 

Reiss Issak Blazer £195 - more sizes available at John Lewis.








To be honest, I was quite surprised at how few there were on the high street.  I suppose had I ventured into Hobbs etc I may have discovered more but then you're paying so much money for something that really isn't that much better than the ones from M&S.  To be fair, the Reiss one is a cut above and has that modern edge that I personally don't find at Hobbs any more. 

And here I am yesterday in aforementioned outfit.  My favourite in ages.  Have also rediscovered my love for these boots...