The Must Have Top

Part one.  Obviously this is part of a series called Must Have Tops... because this isn't about a stripey top and if there is any top that's essential in my book, it's a striped one.  Ergo there needs to be a series of blogs (one to include the stripey love of my life).

But to be honest (and I hate to admit it as I won't hear a thing said against any form of Breton... be it real or a mere stripey contender), I think this may win on a "covers all bases" argument. 

I am thinking the Summer version of our must have Winter Black Blouse/Top/Thingy. 

A white one.

Or cream, or off white, or whatever shade of non colour that's opposite to black that you'd like to pick. 

A top that you can throw on with jeans, even with joggers and a biker jacket but that works just as well with a pair of smart black trousers, midi skirt, pencil skirt, culottes - you name the bottom for the smart occasion - this top does the job for you. 

Does it exist?  Err hope so. 

Ok so I'm going to let you into a secret.  People ask me often about how I come up with content for the blog.  Essentially, my brain is full of a big bunch of (what may well be to some) rubbish (but to me is extraordinarily interesting....!).  That pretty much has no filter.  I think about *stuff* all the time (don't we all?) but have a habit (a bad one) of getting fixated on an item that I MUST HAVE.  At that moment in time. 

Sometimes I buy it, sometimes I don't (already moved on to the next thing).  Often I buy it and it sits in a bag in my wardrobe for three weeks and I return it (looking at you Alexa Chung mac which is going back - although I would happily wear the Ada suit every day).  

However I always blog about it.  

And some things I get in my head and I've no idea whether or not I can find exactly what I'm looking for (black Audrey Trews for example).

Other times, I know exactly what I want to buy - the very specific item that has been milling around in my the depths of my madness for weeks and I suddenly have to have it.  And I then write a blog to justify purchase of said item.  Which is normally expensive (law of sod).  However what usually happens is said item is usually sold as I am such a procrastinator and so have to find an alternative. 

TA DAH!!!  And there in lies the fodder for the blog. 

So today - it's the turn of the white top which falls into the category of "I know exactly what I want but don't really want to spend that much money and I bet it's sold out anyway so I need to find another option".

Here is the Perfect Top.  Which - every time I have gone out recently and have got dressed - have thought - *that* top would be ideal with this outfit... 

Self Portrait Flounced Ruffle Sleeve Daisy Top £180 

And guess what... I am obviously part Jedi.  It's SOLD OUT.  Quelle surprise. Ugh. 

But I am not to be deterred (and am now like the proverbial dog with a bone) and since there are loads of tributes to Self Portrait on the high street - surely I'll be able to find something... you'd think... 

I'm going in.

Vaguely similar but as useful at Karen Millen.  Love this.

Floral Lace Jumper £110 Although they do seem to have more sizes at Selfridges




More lace at The White Company and who doesn't love a sale?  This is very very sweet. 

The White Company Collar Detail Floral Lace Blouse was £98 now £39.20



Leaf Lace Top from Warehouse and so far, this is my top option.  And there is currently 20% off with the code TREAT20.  Which makes it a very sensible choice in my book...

Leaf Lace Top £39 pre discount






But there are also some great options in the sale at Warehouse (the 20% is only off full items).

High neck lace top from Warehouse was £45 now £25


But perhaps my favourite from Warehouse is this one.  No it's not the most summery but as it's been snowing this week, I think we can safely say, sod the warm weather and indulge in one of these.  Soft distressed denim, boucle cropped jacket, this and gold granny shoes.  Outfit perfection.  Now I am really pleased the SP one isn't in stock as this for £25 will be in your wardrobe for years. 

Broderie Lace Top was £49 now £25





A punchy styling choice here from Mango.  I'm going to suggest that you perhaps wear a cami underneath.  Just a thought...  However with a cami, I think this could be amazing.  It doesn't have to be a cream cami - I'd probably go for a nude.  Of course you could throw caution to the wind and opt for a colour or even a black... 

Openwork peplum blouse from Mango £49.99



Cotton lace mix from Isabel Marant Etoile. 

Isabel Marant Etoile Mayra Cotton Lace Top £130




Sleeveless at Topshop and not full on lace which would work perfectly with a more pared back look as well as lending itself well to a boho vibe. 

Lace Poet Style Top from Topshop £36




Moving into ruffles.   Now did I say I wasn't going to do ruffles?  Hear that chomping sound?  That'll be me eating my hat.  Ruffle me up with this one.

Ruffled Blouse from Karen Millen £115 Love the idea of this with faded jeans, black stilettos and a blazer.  Or those rather lovely gold granny heels from Topshop? 



And another sale bargain from Warehouse.  Good thing about this one, is that you can undo the top button and tie to give it a slightly looser, more relaxed feel. 

Jacquard Ruffle Front Blouse was £45 now £25



If lace or ruffles aren't your thing, but I've managed to persuade you that a cream top is a must have for your Spring repertoire then these may be more up your street.  I completely appreciate that if you are more endowed in the chest department, then the ones above may not be your bag.  I am definitely going to be looking at a more classic summer blouse shortly but in the meantime, these are incredibly versatile to dress up or dress down.

20% off at All Saints and fear not, I will be doing my round up of my best picks shortly. 

But in the meantime, as off white tops go, this one would work on so many different occasions.  It says dry clean but it's polyester and silk so I would definitely handwash.

Abi Sleeve Top £118




Or a sleeveless version also with 20% off... 

Abi Top in chalk £108




White layering shirt - Me+Em
Grey cashmere jumper with rainbow cuffs - Wyse London
Vintage distressed Baxter jeans - Topshop
Navy coat - H&M
Red Soho Disco bag - Gucci
Superstar sneakers - Golden Goose

Interesting day today of achieving pretty much squat, despite the best laid plans.  Car needed four new tyres (sob), cancelled Athletics club meant meltdown but managed to take the two boys swimming outside in a rare hour of sunshine (and it was actually warm...).  Not entirely sure where the day went but tomorrow, looking forward to a long dog walk first thing and then packing for our weekend away.  Which sounds vaguely glamourous.  HA.  A caravan for a rugby weekend.  Still in denial.... If I gloss over it, maybe it will pass in a lightening flash...