Inspiration from Carol Baskin

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And no it's NOT leopard print.  As she's well and truly trashed that look for me for the foreseeable future.  Which is an absolute crying shame, seeing as it was the BEST neutral out there.  

But fear not.  There's another awesome print alternative that works just as well as a neutral and you won't get any Bet Lynch/Pat Butcher snide comments from the husband.  

Step forward the humble stripe.  So I call it the Breton stripe although that should be a specific number by all accounts according to those that are true to the word Breton but who has time for all that malarkey. 

These work with every print.  Believe me.  Navy and cream will pretty much work with every colour (I'm sure there are exceptions to this rule but right now, I can't think of one. However I do have lockdown brain so chances of me being wrong are very high).  It's the best clash ever as it's not "really" a clash.  Admittedly my husband doesn't agree with me but he knows NOTHING!

Breton stripe to me is an even stripe in a cream and navy but I will allow black (as I have zero allegiance to the original Breton tribe - I am a renegade pioneer of the new style Breton stripe.. come and join me on my journey). 

I'm also going against the grain even further by not talking about a jersey top. 

I want a knit.  This is old school blogging for me.  Fixating on one specific item and then spending hours researching until I find the exact thing I'm looking for.  Which hopefully doesn't cost a billionty pounds but usually does.  And then spending further hours finding one at a more reasonable price. 

Starting with one we might find hard to beat at Arket. 

Cotton crew neck jumper from Arket £45

Although it's not navy navy by the looks of things... but actually it's a pretty fab shade and ideal if you're not sure about navy with black.  

This however is up there with almost being perfect bar the price.

Cordelia Breton Stripe Merino Wool Blend Sweater from APC at Matches £165 BUT with 20% off for a limited time off limited products with the code SPRING20.



But staying with all things French, oh THANK YOU La Redoute (where else?!)

Organic cotton breton striped jumper from La Redoute £32



Which they also do in a plus size - again £32



Breton Striped Cotton Mix Jumper from La Redoute £26




Brave Soul yacht button shoulder knit was £25.99 now £16





JDY Ebba long sleeve knit top was £16 now £14




Another great version with a slash neck at The White Company

Cotton rich breton jumper from The White Company £89



Magoero linen/cotton jumper from La Redoute £68



Lighter blue and linen again at The White Company

Linen-rich stripe jumper from The White Company £79



Thinner stripes in cashmere in the sale. 

The White Company Striped Cashmere Jumper at Selfridges was £159 now £95.40



And in cotton at Me+Em with 25% off. 

Feminine Cotton Knit Breton Jumper from Me+Em £150 with 25% off with the code THANKYOU25



Chunky knit now (this one I love with the idea of faded, distressed jeans and sandals for Spring/Summer days - in this country - seeing as we're hardly likely to be going anywhere...). 

Chunky knit striped breton jumper at La Redoute was £55 now £24.75



Another chunky option again at La Redoute from Only.  A more feminine touch with the knit...

Cotton mix breton striped chunky jumper from Only £30



I think this one has the addition of a metallic neckline.  Perfect shape for those who prefer a boxy style.  Ideal for those who are apple shaped - hides a multitude of sins around the middle. 

Brora Merino Wool Striped Jumper in Ink and White £119.20



LOVE the addition of a ruffle lace neck from Warehouse at John Lewis. 

Warehouse Stripe Lace Ruffle Neck Jumper was £42 now £25




And then reverse stripe versions.  I'm not going to lie - I actually definitely prefer the original colourway.  BUT I know that some people prefer more navy. 

John Lewis & Partners Stripe Breton Jumper £45



Organic cotton from Esprit at Le Redoute £38



A variation on the theme now and a v neck hoodie.  Reverse stripe. 

Striped V-neck hoodie from Gap was £39.95 now £19.98



Another reverse V neck at The White Company in the sale (limited sizes only). 

Reverse breton V-neck jumper at The White Company was £69 now £34.50



And a chunky version - reverse of the one above from Only at La Redoute again £30



Having said that, this one from APC I could definitely give a home to and wear often. 

Cordelia Breton stripe merino wool-blend jumper from APC at Matches £165 but with 20% off using SPRING20.


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But this one is almost the same and a fraction of the price. 

Organic cotton breton striped jumper from La Redoute £32



So there is no photo today as I don't own one of these.  On the wish list for sure.  And during this research I found loads of other amazing options in different colours.  Coming tomorrow!