The January Style Challenge 2 - The Perfect White Shirt

Item two is a basic white shirt. Not very dressed down I hear you say but a wardrobe basic that I'm lacking and one that I know will give new life to a few jumpers and sleeveless dresses. 

I had no luck in the shops last week so when I came home, I ordered one online from TM Lewin. I always bought my shirts from them when I worked and the quality is excellent. This one was only £20 in the sale:

White Shirt - TM Lewin

but sadly, I didn't notice that it was double cuffed. It was a lovely shirt but I didn't even try it on as I can't bear double cuffs for casual wear. Thank goodness for free returns! TM Lewin do have a buttoned cuff version on this link but it was out of stock in my size. So the hunt continued. This one from Boden looks great - but on closer inspection, it seems a bit flimsy on the collar. I'm really looking for something with a more substantial collar.

Boden 'The Shirt'

This one from the new spring collection has a collar more along the lines of what I'm looking for though I'm not overly keen on the bib detail and it is full price!

Boden - Great White Shirt

Next contender was this Tommy Hilfiger one from House of Fraser and it went into the virtual basket. I kept looking though as this was only available in a 10 and I really could do with a 12 to prevent any button gaping

Tommy Hilfiger @ House of Fraser

And then - the exact style I was looking for, also in House of Fraser but not in the sale! 

Linea Stretch Shirt

and then I struck gold...and my mother & mother in law would be proud. Betty Barclay at John Lewis have this shirt reduced in the sale:

Bright White Shirt - John Lewis

I waited for it to arrive before blogging so I could be sure it was the one and I'm delighted with it. Exactly what I wanted. Lovely bright white, not see through, great stretch in it, nice firm collar, long enough sleeves and not too long to wear alone but not too short that it gapes on my long torso. In fact, I would almost consider buying two of them. Here I am wearing it - mine is a size 12 and I would say it's a bit generous..I could have got away with the 10 but for more casual dressing, I prefer a bit more material.

Really really pleased with this one - that's item two in the bag! Finishing with what I wore yesterday (today is coming on another post)..

I was copying Joanna by wearing my Only Jeans from ASOS. Great minds and all that but for the record, I'm 5 hours ahead so I put them on first :)

It was a working from home day, sorting out receipts, invoices and stock for the shop so I wore my Cosy Slippers (further reduced to £11.60!), Crew Neck and Knitted Jacket (old) all from Boden! 

Ok - for all you bloggers out there - please add your January Sale posts below using the linky and do please click through to read some of the other posts!