Instead, I've stripped my wardrobe right back to a basic (mostly) neutral palate, where patterns are no longer playing a part and my day to day dressing decisions are so much easier now! I'm just adding in a few statement coats for interest. Why didn't I think of this sooner?
I think because I blog, I thought this kind of wardrobe would be a disaster...that I'd have you all falling asleep but then I thought, is this not the holy grail of the busy mum? The capsule that works perfectly together, makes each day a doddle to dress for and has the bonus of making you look effortlessly stylish all the time. Because that's what clean, structured basics do. When I browse Pinterest or look at friends who's style I admire, that's the common theme. Simplicity, clean lines and mostly neutral colours.
I'll cover off bottom half, coats and accessories on future posts but for today, here is a selection of the tops I've recently sourced for my new wardrobe. Amazing, basic, quality pieces that have slotted in perfectly with the rest of my clothes.
First up, these jersey tops from River Island are fab. As soon as I felt them in the shop, I HAD to have one. They feel like cashmere - super soft. I bought the dark grey one first and wore it for the first time in Boston. The shape is really flattering and they're very cosy so I've been back since to buy the black one. There has been a little bit of bobbling on the grey one but it's not that noticeable and I love it too much to get annoyed about it. It washes well (and tumble dries) too. The dark grey isn't on the link above but it's on this link here - inexplicably called the 'Dark Grey Super-Soft Hanky Hem Top'! I've bought the 12 in both of mine.
Next up, I saw this Topshop top on my friend Helen (in cream) and went straight into town the next day to buy the black version. It's just a gorgeous shape and I like that it's a bit shorter than many of my tops, but is still flattering with the sleeve fluting and the split hem details on the sides. This has also washed really well and only needs a lick of the iron before wearing again.
Every season, I look for a few long sleeved jersey tops and this year, I've found these ones from M&S. At just £8, they're perfect, wash well and keep their shape. They're also a nice length as so many jersey tops are too short on my torso.
Finally, I found a brand called Cable & Gauge at TK Maxx and if you're in your local store, check them out as the cotton is lovely and soft and they're really well priced. I think it's a US store and some of the range online is horrific but I've bought a couple of great basic cotton tops a bit like this one and they're lovely and soft.
Finishing with a couple of outfits from Instagram (where I am most active!). I know it's been a bit quiet on here the last couple of weeks but I've not stopped blogging permanently I promise and thanks to all of you who've been in touch to enquire. It's just been a bit busy and I felt like having a break so I could focus on some other stuff. Back with a bang and inspired by my leopard skirt below, I've a great post about statement skirts coming up.
Red Coat - Boden past season
Grey Top - River Island (as above)
Black Jeans - Top Shop Joni (AMAZING!)
Black Boots - Ash Jalouse
Black Scarf - Zara
Black Coat - Gerard Darel (past season)
Leopard Skirt - Marc Cain (past season)
Black Top - River Island (as above)
Grey Scarf - Zara
Grey Boots - Seven Boot Lane (BACK IN STOCK!)
Hope you're having a good Monday,
Ax
Finishing with a couple of outfits from Instagram (where I am most active!). I know it's been a bit quiet on here the last couple of weeks but I've not stopped blogging permanently I promise and thanks to all of you who've been in touch to enquire. It's just been a bit busy and I felt like having a break so I could focus on some other stuff. Back with a bang and inspired by my leopard skirt below, I've a great post about statement skirts coming up.
Red Coat - Boden past season
Grey Top - River Island (as above)
Black Jeans - Top Shop Joni (AMAZING!)
Black Boots - Ash Jalouse
Black Scarf - Zara
Black Coat - Gerard Darel (past season)
Leopard Skirt - Marc Cain (past season)
Black Top - River Island (as above)
Grey Scarf - Zara
Grey Boots - Seven Boot Lane (BACK IN STOCK!)
Hope you're having a good Monday,
Ax
Oh my goodness, red is such a fabulous colour on you! You should wear it a lot more. Completely agree with the simplicity of clean lines and neutral palette for easier dressing. I'm definitely veering the same way ... maybe it's an age thing ;)
ReplyDeleteI've been focusing on basics a lot more this year too Avril - it makes mornings a lot less stressful! x
ReplyDeleteWhat fantastic buys - I absolutely love the draped top! Also loving your instagram feed across your header:) xx
ReplyDeleteI agree, personally I always feel a little smarter and more chic in neutral colours and simple outfits. It's easier then to add interest with fabric and accessories!
ReplyDeleteLove the red coat on you! I've been having a clear out too, I don't need lots of clothes as I'm in uniform mon-fri at work but what I've got has to work harder. x
ReplyDeleteWhen you have such great basics to work with your wardrobe does become so much easier to *shop* and getting dressed becomes a pleasure doesn't it Avril! My wardrobe is so much easier to navigate I've had good old sort out and I've gotten rid of a lot of the anomalies which were hard to style! The pop of colour coats in red and green look amazing over your basics....I shall be checking out those River Islands beauties today! :0) xx
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this blog post! I tend to stick to basics as well, it's hard to dress more creatively when you're a busy mum. The River Island tops are great. X
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