Stripe Up Your Life

There are those that

Are more influential than gold medals.

Certain ones have an instinct for satire,

Some are able to reincarnate themselves.

Their power is in shifting perspectives,

There is beauty in stripes

~ Alison Riley

Breton, nautical - call it what you will - stripes are a quintessential Spring/Summer look that will never go out of style. Inspired by sailors uniforms, Coco Chanel first introduced the look to the fashion world in her 1917 nautical collection. Since then the Breton stripe has endured to become synonymous with chic Parisian style, and is a wardrobe staple for men and women alike.

This stripe top is by French online-only brand Sézane. A firm favourite with Bloggers and Fashionistas alike, Sézane has a simple but very effective format, they have a permanent collection that runs through the seasons, and a monthly release of limited-edition collections that once gone, really are gone. 'Oscar' is one of their classics; available in red or navy stripes, it is a very lovely take on the trend. The addition of a tie at the back, that reveals a sneaky peek of flesh, makes it a real stand out piece.

The joy of the simple but chic Breton stripe top is its versatility. I styled my stripes with a pair of skinny jeans, my old Jimmy Choo Hunter Wellies (it's Lambing season here in the Scottish Borders, so these are currently my go-to footwear), and the cutest Baker Boy style hat that I found in an off-the-beaten-track store in Brooklyn, New York. This cute, sailor inspired outfit is the perfect off-duty look.

Get The Look:
Top: Sézane 'Oscar' Stripe Top in ecru/navy
Jeans: Frame Le Skinny De Jeanne Cropped Skinny Mid-Rise Jeans
Wellies: Jimmy Choo Hunter Wellies (similar)
Hat: Baker Boy Hat (similar here and here)
Photos: Jason Connery ©

Rainy Day, Dream Away

“Rainy day, rain all day

Ain't no use in gettin' uptight

Just let it groove its own way

Let it drain your worries away yeah

Lay back and groove on a rainy day hey

Lay back and dream on a rainy day”

~ Jimi Hendrix

A lovely friend told me about a cool new online store called Magic Jac. You'll love it she said. Gorgeous clothes she said. And so affordable she said. I was clicking my way onto the site before you could say 'shopaholic'.

Magic Jac, recently founded by Gee Kullar, features a host of products from up and coming Designers such as Lili London and Missi. Full of pretty dresses, cool tees, leggings and shoes, it is a cornucopia of cool, vintage inspired pieces.

My friend wasn't kidding when she said the prices were affordable; the first piece to catch my eye, a cute little top by Lili London, costs a bargainlicious £10!! The white heart top has a black collar that buttons to the back, a comfy elasticated waist with peplum detail, girly puff sleeves and an all over quirky heart design. It would look equally good paired with a black pencil skirt for the office, black tailored pants, one of this seasons very cool midi skirts or, if the weather picks up again, a great pair of denim shorts.

The first time I wore my pretty top, I paired it with my favourite skinny jeans. I had planned to wear cute red ballerina pumps (hence the red lips) but the heavens opened just as we were leaving the house and I ended up wearing my Jimmy Choo Hunter wellies instead. These wellies are the coolest wellies on the planet and can make even the rainiest of days seems so very magickal!

The only accessories I needed for a fun, wet, muddy walk by the river were my trusty satchel and a big ol' battered brolly.

Get The Look:

Top: Lili London 'White Heart' Top

Jeans: J Brand 'Songbird' Skinny Jeans (similar)

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Hunter Wellies (similar)

Bag: Cambridge Satchel Co. 11" Classic Satchel in black

Snapshot: Faux Fur

Snapped Wearing:
Jacket: Reiss ‘Jillie’ Faux Fur Jacket in blue

Hat: Reiss ‘Edie’ Wide Brim Hat in black

Jeans: J Brand ‘Songbird’ Skinny Jeans

Boots: Jimmy Choo Hunter Wellies

Bag: Whistles ‘Oscar’ Festival Cross-body Bag

Gloves: J by Jasper Conan at Debenhams Long Leather Gloves in black