style maven and former creative director of j.crew, jenna lyons, claimed that stripes are a neutral. and i quite agree. in my opinion, i’ve yet to meet a stripe i didn’t like. so i thought why not put stripes to the test? every day this week i’ll add a stripe to my ootd. stripes are nautical, sporty and just plain fun to wear. coco chanel introduced the striped tee into her nautical collection in 1917 after a trip to the French coast. the fashion designer was inspired by the French sailors’ uniform that included a Breton stripe. check out st. james an iconic brand that’s manufactured striped tees since 1889. later this week i’ll wear a striped tee from this brand that’s about ten years old. yes, they are that well-made. j.crew also carries st. james.
first up this week is a black and white long sleeve stripe tee by ralph lauren similar here. since mr. style and i were headed to the movies i kept the look casual with a pair of j.crew light rinse blue jeans similar here. when i’m going for a casual chic look, i love to include a blazer which elevates the outfit. today, i added a military-inspired jacket with gold buttons and braided trim similar here and here. to spice things up, i added a pop of color with red loafers similar here and red camera-bag similar here.
similar denim | similar tee | similar blazer | similar loafers | similar handbag
happy monday, ladies!
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A good breton shirt really is a classic. I also have 2 St James that I’ve had forever, in a red/white and navy/white. This jacket is cute with yours–and the pops of red elevate the whole look. Hope you enjoyed your movie!
I really like the look of a striped top paired with a floral bottom, as long as there is continuity in one color and scale is different. That is a “step out of the comfort zone” kind of look but can certainly be pulled off.
Looking forward to seeing the striped top every day for inspiration! Will check out J Crew.
Outside of the Discussion, you have lost weight and are looking quite trim, taught and terrific
Beth ~ it must not go unmentioned that you, my dear, are looking slimmer and trimmer each week! Now, I think the majority of your blog friends would agree you always have looked just amazing ~ fit, trim, strong and picture of health ~ The camera doesn’t lie; your commitment to a fitness/health re-start is showing! I know you are enjoying the results of the plan you are using! TIME FOR SMALLER JEANS! WOOHOO! Oh and ootd is darling!