Summer Essentials: The Mariniere Top & Colors

The French mariniere top is a staple in my wardrobe. If you've read my blog for a while, you would know by now that I have *ahem*  a mild addiction to stripes. I've got striped tees, striped pullovers, striped dresses...... oookay, you get the picture. It's rather excessive but I can't help myself.

Trying to look reasonably well dressed in the morning without a shot of caffeine in my bloodstream is comparable to climbing Mt Everest without oxygen.  Having developed a uniform aka striped top and denim meant that I can get dressed within minutes. Perfect for someone like me who'd rather not spend unnecessary brain juice thinking of what to wear.




I think the French makes the best mariniere tops. After all, they invented the original striped breton jersey shirts. My favorites would have to be Saint James  and Petit Bateau. The slightly heavier knit makes it even more durable. I've worn mine to death yet they still look new and un-stretched.

1. J.Crew Jenny Striped Cotton Top $40, Joe's Jeans Destroyed Long Rolled Shorts $148 (or here)
2. By Malene Birger Astha Knitted Cotton Blend Pullover  $125, J.Crew Scalloped Cotton and Silk Shorts  $120
3. Petit Bateau Mariniere Top  $90, Current Elliot Beatnik Jeans  $178
4. A.L.C Ainsley Sweater  $362, J.Crew Cotton Blend Shorts  $123 (or here)
5. Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals  $64.95  (UK, here)
6. Stuart Weitzman Alexlo Wedges  $177.90
7. Repetto Ballet Flats  $235



Now that it's officially spring, I want to inject colors into my existing clothes.  Lots of colors. To combat the constant grey skies here in England. Currently, I'm enamored by the turquoise jeans worn by January Jones. It's a refreshing shade of green which reminds me of the ripples of waves along the sandy beaches on a Greek Island.

For years, I've been told that I look better in winter tones. I've always stayed far far away from anything yellow thinking that it'll look ghastly on me. I think the trick is getting the tonal color right to avoid acquiring a pasty pallor on my face. In this case, the lemon yellow will be perfect for me. I love how Ines de la Fressange matched hers with a simple polo shirt and a pair of sandals. The result? Classy and comfortable  I can't wait to add both colors to my wardrobe.




Photo credit: getthelook.com and Daily Mail