Nautical But Nice: 2 Ways to Wear a Striped Blouse

Thanks to global warming, the appearance of blue-and-white striped tops in the shops is now a more reliable sign of the imminence of spring than the blooming of the first daffodil. This year's crop looks a little different though - we're seeing less of the classic Breton, and a lot more of the tailoring, draping and ruffling...

I wasn't too sure at first - part-office pinstripe, part-deckchair upholstery? But you know me - I may knock something, but I'll always (eventually) try it. And, quelle surprise, it's already become my favourite spring staple.

Look One

White pencil skirt = the no-brainer "dress-it-up" option, but lace skater flats (a.k.a the latest contender for best summer shoe idea ever) give the look a casual (and comfortable!) vibe.

Top: Primark, Skirt: Boohoo (Past Season), Shoes: Tu at Sainsbury's

Look Two

Blue and white stripes + tan? Not a combination I'd have thought to put together if I hadn't been inspired by a shrewd street styler, but something about it just seems to work! 

Blouse: As Above, Skirt: Marks & Spencer (Past Season), Shoes: Topshop

For more bright (striped) ideas, check out my latest article for Yahoo! Style.

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Ties and Tassels

Originally, I thought the whole lace-up top thing was all a bit '00s Britney, but then, somewhat predictably, the courage of this conviction faded, to be replaced by the inevitable conclusion that I needed one in my life. Right now.

This £10 cross 'n' drape-front Primark beaut beat every other I'd seen on the high street hands down... and what isn't improved by a bit of mustard? Blouses, cruciferous vegetables...

Add in a bit of double - or should that be triple - tassel action and the perfect snakeskin sock boots - finally unearthed for under £50 - for one happy blogging bunny.

Blouse: Primark, Skirt: Zara, Boots: River Island, Earrings: Forever 21

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On the Fringes...

Thanks to the unyielding stranglehold of '70s influences on planet fashion, fringed suede skirts - typically abandoned along with the tent pegs after festival season - have become an autumn must-have. And the truly great thing about becoming completely consumed by one particular trend, to the exclusion of almost all others? Your entire wardrobe becomes mixable and matchable...

Skirt and Jumper: Both Zara, Blouse: Dorothy Perkins, Gilet: H&M, Boots: Dune

How are you wearing yours?

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How to Wear Culottes into Autumn... and Beyond...

No need to put your favourite calf-skimmers into premature hibernation this season - simply slip into a pair of knee/thigh highs. A leather-suede culotte-boot pairing provides the perfect foil for chillier temperatures and the perfect quick fix for our seemingly insatiable hunger for '70s nostalgia - just make sure you mix up your finishes. Here are my two favourite power couples of the moment... Simply add a cosy knit or geo-print/burnt orange retro-style blouse, then pile on the shaggy faux fur when the mercury really begins to dip...

Couple Number 1 (Faux Suede Culottes + Leather Thigh Highs)...

Culottes: Boohoo, Boots: Dune, Blouse: Dorothy Perkins

... and Couple Number 2 (Faux Leather Culottes + Faux Suede Knee Highs)

Culottes: Miss Selfridge (Past Season), Boots: Primark (Past Season), Blouse: As Above, Gilet: H&M

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