If you buy only one thing in January....

let it be the simple but stylish Breton striped top! This classic wardrobe essential is a must for any fashionista and will ensure that you always look effortlessly chic even when dressing down. The signature blue and white striped top is synonomous with Parisienne style and was first popularised by Coco Chanel in 1917 after she became inspired by sailors on a visit to the French coast. It has remained a favourite of the fashion elite ever since, seen on everyone from Brigitte Bardot and Jackie Kennedy to modern day icons like Kate Moss and Alexa Chung.

There are multiple reasons why everyone should own one:

1. They are so versatile and can literally be worn with anything. I like to wear mine dressed down with boyfriend jeans and a big statement necklace to jazz it up or if I'm going for a smarter look I would pair with dark skinny jeans and a navy blazer. I also like them tucked into a leather or floral pencil skirt for a chic look for work. 

2. They are casual and easy to wear

3. They are generally well priced

4. They suit everyone

5. They never ever go out of season 

My pick of the best Breton tops around at the moment:

Maison Scotch, Sailor Inspired knitted top

This is my favourite of all the Breton tops around at the moment (and it would be the most expensive!) I know it actually comes under knitwear and is not strictly a top but that makes it perfect for now as it can freshen up your everyday look while still being a cosy option in the colder months. Also love the button detail!

Boden is well known for its Bretons and this one from its new spring collection is a classic:

I love this more unusual version from Seasalt, another retailer who can always be relied upon for their traditional Breton tops: 

And lastly this one from Superdry is a great price and I love the bright blue:

It seems very fitting that my maiden blog post should feature an item of clothing inspired by sailors, as my home for the last four years has been on the beautiful west Dorset coast, less than a mile from the sea. When I relocated here with my husband and two little boys, I had hoped being so far away from any decent shops would cure me of my shopaholic tendancies but instead I am more addicted than ever to constantly updating my wardrobe with the latest must haves! My New Year's Resolution is to start the fashion blog that I have been thinking about for well over a year, in the hope that writing about fashion and chatting to like minded fashionistas will take over and become my new addiction. So this year I intend to mostly wear the clothes that I  already have and share my fashion finds on here instead of buying them.

Finishing with a couple of outfits from the last few days.

This dress was worn to my Mum's on Sunday where we had a lovely day eating a huge roast dinner and playing games before the reality of the end of the holidays set in.

The dress looks like a top and skirt but is a dress and is still on sale at Reiss.

Ankle boots are from Office a couple of years ago.

And this is today having coffee at a friend's house with the kids and then a day of tidying up and taking down the decorations

Stripey long sleeve top from the Gap - old 

Ripped boyfriend jeans - Karen Millen

Black Bowie Wedge trainers - Ash

Back very soon with more ramblings, 

Abbi x