02 March 2012

Breton shirt

Saint James unisex Meridien II at J. Crew

In recent weeks I've come across of a variety of fashion/style blogs - not the mass media types, but personal, individual bloggers who post thoughts on fashion and detail their own journey of editing and refining their closets. It's been very enlightening. As a result, I've been inspired to edit my closet and pair it down to a handful of quality basics that will age well and get much use. I'm realizing what a mess my closet is, and what an impulsive shopper I am. As a student with limited funds, I find myself shopping out of boredom and then buying something because it's on sale. Also, I notice that I tend to be drawn to novelty items rather than building a closet full of interchangeable items that I can wear frequently. I want to come up with a list of things to begin building my new and improved closet. It is far from where I want it to be but, deep breath, take it one step at a time.

So I begin my endeavors with the Breton shirt. I love stripes (lots of inspiration at La Mariniere). I think stripes are classic, go with everything, while adding that special something. An examination of what I have currently in stripes:
  • H&M 3/4 sleeve cotton top (white w/ navy stripes): this shirt is pretty comfortable but at times too thin (especially in the winter), and I find the 3/4 sleeve annoys me. I usually have to layer this with a cardigan or sweater because it's thin, but the sleeve then scrunches up above my elbow when I put on the sweater. Also, I have a long torso and the length is slightly shorter than I would like.
  • Tommy Hilfiger long sleeve pima cotton (white w/ navy): this shirt is actually very well made. It's soft and fits loosely, is a good length, and is great for winter. But it's a little too thick for summer, and difficult to layer because of its thickness.
  • J. Crew short sleeve tee (white w/ black): I really like the material of this shirt, and the cut. It's a fitted style but not tight, and the material is a thicker cotton, not the flimsy cotton/modal blend. However, this is a perfect example of a bad buy - there are holes on one side of the shirt with a ribbon that laces through and ties. This completely annoys me and detracts from the "basic-ness" of the shirt.
  • J. Crew sweatshirt (grey w/ white): This sweatshirt is comfy, and I think it's a great casual piece for summer - a nice thin sweatshirt to layer over a tee and cutoffs. Too casual for winter.
my striped shirts 

Thus, I've concluded that I need a basic striped shirt that goes with everything, can be dressed up or down, is comfortable and classic. I've been searching for a breton shirt on the nets and here are some options I've come up with:
  • Saint James Miniquiers: This seems like such an ideal shirt. I've read rave reviews about its quality. However, I tried on the unisex Meridien (pic above) at J. Crew yesterday, and couldn't find the right fit. The XS was too large, and the XXS was not only too short (again, long torso issue), but a bit too boxy for my narrow and flat chested upper body. I don't know if the Miniquiers would hang differently as the material of the Meridian is stiffer, or if it would get better with wear and over time, but at first glance I don't think this would work for me. Maybe the ladies' version would work better? If only I could find a place to try it on.
  • Wood Wood Abril: I discovered this on Assembled Hazardly and I think it looks perfect on Amanda. The slim fit would work and I like the longer length. Unfortunately, I'm a little late on this and it's sold out.
  • Land's End Sailor: This could work - if I can find it and try it on that would be ideal. From the photo though, it looks like it might be short on me.
  • Edith Miller: I've read great things about the Edith Miller striped tees. They look thinner than some of the other options. I think it would be nice to have a thinner shirt as well as a thicker one.
Any thoughts? What is your favorite Breton shirt?

15 comments:

  1. My favorite breton shirts are a navy/white st. james one from their collection with crewcuts and a petit bateau children's shirt i just purchased in navy/crimson.

    As far as the sizing goes have you tried the boys section of crewcuts? I've found that their shirts run pretty long on me, but then again I have a relatively short torso (hence the children's tops).

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    1. CamisaBlanca, thanks for your suggestions. I never even thought to check crewcuts, and the longer shirt would be great for my long torso. I will have to check that out soon.

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  2. Check out the brooks brothers outlets, I have one from them that I love bought last year, very comfortable to wear.

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    1. Anonymous, it's funny you mention Brooks Brothers. I went in there for the first time this week to try on a trench I saw in the display case. I'll have to keep my eyes out. Thanks for the tip.

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  3. I'll look forward to seeing what you find. I'd love to get one for my wardrobe too.
    Also, I don't know if you've seen the mo and mo living blog, but she's great with minimalist inspiration, and talks about her closet every now and again. She's in Boulder.

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    1. Liza, I didn't know about the blog - thanks for letting me know. I always enjoy discovering new ones. I will check it out. And hopefully I can report back on a good find.

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  4. a suggestion is maybe to switch it up a little by having different colour combo of stripes? you look like you already have a good navy and white combos here :)

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    1. Joy, haha, yes that's a good suggestion. Maybe, black, grey or a lighter shade of blue. :) Kinda not a red person.

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  5. I love Breton tops. Your collection looks nice.

    Yes, I find that all of the Saint James tops run large. I have really narrow shoulders, flat chest, long arms but a short torso. I find that the boys Saint James work well. They're a little short in the arms, but I like rolled up shirts and an exposed wrist. When I did a post on my Breton shirts, a reader suggested that I have my tailor work magic on them. She sent me exactly what to have done and it worked.

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    1. Lindsay K, I'm thinking more and more that I need to find a good tailor. There are a couple of items that I want to alter rather than donate, if I can. And thanks for the tip on Saint James boys!

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  6. This is a lovely collection!
    My own faves are by aubin&wills and (surprisingly) one that I stumbled upon in my local high street last year. Toast also create fabulous organic cotton bretons, which are such amazing quality and fit - would definitely recommend if you can buy from the uk....

    I also own an Armor Lux breton, and although the quality and price are great, i find that it is quite short for my liking, and i am not very tall.
    I'm really fond of grey bretons at the minute, too - where will the obsession end????

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    1. lapindelune, I know, seriously! I'm pretty new to UK brands, but I just did a brief perusal of the ones you mentioned and they look lovely. They seem classy and simple with modern cuts. I wonder if any of their products are stocked in US stores?

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  7. Hi LN, thanks for visiting and writing me a note to say hi:)

    I like your gray and white breton top, it look comfortable and worn-in. I don't have any favourites at the moment but I do have a 3 from A.P.C and I from Muji of varying thickness that I rotate.

    I too prefer the softer and thinner version will be checking out this post for recommendations by other ladies.

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    1. justeileen, the grey and white one is very comfortable and perfect for travel too. I like how it fits - it has a longer length and is slightly fitted but not tight. It's 100% cotton but has some stretch too. Do you like your Muji shirt? I'm curious about their clothing.

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  8. I love Breton tops--my current favorite is the Petit Bateau line. The 18ans (18 year old) size will fit a fairly lender, not too busty woman well. The St. James cotton material is just right for California and maybe Colorado summer. H and M have some nice ones too. i prefer the off-white and navy combo to all others.

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