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.
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| 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?
