Don’t you hate it when you’re proud of yourself that you actually managed to cut down on clothing purchases the past 6 months and then the sales hit? Yeah, me too. I bought not one, but two striped tops these past two weeks. Because as we all know, you can never own too many striped shirts or sweaters. So let me tell you about my new two purchases and while I’m at it, which striped tops I think are worth your money.

The Isabel Marant Étoile sweater probably doesn’t qualify as your typical classic striped top but it’s a stripe nevertheless. I figured a hint of colour would do my wardrobe some good. I cleaned my closet a few weeks ago and I had to conclude that white, black and navy blue make up for 99% of my wardrobe. I first spotted it at the Bijenkorf in Amsterdam but after trying it on, I quickly did an internet search and found it for €40 less and free shipping. Easy decision right?

The A.P.C. top turned out a little different than I expected from the pictures but it made me like it even more. It looks black and white but is actually more of a creme colour with navy blue stripes. It’s quite boxy, has a boat neck and the 3/4 sleeves are always a plus in my book. So different enough from my Comme des Garçons shirts to warrant to purchase. D. was a bit sceptical and asked: “Are you sure you like those splits on the sides?” He knows I like my clothes as simple as possible. But yes, I do, on this shirt.

As for brands that I recommend if you are looking for a breton shirt?

  • Comme des Garçons Play. They come in different colours and everyone loves that red little heart on the chest. I’ve gotten so many compliments and both of them still look wonderful. I’ve had one of them for at least 5 years and wear them regularly. I prefer the mens version because it’s not as fitted and a tiny bit longer.
  • Saint James does the striped shirt as no other. T-shirts, long sleeves, knitted sweaters… And I’m also a sucker for heritage brands. They do different styles so there’s something for everyone. I personally prefer the unisex Minquiers Moderne shirt and can also highly recommend the Maree II merino sweater.
  • Another favourite brand is Petit Bateau. The Bayure shirt ticks all the boxes. Not too fitted, slightly boxy and a boat neck.
  • A.P.C. has different striped shirts every season. So it’s pretty hit or miss if you’re as particular as I can be. The one above is currently on sale (also comes in a dress). The new version is up now on the A.P.C. website. I also recommend the striped t-shirts if you’re looking for one.
  • To be honest, I don’t own any striped tops by Uniqlo. But I’m impressed with the overall quality of the brands clothes so I’m 99% sure these shirts will not disappoint. This particular one resembles the fit and colour from that A.P.C. top apart from the longer sleeves.

Did I need any new beauty products? No. Am I a sucker for new formulas, pretty packaging and limited editions. Without a doubt. So while I didn’t plan any new makeup purchases, I could’t resist a nice discount on Chanel. I ordered the Chanel Eau de Teint from the 2019 Les Beiges collection and the classic red lipstick Rouge Allure in 99 Pirate.

I don’t own a lot of makeup. Mostly skincare products. I would rather have nice skin and no foundation than having to cover it up for a smooth complexion. Mind you, I know that not everyone is blessed with such easy skin as mine so I have nothing against wearing full coverage makeup. It’s just not for me. My idea of makeup is a tinted moisturizer and some mascara. So if I wear anything on my face it needs to be lightweight. For years I’ve been wearing Origins VitaZing SPF15 Energy-Boosting Moisturizer which adds just a hint of colour. But the formula of the Eau de Teint and the reviews got me interested. We will see how I like it.

If I could only wear one makeup product next to my base for the rest of my life, it would be lipstick. A blueish red to be exact, which works excellent with olive skin, so the internet tells me. MAC’s Ruby Woo has been my go to option for the last 10 years but the extremely dry formula doesn’t seem to work for me anymore. I still love the matte look but my lips are always dry now, no matter which lip balm I try or how much water I drink. So I hope this will be a nice replacement.

Do you ever switch from long time favourites to new products?

for the love of prints

If there was ever anything lacking in my wardrobe, prints are it. I love prints but they rarely look good on me. I have never given up though. And so two of my most recent purchases are colourful printed items. Quelle surprise! On the right, yesterday’s outfit consisting of a checkered blazer (sold out), a merino wool long sleeve, a vintage leather belt, a pair of black flared jeans and my beloved chelsea boots. I try to stay away from trends as much as possible unless I can see myself wearing something for a longer period of time. I think I’m safe with this blazer.

The blouse on the left is the newest addition to my wardrobe. Ganni did a similar print last year in a bright green but that wasn’t my cup of tea. I like this colour combination better. D. was very impressed by it. And let’s be honest, when is a guy ever impressed with a piece of clothing? He liked the blazer as well and told me I should be happy with my purchases because I really needed some new clothes. Say what?

He’s probably right though. I’ve been wearing the same clothes for months with little variation. All of them the most basic of garments, even the ones on my wish list. For instance, I had my eyes set on a silk blouse from &Other Stories – a high street brand but their silk is excellent for the price – in a classic creme. But why not go with something a little less expected for a change? Needless to say, both items seamlessly fit in with my existing wardrobe and are already spring favourites.


Thanks for all the wonderful feedback on my Oldies but Goodies series by the way. I feel much more content with a combination of old and new things on this blog.