MA Beauty Insider: Nautical Chic - The Breton T-shirt

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Donna Macdonald, GoLocalWorcester Beauty Expert

Striped cabanas and awnings have always been evocative of a seaside summer and the most iconic of stripes is the navy-on-white of the Breton t-shirt, a garment as French as the beret. Still an emblem of simple beach style, it's become an enduring summer staple. Stolen from the French fisherman and taken as her own by the great Coco Chanel, there is a charming sailor-on-leave allure to wearing this cheerful top.

The Breton comes in all price points and can be found anywhere: from exclusive boutiques to Old Navy to high end department stores like Nordstrom. And since designers keep interpreting it in fresh new ways, it’s a versatile addition to your summer closet. Here’s how to start:

White strips

Crisp white ankle pants and sharp stripes make for a classic resort look. Pop on some dark shades and add a slash color with a beautiful red lipstick.

Mix master

The simplicity of the Breton stripe lends itself to pattern mixing. Don't be shy to add florals in a scarf, skirt or pants. The trick is to make sure the background echoes the blue of your t-shirt to tie it all together.

Go sleeveless

Find your Breton stripes in a sweet camisole and wear it with shorts and flip-flops on sweltering hot days. You'll be cool and unruffled and the crisp stripes will still give you that pulled together French look despite the climbing heat index. Tie your hair back with a fetching floral scarf in sea blues and greens (see “mix master” above).

Jeans

The Breton was made for relaxed jeans. Get this timeless yet modern look with flats or summery espadrilles. Add a straw fedora for enigmatic sexiness.

For summer, designers often invoke the classic muses of Jackie and Grace, two women who loved nautical French chic and the sea. The Breton t-shirt is a throwback to when style was unabashedly clean-cut, tasteful, and simple. Just perfect for right now.

Donna Macdonald is a freelance writer who enjoys covering topics of interest to women, especially fragrance, style, beauty. She has also written marketing material for a women's book that hit the New York Times Bestseller list and netted her an up close and personal discussion on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Donna currently writes her own personal blog, alovelyinconsequence.blogspot.com where she also writes about issues close to a woman's heart. Donna believes that when a woman finds beauty in the world, she will find beauty in herself.

Related Slideshow: 2013 Gift Guide: Great Gifts for Her

Prev Next

Natural relxation

Between work, family, and anything else that life might be throwing their way, chances are the woman you are shopping for is in serious need of some pampering. Pop in to Blushing Bee Naturals in Holden and browse their great selection of all natural and organic products. Choose from great product lines like Little Moon Essentials, Badger, Burt’s Bees, Pacifica and more. Rest easy knowing that you are treating the special lady on your list to a completely natural pampering experience.

Where to buy: Blushing Bee Naturals, 787 Main Street, Holden, MA. (508) 829-2332.

Price: Varies based on product line and item

Photo: Mr. T in DC/Flickr

Prev Next

Chocolate indulgence

By and large, chocolate is a smart gift choice for any woman on your list. Head to Colonial Candies in Bolton to check out their selection. This place has been in business for 100 years and counting and it’s no secret why—they sell some of the best confections in the industry. Pick up a box of their famous assorted chocolates that will be sure to please. If chocolate is not an option, be sure to check out their old fashioned ribbon candy!

Where to buy: Colonial Candies, 47 Sugar Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-6586.

Price: $21.95/1lb Box Classic Assortment; $17.95/gift wrapped box of Old Fashioned Ribbon Candy

Prev Next

Bedside reads

Got a girl that loves to read in mind this holiday season? Look no farther than Tatnuck Booksellers in Westborough. Containing thousands of books covering all genres and age ranges spread over 35,000 sq. ft., you are sure to find a book she’ll love. As a bonus, all the books in store are discounted—every day.

Where to buy: Tatnuck Bookseller, Route 9 & Lyman Street, Westborough, MA. (508) 366-4959.

Price: Varies based on book or item selected.

Photo: Casey Fleser/Flickr

Prev Next

Inspired jewelry

Choose a piece of jewelry for a special woman in your life that has meaning this holiday season. Ribbons Jewelry in Uxbridge is the go-to for inspirational jewelry. Take a trip to the show and check out the BB Becker Collection, featuring beautifully designed engraved jewelry.

Where to buy: Ribbons Jewelry, 158 North Main Street, Uxbridge, MA. (508) 278-2495.

Price: $64.00+

Photo: Alexander Karelly/Flickr

Prev Next

Candles

Maybe you haven’t yet heard, but Kringle Candle Company is the newest, freshest premium candle retailer in Massachusetts. Take a trip out to their Bernardston candle factory and explore all that it has to offer. Collections of candles scents range anywhere from kitchen spices to holiday fragrances and more. Pick up some great scented candles, like the great Cocoa Spice Jar candle, and pair it with a car freshener!

Where to Buy: Kringle Candle Company, 220 South Street, Bernardston, MA. (413) 648-3077.

Price: Large Spice Jar Candle: $24.95

Photo: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism/Flickr

Prev Next

Adventure

Got a free spirited adventurer on your list? Keep it close to home and take the short drive to New England Backpacker on East Mountain Street. Pick up a pair of cross country skis or snow shoes for a winter lover, or a tent and some hiking boots for a summer adventurer.

Where to buy: New England Backpacker, 6 East Mountain Street, Worcester, MA. (508) 853-9407.

Price: See store for details.

Photo: Stefan Schmitz/Flickr

Prev Next

Hand-painted treasures

Support a great Worcester business, ARTworks, this holiday season. Peruse beautifully handcrafted figures by Lori Mitchell that are perfect as gifts. There are several to choose from, all amazingly detailed and themed. For a holiday themed gift, pick up the “Playing Santa” figure—it’s adorable!

Where to buy: Artworks, 261 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA. (508) 755-7808.

Price: “Playing Santa,” $23.00

Prev Next

Memories

Got a busy mom to buy for? Why not buy her a photo calendar, specially made with all of her favorite memories? As she’s planning away for next year, she can look back on all of her happiest moments. Snag her favorite pictures and hop on Shutterfly today. You can get her a gorgeous wall calendar in 8”X11” or 12”X12” sizes.

Where to buy: www.shutterfly.com

Price: 8”X11”: $21.99; 12”X12”: $29.99

Photo: gingerboximages/Flickr

Prev Next

Botanical creations

If you’ve got a nature lover on your hands, you can do better than a bouquet of grocery store roses. Check out Seed to Stem, a great local business that pairs unique botanical arrangements and creations with curiosities, antiquities, and more. Pick up a gorgeous hanging terrarium that will make the special woman on your list beam.

Where to buy: Seed to Stem, 174 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA. (508)890-0933.

Price: See store for specific pricing.

Prev Next

Handmade jewelry

Take a visit to Prints and Potter, a store that is dedicated to handmade, handcrafted treasures. Pick up a beautifully made piece of jewelry for the lady on your list. Select from an array of alluring gemstones and precious metals to find that perfect gift.

Where to buy: Prints and Potter, 142 Highland Street, Worcester, MA. (508) 752-2170.

Price: Varies

Photo: Kristina D.C. Hoeppner/Flickr