a sort of addiction

No help at all from me Petunia though I do have stripy tops on a fair few colours, there are lots of them!

I’m on holiday now and I packed a five pack of plain colour shirts from Witt. They are V- necked and loose cut and are filling the bill for sightseeing with loose, pull on patterned trousers. They are good quality and reasonably priced.

It is strange how to gravitate to a certain style of clothing. Some clothes just 'feel' right.

I know when i see something in a shop i just know it is me.

Even my sister says when we are shopping this a 'you' top, jumper what ever the item is.

How about plain white or navy with a contrasting navy or white scarf. A sort of stripe.

Or maybe stripes but red and white. A step on the way!!!!!!

I wear long tunic style, stretchy tops with short or 3/4 sleeves, do not own a striped top as they make me look like a barrel.
I was surprised to find some tops in Sainsbury's, very good fit/quality and UK made, wash and iron well.

I own one striped top I've had for years in black and grey with a huge sequinned pattern on the back, a hood and pockets. It's my go to top when I'm cold as it's very stretchy and warm so has been to many festivals as it rolls up to almost nothing and never creases. If I'd found more I would have bought them. I quite like the Breton style but they don't suit me.

Well done for taking this first brave step.
Its not easy to face up to this sort of thing.

Are there any support groups in your area? Often people hide behind closed doors with their collections, it can help to bring it out into the open. Depending on your location there may be a branch of CUC available ( change your clothing).

Go on “ everything5pound.com” I’ve got some lovely tops that I would previously have not considered. My daughter is very impressed with my style experiments !!

Nothing wrong with stripes.. embrace them. I have also embraced dots as well, just for a change!

Well I have about the same number of stripey tops and love them all - differing styles and colours. So if you still love them, why not just go with the flow? I also have many other tops too.

I'm also addicted to stripes, they look so neat and tidy to me, this year I have made myself look at other patterns but.....

Well...as we're talking clothing addiction here...is anyone else addicted to Tillets Clothing...? Found their online shop about ten days ago and am on my 5th order (gulp!). They have a Facebook page, another FB page for ladies to offer any new or pre-loved Tillets items to other 'Tilleter's' and also a FB 'Tillets VIP' page, where ladies of all ages, shapes and sizes can post a photo and get feedback from the community about style, fit, accessories etc. One of the ladies who posted last week actually described the VIP page as a 'sisterhood' and I can think of no better description for it. There's a live stream video at least once a week, where the proprietor Mel and her team show and try on newly arrived items for ladies to see...I love it - wish I'd found it years ago! They have a stripey top, Petunia, not the classic Breton but something a bit different. I'm so pleased with the style, quality and great value of the clothes which I've purchased to date and know that I shall have to be firm with myself in the future to avoid a wardrobe overload!!

All I can say is....only 12? I think my original ones have been breeding.....

I am a stripe addict too. I have the old version of the Boden Breton with button shoulders, which has a flattering shape, in every colorway - navy/white. white/navy, red/white, purple/ brown, turquoise/navy, green/navy, some in two sizes. Almost every other top I possess is striped too, as well as all the lightweight scoop necked Bodens! I should add that they were all bought cheaply on Ebay. I once saw a lady wearing a navy/white one with jeans and a toning scarf, who looked so much smarter than me so I now have dozens of small scarves in all colours too! Navy is definitely my favourite, yet I go nowhere near boats!
We have found a style that suits us, I have no problem with that.

I wish I could wear stripey tops. Unless they are downward stripes they just make me look even shorter and dumpier. They look nice and 12 is not that excessive.
I often see stripey tops I like and you have to wear something. You could wean yourself onto a few flowery ones but go with what you like.

Change to spots. Lots of spotty tops around.

If that's the only problem you have, count your blessings. I have a daughter in law who is dying of cancer and they have a 10 year old son, so what's your problem.

It's not just me then! I have so many navy/white striped tops. To me they're all different, to hubby they're all the same. I just love them with navy trousers or jeans. Many go to the charity shops as they are not all good quality and tend to shrink in the wash.

I think I remember reading an article commenting on the audience at an Antiques Roadshow, and almost everyone in shot, was in a striped top!

mabon1 She doesn't have a problem. She started a light hearted jokey threat and people have responded in kind.
We all have 'real' problems that we could and do write about and one of the things that can help is a bit of light relief.
I think 'what's your problem' is a phrase that people should stop using.

mabon1, I am so sorry for your sad circumstances, and your daughter in law's illness. But, on a light hearted thread, is it necessary to be so harsh. If you do not agree, you don't have to read on and then post your thoughts. You will find support on here, but in the proper place and context.
I wish you well and my thoughts go out to you, your DIL and GS. Have a virtual hug{{{hug}}}

Jaycee5, x posts

Mabon1. I am so sorry to hear of your family problem, I have been there too and can only wish you all strength and peace for the time to come.
Don't be upset by trivial fun on GN people need to relax and take a break from life sometimes.
Bon courage

Thank you for your replies. I am clearly not alone. Lots of useful ideas too. Although I was hoping not to buy any more clothes for a while until my wardrobe is more spacious. I was cheered to read about the support group. Can I go to meetings in disguise, I’m thinking here plain tops or maybe flowery. And do I have to give my real name. I also like the posts suggesting that 12 is quite a conservative number of stripy tops. Does that mean there are gransnetters out there with more? Are we striped top ladies a tribe? Can we meet up?
Today I am wearing my bold, thick navy and white stripe top with a curved hem. White trousers and red accessories. I clearly cant be saved