Jack's Love List #77: In The Lines of Duty

Hello everyone, I survived the hot weather. Just about.

Admittedly, I’m not entirely sure this is my finest roundup, given I’ve been pulling this together while working in an office that hit 36 degrees with no air conditioning. If that sounds like an excuse, it probably is, but I’m sticking to it. Trying to type, edit pictures and source products simultaneously while slowly melting into your desk is not for the faint-hearted. So, this week I’ve gone for one of my favourite subjects and, frankly, one that always sparks joy for me… stripes.

I’ve put together a little roundup of all things stripey, both for the home and for you, so let’s dive in before the sun decides to come back out and we all collectively start melting again.

As we know, I have a huge love of stripes, especially in the home, so that is exactly where we’re starting. I’ve rounded up some of my favourite stripey finds from my recent scrolling and shopping travels to give your table a striped moment.

We’re going to start with Anthropologie and their Madeleine Scalloped Embroidered Runner. I actually spotted this Madeleine collection last week and instantly thought it would be perfect for a striped edition of The Love List. The runner is currently reduced to £28 and is such a beautiful piece. I absolutely love this shade of blue. It feels so summery, so joyful and fresh. They call it ocean blue, and that really is the perfect description. It has that deep, rich sea-like tone that feels both elegant and playful. I particularly appreciate the scalloped edge detailing with the two runs of embroidery in matching thread. It feels so considered and luxurious. They also have the matching Madeleine Fabric Placemat, which is currently reduced to just £8. Both pieces have such a gorgeous vintage quality to them, almost like something you might uncover in a wonderfully chic French brocante.

We then head over to George at Asda where I spotted the Striped Highball Glasses. George at Asda is absolutely killing it at the moment with their homeware collection. This set of four highball glasses is currently on offer for £11.90 and I think they are such a great buy. I love that pistachio green stripe. It feels fresh, fun and just a little bit retro. They also feel far more artisan than their price tag suggests. Even at full price, they work out at around £3.50 a glass, which feels brilliant value for something this stylish. They also do the same design in wine glasses and in a gorgeous cobalt blue stripe too, which equally caught my eye.

Another firm favourite brand of mine is Spode. As we know, I’m a huge collector of their Blue Italian print and have built up quite the collection over the years. But they also do this fabulous Steccato narrow stripe design, which keeps that iconic blue and white colour palette but gives it a fresher, more graphic feel. I actually have a couple of pieces from this collection that they very kindly sent as a wedding present, and I can confirm they mix beautifully with Blue Italian for a more modern twist on a classic. If you like that layered, collected table look, this pairing works so well. They currently have a 12-piece set reduced on their website to £193.20.

And finally, for a full-colour stripe moment, Dunelm and this Set of 4 Multicoloured Striped Napkins currently £8.40 and are just pure joy. They come complete with a little frilled edge and, as we all know, I’m always thrilled by a frill. There’s something about the combination of bright summery colours and that sweet frill detail that feels so fun and cheerful. They also do a matching tablecloth, which is absolutely beautiful if you love a good matchy-matchy moment. Perfect for summer entertaining, garden lunches or simply making an ordinary Tuesday tea feel a little more fabulous.

Links:

• Anthropologie Madeline Striped Runner £28.00 - Click Here

• Anthropologie Madeline Striped Placemat £8.00 - Click Here

• George Green Striped Hiball Glasses Set of 4 £11.90 - Click Here

• Spode Steccato Narrow Stripe 12 piece set £193.60 - Click Here

• Dunelm Set of 4 Multicolour Stripe Frilled Napkins £8.40 - Click Here

Let’s take a little moment to talk lamps because, as you may already be aware, I am not a huge fan of having the big light on. But then… who is? I’m very much a lamp light person. Nothing kills a cosy atmosphere faster than harsh overhead lighting. Plus, a table lamp is such an easy way to inject personality, warmth and a real statement into your home, especially when that statement happens to involve a stripe.

This has to be the bargain of the week. At just £4.99, this Yellow Striped Table Lamp from Wilko feels almost unbelievable in price. I genuinely cannot get over how affordable this is. I absolutely love the print on it and particularly the tone of the yellow. It’s warm and uplifting without feeling too bright or garish. It looks far more expensive than it actually is and gives me very strong Heal’s design lamp energy. I think these would look gorgeous styled on each end of a console table in a hallway with a stack of books and a little bowl for keys, or even on a side table to bring a pop of colour into a more neutral room. At that price point, it would also be fantastic for a teenager’s bedroom, a student flat or even a holiday let where you want to inject personality and style without spending a fortune.

Next up is the gorgeous Penelope Ribbon Striped Lamp by Dunelm. There is so much I love about this lamp. Firstly, the colour palette. That deep, rich burgundy is a shade I am completely obsessed with at the moment. It feels warm, expensive and just a little bit moody in the best possible way. I also love the texture that the stripe created across the base, which gives it real depth and interest. Then there’s the shade, which is just beautiful. It almost has a shell-like, architectural quality to it, and that shape is enhanced even further by those long vertical stripes. The whole thing feels incredibly considered and elevated. At £55, yes, it’s more of an investment piece than some of the others in this round up, but I still think it’s a very good buy for something this beautiful and statement as this.

Now onto the John Lewis Burano Lamps, which come in a fantastic range of colours. I particularly love this indigo version with the white stripe, which complements the gold fixings perfectly. The indigo feels slightly softer than the black option while still giving that lovely bold contrast. My mum and dad actually have these in the burgundy colourway, which is sadly currently sold out, and having used them at their house I can genuinely vouch for the quality. They feel incredibly well made and bring such fun to a space. They also come in pistachio, orange, Myrtle, which is more of a sage green, and Plaster, which I’d describe as a soft terracotta. They’re one of those lamps that instantly make a room feel more styled and intentional.

And lastly for lamps, I have mentioned these numerous times on Instagram because I genuinely love them. The George Battery Powered Striped Lamp which I bought in the green and white colourway last year, and it has been such a brilliant purchase. They’ve brought them back again this year and they’re currently reduced to just £10.20. This time they’ve also introduced a red and pink striped version, which is equally fun and very me. These are battery powered rather than rechargeable, which I actually think is a huge plus. They’re perfect for tables, especially for alfresco dining in the garden, because if you’re halfway through a dinner party and one runs out, there’s no need to take it away to recharge. You simply pop in some fresh batteries and carry on. I’ve used mine outdoors and indoors and they work beautifully in both settings. Practical, stylish and joyful, which is exactly what I want from a lamp.

Links:

• Wilko Striped Table Lamp £4.99 - Click Here

• Dunelm Penelope Striped Lamp £55.00 - Click Here

• John Lewis Burano Striped Lamp £70.00 - Click Here

• George Green & White Stripe Battery Lamp £10.20 - Click Here

• George Red & Pink Stripe Battery Lamp £10.20 - Click Here

Now, it would seem rather remiss of me not to give us a little striped energy for the garden as well, considering that’s where most of us have been spending our time this week, whether enjoying the sunshine or trying to escape the hotbox that has become our house.

I absolutely love this Argos Striped Sun Lounger. It feels so vintage and iconic to me. My grandma had two of these when I was growing up, and I vividly remember my brother and me being completely mesmerised whenever they were folded out, only to immediately be told to sit on them carefully otherwise we’d end up folded back up inside them. Thankfully, they’ve come a long way since then, and this striped option is a real winner at £35. I love the classic stripe, which feels wonderfully nostalgic but still fresh and stylish. They’re also so lightweight and affordable, making them brilliant if you’re planning a little UK beach break this year and want something easy to throw in the car. Equally, if you have a smaller courtyard, terrace or balcony and need something that can be folded away when not in use, these are a fantastic space-saving option.

If you’re after something a little more permanent and sociable, then the QVC Striped Garden Sofa is an absolute bargain at the moment, currently reduced to £169.95. As we all know, garden furniture can be one of those purchases that suddenly becomes alarmingly expensive, so I always get excited when I spot a genuinely good deal. QVC actually have some brilliant garden offers on at the moment, and this one really caught my eye. It’s from their Garden Stories Studio 70 collection and comes in this gorgeous terracotta and pink stripe, which feels warm and playful, as well as an olive green striped option if you prefer something a little more classic and understated. Both feel very chic and very holiday home coded.

Finally, because every garden or outdoor space needs a little side table to rest your refreshing gin and tonic on, other drinks are of course available, George have this Green and White Striped Resin Side Table which is a great find and is currently on offer at £29.75. I think this is such a clever buy because the resin construction makes it incredibly practical. It won’t fade in strong sun, crack like ceramic or swell and split like wood can if left outside. Practicality aside, it also injects so much fun into a space. I love that punchy green and white stripe. It instantly makes everything feel more playful and styled, even if all it’s holding is a drink and a half-melted bowl of olives.

Links:

• Argos Striped Lounge £35.00 - Click Here

• QVC Striped Garden Sofa £169.95 - Click Here

• George Green & White Stripe Resin Side Table £29.75 - Click Here

Now onto the little bit of womenswear fashion that I’ve spotted on my travel, or should that be striped on my travels?

Firstly is this gorgeous co-ord from Oliver Bonas. Now, as we all know, I am a huge fan of a co-ord and I always sell it to myself using the same logic. You’re essentially getting three outfits in one because you can wear the pieces together or separately. I believe that is what theys call girl math, or perhaps in my case, gay maths. Either way, it makes complete sense to me. I’m actually very tempted by this one myself, largely because of that really cute cropped jacket-style waistcoat. It’s green, which you know I love, and I feel this week has been very heavy on the green and white stripe. It is really having a moment this summer. This is slightly more of an investment piece at £58 for the waistcoat and £60 for the shorts, but I genuinely think this is one of those sets you would pull out year after year, especially that top.

Another gorgeous stripe moment is this beautiful beach dress from Marks & Spencer. It’s pure cotton and comes in this lovely sky blue and arsenic green combination, which feels both fresh and chic. This is one of those brilliantly versatile pieces that could be dressed up for a summer evening meal or drinks with a sandal and jewellery, or dressed right down thrown over swimwear with flip-flops around the pool on holiday. We love an item that works hard.

Lastly for womenswear is this little spot from a brand I hadn’t actually come across before called Parfois, who have this brilliant striped and rattan tote bag. I love the blue and green colour combination with that little white ticking stripe breaking it up. The bamboo handle, for me, is an absolute triumph because as we know I love bamboo. It makes the bag feel so elevated and expensive. What I love even more is the price point. It’s already a great buy at £29.99, but for an extra £5 they’ll personalise it by embroidering your initials onto the front, which I think is such a lovely touch. And if you’re not as stripe-obsessed as I am, they also do it in a neutral linen-look version which can also be personalised.

Links:

• Oliver Bonas Green & White Striped Denim Shorts £60.00 - Click Here

• Oliver Bonas Green & White Striped Denim Waistcoat £58.00 - Click Here

• M&S Pure Cotton Strappy Square Neck Beach Dress £50.00 - Click Here

• Parfois Striped Tote Bag monogrammed £29.99 - Click Here

And last, but certainly not least, a couple of menswear pieces that have caught my eye.

As I mentioned in the ladies’ section, a co-ord is always a great buy and this Reiss x Ché Studios collaboration is one I’ve had my eye on for a while. They also did it in green with a shorts option, which I equally loved. But the blue shirt and trouser combination is currently reduced quite heavily, meaning you can get the full co-ord for £100, which I genuinely cannot emphasise enough is a bargain for Reiss quality with Ché styling. It feels expensive, effortless and very Riviera.

Next is this striped baseball cap from Marks & Spencer, which comes in both a denim stripe and a neutral stripe, both at just £16. Another great buy. I’m really into caps at the moment. I used to have a bit of a complex about them because I felt they made my ears stick out, but they have become an absolute lifesaver when heading to the gym at 6am and not wanting to do my hair pre-workout only to ruin it five minutes later. These feel like caps that actually elevate an outfit though, rather than reading purely as gym wear.

My final selection for this week’s stripe roundup is the Zara Relaxed Pinstripe Trousers, which have gone into the sale at £27.99 and are currently making their way to me on a very exciting 2-3 working day delivery schedule. I actually tried these on at full price while in the South of France the other week, but was painfully short on luggage allowance, so the fact they’re now in the sale and still available feels like fate. They’re such a great fit and exactly the sort of trousers that work brilliantly for work but can also be dressed down with a knitted shirt or vest for that relaxed holiday vibe.

Links:

• Reiss x Ché Poplin Stripe Shirt £42.00 - Click Here

• Reiss x Ché Poplin Stripe Trouser £58.00 - Click Here

• M&S Pure Cotton Striped Textured Baseball Cap £16.00 - Click Here

• Zara Relaxed Pinstripe Trousers £27.49 - Click Here

That is it for this week’s Love List and I think it’s fair to say we’ve really earned our stripes. From tablescapes to sun loungers, lamps to linen trousers, this week has been one long love letter to the humble stripe and frankly, they have not disappointed.

As always, I’d love to know your favourites, so do leave a comment below and let me know what made it into your basket, or what you’re showing extreme restraint over. If you enjoyed this week’s roundup, please do give it a like and share it with a friend who appreciates a good stripe, a good bargain or ideally both.

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