Audrey Hepburn
James Dean
Pablo Picasso
Audrey Tautou in Coco Before Chanel
Gwyneth Paltrow
I’ve been debating whether to get a Breton shirt from Saint James (http://www.saintjamesboutique.com/) ever since J.Crew started selling them. I finally made up my mind today, but decided to shop around to find the style I like most. After browsing the web, I stumbled upon a history of the company and found some great pictures of some famous prepsters sporting the brand, or versions similar.
According to the Saint James’ website, “The SAINT-JAMES Company has been established in Lower Normandy, in the commune of Saint-James, close to Mont Saint-Michel, since 1889. Its fame is based upon a cult item of clothing ‘the genuine pure new knitted woolen Breton seaman's sweater’. Originally intended for deep sea fishermen, then adopted by known seafarers, and amateur. Its pure wool, pure cotton, ‘seashore’ lines attract a large clientele on the coast, but also in the major cities of France, and equally throughout Europe, the United States, Canada, and Japan.”
Warning: These tees run on the bigger side. I'm a size 2 or 4, depending on the brand; I got an extra small shirt, and it's still fairly loose. Nothing a tailor can't fix, though!
Saint James $90, http://tinyurl.com/3guqrsc
J.Crew $85, http://tinyurl.com/6b8yqhv
Minquiers 10
Saint James $70, http://tinyurl.com/4yz5g8q
Blue Heaven Boutique $66, http://tinyurl.com/3rou5to
Naval II
J.Crew $115, http://tinyurl.com/3gybe2v
Saint James, $130 http://tinyurl.com/y9xrqyy
And Saint James sells more than just Breton tees. They also have hats, scarves, and bags—to name a few. Below are my picks.
Eve Echarpe Scarf, $40 http://tinyurl.com/3c8s7kw
Pieds Rayes Socks, $25 http://tinyurl.com/3ltre88
Sac Plage Bag, $90 http://tinyurl.com/3qbatcj
