Great post, Angie! I've been an enthusiastic reader of your blog for quite a while, but finally had to post something when I saw this article!

Stripes are my absolute favorite pattern and it shows in my wardrobe - I have lots of striped tops (and 1 diagonally-striped maxi skirt) - and seeing them all together just makes me sooo happy! For me, striped tops are an essential because they are an easy way to add 'excitement' and 'movement' to an outfit. I also like to mix them with florals. My favorite combo is navy/white, but I have other combos, like red/white, black/white, green/navy. Stripes that are a half-inch and smaller work best for me...

I wear stripes throughout the year and prefer 3/4 to long sleeve lengths. I typically wear my heavier knit French Sailor tops (LL Bean) and sweaters for fall/winter/spring/ and lighter knits in the summer. While I love the fit and quality of more expensive tops, I will certainly not pass up a striped top at Target or Walmart if I think it will work and the quality is 'good enough'. Maybe one day, I'll bite the bullet and purchase a striped top from KULE...(sigh)