Three Is a Magic Number!

Have you ever noticed that things tend to come in threes?   Recently we had a problem with our car, then the drains and then our coffee machine gave up too – all within the same week!  Its funny how that happens …. or is it that there is something more to the number 3?

The ancient Greek Philosopher, Pythagoras, believed that the meaning behind numbers was deeply significant and in their eyes the number 3 was considered as the perfect number representing harmony, wisdom and understanding.  Its also considered the number of time – past, present and future, or even beginning, middle and end.  Interesting hey?

Three is often the magic number used in fairy tales too (3 little pigs), or nursery rhymes (3 blind mice) its also been the subject of a few songs – notably featured in the Schoolhouse Rock maths education series with lyrics helping children with their times tables, but also famously sampled by De La Soul on their “The Magic Number” track (do you remember that catchy chorus that’s probably still stuck in your head since you heard it donkeys years ago?).

3 is a number that is used a lot for visual effect – think plants in the garden in groups of 3 or have you ever noticed that a shop display usually has 3 items in total in the display or there are often just 3 of each item on a shelf?

If you are an “evens”  person (someone who tunes volume buttons to even numbers or has a preference for even numbers in general) you may not have particularly noticed until now but if you are and “odds” person (like me) who has a preference for things ending in odd numbers, then maybe some of this is sounding familiar?

3 is a great number for when it comes to your clothing.  Thinking in 3’s will help you get maximum effect when you are outfit building or layering.   Start with your lower half and choose a skirt, jeans, trousers or shorts. Then add a co-ordinating top and an overlayer like a shirt, jumper or jacket and voila!

Favourite outfit combinations heading towards the warmer weather feature this Loose Short Skirt in Terracotta with a vibrant print including shades of charcoal and ecru.  Team the skirt with a Plain Rib Knit Embroidered Tee in black, or on a really warm day opt for the Emma Cami Top from our Planet Tortue sustainability range in black or ecru which has a slim fit and thin straps to maximise your tan or layer up with the new Openwork Jumper in black or ecru featuring intricate macrame style openwork in the knit for depth and texture in ultra soft eco-friendly materials too.

Maybe you are not a skirt person but do like a “boho” vibe to your style, in which case our Romy Jeans with Paisley Print are the perfect go to in a faded colour light washed denim with a straight cut leg which you can wear full length or rolled up for a more relaxed vibe.  With 5 pockets and the positioned pale paisley detailing they are both stylish and eco-friendly as part of our Planet Tortue sustainability range too!  Pair them with our Bohemian Blouse made from 100% cotton to keep you cool, with an empire cut and flared sleeves it’s the perfect dress up or dress down top to suit the occasion.  Layer up with the Crochet Polo Neck Jumper in ecru to be bang on trend with the “craft” vibe.  The polo collar and front tab add a touch of elegance, while the slightly flared sleeves and straight cut offer a flattering silhouette – it also comes in a greenish/grey colourway too if you prefer to add a bit of colour to your outfit.  Don’t worry if you are not a fan of a floppy collar, simply turn it under the inside for a more streamlined look instead.

If looking for a more smart/casual non denim outfit, then Macrame Detail Trousers could be just the thing for you, crafted from a linen and viscose mix they are easy to wear with an elasticated waistband at the back for comfort and fit.   The bottom of each wide cut leg has beautiful cut out macrame inlays too.  Aqua blue is a good alternative to a denim, but still being a neutral shade to co-ordinate with many other pieces you already have in your wardrobe but they also come in an aniseed colourway too if you like a bright pop of colour.   Go all out wearing head to toe in the same colourway by pairing with the Macrame Top in the same aqua blue.  This sleeveless top features a round neckline with beautiful macrame work to the front, a lined layer beneath and then a plain jersey back.  For an added layer of warmth and colour add our new Zigzag Stripe Jumper which features shades of aqua blue, aniseed and white in an openwork knit with ¾ length sleeves and a boat neck.  Another Planet Tortue sustainable piece for your wardrobe that will look equally great with shorts or jeans too!

Speaking of shorts, our new eco designed light wash Denim Shorts are proving popular with our customers.   A “must-have” basic for your summer wardrobe! We advise you to take your usual size, however, a number of our team are opting for a size bigger than their usual to wear for a more relaxed fit.   With cargo patch effect pockets they can be worn rolled down “Bermuda short” smarter style or rolled up for a relaxed beach look.

Pair with our Emma Cami for simple hot summer day beach style, or opt for a gorgeous Off Shoulder Blouse in poppy red to make a statement!  Crafted from eco friendly printed viscose, this blouse features a boat neckline and shoulder slits for a touch of femininity.  The neckline has an adjustable tie so you can adjust it to be more of a smaller round neck for an additional look too!  

Dress up with our Palm Tree Print safari style jacket where the impeccable cut and clean lines in the design will flatter your natural shape and the carefully considered details add a little touch of fun!  Made from 100% cotton its another “must-have” for summer and is from our Planet Tortue sustainability range too!

Pythagoras believed that the number 3 stood for good fortune but we believe that the number 3 stands for getting the most out of your wardrobe!  When choosing items to add to your wardrobe collection, not only should you consider that they can mix and match with the pieces that you already own, but also ask yourself if you can wear that piece 3 different ways?  If you can, then it’s a “must have” addition for you as it will be something that you reach for time and time again bringing down the cost per wear investment of your clothing and making it value for money.    

People often tell us that they get what we are saying when it comes to separates but what about dresses?  We suggest that you can wear a summery dress in more than just summer!  An example of this is our new Long Scarf Dress in terracotta, black and ecru.  The colourways in this dress blend across seasons.  Wear it in Spring with Openwork Macrame Detail Jumper over for a bit of warmth, then it looks beautiful worn as it is in the summer with the gorgeous decorative rings at the back between your shoulders, a deep V neckline and scarf like volume worn with a strappy sandal.  Take it into the Autumn by wearing with a Black Casual Blazer for relaxed but smart style with trainers or loafers AND take it into the Winter months by wearing with opaque tights, a chunky black jumper with a wide belt and boots over a long winter coat too!  It’s a great piece to experiment with as you can tie it “sarong” style to create a less voluminous more straight cut silhouette as an alternative to its handkerchief style.

You may have noticed in the photographs that many of the things featured can be mixed and matched as part of a capsule wardrobe – another example of showing you  how the rule of 3 can work in building your outfit choices. 

So now you see why 3 really is the magic number … maybe Pythagoras was on to something after all?

Angela

PS – if you love the studded “Birkenstock style” sandals in the picture of our paisley print jeans then happy days – they are available on our website at Tortue.uk in sizes 3 to 9 – I can personally vouch for how super comfortable they are too!