The Perfect Grey T-Shirt
Wearing: ASOS Sunglasses, Acne Studios T-shirt (similar), H&M Trousers, Converse Trainers, Thomas Sabo Watch
Ahh, the sample sale. A feeding frenzy for fashion lovers and label whores alike who can't resist the idea of a one-of-a-kind, so-good-you'll-be-telling-people-for-years-to-come kind of bargain. I've frequented a few in my time and left disappointed more often than not but they still draw me in (seriously, there's normally a lot of crap). So when Acne promised up to 80% off a whole bunch of pieces from the past few seasons, I naturally blocked out an entire day and allowed my fantasies of a size 4, scuff-free pair of Pistols and the ultimate leather biker to run wild.
I headed to Collingwood on that fateful day, full of optimism, only to find half of Melbourne was already queuing for those same pieces I desperately coveted. But I persevered (I wasn't working at the time, so I needed to fill my hours and wardrobe somehow) and I'm so glad I did. As you can imagine, it was a free for all and some of my fellow bargain hunters were ruthless but I still came out with a couple of great pieces that were even better than high street prices (I. Know).
Alas, the biker jacket of dreams wasn't meant to be (apparently they're not as heavy-handed with the discounts as I so wishfully thought) but I decided to stock up on some high-quality basics instead, one being this grey t-shirt. Not exactly exciting, I grant you, but the loose boxy shape and soft, fine fabric makes it the perfect plain tee that I know will be hanging in my wardrobe for a long time to come. And all for a mere $30 (or £17 to my fellow Brits).

The Uniqlo U Trench
Wearing: ASOS Sunglasses, Uniqlo U Trench Coat (similar), H&M Jumper and Trousers (similar), Ganni Trainers
Anyone who knows me, or has been following this blog for a while will know that I'm a big advocate of Uniqlo. Their fine merino knits are some of the best and most affordable on the high street (I go for the men's for a looser fit, plus the women's seem to sit quite short on the body) and they do a great tailored trouser.
It's the collabs and special collections that really do it for me though. Loose-fitting Hana Tajima tunics and trousers have been a staple in my wardrobe since the first collection was released a few years back, and I felt like I'd died and gone to high street collab heaven when Uniqlo teamed up with Lemaire. Then of course, there was the recent JW Anderson collection (which I now look back on in longing and wishing I'd invested in a few pieces), and offerings from Tomas Maier and Marimekko for those with a bolder approach to style.
It will come as no surprise then, that I eagerly anticipate the new Uniqlo U collections released each season; an ongoing line designed by Christophe Lemaire following that original collaboration (in fact, I've just been earmarking a few bits from the upcoming AW18 collection, due to launch mid-September). It's Lemaire style but at Uniqlo prices - what's not to love? This trench coat is the most recent Uniqlo U piece to enter my wardrobe. It was on sale, the only one left and came in a large, giving it that oversized fit that I love. It's also light and waterproof, so has become my go-to when that chill hits Melbourne or the rain clouds descend on us (yes, unfortunately, it does sometimes rain in Australia).
*Not an ad or sponsored in any way, just a love letter to Uniqlo, the unsung hero of the high street
