Alpaca Wool Blend V-Neck Cardigan from UNIQLO

UNIQLO can be relied on to produce some great quality wardrobe staples at really good prices.  Knitwear often contains cashmere, merino or alpaca and other clothing uses cutting edge fabrics and technologies.  It also does some great collaborations with designers, such as this recent one with Orla Kiely.

I love this alpaca wool blend cardigan that is soft, light and elegant. Its sleeves and bottom are slightly ribbed, which prevents it from being dull.  It's shape and length means that it can be worn with almost any casual outfit - I'd wear a camisole vest top underneath and team with skinny jeans and ankle boots.

Originally £19.90, which I think is fab value anyway, it's reduced to £14.90 in the sale.  It comes in wine (pictured), cream, light and dark grey, black and green in a variety of sizes.

Beaded Flapper Style Top from Jigsaw

I don't think the 1920's Great Gatsby trend will be going out of style for a while yet - plenty of New Year's Eve parties had it as their theme as far as I can tell!  So it's worth searching out some key pieces in the sales that will take one through season after season.

Jigsaw have been excellent at creating some amazing retro pieces that remain true to the original, whilst still being modern and pretty.  Remember the silk flapper dress epitomising the era?  Unfortunately, it's not on sale any more, but I have found similar versions in a top.  Intricately-embellished with beautiful beadwork and a superior silk camisole lining it will be luxurious and flattering to wear. One can go for the whole 1920's vibe with a swinging skirt and kitten heels, or dress differently with skinny jeans and boots.  Available in grey or antique pink, both of these tops are reduced from £139 to £111 in the sale.

      

Divine Collaboration: Orla Kiely for UNIQLO

Orla Kiely has created a range of colourful, bold print tops for UNIQLO with the idea of a 'happy winter' - never a bad thing!  The collection features v-neck and rollneck t-shirts with a unique HEATTECH fabric, which basically keeps one warm using fancy textile technology.

All of the tops are currently on sale for just £9.90 (reduced from £12.90) and the patterns are new, inspired by nature and haven't been seen before so it's the perfect time to stock up on a fresh, contemporary look.  My favourite is this red, white and black flowered v-neck, long-sleeved t-shirt.  Simple and pretty, it can be thrown over jeans or skirts and used for layering.  If one prefers a rollneck top, I think it would look pretty fab with a simple, black pinafore dress, tights and boots.  And if that isn't enough, the winter sale is on at UNIQLO so there are lots more bargains to be had!