Glasshouse

When a day trip to an unfamiliar city doesn't quite go according to plan, the only real option is to make the most of one's metropolitan surroundings. Gratefully, even on a grey and drizzly Friday, Sheffield had plenty for Paige and I to explore, from vintage shops and snazzy bars to hidden courtyards and striking modern architecture.

Among the latter was the impressive, vaulted glasshouse of Sheffield's Winter Garden, a tropical oasis of more than 2,500 plants smack in the heart of the city. Walking amongst the verdant vegetation, my coincidental get-up of a green t-shirt, leather backpack and Dr Martens boots made me feel somewhat like an intrepid adventurer beneath a jungle canopy - in which my mind naturally made stupid comparisons to the Pterodactyl enclosure of Jurassic Park. Albeit the only thing I would ever need to worry about swooping down on me in this particular greenhouse is a giant, inflatable E. Coli.

ASOS t-shirt, jeans and backpack | Dr Martens boots | Ray Ban Clubmaster sunglasses | Wristwatch c/o Skagen

ASOS | New & Exclusive Brands for AW16

Given today's ridiculously warm and sunny weather (at least here in London and Surrey), one might find it hard to believe autumn is on its merry way. While I swelter at my desk in a t-shirt and shorts, looking forward to an evening of prosecco in Kennington Park, high street fashion labels are stocking up on next season's essentials, from transitional pieces to winter woollies.

Ahead of AW16, the ASOS Menswear team invited me to preview some of their new and exclusive brands at the company's Mornington Crescent headquarters. Among the labels in the showroom were a number with which I was already familiar, such as ASOS' own Reclaimed Vintage, replicating bygone styles with vintage (or similar) fabrics, and the handsome Heart & Dagger, whose khaki herringbone overcoat from last year's AW15 collection has pride of place in my wardrobe.

Also to feature in next season's releases will be denim by Levi's Orange Tab, sweatshirts and souvenir bomber jackets from Puma, and Korean labels Visionair and Don't Ask My Plan, the latter of which naturally piqued my penchant for polka dots with their spot-print utility shirts. ASOS' selection of grooming products will be equally replenished, with such brands as Mr Natty, Sexy Hair, and Uppercut.

The showroom, which also showcased some beautiful womenswear pieces, was only a sample of things to come, but I'm already excited to supplement my autumn/winter wardrobe, even if I have virtually no available space. (There's no such thing as having too many clothes, just not having a large enough closet.) Until that time, however, I'll be making the most of my summer ensembles.