The best of Cait Emma Burke

In this series I ask my favourite people in fashion to tell me about their favourite wardrobe staples.

Cait Emma Burke is the senior producer of the Shameless Media podcast, Style-ish. She is also a formidable fashion editor and very talented writer with by-lines in Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Body + Soul and Fashion Journal. She happens to be one of my favourite people to gossip with over martinis post runways or launch events and she has a truly refreshing sense of personal style.

Tell me about the best white t-shirt you've ever owned?

I've mainly had bad luck with brand new white tees (I feel like I'm forever getting sunscreen, makeup or hot sauce on them) so have traditionally opted for vintage ones that already have that well-worn in look. In terms of buying new, I've bought quite a few tees from Buddy, a New Zealand label that makes basics out of a cotton and hemp blend. I have an off-white one from them I'm quite fond of. Lately, I like wearing it with relaxed vintage Levi's and a Nicole Saldana lace-up ballet flat.

Tell me about the best jeans you've ever owned?

In my heart, I'll always be a vintage Levi's girl. The best ones I ever found were a pair of 505s at a vintage store I worked at years ago. They made me feel like an extra in a Bruce Springsteen video when I wore them (or maybe just like Bruce himself?)

They were the perfect length, and they hit the top of my shoe just right (being on the shorter side, I usually have to get jeans taken up). They were that perfect shade of faded blue and the way they cupped my bum was honestly... magical.

Tell me about the best pair of black trousers you've ever owned?

I owned a pair of mid-rise, suit-style tailored Arnsdorf trousers years ago that I unfortunately had to sell as I no longer fit them, but they really were perfect.

Tell me about the best blazer you've ever owned?

I bought a Jil Sander X Uniqlo blazer at a PR event years ago when I was working as a fashion editor. I had to attend a lot of events and multiple fashion weeks each year, so I needed a good quality blazer. This blazer is so gorgeous. You can wear it with a good pair of pants and heels, and you've got an outfit. I've worn it with just a bra underneath when I want to make it a bit sexier. You can no longer buy it new, but this is it here, up for grabs on eBay.

Tell me about the best coat you've ever owned?

It's vintage French Connection - I think early to mid 2000s - and is a dark almost-black-navy that goes down to my ankles and has long cuffs that hit my knuckles. The lapel is trimmed with black faux fur. I always feel powerful and mysterious when I wear it - the latter being a quality I don't naturally possess, so when an item of clothing can offer it to me, I'm all in.