Summer Staple: Raoul Piped Geometric Print Silk Shorts from My-Wardrobe.com

During the summer sales is the perfect time to stock up on shorts, which are classic, practical and will last year after year!  I've found some fun, cheap ones at Boohoo.com and now I'm focusing on some gorgeous designer ones from My-Wardrobe.com.  These green, abstract patterned silk shorts by Raoul are divine.  They can be worn to the office with a crisp white shirt and posh, wedged sandals but equally can be teamed with a simple t-shirt and pumps for everyday casual.  Originally £185, they've been reduced to £92 in the sale.  And until midnight tomorrow, there's an extra 25% off with the code SALEEXTRA25 - bonus!

Over the Top: Marcy Military Jacket from Phase Eight

The summer sales may be a great opportunity to stock up on items that will last the rest of the season, as well as next spring and summer, but it seems that one is still able to find some great items that will work as the weather gets colder.  I was pursuing the Phase Eight sale and came across this fabulous wool blend, navy peacoat.  The peacoat is a classic wardrobe staple and will work for most any occasion.  I like the textured fabric of this one which makes it interesting and it looks really warm!

It's half price at £49.50 and is still available in a large size.

Fantastic Footwear: Lunda Soft Leather Lace Up Brogues from Dune

I've said it before, but I find brogues a bit hit or miss; I prefer ones that are heeled or come in interesting and feminine colours and patterns, otherwise I feel too mannish - even if I'm wearing a dress!  However, sometimes there is a need for something fairly basic, which is why I love these blood orange coloured ones available from Dune.  Team with cropped jeans and a floral blouse, they would look lovely - or wear for work when it starts getting colder again!

Available in sizes 3 to 5 and 8, they've been reduced from £70 to £41.

Wardrobe Staple: Toms Shoes

Toms Shoes is an ethical shoe company; when they sells a pair of shoes, a pair of shoes is given to an impoverished child, and when Toms sells a pair of eyewear, part of the profit is used to save or restore the eyesight for people in developing countries.  For this reason alone, I'm happy to say that a pair or two of Toms shoes should be a wardrobe staple.  The fact that they are simple, classic and comfortable is a bonus extra!

Having said that, the style of the shoe does seem to divide opinion somewhat.  I've heard them called 'dull', 'ugly' and 'boring'.  However, I don't think this is the case - and anyway, they've expanded their collection significantly and there are loads of lovely versions available.

There are two on which I'm going to focus, which I particularly like.  The first is in the classic style, but a crochet material which should cost no more than £45.  Amazon's a good place to find a selection of different colours for reasonable prices.  I like the cream, but they're also available in navy on sale for just £30 at Box Clothing (but only in a size 3).

The second is a fairly new, ballerina flat pump.  They tend to retail at around the £65 mark but this is far too much!  Get them on sale at Soletrader for just £39.

Toms are also available for the standard prices (i.e. not inflated) at Office, Schuh (some are on sale) and Footasylum (again, some are on sale).  And, of course, there is the official Toms UK website!

Delightful Dress: Ashley Shirt Dress from Baukjen

Shirt dresses are classic, versatile and comfortable.  They can be thrown on and teamed with jeans or leggings, bare legs or with tights and look chic.  I would pick a cotton or cotton blend one and make sure that it has a decent tie waist to really flatter the figure - otherwise one runs the risk of looking like one is wearing an oversized man's shirt.

The Baukjen sale is on and I have found a lovely blue and white striped shirt dress, available in sizes 8 to 16.  It can be dressed up with wedged sandals (I think it would be fab with these Steve Madden ones) or wear with skinny jeans and Converse for an off-duty, casual look.  Originally £109, it's been reduced to just £43.60.

Delightful Dress: Fever Babylon Shift Dress from Amazon

There is up to 70% off in the Amazon fashion sale and there is a lot available at present.

I've fallen in love with this Fever Babylon jersey dress.  The pink, mint green and white colour combination is really pretty, as is the intricate floral embroidery on the skirt.  Shift dresses flatter most figures, skimming the body but without clinging and they are so versatile.  I'd wear this to the office, as well as when I'm out and about.  A lined, cotton mix, this dress perfect for summer.

Originally £84.99, it's currently between £44.83 - £47.07, depending on size.

Fantastic Footwear: Aleene Ankle Boots from Moda in Pelle

Even though summer is - hopefully - not coming to an end, summer sales seem to be and fashion's mind is turned towards the Autumn months.  However, there are loads of items that are versatile enough that can be used for any season and one of these is the humble ankle boot.  There are many ways to wear ankle boots to make legs look streamlined and be suitable for hotter weather.  I think they look great with flared summer skirts or dresses - either with bare legs or tights - but they also work with skinny jeans and slouchy jumpers.  So ultimately, perfect for the seasonal transitions coming up!

Colour-wise, a classic black or tan will last season after season and, for this reason too, it's worth investing in a great quality, leather version.  I've been looking at the pre-Fall collection at Moda in Pelle and think that these Aleene ankle boots are perfect.  There's a heel to give some definition, but not too much to be impractical!  The buckles keep the look interesting and a little edgy to avoid being boring.  And they are quality leather and will last.  I'd wear these with some dark skinny jeans and a fab statement t-shirt for a real rock-chick, festival look.

They come in sizes 3 to 8, black or tan, and are £89.95.  Until the end of today, customers can save £10 on orders over £80 with code MODASAVE or else new customers can save 20% with code NEW20 until the 31st July.

Freebie! Crabtree & Evelyn 60 Second Handcare Treatment

Until 14th August, Crabtree & Evelyn are offering a the chance to receive a complimentary 60 second hand fix treatment in-store, to celebrate the launch of their new conditioning hand wash range.

I took advantage of this today and, I must say I am very impressed with the results!  I used the lavender one, as it's one of my favourite scents, but there are others including Citron, Honey & Coriander, Gardeners' and Rosewater which also looked and smelt lovely.  My hands smell amazing, they feel great and are silky smooth, even a few hours later.

Usually £34, they are currently £24 and will look gorgeous in any bathroom, as well as being amazing for hands!

Print out the following leaflet to get your free treatment in-store.  Enjoy!

Splendid Skirt: Maurizia Lace Pencil Skirt from Coast

There's always room for a fab and flattering pencil skirt, especially when it comes in a vibrant, summery colour and gorgeous pattern!  I adore this orange Maurizia lace skirt, available in sizes 8 to 18 in the Coast sale.  The cut is perfect and the slimming band that cinches in the waist will make for a faultless fit.

Team with a neutral, cream top and heels for an elegant, feminine and classic look or be more brave and pair with the matching top.  The skirt has been reduced from £95 to £65.

Wardrobe Staple: Original Vans

Back in the day (well, I'm thinking 90's), Vans were the shoes the cool kids wore.  They were stylish, comfy and definitely trendy when hanging out with all the skater boys.  And it seems as though they are having a bit of a revival - hurrah!  They've been luxuriated in satin at Céline and chosen to be part of a collaboration with Kenzo.  But I believe nothing beats the basic, original and the best slip-on versions.  They are so classic and versatile and can be teamed with casual jeans or shorts - but also sundresses and pencil skirts.

There is a ton of patterns and prices out there for original Vans, so as ever it is worth doing some research before buying.  As a rule, the slip-ons should be around the £30 - £35 mark, depending on pattern and availability, but they can be found for less.

If I were to go for a plain version, I'd pick these simple blue ones, available on sale from Footasylum for £29.99 in sizes 3 to 7.  They also come in black but are slightly more expensive, and only available in sizes 4 and 7.

But I am very tempted by this classic check version, available from Amazon for around £30.  I'd go for the pink, grey and black I think!

Other deals at the moment include:

• Cloggs - 20% off Vans with code VANS20 until 31st July.
• Allsole - stocks Vans and various codes available until the end of the month.
• Office - some Vans on sale.

Delightful Dress: Gojji Orchid Print Maxi from Ted Baker

It really is all about dresses at the moment.  There are so many fantastically gorgeous ones out there on sale and customers are really spoilt for choice.

I spotted this orchid print silk maxi dress in the window at Ted Baker and the picture doesn't do it justice.  It is simply stunning.  The sweetheart neckline is discreetly flattering and the belt will nip in the waist.  The silk fabric will feel amazing on, cool in the day but elegant at night.  The pattern is just beautiful too.  It's reduced from £229 to £115 in the sale and is only available online in size 14, but they have an in-store stock checker that could be used.  Sensational.

Delightful Dress: Tribal Print Body Con Midi Dress from Izabel London

There are so many gorgeous dresses at the moment at Izabel London and I have been hard pressed to pick just one!  I have gone for an ethnic print bodycon midi dress for something a little different to usual.  It's on trend, glamourous and the fitted, stretch fabric should hold any loose bits in nicely!  I find that a midi length on a dress and skirt is very flattering.  I especially like this pattern for the colours which are pretty and subtle but which still manage to convey tribal style.

This dress is only £18, but there are a couple of voucher codes for Izabel London which are valid until the end of the month - 12% off with code 12IZABEL (all orders) or 15% with code 15IZA40 (if you spend over £40).  They're also offering free standard delivery on orders over £20.

Investment Piece: Giselle Rose Print Silk Dress from Reiss

Purchasing key investment pieces of clothing and accessories can be seen as a savvy way to shop.  By choosing a few, high quality, versatile and classic items, one can have a gorgeous wardrobe that can work well for any occasion and never go out of style.

For this reason, I have fallen in love with this rose print silk dress from Reiss which comes in sizes 4 to 14 and is £159.  The silk will be luxurious to wear, cool for summer days but elegant for evenings.  The pattern and cut is flattering, with the fitted top and flared skirt to skim hips.  I'd pair this with some killer heels - maybe some Louboutins! - and a structured handbag - for an exclusive night out.

Summer Staple: Riley Heart Print Flippy Shorts from Boohoo.com

Shorts are great for the summer months, keeping one cool but also able to protect one's modesty should a sudden breeze occur!  There are so many great ones around at the moment, for fantastic prices, but I'm liking these red and white heart patterned ones which are available for just £10 at Boohoo.com in sizes 8 to 14.  And until the 28th July, there's 15% off summer essentials at Boohoo.com with the code SUN15.

For a great daytime into early evening summer look, these could be teamed with a white top and blazer, strappy sandals and a long necklace - and the obligatory sunglasses of course!

Terrific Top: Glamorous Spot Shirt at Get the Label

There's nothing easier than smartening up an outfit for summer days than with a pretty, lightweight blouse.  A polka dot pattern is always a winner and so I've found this top from online discount store Get the Label which will go with all sorts of outfits for the season.  It can be tucked into a mini skirt or shorts and, teamed with a summer hat, shoes and sunnies, will look fab!  Available in sizes 8 to 12, it's just £9.99 and also comes in navy and white.

Putting my money where my mouth is: Havaianas

The best flip flops on the market, in my opinion, are classic Havaianas.  They are well made, comfortable, durable and perfect for the summer.  They come in a huge range of colours and styles - and prices.  The really basic, slim ones shouldn't cost more than about £15 - and should be found for less.  But, as ever, with a bit of canny research, one should be able to find a fabulous pair or two for no more than about £20.  They shouldn't cost more than this.

My sister and I took advantage of a 20% off offer at Office a few weeks ago and managed to get these wonderful versions for just under £18 which go well with our pedicures I think!  I love the colours and the sole is quite thick and sturdy.

As much as I adore the pink, I'm now searching for a more neutral version that will match a few more outfits.   There's a sale on at USC at the moment which includes these, so I am tempted by these silver and white ones, reduced from £24 to £18.

Other sites worth looking at, that often have deals include:

• Amazon - need to have a good browse to get the colour, size and price that's required.
• Matalan - there's some really basic ones for just £10.
• John Lewis - slightly more pricey but a lovely selection.

Snap it Up! 24 Hour Voucher Code for Modcloth

To celebrate the dog days of the sunny season, US vintage-inspired site ModCloth is offering a 15% off coupon for the entire site before taxes and shipping, excluding gift certificates! The coupon has no limit on number of uses, but be quick!  There are so many gorgeous items there, it's definitely worth having a look and perhaps a little stock up....?
This sale will only be for 24 hours between 23rd July 7:00am PST (that's now here in the UK) to 24th July at 10:00am PST (so 6.00pm on the 24th over here).

Once you reach your cart, just click 'apply a discount', enter the coupon code WOOF15, and all of those lovely items will be 15% off!

Interlude & Dorothy Perkins Code!

I just wanted to say that I am hoping that normal service is resuming shortly; I've been ill for a few weeks and have had to have this time to recuperate.  I am well on my way and am feeling much, much better.

However, that's not to say that I haven't been busy sniffing out some great deals, bargains and fabulous products.  I have some reviews, some great ideas and inspiration and I have plans for making it even easier to use my know-how to keep track of all the ways to achieve super savvy savings whilst shopping.

So bear with me and do let me know if there's anything in particular you are after for me to find!

In the meantime, there's an extra 20% off sale items at Dorothy Perkins with code DPSALE20 - ends today!
 

Delightful Dress: Black Maxidress with CoolFresh from Debenhams

Oh I do love a maxidress.  They are so versatile, cover all sorts of imperfections and are so easy to wear!

Debenhams have just launched their CoolFresh and ThinHeat collections - fabrics that are made from innovative fabrics that keep one extra warm as temperaures fall whilst the cool range keeps one fresh on warmer days.

I love the simplicity of this black maxidress, which is perfect for for home, the beach or work.  Team with a belt for elegance or a blazer for office chic.  Cap sleeved, it's perfect for flattering the upper arms and, of course, the long, flared skirt suits everyone - wear with heels or pumps depending on your height!  The fabric is designed to keep one cool and it doesn't need ironing - result!

It's normally £99 but until 21st July, this collection has 20% off with the code XH37 so this dress can be bought for £79.20.

Splendid Skirt: Light Weight Stripe Dobby Skirt from Adini

A floaty light, cotton skirt is an essential for summer and a versatile one which can be worn at home or in the office and on sale is even better!

Adini is a classic British boutique womenswear brand that is dedicated to making the woman of today feel and look beautiful.  I particularity like them as they specialise in using natural fabrics to create gorgeous English fashion with a hint of Eastern influences.  Their collections are distinctive and unique, but still on trend.

This cotton, lightweight Dobby skirt is a perfect example of this.  It comes in three different colours - cobalt blue, white and fossil (pictured).  It would look great for a casual look, paired with a simple vest top, but equally could be dressed up for the office.  It's fully lined and paneled for added flare and movement, so super quality too.  It's reduced to £41.48 with the discount and comes in sizes 10 to 20 - but it's selling out quickly!

Delightful Dress: Daily 50% off Dresses at YesStyle

I'm trying something new, and potentially a little lazy, so I apologise.  However, I'm just coming out of not being very well so actually, I'm quite pleased with myself for posting anything - especially considering the spellchecker is going to have to come out in force for this one!

Anyhow.  YesStyle has just launched its own dress collection. I like this site as it has really cute, Asian fashion that often can't be found anywhere else - and it's great value too.  Shipping costs aren't too bad either, being £8.99 for orders under £89 and free for orders above that.

Every day this month they will be offering a newly-launched dress with 50% off.  Each discount lasts only for 24 hours.  Below, I have posted the banner link* to the deal which should update itself when the offer changes, so it's worth checking every day to take advantage of the offer.  It's also worth noting that some of the other dresses are discounted too.

* Just seen that this doesn't work if you have an ad blocker.... here is the text link should you wish to have a look!