Hayden Asymmetrical Dress from Fever London

It's always great to find online stores that stock unique, fun and retro styles and Fever London does just that.  There is currently 20% off selected styles, so I have been having a browse to see what's available.

I am tempted by this 1960's inspired pencil dress in navy with a contrasting red stripe detail.  The bodycon styling with a hint of elastane means it will flatter one's silhouette, pulling in at all the right places! The length means it's subtle enough that it could be worn for work, with some conservative court shoes, or it can be glammed up for a night out at a jazz club.

Usually £69.99, with the discount (which runs until Sunday) it's £55.99 and comes in sizes 6 to 18.

Missy Cat Print Collar Dress from People Tree

I've said it before and I'll say it again, People Tree is a great store with an admirable ethical ethos and customers should be proud to shop there! Their new collection is out for Spring and Summer and customers can take advantage of the code ECOLOVE, which gives 10% off until 30th March.

I love this pussy cat patterned shift dress, with capped sleeves and a Peter Pan collar.  It's very 1960's retro, and I love the kooky geometric cat print!  It will be incredibly comfortable and cool to wear, being 100% high quality, organic cotton. It can be worn with opaque tights and black boots to channel the 60's or wear with wedged sandals for a simple Spring look. It's £75 normally, but with the discount is £67.50 and there's free UK delivery (or just £5 for international delivery).

Alternatively, customers can get £30 off when they spend more than £150 with discount voucher code LOVEPT30, if there are other items on the site that need purchasing...!  This is valid until 27th March.

Preppy Colourblock Work Bag from Accessorize

Goodness me!  I have just realised that I haven't featured a bag since October, so I guess it's about time to do so once again.  And where better to focus than the Accessorize sale?  Of course, there are loads of fab bags there - clutches, totes, wallets and satchels - but I've chosen this colourblock work bag, mainly as I went back to work this week!

Smart and structured with a definite 60's vibe, it will be perfect for all those office bits.  The zipped compartments help to contain those additional non-work bits too!  The shoulder strap means it can be carried easily and comfortably to meetings and about town, putting it down with the carry handles.  Perfect!  And even better, it's reduced from £35 to £27 in the sale.

Awesome Accessories: Lowie Cloche Hat & Tote Handbag from Rock My Vintage

In my opinion, vintage-inspired fashion will never go out of style which is why buying such items will always be a canny and savvy way to shop!  They can be mixed and matched easily - so one can go for the full retro vibe to channel whichever era one wants, or pick a few key pieces to add a vintage twist to a modern look!

Online store Rock my Vintage specialises in both original and inspired vintage dresses and accessories. The boutique offers a great selection of dresses, handbags, jewellery, belts, scarves and headwear.  There are loads of items in their sale right now, including some amazing dresses, but I'm focusing on the accessories today.

I love this hand-knitted Lowie cloche hat which is perfect for autumn and winter, when the weather starts to cool.  It takes me back to the Twenties - very Gatsby, I feel!  The ribbon is very cute and adds an element of interest, to prevent this from just being a simple woolen hat.  It comes in cream (pictured), red and cobalt blue and has been reduced from £40 to just £16.

I have also found this wonderful nude tote handbag which I think would work well with the 1920's, retro look - although it's also got a 1960's feel about it!  Mix and match of eras?  This would work well for all daytime occasions; the site suggests weddings and the races - August Bank Holiday at Goodwood anyone?  It's a great, versatile handbag and has been reduced from £75 to £45.

As these are sale items, voucher codes shouldn't apply but it's worth noting that Rock My Vintage do have an ongoing code (till the end of the year) for 8% off if customers fancy any of their full-priced items!

Delightful Dress: Plaid Pinafore Dresses from Urban Outfitters

Pinafore dresses have been making a bit of a comeback lately.  However, I've steered a bit clear of them as I do worry they look a bit schoolgirl if they are the wrong colour, pattern or styled too young.  The key to looking like a grown up when wearing this, I think, is to layer it with some mature pieces, such as a crisp blouse or some funky accessories and avoid school uniform grey!  Another trend emerging for AW13 is a tartan or plaid pattern and so I have found a couple of lovely pinafores in such a print from Urban Outfitters - I couldn't choose between them so I'm highlighting both!

The first is this red Vintage Renewal plaid pinafore dress, which is £38 and comes in sizes medium and large.  It's got a real Sixties retro look and feel to it, and is fun and playful, without being juvenile.  I like the way they have styled it, with the long-sleeved cotton blouse and I'd team it with some dark tights and Doc Martens for autumn and winter.

The second dress is this Cooperative pinafore dress in Black Watch tartan print.  It's £52 and comes in sizes extra small to large.  Again, it could be styled as the dress above and look great!

Until the end of the month, customers can get 10% off at Urban Outfitters with the code AUGUST10 and for a limited time, delivery is just £1.

Delightful Dresses: Modcloth Sale

The Modcloth sale is on with up to 50% off some gorgeous, vintage-inspired pieces and, quite frankly, if they're doing a sale, I'm going to find a perfect dress!  There are two types of dress that I have been after.  The first is a retro summer dress, that I could wear to an afternoon, vintage-themed tea party and maybe go for a little dance afterwards at a Lindy Hop club!  I've chosen this 'Head Bow-ver Heels' dress by Knitted Dove which is half price at $58.99 (about £39).  The style and shape, with the empire line waist, is very flattering and the white bow collar is just charming.
The second dress I want is something I can wear to the office and be cool and chic, but also something that I can wear in the day when not in the office.  And I have found two!  The first is this 'Stop and Smell the Hibiscus' shift dress by Tulle Clothing which is half price at $34.99 (about £23).  The navy, fuchsia, coral, red and white floral pattern is subtle but pretty and the collar makes it work well for the office.  The belt is removable, but will flatter the waist brilliantly.
Another dress I would wear to the office, as well as out and about, is this chiffon 'Strolling the Seashore' dress in mint green.  It's a similar style to the above but I love the colour combination and attention to detail.  Again, it's half price at just $24.99 (about £16.50).
So many dresses, so little time!  There are literally thousands of dresses in the sale - as well as other clothing and accessories - so it's a perfect time to grab a real bargain.

Delightful Dress: Pretty Dress Company Mistress Day Dress from Look Again

The retro look is fab, but sometimes I want to channel it without going too far - I'm thinking of when I'm at work especially!  So I've searched for a dress that conveys Mad Men office chic but isn't completely 1960's and I think I've found it in this Mistress black and white day dress by The Pretty Dress Company.

This fitted pencil dress is an easy one piece style solution, suitable for not only the office but for the day too; it can be worn as it is with a pair of pumps or heels and that's the outfit, sorted.  The classic, monchrome design, features a contrasting collar, three quarter sleeves and retro cut that are in keeping with the 60's vibe that I was looking for.  It also has a paneled waist detail to cinch in the middle area to create a flattering, hourglass silhouette.

It's available from a few sites online at around the £100 mark, but it's currently on sale at Look Again for £78 in sizes 8 to 16.

Delightful Dress: Sequin Pattern Skater Dress from Fashion World

A girl can never have too many dresses so here's another one!  Fashion World is an online and mail order catalogue company, focusing on plus-size womenswear from sizes 12 to 32.  They have a great variety of on-trend, quality clothing, shoes and accessories, all designed to flatter and compliment all figures.

This sequin patterned skater dress is perfect for summer. The design is delicate, the colours subtle and pretty.  Skater dresses flatter curves enormously, by drawing in the waist and then skimming the hips and thighs; this particular dress goes one step further - by having a pleated skirt, it will hide any lumps and bumps and create a wonderful, girlie silhouette.  Being cotton and elastane, it will be cool and fit well.  It's a fantastically, versatile, savvy purchase - I'd team with casual sandal wedges and a cardi in the day or nude heels and a pashmina for the evening.

I think this dress is great value already at just £27.50, but new customers can get 10% off with code CQHC5, which is ongoing until the end of the year.  It's available in sizes 12 to 22.

What's your preferred dress style?  Would you wear a shorter skater dress like this or do you prefer a maxi?  Or something more fitted?  Let me know in the comments below!

Splendid Skirt: Louche Cindy A-line Skirt from Joy

Say what you like about Victoria Beckham, I don't think it can be denied that she's come a long way from her Spice Girls days and developed into a respected (and in my opinion, talented) fashion designer.  Her dresses are gorgeous, flattering and feminine but unfortunately are out of my price range!

The item from her SS13 collection that I've been coveting is a bright orange a-line skirt.  Victoria's been spotted out and about in this skirt a couple of times now - as part of a suit to give a fashion talk and with a neutral top when out with her daughter.  I love the vivid tangerine orange which is summery bright and cheerful.  And an A-line skirt is always flattering, pulling in the waist and disguising the upper hips and thigh but still flashing enough leg to be fun!

I've found an equivalent skirt from Joy the Store.  Whilst it isn't top-class designer, and it's a cotton blend as opposed to silk and wool, it's still stylish and great quality and is reminiscent of the Victoria Beckham version.  I would pair it with a tucked-in cream or white blouse for simple, sophisticated chic; for day I'd wear flat pumps and switch to some killer heels in the evening.  Available in sizes 8 to 14, it's been reduced from £32 to £20 in the sale.

What are your views on Victoria Beckham as a designer?  Do you think she's a worthy designer whose styles can be emulated?

Delightful Dress: Robinette Dress from Fever London

Fever Designs now have selected items at 30% off, which includes a great selection of summer-ready dresses and accessories.  The store's style is inspired by vintage prints and feminine silhouettes, so they really do have a great selection of products to choose from.

I love the eye-popping brightness of this cowl neck Robinette dress.  The bright blue and almost neon orange contrast perfectly to create a stunning colour palette.  The dress style is retro, beautifully feminine and versatile enough that it can be worn to work, during the day, or dressed up for an evening out.  It's also available in navy and cream, which is a little more conservative but still pretty!  I'd wear this with some peep-toe platform heels and just a bracelet or two to create a really gorgeous, chic outfit.

Normally £69.99, with the discount it's £48.99 and comes in sizes 6 to 18.

What do you think about this dress?  Is the orange and blue too much or is it wonderful?  Or do you prefer the blue version?  Let me know in the comments below!

Summer Staple: Charming Bouquet Balconette Bikini from La Perla

We are inching towards summer and my thoughts are truly at the beach.  And with perfect timing, selected La Perla beachwear is on sale.  There's up to 40% off beautiful and luxurious bikinis, swimsuits and many other accessories.

I've picked this floral balconette underwired bikini as it's pretty and flattering.  Balconette bikinis and bras are brilliant as they push the breasts up from underneath, giving fantastic support, and they enhance the chest.  However, they don't crush the breasts together so this style boosts the bust and cleavage in an understated and sophisticated manner.  And the watercolour floral print is delicate and lovely!

This bikini has been reduced from £369 to £221 in the outlet section of the online store and delivery is free for orders over £105.

What is your bikini style preference?  Do you prefer a balconette style?  Or is a halterneck or bandeau more your thing?  Add your views below!

Summer Staple: Pink & Green Floral Belted Bathing Suit from Unique Vintage

There's 20% off at Unique Vintage until tomorrow (28th May) with the code MEM20 so it's a great opportunity to stock up on some fab, retro pieces!

I love this pink, white and green floral swimsuit.  Fabulously retro, it's flattering in all the right places, with a modest but pretty sweetheart neckline and belted for a defined, feminine shape.  The pink ruffles add to the delicacy of this swimsuit.

Normally $97, with the discount it is $77.60 (about £51) and shipping is about $36 (£24).  It comes in sizes small to extra-large.

Delightful Dress: Red & White Spotty Prom Dress from BHS

The BHS Spectacular Event is now on, with up to 30% off in-store and online.  I have had my eye on this Sophie Gray spotty red and white prom dress for ages now but obviously didn't want to pay full price - but now I don't have to!  As with all prom dresses, the cut is classic and flattering.  The colours are great and I like the way the polka dots are larger than one often gets with spotty dresses; it adds a unique twist.  There is also netting underneath the full skirt, which will give a lovely vintage-inspired shape.  Usually £49, with 20% off it's £39.20 in sizes 16 - 22.