LK Bennett Marlene Sandals from Zalando

The end of the summer sales are hotting up so it's definitely time to take advantage of those bargains around the web. Zalando are in the ladt few days of sale and have a huge range of items - shoes, clothes, accessories and sportswear for men, women and children - and lots of designer brands.

I have found this gorgeous pair of LK Bennett heeled sandals, which are perfect for those warmer evenings which are surely to come, despite the current changeable weather.  They come in stripey black (reduced from £175 to £125) or red (reduced from £175 to £140).

I see them being worn with a classic, box pleat, A-line skirt for daytime or evening elegance and a simple blouse or silk t-shirt.  Add a cropped cardi to keep warm whilst sipping cocktails outside!

It's worth noting as well the current sale, until 31st Sepember 2014, customers can ger 5% all items (excluding sale) with the code ZAAUGSEP5 on orders over £50 at Zalando.

Dark Floral Scuba Structured Playsuit from Lavish Alice

Lavish Alice is a gorgeous, online store that specialises in fashion's most covetable trends at reasonable prices.  It's also well-loved in showbiz circles, with popular singers like Pixie Lott, radio DJs such as Fearne Cotton and reality TV stars like Millie Mackintosh, Michelle Keegan and Samantha Faiers.

They have a great range of playsuits, perfect for the summer months.  I love this one with a digital floral monchrome print, making it easy to wear with a range of accessories - from flat pumps for daytime wear to heels for a smarter look; oversized sunglasses and hat for chilling in the sun or bright jewellery to give a complementary colour pop.

In line with the celeb theme of Lavish Alice, it's been recently spotted on E! News presenter Giuliana Rancic in the USA with some fab killer heels.  Very nice!

It's £44 - unfortunately it's not in the current 70% off sale. But so lovely!

Sophie Maxi Dress from Ossie Clark London

Ossie Clark is a well-established, classic designer who has been around since the 1960's and he invented the trouser suit! His collection consists of feminine shapes, vintage-inspired glamour with a hint of edginess.

There are quite a few items on sale on the website at present, including some beautiful, ethereal blouses and dresses, bold coloured tops and jackets and some stunning basics. However, I have gone for something a little more daring - this 'Sophie' black maxi dress with gold trim and ruffles. It's a maxi dress with a Disney villain twist - I'm thinking the stepmother in Snow White - but it's wearable, not costume-y at all! Wear to a fabulous evening do with gold strappy heels and subtle jewellery; this dress doesn't need much accessorising at all. Originally £149, it's been reduced to £79 and is available in sizes 8 to 18.

Hermione de Paula Miriam Lace Midi Skirt from My-Wardrobe

So many sales, so little time! The My-Wardrobe sale is always great and there's currently up to 80% off a superb range of brands and products from designers such as Preen, See by Chloe, 3.1 Phillip Lim, MSGM and Joseph.

I love this luxurious silk lace midi skirt by Hermione de Paula. Simple yet chic and elegant, it adds an element of class and style to any outfit.  It could be worn with tailored classics, such as a crisp blouse and courts for a smart office outfit. Or it could be glammed up with a colourful top and accessories and some killer heels for the evening. Perfect!  Originally £743, it's been reduced by 75% to £185.

Orla Kiely Love Heart Purse from House of Fraser

Mother's Day this year is 30th March and House of Fraser are currently running a promotion whereby customers can get 20% off selected gifts.  These include bags and purses from Radley, Biba, Dickins & Jones and Ted Baker amongst others, smellies, clothing and homeware.  It's a great opportunity to get something gorgeous at a discount!

My favourite (no hints, of course!) is this Orla Kiely love heart purse.  I think the love hearts are really sweet but the colour combination stops it from being cutesy and twee.  It's also got plenty of room and compartments for all one's needs - cards, coins and notes - which is what one wants from a purse!  As it's Orla Kiely, it's still not cheap - with the discount it's £55.20 - but it's gorgeous, it's quality and it will last.

Caraby Ugg Chelsea Boots from Ugg Australia

The Ugg Australia Winter sale is still on and final reductions mean that there is up to 50% off a range of great quality, comfortable, practical and lovely footwear.

I love Ugg's take on the classic Chelsea boot - especially as it's reduced from £145 to a reasonable £90 (and free delivery) for a high quality, sophisticated style.  I love the embellishments on the side and front which takes it from what could be a boring boot to something a bit more interesting - let the boot be the stand-out piece of one's outfit!  And being Ugg, one knows that they are going to be so comfortable.  Unfortunately, the black has sold out but there are still a few sizes left in the chocolate brown, which I prefer anyway!

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.

Maryna Kick Dress from Baukjen

Customers can now save up to 60% in the Baukjen sale where the focus is understated, everyday looks women can wear and still look chic and elegant.  The quality of the products is excellent, the styling is classic and each piece is easy to wear for most occasions.

I'm very taken with this Maryna kick dress in a fabulous ink blue, almost purple colour.  Made from a heavyweight jersey fabric with elastane, it will create a gorgeously flattering feminine silhouette with the full skirt balancing out the hips.  It can be worn simply as is or cinch in the waist with a thick leather belt for a lovely hourglass shape.  This colour has been reduced in the sale from £139 to £97; a black version is also available for £111.

Delightful Dress: Lace Shirt Collar Dress from Yumi

Yumi do the loveliest, cutest and unique dresses and those that are in the sale are no exception.

This black and burgundy contrasting lace dress is really different and interesting.  I think it would be great for work, with the collar creating a pop of colour and a slightly more formal style that would look great in the office.  The lace detail embellishes the front, making it really chic and elegant.  It's reduced from £30 to £21 and is still available in sizes 8 to 16.

Delightful Dress: Anna Scholz Lace Skater Dress from Simply Be

I haven't posted about dresses in a while, probably due to the weather; it's not really dress weather at the moment I suppose.  But then I spotted this fantastic Anna Scholz lace skater dress which is available from Simply Be.  It's simply stunning and flattering with a shaped bodice and waistband to create curve-skimming gorgeousness.  It's not clingy, so will skim one's shape effortlessly.  Wear for Christmas parties with contrasting bright, killer heels and look amazing.  But it's selling out fast - sizes 14 to 18 are still available, 20 and 26 low stock and 22, 24 and 28 are out of stock.  So act quickly!

It's £70 but new customers can get 10% off first orders at Simply Be with the code CQHC5 until the end of the year.

Fantastic Footwear: Whistles Barbara Ballet Shoes from Atterley Road

I do love a quality ballerina pump and these black suede Whistles ones with an ankle strap are simply divine.  They are stylish and elegant, but will be comfortable and practical for wearing during the day - perfect for the office teamed with a smart skirt suit.  I think they could also be worn with ankle skimming jeans for a more casual, but still chic, look.  They are available from Atterley Road in sizes EU 36 to 40 for £110 and, until midnight on Monday, customers can get 25% off with code PAYDAY25, meaning they're £82.50.

Leather Knee High Boots from Simply Be

I've said before that a great pair of knee high boots is an autumn and winter essential and blogged about a fantastic heeled pair from Castaluna.  However, today I'm going for flat boots and have found what I need at Simply Be.  They come in a range of colours, sizes and width fittings, so there is definitely something that will fit my calves perfectly.  The only problem is that I can't decide which to get - should I go smart or casual?  Or should I get both?  Until 12th September, there's 30% off selected items and these boots are included...

The first boots I found were these leather riding boots.  Classic and refined, they could be worn to work - but would also look great with tucked-in skinny jeans.  They come in sizes 4 to 9, black or light brown and a range of width fittings.  They are £80 normally, but £64 with the discount.

The second pair of boots I found were these leather Sole Diva double buckle boots, again in sizes 4 to 9, black or brown and a range of width fittings.  They are more casual than the riding boots but would be practical and perfect for wearing during the day.

Decisions, decisions...  But even if I run out of time, Simply Be often has a discount voucher code to take advantage of, so all is not lost in terms of savvy savings!  

Knee High Heeled Boots from Castaluna

A good pair of knee high boots is an autumn/winter essential.  They look good with skinny jeans tucked into them, but equally could be paired with dresses and skirts.  However, a problem I've had with them in the past is that they are too tight on my calves - if I can even get them zipped up in the first place - so I was really pleased to find these wide calf boots from Castaluna.  Castaluna is a plus-size online clothing store and they've got some really good clothing and footwear in sizes 14 to 36 and it's great that they have some boots that I can do up!

I like these boots also for their classic style - they will never go out of fashion.  They are simple but elegant and the heel height of 8cm isn't too high to be impractical, but high enough to give legs definition.  They are also versatile in that they could be worn casually or for work.  They come in sizes 3 to 8 and in brown (pictured), black or burgundy.

These boots are £89 but there are several different discount codes for Castaluna that can be used, so have a look at my voucher page to see which one works best!

Beautiful Bag: Jayne Colour Block Clutch Bag from Boohoo.com

One can never have too many bags and there's a great selection at great prices on the Boohoo.com website.

I really like these Jayne colour block clutch bags.  They are a good size for a clutch, being large enough to carry all of one's essentials, but without being too massive.  They come in a fab range of colours - I really love the bright yellow pictured below, but there's also pink, black and white.  The bright ones will look great with a neutral or black outfit for that burst of colour and the monochrome ones will look sophisticated with any outfit.  Just £16 normally, customers can get an extra 10% off at Boohoo.com till tomorrow with the code 10UK.

Delightful Dress: Myleene Klass Dice Print Dress from Littlewoods

Littlewoods is an online catalogue site which has a great range of products including fashion and accessories and items for the home.  They often have good deals - particularly on first orders - so it's well worth having a look if there is something one is after.

I spotted this Myleene Klass dice print dress on the latest advert for Littlewoods and thought it was lovely!  Red and black is always a great colour combo, vibrant and fun and perfect for when the weather dulls, but still suitable for summer.  The tea dress style hints at a retro, forties vibe but the dice print brings it up to date.  The shape and cut is flattering, with the tie belt waist and flared skirt providing instant, effortless style.  This dress is £69 but look out for discount offers on site, and it comes in sizes 8 to 20.

Awesome Accessories: Black, White and Gold Statement Necklace from Fashion World

A statement necklace is a great way to turn a simple top into something elegant and fancy.  There is a multitude out there, so many opportunities to create new looks with clothing that is already in one's wardrobe.

I've found there are loads of really interesting, glamorous and good value ones on the Fashion World site.  My favourite is this black, white and gold one which is chic but should go with almost anything.  Pair with a single colour, crew neck top and denim skirt to embellish a daytime look, or with a shift dress and heels for the evening.

There's 10% off first orders at Fashion World with code CQHC5 until the end of the year, so this necklace is only £19.80 when this is used.

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.

Delightful Dress: Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Antoinette Floral Dress

I love Vivienne Westwood's collections.  Her style is rebellious and grungy, yet it still manages to retain an element of femininity.  I think also that her designs are so beautiful, that they are almost a piece of art in fashion format.  My favourite items that completely embody these ideas are from her Anglomania collection.  It is romantic, with a hint to the medieval, with bodices, full skirts, delicate florals and flattering, ladylike cuts.  It's also slightly less expensive than other Vivienne Westwood collections which is always good!

This draped neck, sleeveless Antoinette floral dress epitomises the Anglomania collection and I think it is utterly gorgeous.  Made from 100% cotton, it will feel fantastic and be cool for summer.  The cinched waist and flared skirt creates a superb, hourglass silhouette, complimenting curves perfectly.  I'd wear this for evenings in the sun drinking Pimms on the terrace, paired with some pretty pink heels and a pashmina.  It's also perfect for weddings and other summer events.  Alternatively, one could be truly inspired by Westwood's vision and team it with a pair of Doc Martins and a leather jacket for a feminine modern punk look!

Usually retailing at around £350, it's available on sale at Van Mildert for £245.  Alternatively, My-wardrobe.com may be re-stocking it for £248 - the site says it's 'coming soon'.

It's also available in black which is also lovely, but more suited to evening dos I'd suggest.  Normally retailing about the same (£350), it's also on sale at Van Mildert for £210.

This dress would be a real investment piece that will last year after year and continue to be fabulous.  Do you prefer to spend more on such pieces or buy lots of items at cheaper prices, that can be replaced each season?

Delightful Dress: Black Elephant Print Peter Pan Collar Dress from Sheinside.com

Definitely, one of the best things about writing this blog is finding new and exciting online stores that stock items that can't be found on the High Street - or even in this country!  Many of the foreign stores I have found lately focus on the vintage/retro look - which I love - but Sheinside.com has that and more!  New items are added to the site every day, so it's really easy to get something unique, interesting and fabulous.

This black and gold elephant print dress is really fun and funky.  The elephant pattern and striking colours for me creates an impression of the far East - think sumptuous silks, sparkly gold and wandering safari animals.  The A-line style of the dress is very flattering too; it will create a very feminine silhouette by pulling in the waist but flaring out underneath.  And a Peter Pan collar is always cute!

This dress would look fantastic with a few simple accessories - maybe a great hairband and some bracelets. I'd then add some black t-bar peep-toe heels to create a lovely, vintage look with a modern twist.

This dress is on sale at the moment, reduced from $89 to $59 (so about £38) but an extra bonus of Sheinside is that there is free worldwide shipping - brilliant!  Also, new customers can get 15% off their first order by signing up to their email list, but I imagine this won't work on sale items.  But worth a try!  Let me know how you get on in the comments below.

Father's Day Gift Ideas: Swarovski by Diamond Style at SecretSales

Father's Day is coming up on 16th June, so I have decided to do some posts on gift ideas on what to get that special man in your life, or in your children's life!  There are so many of these celebratory days, events and holidays that it is really worth looking on how best to maximise one's savings, but still get unique and fantastic presents.  Gifts for men can be tricky sometimes but I hope that over the next week or so I will be able to find some great quality and great value items that will be appreciated for years to come.

First up is some gorgeous Swarovski men's jewellery from SecretSales.  Cufflinks are a great gift as they can be used for dressing up either work shirts or going-out shirts - they can deliver an element of elegance, class and sophistication.  These black crystal ones add an element of sparkle - but are still manly!  They are simple and stylish and, being neutral, would suit any formal or work outfit.  They are £25 (normally £60).

If the man in your life isn't so into formal wear, how about this black and pearl pen set?  They come in a black case and are handy for any occasion.  They are great for the working man - just pop them in a work bag and look stylish and ready for action.  A good set of pens also gives an element of status when one brings them out at a meeting...!  These ones are high quality, durable and look fantastic - and would work for either gender, to be honest.  The set is half price at £35.

Remember that SecretSales offers only last a few days so one needs to be quick to snap up these deals!