Penelope Cross Stitch Jacket from Monsoon

As the weather improves, one needs a coat less and less, but it's still not warm enough to go out without some sort of cover up.  A lovely cardigan or jumper works wonders, but sometimes one needs something a little more structured.

The sale's just started at Monsoon and there are lots of great items with up to 50% off.  They have a selection of cropped, patterned jackets that will work really well for Spring.  I like this cotton-blend blue and burgundy version with floral details and a hippy/folk element.  It would be perfect with jeans and pumps but could equally be thrown over a dress to keep the chill at bay in the evening.  Originally £69, it's half price in the sale and is still available in sizes 8 to 16, 20 and 22.

Best of the Sales: Fever London

The Fever London collection is gorgeous - inspired by vintage culture yet still contemporary.  The sale's on at the moment, so there is already 60% off many items, but until Sunday, customers can get an additional 15% off with the code EXTRA15.

My picks of the sale can be found on my main website but I think my favourite is this Farringdon dress in navy which has been reduced from £64.99 to £38.99.  I love its flattering, sharp tailoring with the double breasted buttons and tie waist, meaning its perfect for work, but it's not too formal to be worn as a day dress.  The fabric also is a cobomnation of cotton and elastane, so should fit perfectly and feel great!

Over the Top: Moredale Quilted Jacket from Joules

The end of season sales are certainly upon us and it's the perfect time to grab all sorts of bargains.  I've noticed that there is a great selection of products on offer at most of the stores having sales, rather than just the usual 'bargain bin' items that one often sees; presumably it's all to do with the economic climate and that shoppers are savvier (hurrah!).

The Joules sale started this week and there is a lot of clothing and accessories still available - again, unusual, as their sale items have always sold out super-quickly in the past.  But it does mean that shoppers don't have to panic buy!  I've chosen to highlight this Moredale quilted jacket in my post today as it's a high-quality, classic coat that will last season after season; it's also a coat I already own, I love it and I've had loads of compliments about it.  It's brilliant for the British weather as it's lightweight and slightly quilted, so will keep one warm, but it's not too thick to be heavy or hot - so great for those in-between seasons or the annoying, changeable weather that we seem to be having at the moment.  It's also water resistant so is okay for when it showers.  The cut of the coat is great too, coming in slightly at the waist to give a nice body shape when wearing it.  And the pockets are practical, big and usable - I absent-mindedly put my phone in the pocket and it was perfectly safe with no chance of it falling out.  A final touch which I think is lovely is the contrasting inside lining, which adds an element of cheeriness and fun!

The Moredale was £89.95 but has been reduced to £59.95 in the sale.  There are many colours and sizes still available so have a look to see what suits!

Let me know if you like this jacket and are planning to buy it!  What colour will you go for?  

Delightful Dress: Project D London Carnegie Strappy Dress from Simply Be

A feminine white cotton day dress is a must for the spring and summer months, classically elegant, simple, cool yet practical.  I've found this gorgeous designer 'Carnegie' one from Simply Be, which is great quality, a superb, flattering cut and comes in a wide range of sizes.  It's by Dannii Minogue and Tabitha Somerset Webb's fashion label Project D London and is simply delightful!  The broderie anglaise pattern gives a hint of vintage chic, the straps are wide enough to wear a bra and the length is respectable for every day wear.  Wear with wedges and a floppy hat for a perfect summertime look.

Simply Be are offering 20% off selected dresses at the moment - including this one - so originally £90, it's now £72 in sizes 14 - 32.

Delightful Dress: Original Recipe Dress from Modcloth

Oh I do love researching fabulous clothing and accessories for this blog.  I have found another amazing US  site called Modcloth, which specialises in independent, retro-inspired designers and I pretty much want everything there!  They have a wonderful selection of dresses and shoes especially, and they also have a superb sale on at the moment.  They ship to the UK for about $17 (about £11), not including any customs charges.

I've found it really difficult to pick just one item for this post.  Therefore, I have started to develop the concept of Savvy Chic, Canny Style and have created a website where I can post more ideas and gorgeous fashion bargains.  So have a look over at the site for some more of my sale picks, visit Modcloth or carry on reading here!

I have chosen a simple, classic wrap dress from the sale.  Made from organic cotton and elastane skimming the hips, it will fit beautifully, with the sash clinching the waist perfectly.   A wrap dress is timeless, so will work season after season so it's a great investment.  The colours and pattern of this dress are ideal also - fairly neutral, so will work with anything, but it can be jazzed up with some colourful accessories.  I'd team this with some strappy sandals for summer chic.  Originally $129.99, it's currently $90.99 - so about £60 - and comes in UK sizes 8 to 16.

Delightful Dress: Flapper Dress from Jigsaw

The Great Gatsby movie is released in a few days and the fashion world seems to have gone crazy for 1920's chic.  Romantic, feminine, loose and fringy, the current styles are shorter, swingy dresses and long, fitted gowns.  Team with feathers, pearls, red lips, nude colours and fascinators to completely embrace the look, or simply choose a few key pieces for a hint of retro chic.

I think that this silk flapper dress from Jigsaw epitomises the trend and is simply gorgeous.  It comes in a delicate oyster colour or a shimmering silver grey - both pictured as they are so exquisite!  The shape and cut means that it will skim the body and flatter most body shapes.  Despite being inspired by a 1920's vintage pattern, I think the look is timeless and this dress is a real investment that will sell-out fairly quickly judging by what I've read about it already!  I'm afraid all I can offer in terms of a discount for this dress is free standard delivery.  But I couldn't resist it....  This dress is amazing.

Delightful Dress: May Day Pink Floral Swing Dress from Unique Vintage

A classic 1950's Rockabilly swing dress will suit almost any woman, with its feminine hourglass silhouette, cinched waist and full skirt.  The trend can be taken to the max when combined with victory rolls, a net petticoat, bright lips and patent heels or it can be pared down with some simple flat pumps and a lovely cardi.  There are so many fantastic 50's inspired dresses out there but for this post, I've gone to sunny California to the site Unique Vintage.  It's a fabulous site full of vintage inspired clothing for men and women, as well as gifts and accessories, and they do ship to the UK.

It's been really hard to pick just one dress from the site as there are so many, but by checking what's in the sale in a decent range of sizes I have chosen this pink and white floral swing dress which is still available in sizes small to extra-large.  I think it's a really pretty way of wearing the trend without going overboard and the pink detailing in the middle makes the waist seem tiny!  This dress is perfect for summer and would look lovely at a garden party or wedding.  Originally $130, it's $68 in the sale with shipping about $38 - so all in all, about £68 delivered.  But to be honest, I'll be stocking up with some accessories and other goodies from the site to make the shipping costs more economical....!