Anna Scholz Cowl Colour Block Dress from Simply Be

I have just rediscovered Simply Be, a plus-size (12 - 32) store with a fabulous range of clothing, shoes and accessories. They have great basics at decent prices as well as on-trend, flattering pieces that can't be found elsewhere. I like it especially as the clothes have been designed for larger ladies, so customers can be confident that they should fit well and look good.

They have just started their online sale today (in store starts tomorrow) and there are some amazing items on offer. I will be purchasing this amazing cowl necked colour block dress by the designer Anna Scholz.  The colours and patterns are simply divine.  The cut and fabric composition, with a hint of elastane, will ensure the style is super-flattering to emphasise those feminine curves. I'd mainly wear this with heels for an evening out, but I do think one could get away with it for a lovely lunch out or other daytime event.  It's still available in sizes 20 to 32 and has been reduced from £70 to just £33!

As well as the sale, Simply Be has an ongoing code of 10% off for new customers, which is CQHC5.

Geometric Print Tube Skirt from House of Holland

I love the House of Holland collection, with its 1980s inspired, bold patterns and styles.  The collection is available on its own website, but also can be found in other stores such as Debenhams and Urban Outfitters.

I spotted this patchwork tube pencil skirt on Pinterest and love it.  Its a perfect pencil skirt, with its edgy, geometric pattern, superb midi length and high-waisted, stretch jersey fit.  Wear with a black t-shirt and ankle boots for a great, urban look.

It's £90 on the House of Holland site, but this fantastic skirt is also available at Urban Outfitters who are offering 15% off until 23rd March with the code MIAMI15 making it £76.50.

The Look for Less: Burberry Prossum SS14

Think pink! Another colour trend for SS14 is pink.  It's been spotted on the catwalks of Henry Holland, Temperley, Tom Ford and Chanel amongst others, in a range of tones and hues. I particularly like the candy pinks that are available - brighter and more fun than more common pastel shades.  Add some lace and layers and one is totally en vogue for the season!

So for this post, I am channelling Burberry Prorsum as seen during London Fashion week!

I found a great floral lace pink blouse at Marisota that is not dissimilar to the top of the dress above. It's just £18, reduced from £65. One could tuck the peplum into the skirt ir leave it as is. But hurry as it's selling out!

The blouse can then be combined with this Jacquard lace pencil skirt (below) from New Look.  It's just £19.99, comes in sizes 6 to 18 and a range of colours (black, blue, light and dark pink).

To complete the look, one could pair the skirt and blouse with some silver metallic heels - or go candy pink mad with pink courts and clutch bag!  I think this outfit would work really well for a wedding or similar more formal occasion.  A designer look, for a fraction of the price: true savvy chic, canny style!

Best of the Sales: Van Mildert

Van Mildert stocks some fantastic, designer brands and so when there's a sale, it's definitely worth having a look!  I was simply perusing and noticed that it sells one of my favourite designers, Vivienne Westwood, and lots of her pieces are in the sale with a hefty discount.

I've put a few of my choice pickings on the new site, but my absolute favourite is this Anglomania Sea Monster tartan pencil skirt.  It's got the plaid trend all sewn up but the zany sea monster, hearts and stars pattern makes it edgy and fun.  And of course, a pencil skirt is always flattering and gorgeous.  Team with killer black heels, a black top and funky jewellery and look amazing.  And to top it off, the skirt is on sale with 40% off its RRP of £249 - it's down to £150.

Delightful Dress: AX Paris Comic Midi Dress from USC

The comic print trend is still very much en vogue and there are loads of fabulous patterns and styles available.  I've already spotted this brilliant pencil skirt, which I like for its quirkiness and idiosyncrasy and I do love a man in a Superman t-shirt....

But I want more!  And so it shall be.  I have been coveting this AX Paris comic print midi dress from USC for ages now but it's been full price the whole time.  However, it's now on sale - originally £22, it's reduced to just £15.  It will be so easy to wear - simply team with a pair of black patent heels and heads will turn!  This body con dress will really show off one's feminine silhouette - the elastane means it should hold everything in, so don't be scared!  Channel your inner superhero and fly away in style!

Splendid Skirt: Denim Skirt from M&Co

I've been searching for a decent denim skirt for a while now - one that's a classic, stylish shape, an indigo colour, a modest length and a good price.  A super skirt like this will work for most daytime occasions, paired with a blouse for a smart/casual look or a simple vest top for a laid-back, easy style. It can be worn with any shoes also - pumps, heels, wedges - but I'm planning on wearing it with a simple t-shirt and my Converse!

I found a lovely one at Boden, but it's pretty much out of stock and is fairly expensive for what you get, even with a 10% discount code.  So I was really pleased to find a similar one at M&Co.  It's a pencil skirt but there is enough give in the fabric and a slight flare to ensure a good, not too tight, stylish fit.  The colour is a perfect indigo blue and the high waist keeps everything in nicely!  It's £24 and comes in sizes 8 to 22.

Until 14th August, new customers can get 20% off at M&Co with the code FIRST20 (making it just £19.20); alternatively, after that, there's 10% off (making it £21.60) for a while for new customers with the code FIRST10.  Delivery is just £1.  So all in all, this makes this skirt a real quality, good-looking bargain!

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.

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: Hybrid Jailhouse Pencil Dress from Lovarni

Another day, another sale!  Today I've been perusing the Lovarni site, which is an independent fashion retailer who are offering up to 75% off in their sale.  They stock a range of brands including Little Mistress, A Postcard from Brighton, Lipsy, Jarlo, Rare and Marc B and they are always worth checking, as they have a price match promise plus 10%, so you should always manage to get the best deal from them.

Lovarni is also the home of the Hybrid brand, which has been spotted on celebrities and other famous faces. The dresses are made from a super stretch body sculpting fabric and elegant, sophisticated styles that flatter all figures.  I've found this fabulous, 1950's vintage-inspired Jailhouse pencil dress in their sale.  With a blazer, it could be worn to the office but then whip that jacket off and you've got the perfect dress for a cocktail or two in the evening!  With the nipped in, belted waist and bodycon fit with a hint of elastane, it will hug one's figure and flatter perfectly.  Team with killer heels for a stylish and chic look which oozes sophistication and glamour.

The dress has been reduced from £95 to £45 and is still available in a variety of colours and sizes.  I would chose this fairly neutral cream and black version and team with colourful accessories and a bright lipstick, but I'm also quite taken with the fuchsia pink and black version.

What colour would you choose? Leave your comments below!

Splendid Skirt: Louche Larry Monochrome Pencil Skirt from Joy

Now this is more monochrome but with a difference!  This black and white graphic print pencil skirt from Joy the Store reminds me of an optical illusion by MC Escher, creating a unique, three-dimensional and fabulous effect.  As ever, the pencil skirt style is perfect for most women's shapes and sizes, with the fabric being slightly stretchy for a great fit.

This skirt would be lovely for the office, with a smart shirt and shoes but it could be dressed up for the evening too with some brightly coloured heels and accessories.  One could perhaps even combine this skirt with the current neon trend to make a real fashion statement - I think that would look amazing!

Joy have an ongoing offer of 10% off first orders when customers sign up to their newsletter, so instead of £35, the skirt can be bought for £31.50.

Splendid Skirt: Print Jersey Ruched Pencil Skirt from Anna Scholz

Pencil skirts are just amazing in that they suit nearly every body shape and look fabulous dressed up or down!  There are so many amazing styles, materials and patterns available that one is really spoilt for choice and it's great to see what's available that looks great.

Anna Scholz designs high-end, plus-size clothing and has a superb collection at the moment.  Even better, for the Bank Holiday, customers can get 25% off full-priced items with the code LE25 (until 28th May).  So I've found this fantastic pencil skirt in a geometric 'crystal maze' print. I love the pattern and colour combination and the fact that it's lined with front and back panels mean there will be a flattering drape across the figure without clinging to the hips.  It's also got a touch of spandex, so it won't be difficult to move in!

Normally, it's £125, but with the discount voucher code this is reduced to £93.75.  It comes in sizes 22 to 28.

Delightful Dress: Pinup Couture Dixiefried Peasant Dress in 1940s Dragon Print from TopVintage

I've only gone and found another fabulous online boutique!  TopVintage is based in the Netherlands, but ships its retro-inspired 1940's, 50's and 60's clothes, shoes and accessories to the UK and beyond.  It's updated on a daily basis with some delightful and unique finds, so definitely worth checking regularly!

As with all of these fantastic stores, it's so hard to choose just one item for the blog, so I have gone for something slightly different this time.  This edgy yet elegant high-waisted pencil dress is stunning, with its two-piece effect of the matte blue, structured peasant top with the original vintage painted textile dragon print on the skirt.  With lots of stretch for comfort and sleeves that can be worn on or off the shoulder, this dress will flatter a variety of sizes and shapes to create a gorgeous hourglass silhouette.

It's €129.95 but until 30th May, there's 10% off with code TVUK0513 making it about €114 or £97.

Splendid Skirt: Ainara Lace Crochet Skirt by Malene Birger from my-wardrobe.com

The sun has brought clothing palettes out in a yellow fever apparently!  Yellow is a great way to update and brighten one's wardrobe for Spring and Summer, so incorporate accents of lemon, ochre and gold but avoid wearing head to toe yellow. Choose one bold piece to make a statement and complement the look with perfectly sun kissed - but safe - skin.

I am loving this crochet layer midi-length pencil skirt from By Malene Birger, available at my-wardrobe.com.  As ever, a pencil skirt is versatile and feminine and this one will work really well with a crisp blouse or masculine shirt and blazer for a chic workwear look.  It's £199 but new customers can get £50 off purchases of £180 or more by entering the code MYNEWTREAT50 at the checkout until 26th May.

Splendid Skirt: Comic Book Print Pencil Skirt from Amazon

Bam! Zap! Kapow! Comics are brill.  And apparently they are filtering into the fashion world, with designers like Tom Ford taking inspiration from the genre for his AW13 collection.

Wearing this trend is less like dressing as a superhero and more like choosing a key, statement piece and having fun!  I've found this great value pencil skirt from Amazon, available in sizes 8 - 14.  I love the cute geisha girls combined with the comic book graphic print, slogans and vibrant colours.  Style with heels and a plain top - braver individuals could try wearing a crop top for a really modern, youthful look.

Definitely a great way to show off your inner secret superhero!

Splendid Skirt: Melita Metallic Skirt from Coast

There are some fantastic items in the Coast sale and I have spotted this on-trend Melita metallic gold skirt, reduced from £75 to £45, still available in sizes 8 - 18.  The colour is subtle and can be worn with similar, neutral colours to create a really chic style for a posh occasion, or it can be teamed with a colourful top, shoes and accessories to create a fun and vibrant look for a more casual party.  The cut is flattering - skimming but not clinging to the hips and finishing just above the knee.  All in all, a great savvy way to wear SS13's glamourous metallic trend, without going overboard!

Splendid Skirt: Rhonda Rose Skirt from Monsoon

When there is up to £50 off selected lines at Monsoon - one of my absolute favourite stores - how is it possible to pick just one piece?  I could go for some casual trousers, an evening gown or a pretty jumper.  However, I have gone for a classic, floral print pencil skirt.  I like the fact that it's a wardrobe staple with a twist, with its vintage rose pattern.  And pencil skirts are amazing in that they suit most body shapes, depending on the cut and what pieces they are styled with.  I'd team this skirt with a neutral blouse and heels for an understated but classy look, perhaps for a lovely lunch out?  It comes in sizes 8 - 22 and has been reduced from £59 to £44.