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.

Stacey Superhero Comic Boom Leggings from OMG Fashion

These are simply brilliant.  Comic book print - check!  Silly comic book text - check!  Cheap, cheerful and fun - check!  These leggings from OMG Fashion make me chuckle and I want them.  I'm not sure where I would even wear them but at just £8, it might be worth having a punt!  Maybe team with a plain, long line t-shirt and leather jacket for a funky and quirky look?

Awesome Accessories: Pegasus Scarf from Warehouse

Whatever the weather, a scarf is always a simple but elegant accessory to any outfit.  It can, in fact, replace jewellery to become the focus for any ensemble.  It also is a great way of keeping the breeze at bay in warmer months; it may be too hot to wear a jacket or cardi but too chilly to wear nothing, and a scarf fits the bill nicely.  

As a rule of thumb, I tend to wear patterned scarves with plain coloured clothing and singel coloured scarves with patterned outfits.  However, I have started to throw away the rule book in this respect and have been wearing patterns with patterns - shock!  I think this works best with two colours on the scarf, with at least one being fairly neutral like black or white.  So this gorgeous Pegasus scarf from Warehouse is perfect.  I'd wear it with a brighter outfit, but it would, in fact go with almost any colour combination.  And who can resist the power of Pegasus; he's been a favourite of mine since I was a little girl!  And for a limited time, there's 20% off with the code STYLE20 on all full-priced items on the site.  I think this one will be gone quickly, so snap it up while you can!

Fantastic Footwear: Limited Edition High Heel Platform Court Shoes from Marks & Spencer

The Marks and Spencer summer sale just launched today, with up to 50% off loads of items.  It's a really good time to stock up on some good quality basics, but they also have some really nice, on trend pieces that will jazz up anyone's wardrobe!

These black and white limited edition platform court shoes are a great way to wear the leopard print trend in a subtle way.  They are really versatile and I feel could be worn in the day or evening.  I think they would look totally amazing though with neon or really bright colours - either a fantastic pencil skirt or some accessories.  The heel's quite high (about 10cm) but not too high, so they should be fine to walk in!  Just £9 (reduced from £19.50), they're still available in sizes 3 to 8, including half sizes.

Nifty Knitwear: Mantaray Bird Jumper from Debenhams

Discount voucher codes are nearly always time-limited so it is worth keeping an eye out as to what's available and shopping accordingly to ensure the savviest savings.  I apologise that I'm not able to keep my voucher page updated as often as I would like but I do do my best, I promise!  Right now, Debenhams are offering 10% off orders for 48 hours only - so that's today (19th) and tomorrow (20th August) - with the code BC66, so it's definitely worth having a look to see what they've got.

There are a lot of new season products, and I really like this grey bird print jumper by Mantaray.  It's got a lovely blend of materials, including cotton and angora, to make it super soft, warm and cuddly.  Pair with jeans for a casual, daytime look for autumn - but I also think it could be worn to a less than formal day at work, paired with a smart skirt or trousers.  And look how happy the model looks with the jumper - she's super chuffed!  It's available in sizes 8 to 20 and is £38 or £34.20 with the discount.

Fantastic Footwear: Pointy Leopard Courts from Goddiva

It doesn't seem to me as though the trend ever really left, but it appears a key pattern for this autumn and winter is leopard print.  It may invoke images of bored, rich housewives of Beverley Hills or even a throwback to the 1980's, but it was spotted on the AW13 catwalks of Diane von Furstenberg, DKNY and Burberry Prorsum.

The key with this pattern is to keep it simple, elegant and as untacky as possible!  One key piece is all that's needed - for example, a bag, jacket or shoes.  And shoes are what I have found, from online fashion store Goddiva.   These leopard print court shoes are sophisticated yet sexy.  They would look amazing for an evening out, with a black pencil skirt and top or dress.

New customers can get 15% off their first order by signing up to the Goddiva newsletter, meaning that these shoes can be bought for £28.90 (instead of £34).

Delightful Dress: Floaty Geometric Maxi Dress from Apricot Clothing

Hurrah!  The sun is out and it's nearly the weekend so it's time to break out the sundresses!  A good maxi is a must and until 10am on Monday, Apricot Clothing are offering 20% off all of their maxi dresses.

There's a great selection but my favourite is this floaty geometric patterned one which comes in coral (shown), aqua, black or blue.  Feminine and pretty, the style will suit any shape.  The v-neck will flatter the upper body, the elasticated waistband will define the middle area and the skirt will flow over the legs, creating a fantastic silhouette.  The pattern is delicate and subtle but still interesting.

Normally £32, it's £25.60 with the discount and comes in sizes 8 to 14.

Summer Staple: Milly Collection Elephant Print Shorts from Banana Republic

Milly designer Michelle Smith has collaborated with Banana Republic on a special, limited edition 60+ piece capsule collection of men's and women's clothing and the collection is out today online and in stores!  The collection is chic and simple, with a gorgeous, vibrant blend of colours and patterns - the idea is 'Hamptons-chic charm with the polish of the city' and it works really well.  As well as clothing, there is also a selection of jewellery and bags.

There is one coral, navy and white striped fit and flare dress I'm quite taken with that's been spotted on the gorgeous Zoe Saldana.  However, I've been blogging about so many dresses lately that I have chosen instead these fab Elephant print shorts which are fun but tasteful.  They'd look great with a coloured t-shirt and sandals, or they can be smartened up by sticking to the monochrome trend with a white blouse, black blazer and shoes.

These shorts are £39.50, but by signing up to the newsletter, customers can get 15% off their first order.

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.

Splendid Skirt: Naomi Flocked Aztec Skater Skirt from Boohoo.com

Congratulations to Boohoo, who have just won 'Best Online Retailer' in ITV's Lorraine's High Street Fashion Awards 2013.  To celebrate, they are offering 15% off everything online till 27th May with code OFFER15, so a good time to take advantage!

This Aztec patterned skater skirt combines three key trends of SS13 - the tribal-inspired print, pastels and the skirt style - in an understated, pretty and chic manner.  Perfect for warmer months, it will look great combined with a simple white t-shirt or vest top and sandal wedges.  Normally just £20, it's £17 with the discount and comes in sizes 8 to 14.

Awesome Accessories: Codello Rainbow Rocker Skulls Scarf from mybag.com

I'm really into my scarves at the moment.  Simple yet chic, the benefit of them is that they can jazz up and modernise any outfit by adding colour or fantastic patterns to an otherwise plain ensemble.  No other accessories are needed - the scarf can take centre stage!  I tend to wear patterned scarves with plain, unpatterned clothes or vice versa as I'm not yet brave enough to do the whole clashing patterns thing.  However, I am sure with the right ones this would work really well!

This Codello Rainbow Rocker Skulls scarf from mybag.com is lovely.  The colour provides a feminine and delicate touch but the skull print brings a touch of edginess.   Usually £35, it's £24.50 in the outlet at mybag.com - and there's a 10% off voucher code (OUTLET) which is valid until the 29th May, bringing it down to £22.05.

Fantastic Footwear: Chorus Sing Liberty Arts Fabric Peep-toe Heels from Clarks Shoes

Clarks Shoes are synonymous with quality, functionality, longevity and style and year after year produce fantastic collections for the whole family and for every occasion.  I am also impressed that, despite being a global brand with a large High Street presence, they take their commitment to social responsibility seriously.  And, quite frankly, I wouldn't buy my work shoes from anywhere else as they look and feel great.

I was really pleased to discover that Clarks are working in collaboration with Liberty Art Fabrics and have incorporated the iconic print into a selection of styles available right now.  I couldn't resist the Chorus Sing nude patent peep-toe heels, so I've combined some of my own photos with the official ones for this review post!

Aren't they stunning?  The colour is perfect for the Spring and Summer months, with nude shoes having become a classic, elegant fashion staple rather than a seasonal trend.  I adore how the contrasting, unique Liberty Arts Fabric lining enhances the neutral shade, with the pop of pink peeping out from the toe.  And look how well that particular feature goes with my pedicure - what an unexpected surprise!

The other key feature of these shoes is how well they fit and how amazingly comfortable they are.  I love my heels but I am not necessarily a proficient walker in them and I do find that some brands and styles are often uncomfortable.   However, I have no such problems with these, and have been wearing them everywhere and all day with no trouble - the heel height of about 3" (8cm) seems to be perfect.  They look fantastic with my skinny jeans and blazer, creating a smart daytime casual look.  I've also worn them with a pencil skirt suit into the office and, not only do they look amazing, but my feet feel great, even at the end of the day.  I've had numerous compliments on them too.

These shoes are patent leather, so they are great quality and will last.  Even better, Clarks are offering 20% off adults' shoes until midnight tonight with the code BREEZY, so these amazing shoes can be snapped up for just £40 rather than the usual (and still reasonable) £49.99.

So all in all, these shoes are a versatile, pretty, comfortable, practical, canny and savvy purchase.  Highly recommended and I'm so pleased with them.  I'm now debating which matching bag to get....  And maybe another colour or style....

The Low Down: Printed Skinny Khaki Trousers from Gap

Fun prints and patterns are everywhere this season and cropped, cotton trousers are a great example of this trend.  They are perfect for the changeable Spring weather and look fantastic!  I would team them with a plain, sleeveless blouse and some flat pumps for effortless daytime chic.

Gap have a really great selection of these 'mini skimmer khakis' on sale at present in a range of contemporary prints.  My favourite is this blue and white chevron pattern which is on-trend but subtle.  Mainly cotton, with a bit of elastane for stretch, they will allow for coolness in all senses of the word!  Available in sizes 4 - 18, they have been reduced from £34.95 to £16.99 in certain sizes and patterns.

Alternatively, you can get a 15% discount on the full-priced ones by signing up to their email list.