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.

Best of the Sales: French Connection

At this time of year it's hard to not be savvy when it comes to those post-Christmas sales.  This year, most stores are offering at least 50% off items and I suspect it will get even better after the New Year, if one can hold on!

With that in mind, I have been developing another website that looks at what's around - in less detail but more quantity.  It's still going to highlight great value and great quality items but with a wider range.

My first attempt is the French Connection sale.  I've found six items that I really love, that are bargaintastic or are investment pieces.  I think my favourite, for sheer uniqueness and value for money is this Disco Leopard flared skirt.  Originally £95, it's just £28.50 right now!

So please have a look at my new site and let me know what you think!

Delightful Dress: Baroque Print Midi Dress from Lipsy

I know I just blogged about a fantastic body con dress the other day, but I have found another fabulous one from Lipsy.

This Lipsy Baroque print midi dress is simply stunning.  It's from their Petroleum range, designed to be slick, strong and super fierce!  The teal and purpley-brown and colour combination is really interesting and unique and really flatters the body con silhouette.  I think this brocade pattern - feminine and luxurious - is going to be on-trend for AW13.  I'd wear this dress for an evening out, with fabulous heels and minimal - but edgy - accessories.  It's £48, but until 15th September, customers can benefit from £20 off £100 spends at Lipsy using a discount voucher code, so add this and a couple more items, save and look amazing!

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: About the Artist Dress & Soda Fountain Dress from Modcloth

I am afraid that I can't stay away from the US site Modcloth.  There are so many amazing items on the site, especially their dresses.  For this post, I have chosen two dresses that I feel are gorgeous, versatile and great value but, to be honest, I could have chosen far, far more!

The first dress I love is this 'About the Artist' lilac dress.  Made from a soft cotton, it is perfect for keeping pretty and cool in the summer months.  I adore the whole style of this dress, from the capped sleeves, darted bust area, ruffles and v-neck to flatter the top half, the flowing skirt to flatter the bottom half and the belted waist to create a beautifully defined, feminine silhouette.  It comes in a great range of sizes - from small to 3XL - and is $52.99.  That's about £35 which isn't bad for a dress like this.

The second dress I have chosen is even better value and slightly more practical - but still pretty!  This cotton stretch 'Soda Fountain' dress comes in cherry red, cola black, purple grape and ginger yellow.  Again, being an A-line style, the fit is super-flattering and being cotton is will be cool to wear (in all senses of the word!).  The element of stretch material in this one also will allow for a perfect fit.  As it's slightly plainer than the 'About the Artist' dress, I think this would work wonderfully as a summer office outfit as well as a more casual day dress.  It's $44.99 (about £30) - so again, great value for a great quality, cotton summer dress.

The cheapest Modcloth shipping to the UK is about $17 (about £11), not including any customs charges - various options are available though.

I've also just noticed that you can invite friends to join Modcloth and get a $15 voucher - so might be worth having a look at that too for extra savings!

Fantastic Footwear: Colourblock Points from Boden

There is 20% off selected, new season styles at Boden at the moment and I am coveting these navy blue and coral colourblock pointed shoes.  The flat heel means they will be comfortable to wear, but they are still chic and elegant enough to wear for work or a more formal occasion.  They could also be worn with jeans or a more casual skirt, so totally versatile!

The code Q248 for new season styles works till tonight, so hurry to take advantage!

Awesome Accessories: Louche Three Stack Flower Rings from Joy the Store

It's not on sale, but this Louche three stack flower ring is a steal!  This trio of floral delights are in this season's colour palate set in gold-toned bands. They can be worn together or separately - or wear just one!  It's possible to get 10% off by signing up to Joy's newsletter but if this is all that's being purchased, it hardly seems worth it as it is such a bargain.

The Look for Less: Summer Wedding Chic

Finally, the weather is improving and my thoughts are turning towards summer parties and weddings. I've been inspired by the lace dress from Planet that I spotted the other day to create an outfit on Polyvore that would be gorgeous for such occasions.  I believe the lilac accessories I have chosen compliment the delicateness of the lace but still add an elegant pop of colour.

Casadei high heel shoes from Zalando.  £5 off £50+ spend plus free delivery with code ZALANDO5DIS until 31st May.

Eastex oriental floral print clutch bag from Debenhams.  10% off and free delivery with code TK94 - expires today.

Konplott earrings from Zalando.

Konplott necklace from Zalando.

Konplott ring from Zalando.

Oyster lace dress from Planet.  There is 20% off full-priced dresses until 13th May - no code needed.

Fantastic Footwear: Louise Roe Tallulah Multi Strap Platform Sandal from StylistPick

StylistPick is an online boutique aiming to combine a customised styling service with the ease of shopping online. Customers register for the site and each month will be sent a personalised showroom of accessories to suit their style.   

There are some lovely items on the site, but I have fallen in love with these purple, coral and peppermint green colour block platform sandals by Louise Roe.  They are so pretty and will add the wow factor to any outfit - I would wear fairly neutral clothing and let the shoes do the talking!  These shoes are £40 with free delivery (and returns, if necessary) but all new customers get 25% off their first order as standard.

Another benefit of the site is that customers can create a fashion profile, to get ideas of what new pieces they may like and will suit - always helpful!