Hayden Asymmetrical Dress from Fever London

It's always great to find online stores that stock unique, fun and retro styles and Fever London does just that.  There is currently 20% off selected styles, so I have been having a browse to see what's available.

I am tempted by this 1960's inspired pencil dress in navy with a contrasting red stripe detail.  The bodycon styling with a hint of elastane means it will flatter one's silhouette, pulling in at all the right places! The length means it's subtle enough that it could be worn for work, with some conservative court shoes, or it can be glammed up for a night out at a jazz club.

Usually £69.99, with the discount (which runs until Sunday) it's £55.99 and comes in sizes 6 to 18.

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.

Missy Cat Print Collar Dress from People Tree

I've said it before and I'll say it again, People Tree is a great store with an admirable ethical ethos and customers should be proud to shop there! Their new collection is out for Spring and Summer and customers can take advantage of the code ECOLOVE, which gives 10% off until 30th March.

I love this pussy cat patterned shift dress, with capped sleeves and a Peter Pan collar.  It's very 1960's retro, and I love the kooky geometric cat print!  It will be incredibly comfortable and cool to wear, being 100% high quality, organic cotton. It can be worn with opaque tights and black boots to channel the 60's or wear with wedged sandals for a simple Spring look. It's £75 normally, but with the discount is £67.50 and there's free UK delivery (or just £5 for international delivery).

Alternatively, customers can get £30 off when they spend more than £150 with discount voucher code LOVEPT30, if there are other items on the site that need purchasing...!  This is valid until 27th March.

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!

Footwork & Play Tartan Flat Pumps from Modcloth

Bold patterns are definitely one of the trends for this season, including checked, tartan and plaid patterns.  These patterns can be quite difficult to pull off though, without looking like a Highland fling so I'd recommend choosing just one key piece that flaunts the style.

With that in mind, I've found a lovely pair of tartan flat pumps in the Modcloth sale that can be worn with anything, embrace the trend but not go too over the top!  I'd wear them with a single coloured dress, opaque tights and let the shoes do the talking!  They are 30% off in the sale, so are $68.99 (about £42) and come in US sizes 6 to 8.5 (here's Clarks Shoes size and fit guide).

Summer Staple: Copacabana Crochet One Piece Swimsuit from Free People

I can hear you now.  A swimsuit?  In this weather, in winter?  Are you mad?  Maybe, but I have been coveting this item since the summer and, now that it's come down in price, I am tempted to purchase it for summer 2014!

I adore this Lisa Maree crocheted one-piece swimsuit from Free People.  Obviously, it can be worn as a daring swimsuit, with its deep V-neck and crocheted pattern in the front.  But it could also be worn as a summer top, teamed with a sarong or fab maxi skirt to take one from the pool to the bar.   Originally £138 it's now £99.95 and is still available in sizes extra-small to large.

Beaded Flapper Style Top from Jigsaw

I don't think the 1920's Great Gatsby trend will be going out of style for a while yet - plenty of New Year's Eve parties had it as their theme as far as I can tell!  So it's worth searching out some key pieces in the sales that will take one through season after season.

Jigsaw have been excellent at creating some amazing retro pieces that remain true to the original, whilst still being modern and pretty.  Remember the silk flapper dress epitomising the era?  Unfortunately, it's not on sale any more, but I have found similar versions in a top.  Intricately-embellished with beautiful beadwork and a superior silk camisole lining it will be luxurious and flattering to wear. One can go for the whole 1920's vibe with a swinging skirt and kitten heels, or dress differently with skinny jeans and boots.  Available in grey or antique pink, both of these tops are reduced from £139 to £111 in the sale.

      

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.

Best of the Sales: Modcloth

There's 50% off sale items on the US site Modcloth right now, so a perfect time to take advantage of stocking up on some fab retro and vintage clothing, footwear and accessories from America!  I've picked out six of my faves on the new site - as ever, it's so hard to choose just one when the sales are so amazing!  However, I find you can't really go wrong with a Bernie Dexter dress, so how about this 'France and Frolic' one?  A beautiful pastel blue dress with a French flavour, classic and fitted to cinch and flatter the wait and bust.  It's reduced from $155.99 to $77.99 (so about £47) - trés jolie et chic.

Keep enjoying the sales and I'll keep looking out for the best quality, gorgeous bargains!

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.

Fantastic Footwear: Irregular Choice Flick Flack Heels from Rubbersole.co.uk

Most weeks, Rubbersole.co.uk do a series of 'private sales' whereby customers can get up to 50% off selected brands on the site.  This week (until 11th October), they've got deals including Havaianas, Converse and one of my favourite brands, Irregular Choice.  This brand is quirky, edgy and unique and there is nothing to rival it, as far as I can tell!

I love these red and white spotty 'Flick Flack' courts which have been reduced by 30% - from £74.99 to £52.49.  They are fun, feminine and funky but not too over the top; they can be paired with a fairly neutral dress to look fab.  This style is also available in a floral baby blue and a spotty basic black.

Delightful Dress: Cream Tea Tunic from Dorothy Perkins

There are many great offers on the Dorothy Perkins website right now.  There's up to 30% off denim, a 20% student discount, special offers plus lots still available in the sale.

I've found this fantastically patterned tunic dress in the sale.  The shape is perfectly stylish and flattering, with a belt to cinch in one's waist and feminine capped sleeves.  It can be worn as a summer dress with some simple sandals, or as a tunic with leggings and jeans.  But it's the fabric's print that really stands out for me.  It's so unusual and pretty, with a nostalgic vintage flavour.  It brings to mind - for me - ladies enjoying a picnic (as opposed to a cream tea, as the dress is named).  This dress comes in small/medium and medium large and is reduced from £22 to £17.60.

Delightful Dresses: Wiggle Dresses from Unique Vintage

Wiggle dresses are great for most figures, as the top half flatters the bust and chest, the stretchy fabric holds everything in nicely and they look utterly divine by bringing out one's gorgeous, feminine curves!  Inspired by vintage forties fashion, they are perfect for making a confident statement on a night out paired with some heels and cool accessories.

Unique Vintage has many gorgeous wiggle dresses on sale at the moment - in fact, they have loads of gorgeous products on sale (up to 70% off) at the moment!  The first I love is this black and white spotty Bettie Mae puff sleeve fitted dress.  It's made from a stretchable, comfortable fabric so should fit really well.  The puffed sleeves add an element of cute femininity and polka dots are always fabulous!   Reduced from $108 to $71 (so about £50), it's still available in size small.

The other wiggle dress on the site that I love is this super girlie candy pink Stop Staring Rosey fitted day dress.  It has a very slight snake print sheen throughout and contrasting black trim to create a really glamourous look. I also love the contrast between the pink and black - always a winning combination in my view.  It's available in sizes extra large to 3x large and has been reduced from $162 to $118 (about £75).

Don't forget about the ongoing discount voucher code for Unique Vintage - 10% off full-priced items if you sign up for their newsletter.

Awesome Accessories: Lowie Cloche Hat & Tote Handbag from Rock My Vintage

In my opinion, vintage-inspired fashion will never go out of style which is why buying such items will always be a canny and savvy way to shop!  They can be mixed and matched easily - so one can go for the full retro vibe to channel whichever era one wants, or pick a few key pieces to add a vintage twist to a modern look!

Online store Rock my Vintage specialises in both original and inspired vintage dresses and accessories. The boutique offers a great selection of dresses, handbags, jewellery, belts, scarves and headwear.  There are loads of items in their sale right now, including some amazing dresses, but I'm focusing on the accessories today.

I love this hand-knitted Lowie cloche hat which is perfect for autumn and winter, when the weather starts to cool.  It takes me back to the Twenties - very Gatsby, I feel!  The ribbon is very cute and adds an element of interest, to prevent this from just being a simple woolen hat.  It comes in cream (pictured), red and cobalt blue and has been reduced from £40 to just £16.

I have also found this wonderful nude tote handbag which I think would work well with the 1920's, retro look - although it's also got a 1960's feel about it!  Mix and match of eras?  This would work well for all daytime occasions; the site suggests weddings and the races - August Bank Holiday at Goodwood anyone?  It's a great, versatile handbag and has been reduced from £75 to £45.

As these are sale items, voucher codes shouldn't apply but it's worth noting that Rock My Vintage do have an ongoing code (till the end of the year) for 8% off if customers fancy any of their full-priced items!

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: Modcloth Sale

The Modcloth sale is on with up to 50% off some gorgeous, vintage-inspired pieces and, quite frankly, if they're doing a sale, I'm going to find a perfect dress!  There are two types of dress that I have been after.  The first is a retro summer dress, that I could wear to an afternoon, vintage-themed tea party and maybe go for a little dance afterwards at a Lindy Hop club!  I've chosen this 'Head Bow-ver Heels' dress by Knitted Dove which is half price at $58.99 (about £39).  The style and shape, with the empire line waist, is very flattering and the white bow collar is just charming.
The second dress I want is something I can wear to the office and be cool and chic, but also something that I can wear in the day when not in the office.  And I have found two!  The first is this 'Stop and Smell the Hibiscus' shift dress by Tulle Clothing which is half price at $34.99 (about £23).  The navy, fuchsia, coral, red and white floral pattern is subtle but pretty and the collar makes it work well for the office.  The belt is removable, but will flatter the waist brilliantly.
Another dress I would wear to the office, as well as out and about, is this chiffon 'Strolling the Seashore' dress in mint green.  It's a similar style to the above but I love the colour combination and attention to detail.  Again, it's half price at just $24.99 (about £16.50).
So many dresses, so little time!  There are literally thousands of dresses in the sale - as well as other clothing and accessories - so it's a perfect time to grab a real bargain.

Snap it Up! 24 Hour Voucher Code for Modcloth

To celebrate the dog days of the sunny season, US vintage-inspired site ModCloth is offering a 15% off coupon for the entire site before taxes and shipping, excluding gift certificates! The coupon has no limit on number of uses, but be quick!  There are so many gorgeous items there, it's definitely worth having a look and perhaps a little stock up....?
This sale will only be for 24 hours between 23rd July 7:00am PST (that's now here in the UK) to 24th July at 10:00am PST (so 6.00pm on the 24th over here).

Once you reach your cart, just click 'apply a discount', enter the coupon code WOOF15, and all of those lovely items will be 15% off!

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!

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?