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!

Liana Silk Blouse from Phase Eight

Phase Eight are offering 20% off all items on the site with the code SS14, until 9th March.  There are some beautiful, classic pieces there including a wonderful selection of dresses perfect for Spring and Summer.

However, I've spotted this luxurious 100% silk blouse from their Italian Collection.  Despite the high quality, I think it's a versatile top that could be worn for almost any occasion.  It could be paired with skinny jeans and pumps for an elegant daytime look, or dressed up with a more formal skirt and heels for an evening look.  It comes in sizes extra small to extra large and, with the discount, is £47.20 - not bad for a bit of luxury!

There's also free delivery for £50+ spends as well as free returns, which are both a bonus.

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.

      

Divine Collaboration: Orla Kiely for UNIQLO

Orla Kiely has created a range of colourful, bold print tops for UNIQLO with the idea of a 'happy winter' - never a bad thing!  The collection features v-neck and rollneck t-shirts with a unique HEATTECH fabric, which basically keeps one warm using fancy textile technology.

All of the tops are currently on sale for just £9.90 (reduced from £12.90) and the patterns are new, inspired by nature and haven't been seen before so it's the perfect time to stock up on a fresh, contemporary look.  My favourite is this red, white and black flowered v-neck, long-sleeved t-shirt.  Simple and pretty, it can be thrown over jeans or skirts and used for layering.  If one prefers a rollneck top, I think it would look pretty fab with a simple, black pinafore dress, tights and boots.  And if that isn't enough, the winter sale is on at UNIQLO so there are lots more bargains to be had!

Terrific Top: Daisy Fest Lennon Sweater from Wildfox Couture

The weather may be cooling, but there's always a place for a pretty, floral top.  Of all people, I spotted Paris Hilton wearing this gorgeous daisy print top which is available from Wildfox Couture, an American vintage-inspired women’s clothing brand which combines great style and unsurpassed quality. Semi-sheer and soft, it will look perfectly pretty teamed with jeans for a gorgeous, everyday look.  Or dress it up with a maxi skirt and heels, like in the picture.  Just add a simple strappy vest top underneath - unless one is super-brave!

Until 25th December, customers can get 10% off first orders by subscribing to the Wildfox newsletter, reducing this top to £229.50.  Delivery is free.

Terrific Top: Stone Lace Blouse from Kaliko

There is nothing more feminine, delicate and ethereal than lace clothing - a gorgeous, floaty dress or perfect fitted top.  There are also so many looks that it compliments - elegant and classy, funky and fun or vintage and offbeat.

I've found this beautiful, stone coloured lace blouse in the Kaliko sale.  It's simple but beautiful.  The scalloped edge, v-neck and ribbon tie waist means that it will flatter one's top half fantastically.  The neutral colour means that it can be paired with bright and/or patterned bottoms to create a vibrant colour pop, or keep it pale and sophisticated with a white pencil skirt and courts.  Originally £65, it's been reduced to £49 and comes in sizes 8 to 20.  Delivery is free at Kaliko - always a plus in my book.

Wardrobe Staple: White Cotton Blouse

A classic, cotton, white shirt is timeless and versatile.  It can be worn with jeans or shorts in the day, to the office with a suit or pencil skirt or paired with a colourful skirt and jewellery for an elegant evening look.  Essentially, the right one can be mixed and matched with almost anything in one's wardrobe and it will never go out of style!  The main decisions that need to be made are: sleeve length, shape, fit and embellishments.  For this post, I've found three different sleeve lengths but stuck with fairly simple, classic fits and shapes and few embellishments.

The first top that I love is from French Connection, which I've found nearly always has a great selection of good quality, white blouses.  This 'Summer Parade' sleeveless shirt was originally £52, but is just £25 in the sale.  It's perfect for summer, matched with cropped trousers and pumps - and then layer up when it starts to get cooler with a blazer, jeans and patterned scarf.

This cotton, short sleeved Hobbs 'Flagler' shirt is pretty perfect also.  Originally £69, it's now £25 at House of Fraser in sizes 8 and 18 (it's sold out on the Hobbs site itself).  The pleats down the front add an element of interest, without being showy or over the top - ensuring the style remains classic for years to come.  Team with chino shorts and flat sandals for a great, daytime summer look.

Finally, a classic, simple, long sleeved cotton Oxford shirt by Land's End - available from Debenhams.  This shirt will never go out of fashion and can be paired with almost anything - jeans, skirts, shorts.  What about knotting it round the middle and wearing with a floral maxi skirt?  This particular shirt is available in sizes 14 to 20 and currently has 30% off, meaning it's just £20.30.

So take your pick and grab yourself a classic bargain that will last forever!

Father's Day Gift Ideas: Men's Tex Stripe Short Sleeve Shirt from Jigsaw

I really enjoy buying clothing for men, especially as a gift!  T-shirts are always great, and I've already blogged about a fab Darth Vader Daddy one; I suspect I will be searching for a few more as gifts for Father's Day on the 16th.

However, sometimes a man needs something a bit more formal and that's why it's great that Jigsaw are currently running their men's summer clearance sale.  It's often quite difficult to find good quality, short-sleeved cotton work shirts for men, but there are several in the sale which is brilliant.  They are perfect for the office - as is, with a blazer, or smartened up even more with a tie and suit.  In addition, I think these ones are versatile enough that they can be worn with jeans as smart/casual attire.

The shirt comes in pink (shown) or a chambray blue and is reduced from £65 to just £29; sizes available are small to extra large.  There is also a lovely red and white gingham one - reduced from £75 to £29 - but it's only available in a small size.

What do you think?  Is this a good idea for a present for the father in your life?  Add your views in the comments below!

Father's Day Gift Ideas: Comic-Con Gifts at Play.com

There's nothing like being prepared for gift giving, hence the second Father's Day post of the day.  There are a couple of daily deals on at Play.com today only and I think both of these would be fantastic for the comic book fan Dad in one's life.  They both expire at midnight, so if you're after them, get cracking!

The first is this fab Superman wallet and belt gift set which is half price today at £9.99.  I love the retro comic strip styling of the wallet and the silver buckle on the belt is perfect for any Superman.  I also like the quirkiness of it - I can imagine the conversations to be had when the wallet comes out when it's time to pay!  Although, being Father's Day - he really shouldn't be paying, should he?!  It comes in a gift box, so a perfect pressie.

Or why not take inspiration from one of the most famous infamous fathers in the entire universe?  This black and white Darth Vader cotton t-shirt is brilliant and will also make a great gift for any Star Wars fan.  Simple but effective, will Dad embrace the Dark Side of the Force?

Terrific Top: Lemon Spotted Sleeveless Blouse from Dorothy Perkins

Sleeveless blouses are great for the warmer months.  They can be worn casually with shorts and flat sandals or dressed up so one is smart but cool in the office.  A simple, cotton white one is a wardrobe staple but other colours and patterns are always a good thing!

Yellow is the perfect colour to celebrate the sun finally making an appearance and this lemon, spotted sleeveless blouse from Dorothy Perkins is delightful and summery.  There's currently up to 30% off selected items at Dorothy Perkins, so it can be bought for £18.20 (usually £26) - but hurry as the offer ends at midnight tonight!  The blouse comes in sizes 6 to 22.

The Look for Less: Simple yet Elegant Tailoring

For this look, I've started with a wardrobe staple of an oversized, classic, versatile white shirt.  This can be worn with anything - shorts, jeans, trousers - but I have chosen to give it a little sparkle with a metallic cocktail skirt for some simple yet elegant tailoring which gives laid-back style.

As usual, everything is currently on offer as follows:

• MiH Jeans oversized white shirt from Atterley Road.  It's £146 but there is currently 20% off with the code SUMMER20.
• Julelle metallic cocktail mini skirt, £75 also from Atterley Road.
• Van Peterson 925 sterling silver amethyst earrings (£24) and necklace (£36) from Debenhams.  The Blue Cross sale runs till Sunday for these prices, and the code HK73 runs till Monday 29th April and will give an extra 10% off.
• DKNY silver metallic cork wedges from my-wardrobe.com.  They are £145 but if you can get your shopping basket up to £200, there's £50 off with the code SS13SPRING01 until the 30th April.
• Ali suede shoulder bag, on sale for £56 from French Connection.

Divine Collaboration: Celia Birtwell for UNIQLO

Celia Birtwell is a textile designer specialising in unique, striking and feminine designs.  Successful in the 60's and 70's, she's had a massive comeback with her vintage-inspired prints and has collaborated with UNIQLO to produce a gorgeous and reasonably-priced collection.  

Items still available include cotton/modal mix t-shirts at just £12.90 The prints are all fab, but I like this floral horsey one, which is fairly neutral but still pretty.  It's available in sizes XS - XL.

This spotty dress is available in mint green (shown), black or navy in sizes XS - L and has been reduced from £29.90 to £19.90.  This could be worn as a dress or over leggings or jeans.  

And finally, these patterned leggings are fantastic.  They are available in cobalt blue (shown), teal or navy blue in sizes XS - XL and are £14.90.  I would wear a fairly plain long top over them with ballet flats but you could be more creative and avant-garde by combining clashing, flamboyant patterns!

I'm very impressed with this collection, not just because of the range of items available and the superb prices, but that there is so much that is still available.  I find that often, these limited edition collborative collections sell out so quickly, so hats off to UNIQLO for ensuring that this isn't the case this time!