Dionysus Skirt from Coast

Coast has just launched its High Summer collection and it is gorgeous - lots of bold colours and prints, pretty pastels and florals and flattering styles, perfect for fun Summer occasions.  There are beautiful shift and maxi dresses, stunning strappy sandals and fantastic skirts, all in luxurious fabrics such as jacquard, lace and satin.

I love this Dionysus skirt.  The box pleats and full, A-line shape means that it will be flattering, especially to one's waist. It's versatile; it can be worn with pretty much any top - plain or patterned - for any occasion.  A simple t-shirt and pumps would make a great daytime outfit, or dress it up with a silk cami, jewellery and heels for an evening look.  My favourite colour is the baby blue (shown), but it also comes in yellow and this season's colour, royal blue. Lovely!

It's £75 in sizes 6 to 18 and until midnight tonight, customers can get 25% off full priced items with the code SUMMERTIME.

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!

Hermione de Paula Miriam Lace Midi Skirt from My-Wardrobe

So many sales, so little time! The My-Wardrobe sale is always great and there's currently up to 80% off a superb range of brands and products from designers such as Preen, See by Chloe, 3.1 Phillip Lim, MSGM and Joseph.

I love this luxurious silk lace midi skirt by Hermione de Paula. Simple yet chic and elegant, it adds an element of class and style to any outfit.  It could be worn with tailored classics, such as a crisp blouse and courts for a smart office outfit. Or it could be glammed up with a colourful top and accessories and some killer heels for the evening. Perfect!  Originally £743, it's been reduced by 75% to £185.

Alice Polka Dot Midi Skirt from Boohoo.com

Boohoo.com is great for fun, contemporary and good value clothing.  Customers can stock up each season without breaking the bank and, even better, they've just launched a new range of plus-sized clothing from sizes 16 to 24.

Spots are still on trend this season so I've spotted (ha) this black and white polka dot skirt.  It's perfect for the day, teamed with some heeled sandals or ankle boots and a sweater until the weather improves, and then a simple t-shirt or vest top would look fab.

It's £20 and I can't see any discounts for the site right now, but I think it is good value.  However, by using the code NEXTUK by 8pm today, customers can get free next day delivery so that's something!

Striped Skirt Skater Dress from AX Paris

I've been keeping half an eye on this season's Celebrity Big Brother - not so much for the actual CBB shenanigans themselves, but more to see what presenter Emma Willis is wearing! I'm really admiring her taste and style at the moment.

I have spotted her wearing a couple of flared skirted skater dresses with a horizontal stripe across the skirt.  The first one was a monochrome one, paired with a gorgeous black coat (allegedly from Hobbs - maybe this Maisie one?) for the winter weather.  I've found a very similar dress at AX Paris on sale for just £14.99 (reduced from £25).  As with all skater dresses, it's a really flattering shape and I'd pair with black tights and ankle boots for a cold weather look.

The other dress I have found is this red and black contrast wetlook stripe skater dress, for a bit more of a colour pop.  Again, it's from AX Paris and is reduced from £35 to £19.99 and it would look great teamed with a black coat, tights and boots to see one through the season in style!

Big Spot Skirt from Cath Kidston

There's currently up to 30% off in the Cath Kidston sale, with loads of fashion, kids' items, homewear and accessories.  I'm very tempted to stock up on some crafty bits - especially one of the large sewing baskets - and there is so much Christmas stuff left that will be perfect for next year.  But my eye has also been caught by this lovely polka dot red and white flared skirt.  Perfect for almost any casual occasion, the elasticated, cinched waist means it will be easy to wear, flatter and look great.  It's reduced from £35 to £24.

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.

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!

Splendid Skirt: Doctor Who Van Gogh TARDIS Contour Skirt from Hot Topic

I've written about Hot Topic before, which is an American website that stocks current, fun and funky trends that can't be easily found elsewhere.

I adore this Doctor Who TARDIS skirt.  Hip hugging and edgy, it's perfect for an evening out at the pub if one is daring enough!  Combine with some Doc Marten boots or similar, t-shirt and leather jacket for a bold, urban look.

Available in sizes extra-small to extra-large, it's just $22.50 (about £14) but there's currently a 30% off flash promotion with the code 30OFF.

Splendid Skirt: Fearne Cotton Printed Mini Skirt from Very.co.uk

I got an email from Very.co.uk that Fearne Cotton has her new Autumn and Winter range out now and it looks quite nice.  Her collection is described as girlie, with a cool edge, and that's just what one gets!  However, I also noticed that there's a sale on the site, with up to 60% off, and I spotted this fab black, red and cream printed mini skirt from Fearne's (presumably SS13) collection.  I like this skirt particularly as it is chic and modern, but also versatile - it could be worn as a simple every day outfit or I reckon one could get away with it for work!  The pattern's great too, with a hint towards this season's tartan trend without going overboard.  It's a cotton/elastane blend, with a mock wrap front, so should fit and flatter very well.  It's on sale, reduced from £25 to £15 and is still available in sizes 14 to 18.

Splendid Skirt: Peridot London Hopkins Wrap Leather Pencil Skirt from My-Wardrobe.com

It seems a new trend for AW13 is the asymmetrical, jagged edged wrap skirt.  They've been spotted on the catwalks of all sorts of designers including Prada, Band of Outsiders, Emporio Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo and Acne, so definitely a popular style for the season!  Plain, patterned, neutral and colourful - anything goes as long as it's a wrap.

These skirts are actually very versatile.  A funky, geometric patterned one could be paired with a plain t-shirt for an offbeat, casual look.  Or team a dark, plain one with a blazer and classic white blouse for a chic, office look.  Choose a floral one and pair with a light summer top for an ethereal, delicate look.  Or match the skirt and top for an elegant, evening look.

My favourite that I have found, however, is this fantastic, Hopkins leather one by Peridot London, available on the My-Wardrobe.com site.   It would be pretty much perfect for any occasion, teamed with the right pieces and accessories.  I'd wear it with a white top, but then pair with killer neon heels and jewellery for a really stunning look.

It's brand new, so no discounts or sales and it's £370 - but it's a quality, timeless, investment piece.  My-Wardrobe.com are offering free worldwide delivery until the end of the month with the code GLOBALSHIP so that's something at least!

Splendid Skirt: Orla Kiely Alpine Grove Skirt from People Tree

I love People Tree, with its ethical, fair trade ethos and superb, quality products.  For over 20 years, it has partnered with Fair Trade artisans and farmers in the developing world to produce a collection of ethical and eco fashion.  It has always been a pioneer in that field so customers can feel good about purchasing from them!

There are loads of great items in their sale right now, including designers such as Orla Kiely.  I'm really impressed with the sale price of these Alpine Grove cotton midi skirts - they have been reduced from £70 to £28 - a real bargain!  Pair with a simple white t-shirt, cardi and flat sandals for a perfect, chic summer look.  I can't decide whether I prefer the blue or coral - but at that price, I'm tempted by both!

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.

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!

Splendid Skirt: Light Weight Stripe Dobby Skirt from Adini

A floaty light, cotton skirt is an essential for summer and a versatile one which can be worn at home or in the office and on sale is even better!

Adini is a classic British boutique womenswear brand that is dedicated to making the woman of today feel and look beautiful.  I particularity like them as they specialise in using natural fabrics to create gorgeous English fashion with a hint of Eastern influences.  Their collections are distinctive and unique, but still on trend.

This cotton, lightweight Dobby skirt is a perfect example of this.  It comes in three different colours - cobalt blue, white and fossil (pictured).  It would look great for a casual look, paired with a simple vest top, but equally could be dressed up for the office.  It's fully lined and paneled for added flare and movement, so super quality too.  It's reduced to £41.48 with the discount and comes in sizes 10 to 20 - but it's selling out quickly!

Splendid Skirt: McGregor Skirt from Fever London

Apologies for the gap in posting - it's been one of those weeks!  But I'm back, checking out the ongoing sales and today I've been perusing the Fever London sale.

This Fever McGregor skirt in a citrus fruit pattern is cheerful and summery. The a-line cut with the belted waist will flatter most shapes and the flared skirt will ensure one is kept cool during hotter days.  Wear with a bright, citrus coloured top and sandals for a chic, effortless daytime look.

The skirt is available in sizes 6 to 18 and has been reduced from £59.99 to £29.99.  In a mainly cotton material with a hint of elastane for a perfect belted fit, this is a great, quality bargain to see one through the summer months.

Splendid Skirt: Rothko Striped Skirt from Great Plains

Great Plains provides modern and stylish fashion for women focusing on comfort, quality and wearability - so a brand that ticks all the boxes in my opinion!  There's clothing, jewellery and handbags and they are currently holding a end of season sale.

A pleated midi skirt is always stylish and versatile, and I love this striped one that's been reduced from £69 to just £24 in the sale.  It comes in the orange, grey and beige shown (or husky/rooster combo on the site) or royal blue, navy and grey (or veronica/aleutian combo).  It could be worn easily for work, paired with a white blouse and heeled courts or dressed down with a dark top, tights and boots.  Being pleated and a modest knee-length, it will skim the hips, and by tucking in one's top and adding a wide belt, it should be really flattering.

Splendid Skirt: Lou Lou Neon Pop Silver Sequin Skirt from Inlovewithfashion.com

Unsurprisingly, I've been focusing lately on summer staples - lots of flowing contours, florals, light fabrics and cool cuts.  So today, I decided to look for something a bit different for summer evenings and nights.  I was after something fun that could take one from the bar to the club!  So I've been looking at websites which stock on-trend, sassy and youthful clothes.

I was impressed with the Inlovewithfashion.com website.  As well as being contemporary and playful, it doesn't mass produce its items, so one is unlikely to see someone wearing the same thing!  Their items are also made in Britain which is always a good thing to support.  They are also having a sale at the moment, so lots of items are half price or less.  Inlovewithfashion.com stocks the Love brand, which is an edgy and dynamic label, regularly spotted on fashion-forward British celebs like Fearne Cotton, members of The Saturdays and Alexandra Burke.

There are lots of fantastic items that could be worn to evening events and clubs, but I have chosen this funky silver sequin mini skirt.  The classic cut and length is enhanced by sparkles and a pop of neon to make it bang on trend for SS13.  There's really no need to embellish this much more - the skirt is the focus of the outfit!  Wear with black killer heels, a simple vest top and throw on a leather biker jacket to create a bold and stylish look for the club!  Best of all, it was £36, but is now just £15 and comes in sizes small, medium and large.

So, for this post, I've moved away from my usual pieces to review - what do you reckon?  Would you like to see more of this sort of thing?!  Do leave your comments below!