The Look for Less: Great Gatsby Fashion Part 1 - Clothing & Shoes

Following my editorial content review of those fantastic Clarks shoes, I have decided that I am going to branch out with the blog even more and not only put together outfits through Polyvore, but do themed posts!  The basis will be canny and savvy styles, whether it be sale items, discounted items or great value investment pieces that will last year after year.  Baz Luhrmann's movie The Great Gatsby was released this week and it seems to have initiated a ton of fashion trends!  So, in homage to the film, here's my first themed attempt - Great Gatsby Glamour!  I have divided it into two halves - clothing, shoes & headwear and jewellery & accessories!

Of course, the pinnacle of pure Gatsby chic is the Jigsaw flapper dress I blogged about a few weeks ago.  This is the ultimate 1920's investment piece and will prove its worth for years to come.  However, the price tag may be too much for some and therefore, why not take advantage of the Bank Holiday offer from Yumi, who have 30% off all dresses over the Bank Holiday weekend?  This pink drop-waist tiered pleated dress from Uttam Boutique harks back to the era perfectly, and is reduced from £50 to £35 in sizes 8 to 16.  It also comes in navy blue.

Now, a drop-waist isn't for everyone as, although it elongates the body and this style is really pretty and feminine, it doesn't really do much for those who need a dress to cinch in the waist and/or minimise hips.  Although the boyish look is very 1920's there are Gatsby alternatives for those with more of an hourglass or pear-shaped figure, such as this Claudel nude lace top pleated dress by Pippa Dee from StylistPick.com.  New customers get 25% off their first orders automatically.

This lace beaded detail feather hem shift dress from Lipsy is simply amazing.  Feathers were fashionable at the time, so this dress couldn't be more perfect.  Again, it's more of an investment piece at £130, but there's free shipping on orders over £75 at Lipsy, so that's something.  

T-bar peep-toe sandals are just perfect for recreating the look from this ear.  Dune have a great selection of metallic ones that will work very well and these silver strappy heeled ones are on sale for £59.  

For something a bit more casual, Traffic People have a great selection of dresses, skirts and tops that would work really well for this look and until the end of May, customers can get 20% spends greater than £50 off with the code TRAFFICMAY.  This Under Silkwood - On the Edge yellow silk dress is sumptuous and divine and nods to the era without going over the top.  It comes in lots of other colours too and is £79.20 after the discount.

Alternatively, this floral patterned Butterfly Effect - Afternoon Tea dress works really well and is £47.20 after the discount.

Brogues work well for this look and these cream Rocha. John Rocha ones are lovely.  The colour would work really well with the palates that I have selected for this post and I especially like the feminine touch provided by the crochet lace detailing on the shoes; sometimes brogues are far too mannish, in my opinion!  They are on sale at Debenhams at the moment, reduced from £35 to £28.

And to finish - a cream cricket jumper, the 1920's equivalent of today's boyfriend jeans perhaps!  Go for a bigger size than normal for a slouchy look which works over both dresses and jeans.  Amazon have a good selection or you could support your local team!  I like this Charles Tyrwhitt cream cotton one, which is currently half price at £54.95.

I hope this Part 1 Gatsby Glamour post has started to give a little inspiration to recreate that fabulous 1920's look.  The next post will focus on jewellery and accessories to enhance it!

The Look for Less: Savvy Monochrome from Amazon

For this look, I have been inspired by Paul and Joe's Spring/Summer 2013 collection, which I am completely in love with.  I have found all the pieces on Amazon, either discounted already or which will (hopefully) work with the current discount code for selected fashion.  Or all else failing, they're pretty good value!

Fantasia Blazer - £14.99

Krisp Womens Sleeveless black and white striped long jersey scoop neck elastic waisted maxi dress - £19.99

Studded Gladiator Sandal - £9.99

Belucia Vione black calfskin shoulder bag - £132 (reduced from £716)

Prada Linea Rossa 54i Silver Frame/Grey Gradient Lens Metal Sunglasses - £189

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.

Stunning Shoes: Gucci Black T-bar Peep-toe Heels from Secretsales.com

Secret Sales is a private sales website that offers high end products from leading brands at affordable and discounted prices.  Six new sales are launched every day and categories include fashion, accessories, beauty and homeware.  Sales last between 2-4 days and items can be discounted by up to 70%, so you need to be quick to snap up the best buys.  Brands they have hosted include Chanel, Maurice Lacroix, Gucci, Victoria Beckham and Dior.  You have to register for the site - either via the normal way or through Facebook - but once you do, you'll get an early daily email of what sales have launched. Additionally, if you successfully refer a friend, you'll get a £10 credit to your account which is always handy!

Speaking of Gucci, there's some fab shoes available on the site. I adore these suede t-bar heels with an RRP of £661 but can be bought from the site for £319.  Timeless, quality, gorgeous and 52% off.  Brilliant!  Unfortunately (or fortunately?) there's only one left and it isn't my size.  But there is still a decent range of Gucci styles and sizes still there....!