Summer Staple: Charming Bouquet Balconette Bikini from La Perla

We are inching towards summer and my thoughts are truly at the beach.  And with perfect timing, selected La Perla beachwear is on sale.  There's up to 40% off beautiful and luxurious bikinis, swimsuits and many other accessories.

I've picked this floral balconette underwired bikini as it's pretty and flattering.  Balconette bikinis and bras are brilliant as they push the breasts up from underneath, giving fantastic support, and they enhance the chest.  However, they don't crush the breasts together so this style boosts the bust and cleavage in an understated and sophisticated manner.  And the watercolour floral print is delicate and lovely!

This bikini has been reduced from £369 to £221 in the outlet section of the online store and delivery is free for orders over £105.

What is your bikini style preference?  Do you prefer a balconette style?  Or is a halterneck or bandeau more your thing?  Add your views below!

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!

Fathers Day: Gift Ideas Poll

Branching out again!  What are your gift ideas for Father's Day?  Have a go at the poll on the right or add your ideas in the comments below.  I'll then do some research on the best ideas and see what gorgeous items and savvy savings I can find!

Poll closes on the 15th!

Delightful Dress: Black Elephant Print Peter Pan Collar Dress from Sheinside.com

Definitely, one of the best things about writing this blog is finding new and exciting online stores that stock items that can't be found on the High Street - or even in this country!  Many of the foreign stores I have found lately focus on the vintage/retro look - which I love - but Sheinside.com has that and more!  New items are added to the site every day, so it's really easy to get something unique, interesting and fabulous.

This black and gold elephant print dress is really fun and funky.  The elephant pattern and striking colours for me creates an impression of the far East - think sumptuous silks, sparkly gold and wandering safari animals.  The A-line style of the dress is very flattering too; it will create a very feminine silhouette by pulling in the waist but flaring out underneath.  And a Peter Pan collar is always cute!

This dress would look fantastic with a few simple accessories - maybe a great hairband and some bracelets. I'd then add some black t-bar peep-toe heels to create a lovely, vintage look with a modern twist.

This dress is on sale at the moment, reduced from $89 to $59 (so about £38) but an extra bonus of Sheinside is that there is free worldwide shipping - brilliant!  Also, new customers can get 15% off their first order by signing up to their email list, but I imagine this won't work on sale items.  But worth a try!  Let me know how you get on in the comments below.

Terrific Top: Firetrap Rose Vest Top from USC

Sometimes, a simple vest top is all one needs.  Throw over jeans, shorts, a skirt - any bottoms will do - and it will keep you cool and stylish.  Of course, there is a plethora of these sorts of tops out there and so customers are spoilt for choice in terms of pattern, shape, colour, price - everything really!

I've spotted this cotton vest top by Firetrap, which is on offer at USC.   The colours and the style means that it will go with anything and look fab; it's perfect for summer.  I think this top would be perfect for a festival with cut off denim shorts, long socks and some colourful Hunter wellies.  The rose, feather and safety pin pattern adds a touch of feminine edginess - almost a punk element - which is always a good thing!

It has been reduced from £20 to £12 and delivery at USC is free for orders over £50 (otherwise it's £3.99 for standard).  It is available in sizes extra small to extra large and also comes in grey with black or coral with black.

I'm planning on doing a post on festival fashion soon so let me know what your festival staples are in the comments below!

Delightful Dress: F&F Limited Edition Jacquard Prom Dress from Tesco

Prom dresses are gorgeous and versatile.  They can be dressed down with a casual leather jacket and wedges or glammed up for a night on the town with some amazing accessories and killer heels.  They are super-flattering by holding in the waist but skimming the hips to create a lovely, feminine shape.  Bigger busted women should look for prom dresses with round or v-neck necklines and smaller busted women can go for dresses with a higher neckline.

Tesco have a great range of dresses at the moment, and now is a good time to shop there, as they are doing their clubcard exchange promotion.  This means that every £5 in vouchers can be exchanged for £10 worth of vouchers for particular products - including clothing!  So essentially, customers are getting double something for nothing*!

I spotted this F&F Limited Edition Jacquard prom dress on the site, and it was also featured in Grazia magazine's Fashion Charts.  The neon green floral pattern is quirky and fun as well as being totally on-trend at the moment.  I'd wear it in the day and accessorise it with a belt to create the illusion of a small waist and team with some smarter sandal wedges and cream cardi.  The dress also comes in black and white and is available in sizes 10 to 20.  It's £35.

* Of course, there needs to be an initial spend to get the vouchers in the first place but hey ho.

Beautiful Bag: Pinkie Flamingo Holdall from Ollie & Nic

Ollie and Nic sell unique and amazing bags, jewellery and accessories and they have just come over with Flamingo Fever!  They have developed a gorgeous, exclusive flamingo print and have just released a couple of fabulous bags in the pattern.

I must confess that I received a sneak peek of this weekend holdall a little while ago, and have been coveting it ever since.  The flamingo print is totally on trend, with its tropical theme and the bag itself is stylish and practical.  Size-wise, it's perfect for a weekend break - country house hotel anyone? - and the choice of using the grab handles or shoulder straps means it will be easy to carry to one's destination.  

The bag itself is £65 but until 11th June, Ollie and Nic are offering 20% off full priced items with the code HTOLNC20, bringing it down to £52 - not bad for a great quality, beautiful, sturdy and long-lasting weekend bag!