Wardrobe Staple: Toms Shoes

Toms Shoes is an ethical shoe company; when they sells a pair of shoes, a pair of shoes is given to an impoverished child, and when Toms sells a pair of eyewear, part of the profit is used to save or restore the eyesight for people in developing countries.  For this reason alone, I'm happy to say that a pair or two of Toms shoes should be a wardrobe staple.  The fact that they are simple, classic and comfortable is a bonus extra!

Having said that, the style of the shoe does seem to divide opinion somewhat.  I've heard them called 'dull', 'ugly' and 'boring'.  However, I don't think this is the case - and anyway, they've expanded their collection significantly and there are loads of lovely versions available.

There are two on which I'm going to focus, which I particularly like.  The first is in the classic style, but a crochet material which should cost no more than £45.  Amazon's a good place to find a selection of different colours for reasonable prices.  I like the cream, but they're also available in navy on sale for just £30 at Box Clothing (but only in a size 3).

The second is a fairly new, ballerina flat pump.  They tend to retail at around the £65 mark but this is far too much!  Get them on sale at Soletrader for just £39.

Toms are also available for the standard prices (i.e. not inflated) at Office, Schuh (some are on sale) and Footasylum (again, some are on sale).  And, of course, there is the official Toms UK website!

Delightful Dress: Fever Babylon Shift Dress from Amazon

There is up to 70% off in the Amazon fashion sale and there is a lot available at present.

I've fallen in love with this Fever Babylon jersey dress.  The pink, mint green and white colour combination is really pretty, as is the intricate floral embroidery on the skirt.  Shift dresses flatter most figures, skimming the body but without clinging and they are so versatile.  I'd wear this to the office, as well as when I'm out and about.  A lined, cotton mix, this dress perfect for summer.

Originally £84.99, it's currently between £44.83 - £47.07, depending on size.

Putting my money where my mouth is: Havaianas

The best flip flops on the market, in my opinion, are classic Havaianas.  They are well made, comfortable, durable and perfect for the summer.  They come in a huge range of colours and styles - and prices.  The really basic, slim ones shouldn't cost more than about £15 - and should be found for less.  But, as ever, with a bit of canny research, one should be able to find a fabulous pair or two for no more than about £20.  They shouldn't cost more than this.

My sister and I took advantage of a 20% off offer at Office a few weeks ago and managed to get these wonderful versions for just under £18 which go well with our pedicures I think!  I love the colours and the sole is quite thick and sturdy.

As much as I adore the pink, I'm now searching for a more neutral version that will match a few more outfits.   There's a sale on at USC at the moment which includes these, so I am tempted by these silver and white ones, reduced from £24 to £18.

Other sites worth looking at, that often have deals include:

• Amazon - need to have a good browse to get the colour, size and price that's required.
• Matalan - there's some really basic ones for just £10.
• John Lewis - slightly more pricey but a lovely selection.

Delightful Dress: Pippa Dee White Lace Dress from Amazon

I think one of the prettiest and easiest Summer outfits is a simple, white lace dress.  There are so many ways to wear it: with bright accessories and heels, with strappy sandals or with a denim or leather jacket or cardigan when it's cooler.  So versatile, it can be worn casually or dressed up for a special occasion.

This Pippa Dee white lace dress, available from Amazon, is just perfect.  A classic shift dress shape that should never go out of style, the lace fabric is delicate and feminine and the contrasting belt flatters the waist area.  The length is fairly modest too, finishing just above the knee.  It's available in sizes 8 to 18 and is just £15 instead of the recommended £28.

Splendid Skirt: Comic Book Print Pencil Skirt from Amazon

Bam! Zap! Kapow! Comics are brill.  And apparently they are filtering into the fashion world, with designers like Tom Ford taking inspiration from the genre for his AW13 collection.

Wearing this trend is less like dressing as a superhero and more like choosing a key, statement piece and having fun!  I've found this great value pencil skirt from Amazon, available in sizes 8 - 14.  I love the cute geisha girls combined with the comic book graphic print, slogans and vibrant colours.  Style with heels and a plain top - braver individuals could try wearing a crop top for a really modern, youthful look.

Definitely a great way to show off your inner secret superhero!

Latest Discount Voucher Codes: Allsole, Boden, Urban Outfitters and more!

Here's the online voucher codes I've found. If you're going to use them via a cashback site, I can't guarantee the cashback will track, as they're not always compatible, so work out what gets you the best deal. Also, generally these only tend to work on full priced items, but it's always worth trying them with sale items - I've sometimes been successful!

Shop	Discount / Deal	Works on	Code	Valid Until
Allsole	15%	UGG Boots	UGG15S	23rd April 2013
Allsole	£50	Spend over £250	ASAVE50	23rd April 2013
Allsole	£30	Spend over £100	ASAVE30	23rd April 2013
Amazon	20%	Selected Spring Fashion	NOWUKNOW	5th May 2013
Boden	Free delivery & free returns plus new customers get a free wallet	Full priced items	Q248	30th April 2013
Mountain Warehouse	15%	Activewear	15ACTIVE	?
Urban Outfitters	20%	Full priced items	Apr-20	18th April 2013

Wardrobe Staple: Converse All Star Oxford Lace Up Shoes from Amazon

I don't know why, but in the last couple of weeks I have had loads of people moan to me about the cost of Converse All Star trainers.  Maybe because it's when I'm wearing my favourite purple pair that look amazing, and they're jealous?  Or they are overwhelmed by their fabulousness?  Or that they are sick of shops overcharging for a simple pair of sneakers?  I don't know!  But what I do know is that I paid £25 for them from Amazon a little while ago, which seems to have been a very savvy price.

The trick is to know what you want but to be a little flexible if needs be.  At the time, I had about three different colours I would have been happy with and I regularly checked whether any of them were available in my size, at the price I was willing to pay.  I think now, anything under about £28 is a good deal and you really shouldn't be paying more than the RRP of £35 unless you need the right colour, right now.

The best I can find currently are shoes in this charcoal colour, which are available for £27 in sizes 6 and 8.

However, there is a large range of colours and sizes under £30 available so it's a matter of searching and finding the pair that is perfect for you!  In my experience, Amazon has always seemed to have the best deals on these shoes but of course, it's always worth checking elsewhere on the web, just in case.

Stunning Shoes: Bruno Premi Women's Capra Wedges from Amazon

Wedge shoes are brilliant - they add height and make legs look endless, but are easier to walk in and more stable and comfortable than stilettos.  I love these Bruno Premi Capra wedges that I found on Amazon.  The colour combination is classy but still eye-catching and fun.  Colour-blocking and bright hues are still very much in fashion and I really think these ones are lovely!  They are available in sizes 3-8 with free delivery.  Now, I know they aren't technically on sale but they are so gorgeous I had to blog about them.  

So to keep to my brief, I have found a fab clashing bright coloured bag that these shoes can be matched with: a French Connection Harriet Crossbody in fuchsia pink, reduced from £50 to £31.99.