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!

Elephant Print Skater Dress from New Look

There's lots of sales happening or imminent right now, and New Look is no exception.  Customers can currently get up to 60% off hundreds of products and there are some real bargains to be had.

I love this black and white elephant print dress that has been reduced to just £10.  It's a classic and elegant style that will fit well and flatter most figures, and the unique pattern makes it fun and quirky.  It can be worn as a simple day dress with pumps, or made edgy by adding black ankle boots and a leather jacket.

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!

Fantastic Footwear: Limited Edition High Heel Platform Court Shoes from Marks & Spencer

The Marks and Spencer summer sale just launched today, with up to 50% off loads of items.  It's a really good time to stock up on some good quality basics, but they also have some really nice, on trend pieces that will jazz up anyone's wardrobe!

These black and white limited edition platform court shoes are a great way to wear the leopard print trend in a subtle way.  They are really versatile and I feel could be worn in the day or evening.  I think they would look totally amazing though with neon or really bright colours - either a fantastic pencil skirt or some accessories.  The heel's quite high (about 10cm) but not too high, so they should be fine to walk in!  Just £9 (reduced from £19.50), they're still available in sizes 3 to 8, including half sizes.

Delightful Dress: Pretty Dress Company Mistress Day Dress from Look Again

The retro look is fab, but sometimes I want to channel it without going too far - I'm thinking of when I'm at work especially!  So I've searched for a dress that conveys Mad Men office chic but isn't completely 1960's and I think I've found it in this Mistress black and white day dress by The Pretty Dress Company.

This fitted pencil dress is an easy one piece style solution, suitable for not only the office but for the day too; it can be worn as it is with a pair of pumps or heels and that's the outfit, sorted.  The classic, monchrome design, features a contrasting collar, three quarter sleeves and retro cut that are in keeping with the 60's vibe that I was looking for.  It also has a paneled waist detail to cinch in the middle area to create a flattering, hourglass silhouette.

It's available from a few sites online at around the £100 mark, but it's currently on sale at Look Again for £78 in sizes 8 to 16.

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!

Summer Staple: Milly Collection Elephant Print Shorts from Banana Republic

Milly designer Michelle Smith has collaborated with Banana Republic on a special, limited edition 60+ piece capsule collection of men's and women's clothing and the collection is out today online and in stores!  The collection is chic and simple, with a gorgeous, vibrant blend of colours and patterns - the idea is 'Hamptons-chic charm with the polish of the city' and it works really well.  As well as clothing, there is also a selection of jewellery and bags.

There is one coral, navy and white striped fit and flare dress I'm quite taken with that's been spotted on the gorgeous Zoe Saldana.  However, I've been blogging about so many dresses lately that I have chosen instead these fab Elephant print shorts which are fun but tasteful.  They'd look great with a coloured t-shirt and sandals, or they can be smartened up by sticking to the monochrome trend with a white blouse, black blazer and shoes.

These shorts are £39.50, but by signing up to the newsletter, customers can get 15% off their first order.

Splendid Skirt: Louche Larry Monochrome Pencil Skirt from Joy

Now this is more monochrome but with a difference!  This black and white graphic print pencil skirt from Joy the Store reminds me of an optical illusion by MC Escher, creating a unique, three-dimensional and fabulous effect.  As ever, the pencil skirt style is perfect for most women's shapes and sizes, with the fabric being slightly stretchy for a great fit.

This skirt would be lovely for the office, with a smart shirt and shoes but it could be dressed up for the evening too with some brightly coloured heels and accessories.  One could perhaps even combine this skirt with the current neon trend to make a real fashion statement - I think that would look amazing!

Joy have an ongoing offer of 10% off first orders when customers sign up to their newsletter, so instead of £35, the skirt can be bought for £31.50.

Splendid Skirt: Jasmin Chevron Stripe Black & White Maxi Skirt from Phase Eight

Phase Eight are offering customers 20% off everything on the site at the moment, which is great news as I've had my eye on a few choice pieces for a while!  Bang on trend is this monochrome striped maxi skirt, which is reduced from £69 to £55.20 and available in sizes 8 to 18.  I'd team it with a simple, white vest top and a black and white, contrasting patterned blazer to develop Paul and Joe's SS13 catwalk style in a savvy way.

It also comes in navy and beige, but I prefer the black and white!

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

Delightful Dress: Slash Neck Striped Fit & Flare Skater Dress from Marks and Spencer

The Marks and Spencer sale has been on for a little while but there are still some nice bargains to be had.  I like this monochrome striped skater dress, which has been reduced from £49.50 to £32 and is on trend for Spring/Summer 2013.   With a little stretch in the material and a belted waist, it should fit comfortably and will be flattering.  Sizes 8 - 16 and 22 are still available.

Delightful Dress: Striped Belted Skater Dress from Lipsy

Two Spring/Summer trends for 2013 are monochrome and geometric patterns, and this stripey skater dress from Lipsy ticks both boxes.  Horizontal stripes are often quite scary, but the fact that these are so narrow means that this shouldn't really be an issue.  The pleats in the skirt, cinched waist and slight stretch in the material should all combine well to give a really lovely, flattering fit.  It can be dressed up with a blazer and heels or for a more casual look, can be teamed with sandals and a denim jacket.  Available in sizes 6 - 18, it's half price at £25.