Anna Scholz Cowl Colour Block Dress from Simply Be

I have just rediscovered Simply Be, a plus-size (12 - 32) store with a fabulous range of clothing, shoes and accessories. They have great basics at decent prices as well as on-trend, flattering pieces that can't be found elsewhere. I like it especially as the clothes have been designed for larger ladies, so customers can be confident that they should fit well and look good.

They have just started their online sale today (in store starts tomorrow) and there are some amazing items on offer. I will be purchasing this amazing cowl necked colour block dress by the designer Anna Scholz.  The colours and patterns are simply divine.  The cut and fabric composition, with a hint of elastane, will ensure the style is super-flattering to emphasise those feminine curves. I'd mainly wear this with heels for an evening out, but I do think one could get away with it for a lovely lunch out or other daytime event.  It's still available in sizes 20 to 32 and has been reduced from £70 to just £33!

As well as the sale, Simply Be has an ongoing code of 10% off for new customers, which is CQHC5.

Delightful Dresses: About the Artist Dress & Soda Fountain Dress from Modcloth

I am afraid that I can't stay away from the US site Modcloth.  There are so many amazing items on the site, especially their dresses.  For this post, I have chosen two dresses that I feel are gorgeous, versatile and great value but, to be honest, I could have chosen far, far more!

The first dress I love is this 'About the Artist' lilac dress.  Made from a soft cotton, it is perfect for keeping pretty and cool in the summer months.  I adore the whole style of this dress, from the capped sleeves, darted bust area, ruffles and v-neck to flatter the top half, the flowing skirt to flatter the bottom half and the belted waist to create a beautifully defined, feminine silhouette.  It comes in a great range of sizes - from small to 3XL - and is $52.99.  That's about £35 which isn't bad for a dress like this.

The second dress I have chosen is even better value and slightly more practical - but still pretty!  This cotton stretch 'Soda Fountain' dress comes in cherry red, cola black, purple grape and ginger yellow.  Again, being an A-line style, the fit is super-flattering and being cotton is will be cool to wear (in all senses of the word!).  The element of stretch material in this one also will allow for a perfect fit.  As it's slightly plainer than the 'About the Artist' dress, I think this would work wonderfully as a summer office outfit as well as a more casual day dress.  It's $44.99 (about £30) - so again, great value for a great quality, cotton summer dress.

The cheapest Modcloth shipping to the UK is about $17 (about £11), not including any customs charges - various options are available though.

I've also just noticed that you can invite friends to join Modcloth and get a $15 voucher - so might be worth having a look at that too for extra savings!

Delightful Dress: Pinup Couture Dixiefried Peasant Dress in 1940s Dragon Print from TopVintage

I've only gone and found another fabulous online boutique!  TopVintage is based in the Netherlands, but ships its retro-inspired 1940's, 50's and 60's clothes, shoes and accessories to the UK and beyond.  It's updated on a daily basis with some delightful and unique finds, so definitely worth checking regularly!

As with all of these fantastic stores, it's so hard to choose just one item for the blog, so I have gone for something slightly different this time.  This edgy yet elegant high-waisted pencil dress is stunning, with its two-piece effect of the matte blue, structured peasant top with the original vintage painted textile dragon print on the skirt.  With lots of stretch for comfort and sleeves that can be worn on or off the shoulder, this dress will flatter a variety of sizes and shapes to create a gorgeous hourglass silhouette.

It's €129.95 but until 30th May, there's 10% off with code TVUK0513 making it about €114 or £97.