Footwork & Play Tartan Flat Pumps from Modcloth

Bold patterns are definitely one of the trends for this season, including checked, tartan and plaid patterns.  These patterns can be quite difficult to pull off though, without looking like a Highland fling so I'd recommend choosing just one key piece that flaunts the style.

With that in mind, I've found a lovely pair of tartan flat pumps in the Modcloth sale that can be worn with anything, embrace the trend but not go too over the top!  I'd wear them with a single coloured dress, opaque tights and let the shoes do the talking!  They are 30% off in the sale, so are $68.99 (about £42) and come in US sizes 6 to 8.5 (here's Clarks Shoes size and fit guide).

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.

Delightful Dress: Soft System Dress with Georgette Bodice and Neck Tie from DKNY

Donna Karan New York ships to the UK and there are some gorgeous items with up to 40% off in the Spring sale at the moment.

I adore this soft system dress, with a cream silk bodice and neck tie and black cotton mix skirt.  It would be luxurious to wear and looks amazing.  The pussy bow is gorgeously retro without being old-fashioned and the whole effect is just gloriously chic.  This dress would look fab for the office, styled as the model with black tights and heels.  It's reduced in the sale from £387.96 to £232.77 and is still available in sizes 10 to 14.  Currently, there's also free shipping to the UK - and it covers custom charges too - which is totes amazing and such a fantastic deal.

Delightful Dress: Charleston Midi Dress from Monsoon

One can never have too many great quality, pretty sundresses and this red floral Charleston midi dress from Monsoon is no exception!  It's got a lovely vintage-feel with a flattering tie waist embellished with mother of pearl leaves and brass-tone sequins.  It's available in sizes 12 to 22 and is £59.

Until 2nd June, customers can save £30 with £150+ spends with code MAY30 or save £50 with £200+ spends with code MAY50 at Monsoon (and free delivery on orders over £75 as standard), so it's worth having a look whether there are several items to consider stocking up on!

The Look for Less: Great Gatsby Fashion Part 2 - Jewellery & Accessories

For Part 2 of this themed blog post, I have focused on accessories to enhance and beautify The Great Gatsby look - jewellery, bags and headwear.

A strand of pearls is probably the most archetypal piece of jewellery from that era and, to stock up with good value versions, Claire's Accessories is a great bet.  There are some basic plastic or glass strands available that work well, but I prefer this slightly more expensive stone pearl tier statement necklace for £12.

If one's budget stretches, Boticca stocks limited edition, unique pieces and this black pearl with casted lace leaf necklace is simply divine.  It's £153.50 but again, it's an investment piece.

These vintage inspired, silver plated drop earrings from Folli Follie nod towards the Art Deco movement.  I love the intertwined motif and delicate tassels - simple, yet elegant as this look should be!  They are £80, but with the code STYLE20 there's 20% off until 26th May making them £64.

An elegant clutch is the bag to have for this look, and Jones Bootmaker have a great selection at the moment on sale.  This Carrie clutch bag is perfect, with the metallic sparkly glitter effect.  It comes in gold or silver and is reduced from £35 to £29.

Alternatively, this Kzeniya dream engraved perspex leather handbag would make an amazing investment piece.  It's £320 at my-wardrobe.com but there is still the chance to get to get £50 off spends greater than £180 until the 26th May.  

With headwear, there are two main options - a fabulous hat or hair accessories.  A felt cloche hat is a key staple and looks amazing.  This Dickins and Jones burgundy hat from House of Fraser is just £13.50, reduced from £45.  I love the speckled feather and bow embellishment too, which takes it from simple to sublime!

Scarves and turbans also can be worn on the head to recreate 1920's style - to me, this look totally epitomises Hollywood glamour, not only from this era but beyond!  Turbans aren't exactly a current wardrobe staple, so one's best bet is to look in vintage stores, Ebay or Etsy - or make your own!  I like this purple one which is on Ebay, which has been accessorised with a diamante circular clip.

There are so many gorgeous, 1920's and Art Deco inspired hair accessories with which to experiment.  The ultimate look from the era is the classic bob, swept to one side with a gorgeous clip such as this Petal Navette barrette from Accessorize.  It's not on sale, but it's a bargain at just £8 and fabulous, with a decent nod to the Art Deco movement.

Alternatively, what about this crystal and pearl flower comb which is again from Claire's Accessories, where there is three for two on many items.  Very pretty and vintage-inspired!

As the movie has just been released, there is a ton of fashion inspiration out there, but I hope these posts have given a good start to devising an on-trend Gatsby-inspired wardrobe for 2013!

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!

Fantastic Footwear: Emilio Luca XF Vintage Ballerina Pumps from Brantano Shoes

There is an amazing 40% off selected Spring and Summer lines at Brantano Shoes right now and there are some real bargains to be had.   Floral flats are a perfect way to inject a bit of Summer into an outfit without going overboard, so I've selected these floral ballet pumps which are pretty and practical.  Feminine and romantic, they will work with any outfit for delightful daytime chic.  Usually £22, with 40% off they are a mere £13.20 and come in sizes 3 to 8.

To get 40% off, use the code 40SHOES at the checkout.  The end date for this voucher hasn't yet been confirmed but codes are normally time-limited, so better sooner than later!

Terrific Top: Ted Baker Friendy Wallpaper Floral Print Top from Tucci

Sheer floral fabric, draping beautifully and refreshingly cool yet feminine styling sum up a perfect summer top for me, and this Ted Baker Friendy wallpaper floral print ecru green bow top epitomises the ideal.  This sleeveless top is accented with an elasticated neckline and pretty bow at the shoulder and will complement everyone's summer wardrobe.

It's available from a range of online shops, including Ted Baker itself, for £69.  However, as ever, the canny shopper is able to get a discount.  I've found online designer clothing retailer Tucci Store, which offers subscribers to its newsletter 10% off - so it can be bought for £62.10.

Summer Staple: Floral Print Backless Playsuit from AX Paris

With the mid-season sales coming to an end, shops are stocking items for the coming summer months.  Obviously, these will be mostly full-priced, but the canny shopper will be able to pick up some key pieces by checking for discount codes and using cashback sites.

I think this backless playsuit from AX Paris is really cute and perfect for the hotter weather.  The floral, tropical print and the colour combination speaks to me of Caribbean beaches and cocktails.  The bow at the back means that it will fit well round the waist but, what is even better (in my opinion) is the pleat at the front to disguise a less-than-perfect stomach!  The playsuit is £20 but new customers can get 20% off with the code WELCOME20 until the end of the month, which brings it down to £16.