Fantastic Footwear: Proper Leather Chelsea Boot from Dune

For the transition into Autumn and Winter, a wardrobe staple is a great quality, classic Chelsea boot.  Chelsea boots are so versatile and can be worn with almost anything -  maxi skirts, jeans, trousers - anything!  A look I've seen which I am quite taken with is wearing them with tights, a knee-length skirt and a big overcoat.  However, as ever when the seasons turn, it's often hard to find a suitable bargain, which is why it's great that Dune are offering up to 20% off selected shoes, boots and bags this weekend - and the humble Chelsea boot is among the offers!

This boot is practically perfect.  It is made of leather so will be durable and last years.  A slight heel, to give a bit of lift and shape, but not too high to be impractical.  Elasticated on the ankle, it will be easy to take on and off!  Available in brown or black and sizes 3 to 7, they are reduced this weekend from £99 to £79 - but hurry, as the offer ends midnight on 29th September!

Fantastic Footwear: Lunda Soft Leather Lace Up Brogues from Dune

I've said it before, but I find brogues a bit hit or miss; I prefer ones that are heeled or come in interesting and feminine colours and patterns, otherwise I feel too mannish - even if I'm wearing a dress!  However, sometimes there is a need for something fairly basic, which is why I love these blood orange coloured ones available from Dune.  Team with cropped jeans and a floral blouse, they would look lovely - or wear for work when it starts getting colder again!

Available in sizes 3 to 5 and 8, they've been reduced from £70 to £41.

Fantastic Footwear: Steve Madden Nanncy Buckle Ankle Cuff Wedge Sandals from Dune Shoes

Steve Madden is a US shoe designer who produces some amazing, unique and stylish shoes and boots.  I have been coveting these Nanncy ankle strapped wedge sandals for a while and, as luck would have it, they are available from Dune Shoes, who are currently running a promotion where there's 25% off selected styles - including this one!

These wedged sandals are smart and a decent height so they would be perfect for work.  I'd wear them with a pencil skirt and blouse for sophisticated summer office wear.  Alternatively, some tailored shorts and a light silk shirt and blazer would work equally well.

They also come in silver and white which I think would be lovely for summer celebration outfits whether they be bright and colourful or muted pastels.  Wedges are better than heels for outside events as one is less likely to get stuck in the grass!  

With the discount, these wedges are reduced from £65 to £48.

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!

Stunning Shoes: Dune Ministry Perspex Pointed Ballerina Shoes

I do love a flat shoe as they are so versatile, comfortable and pretty!  The latest version is a 1950's inspired pencil point pump.  They are more edgy than the standard, round tow ballet flat and they come in all sorts of patterns, materials and colours.

These red patent and perspex pumps from Dune are perfect - sophisticated but with a hint of daring.  They are available from the Dune website or House of Fraser in sizes 5 - 8.  Originally £65, they are now £39.

They are also available in black, in sizes 5 - 7.