Dionysus Skirt from Coast

Coast has just launched its High Summer collection and it is gorgeous - lots of bold colours and prints, pretty pastels and florals and flattering styles, perfect for fun Summer occasions.  There are beautiful shift and maxi dresses, stunning strappy sandals and fantastic skirts, all in luxurious fabrics such as jacquard, lace and satin.

I love this Dionysus skirt.  The box pleats and full, A-line shape means that it will be flattering, especially to one's waist. It's versatile; it can be worn with pretty much any top - plain or patterned - for any occasion.  A simple t-shirt and pumps would make a great daytime outfit, or dress it up with a silk cami, jewellery and heels for an evening look.  My favourite colour is the baby blue (shown), but it also comes in yellow and this season's colour, royal blue. Lovely!

It's £75 in sizes 6 to 18 and until midnight tonight, customers can get 25% off full priced items with the code SUMMERTIME.

Hayden Asymmetrical Dress from Fever London

It's always great to find online stores that stock unique, fun and retro styles and Fever London does just that.  There is currently 20% off selected styles, so I have been having a browse to see what's available.

I am tempted by this 1960's inspired pencil dress in navy with a contrasting red stripe detail.  The bodycon styling with a hint of elastane means it will flatter one's silhouette, pulling in at all the right places! The length means it's subtle enough that it could be worn for work, with some conservative court shoes, or it can be glammed up for a night out at a jazz club.

Usually £69.99, with the discount (which runs until Sunday) it's £55.99 and comes in sizes 6 to 18.

Silver Bells Blazer from Great Plains

There are some nice offers at Great Plains at present and there are loads of gorgeous dresses, tops, trousers coats and more available, all great quality at great prices.

This 'Silver Bells' cobalt blue blazer is perfect for the transitioning months.  It's a perfect blend of cotton with a hint of elastane, so will fit perfectly. And, of course, the cobalt blue is the colour for Spring!  I'd wear it with a simple t-shirt, skinny jeans and pumps for a casual, daytime look, but it could also be worn to the office over a tailored blouse and skirt.  Best yet, it was originally £75 but is just £24 in the sale - a real quality bargain.

Geometric Print Tube Skirt from House of Holland

I love the House of Holland collection, with its 1980s inspired, bold patterns and styles.  The collection is available on its own website, but also can be found in other stores such as Debenhams and Urban Outfitters.

I spotted this patchwork tube pencil skirt on Pinterest and love it.  Its a perfect pencil skirt, with its edgy, geometric pattern, superb midi length and high-waisted, stretch jersey fit.  Wear with a black t-shirt and ankle boots for a great, urban look.

It's £90 on the House of Holland site, but this fantastic skirt is also available at Urban Outfitters who are offering 15% off until 23rd March with the code MIAMI15 making it £76.50.

Best of the Sales: Fever London

The Fever London collection is gorgeous - inspired by vintage culture yet still contemporary.  The sale's on at the moment, so there is already 60% off many items, but until Sunday, customers can get an additional 15% off with the code EXTRA15.

My picks of the sale can be found on my main website but I think my favourite is this Farringdon dress in navy which has been reduced from £64.99 to £38.99.  I love its flattering, sharp tailoring with the double breasted buttons and tie waist, meaning its perfect for work, but it's not too formal to be worn as a day dress.  The fabric also is a cobomnation of cotton and elastane, so should fit perfectly and feel great!

Maryna Kick Dress from Baukjen

Customers can now save up to 60% in the Baukjen sale where the focus is understated, everyday looks women can wear and still look chic and elegant.  The quality of the products is excellent, the styling is classic and each piece is easy to wear for most occasions.

I'm very taken with this Maryna kick dress in a fabulous ink blue, almost purple colour.  Made from a heavyweight jersey fabric with elastane, it will create a gorgeously flattering feminine silhouette with the full skirt balancing out the hips.  It can be worn simply as is or cinch in the waist with a thick leather belt for a lovely hourglass shape.  This colour has been reduced in the sale from £139 to £97; a black version is also available for £111.

Delightful Dress: Louche Hensley Tree Print Dress from Joy the Store

Another day, another sale and today it's Joy the Store.  Again, there are so many gorgeous items available but I thought another lovely dress was highly appropriate!  I particularly like this Louche Hensley tree print dress which has been reduced from £59 to £35 in the sale.  The shimmery, silky pattern is divine and different and the high necked, full-skirted style is classic and refined.  With a hint of elastane, it will fit perfectly, nipping in the waist for a gorgeous, flattering shape.

Best of the Sales: Van Mildert

Van Mildert stocks some fantastic, designer brands and so when there's a sale, it's definitely worth having a look!  I was simply perusing and noticed that it sells one of my favourite designers, Vivienne Westwood, and lots of her pieces are in the sale with a hefty discount.

I've put a few of my choice pickings on the new site, but my absolute favourite is this Anglomania Sea Monster tartan pencil skirt.  It's got the plaid trend all sewn up but the zany sea monster, hearts and stars pattern makes it edgy and fun.  And of course, a pencil skirt is always flattering and gorgeous.  Team with killer black heels, a black top and funky jewellery and look amazing.  And to top it off, the skirt is on sale with 40% off its RRP of £249 - it's down to £150.

Splendid Skirt: Denim Skirt from M&Co

I've been searching for a decent denim skirt for a while now - one that's a classic, stylish shape, an indigo colour, a modest length and a good price.  A super skirt like this will work for most daytime occasions, paired with a blouse for a smart/casual look or a simple vest top for a laid-back, easy style. It can be worn with any shoes also - pumps, heels, wedges - but I'm planning on wearing it with a simple t-shirt and my Converse!

I found a lovely one at Boden, but it's pretty much out of stock and is fairly expensive for what you get, even with a 10% discount code.  So I was really pleased to find a similar one at M&Co.  It's a pencil skirt but there is enough give in the fabric and a slight flare to ensure a good, not too tight, stylish fit.  The colour is a perfect indigo blue and the high waist keeps everything in nicely!  It's £24 and comes in sizes 8 to 22.

Until 14th August, new customers can get 20% off at M&Co with the code FIRST20 (making it just £19.20); alternatively, after that, there's 10% off (making it £21.60) for a while for new customers with the code FIRST10.  Delivery is just £1.  So all in all, this makes this skirt a real quality, good-looking bargain!

Great Jeans: Pastel Skinny Jeans from A|Wear

I do believe skinny jeans are here to stay and I love the variety of colours that is currently available.  However, pastel is the hue of the season, and I've found a great selection from A|Wear in their sale.  Originally £35, they are now half price at just £17.50.  Colours available are blue (pictured below), pink, white, orange and coral (also pictured below) and they come in sizes 6 to 18, depending on colour.  The blend of cotton with elastane on these skinny jeans means they should fit perfectly and the price means one can get a few to team with a fab top and pumps!

Splendid Skirt: Maurizia Lace Pencil Skirt from Coast

There's always room for a fab and flattering pencil skirt, especially when it comes in a vibrant, summery colour and gorgeous pattern!  I adore this orange Maurizia lace skirt, available in sizes 8 to 18 in the Coast sale.  The cut is perfect and the slimming band that cinches in the waist will make for a faultless fit.

Team with a neutral, cream top and heels for an elegant, feminine and classic look or be more brave and pair with the matching top.  The skirt has been reduced from £95 to £65.

Delightful Dress: Gojji Orchid Print Maxi from Ted Baker

It really is all about dresses at the moment.  There are so many fantastically gorgeous ones out there on sale and customers are really spoilt for choice.

I spotted this orchid print silk maxi dress in the window at Ted Baker and the picture doesn't do it justice.  It is simply stunning.  The sweetheart neckline is discreetly flattering and the belt will nip in the waist.  The silk fabric will feel amazing on, cool in the day but elegant at night.  The pattern is just beautiful too.  It's reduced from £229 to £115 in the sale and is only available online in size 14, but they have an in-store stock checker that could be used.  Sensational.

Delightful Dress: Tribal Print Body Con Midi Dress from Izabel London

There are so many gorgeous dresses at the moment at Izabel London and I have been hard pressed to pick just one!  I have gone for an ethnic print bodycon midi dress for something a little different to usual.  It's on trend, glamourous and the fitted, stretch fabric should hold any loose bits in nicely!  I find that a midi length on a dress and skirt is very flattering.  I especially like this pattern for the colours which are pretty and subtle but which still manage to convey tribal style.

This dress is only £18, but there are a couple of voucher codes for Izabel London which are valid until the end of the month - 12% off with code 12IZABEL (all orders) or 15% with code 15IZA40 (if you spend over £40).  They're also offering free standard delivery on orders over £20.

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.

Splendid Skirt: McGregor Skirt from Fever London

Apologies for the gap in posting - it's been one of those weeks!  But I'm back, checking out the ongoing sales and today I've been perusing the Fever London sale.

This Fever McGregor skirt in a citrus fruit pattern is cheerful and summery. The a-line cut with the belted waist will flatter most shapes and the flared skirt will ensure one is kept cool during hotter days.  Wear with a bright, citrus coloured top and sandals for a chic, effortless daytime look.

The skirt is available in sizes 6 to 18 and has been reduced from £59.99 to £29.99.  In a mainly cotton material with a hint of elastane for a perfect belted fit, this is a great, quality bargain to see one through the summer months.

Delightful Dress: Hybrid Jailhouse Pencil Dress from Lovarni

Another day, another sale!  Today I've been perusing the Lovarni site, which is an independent fashion retailer who are offering up to 75% off in their sale.  They stock a range of brands including Little Mistress, A Postcard from Brighton, Lipsy, Jarlo, Rare and Marc B and they are always worth checking, as they have a price match promise plus 10%, so you should always manage to get the best deal from them.

Lovarni is also the home of the Hybrid brand, which has been spotted on celebrities and other famous faces. The dresses are made from a super stretch body sculpting fabric and elegant, sophisticated styles that flatter all figures.  I've found this fabulous, 1950's vintage-inspired Jailhouse pencil dress in their sale.  With a blazer, it could be worn to the office but then whip that jacket off and you've got the perfect dress for a cocktail or two in the evening!  With the nipped in, belted waist and bodycon fit with a hint of elastane, it will hug one's figure and flatter perfectly.  Team with killer heels for a stylish and chic look which oozes sophistication and glamour.

The dress has been reduced from £95 to £45 and is still available in a variety of colours and sizes.  I would chose this fairly neutral cream and black version and team with colourful accessories and a bright lipstick, but I'm also quite taken with the fuchsia pink and black version.

What colour would you choose? Leave your comments below!

Delightful Dress: Sequin Pattern Skater Dress from Fashion World

A girl can never have too many dresses so here's another one!  Fashion World is an online and mail order catalogue company, focusing on plus-size womenswear from sizes 12 to 32.  They have a great variety of on-trend, quality clothing, shoes and accessories, all designed to flatter and compliment all figures.

This sequin patterned skater dress is perfect for summer. The design is delicate, the colours subtle and pretty.  Skater dresses flatter curves enormously, by drawing in the waist and then skimming the hips and thighs; this particular dress goes one step further - by having a pleated skirt, it will hide any lumps and bumps and create a wonderful, girlie silhouette.  Being cotton and elastane, it will be cool and fit well.  It's a fantastically, versatile, savvy purchase - I'd team with casual sandal wedges and a cardi in the day or nude heels and a pashmina for the evening.

I think this dress is great value already at just £27.50, but new customers can get 10% off with code CQHC5, which is ongoing until the end of the year.  It's available in sizes 12 to 22.

What's your preferred dress style?  Would you wear a shorter skater dress like this or do you prefer a maxi?  Or something more fitted?  Let me know in the comments below!

Splendid Skirt: Louche Cindy A-line Skirt from Joy

Say what you like about Victoria Beckham, I don't think it can be denied that she's come a long way from her Spice Girls days and developed into a respected (and in my opinion, talented) fashion designer.  Her dresses are gorgeous, flattering and feminine but unfortunately are out of my price range!

The item from her SS13 collection that I've been coveting is a bright orange a-line skirt.  Victoria's been spotted out and about in this skirt a couple of times now - as part of a suit to give a fashion talk and with a neutral top when out with her daughter.  I love the vivid tangerine orange which is summery bright and cheerful.  And an A-line skirt is always flattering, pulling in the waist and disguising the upper hips and thigh but still flashing enough leg to be fun!

I've found an equivalent skirt from Joy the Store.  Whilst it isn't top-class designer, and it's a cotton blend as opposed to silk and wool, it's still stylish and great quality and is reminiscent of the Victoria Beckham version.  I would pair it with a tucked-in cream or white blouse for simple, sophisticated chic; for day I'd wear flat pumps and switch to some killer heels in the evening.  Available in sizes 8 to 14, it's been reduced from £32 to £20 in the sale.

What are your views on Victoria Beckham as a designer?  Do you think she's a worthy designer whose styles can be emulated?

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: 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.