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!

Best of the Sales: French Connection

At this time of year it's hard to not be savvy when it comes to those post-Christmas sales.  This year, most stores are offering at least 50% off items and I suspect it will get even better after the New Year, if one can hold on!

With that in mind, I have been developing another website that looks at what's around - in less detail but more quantity.  It's still going to highlight great value and great quality items but with a wider range.

My first attempt is the French Connection sale.  I've found six items that I really love, that are bargaintastic or are investment pieces.  I think my favourite, for sheer uniqueness and value for money is this Disco Leopard flared skirt.  Originally £95, it's just £28.50 right now!

So please have a look at my new site and let me know what you think!

Investment Piece: Giselle Rose Print Silk Dress from Reiss

Purchasing key investment pieces of clothing and accessories can be seen as a savvy way to shop.  By choosing a few, high quality, versatile and classic items, one can have a gorgeous wardrobe that can work well for any occasion and never go out of style.

For this reason, I have fallen in love with this rose print silk dress from Reiss which comes in sizes 4 to 14 and is £159.  The silk will be luxurious to wear, cool for summer days but elegant for evenings.  The pattern and cut is flattering, with the fitted top and flared skirt to skim hips.  I'd pair this with some killer heels - maybe some Louboutins! - and a structured handbag - for an exclusive night out.

Delightful Dress: F&F Limited Edition Jacquard Prom Dress from Tesco

Prom dresses are gorgeous and versatile.  They can be dressed down with a casual leather jacket and wedges or glammed up for a night on the town with some amazing accessories and killer heels.  They are super-flattering by holding in the waist but skimming the hips to create a lovely, feminine shape.  Bigger busted women should look for prom dresses with round or v-neck necklines and smaller busted women can go for dresses with a higher neckline.

Tesco have a great range of dresses at the moment, and now is a good time to shop there, as they are doing their clubcard exchange promotion.  This means that every £5 in vouchers can be exchanged for £10 worth of vouchers for particular products - including clothing!  So essentially, customers are getting double something for nothing*!

I spotted this F&F Limited Edition Jacquard prom dress on the site, and it was also featured in Grazia magazine's Fashion Charts.  The neon green floral pattern is quirky and fun as well as being totally on-trend at the moment.  I'd wear it in the day and accessorise it with a belt to create the illusion of a small waist and team with some smarter sandal wedges and cream cardi.  The dress also comes in black and white and is available in sizes 10 to 20.  It's £35.

* Of course, there needs to be an initial spend to get the vouchers in the first place but hey ho.

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: Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Sleeveless Tie Waist Tea Dress from Laura Ashley

Breast cancer is a cause close to my heart and I try to do what I can to support charities and research in relation to it.  Fashion Targets Breast Cancer is a way to try to raise funds for Breakthrough Breast Cancer through the sale of specially designed products which are sold in various stores and online; generally, at least 30% of the price of the item goes to the charity.

The range can be found via the website, but I have chosen this gorgeous pastel pink silk tea dress which is available from Laura Ashley.  A cotton and silk mix, it will feel luxurious and keep you cool for those upcoming summer outdoor events.  It comes in sizes 12 - 20 and is £95 but 30% will go to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer so it's almost like using a discount for global benefit!  And, of course, you could always try using a cashback site in the first place.

In addition, there is currently 30% off selected fashion, as well as homeware offers, at Laura Ashley with free delivery for orders over £50, so well worth a look.