Moroccan Ballet Flats from TOMS

Well, it's been a while but I am hoping that I am back up and running, ready to find lots of beautiful bargains for Spring.  And the first thing I have spotted is a new range of ballet pumps from TOMS. Not only are they comfortable, practical, pretty and great quality, with every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.

I particularly like these pink suede shoes with a cutout design and the elasticised edging will ensure a great fit.  The colour is gorgeous and will look lovely with skinny jeans - or if the weather continues to improve, with a floaty dress or skirt.

Until the end of March, customer can get £5 off purchases of £25 or more with the code NEWSPRING or £10 off £100 spends with the code SPRING14 so it's definitely worth a look!

Alternatvely, they've just sent me an email offering 15% off with the code MARCH15 so do figure out what works best!

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).

Fantastic Footwear: Whistles Barbara Ballet Shoes from Atterley Road

I do love a quality ballerina pump and these black suede Whistles ones with an ankle strap are simply divine.  They are stylish and elegant, but will be comfortable and practical for wearing during the day - perfect for the office teamed with a smart skirt suit.  I think they could also be worn with ankle skimming jeans for a more casual, but still chic, look.  They are available from Atterley Road in sizes EU 36 to 40 for £110 and, until midnight on Monday, customers can get 25% off with code PAYDAY25, meaning they're £82.50.

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.

Wardrobe Staple: Toms Shoes

Toms Shoes is an ethical shoe company; when they sells a pair of shoes, a pair of shoes is given to an impoverished child, and when Toms sells a pair of eyewear, part of the profit is used to save or restore the eyesight for people in developing countries.  For this reason alone, I'm happy to say that a pair or two of Toms shoes should be a wardrobe staple.  The fact that they are simple, classic and comfortable is a bonus extra!

Having said that, the style of the shoe does seem to divide opinion somewhat.  I've heard them called 'dull', 'ugly' and 'boring'.  However, I don't think this is the case - and anyway, they've expanded their collection significantly and there are loads of lovely versions available.

There are two on which I'm going to focus, which I particularly like.  The first is in the classic style, but a crochet material which should cost no more than £45.  Amazon's a good place to find a selection of different colours for reasonable prices.  I like the cream, but they're also available in navy on sale for just £30 at Box Clothing (but only in a size 3).

The second is a fairly new, ballerina flat pump.  They tend to retail at around the £65 mark but this is far too much!  Get them on sale at Soletrader for just £39.

Toms are also available for the standard prices (i.e. not inflated) at Office, Schuh (some are on sale) and Footasylum (again, some are on sale).  And, of course, there is the official Toms UK website!

Putting my money where my mouth is: Havaianas

The best flip flops on the market, in my opinion, are classic Havaianas.  They are well made, comfortable, durable and perfect for the summer.  They come in a huge range of colours and styles - and prices.  The really basic, slim ones shouldn't cost more than about £15 - and should be found for less.  But, as ever, with a bit of canny research, one should be able to find a fabulous pair or two for no more than about £20.  They shouldn't cost more than this.

My sister and I took advantage of a 20% off offer at Office a few weeks ago and managed to get these wonderful versions for just under £18 which go well with our pedicures I think!  I love the colours and the sole is quite thick and sturdy.

As much as I adore the pink, I'm now searching for a more neutral version that will match a few more outfits.   There's a sale on at USC at the moment which includes these, so I am tempted by these silver and white ones, reduced from £24 to £18.

Other sites worth looking at, that often have deals include:

• Amazon - need to have a good browse to get the colour, size and price that's required.
• Matalan - there's some really basic ones for just £10.
• John Lewis - slightly more pricey but a lovely selection.

Fantastic Footwear: Miista Galaxy Oxford Brogues from Free People

Brogues have been a fashion trend for women for a couple of years now.  Since then, they've evolved from a basic flat shoe, found in simple brown or black, to one that can be found in all manner of patterns, colours and heel heights.  They are practical and comfortable, and a great alternative to a ballet pump.  Unless one is deliberately going for a mannish style, they work best when paired with more feminine outfits such as a floral tea dress, pretty skirt or cropped trousers.

I think these Galaxy Oxford brogues from online boutique Free People are a great version of the trend.  The fact that they're pastel and patterned counteracts the absolute masculinity of the traditional style; this means that they will balance well with most outfits, even if they aren't super-feminine.  So I'd not only wear them with skirts and dresses, but jeans too.  These shoes are leather and great quality, and were £158 - but have been reduced in the sale to £99.95 (with free shipping) and are the cheapest I can find on UK sites online.

What do you think about brogues?  Too mannish, or a practical, trendy and comfortable way to get through the day?  Let me know in the comments below!

Fantastic Footwear: Colourblock Points from Boden

There is 20% off selected, new season styles at Boden at the moment and I am coveting these navy blue and coral colourblock pointed shoes.  The flat heel means they will be comfortable to wear, but they are still chic and elegant enough to wear for work or a more formal occasion.  They could also be worn with jeans or a more casual skirt, so totally versatile!

The code Q248 for new season styles works till tonight, so hurry to take advantage!

Fantastic Footwear: Charlotte Olympia Black Velvet "Kitty" Slipper Flats from Profile Fashion

Charlotte Olympia's kitty cat flat slippers have become a coveted fashion piece since 2011.  They have been spotted on all sorts of celebs - Anne Hathaway, Beyoncé, Kirsten Dunst, Taylor Swift and that devoted follower of fashion Alexa Chung.  My favourite are these black velvet, embroidered with gold ones with a gilded heel which will go with anything and will work for day or night.  They are also available in a sumptuous red velvet.

As these are designer shoes, they are a pretty standard price across the web at £465.  But at Profile Fashion, until the end of the month, customers can receive a 5% discount just by signing up to the newsletter  which brings them down to £441.75.  Still pricey, but definitely an investment piece that will last and look fab.

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!

Fantastic Footwear: Shellys Natural Basked Embroidered Pumps from Debenhams

Debenhams is one of my new favourite online stores at the moment - they have a great range of products and brands, frequent deals, sales and discount codes and there has been free delivery and returns as standard for ages now, even though they state it's for a limited time.  All in all, a brilliant and convenient online shopping experience and I am really impressed.

These natural basked woven embroidered pumps by Shellys London, available from Debenhams, are super cute and perfect for Spring!  I love the ribbon detail on the ankle, which will look great with shorts or a mini skirt.  They are made from a natural woven material so should keep feet cool too.  And the face motif is simply adorable!  They come in sizes 3 - 8 and are £55, but there's 10% off with code TK94 until the 7th May.

Putting my money where my mouth is: Lucky Brand Covela Leather sandals from Secretsales.com

When I started this blog, I signed up to a variety of different 'private' discount websites as a way to keep an eye on what's available, what savings can be made and if they are truly as economical as they seem.  So far, so good, and I have been particularly taken with Secretsales.com.  They offer a good variety of items for men, women and the home - including designer goodies - and they do seem to provide excellent value for money.  I'd never actually bought from one of these sites.... until now.

I have made my first purchase from them, ready for the sunny weather and bought these Lucky Brand mint and silver sandals which were less than half the recommended retail price.  I also checked other sites and these were definitely a bargain in comparison.  The colours are perfect and I'm loving the metallic element, which brings them up to date for SS13.  I'll be able to wear them with almost anything, most of the time.  Items from Secretsales are dispatched once a sale closes - which is after the Bank Holiday in this case - so I should get them towards the end of next week.  I am very excited about these and will update as to progress!

Fantastic Footwear: Saffie Peeptoe Ankle Strap Studded Sandals from Boohoo.com

The sun has come out and it's definitely time for some new footwear!  I know, I've highlighted loads lately but there are so many fantastic styles out there and there are so many Bank Holiday deals available right now.  Boohoo.com are no exception with 25% off footwear today with the code FTWRGB.

With that in mind, I have found these black and gold studded ankle strap sandals.  The studs give a kind of punky, 90's grungy look which is still on-trend right now and yet they are still fairly simple and practical for every day.  They are available in sizes 3 - 8 and are usually great value at £22, but this price is reduced to a mere £16.50 with the discount.

And, just to reiterate.  The sun is out!  It's a Bank Holiday!  Suitable shoes are needed!  (I'll stop shouting now.  Just make sure you don't pay full-price.)

Fantastic Footwear: Emma Go Romeo Ankle Strap Sandals from Spartoo

I admit, I've been obsessing over focusing on wedge sandals for a while now, so I thought it was time to find something lovely and summery, but perhaps a bit more practical for every day use.  I have found an online shoe website, Spartoo.co.uk, which sells a great range of shoe and boot brands and there are loads of unique and delightful finds there!  The other bonus of the site is that it operates a loyalty points scheme, so you can collect points to convert to a gift voucher for future purchases.

I've chosen these flat Emma Go Romeo ankle strap sandals in tan and pink.  The two tone colour block design is very current and the pop of neon adds the wow factor to prevent these practical flatties from being boring.  They are 100% leather, so should be great quality and they should last.  They have been reduced from £110.99 to £88.79 at Spartoo and are available in sizes 6 and 7.

It's worth adding again that there are loads of lovely flat sandals on the site - some of which are reduced and some are still full price - and I had some difficulty choosing just the one pair to showcase!  But there are discount codes available for full-priced items, so do have a look at my discount voucher page if you wish.

Putting my money where my mouth is: Rose Corsage Ballerina Flats from Accessorize

So once again, I have taken my own advice and saved money on some fantastic, fabulous shoes.  As I said in my original post on these ballet pumps from Accessorize, these shoes are so comfortable and well-fitting.  They go with so many things - I have worn them with jeans, dresses, leggings and skirts, both casually and to work.  The beige ones are older, but have lasted really well, even though I forgot to spray them with any sort of protector.  Definitely well worth the purchase and even better for the discount!

I've signed up to Instagram to highlight my savvy purchases, if you would like to have a look.  There's not a lot there at present but I'm hoping to add photos with money-saving advice when I get a chance.

Putting my money where my mouth is: Call It Spring Coral 'Janille' Pointed Toe Pumps from Debenhams

As you may have guessed, I love finding fashion bargains and I don't just find them - I buy them!  It's a bit of a risk for me whilst researching the blog I suppose....

My latest purchase is this pair of coral pencil pointed flat pumps from Debenhams.  The colour and patent shine is gorgeous.  They fit really well too and are comfortable - I think the fact that they are pointed toe rather than round gives them a slightly snugger fit meaning they are less likely to slip off.  I'll be able to wear these with jeans, dresses or skirts so they are a totally versatile bargain!

Until the 24th April, Debenhams are offering an extra 10% off sale prices with the discount voucher code CP37 so these can be picked up for just £18.  They are still available in sizes 3 - 8.

Stunning Shoes: Floral Black Playdays Pumps from Office

I do love it when my clever, chic and savvy readers spot a fantastic bargain!  I've been shown these gorgeous black with embroidered floral detail pumps from Office.  The simplicity and colour of them means they will go with anything and the rose feature is lovely.  They are available in sizes 3 - 7 and are just £7!  I'm stunned that they are still available in a decent range of sizes, to be honest.

Take advantage of those sales and discounts and keep those stylish bargains coming in!  

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.

Wardrobe Staple: Rose Corsage Ballerina Flats from Accessorize

There is a plethora of ballet flats out there, from the cheap and cheerful to high-end, high-priced versions.  However, I am a big fan of the corsage ballerina flats from Accessorize.  I find that the elasticated edging means that they fit the foot really well without slipping off and the floral detail prevents them from being boring.  They are also available in a decent range of colours and Accessorize seem to bring out slightly different, yet still practical and pretty versions, on a fairly regular basis which means that the older styles get discounted...!

The Amy Rose black ballet flats, with a triple corsage have been reduced from £30 to £20.  They're still available in sizes 36 and 38.

Beige ones (or grey/mink as Accessorize call it), with a single corsage are also pretty gorgeous and are more suitable for spring and summer colour combos.  These are £22, reduced from £32, and are available in sizes 37 - 41.

There is also a pretty blue pair available in the triple corsage for £20 but these are only available in a size 37.  The single corsage version is available in a better range of sizes, but for some reason is still full price at £32.