Beaded Flapper Style Top from Jigsaw

I don't think the 1920's Great Gatsby trend will be going out of style for a while yet - plenty of New Year's Eve parties had it as their theme as far as I can tell!  So it's worth searching out some key pieces in the sales that will take one through season after season.

Jigsaw have been excellent at creating some amazing retro pieces that remain true to the original, whilst still being modern and pretty.  Remember the silk flapper dress epitomising the era?  Unfortunately, it's not on sale any more, but I have found similar versions in a top.  Intricately-embellished with beautiful beadwork and a superior silk camisole lining it will be luxurious and flattering to wear. One can go for the whole 1920's vibe with a swinging skirt and kitten heels, or dress differently with skinny jeans and boots.  Available in grey or antique pink, both of these tops are reduced from £139 to £111 in the sale.

      

Nifty Knitwear: Relaxed Fit Wool Blend Jumper from Jigsaw

There are so many amazingly gorgeous items available in the Jigsaw-Online sale right now - everything from office staples to casual chinos to silk dresses with up to 60% off.  My mind is heading towards autumn, so I've been focusing on their knitwear.  There is a good selection of high quality, linen, cotton and/or wool blend jumpers and cardigans so definitely well worth a look.

This AW13, I'm thinking comfy and slouchy knitwear and this light pink, relaxed fit, wool and cashmere jumper fits the bill nicely.  It could be worn casually with jeans and a patterned scarf or paired with a blouse and smart skirt or trousers for a relaxed office look.  It's been reduced from £89 to £59 and is still available in sizes medium and large.  Alternatively, it comes in cream, in sizes small to large.

Father's Day Gift Ideas: Men's Tex Stripe Short Sleeve Shirt from Jigsaw

I really enjoy buying clothing for men, especially as a gift!  T-shirts are always great, and I've already blogged about a fab Darth Vader Daddy one; I suspect I will be searching for a few more as gifts for Father's Day on the 16th.

However, sometimes a man needs something a bit more formal and that's why it's great that Jigsaw are currently running their men's summer clearance sale.  It's often quite difficult to find good quality, short-sleeved cotton work shirts for men, but there are several in the sale which is brilliant.  They are perfect for the office - as is, with a blazer, or smartened up even more with a tie and suit.  In addition, I think these ones are versatile enough that they can be worn with jeans as smart/casual attire.

The shirt comes in pink (shown) or a chambray blue and is reduced from £65 to just £29; sizes available are small to extra large.  There is also a lovely red and white gingham one - reduced from £75 to £29 - but it's only available in a small size.

What do you think?  Is this a good idea for a present for the father in your life?  Add your views in the comments below!

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!

Delightful Dress: Flapper Dress from Jigsaw

The Great Gatsby movie is released in a few days and the fashion world seems to have gone crazy for 1920's chic.  Romantic, feminine, loose and fringy, the current styles are shorter, swingy dresses and long, fitted gowns.  Team with feathers, pearls, red lips, nude colours and fascinators to completely embrace the look, or simply choose a few key pieces for a hint of retro chic.

I think that this silk flapper dress from Jigsaw epitomises the trend and is simply gorgeous.  It comes in a delicate oyster colour or a shimmering silver grey - both pictured as they are so exquisite!  The shape and cut means that it will skim the body and flatter most body shapes.  Despite being inspired by a 1920's vintage pattern, I think the look is timeless and this dress is a real investment that will sell-out fairly quickly judging by what I've read about it already!  I'm afraid all I can offer in terms of a discount for this dress is free standard delivery.  But I couldn't resist it....  This dress is amazing.

Wardrobe Staple: Jigsaw Knee High Stretch Riding Boots from Atterley Road

A classic, well-fitting pair of leather knee high riding boots is a wardrobe must and now is the time to take advantage of the sales to get a fantastic quality pair at a fraction of the normal price.  Leather is a must - anything else tends to look cheap and can fall apart when worn a lot, especially if the weather is bad.  It's also a good idea to get ones with a bit of stretch and/or adjustable straps to fit calves well.  They are incredibly versatile and look great over skinny jeans but can also be worn under boot cut jeans or with skirts and dresses.

These brown leather boots by Jigsaw are available from Atterley Road and fit the criteria for the perfect pair.    There's a decent range of sizes still available - 36, 37, 39 and 41.  They have been reduced from £249 to £149 which still fairly expensive, but they're an investment that will last year after year!