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!

Fantastic Footwear: Limited Edition High Heel Platform Court Shoes from Marks & Spencer

The Marks and Spencer summer sale just launched today, with up to 50% off loads of items.  It's a really good time to stock up on some good quality basics, but they also have some really nice, on trend pieces that will jazz up anyone's wardrobe!

These black and white limited edition platform court shoes are a great way to wear the leopard print trend in a subtle way.  They are really versatile and I feel could be worn in the day or evening.  I think they would look totally amazing though with neon or really bright colours - either a fantastic pencil skirt or some accessories.  The heel's quite high (about 10cm) but not too high, so they should be fine to walk in!  Just £9 (reduced from £19.50), they're still available in sizes 3 to 8, including half sizes.

Fantastic Footwear: Pointy Leopard Courts from Goddiva

It doesn't seem to me as though the trend ever really left, but it appears a key pattern for this autumn and winter is leopard print.  It may invoke images of bored, rich housewives of Beverley Hills or even a throwback to the 1980's, but it was spotted on the AW13 catwalks of Diane von Furstenberg, DKNY and Burberry Prorsum.

The key with this pattern is to keep it simple, elegant and as untacky as possible!  One key piece is all that's needed - for example, a bag, jacket or shoes.  And shoes are what I have found, from online fashion store Goddiva.   These leopard print court shoes are sophisticated yet sexy.  They would look amazing for an evening out, with a black pencil skirt and top or dress.

New customers can get 15% off their first order by signing up to the Goddiva newsletter, meaning that these shoes can be bought for £28.90 (instead of £34).