LK Bennett Marlene Sandals from Zalando

The end of the summer sales are hotting up so it's definitely time to take advantage of those bargains around the web. Zalando are in the ladt few days of sale and have a huge range of items - shoes, clothes, accessories and sportswear for men, women and children - and lots of designer brands.

I have found this gorgeous pair of LK Bennett heeled sandals, which are perfect for those warmer evenings which are surely to come, despite the current changeable weather.  They come in stripey black (reduced from £175 to £125) or red (reduced from £175 to £140).

I see them being worn with a classic, box pleat, A-line skirt for daytime or evening elegance and a simple blouse or silk t-shirt.  Add a cropped cardi to keep warm whilst sipping cocktails outside!

It's worth noting as well the current sale, until 31st Sepember 2014, customers can ger 5% all items (excluding sale) with the code ZAAUGSEP5 on orders over £50 at Zalando.

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!

Preppy Colourblock Work Bag from Accessorize

Goodness me!  I have just realised that I haven't featured a bag since October, so I guess it's about time to do so once again.  And where better to focus than the Accessorize sale?  Of course, there are loads of fab bags there - clutches, totes, wallets and satchels - but I've chosen this colourblock work bag, mainly as I went back to work this week!

Smart and structured with a definite 60's vibe, it will be perfect for all those office bits.  The zipped compartments help to contain those additional non-work bits too!  The shoulder strap means it can be carried easily and comfortably to meetings and about town, putting it down with the carry handles.  Perfect!  And even better, it's reduced from £35 to £27 in the sale.

Delightful Dress: Lace Shirt Collar Dress from Yumi

Yumi do the loveliest, cutest and unique dresses and those that are in the sale are no exception.

This black and burgundy contrasting lace dress is really different and interesting.  I think it would be great for work, with the collar creating a pop of colour and a slightly more formal style that would look great in the office.  The lace detail embellishes the front, making it really chic and elegant.  It's reduced from £30 to £21 and is still available in sizes 8 to 16.

Big Spot Skirt from Cath Kidston

There's currently up to 30% off in the Cath Kidston sale, with loads of fashion, kids' items, homewear and accessories.  I'm very tempted to stock up on some crafty bits - especially one of the large sewing baskets - and there is so much Christmas stuff left that will be perfect for next year.  But my eye has also been caught by this lovely polka dot red and white flared skirt.  Perfect for almost any casual occasion, the elasticated, cinched waist means it will be easy to wear, flatter and look great.  It's reduced from £35 to £24.

Alexander McQueen Enamel Skull Bracelet from Liberty London

Skull prints and patterns are still very much in fashion.  However, I do find that sometimes they can be a bit over the top, being too 'scary' or simply inappropriate.  Done correctly though, they can be simply charming, cool and edgy.

I have been coveting this Alexander McQueen skull bracelet from Liberty London for ages it seems, although I suspect it only came out a week or two ago.   It's the sort of thing that one can wear with any outfit, and I'd be tempted to wear it for a formal meeting at work to be a little bit cheeky!  The price tag is £145 but for a limited time, there's £30 off £150 or more spends with the code WOMENSAW13 so add this and some lovely stationery to your bag and save!

Delightful Dress: Myleene Klass Dice Print Dress from Littlewoods

Littlewoods is an online catalogue site which has a great range of products including fashion and accessories and items for the home.  They often have good deals - particularly on first orders - so it's well worth having a look if there is something one is after.

I spotted this Myleene Klass dice print dress on the latest advert for Littlewoods and thought it was lovely!  Red and black is always a great colour combo, vibrant and fun and perfect for when the weather dulls, but still suitable for summer.  The tea dress style hints at a retro, forties vibe but the dice print brings it up to date.  The shape and cut is flattering, with the tie belt waist and flared skirt providing instant, effortless style.  This dress is £69 but look out for discount offers on site, and it comes in sizes 8 to 20.

Delightful Dress: Plaid Pinafore Dresses from Urban Outfitters

Pinafore dresses have been making a bit of a comeback lately.  However, I've steered a bit clear of them as I do worry they look a bit schoolgirl if they are the wrong colour, pattern or styled too young.  The key to looking like a grown up when wearing this, I think, is to layer it with some mature pieces, such as a crisp blouse or some funky accessories and avoid school uniform grey!  Another trend emerging for AW13 is a tartan or plaid pattern and so I have found a couple of lovely pinafores in such a print from Urban Outfitters - I couldn't choose between them so I'm highlighting both!

The first is this red Vintage Renewal plaid pinafore dress, which is £38 and comes in sizes medium and large.  It's got a real Sixties retro look and feel to it, and is fun and playful, without being juvenile.  I like the way they have styled it, with the long-sleeved cotton blouse and I'd team it with some dark tights and Doc Martens for autumn and winter.

The second dress is this Cooperative pinafore dress in Black Watch tartan print.  It's £52 and comes in sizes extra small to large.  Again, it could be styled as the dress above and look great!

Until the end of the month, customers can get 10% off at Urban Outfitters with the code AUGUST10 and for a limited time, delivery is just £1.

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.

Summer Staple: Riley Heart Print Flippy Shorts from Boohoo.com

Shorts are great for the summer months, keeping one cool but also able to protect one's modesty should a sudden breeze occur!  There are so many great ones around at the moment, for fantastic prices, but I'm liking these red and white heart patterned ones which are available for just £10 at Boohoo.com in sizes 8 to 14.  And until the 28th July, there's 15% off summer essentials at Boohoo.com with the code SUN15.

For a great daytime into early evening summer look, these could be teamed with a white top and blazer, strappy sandals and a long necklace - and the obligatory sunglasses of course!

Snap it Up! 24 Hour Voucher Code for Modcloth

To celebrate the dog days of the sunny season, US vintage-inspired site ModCloth is offering a 15% off coupon for the entire site before taxes and shipping, excluding gift certificates! The coupon has no limit on number of uses, but be quick!  There are so many gorgeous items there, it's definitely worth having a look and perhaps a little stock up....?
This sale will only be for 24 hours between 23rd July 7:00am PST (that's now here in the UK) to 24th July at 10:00am PST (so 6.00pm on the 24th over here).

Once you reach your cart, just click 'apply a discount', enter the coupon code WOOF15, and all of those lovely items will be 15% off!

Delightful Dress: Charleston Midi Dress from Monsoon

One can never have too many great quality, pretty sundresses and this red floral Charleston midi dress from Monsoon is no exception!  It's got a lovely vintage-feel with a flattering tie waist embellished with mother of pearl leaves and brass-tone sequins.  It's available in sizes 12 to 22 and is £59.

Until 2nd June, customers can save £30 with £150+ spends with code MAY30 or save £50 with £200+ spends with code MAY50 at Monsoon (and free delivery on orders over £75 as standard), so it's worth having a look whether there are several items to consider stocking up on!

The Look for Less: Wedding Party from my-wardrobe.com

Online fashion retailer my-wardrobe.com is full of gorgeous designer pieces and wardrobe staples from the finest women's fashion brands.  They are currently running a promotion (until 26th May) whereby customers can get £50 off £180 or more spends, so it's really worth having a look to see what key investment pieces can be found.

As wedding season is almost upon us, I have created a set on Polyvore suitable for a fabulous summer wedding.  I have gone for a feminine yet edgy look, using the Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Eight botanical print dress as my foundation teamed with some killer accessories.  And when the evening starts to draw in, just throw on this sumptuous J Brand Marianne buttermilk leather and papertwill jacket.  Perfect!

Wardrobe Staple: Celestine 2 Court Shoes from Jones Bootmaker

Every woman needs at least one pair of simple, classic court shoes in her wardrobe.  Practical and versatile, they can be worn with almost anything, for almost any occasion and make any outfit look smart and elegant.  Black courts are probably the most useful (although I'd avoid wearing them with anything too light or pastel shades) but nude courts are having a moment too, mainly due to Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge popularising them.  The latter colour especially elongates the legs, making them super-flattering.  As they come in such a range of styles, heel heights and colours, it's easy to find one that works for the individual in the best possible way

Jones Bootmaker has a great range of court shoes and, even better, selected lines have up to 25% off at the moment.  My favourite are these Celestine 2 leather court shoes, which come in regular black or nude, patent black or nude (unfortunately, not in the offer) or this amazing patent red.  Normally £99, with the discount they are £79 in sizes 4 to 8.

Delightful Dress: Amelia Red Prom Dress from Lipstick Boutique

Ahhh, The Only Way is Essex.  A modern, cultural phenomenon or completely outrageous car crash entertainment?  Opinion is divided, but it's certainly created a number of marketing opportunities for its stars such as Amy Childs, Lauren Pope and Lydia Rose Bright, not least in the fashion industry.  Lipstick Boutique is an online store that stocks the creations of many of the cast members and some of it is good value and really rather nice!

This poppy red lace prom dress is half price in the sale and is just £35.  The high-necked flower appliqué top is intricate and pretty and the gathered waist and ruffled skirt with netting underneath will be amazingly flattering.  The colour is eye-catchingly bright and superb.  I don't think one would need to accessorise this hugely - some black heels and a few simple bracelets would make this dress look really classy.  It is still available in sizes 8 - 16.

Wardrobe Staple: Sun Dry Cotton Blazer from French Connection

A decent, good-quality, well-fitted blazer is an essential.  It can be thrown over anything and looks especially good over jeans and a simple top or with a maxi dress.  I've also seen them looking fab with shorts and, of course, they can be worn with more formal skirts, dresses and trousers for the office.

There's loads of blazers out there, and I've already posted about this one from Wallis.  However, I think it's worth thinking about investing in one that is going to last and for that reason, I often to go for those that contain quality materials such as wool, linen or cotton.  A bit of stretch is often helpful also.  Colour-wise, anything works - plain or patterned - and it's all down to personal taste.  The current style seems to be the boyfriend blazer which is single-breasted and longer, skimming the hips.  It compliments most women's shapes, especially the V-neckline which lengthens and flatters the upper body.  I'd also go for a single or, at the most two, for a more casual look -  a greater number of buttons tends to look more formal and office-y.

I've chosen this red cotton and elastane red blazer from French Connection, which is currently in the sale.  I think it would look amazing over indigo skinny jeans and a white top and I have some amazing red shoes from Schuh (bought ages ago - sorry!) that would complement it perfectly!  It comes in sizes 6 - 16 and has been reduced from £120 to £90.

Beautiful Bag: Brit-Stitch Leather Laptop Bag from The Hut.com

Brit-stitch is a British brand selling quality and fabulous leather goods made in the UK.  The collection is classic, timeless, elegant and well-made.  They don't yet have their own website to purchase items, but bags can be bought from a range of retailers including The Hut.com.

I'm in need of a decent laptop bag that I can take to work, but I don't want one that's too boring or office-y, which is why I have fallen in love with this poppy red leather satchel bag.  The style and quality of the bag means that it should last year after year.  The colour is just amazing and will brighten up a work suit to give a bit of personality to the traditional professional look.  It's not cheap, at £163 but until the 24th April, The Hut are offering 15% off all Brit-stitch items with the code BRIT15, making it £138.55 - a fab investment for such classic style and exceptional design.