Charabia Moonshine Trousers from Anthropologie

Anthropologie stocks a gorgeous selection of high quality and unique clothing, accessories, homeware and gifts.  I was browsing their site for Mother's Day gifts and came across these fantastic metallic trousers.  Tailored metallic fabrics are on trend for SS14, as seen on the catwalks of Lanvin, Christian Dior and Issey Miyake, and I think these trousers are a perfect way to embrace the style.  I'd team them with a silk top and heels and some colourful accessories for a chic, futuristic look.

Originally £148, they are now £43.95 and available in sizes extra small, small and large.

A savvy tip for Anthropologie fans is to sign up for their loyalty programme, 'Anthro'.  Customers who do so get advance notice of sales, a birthday discount, at least two free delivery periods per year, invitations to special events and more. 

Blue Sapphire Dragonfly Pendant from Libby J London

Libby J. London creates high quality, hand-finished jewellery in sterling silver. Their designs are unique and vintage-inspired, featuring bright and bold coloured gemstones. Price-wise, everything is under £100 to enable almost everyone to have a little luxury! It's only been around since November, so it really is a brand new venture.

There is a great selection of unique, gorgeous, quality jewellery on the site, including rings, earrings and necklaces and my favourite piece is this yellow gold dragonfly pendant set with a gorgeous sapphire.  The colour will flatter many skin tones and the blue of the sapphire gives it a hint of sparkle and elegance. And the dragonfly is always a great shape or pattern - so pretty!

Customers can currently take advantage of 20% discount on the site until the end of March as well as free postage and packaging as standard. The code is LJ2014. So this pendant, which is usually £45 is £36 with the discount.  

Drop Waist Silk Dress from The White Company

The White Company sale started today with offers on clothing and all sorts of goodies for the home, such as beautifully fragranced candles, mirrors and glassware.  Pretty much everything is gorgeous, so it is a perfect time to spruce up one's home and garden with quality, stylish and savvy items!

This silver silk drop waisted dress is simply stunning.  The colour is divine and the cut is loose enough that it will be cool to wear in Spring and Summer.  The dropped waist means it will be easy to wear whilst the capped sleeves gives it a lovely, feminine look.  It hardly needs accessorising - just wearing it with a pair of sandals will look fab.  Originally £120, it's £72 in the sale and available in sizes 8 to 16.

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.

      

Awesome Accessories: Jewellery from Oasis

I haven't done jewellery for a while, so I've been looking at the items that are available in the Oasis clothing summer sale which started today.  There are some really beautiful bargains on offer, so I have picked a few to consider for this post!  It's been hard to pick just a few as well as there is so much gorgeousness, so it's definitely well worth a look at the sale.

The first is this gorgeous butterfly collar necklace which is half price at just £9.  It would look lovely with a simple, cream lace dress (such as the one I blogged about earlier in the month) or a summery, silk vest top and trousers.  In fact, I think it could decorate any simple, neutral outfit to create a pretty ensemble with minimal effort.

Next, I'm impressed with this ultramodern mini square Smartie bracelet pack which is just £5.  The colours are on trend for the season and I love the simplicity of it.  Again, it will brighten up a plain outfit - for the day, a white top, shorts and sandals with these bracelets would look great and in the evening, a chic, black dress would work well.

It's hard to pick which of the earrings in the sale are my favourite, but I think it's these Festival feather drop earrings.  The colours are delicate and summery, as is the feather and small stone style.  These will add a chic, bohemian element to any outfit but I think they're probably more suited to the day.  They are also just £5.

Finally, I've picked out a lovely ring to complete the collection.  This large vintage crystal statement ring will add instant bling to any outfit, but I think this is more of an evening accessory!  Wear with a fitted cocktail dress or sharp suit for fab, flashy style.  It's also half price, at £8.

In addition to the beautiful jewellery on offer in the sale, there are fabulous clothes, bags, shoes and other accessories available.  Much of it will be great for summer, but there is also a lot of items that could see one through autumn and winter, so it's definitely worth checking before things start selling out.

Father's Day Gift Ideas: Swarovski by Diamond Style at SecretSales

Father's Day is coming up on 16th June, so I have decided to do some posts on gift ideas on what to get that special man in your life, or in your children's life!  There are so many of these celebratory days, events and holidays that it is really worth looking on how best to maximise one's savings, but still get unique and fantastic presents.  Gifts for men can be tricky sometimes but I hope that over the next week or so I will be able to find some great quality and great value items that will be appreciated for years to come.

First up is some gorgeous Swarovski men's jewellery from SecretSales.  Cufflinks are a great gift as they can be used for dressing up either work shirts or going-out shirts - they can deliver an element of elegance, class and sophistication.  These black crystal ones add an element of sparkle - but are still manly!  They are simple and stylish and, being neutral, would suit any formal or work outfit.  They are £25 (normally £60).

If the man in your life isn't so into formal wear, how about this black and pearl pen set?  They come in a black case and are handy for any occasion.  They are great for the working man - just pop them in a work bag and look stylish and ready for action.  A good set of pens also gives an element of status when one brings them out at a meeting...!  These ones are high quality, durable and look fantastic - and would work for either gender, to be honest.  The set is half price at £35.

Remember that SecretSales offers only last a few days so one needs to be quick to snap up these deals!

Awesome Accessories: Stones and Dragonflies Necklace from Goddiva

Goddiva is an online fashion store specialising in current and celebrity style trends but at great prices.  At the moment, they have some really interesting and unique pieces of jewellery.  I've selected this chunky silver and black dragonfly and stone necklace.  It would embellish beautifully a fairly plain top, maybe a simple silk t-shirt or dress, and any colour would work.  The necklace is great value at just £10, but by signing up to the newsletter, customers can get 15% off their first order.

Fantastic Footwear: Steve Madden Nanncy Buckle Ankle Cuff Wedge Sandals from Dune Shoes

Steve Madden is a US shoe designer who produces some amazing, unique and stylish shoes and boots.  I have been coveting these Nanncy ankle strapped wedge sandals for a while and, as luck would have it, they are available from Dune Shoes, who are currently running a promotion where there's 25% off selected styles - including this one!

These wedged sandals are smart and a decent height so they would be perfect for work.  I'd wear them with a pencil skirt and blouse for sophisticated summer office wear.  Alternatively, some tailored shorts and a light silk shirt and blazer would work equally well.

They also come in silver and white which I think would be lovely for summer celebration outfits whether they be bright and colourful or muted pastels.  Wedges are better than heels for outside events as one is less likely to get stuck in the grass!  

With the discount, these wedges are reduced from £65 to £48.

Fantastic Footwear: Deena & Ozzy Ellie Flatform Sandals from Urban Outfitters

So, if you cross a flat with a wedge, what do you get?  You get a flatform!  Originally seen in the 90's (think Spice Girls), they have returned this season.  They are perfect for those individuals who are after a bit of height but would prefer to avoid heels!

I really like these Deena and Ozzy Ellie flatform sandals in neon yellow and tan, which are available at Urban Outfitters. They aren't too high so will be easy to walk in and the pop of yellow embraces the neon trend too.  The ankle strap means they will fit well on the foot and be practical and comfortable to wear.  These sandals are very casual, so I'd wear them with denim cut-offs or a fun, flippy summer skirt.

Until 22nd May, the discount code TOP20 can be used with these sandals, so instead of being £28, they are just £22.40.  In addition, from today, Urban Outfitters are charging just £1 for standard delivery with no minimum spend so definitely a bargain!

Delightful Dress: JS Collections Beaded Keyhole Maxi Dress from House of Fraser

What do you get if you combine the superb Eurovision Song Contest with the amazing Game of Thrones's Daenerys Targaryen ?  You get Norway's 2013 entry from Margaret Berger!  This was by far my favourite contestant, in part for the song but mainly for the fabulous fantasy-inspired fashion.  It would have been even more perfect with some swarthy men and dragons on stage, but that may be just me.

In homage to both women, I have found this gorgeous midnight blue beaded maxi dress on sale at House of Fraser.  It has the embellished silver beading details around the halter neck and shoulder area which mimics both Margaret and Daenerys's styles but it's not over the top!  The shape and cut is classic - almost a Grecian style - to create an elegant and shimmering look.  It's been reduced from £180 to £108 and is available in sizes 10 to 20.

Awesome Accessories: Follie di Fiori Floral Sterling Silver Plated Necklace from Folli Follie

Folli Follie sells jewellery, watches, bags and accessories with a philosophy of fun, versatile, and affordable luxury.  It has some really interesting and unique, great quality, classic pieces that should last for years to come.

I adore this floral multi-chained sterling silver plated necklace that my daughter has chosen to highlight!  Embellished with white enamel flower motifs, it is perfect for the transition into Spring and will enhance and complement any outfit.  My daughter likes it because it is pretty and sparkly, and she's right!  It's £190 normally, but Folli Follie have collaborated with Company Magazine for a 20% discount - this takes it down to £152.  To claim the 20% off, use the code STYLE20 before 26th May.

Putting my money where my mouth is: Review of SecretSales.com

So as I blogged at the time, I took the plunge last week and made my first purchase from private discount website SecretSales.com.  I have to say, I am very impressed!  My Lucky Brand sandals arrived today - they are superb and will be perfect for the warmer weather.  They fit beautifully, feel comfortable, look amazing and the quality is excellent - and I paid a fraction of the recommended retail price!  I'm also pretty impressed with the delivery time, as I was expecting it to take longer.  So thumbs up to SecretSales.com - highly recommended as a means for major savvy chic and canny style!

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.

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!

Awesome Accessories: Aqua Cuff and Necklace from Ollie & Nic

Ollie & Nic sell quirky and unique bags, jewellery and accessories and their 50% off sale has just launched.  There are lots of gorgeous items in the sale, and I've been hard pressed to pick just one - so I have chosen two complementing items that I adore, which are classic, refined and versatile.

The first is this aqua elastic plated cuff, which is just £12.50.

And then there is the matching large circles plated necklace necklace, again in aqua, at just £15.

Both items are available in a tangy burnt orange colour, which is also pretty stunning.  Definitely worth a little look at this fresh, new sale!