Halterneck Swimsuit from Marks and Spencer

The Marks and Spencer sale started today and there is up to 50% off many items including clothing, shoes and accessories.  There is also a great selection of swimwear available, so it's a great opportunity to get ready for the coming months in savvy style!

I'm really impressed with the range as there's something for everyone: maternity swimsuits, post-surgery swimsuits, underwired bikini tops for extra support, skirted and regular swimsuits.  For me though, nothing beats a bit of tummy control and, as such, I've picked this pink and white spotty halterneck swimsuit.  Not only is it a gorgeous shape, pattern and colour, it's got a hidden control panel to keep the waist in! Originally £29.50, it's been reduced to £21 in the sale.  Stock on all items is selling out quickly, so it's worth taking a look at everything in the sale soon!

Summer Staple: Copacabana Crochet One Piece Swimsuit from Free People

I can hear you now.  A swimsuit?  In this weather, in winter?  Are you mad?  Maybe, but I have been coveting this item since the summer and, now that it's come down in price, I am tempted to purchase it for summer 2014!

I adore this Lisa Maree crocheted one-piece swimsuit from Free People.  Obviously, it can be worn as a daring swimsuit, with its deep V-neck and crocheted pattern in the front.  But it could also be worn as a summer top, teamed with a sarong or fab maxi skirt to take one from the pool to the bar.   Originally £138 it's now £99.95 and is still available in sizes extra-small to large.

Delightful Dress: Fever Babylon Shift Dress from Amazon

There is up to 70% off in the Amazon fashion sale and there is a lot available at present.

I've fallen in love with this Fever Babylon jersey dress.  The pink, mint green and white colour combination is really pretty, as is the intricate floral embroidery on the skirt.  Shift dresses flatter most figures, skimming the body but without clinging and they are so versatile.  I'd wear this to the office, as well as when I'm out and about.  A lined, cotton mix, this dress perfect for summer.

Originally £84.99, it's currently between £44.83 - £47.07, depending on size.

Delightful Dress: Gojji Orchid Print Maxi from Ted Baker

It really is all about dresses at the moment.  There are so many fantastically gorgeous ones out there on sale and customers are really spoilt for choice.

I spotted this orchid print silk maxi dress in the window at Ted Baker and the picture doesn't do it justice.  It is simply stunning.  The sweetheart neckline is discreetly flattering and the belt will nip in the waist.  The silk fabric will feel amazing on, cool in the day but elegant at night.  The pattern is just beautiful too.  It's reduced from £229 to £115 in the sale and is only available online in size 14, but they have an in-store stock checker that could be used.  Sensational.

Fantastic Footwear: Ugg Lucianna Marrakech Wedge Sandal from Ugg Australia

I think it's time to refocus on summer fashion and look to take advantage of the sales to get some great bargains to see me through till autumn!  I must confess, I still don't quite understand shops' motivation for having end of summer sales before the season has actually started, but if it means more bargains appropriate to the current season, then so be it!

Did you know that Ugg do more than just winter boots?  They do, and I've had my eye on these Lucianna Marrakech wedges by Ugg for a while now.  The pattern is really pretty, resembling silk printed Moroccan art.  They are fairly high, but not terribly so, so should be fine to walk in.  The quality is amazing and reviews confirm that they are comfortable, as you'd expect from Ugg.  The straps are silk, the cushioned lining is leather and the sole is rubber so they won't slip.

These wedges are perfect for summer parties, weddings and other outdoor events - as with all wedges, they won't sink into the ground, but being such high quality, they will work well with smarter dresses and skirts.  I would wear them with a midi length white broderie anglaise dress for a chic but simple summer look.

Normally £120, the best value ones that I have found online at the moment are available from the Ugg Australia website in sizes 4 to 8 for £80.  My favourite are the blue & white ones shown below, but they also come in brown & black and green & blue.

I've also found them on sale at House of Fraser for £85 and Kate Kuba for £89 but obviously, this is slightly more expensive and the sizes on offer are fewer.  However, it's more options!

I love my Ugg boots and I love even more that they have branched out into shoes and sandals.  What do you think?  Are you an Ugg person?  Let me know in the comments below!

Summer Staple: Milly Collection Elephant Print Shorts from Banana Republic

Milly designer Michelle Smith has collaborated with Banana Republic on a special, limited edition 60+ piece capsule collection of men's and women's clothing and the collection is out today online and in stores!  The collection is chic and simple, with a gorgeous, vibrant blend of colours and patterns - the idea is 'Hamptons-chic charm with the polish of the city' and it works really well.  As well as clothing, there is also a selection of jewellery and bags.

There is one coral, navy and white striped fit and flare dress I'm quite taken with that's been spotted on the gorgeous Zoe Saldana.  However, I've been blogging about so many dresses lately that I have chosen instead these fab Elephant print shorts which are fun but tasteful.  They'd look great with a coloured t-shirt and sandals, or they can be smartened up by sticking to the monochrome trend with a white blouse, black blazer and shoes.

These shorts are £39.50, but by signing up to the newsletter, customers can get 15% off their first order.

Awesome Accessories: Striped Women's Sun Hat from Joules

Is that the sun I see?  It's certainly trying to come out this week, so time to bring out the sun hats!  A simple straw hat fits the bill perfectly, but often can be a bit plain or overly casual.  So I've found this navy and white striped sun hat from Joules which would look chic not only on the beach, but about town too!  Wide-brimmed, stylish and floppy, it ticks all the boxes on what one needs from such a hat.  It's a perfect way - along with a decent SPF lotion - to shield oneself from the sun's rays.  It's £19.95 and until 2nd June, customers can get £10 off a £75 spend at Joules with the code AFT10.

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!

Splendid Skirt: Naomi Flocked Aztec Skater Skirt from Boohoo.com

Congratulations to Boohoo, who have just won 'Best Online Retailer' in ITV's Lorraine's High Street Fashion Awards 2013.  To celebrate, they are offering 15% off everything online till 27th May with code OFFER15, so a good time to take advantage!

This Aztec patterned skater skirt combines three key trends of SS13 - the tribal-inspired print, pastels and the skirt style - in an understated, pretty and chic manner.  Perfect for warmer months, it will look great combined with a simple white t-shirt or vest top and sandal wedges.  Normally just £20, it's £17 with the discount and comes in sizes 8 to 14.

Delightful Dress: Izabel London Stripe Print Dress from FuseFashion.com

The Fusefashion.com mid season sale is now on and there are some really lovely, unique bargains to be had. FuseFashion.com has also been nominated in Lorraine from ITV's 'High Street Fashion Awards' this year as best online retailer, so it's obviously pretty good!

This Izabel London coral and white stripey dress is just perfect for the coming months.  The style, with the knee length, bandeau bodice and thicker shoulder straps, is modest but not prudish.  It would be great for casual daytime chic, but could also be worn in the office with a light blazer and smart pumps or heels.  The dress has been reduced from £24 to £18 and is available in sizes 8 to 16.  They offer free delivery on orders over £50 also.

Edit 18/6 - the FuseFashion sale is on, so this dress is even more of a bargain at just £12!  Amazing!

Terrific Top: Parrot Print Vest from A|Wear

One can never have too many tops, which is why I love finding lovely, great value but still good quality ones whilst researching this blog!  This cotton parrot print vest top from A|Wear is really fun.  The tropical parrot print is delightful and on trend, taking the style from simple to sublime.  Throw on over jeans or shorts with some sandals for a quick and perfect Summer outfit.  This top is just £11 and comes in sizes XS - XL.

Summer Staple: Blue Spot Halterneck Swimsuit from Evans

There's 20% off swimwear at Evans until the 20th May, so it's a great opportunity to update your swimsuit with something flattering and fabulous!  And this is just what this blue spotty halterneck swimming costume is.    The cut and style is pure Marilyn Monroe, flattering the neckline and bust and minimising the waist for a fantastic hourglass silhouette.  It's slightly padded and underwired, so will give great support, and its classic, retro shape will never go out of fashion.  It's a real bargain too normally, at just £32, but with 20% off it's just £25.60 and comes in sizes 14 to 32.  No code is needed - the discount will be applied at the checkout automatically.

Summer Staple: Floral Print Backless Playsuit from AX Paris

With the mid-season sales coming to an end, shops are stocking items for the coming summer months.  Obviously, these will be mostly full-priced, but the canny shopper will be able to pick up some key pieces by checking for discount codes and using cashback sites.

I think this backless playsuit from AX Paris is really cute and perfect for the hotter weather.  The floral, tropical print and the colour combination speaks to me of Caribbean beaches and cocktails.  The bow at the back means that it will fit well round the waist but, what is even better (in my opinion) is the pleat at the front to disguise a less-than-perfect stomach!  The playsuit is £20 but new customers can get 20% off with the code WELCOME20 until the end of the month, which brings it down to £16.

Terrific Top: Mia Butterfly Printed Top from Monsoon

There's still up to £50 off selected clothing at Monsoon and, as one can never have too many pretty tops, I have found this lovely butterfly patterned silk top which has been reduced from £49 to just £34.  Delicate and feminine, it can be worn casually with jeans or paired with a smart skirt or trousers for a Spring evening out.  For such a versatile, great quality silk top, I think this is a real bargain.  It's still available in sizes 8, 12-18 and 22.

The Look for Less: Summer Wedding Chic

Finally, the weather is improving and my thoughts are turning towards summer parties and weddings. I've been inspired by the lace dress from Planet that I spotted the other day to create an outfit on Polyvore that would be gorgeous for such occasions.  I believe the lilac accessories I have chosen compliment the delicateness of the lace but still add an elegant pop of colour.

Casadei high heel shoes from Zalando.  £5 off £50+ spend plus free delivery with code ZALANDO5DIS until 31st May.

Eastex oriental floral print clutch bag from Debenhams.  10% off and free delivery with code TK94 - expires today.

Konplott earrings from Zalando.

Konplott necklace from Zalando.

Konplott ring from Zalando.

Oyster lace dress from Planet.  There is 20% off full-priced dresses until 13th May - no code needed.