Dark Floral Scuba Structured Playsuit from Lavish Alice

Lavish Alice is a gorgeous, online store that specialises in fashion's most covetable trends at reasonable prices.  It's also well-loved in showbiz circles, with popular singers like Pixie Lott, radio DJs such as Fearne Cotton and reality TV stars like Millie Mackintosh, Michelle Keegan and Samantha Faiers.

They have a great range of playsuits, perfect for the summer months.  I love this one with a digital floral monchrome print, making it easy to wear with a range of accessories - from flat pumps for daytime wear to heels for a smarter look; oversized sunglasses and hat for chilling in the sun or bright jewellery to give a complementary colour pop.

In line with the celeb theme of Lavish Alice, it's been recently spotted on E! News presenter Giuliana Rancic in the USA with some fab killer heels.  Very nice!

It's £44 - unfortunately it's not in the current 70% off sale. But so lovely!

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!

Paisley Print Strapless Gown from Mango

Mango has a wonderful range of clothing and accessories aimed at the contemporary, urban women.  It's got a great range of quality, good value products - classic basics, unique and delicate items, sophisticated and modern pieces.

There's lots of items on sale at present, including some perfect blazers and pretty, floral trousers, but I love this pink and white, paisley patterned maxi dress. The shape is feminine and flattering, especially with the belt to pull in the waistline. It could be worn casually with some wedged sandals, simple accessories and a lovely sun hat for a fab Spring/Summer daytime look. But it could also work for a tasty evening meal out! Originally £79.99, it's been reduced to £39.99. Bring on Summer!

Orla Kiely Love Heart Purse from House of Fraser

Mother's Day this year is 30th March and House of Fraser are currently running a promotion whereby customers can get 20% off selected gifts.  These include bags and purses from Radley, Biba, Dickins & Jones and Ted Baker amongst others, smellies, clothing and homeware.  It's a great opportunity to get something gorgeous at a discount!

My favourite (no hints, of course!) is this Orla Kiely love heart purse.  I think the love hearts are really sweet but the colour combination stops it from being cutesy and twee.  It's also got plenty of room and compartments for all one's needs - cards, coins and notes - which is what one wants from a purse!  As it's Orla Kiely, it's still not cheap - with the discount it's £55.20 - but it's gorgeous, it's quality and it will last.

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.

Diana Coat from Boden

Amazingly, there are still plenty of items left in the Boden sale and, with up to 70% off, one can't really go wrong!  I'm quite amazed as usually, products in the sale get snapped up really quickly, so there is definitely still time to take advantage.

It is the perfect time to invest in a great quality winter coat and I'm coveting this wool blend 'Diana' coat in a rich ink blue colour. The shape is classic and flattering and will last season after season, without going out of style.  I also love the gorgeous grosgrain trim on the collar and cuffs, to give a pretty, unique embellishment to the coat.  It's been reduced from £179.00 to £152.15 which is 15% off.  Other colours are also available: black, forest green and sandstone, as well as a range of different sizes.

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.

Somerset by Alice Temperley Tipped Shirt Dress from John Lewis

Despite the fact that Christmas is not all that far away, there are still plenty of offers to be found.  John Lewis currently has quite a few gorgeous women's fashion items on sale and I love this Somerset by Alice Temperley shirt dress, which is half its original price.  It's 100% silk, so will feel luscious and luxurious.  I love the delicate, contrasting Peter Pan collar flowing into the same coloured lace placket, giving it a vintage feel.  It's perfect for work or a daytime formal lunch, but at the sale price it's worth wearing as much as possible!  It's still available in sizes 6 to 18 (except 10) and is £80.

And for an extra special treat, I give you the John Lewis Christmas advert!  So sweet and touching, as ever.

Beautiful Bag: Jayne Colour Block Clutch Bag from Boohoo.com

One can never have too many bags and there's a great selection at great prices on the Boohoo.com website.

I really like these Jayne colour block clutch bags.  They are a good size for a clutch, being large enough to carry all of one's essentials, but without being too massive.  They come in a fab range of colours - I really love the bright yellow pictured below, but there's also pink, black and white.  The bright ones will look great with a neutral or black outfit for that burst of colour and the monochrome ones will look sophisticated with any outfit.  Just £16 normally, customers can get an extra 10% off at Boohoo.com till tomorrow with the code 10UK.

Delightful Dress: New Romantics He Loves Me Best Dress from Free People

I love the boutique Free People as its product range successfully combines femininity and romanticism with edginess and sass.   There are so many gorgeous items available in their sale, but my favourite dress is this cream coloured dotted chiffon maxi dress.  It's ruffle-y, delicate and light yet unconventional - I love the quirkiness of the asymmetric, tiered bottom and crochet trimming and studs around the waist.  This means it can be styled as in the picture, with Doc Martens and chunky, metallic accessories - or keep it floaty and light with some strappy flat sandals.  Originally £250, it's currently £169.95 in the sale in sizes US 4 to 8 (8 to 12 UK).

While I am at it, I'm going to throw in this fab twisted snake ring which is just awesome.  It's also on sale, reduced from £20 to £16.95.  It would go perfectly with the dress, I feel!

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.

Great Jeans: Pastel Skinny Jeans from A|Wear

I do believe skinny jeans are here to stay and I love the variety of colours that is currently available.  However, pastel is the hue of the season, and I've found a great selection from A|Wear in their sale.  Originally £35, they are now half price at just £17.50.  Colours available are blue (pictured below), pink, white, orange and coral (also pictured below) and they come in sizes 6 to 18, depending on colour.  The blend of cotton with elastane on these skinny jeans means they should fit perfectly and the price means one can get a few to team with a fab top and pumps!

Delightful Dress: Hope Crochet Trim Embroidered Lace Cap Sleeve Dress from Boohoo.com

There's so many delightful dresses out there, but one can't beat a simple, lace or crocheted white dress for daytime.  It can be paired with so many items, such as a denim jacket, colourful blazer or eclectic jewellery and heels.

I love this simple yet chic crochet trim dress from Boohoo.com.  The crochet detail is delicate, feminine and intricate; it makes what could be a fairly tame dress interesting.  The simplicity of the cut, style and colour means that it can be paired with literally anything, in any colour, and look stunning.  I'd probably add a belt and some coloured, heeled sandals and take it from there!

It comes in sizes 8 to 16 and is usually £22.  However, for a limited time, selected summer items are 20% off with the code SUMMER20, so it's just £17.60.  Bargain!

Awesome Accessories: Black, White and Gold Statement Necklace from Fashion World

A statement necklace is a great way to turn a simple top into something elegant and fancy.  There is a multitude out there, so many opportunities to create new looks with clothing that is already in one's wardrobe.

I've found there are loads of really interesting, glamorous and good value ones on the Fashion World site.  My favourite is this black, white and gold one which is chic but should go with almost anything.  Pair with a single colour, crew neck top and denim skirt to embellish a daytime look, or with a shift dress and heels for the evening.

There's 10% off first orders at Fashion World with code CQHC5 until the end of the year, so this necklace is only £19.80 when this is used.

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.

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!

Splendid Skirt: McGregor Skirt from Fever London

Apologies for the gap in posting - it's been one of those weeks!  But I'm back, checking out the ongoing sales and today I've been perusing the Fever London sale.

This Fever McGregor skirt in a citrus fruit pattern is cheerful and summery. The a-line cut with the belted waist will flatter most shapes and the flared skirt will ensure one is kept cool during hotter days.  Wear with a bright, citrus coloured top and sandals for a chic, effortless daytime look.

The skirt is available in sizes 6 to 18 and has been reduced from £59.99 to £29.99.  In a mainly cotton material with a hint of elastane for a perfect belted fit, this is a great, quality bargain to see one through the summer months.

Summer Staple: White Broderie Anglaise Dresses

Following on from my blog post last night about Ugg wedges, I wanted to find the dress that I felt would go perfectly with them.  My criteria was straightforward: classic, white, 100% cotton, broderie anglaise and on sale at a great price.  It also needed to be in stock and available in a range of sizes.

I have found two versions what I was looking for, in two different price ranges, both of which will go perfectly with the Lucianna Ugg wedges!  Both have a gorgeous, broderie anglaise pattern which is elegant, feminine with a hint of vintage.  Both are simple enough to wear during the day, every day - but could easily be dressed up for the evening with some colourful accessories and shoes.  And they're both totally gorgeous, classic and should last season after season.

The first is this white cotton skater style dress in the Dorothy Perkins sale.  The capped sleeves and fitted waist will flatter, as will the flowing, flared skirt.  It's quite a young style, so not only would it work well with the wedges, but it could be dressed up with some neon accessories - I'm thinking a bright pink necklace, bangles and/or nail colour!  Originally £24, it's been reduced to £15 which is an absolute bargain for a dress that should stay on trend for years to come!  It's still available in sizes 6 and 12 to 22.

The second is this Jaeger broderie anglaise dress which is available on sale at House of Fraser.  The keyhole neckline with ruffles is very pretty and quirky and the tie waist will be amazingly flattering.  The length on this one is slightly longer than the Dorothy Perkins dress, if one wishes to be more modest.  This dress is available in sizes 10 to 14, and has been reduced from £180 to £85.  Although this is slightly more pricey, it's an investment piece which will last and stay chic year after year.

What's your favourite summer outfit? Do you like a cool, cotton dress like this - or do you prefer cropped trousers or shorts? Let me know in the comments below!

Putting my money where my mouth is: Annie Pintuck Linen Tunic from Phase Eight - update!

My Annie Pintuck tunic has just been delivered from Phase Eight!  I am impressed with the speed of delivery, seeing as I did only order it a few days ago - three days from placing the order to the delivery.

The tunic itself is amazing.  It fits beautifully and the fact that it does tie around the waist means that it flatters my body really well; some tunics just hang shapelessly and this one certainly doesn't.  The fabric is the great quality that I was hoping for: lovely, soft, cool linen.  Sometimes I find that linen can be scratchy but this isn't.  It is a modest length, in that it falls to my hips and completely covers my bottom; some tunics are a bit short on me and make me feel a bit self-conscious so I'm glad this one is long enough to keep me decent!

This is perfect and I am really pleased with this purchase.  Well done Phase Eight and hurrah for sales!

Are you taking advantage of any of the sales?  Tell me about your favourite and most savvy purchases!

Delightful Dress: Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Antoinette Floral Dress

I love Vivienne Westwood's collections.  Her style is rebellious and grungy, yet it still manages to retain an element of femininity.  I think also that her designs are so beautiful, that they are almost a piece of art in fashion format.  My favourite items that completely embody these ideas are from her Anglomania collection.  It is romantic, with a hint to the medieval, with bodices, full skirts, delicate florals and flattering, ladylike cuts.  It's also slightly less expensive than other Vivienne Westwood collections which is always good!

This draped neck, sleeveless Antoinette floral dress epitomises the Anglomania collection and I think it is utterly gorgeous.  Made from 100% cotton, it will feel fantastic and be cool for summer.  The cinched waist and flared skirt creates a superb, hourglass silhouette, complimenting curves perfectly.  I'd wear this for evenings in the sun drinking Pimms on the terrace, paired with some pretty pink heels and a pashmina.  It's also perfect for weddings and other summer events.  Alternatively, one could be truly inspired by Westwood's vision and team it with a pair of Doc Martins and a leather jacket for a feminine modern punk look!

Usually retailing at around £350, it's available on sale at Van Mildert for £245.  Alternatively, My-wardrobe.com may be re-stocking it for £248 - the site says it's 'coming soon'.

It's also available in black which is also lovely, but more suited to evening dos I'd suggest.  Normally retailing about the same (£350), it's also on sale at Van Mildert for £210.

This dress would be a real investment piece that will last year after year and continue to be fabulous.  Do you prefer to spend more on such pieces or buy lots of items at cheaper prices, that can be replaced each season?