Monday 30 December 2013

Best of the Sales: Modcloth

There's 50% off sale items on the US site Modcloth right now, so a perfect time to take advantage of stocking up on some fab retro and vintage clothing, footwear and accessories from America!  I've picked out six of my faves on the new site - as ever, it's so hard to choose just one when the sales are so amazing!  However, I find you can't really go wrong with a Bernie Dexter dress, so how about this 'France and Frolic' one?  A beautiful pastel blue dress with a French flavour, classic and fitted to cinch and flatter the wait and bust.  It's reduced from $155.99 to $77.99 (so about £47) - trĂ©s jolie et chic.
Keep enjoying the sales and I'll keep looking out for the best quality, gorgeous bargains!

Best of the Sales: Van Mildert

Van Mildert stocks some fantastic, designer brands and so when there's a sale, it's definitely worth having a look!  I was simply perusing and noticed that it sells one of my favourite designers, Vivienne Westwood, and lots of her pieces are in the sale with a hefty discount.

I've put a few of my choice pickings on the new site, but my absolute favourite is this Anglomania Sea Monster tartan pencil skirt.  It's got the plaid trend all sewn up but the zany sea monster, hearts and stars pattern makes it edgy and fun.  And of course, a pencil skirt is always flattering and gorgeous.  Team with killer black heels, a black top and funky jewellery and look amazing.  And to top it off, the skirt is on sale with 40% off its RRP of £249 - it's down to £150.

Sunday 29 December 2013

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!

Tuesday 24 December 2013

Riviera Heels from Hotter Shoes

Hotter Shoes aim to produce stylish, good quality shoes with comfort built in.  They do great shoes for work but design more casual footwear also.  And their sale is now on with up to 50% off.

I spotted these great Riviera heeled brogues on the site at the moment.  They are available in black, coffee, dark brown and navy blue and are just perfect for work, day time or on the go.  The heel height is just right to give a little lift without being too high and the rubber sole means that they will fit well and feel great on; for an even better fit, they come in half sizes from a 3 to a 9.  They are fantastic quality being made from suede or leather.  And they're reduced from £80 to £60!

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Christmas Savings: Cashback Sites

I must apologise for not having posted for a while.  There have been savings, discounts, sales and wonderful products galore but unfortunately life has got in the way of my discovering and posting about them.  So I thought a quick post about how to save money online this Christmas may be a good way of getting back into the swing of things, and it's this simple.  Use a cashback site!  I've made a page (see tabs above) about the best ones I have found, which are basically TopCashback and Quidco.
By registering with and then clicking through these sites to the online store you want - and make sure any ad-blockers are switched off - purchases are tracked to the site.  Customers will then get a percentage cashback on purchases - anything from about 3% to 10%, on average.  So it's almost like a voucher code.  And, even better, sometimes customers can use voucher codes in addition to cashback so you can maximise savings.

So, if you are shopping online this Christmas, do have a look to see if and how you can get cashback on your purchases.
Online Cashback

Friday 8 November 2013

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.

Saturday 19 October 2013

Fantastic Footwear: Ash Jalouse Suede Ankle Boots from Allsole

Ankle boots are the boots of the season.  They look fab with anything, but for AW13 an easy, casual look is to pair them with some skinny jeans and a chunky jumper.

I have found some gorgeous and classic Jalouse suede ankle boots by the brand Ash.  They are perfect for pairing with jeans, but would also look great with shorter skirts, plus they're smart enough to be worn for work.  The vintage cowboy style makes them unique - but they are contemporary too!  The heel is 6cm, so not too high to be impractical but high enough to look good.  They are 100% suede leather too, so great quality that will last.
By far the best value ones can be found at Allsole right now - there's currently 20% off with the code MIDSEASON and they come in wood ash dark brown (pictured) for £135 or a topo tan/light brown for £149.  However, with the code, the wood ash pair is just £108 and the topo tan is £119.20.  The code ends on 22nd October 2013.

Friday 18 October 2013

Louche Hender Fluffy Jumper from Joy the Store

As ever, there are loads of incredibly gorgeous items for Autumn and Winter from Joy the Store.  Knitwear is always a good bet for this time of year, and they have several pretty and warm fluffy jumpers to choose from.

I've picked this Hender pastel pink, cable-knit jumper as my favourite at the moment.  I think the colour is lovely and will brighten up a dull Autumn's day.  A cable-knit pattern will never go out of style and the relaxed yet slim-fit means that it will look great when layered over pretty much any top.  It can be worn with jeans, a scarf and boots for classic Autumn style or dressed up a bit with a skirt and some flat shoes.

This jumper's £42 in sizes 8 to 16, but Joy have an offer at the moment where customers get a free cardigan with spends over £75 or new customers can get 10% off first orders when they sign up to the newsletter.

Joy the Store Mailing List

Monday 14 October 2013

A Great Cause: Think Pink at Debenhams for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Debenhams have got loads of products where a proportion of the sale price will go to various charities through their 'Think Pink' initiative. The ones that will benefit are Breakthrough Breast Cancer (45%), Breast Cancer Campaign (45%) and Pink Ribbon Foundation (10%).  I've picked out a couple of my favourite products to highlight and first up, is this pink and grey striped onesie.  Made of a comfy, snuggly fleece, it's got a zip fastening and a super soft white hood lining.  Perfect for cuddling up during those upcoming cold evenings - or during the day, even - it's £25.


Next, I love this dark pink Rocha, John Rocha floral t-shirt.  I love its pretty embroidered and sequin embellished floral motif and a twisted neckline.  It's also got the pink ribbon on the hemline.  This top is £26.


Finally, there's not just clothing but homeware too.  I love this pink spotty scented candle, which will brighten up any room and smell sweet too!  Apparently it smells like home baking - yummy!  It's £10.  There's also a powder blue one, that smells like fresh laundry.
There's over 30 items, including underwear, bags and wellies, so do have a look to see what can be bought to benefit these worthwhile charities - you know it's worth it!

Sunday 13 October 2013

Jaeger Metallic Stripe Breton Jumper from John Lewis

A cute Breton striped shirt or jumper is a classic.  However, I do find that the standard black and white stripe is a bit clichĂ©d and looks a bit like it ought to be paired with a beret and a necklace of onions.  So it's often good to go for something a little different, in varying colours, like this Jaeger jumper available through John Lewis's clearance offers.  I love the sparkly, metallic stripes which are quirky and attractive - but not too obtrusive.  I'd wear it with skinny jeans, a scarf and flat pumps for a chic, Parisian look (without any onions or berets!) but it could be smartened up with a blouse underneath and skirt.  Still available in all sizes (small to extra large), it's been reduced from £120 to £75.

Saturday 12 October 2013

A Great Cause: Ribbon Pink Patent Leather from Office for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I do like a charitable purchase.  And I do like a pair of killer heels.  So I am doubly excited when the two worlds collide to produce an amazing pair of stilettos like these Ribbon pink patent leather shoes from Office.  The colour is stunning, a simply perfect fuchsia pink.  Wear to work to brighten up monochrome office chic or wear out in the evening with a gorgeous dress.  They'd work for any special occasion.  They're £55, which I think isn't too bad - but a massive £40 plus VAT from each sale is going to Breast Cancer Care.  Brilliant!

Beautiful Bag: Spot Weekend Bag from Cath Kidston

One of my favourite sale events is the Cath Kidston sale.  They always have a great variety of items at a discount and it's easy to stock up on 'essentials' without going too overboard with spending.

This green spotty weekender bag has caught my eye in the latest sale.  The colour is vibrant and gorgeous and the spots are fun.  The size (48 x 33 x 15 cm) is perfect for a weekend away, not too big but not too small.  The handles are long enough to put over the shoulder, so easy to carry and it's oilcloth that can be wiped clean, so easy to keep looking (hoho, no pun intended) spotless!  Originally £60, it's been reduced by a third to £40, which is great value for a bag like this.
Cath Kidston (UK)

Friday 11 October 2013

Delightful Dress: The Style London Women's Classic Tartan Red Skater Dress at Box Clothing

Tartan (or plaid to Americans) is a huge print for AW13 and there are so many fab items in the pattern.  I have found a classic, flattering, pleated skirted skater dress in a simple black and red check, which is simply gorgeous.  It's by designer brand The Style London, available from Box Clothing.  Wear in colder months with tights, boots and a leather jacket for a fab, urban, warm look.
It's £42 but new customers can get 10% off first orders by signing up to Box Clothing's newsletter.

A Great Cause: GLAMGLOW Cure Sexy Tingling and Exfoliating Mud Mask for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

GLAMGLOW have released a limited edition exfoliating mud mask, of which 25% of the profits will go to Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

It looks pretty amazing - it contains volcanic minerals, French sea clay and TEAOXI and can be used on all skin types (it will tingle when first applied) and promises to deliver everything needed for great skin. It is described as 'a 10-minute facial in a jar' which sounds luxurious.  All in all, it aims to:
  • Give a noticeable 3 day glow.
  • Give brighter, radiant skin in minutes.
  • Give noticeably soft and smooth skin.
  • Provide multi-level resurfacing exfoliation.
  • Penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin to soften fine lines and wrinkles. 
  • Tighten, tone and lift the skin. 
  • Relieve dark circles and minimise pores. 
  • Absorb impurities without removing natural oils.
  • Help protect against everyday environmental aggressors.
It contains no artificial colours or fragrances, is 100% paraben-free, cruelty-free, and suitable for vegans. 
It's not cheap, at around £50 but just think of the percentage going to charity plus what can be saved using this instead of getting facials at a beauty salon!

I've found it at Marks and Spencer for £49.50 (and a £5 off code on the site), lookfantastic.com for £49.99 (with a 12% off £45+ spends: code SPEND45) and at feelunique.com for £39.99.  

Thursday 10 October 2013

Terrific Top: Daisy Fest Lennon Sweater from Wildfox Couture

The weather may be cooling, but there's always a place for a pretty, floral top.  Of all people, I spotted Paris Hilton wearing this gorgeous daisy print top which is available from Wildfox Couture, an American vintage-inspired women’s clothing brand which combines great style and unsurpassed quality. Semi-sheer and soft, it will look perfectly pretty teamed with jeans for a gorgeous, everyday look.  Or dress it up with a maxi skirt and heels, like in the picture.  Just add a simple strappy vest top underneath - unless one is super-brave!
Until 25th December, customers can get 10% off first orders by subscribing to the Wildfox newsletter, reducing this top to £229.50.  Delivery is free.

Wednesday 9 October 2013

Fantastic Footwear: Irregular Choice Flick Flack Heels from Rubbersole.co.uk

Most weeks, Rubbersole.co.uk do a series of 'private sales' whereby customers can get up to 50% off selected brands on the site.  This week (until 11th October), they've got deals including Havaianas, Converse and one of my favourite brands, Irregular Choice.  This brand is quirky, edgy and unique and there is nothing to rival it, as far as I can tell!

I love these red and white spotty 'Flick Flack' courts which have been reduced by 30% - from £74.99 to £52.49.  They are fun, feminine and funky but not too over the top; they can be paired with a fairly neutral dress to look fab.  This style is also available in a floral baby blue and a spotty basic black.

Tuesday 8 October 2013

A Great Cause: Ugg Australia for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

So many gorgeous products to take advantage of, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month!  This time it's Ugg Australia who have three different products whereby £10 from each sale will benefit specialist therapy charity, The Haven.  They are all fabulous and I am tempted by them all.

First up are these pink short boots.  The colour is unique and stunning and will look fab with indigo blue skinny jeans.

If one prefers the more traditional Ugg, there's also the short boot in a chestnut.


And finally, these slippers are perfect.  I've had Ugg slippers before and they lasted years, despite the fact I was wearing them practically 24/7!  They are so comfortable and fit so well.


So there you have it - comfort, style and a charity donation.  Perfect!

Monday 7 October 2013

Delightful Dress: Anna Scholz Lace Skater Dress from Simply Be

I haven't posted about dresses in a while, probably due to the weather; it's not really dress weather at the moment I suppose.  But then I spotted this fantastic Anna Scholz lace skater dress which is available from Simply Be.  It's simply stunning and flattering with a shaped bodice and waistband to create curve-skimming gorgeousness.  It's not clingy, so will skim one's shape effortlessly.  Wear for Christmas parties with contrasting bright, killer heels and look amazing.  But it's selling out fast - sizes 14 to 18 are still available, 20 and 26 low stock and 22, 24 and 28 are out of stock.  So act quickly!
It's £70 but new customers can get 10% off first orders at Simply Be with the code CQHC5 until the end of the year.

Sunday 6 October 2013

Over the Top: Carven Contrast Collar Tweed Coat from my-wardobe.com

The masculine, military coat is a key piece for AW13 and there are some simply superb ones on the market. I was after one that is unique, great quality, warm and stylish and I've found this brown and turquoise blue tweed one by Carven, available at my-wardobe.com.  It's a fantastic take on the masculine, military trend whilst still managing to maintain an element of femininity with the colours, bold collar and cinched, flattering, belted waist.  The fabric composition is the height of luxury - alpaca wool, angora, wool - and most importantly, will be snugly warm for the coming months.  A classic piece that will never go out of style - perfect!
It's a true investment piece at £657 but customers can get £50 off a £200 or more spend at my-wardobe.com with the code AWGUIDE50 until the end of the month, so a perfect time to indulge!

Nifty Knitwear: Intarsia Jumper from Joules

There's nothing like a cozy jumper as the weather turns and Joules have a fantastic selection at the moment.  My favourite are from the Intarsia collection, which have all sorts of cute animal prints on them.  There's seven different versions for women and it's so hard to choose just one - so I have picked a few that I love the most!  They will all look fab with jeans, perfect for a casual, restful day or a walk in the country.

First up is this navy and white striped jumper with a bluetit motif.  Stripes are always great and the bluetit is unique and makes it really interesting.
Then there's Mr Fox on a sage green background.  Less subtle than the bluetit, I think Mr Fox is sophisticated and suave!
Finally, again a sage green and perfect for Christmas is this duck patterned sweater.  Look!  They have Christmas hats and scarves and everything - so cute!
Other animals are a dog, French hens, a partridge and a Christmas dog.  Simply sweet!  Each of these jumpers is £69.95 but, until the end of today, Joules are offering a discount code as follows:
  • AFT20 - £20 off orders over £100
  • AFT30 - £30 off orders over £150

Saturday 5 October 2013

A Great Cause: Tangle Teezer Compact Styler Instant Detangling Hairbrush

If you've got medium to long hair - or children - a tangle teezer is a must!  And if you haven't purchased one yet, why not consider this 'Penelope Pink' one in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
The colour is fab, with a retro 'Doris Day' bow print and, being a tangle teezer, will work amazingly well to detangle wet or dry hair.  It's compact, so can be popped in one's bag for on the move.  What's even better is that 20% of sales from this are going to Breast Cancer Care to provide much needed information and support to anyone affected by breast cancer in the UK.

It's available from quite a few places for £12.25, but one of my favourite online beauty sites is Feelunique.com which always offers free delivery - and quite often, discount voucher codes!  Another good site, again offering free delivery and discount codes is Lookfantastic.com.  Check out my voucher code page for the latest offers.

Friday 4 October 2013

A Great Cause: Think Pink Beauty Heroes from Elemis

Another day, another fab offer in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness month.  This time it's from Elemis, one of my favourite beauty companies.  It's an utterly fab 'Think Pink Beauty Heroes' collection.  Presented in a gorgeous pink case, it includes:
  • Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm 20g
  • Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 15ml
  • Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm 15ml
  • Limited Edition Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment Neck and Bust 15ml
It's £36.50 but so worth it.  Love Elemis who have pledged to donate £10,000 to Breast Cancer Care to help raise vital money needed to provide information and support for anyone affected by breast cancer.  Elemis also have loads of offers on normally, so do check out the voucher code page to see what's current.
Elemis