Over the Top: Animal Jacquard Biker Jacket from Mint Velvet

A classic biker jacket is a great wardrobe staple. It can be teamed with almost anything - with jeans and heeled boots for a casual look or with a tea dress for a pretty but edgy look.  It also works well for those times - and there are many - when the weather doesn't seem to know what it's doing!  In addition, they featured quite heavily in various AW13 collections, so it's worth looking to see if any are available in the sales now.

Mint Velvet are currently having their sale and I've found this jacquard version of the biker jacket, reduced from £119 to £79.  It's available in two neutral colours, nude (shown) and chalk (white) in sizes 8 to 18.  I think the pale colours mean that they will work well with brighter outfits as well as neutral shades.  A fabulous outfit would be a bright, bodycon dress (maybe a royal blue?), belt and high court heels - the epitome of foxy glamour, I think!

Terrific Top: Jaeger Embroidered Blouse from John Lewis

The John Lewis sale is always phenomenal; with up to 70% off designer brands, it's the perfect place to pick up a high quality, fabulous bargain!  And unlike some other stores, John Lewis seems to retain the tradition of having proper seasonal sales - and it's now time for the summer sale.

As ever, it's been tricky to pick just one item that stands out, so today I have focused on finding a smart and pretty but versatile top that I can't find elsewhere on the web and that has been discounted massively.  With that in mind, I found this embroidered, Peter Pan collared Jaeger blouse that's been reduced from £150 to £60.  It could be worn with jeans or cropped trousers for a smart but casual look, or it could be teamed with a smart skirt and heels for the office.  I don't think it would need much extra accessorising - maybe a lovely watch or bracelet?  It's still available in sizes 8 and 12 to 16.

Delightful Dress: Pretty Dress Company Mistress Day Dress from Look Again

The retro look is fab, but sometimes I want to channel it without going too far - I'm thinking of when I'm at work especially!  So I've searched for a dress that conveys Mad Men office chic but isn't completely 1960's and I think I've found it in this Mistress black and white day dress by The Pretty Dress Company.

This fitted pencil dress is an easy one piece style solution, suitable for not only the office but for the day too; it can be worn as it is with a pair of pumps or heels and that's the outfit, sorted.  The classic, monchrome design, features a contrasting collar, three quarter sleeves and retro cut that are in keeping with the 60's vibe that I was looking for.  It also has a paneled waist detail to cinch in the middle area to create a flattering, hourglass silhouette.

It's available from a few sites online at around the £100 mark, but it's currently on sale at Look Again for £78 in sizes 8 to 16.

Awesome Accessories: Beaded Dangle Earrings from Catwalk Glamour

Catwalk Glamour is an online accessories store that designs and makes high quality products that are affordable but luxurious. Everything on the site is unique to the brand and so can't be found anywhere else and there are some really pretty, great value but quality items.

I think these beaded earrings are delightful.  The colour combination is superb and the beaded, dangly style hints towards 1920's vintage.  They are simple and elegant and I think would go with almost anything - and also work for day or night.  Priced at just £10 normally - with free P&P - Catwalk Glamour are offering 20% off everything until the end of the month.  So these gorgeous earrings are just £8 delivered at the moment!  A great bargain and it's certainly worth checking out the rest of the site, as there's loads of loveliness there.

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.

Splendid Skirt: Rothko Striped Skirt from Great Plains

Great Plains provides modern and stylish fashion for women focusing on comfort, quality and wearability - so a brand that ticks all the boxes in my opinion!  There's clothing, jewellery and handbags and they are currently holding a end of season sale.

A pleated midi skirt is always stylish and versatile, and I love this striped one that's been reduced from £69 to just £24 in the sale.  It comes in the orange, grey and beige shown (or husky/rooster combo on the site) or royal blue, navy and grey (or veronica/aleutian combo).  It could be worn easily for work, paired with a white blouse and heeled courts or dressed down with a dark top, tights and boots.  Being pleated and a modest knee-length, it will skim the hips, and by tucking in one's top and adding a wide belt, it should be really flattering.

Leather Day Bag and Competition from Warehouse

A smart leather bag is a must, especially for the office, and I have been coveting this brown one from Warehouse since I spotted it in the shop a month or two ago.  However, at £76, I felt that it was a bit of an extravagance when I already have a lovely leather handbag for work.

Lucky for me then, it's in the Warehouse sale!  It's been reduced to just £45, which I feel is amazing value for a quality leather bag.  The size is just right to fit all of one's essentials being 33cm x 24cm  - not too big and bulky, but not too small either.  The style is classic and so will last into next season and beyond and it should go, not only with smart office wear, but with casual day outfits also.

As well as the sale, Warehouse are running a fantastic competition called 'Style Me If You Can.'  The competition asks customers to enter to become the stylist for their forthcoming film and print campaign, so they can see their designs brought to life.  In addition, they can win an I-Escape trip for two to Paris, Milan or New York!  It's a great, unique competition for budding stylists, asking them to pick a city location and style an outfit that best suits the occasion. They will then create a style mood board and be able to share their creativity with friends through the custom-made built-in social media functions. 

The nine best outfits will appear in a film and print campaign credited to each winning stylist. The film itself will be made up of nine chapters, released every 90 minutes on a single day. It will be viewable on the Warehouse website, social media and customers' own mobile phones. When the entrant watches each chapter he or she will be able to see if his or her style has been picked. 

This is a really interesting, innovative and unique way of developing and sharing the new Warehouse collection and I'd love it if one - or more - of my readers won it!  It closes just before midnight on Thursday, so do have a look as soon as possible.  Best of luck!

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!

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!

Delightful Dress: Hybrid Jailhouse Pencil Dress from Lovarni

Another day, another sale!  Today I've been perusing the Lovarni site, which is an independent fashion retailer who are offering up to 75% off in their sale.  They stock a range of brands including Little Mistress, A Postcard from Brighton, Lipsy, Jarlo, Rare and Marc B and they are always worth checking, as they have a price match promise plus 10%, so you should always manage to get the best deal from them.

Lovarni is also the home of the Hybrid brand, which has been spotted on celebrities and other famous faces. The dresses are made from a super stretch body sculpting fabric and elegant, sophisticated styles that flatter all figures.  I've found this fabulous, 1950's vintage-inspired Jailhouse pencil dress in their sale.  With a blazer, it could be worn to the office but then whip that jacket off and you've got the perfect dress for a cocktail or two in the evening!  With the nipped in, belted waist and bodycon fit with a hint of elastane, it will hug one's figure and flatter perfectly.  Team with killer heels for a stylish and chic look which oozes sophistication and glamour.

The dress has been reduced from £95 to £45 and is still available in a variety of colours and sizes.  I would chose this fairly neutral cream and black version and team with colourful accessories and a bright lipstick, but I'm also quite taken with the fuchsia pink and black version.

What colour would you choose? Leave your comments below!

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.

Fantastic Footwear: Senso Xavier Heeled Sandals at Allsole

I've been focusing on sensible shoes lately, so it's time for some less practical but gorgeous shoes!  Another sale I have been browsing is the Allsole shoes one, who've got some great brands on offer at fantastic prices.  I am taken with these Senso Xavier heeled sandals in neon yellow.  The whole package is bright, edgy and daring, from the fluorescent neon yellow colour, the leather and perspex material combination and the killer stiletto heel.

These could be worn for an evening out and I'd team with fairly neutral, darker colours and let the sandals do the talking.  I'm thinking a black pencil dress would look stunning and elegant - and maybe add a necklace and fab handbag.  The heel height isn't too massive and the ankle strap means that they should stay on the foot well, so they aren't completely impractical nor should be impossible to walk on!  And they will look sensational.

Originally £110, they are now £85 and still available in sizes 4, 5 and 6.  There's also free gel comfort pads with these by entering the code GELHEEL at the checkout.

Do you love these?  Do you hate them?  Let me know in the comments below!

Splendid Skirt: Lou Lou Neon Pop Silver Sequin Skirt from Inlovewithfashion.com

Unsurprisingly, I've been focusing lately on summer staples - lots of flowing contours, florals, light fabrics and cool cuts.  So today, I decided to look for something a bit different for summer evenings and nights.  I was after something fun that could take one from the bar to the club!  So I've been looking at websites which stock on-trend, sassy and youthful clothes.

I was impressed with the Inlovewithfashion.com website.  As well as being contemporary and playful, it doesn't mass produce its items, so one is unlikely to see someone wearing the same thing!  Their items are also made in Britain which is always a good thing to support.  They are also having a sale at the moment, so lots of items are half price or less.  Inlovewithfashion.com stocks the Love brand, which is an edgy and dynamic label, regularly spotted on fashion-forward British celebs like Fearne Cotton, members of The Saturdays and Alexandra Burke.

There are lots of fantastic items that could be worn to evening events and clubs, but I have chosen this funky silver sequin mini skirt.  The classic cut and length is enhanced by sparkles and a pop of neon to make it bang on trend for SS13.  There's really no need to embellish this much more - the skirt is the focus of the outfit!  Wear with black killer heels, a simple vest top and throw on a leather biker jacket to create a bold and stylish look for the club!  Best of all, it was £36, but is now just £15 and comes in sizes small, medium and large.

So, for this post, I've moved away from my usual pieces to review - what do you reckon?  Would you like to see more of this sort of thing?!  Do leave your comments below!

Over the Top: Moredale Quilted Jacket from Joules

The end of season sales are certainly upon us and it's the perfect time to grab all sorts of bargains.  I've noticed that there is a great selection of products on offer at most of the stores having sales, rather than just the usual 'bargain bin' items that one often sees; presumably it's all to do with the economic climate and that shoppers are savvier (hurrah!).

The Joules sale started this week and there is a lot of clothing and accessories still available - again, unusual, as their sale items have always sold out super-quickly in the past.  But it does mean that shoppers don't have to panic buy!  I've chosen to highlight this Moredale quilted jacket in my post today as it's a high-quality, classic coat that will last season after season; it's also a coat I already own, I love it and I've had loads of compliments about it.  It's brilliant for the British weather as it's lightweight and slightly quilted, so will keep one warm, but it's not too thick to be heavy or hot - so great for those in-between seasons or the annoying, changeable weather that we seem to be having at the moment.  It's also water resistant so is okay for when it showers.  The cut of the coat is great too, coming in slightly at the waist to give a nice body shape when wearing it.  And the pockets are practical, big and usable - I absent-mindedly put my phone in the pocket and it was perfectly safe with no chance of it falling out.  A final touch which I think is lovely is the contrasting inside lining, which adds an element of cheeriness and fun!

The Moredale was £89.95 but has been reduced to £59.95 in the sale.  There are many colours and sizes still available so have a look to see what suits!

Let me know if you like this jacket and are planning to buy it!  What colour will you go for?  

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?

Fantastic Footwear: Art Harlem 932 Oxford Brogues from Sarenza

I don't know if it is the weather or what, but I seem to be searching for shoes that are more suited to the autumn and winter months at the moment.  Surely there's something wrong with this picture?  Where is the sun?  But on the plus side, it does mean that I'm finding some really great bargains that can be stashed in the cupboard until later in the year - or, in fact, worn now if summer has truly been and gone...

The Sarenza summer sale has started and they're offering up to 60% off on over 50,000 styles of shoes and bags from hundreds of top brands, so it is definitely well worth a look.  They stock Art Company footwear, which is a quality shoe brand whose values are strength, quality, innovation and humour.  I think these Harlem 932 taupe lace-up leather brogues fit nicely into that philosophy.  Clearly inspired by the 1940's, they're a classic, fun, vintage style.  The fact that there is a heel means that the usual masculinity of brogues is lessened, and so they can be worn with anything.  A girlie tea dress or skirt would look fab, but so would jeans with a flash of ankle.  And I love the colour block, three tone effect of the shoe, making it unconventional and interesting!

Normally £92, they've been reduced by 30% in the sale to £64.40, which is the cheapest I can find online for these, and are available in sizes 3.5 to 7.  These shoes are also available in darker 'Moka' brown colours.  Sarenza offer free delivery as standard - always a bonus!

Heeled brogues, flat brogues or no brogues - what are your thoughts?  Let me know in the comments!

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

It seems the sales are upon us once more - lots of stores have announced them in the last few days and I suspect a few more will be doing so over the next week or so.  There has also been quite a lot of new voucher codes released, so do check before you buy online that any savings are being maximised.  I've added a new contact form to the bottom of the page, so if you do have any questions or want to check if there's any new codes for a particular store that I know about, do get in touch.

Back to the review...  I've taken advantage of the Phase Eight sale which started today.  I have been coveting this pintuck linen tunic for ages - there are plenty of pintuck tunics out there, but I felt that this one was the best in terms of cut, quality, material and style.  However, at £65, I couldn't justify the cost despite the fact that this would be a well-worn, investment piece for me.

But it's in the sale at just £39 so hurrah!  I've bought it!  I'm expecting this to be utterly perfect: high-quality linen fabric to keep me cool (if the sun ever returns), a great length to throw over skinny jeans or leggings and a tie waist to make mine look smaller.  I'll add a blazer, scarf and some sandal wedges and it will be perfect for a casual day out.

What sale are you most excited about?  Is there something you have also been coveting that you're hoping will be reduced?  Let me know in the comments below!

Delightful Dress: Sequin Pattern Skater Dress from Fashion World

A girl can never have too many dresses so here's another one!  Fashion World is an online and mail order catalogue company, focusing on plus-size womenswear from sizes 12 to 32.  They have a great variety of on-trend, quality clothing, shoes and accessories, all designed to flatter and compliment all figures.

This sequin patterned skater dress is perfect for summer. The design is delicate, the colours subtle and pretty.  Skater dresses flatter curves enormously, by drawing in the waist and then skimming the hips and thighs; this particular dress goes one step further - by having a pleated skirt, it will hide any lumps and bumps and create a wonderful, girlie silhouette.  Being cotton and elastane, it will be cool and fit well.  It's a fantastically, versatile, savvy purchase - I'd team with casual sandal wedges and a cardi in the day or nude heels and a pashmina for the evening.

I think this dress is great value already at just £27.50, but new customers can get 10% off with code CQHC5, which is ongoing until the end of the year.  It's available in sizes 12 to 22.

What's your preferred dress style?  Would you wear a shorter skater dress like this or do you prefer a maxi?  Or something more fitted?  Let me know in the comments below!

Splendid Skirt: Louche Cindy A-line Skirt from Joy

Say what you like about Victoria Beckham, I don't think it can be denied that she's come a long way from her Spice Girls days and developed into a respected (and in my opinion, talented) fashion designer.  Her dresses are gorgeous, flattering and feminine but unfortunately are out of my price range!

The item from her SS13 collection that I've been coveting is a bright orange a-line skirt.  Victoria's been spotted out and about in this skirt a couple of times now - as part of a suit to give a fashion talk and with a neutral top when out with her daughter.  I love the vivid tangerine orange which is summery bright and cheerful.  And an A-line skirt is always flattering, pulling in the waist and disguising the upper hips and thigh but still flashing enough leg to be fun!

I've found an equivalent skirt from Joy the Store.  Whilst it isn't top-class designer, and it's a cotton blend as opposed to silk and wool, it's still stylish and great quality and is reminiscent of the Victoria Beckham version.  I would pair it with a tucked-in cream or white blouse for simple, sophisticated chic; for day I'd wear flat pumps and switch to some killer heels in the evening.  Available in sizes 8 to 14, it's been reduced from £32 to £20 in the sale.

What are your views on Victoria Beckham as a designer?  Do you think she's a worthy designer whose styles can be emulated?

Beautiful Bag: New Posy Business Bag from Cath Kidston

'What is a business bag?' I hear you say.  I wasn't sure either, but it looks like a really good purchase for the working woman who's into Cath Kidston - or any woman who has a laptop, iPad and some pens!

In terms of pattern and styling, this Posy business bag may be a little flowery for the office, depending on the workplace.  But I do think this could work with a sharp suit and heels, giving a feminine edge to power dressing if it's appropriate.  It's made from oilcloth, so it's going to be durable and waterproof - always a good thing!  It's padded too, so will protect that (up to 13 inch) laptop or iPad, especially during the commute.  Not only does it have the handles, but it also has a shoulder strap - again, helpful and handy.

I prefer the idea of a bag like this to a standard laptop case or bag, as it's more versatile and will hold more with all of the compartments and pockets; yes, it's more expensive but I'd suggest that you get more for your money.  There's a third off this bag at the moment, so instead of £75, it's £50.

Would you use this bag at work or is it too flowery for your office - let me know in the comments below!

Fantastic Footwear: Miista Galaxy Oxford Brogues from Free People

Brogues have been a fashion trend for women for a couple of years now.  Since then, they've evolved from a basic flat shoe, found in simple brown or black, to one that can be found in all manner of patterns, colours and heel heights.  They are practical and comfortable, and a great alternative to a ballet pump.  Unless one is deliberately going for a mannish style, they work best when paired with more feminine outfits such as a floral tea dress, pretty skirt or cropped trousers.

I think these Galaxy Oxford brogues from online boutique Free People are a great version of the trend.  The fact that they're pastel and patterned counteracts the absolute masculinity of the traditional style; this means that they will balance well with most outfits, even if they aren't super-feminine.  So I'd not only wear them with skirts and dresses, but jeans too.  These shoes are leather and great quality, and were £158 - but have been reduced in the sale to £99.95 (with free shipping) and are the cheapest I can find on UK sites online.

What do you think about brogues?  Too mannish, or a practical, trendy and comfortable way to get through the day?  Let me know in the comments below!