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.

Delightful Dress: Floaty Geometric Maxi Dress from Apricot Clothing

Hurrah!  The sun is out and it's nearly the weekend so it's time to break out the sundresses!  A good maxi is a must and until 10am on Monday, Apricot Clothing are offering 20% off all of their maxi dresses.

There's a great selection but my favourite is this floaty geometric patterned one which comes in coral (shown), aqua, black or blue.  Feminine and pretty, the style will suit any shape.  The v-neck will flatter the upper body, the elasticated waistband will define the middle area and the skirt will flow over the legs, creating a fantastic silhouette.  The pattern is delicate and subtle but still interesting.

Normally £32, it's £25.60 with the discount and comes in sizes 8 to 14.

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.

Delightful Dress: Soft System Dress with Georgette Bodice and Neck Tie from DKNY

Donna Karan New York ships to the UK and there are some gorgeous items with up to 40% off in the Spring sale at the moment.

I adore this soft system dress, with a cream silk bodice and neck tie and black cotton mix skirt.  It would be luxurious to wear and looks amazing.  The pussy bow is gorgeously retro without being old-fashioned and the whole effect is just gloriously chic.  This dress would look fab for the office, styled as the model with black tights and heels.  It's reduced in the sale from £387.96 to £232.77 and is still available in sizes 10 to 14.  Currently, there's also free shipping to the UK - and it covers custom charges too - which is totes amazing and such a fantastic deal.

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.

Splendid Skirt: Louche Larry Monochrome Pencil Skirt from Joy

Now this is more monochrome but with a difference!  This black and white graphic print pencil skirt from Joy the Store reminds me of an optical illusion by MC Escher, creating a unique, three-dimensional and fabulous effect.  As ever, the pencil skirt style is perfect for most women's shapes and sizes, with the fabric being slightly stretchy for a great fit.

This skirt would be lovely for the office, with a smart shirt and shoes but it could be dressed up for the evening too with some brightly coloured heels and accessories.  One could perhaps even combine this skirt with the current neon trend to make a real fashion statement - I think that would look amazing!

Joy have an ongoing offer of 10% off first orders when customers sign up to their newsletter, so instead of £35, the skirt can be bought for £31.50.

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: Pippa Dee White Lace Dress from Amazon

I think one of the prettiest and easiest Summer outfits is a simple, white lace dress.  There are so many ways to wear it: with bright accessories and heels, with strappy sandals or with a denim or leather jacket or cardigan when it's cooler.  So versatile, it can be worn casually or dressed up for a special occasion.

This Pippa Dee white lace dress, available from Amazon, is just perfect.  A classic shift dress shape that should never go out of style, the lace fabric is delicate and feminine and the contrasting belt flatters the waist area.  The length is fairly modest too, finishing just above the knee.  It's available in sizes 8 to 18 and is just £15 instead of the recommended £28.

Beautiful Bag: Rasia Opulent Bloom Tote Bag from Ted Baker

From today, until Friday 31st May, there's 20% off at Ted Baker which is a real treat - they rarely do these sort of deals, so it's a great time to take advantage of the discount!

As ever, it's hard to pick just one item on the site one which to focus as there is such a lovely selection.  I haven't done bags in a while, so I've selected this Rasia floral quilted tote handbag.  The floral pattern is delicate and neutral enough to go with anything - either for casual occasions, work or evening.  There are lots of compartments for everything to be nicely organised inside, it's sturdy and it's a good size.  Usually £159, with the discount code TED1HPRBQ8 it's £127.20.

Delightful Dress: Dakota Maxi Dress from Darling

There's 20% off everything as standard at Darling Clothes this Bank Holiday weekend (until midnight tonight), and there are some really gorgeous and pretty items available on the site.

I love this Dakota maxi dress which is available in white or cobalt blue in sizes extra-small to extra-large.  Maxi dresses are a key staple for the warmer months and this chiffon, Grecian-inspired sleeveless gown is fabulous.  The vertical stripes of charming applique, v-neck, tie waist and pleated details along the top of this fully lined piece will flatter enormously.  It's stunning for daytime and has major glam factor for the evening.  Team with wedges for the perfect look.

With 20% off, it's £60 instead of the usual £75 with free delivery.

Summer Staple: Pink & Green Floral Belted Bathing Suit from Unique Vintage

There's 20% off at Unique Vintage until tomorrow (28th May) with the code MEM20 so it's a great opportunity to stock up on some fab, retro pieces!

I love this pink, white and green floral swimsuit.  Fabulously retro, it's flattering in all the right places, with a modest but pretty sweetheart neckline and belted for a defined, feminine shape.  The pink ruffles add to the delicacy of this swimsuit.

Normally $97, with the discount it is $77.60 (about £51) and shipping is about $36 (£24).  It comes in sizes small to extra-large.

Fantastic Footwear: Colourblock Points from Boden

There is 20% off selected, new season styles at Boden at the moment and I am coveting these navy blue and coral colourblock pointed shoes.  The flat heel means they will be comfortable to wear, but they are still chic and elegant enough to wear for work or a more formal occasion.  They could also be worn with jeans or a more casual skirt, so totally versatile!

The code Q248 for new season styles works till tonight, so hurry to take advantage!

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: Print Jersey Ruched Pencil Skirt from Anna Scholz

Pencil skirts are just amazing in that they suit nearly every body shape and look fabulous dressed up or down!  There are so many amazing styles, materials and patterns available that one is really spoilt for choice and it's great to see what's available that looks great.

Anna Scholz designs high-end, plus-size clothing and has a superb collection at the moment.  Even better, for the Bank Holiday, customers can get 25% off full-priced items with the code LE25 (until 28th May).  So I've found this fantastic pencil skirt in a geometric 'crystal maze' print. I love the pattern and colour combination and the fact that it's lined with front and back panels mean there will be a flattering drape across the figure without clinging to the hips.  It's also got a touch of spandex, so it won't be difficult to move in!

Normally, it's £125, but with the discount voucher code this is reduced to £93.75.  It comes in sizes 22 to 28.

Just for Men: Jeff Banks Designer Pink Pants for Breast Cancer Campaign from Debenhams

Normally, I focus on women's items for the blog, but in this case I am making an exception.  Pink pants for men!  They've been designed by Jeff Banks for Debenhams as part of the 'Think Pink' range in aid of Breast Cancer Campaign. 

I'm not sure I really need to say much more except - pink pants for charity!  There's 20% off at the moment as part of the Debenhams Blue Cross event - so they are £8 as opposed to £10 - but I'd be inclined to donate the difference.

Awesome Accessories: Pretty Straw Day Hat from MissCoquines

A hat is a must when the sun comes out - combined with a decent sunscreen, a good hat is a simple and effective way to reduce sun damage but also look great!  I like a nice straw hat, which is classy and classic so should never go out of fashion.

MissCoquines UK has a great range of trilby-type straw hats, which suit most face shapes.  I like this cream one, trimmed with a brown and cream spotty ribbon which should go with almost anything.  I think it would be fab with a simple maxi dress, sunglasses and sandals for a great boho daytime look.  It's £14.39 but with the code MSCQA0504 there's 10% off hats until 29th May.

Fantastic Footwear: Menbur Malubi Peep-toe Heels from Zalando

I can't believe I missed these pastel blue satin peep-toe heels when researching my Great Gatsby Glamour post yesterday!  The sky blue of the shoe adds an element of colour to the neutral shades of the dresses really well and I love the diamante decorative jewel effect on the heel which takes it into a whole new glamourous dimension.  Perfect for the whole 1920's look!

They're currently on sale at Zalando - reduced from £90 to £65 with free delivery.

Team with the matching blue satin clutch for ultimate loveliness!  Don't forget, there's £5 off £50 spends at Zalando till the end of the month too.

Delightful Dress: Super Maxi Vest Dress from Superdry

There's nothing better than a fantastic maxi dress that can be thrown on on a hot Summer's day which will see one through until the evening.  Even better when the dress is 100% cotton, great quality, comes in a variety of colours and patterns and has free delivery!  That's what one can get with this gorgeous maxi from Superdry.  My favourite is the hot pink stripe (shown), but I'm also quite partial to the nautical navy stripe.  Not only is this dress great for daytime Summer wear, but it's perfect for the beach, thrown over swimwear when it's time for food and/or cocktails!  It's £39.99 and available in sizes 8 to 14.

The Look for Less: Great Gatsby Fashion Part 2 - Jewellery & Accessories

For Part 2 of this themed blog post, I have focused on accessories to enhance and beautify The Great Gatsby look - jewellery, bags and headwear.

A strand of pearls is probably the most archetypal piece of jewellery from that era and, to stock up with good value versions, Claire's Accessories is a great bet.  There are some basic plastic or glass strands available that work well, but I prefer this slightly more expensive stone pearl tier statement necklace for £12.

If one's budget stretches, Boticca stocks limited edition, unique pieces and this black pearl with casted lace leaf necklace is simply divine.  It's £153.50 but again, it's an investment piece.

These vintage inspired, silver plated drop earrings from Folli Follie nod towards the Art Deco movement.  I love the intertwined motif and delicate tassels - simple, yet elegant as this look should be!  They are £80, but with the code STYLE20 there's 20% off until 26th May making them £64.

An elegant clutch is the bag to have for this look, and Jones Bootmaker have a great selection at the moment on sale.  This Carrie clutch bag is perfect, with the metallic sparkly glitter effect.  It comes in gold or silver and is reduced from £35 to £29.

Alternatively, this Kzeniya dream engraved perspex leather handbag would make an amazing investment piece.  It's £320 at my-wardrobe.com but there is still the chance to get to get £50 off spends greater than £180 until the 26th May.  

With headwear, there are two main options - a fabulous hat or hair accessories.  A felt cloche hat is a key staple and looks amazing.  This Dickins and Jones burgundy hat from House of Fraser is just £13.50, reduced from £45.  I love the speckled feather and bow embellishment too, which takes it from simple to sublime!

Scarves and turbans also can be worn on the head to recreate 1920's style - to me, this look totally epitomises Hollywood glamour, not only from this era but beyond!  Turbans aren't exactly a current wardrobe staple, so one's best bet is to look in vintage stores, Ebay or Etsy - or make your own!  I like this purple one which is on Ebay, which has been accessorised with a diamante circular clip.

There are so many gorgeous, 1920's and Art Deco inspired hair accessories with which to experiment.  The ultimate look from the era is the classic bob, swept to one side with a gorgeous clip such as this Petal Navette barrette from Accessorize.  It's not on sale, but it's a bargain at just £8 and fabulous, with a decent nod to the Art Deco movement.

Alternatively, what about this crystal and pearl flower comb which is again from Claire's Accessories, where there is three for two on many items.  Very pretty and vintage-inspired!

As the movie has just been released, there is a ton of fashion inspiration out there, but I hope these posts have given a good start to devising an on-trend Gatsby-inspired wardrobe for 2013!

The Look for Less: Great Gatsby Fashion Part 1 - Clothing & Shoes

Following my editorial content review of those fantastic Clarks shoes, I have decided that I am going to branch out with the blog even more and not only put together outfits through Polyvore, but do themed posts!  The basis will be canny and savvy styles, whether it be sale items, discounted items or great value investment pieces that will last year after year.  Baz Luhrmann's movie The Great Gatsby was released this week and it seems to have initiated a ton of fashion trends!  So, in homage to the film, here's my first themed attempt - Great Gatsby Glamour!  I have divided it into two halves - clothing, shoes & headwear and jewellery & accessories!

Of course, the pinnacle of pure Gatsby chic is the Jigsaw flapper dress I blogged about a few weeks ago.  This is the ultimate 1920's investment piece and will prove its worth for years to come.  However, the price tag may be too much for some and therefore, why not take advantage of the Bank Holiday offer from Yumi, who have 30% off all dresses over the Bank Holiday weekend?  This pink drop-waist tiered pleated dress from Uttam Boutique harks back to the era perfectly, and is reduced from £50 to £35 in sizes 8 to 16.  It also comes in navy blue.

Now, a drop-waist isn't for everyone as, although it elongates the body and this style is really pretty and feminine, it doesn't really do much for those who need a dress to cinch in the waist and/or minimise hips.  Although the boyish look is very 1920's there are Gatsby alternatives for those with more of an hourglass or pear-shaped figure, such as this Claudel nude lace top pleated dress by Pippa Dee from StylistPick.com.  New customers get 25% off their first orders automatically.

This lace beaded detail feather hem shift dress from Lipsy is simply amazing.  Feathers were fashionable at the time, so this dress couldn't be more perfect.  Again, it's more of an investment piece at £130, but there's free shipping on orders over £75 at Lipsy, so that's something.  

T-bar peep-toe sandals are just perfect for recreating the look from this ear.  Dune have a great selection of metallic ones that will work very well and these silver strappy heeled ones are on sale for £59.  

For something a bit more casual, Traffic People have a great selection of dresses, skirts and tops that would work really well for this look and until the end of May, customers can get 20% spends greater than £50 off with the code TRAFFICMAY.  This Under Silkwood - On the Edge yellow silk dress is sumptuous and divine and nods to the era without going over the top.  It comes in lots of other colours too and is £79.20 after the discount.

Alternatively, this floral patterned Butterfly Effect - Afternoon Tea dress works really well and is £47.20 after the discount.

Brogues work well for this look and these cream Rocha. John Rocha ones are lovely.  The colour would work really well with the palates that I have selected for this post and I especially like the feminine touch provided by the crochet lace detailing on the shoes; sometimes brogues are far too mannish, in my opinion!  They are on sale at Debenhams at the moment, reduced from £35 to £28.

And to finish - a cream cricket jumper, the 1920's equivalent of today's boyfriend jeans perhaps!  Go for a bigger size than normal for a slouchy look which works over both dresses and jeans.  Amazon have a good selection or you could support your local team!  I like this Charles Tyrwhitt cream cotton one, which is currently half price at £54.95.

I hope this Part 1 Gatsby Glamour post has started to give a little inspiration to recreate that fabulous 1920's look.  The next post will focus on jewellery and accessories to enhance it!

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.

Summer Staple: Denim Shorts from Gap

Denim shorts are most definitely a Summer staple and Gap have a fantastic selection of them at the moment.

I particularly like these Gap 1969 destroyed sexy boyfriend shorts.  The ripped detail makes them a bit edgy, almost with a rock-chick vibe!  They will go with anything, so can be worn casually with a vintage t-shirt and sandals  in the day or dressed up with a sparkly top and heels for night.  They are perfect festival and beach wear too.  If the ripped look doesn't suit, there are non-ripped versions too in different colours.

This week with Grazia magazine, which is only £1 this week, there's 30% off at Gap with a code inside - so definitely worth getting if you're planning on shopping online or in-store at Gap!  And, of course, if you miss this offer, there's always the 15% off if you sign up for their emails.