Maxi dresses - last lap summer bargains

Last lap summer bargains are hard to pass up especially when you know that the style you're after will totally still be fashionably correct next summer.    Maxi dresses are always a summer favorite with the ladies and always on trend.  They are so easy to wear and require little effort to look effortlessly stylish and picture perfect on a bright summer day.  Just push your feet into some flat summer sandals or wedges, get your sunglasses on, pick up your tote bag and off you go. Look complete. 

For those of you taking that long deserved holiday abroad outside of the school holidays (naughty if you're yanking the kids out of school but hooray if you're child free) summer sales are perfect to get those much needed summer essentials for your trip.  Cruise holidays are the best and you can't have enough maxi dresses for that stroll on deck or relaxing pool side while you sip your pina coladas. 

There are massive bargains to be had if you are luckily the right size for what's available.  But don't allow summer sales to stress you out.  Finding a bargain should be fun, not an act of duress.  I know only too well how you can look longingly at a sale item on your computer screen, clicking on it several times hoping with all your might that it will magically appear in your size and say "in stock".

Never give in to the temptation of buying clothing and fashion accessories that are the incorrect size or body shape, or colour for you. While it's fine to try new things, it's pointless (and a bit daft really) if your desired sale item will simply sit in your wardrobe and take up valuable space.  Each year you pull it out, try it on and still it does not suit you or fit as the it's just wrong for your body shape or you have not lost the weight you swore you would lose.  Why put yourself through that!!!

Here's an idea though!! If you feel that need to have it then think birthday and christmas gifts.  Who would that item be perfect for?  Stocking up on christmas and birthday gifts can save you time and money and a much needed saving while you make that financial recovery from  expensive holidays and back to school uniforms.  According to "What not to Wear" experts Trinny and Susannah; styles that may not suit you may be perfect for a friend.  Just ensure that you are getting it right as returns may be tricky after the stipulated period.  

If you're shopping for gifts then clothing aren't the only bargains to be had, fashion accessories like belts, jewellery gift sets, are absolute great gifts ideas too. So get those christmas and birthday lists out and start shopping for your bargains now.  

Summer skirts and dresses

Today after picking the kids up from school I simply had to head home before taking them to their activity. At the risk of being late for tennis my detour home just could not be helped as i was sweltering in jeans and long sleeve tee shirt. my legs were screaming for some ventilation so a skirt or dress was just what i needed.  having just moved house neither were readily available as my summer wardrobe was still packed away in suitcases chaotically lodged in the garage.  Didn't think I would be needing it in a hurry considering the weather we've been having.

There I was having to rummage through the garage to find the right suitcase first of all and then pull out a dress which smelt as musty as anticipated having been packed away since winter.   Did I care?  It was simply too hot today. A change of underwear was also necessary as my white underwear is a no no for me under a light cotton dress.   I'm simply not a Sex and the City kind of girl when it comes to that. 

Sitting here waiting on the kids to finish I'm relieved that I made the effort to pop in and change first as if you think it's hot outside, the body heat generated from other waiting parents the body heat is really starting to take it's toll. Note to self - unpack summer wardrobe tonight including flip-flops and summer sandals.   You just can't have enough summer skirts and dresses.  Must try on as i unpack as I know I am a little more rotound than last summer.

Munique's Half Price Sale

Shop now and get 50% off all summer sandals and leather handbags at Munique. Stocks are limited so shop now.

Summer dress

This summer linen dress by East is classical and elegant. Simply designed with a gathered scoop neck that ties in the middle, the simplicity of the style is enhanced by the use of the bold spot retro print in linen. The rich colours green, brown and turquoise go so well together and offers many options for an accompanying cardigan. A lovely summer evening dress that will team nicely with a pair of exquisitely designed leather handcrafted summer rose sandals.

Summer holiday wardrobe

If like me a summer holiday means beach and white sands then make sure you have your summer holiday wardrobe ready to go. Some of you may have booked your summer holiday way in advance while others are still waiting to see what the english weather is doing before deciding whether to book a French or Spanish beach holiday. Either way it makes sense to have your summer holiday wardrobe ready to avoid the hassel of last minute shopping as panic buying usually results in many ill advised purchases that you usually regret once your holiday is over.

There are perfectly heavenly get aways right here in England like Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire (pictured above) if you want to avoid the popular and crowded english beach holiday destinations like Blackpool, Devon and Cornwall. There is absolutely lots to do and see in South Wales with many heavenly beaches to choose from.

Or maybe a poolside holiday may be just what you need to bring out your glamourous side. But while the jury is out and you are still exploring your options why not get that summer holiday wardrobe ready.

On beach holidays keep it casual and loose with this grandad style neckline summer dress with mother of pearl buttons and drawstring around the hips. This summer dress is made of ramie which is a natural fibre similar to linen and most importantly will keep you cool in broiling temperatures.


I especially like this multi-coloured shirt dress in printed cotton. The colours shout summer fun and this summer dress is sure to flatter your best points and cover up any problem areas. Softly fitted at the top with bust darts and smocked detail at the back. The flared hem with panels front and back below the waist give fullness to the skirt. Ties to knot at the front like a belt or at the back for a more fitted look.

This shift dress in 100% linen is 100% natural and again will keep you cool! Rounded drawstring neckline with keyhole detail at the front. A pretty softly flared style, softly fitted at the top with darts at the bust and back.

Choosing that all important swimwear depends on your shape and what you feel comfortable and confident wearing. There is no use selecting a swimsuit that leaves you self conscious and constantly tugging to keep it in place. So the choice is yours. This chocolate and turquoise Bikini Set is simply breathtaking. Go for colours and shapes that are flattering to your skin tone and shape.


If poolside glamour is what you are after then this stunningly stylish Halterneck mini spot swimsuit is absolutely flattering.


Remember to pack that all important and fashionable kaftan to really strut your stuff at the poolside. This holiday kaftan in animal print calmly reflects the aquamarine colour of the poolside or beachside. Or keep it cool and refreshingly simple yet sexy with this Crochet Detail Kaftan

Summer sandals

For that all important summer sandal to get your feet noticed in this metallic bronze handmade thong sandal with leather strapped beaded like decoration on toe post. These comfortable and sexy sandals are available in metallic bronze leather as shown here or gold.

Simple summer sophistication from Autograph

For sophisticated summer fun this season try this Military Button Dress from Autograph Collection. Wear buttoned up or undo top bottoms to create a rever collar. Dress is made from quality cotton with a bit of stretch. Slimming style that fits beautifully.

This Silk Ruffle Tie Top is also appealing with its scooped neck, frill trim and tie bow feature. The short sleeve drapes softly and is great for those who are conscious of their arms.

For comfort and summer style with a bit of heel go for this Vegetable leather sandal