26.12.2011- Monday Must-haves: Sale Steals Special

We're just one day after Christmas, and it can't have escaped your notice that the sales are already well underway. Call me a traditionalist, but I'm a firm believer that Boxing Day should be reserved for seeing family, tucking into turkey sandwiches and devouring a selection box of chocolate, and after working in retail at Christmas over the last two years, I can think of nothing worse than battling my way to the bargains currently on offer on the high street. However, I've been browsing online and have come across some amazing finds, so thought I'd share the cream of the sales crop in a special Monday Must-haves post:

The Mulberry sale kicked off online on Christmas Eve, and there are still some bargains available. I've long admired the Tillie from afar (even my Mum's a fan!) and can't quite get over how good the reduction is on this style- I might just give in and treat myself. I adore Alex Monroe's jewellery, and this heart design ring has been on my wish list for ages. At virtually half price, it really is a bargain that has to be snapped up (especially as I've still got a £50 Net-a-Porter voucher to use!) This blouse from Boutique by Jaegar is a beauty, and a real investment buy as it looks like collars are going to continue to be big fashion news as we move in to 2012. Paul & Joe's lipsticks are lovely, and I really like this vibrant pink shade- the perfect injection of colour for a gloomy January. You might remember I featured this lace blouse from Warehouse in a post back in September, and since then I've been waiting for it to be reduced- I eagerly ordered it in blue and pink as soon as I saw it was on sale! I adore this Mavala nail varnish trio from Debenhams, and at under £10 for three shades you really can't go wrong. Finally, this Michael Van der Ham design for Topshop is stunning, and ideal if you're looking to treat yourself to a designer item at high street prices- the sorbet pink is perfect for SS12 too.

Have you treated yourself to anything in the sales? And did you brave your local shopping centre today?

(Image credit: Mulberry, Net-a-Porter, House of Fraser, ASOS, Warehouse, Debenhams and Topshop.)

17.12.2011- Festive Dress Guide Part Three: The Repeat Offender

With only a week to go until Christmas Day, I'm beginning to frantically trawl online shops (I'm looking at you ASOS!) looking for an outfit. However, I'm reluctant to part with my pennies for something which I'll only wear once, a dilemma which has inspired this instalment of my Festive Dress Guide. Featuring a selection of frocks which I've chosen to dub The Repeat Offenders, these are investment buys at their best:

I loved this Designed By Miss Selfridge maxi dress when it landed online about a month or so ago, but it sold out almost instantly. However, I believe it will be making a reappearance on the Miss Selfridge website within the next week or so, so fingers crossed I'll be able to snag it the second time around- I just love everything about it and think it'd be great to have as we move into the spring. The beaded French Connection dress is a beautiful colour and I think it's a really versatile piece- the perfect thing to invest in as a 'go-to' party option. I've also recently discovered Claudie Pierlot's designs for Urban Outfitters, and this space print frock is stunning- a definite keeper. This velvet dress from Boutique by Jaegar has been reduced by almost £100 in their sale, and it's an instant classic which I'm sure would never go out of fashion. Finally, this burgundy design by Dahlia is another really versatile piece which is really wearable, and which would look lovely come rain, snow or sunshine!

Have you got your Christmas outfit planned?

(Image credit: Miss Selfridge, French Connection, Urban Outfitters, Jaegar and Dahlia.)