One Dress, Two Ways: A Slip of a Thing

I am awful at packing for summer holidays. I am terribly indecisive, and therefore always end up with about ten dresses too many. This year, for example, my Amalfi coast kit consists of fifteen dresses, even after two meticulous edits. 

That being said, I am learning to be a smart summertime shopper, buying pieces that will work both home and away. Sure, I love a sweeping grecian gown as much as the next girl, but try wearing said maxi in Victoria station during rush hour. You may fall down the stairs, lose a stud on your sandals and split your toenail. Not speaking from experience or anything...

A smarter option this summer is the slip dress; a foolproof summer staple. Classic, elegant and comfortable, my pick is this Whistles Nell style in silky french navy. Falling just on the knee ('cause I'm classy like that), the spaghetti strap dress skims the hips with a slightly dipped hem, making it particularly flattering for boyish frames. The colour is a welcome change from black, and the simplicity of the dress makes it perfect for work or play. 

Sale Savvy: His & Hers

 

Sometimes all that can alleviate the inevitable post-Christmas depression is a mammoth online shopping spree... Particularly when armed with Charbonnel et Walker truffles and leftover champagne. 

That said, we can all be guilty of senseless sale shopping...

"50% off you say?! Ripped zebra jeans? Yes! Perspex neon clutch? Yes! Pink fur coat? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!"

It is easy to get carried away when you see those hefty designer price-tags whittled down to the £100/£200 mark, but there are a few rules one must remember when it comes to sale shopping:

1. If you wouldn't buy it full price, don't buy it on sale.

2. NEVER buy a size down/up. 

3. Remember the three-year rule. Will you still be wearing this piece in three years time? No? Step away from the cashpoint missy/mr!

To reiterate, I know it's all too tempting- heck, while compiling this post I spent £400 on The Kooples website (the title of my upcoming memoir shall be SW Fashion: From Blogging to Bankruptcy pre-order on Amazon now)- but it is also easy to find some great pieces that will last a lifetime.

Ladies and gentlemen, here are some of my favourite sensible sale buys of the season. Enjoy! 

 

1. This Zimmermann dress is the perfect LBD to add to your party dress collection. The delicate broderie anglaise fabric is slightly summery, but the backless detailing makes it a sexy party season staple. Did somebody say New Years Eve? It is on sale at Net-A-Porter for £237 here. 

2. Luxurious lingerie is best to buy on sale, and my favourite brand this year is Myla. Last year I was obsessed with Mimi Holliday, but this December I have fallen for Myla's subtly sensual styles. This Layla bra in champagne pink with black lace is far too beautiful to keep under-wraps. Complete with rose gold fittings and ornate lace, the Layla bra is available here for £67. Sadly they have run out of my size (and I have got WAY too much lingerie already) but had I been quicker I would have paired this with my new satin camisole from ASOS (here).

3. Reduced from £120 to £36 (!!!!!), this Devon bra by Myla is another dazzler. It is great for A and B cups in particular, and the full set is sure to go down a storm come Valentines Day. I may, just may, purchase this as an early birthday treat.

4. Lingerie to one side, Myla are also renowned for their decadent nightwear in high quality silk, satin and eyelash lace. Their sultry lace kimonos of black and ivory (ideal for honeymooners) are reduced from £1000 to £500 this season, and their satiny slips, babydolls and pyjama sets are also on sale. This black Angelica babydoll is the ultimate nightdress for the contemporary glamour puss, reduced to just £87 here.

5. Beauty Bay is a great place to look for slash-priced beauty staples, and these Essie polishes can be found on sale here, alongside some other great seasonal hues. Pictured are Spaghetti Strap, a light peony pink (£7.82 here) and Cabi au Lait, a sheer ballet pink (£6.38 here). Beauty Bay also have free delivery at the moment for guilt-free post-Christmas spending. 

6. Selfridges have a lot of great scents on sale following the festive period, and these jam-jar natural scents by Honore Des Pres are great to stock up on for gifts. Originally £53, each scent is now £19.50. My personal favourite is the Sexy Angel scent which is fruity with a touch of spice and a sugared almond base. You can shop them here.

7. A little sparkle goes a long way, so add oodles of glamour to any evening look with these Tom Binns earrings at Net-A-Porter, reduced to £99 here. I won't tell anyone they aren't antique if you don't. 

8. While compiling this post, I may have been led astray by The Kooples sale. The Kooples is always my first port of call for sale bargains as I find the pieces are classic and timeless and great quality. This silk blouse in muted blush pink is sure to work hard in your wardrobe, and is the perfect piece to wear slightly undone to show off your new Myla lingerie. It is now reduced to £99 here.

9. Saint Laurent Paris court shoes under £300? Need I say more? These are just £280 at Matches and come in crimson too. A great pair of court shoes will last you a lifetime, and this slick pointed style are sure to delight for work or play.

 

1. I know it doesn't seem like the most sensible sales purchase, but this silk Carven camisole in zebra print will look amazing for SS14, tapping into the Wanderlust trend for all things wild (roar). Wear with a split front pencil skirt such as this ridiculously bargain-ous ASOS style (£11 = lunch at Pret or split front skirt?) and classic courts (I can only assume you've bought the Saint Laurent ones already?) for a sophisticated look with just a nod to the trend. It is reduced to £204 here. 

2. If you like to smell as delicious as you look (such a charmer), then you will doubtless be familiar with the popular Laura Mercier Eau Gourmande collection. With delectable scents of Créme Brulée, Tarte au Citron, Toasted Chestnut and Almond Coconut, these miniature candles are great to dot around the house or to keep on standby for future presents. Reduced from £42, these Laura Mercier candles are available at Space NK for £21 here.

3. The key to a good little black dress is to keep it relaxed and nonchalant, and who could do that better than Maje? A brand synonymous with Parisian chic, this ultra-flattering dress is effortlessly elegant. With a draped silk satin top and a crepe layered skirt, this dress is just calling for a little Isabel Marant boucle jacket and some killer heeled ankle boots. Party season perfection à la Emmanuelle Alt. Maje dress, £162 at Net-A-Porter here.

4. One of my favourite gifts this year was my Rosie for Autograph dusky pink silk pyjamas. They feel so luxurious and elegant, and are the ultimate lounge-wear. Come Summer, though, a short alternative is a must, and these ones at Avenue 32 should do just nicely. The vibrant raspberry shade will really pop with a tan, and the quality is superlative. Raspberry Silk Pyjamas at Avenue 32 by Alöe £98 here.

5. In terms of value, I think Phillip Lim handbags are a great investment. I bought my Pashli this Summer and I have already seen the price go up, so it is always a good idea to get a bargain while you can. This shoulder bag is wonderfully discreet and simple, making it a safe and smart sale buy. 3.1 Phillip Lim Scout Shoulder bag at Avenue 32 £351 here. 

6. Jewellery is usually a bit of a silly sales buy, but this Dogeared charm bracelet is an exception. Granted, it is hardly even reduced, but this gold-plate bracelet is great to keep for a special present such as an impromptu 21st or promotion. Dogeared Lucky Star bracelet exclusively at ASOS reduced to £40.50 here.

7. My first (of many!) sale purchases this year were the Kurt Geiger London Belgravia sandals in nude. For something punchier, opt for the Isabella's in vibrant coral. The shade will be a knockout with a Summer tan and sunset brights are big for SS14. At £49, surely it would be rude not to? Kurt Geiger Isabella reduced to £49 here.

 

1. Richard Nicoll's menswear line has always been slick but understated, and a lot of his trend-led wardrobe staples can be found in the fantastic Matches Fashion sale. These light grey chinos are a great weekend alternative to denim, and also come in rich french navy. They will also transition well into Summer. Richard Nicoll trousers at Matches here. 

2. If you don't have a really fabulous dinner jacket yet, head to The Kooples for a great selection of classic jackets with seasonal reductions. I featured this slim fit navy jacket in one of my menswear pages as it has such a sharp cut. It will work just as well with relaxed Chinos and a simple tee as it would with the matching pants and a buttoned up shirt with a leather collar. Navy Blazer at The Kooples reduced to £294 here.

3. Givenchy is one of the coolest brands of the moment in menswear, so add a little edge to your working wardrobe with these gold wing cufflinks, also available in silver. Givenchy Wing Cufflinks now £105 here. Psst! Ladies, these make for a great gift.

4. This woolen jacket, also by Richard Nicoll, is a contemporary weekend essential. In a biker style, this deep petrol blue jacket is effortlessly stylish and will add a little edge to even the most simple ensemble. The quality is fantastic, and this jacket is sure to impress your other half come date night. Richard Nicoll Wool Melton Biker Jacket reduced to £444 here. 

5. The ruckack is back in a big way, and this leather style from Zara is a particularly stylish offering. Zara brown leather rucksack £39.99 here.

6. Never neglect the shoes- they can make or break an outfit. In the Winter sales it is always a great idea to pick up some classic Chelsea boots, such as these battered brown ankle boots from The Kooples. Kurt Geiger also have some strong offerings, as do Sandro at Selfridges. The Kooples battered brown biker/chelsea boots reduced to £198 here.

7. A favourite of slick city boys, Reiss never fail to impress with their inventive menswear collections and dapper detailing. Often it is quite difficult to distinguish between higher-end brands and Reiss, for the quality is often on a par, and this grey cashmere sweater is a great example. Reiss cashmere sweater in dove grey reduced to £119 here.

8. If you're after something a little more exciting than plain grey, look no further than this printed jacquard sweater. Come Spring, this one shall be available in pale grey with lemon print, so this neutral style is bang-on. Reiss jaguar sweater reduced to £65 here.  

1. A great pair of slim-fit jeans is a worthwhile investment, and this season's best value label is BLK DNM. Only a few sizes remain of this wash, but stay tuned to Matches for new lines and other brands such as J Brand and ACNE. BLK DNM Jeans at Matches reduced to £82 here.  

2. Unleash your wild side with these casual ponyskin flats by Kurt Geiger. They are a little outlandish, yes, but worn with simple jeans and a great teddy jacket they are sure to liven up your look a treat. They also come in patent navy croc. Leopard Print Plimsolls at Kurt Geiger here.

3. A good t-shirt should be light, soft and slightly loose-fitting, and James Perse t-shirts are arguably among the best for men and women. This dark grey tee with black trim is a smart style that will work well under a leather jacket. Grey James Perse t-shirt at Matches here.

4. T-shirts are great to buy on sale, and this navy one with leather pocket detailing is great value for a souped-up staple. Navy t-shirt with leather pocket reduced to £48 at The Kooples here. 

5. The varsity jacket has been on the up for a few seasons now, so now is a great time to invest in a neutral style to add a little modernity to a casual look. I love this one by Reiss 1971, which is reduced to £109 here.

6. Worn well, a statement sneaker can give any look a fashion-forward twist. These Sandro Interstellar high-tops feature a tonal, Alexander Wang-esque graffiti print on the side, and will look fantastic with black denim and an embroidered varsity jacket. Sandro Interstellar High-Top Sneakers at Selfridges here.

7. For something a little more conservative, these black leather sneakers are great for casual weekend wear. They are smart but still comfortable, and the high-top style feels distinctly modern. Sandro Cha Vision High-Top Sneakers at Selfridges here. 

SALE PICKS: HIM

 SALE PICKS: HER

Blooming Beautiful: Wedding Wonders

Okay, clever clogs, this post is just a couple of days late... The Chelsea Flower Show took place this weekend with a flurry of fabulous flora engulfing Chelsea. From scrumptious afternoon teas with a floral flair through to champagne pop-ups beside the Saatchi gallery - the atmosphere in Chelsea was absolutely electric, and all these pretty pop-ups proved all-too tempting, as i'm sure you can imagine.

I personally adore Chelsea... The real Chelsea, not that Made in Chelsea lark. The Kings Road has so much to offer and all the surrounding pockets of moneyed marvels. I love the Bluebird, I love the glamourous boutiques and I just adore the vibe of the area, from Sloane Square to Walton Street.

If ever you are stuck for things to do on a Sunny Sunday in London, take a trip to Chelsea and just have a wander- you won't leave disappointed. At the moment, for example, there is the most compelling Hermés exhibition on at the marvellous Saatchi gallery. I went on Saturday with the lovely Kate (check out her enviably chic blog here) but we went at peak time so hardly got a chance to look around... Guess that means we'll have to go back? What a chore (!)

Anyway, I digress, for this post is all about occasionwear, this time inspired by the beautiful blooms at the RHS Chelsea flower show. The perfect feminine look for Summer weddings, I love this Zimmermann dress paired with the painterly floral jacket and futuristic clean accents. I feel that this look balances elegance with trend-led touches for a punchy but wholly versatile look.

1) I adore the simplistic design of Whistles handbags and clutches, and the Rivington clutch is a contemporary classic- without the price-tag that usually comes with such an accolade! In this sweet vanilla shade, this spacious pouch with golden accents is a relaxed clutch that will work for day or evening. It is £75 here. 

2) I have been obsessed with Australian boutique brand Zimmermann for a fair few seasons now, with both their RTW and swim collections boasting a sexy but subtle femininity. Atelier-To-Go have tailor picked a selection of simple SS13 dresses from the brand, which you can shop here, but my favourite has to be this raspberry ruched number, also available at Austique (on the Kings Road). This dazzling Dazed dress is flirtatious and romantic but still fashion-forward with flattering ruching and the most glorious movement in the skirt. It is £375 here.

3) Kate Spade is my go-to shop for gloriously girly gifts. I accidentally stumbled upon the store Westfield a few months ago and I can't stop popping in since- there are SO many kitsch and cute things that I never need, but always want. A New York label, I can't wait to pop in this July when I head across the pond. If you have a little time to kill then do check out their Fathom for Kate Spade city guides here- they are awesome. Anyway, this golden bow bracelet is high up on my must-have list, and has been for a few seasons. You can shop it here.

4) Floral scents are a Summer essential, and this new one from Jo Malone smells every bit as pretty as it looks. The Osmanthus Blossom scent is light but sophisticated, a complex floral that balances sweet blossom notes with a touch of the exotic. With tones of peach and apricot, artfully balanced with white florals this is a dreamy daytime scent. You can treat yourself here, where the cologne is £76 for 100ml or £38 from 30ml. 

5) Essie, Essie, Essie... The things you do to me. This balletic pink nail polish- Muchi Muchi- is such a staple shade and will work all throughout Summer. 

6) I really must stop buying jackets, but this one is next on my agenda. A fabulous floral print that marries together shades of coral, magenta, aqua and lime, this flattering cropped blazer certainly belies it's £69.99 price-tag. Ideal for jazzing up a dress for a wedding, this jacket will work with everything from icy whites through to on-trend neons. You can shop the jacket at Zara here.

7) I may, just may, have purchased these ASOS shoes with the 20% student discount. Well, a girl's gotta treat herself. These white caged sandals instantly reminded me of the Alexander Wang ones I have been obsessed with since I first laid eyes on the SS13 collection, and I simply had to have these. The nude sandals just got shunnned: it's all about bright white. They are £42, but if you are quick you can still grab them with 20% off with Unidays!

Bright and Beautiful

The simple little white dress can work wonders and this new pleated number from L'Agence, exclusively available at Atelier-To-Go, is just made for showing off a wonderful tan and even more wonderful accessories.

While it would look amazing with simple metallics or even bold monochrome accents, I would wear with a whole lot of neon for a really fresh take on the little white dress. 

1. Senso is an affordable Australian footwear brand that has been on my radar for a few months now. These dazzling yellow strappies are sure to attract many admiring glances over the summer months. These XIXI II shoes retail for $229 (AUD) and you can find UK stockists of Senso here.

2. My go-to girl when on the hunt for new fashion labels, Atelier-To-Go's retail director tipped me off about KlearKlutch a while back, just before this simple little number made it's way into all the top glossies. If you've been reading the blog recently you'll know that i'm experiencing a certain fondness for perspex clutch bags and this one is the pièce du résistance. It's big enough to fit all manner of odds and ends in, but make sure they do the rest of your outfit justice. You can pre-order this in-demand clutch here for £59.99.

3. Aah another day, another Chanel nail polish that I need in my life. My lovely mother received the limited edition Fracas shade for Mothers Day from my younger sister and was sweet enough to let me pinch it. A juicy shade of pink that flatters all skin tones with a touch of coral and shimmer, Fracas is a truly delicious shade for summer and has already got a fair few fans. Yes, I have a million and one nail polishes, but this one simply must join the collection. You can buy it online from Selfridges for £18.

4. Ooh la L'Agence ! Say hello to the star piece from Atelier-To-Go's latest curated collection from L'Agence. The minute I laid eyes on this luxurious ivory dress I fell a little bit in love. It is demure but still sexy with an exposed back and suggestive split at the front. With flattering pleating down the front and a floaty skirt falling just on the knee, this is a great investment piece.

Someone help me resist the urge to buy: i'm weak.

5. I adore Shourouk for showstopping neon jewellery, and these bright orange earrings are a new favourite. The bodice detailing on this L'Agence dress means there is simply no need for a necklace, but earrings? That's a different story!

6. A little finishing touch to keep all things bright and beautiful- these ASOS bracelets are such a great find. I won't tell anyone they are not Dannijo if you dont! They are £18 here. 

 

The New Fashion Curator

If you follow me on Twitter then you will most likely be aware that I am actively involved with the luxury e-commerce boutique, Atelier-To-Go.

I have been working with Team Atelier since the very beginning and I am so lucky to be a part of this exciting venture. There is so much energy, love and talent in the mix at Atelier-To-Go, and I feel that it is this passion which will allow Atelier to shine in the busy online shopping environment.

 E-Commerce is developing at such a rapid pace, particularly within the luxury sector, but I really do feel that Atelier-To-Go stands out. Conveniently, each and every collection on the site is finely tuned to avoid the confusing wealth of choice we are used to. Atelier-To-Go is simplicity redefined, accessible and luxurious fashion without any of the fuss.

What's more, Atelier-To-Go doesn't feel even remotely intimidating. High-fashion can impart fear in the best of us, even those who are usually self-assured. While I certainly don't fall into the latter category there, I will put my hands up and say that though I found London Fashion Week incredible, I also found it somewhat disheartening. This fashion lark is a tough old gig, no matter how much you love it, so I can only imagine how fearsome the land of Celiné and McQueen must be those who don't share my enthusiasm. I know firsthand that Atelier-To-Go strives to make high fashion feel pleasant, playful and, above all, easy. 

Atelier-To-Go offers an authoritative voice on fashion that we can actually trust: Atelier-To-Go isn't a stereotypical fashion girl who subsists on Diet Coke and cigarettes, rather an intellectual fashion editor who knows just what we want from our wardrobes and HOW we want it. 

I feel that this ethos is particularly relevant at this moment in time as the fashion industry moves towards a clean, contemporary vision of functionality.  

The majority of stylish working women just want their wardrobe to do them justice. We all know what suits us, but part of the problem with online shopping is that there is just too much choice, too much clutter. Atelier-To-Go is clean and curated, with sharply focused editorial content (with fashion features often written by yours truly, the most recent of which you can read here) and contributions from revered fashion experts and icons.

Atelier-To-Go's collections are of the utmost quality and, while nodding to trends where appropriate, the overarching focus is on phenomenal pieces that you can wear and love, time and time again. 

Pieces that not everyone has, but everyone will want.

I will, of course, be posting more about Atelier-To-Go as we move towards our launch at the end of this month, but in the meantime I do hope you will check out the site and let me know what you think.

Tell your friends- Atelier-To-Go is too good to miss.

If you are a fellow fashion blogger and would like to get involved with Atelier-To-Go's exclusive Atelier Girl Dress Up competition to win a beautiful Rebecca Minkoff handbag of your choosing, please do just send me an email at shonawallacefashion@gmail.com and I shall be in touch.

  

FutureFab

Today I have submitted my LCF project for the term- yay! Future based, I felt it all too apt to post this lovely Topshop Unique dress which just exudes a space age sex appeal. Who knew there was such a thing?

1. I know it's not a handcuff... But it really looks like one... This Zara "Bracelet" clutch is a fabulous update on the classic black pouch clutch with a directional silver frame and silver cuff detailing. It would look so great with this organza panelled dress.

2. I adore these Zara peep-toe ankle strap pumps. In glossy mirror metallic silver, these sandals are futuristic and comfortable and look so high end.

3. My favourite dress on the Topshop site at the moment, this Topshop Unique dress with sheer organza panelling is fresh and modern and looks wonderful with silver accents.

4. For a luxe touch, add this MAWI pewter honeycomb cuff with bold gem detailing.

5. Midi rings are back in a big way and these £6.50 rings from Topshop are a cheap and cheerful way to tap into the trend.

6. In terms of beauty, take a look at my LFW beauty post for some inspiration and slick back your hair with some glossy gel like this one from Catwalk by TIGI. 

Sneak Peek: S/S13 At Reiss

REISS is undoubtedly one of my favourite high-end high street brands and I was lucky enough to be invited along to the Handpicked Media Blogger preview of the S/S13 collection, oh, and what a treat it was!

The press day took place at the REISS HQ and was showing off the very first glimpse of the pieces to come from the esteemed British brand, which has become a household name since the Duchess of Cambridge wore a number of pieces, including the sell-out Shola dress.

I must admit, though, that REISS is sadly a little out my price range, but it really is the perfect place to look if you want something a bit special, or are looking for some really killer staple pieces- trust me, their jackets are a real treat!

For SS13, though, REISS have kind of split their collections off in two. I'm sure you're all aware of the 1971 collection (check out their inspiration Tumblr here), which is a slightly younger, casual look with a more directional stance. The 1971 collection has a slightly lower pricepoint, but the quality is certainly not compromised (mint leather jacket: a case in point!) 

The 1971 collection is full of versatile pieces inspired by nonchalant West-Coast cool, airy, sporty pieces that can be dressed up or down with edgy details like clashing prints and beachy motifs. I felt it had echoes of Isabel Marant which is always a huge selling point in my book!

The mainline collection was slightly more sophisticated, but still highly trend led. My favourite pieces had to be the beautiful white pieces. White really is going to be huge for SS13, and what I loved about the REISS take on this trend was the array of beautiful textures, from a snake-textured dress to a soft edge-to-edge jacket with a feminine peplum waist (my favourite!) 

Anyway, I won't ramble on- I'm sure you can make up your own mind about the collection from my images above!

PS

Just because I love ya, I thought i'd let you know about a little competition REISS are running to win your wishlist! Check out the T's and C's here. 

all items from the REISS SS13 collection, all images my own, if you would like to use any images feel free to ask.

The Prettiest Dresses Are Worn To Be Taken Off...

1. Fur Slouchy Clutch at River Island £55

2. INCREDIBLE Fuschia lace dress at Three Floor Fashion £98 (buy, buy, buuuuuy!)

3. Balenciaga-style studded cuff at Chelsea Doll £11

4. Spike Earrings at Topshop £8.99

5. Incredible studded Zara heels at £79.99

The internet is full of all sorts of wisdom isn't it? Todays blog post nabbed it's title from a little phrase I saw on Facebook this morning and fell in love with.

And this dress by Three Floor Fashion is very much a case in point.

I have been crazy about Three Floor since I spotted their dresses in The Evening Standard (see my initial post here) and there new collection is their strongest yet, in my view.

This hot pink lace dress is just so beautiful and totally belies it's £98 price tag. It is unique, stunning and wonderfully made. I won't tell them it's not McQueen if you don't. Pair with black accessories to tone down the pretty pink lace and add an almost sinister edge. 

Tempted by Tempest...

William Tempest's fabulous sketches for the designs

Snippets from the collection:
1. Sequin Shirt Dress £100
2. Sequin Flapper Dress £150
3. Sequin Crop Top £65
4. Cut-Out Shoe Boots £100

1. William Tempest at River Island Flapper Dress £150
2. River Island Limited Edition Pale Pink T-Bar Heels £55
3. River Island Pearl and Diamante Head Piece (as seen here) £20

You all know that i'm a sucker for a fabulous collaboration so imagine my excitement when I laid eyes on the William Tempest designs for high street favourite River Island.

The fabulous William Tempest, an alumni of LCF, has designed this capsule collection for the exciting River Island design forum and it is truly beautiful- pieces that were made for the party season!

Drawing inspiration from art deco and ancient Egypt, the collection is full of decadent embellished pieces ready to grace any party girl's wardrobe.

My pick has to be this flapper dress that i've styled up above! I think it is truly stunning and certainly does not befit the £150 price tag- it looks far more expensive than that.

I think for Halloween I may go as a flapper girl... Just to give me an excuse to buy it!

The collection is in stores this month from selected River Island shops and online!

Want Some More Three Floor?

Ring the Changes!

I don't know about you, but I find there is nothing more annoying than turning up to an event and seeing someone else in the same dress. Of course I do not begrudge them and their fantastic taste, but it is still a little disheartening to be matching and creates that inevitable niggle of "who wears it better?"

This is not the individual's fault, though, and is down to a pretty limited offering on the high street. Yes, each store churns out a number of gorgeous dresses, wonderfully varied in style, but there are only a few truly outstanding pieces in each collection, and these get snapped up by everyone. This leads to these dresses being ten-a-penny in your local bar, and ultimately being copied by Primark and market stall stands (see the body-con tiger print Topshop dress). 

This provoked me to ring the changes a bit, give my online shopping a spring clean. Instead of searching through my usual Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Zara routine, I am thinking outside the box and have landed on pretty Brit brands like InLoveWithFashion (see my post here), Three Floor (see here) and Dahlia Fashion.

The Dahlia Fashion SS12 collection is a total treat. Though the range is available in Topshop, it is far less ubiquitous than the mainline collection, and is a little bit cooler as well. I am in love with this slightly kitsch gingham dress that feels ever so girly but still looks sexy with the cut-outs. I am also naturally drawn to this sailor-esque lace dress that is just what any girl needs for a festival. 

Best get shopping!

Dresses Made for Dazzling

Often I find myself falling head over heels in love with clothes. I see something I want and I must have it.

Earlier this month I did THIS blog post to keep my spending controlled and so far I have been a reasonably good girl! My latest purchase has been this white dress from Miss Selfridge which is beyond gorgeous.

Sadly, though, on entering the Miss Selfridge store I realised that this run of minimal spending has come to an end. How could I live without these sugary, floaty dresses? Just wouldn't be on!

Check out the best dresses on the high street HERE. 

Zara, Stop it. I'm Poor.

Get your dress here. Race ya?

Topshop's Limited Edition Lovelies

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_

Topshop's gorgeous new Limited Edition dress range has a little something for every style and it is just adorable. The dresses are all around £150, a worthy price for such special dresses, and are sure to vanish pretty quickly! 

Daily Detox #1

New feature alert! As part of the new SW Fashion for January 2012, I have opted for a daily post to ensure that the blog is nice and fresh this upcoming month- even if you feel far less than fresh.

One too many sausage rolls, a few too many slices of Christmas cake, several too many glasses of bubbly and *hic* I feel like a beached whale, crossed with a slug and a heavily pregnant sloth (I hope that I don't actually look like said creature, it probably ain't too pretty.)

So as I prepare to return to London and get back into the swing of university, I feel I need to detox- inside and out.

So that's what the Daily Detox is about! Each day I will post a little healthy detox tip, alongside a little fashion/beauty tip to lift your look and your spirits.

Enjoy!