Hello all! The weather has really taken a bit of a turn and I've been swapping outfits a few times a day to stop the risk of boiling, freezing, burning and shivering. It's a bit of a joke! Not sure what October has planned for us, but I've updated my wardrobe with a Reiss' pieces (see what I did there) that I think will help carry me through the next month...

One of the joys of where the blog has taken me is out of suits, for life. However, I'm finding the need to dress corporately for meetings more and more and sends me out into a total spin - I just don't know how! The closest I could really get was jeans (with holes in, apparently not always a good idea), shirt and a jacket. I found this skirt from Reiss and thought it could serve me well. It's a lovely, taught fabric so the flare is super flattering. It looks great with a shirt tucked in, or as I have hear with a knit...

And on the subject of the knit, this one is beautiful with the lace-style detailing at the cuffs and edges. I spotted it at their press day some months ago and have been keeping my eyes peeled for it ever since. Reiss are really good and doing things that you can wear in the office and also at the weekends. I've paired this one with jeans or cargo pants (I've got my eye on these forest green cords - yes cords - from Reiss too) and trainers as much as I have with formal trousers and skirts...

My jewellery never comes off, I'm so lazy with it. At the moment I've got mainly Astley Clarke on, with a few Rosie Fortescue pieces (her hoop earrings are THE best, here) and some studs from Missoma. Between those three I really don't think you need any other brands...

 outfit credits at the base of this post

Now the heels are a bit special; I think I'll have them for a while. They go with everything. Reiss don't get enough credit for their footwear, I have a few pairs and they always do me really well... Since these arrived I have worn them to meetings, date nights, dinner with friends, a Christening... The list goes on. They're quite high for me but they're very comfortable which is a solid recommendation as I've got small feet therefore struggle with any heel whatsoever (annoying when I'm also a bit of a midget).

outfit credits at the base of this post

These photos were snapped around the corner from my flat at a place called Fenton House. It's a little 17th property that is often opened up to the public, but as it's not in the direction of the heath lots of people completely miss it. The gardens (and the house in truth) are gorgeous and I really recommend you popping up to North London and having a look. Details here.

Outfit Details
skirt = as worn, Reiss (now in sale)
jumper = as worn, Reiss / similar without lace detail, here
shoes = as worn, Reiss / all Reiss shoes, here
jewellery = Astley Clarke, Rosie Fortescue and Missoma
sunglasses = as worn, Givenchy
mentioned = forest green cords, Reiss

This post was in collaboration with Reiss, all words and styling my own. Photos taken using an Olympus PEN EP-L7 from John Lewis here and the 45mm lens here.

It's amazing when you find the perfect little white dress, it's even better when your friend made it. In summer things like this form the basis of every single one of my outfits. You can throw it on, put some flats with it for daytime or some heels for evening and you're done. You can also keep it handy in your beach bag for putting on during lunch, or to pop to get ice cream, or for post-beach drinks. 

It's from Pampelone which you've more than likely already seen on Instagram as lots of us bloggers have been making any excuse to wear it. My lovely friend Holly set up the brand having seem a gap for premium quality, reasonably priced beachwear. She's completely nailed it and less than two years on she's stocked all over the world, included Very Exclusive.

Sizing wise, I'm a pretty standard 10 (with a bum, so sometimes a 12 in places like Topshop were they almost fine you for not being a model) and I take a size small in all things Pampelone. Considering they're all quite oversize I always feel really slim in my dresses, Holly has got the fit completely bang on. I can't recommend them enough, check out the whole range here.

After the picture we drove up to Palermo, took the overnight ferry and headed to Amalfi for the best holiday of my life. I'm itching to get away again now, it seems like too long ago...

I'm not sure about you but shopping seems really fun at the moment. There are so many bargains to be had in the sales but better still the new season stuff is starting to trickle through. Yes, it's a heatwave and nobody wants to buy autumn knits just yet but fashion seems to have realised that 

 September and October are lovely warm months in the UK and are prepping us accordingly.

Last week I popped down to the Feathers Store in Knightsbridge with Farfetch to check out their boutique. Their lower level floor is filled to the brim with cool designers and their new collections. I'd forgotten how nice it is to spend time browsing in store and their edits are so good (check out there online boutique at Farfetch here). The first thing I picked out was this top by Rahul Mishra. I'd never heard of the Indian designer before, but the level of detail is just exceptional. Follow his Instagram account (a real gem) here.

Next up, boyfriend jeans - the long forgotten essential in my wardrobe! Long term readers of the blog will remember the days when I lived in my ASOS Brady jeans (here). When I say lived I mean 360 odd days of the year... Somehow I'd totally forgotten how great they are as a jean fit, but these Frame denim ones put me back in my place. So comfortable, so soft and so good for running about town - I kept on hugging my own legs with happiness... Shop Frame here.

Accessories wise, my sunglasses are from Givenchy, here. I've worn them a lot so you've probably already seen them on my Instagram here. I love that they are super simple, but have little studs at the top for an added edge. Yes, they're an investment but I can't see these going out of style anytime soon... My bag is from a new designer (for me at least) that I discovered at Feathers; Marsell. The leather was insanely soft...

Ooh and the shoes. They were a cheeky Zara purchase. I was out a couple of weeks ago and realised I didn't have time to change to meet the girls before dinner (and was in my gym kit) so popped in to buy something in the sale = error. Ended up with these new in shoes and this dress, £90 poorer but 100% happier. Last but not least but you can hopefully just see my Rosie Fortescue rose gold hoops - I've been wearing them non stop since her launch dinner, the quality for the price insane, check out the whole collection here.

It's all in the title to be honest! Here is the very best of the 2016 summer sales. I'll update them as more retailers go into sale, but I thought it might be useful for you to see options broken down by brand. As a tip, I always "add to basket" my favourites so I can literally log in and shop straight away... Some of my favourite pieces from this year have been incredibly heavily marked down- enjoy!

Topshop

Topshop sales are always worth a gander. However can I just say; how good is that feeling when you've bought something recently and then sale starts, but the piece you bought didn't go in? That's how I feel about this dress. I'm obsessed with it, but if had been marked down I'd have been PISSED. This one IS in the sale though - and it's now mine and on it's way...

links to products:
mom jeans / black tie up flats / green dress / navy bomber jacket / dotty dress / white jumper with shirt detail / green boiler suit / sleeveless blazer / floral vest (£12!) / monochrome slip dress / cream heels 

First things first; denim. Topshop are good at it. Really good. I swear by their mom jeans and have two pairs now, including these that are now £20 or these classics for £25. If you're after an easy-wear pair that'll look good on Sundays with sweaters but also Thursday nights with heels, these are for you. Next up, dresses and stuff. I love this monochome print dress and for £18 it's awesome, and same goes for this LBD. This sleeveless blazer is awesome, I have one very similar and it's great to throw on over a shirt or tee in this WTF-weather. Oooh and this floral vest is amazing for £12.

High street brand sales are really good for picking up pieces from the fast-trends that don't seem to be going away. For example; bomber jackets. Everyone is still wearing them, but they won't be around for ever. This navy one for £20 is a brilliant way to get in on the look. Same goes for green jumpsuits, and this one is superb. Lastly, flouncy sleeved dresses are all the rage at the moment too, this dress is a perfect "way in." Footwear wise, we all know Toppers is the place to go to get designer copies. These Aquazzura flats are now dirt cheap, as these Kenzo silk espadrilles. These cream heels are amazing fail-safes for summer outfits too...

Reiss


link to products
red embroidered top (75% off) / black waxed jeans / green silk dress / black one shoulder dress / halterneck dress / blue leather jacket / blue suede leather jacket / printed shorts / marcel bag / black neoprene heels / white skirt / belts / taupe knitted jumper / silk vest / red leather purse / black bag

The Reiss sale is not to be missed. Everyone knows they're good for dresses, but their footwear and tailoring pieces are really strong too. Starting in our comfort zone, this green silk dress is the perfect 'work to play' or good for those events that you just don't know how dressed to be. LBD wise their are two showstoppers; this one shoulder dress is timeless, and this halterneck (I already have it) is literally the most flattering item in my wardrobe. Other good wedding/event staples include; this taupe sheer dress, this sky blue shift and this long sleeved rose gold number.

Hidden gems like this top for £50 are too good to miss, and this white skirt, these belts... and Reiss are good at leather and this blue jacket can't be passed up, especially at that price. I have one from four seasons ago that just gets better with age. These shorts are super good, and don't forget that things like knitwear are heavily reduced in summer; this taupe chunky knit and this navy sweater are excellent buys.

These black waxed biker jeans are a really good staple for anyone trying to look a little bit slicker (as opposed to plain jeans). The photo above doesn't do the fit justice, they are a gorgeous shape - buy your regular size here. Accessories wise, well where to start!? This Marcel bag is so lush, these black neoprene heels are awesome, I have these and they're super comfy - and this leather purse is butter soft and should really be more expensive...

Net A Porter

Net A Porter, the website of DREAMS. Here is a round up (apologies if this waffles but I'm shopping as I type and getting a bit excited): If you've read my wedding guest outfit edit you'll have seen my Ode to Needle and Thread. Some of the dresses featured are now heavily reduced, like this maxi dress and this top - shop the whole selection here, no excuse not to... Isabel Marant is always well marked down; suddenly the cost justification (lets be honest, Zara copies it very well) seems worthwhile when it's half price. This jacket (much lusted for, much copied) is half price, and this black top is awesome as a summer basic. The Elizabeth and James jumper worn on many a street style muse last fashion week (Palermo etc) is also in the sale in all colours; grey, white and pink.

Popular brands like Self Portrait here and J Crew here are (surprisingly) included. 40% off some of the best selling frocks of 2016 really is pretty special, don't miss pieces like this and this. J Crew essentials like this denim shirt and these cargo pants are half price...

Accessories wise some brands you never see discounted are included; Larsson and Jennings watches, and Ray-Ban sunglasses (and the classic shapes, amazing...)! As for footwear, some of the pieces that have gone into sale I just don't understand as I'd have thought they'd have sold out my now. Sam Edelman (the sandal brand of 2016 in my opinion) has reduced these to under £80 and these to £45 (FORTY FIVE POUNDS PEOPLE). These Giuseppe Zanotti espadrilles are 40% off, and these Aquazzura sandals are too... Say, what?!

J Crew

Ahh the J Crew sale, because who in their right mind would shop with these guys full price? We're all well aware of the dollar-to-pound changeover if we shop over the pond and we're not prepared to shop without it. Am I right ladies!? J Crew is the place for basics, whether you like or loathe their stores. I use the sale to refresh my basics and bring in some new core staples.

Links to product:
embroidered linen top / red and white sun dress / grey and white stripe tee / grey silk cami / orange scalloped cami / yellow off the shoulder tee / khaki silk shirt / blue stripe shirt / pink Elsie heels / palm print embellished shoes / striped mac trench / brown leather cross body bag / ring trio set

It will come as no surprise that I start with stripes; these Breton shirts start at £24 and as the proud owner of them all I can say they're super good even 50 washes down. Next on the list are their camisole tops which are worth the (reduced) investment; the simple Carrie shape and the scalloped Carrie cami are brilliant pieces to wear over and over again - available in a variety of colours! Thir coats and jackets are renown for being strong and this striped mac is the actual dream, particularly now it's £60 cheaper... Finally for the basics, their shirts are the best around and this stripe shirt and this khaki silk one are going to be my new everything. Other excellent summer staples include this sun dress (can't believe it's not Dodo Bar Or - brand of the moment), the yellow off the shoulder tee and this embroidered linen top, both 30% off.

Footwear and accessories wise, the sale is very good. Classic, staple shapes like the Elsie pump and their palm print sisters are an excellent starting block if you've never owned shoes from them before as they're half price. This crossbody is ace as a day bag and this set of three rose gold rings are incredibly good value.