Well, the last month flew past and we're now at my favourite month of the year. I am a massive September fan - it's still light in the evenings, mild in the afternoons but you can justify the odd winter purchase. When friends ask when is best to visit London, I always say September. Plus, the schools have gone back which means I can get from A to B near my flat without mowing down a few 9 year olds playing Pokemon. Here's all the stuff I've hunted down to buy this month, as you can see I'm still going for colour, mixed amongst the basics...

In my mind, now is the time for investments. I've been through my wardrobe and culled it significantly (expect me to push my Vestiaire Collective page imminently) and am using the proceeds to fund the new season. Autumn is great for working out which basic long sleeves, light knits and warmer work clothes I still need. I am really enjoying Net A Porter at the moment, they have introduced me to new names like Mira Mikati and her awesome emoji based collections including this must have sweater...

J.Crew really does make me happy, as a concept. In reality it's damn expensive and you need to shop wisely (ie: the sales). However, you can't beat it for basic long sleeve knits like this navy one and then I meandered over to their collection with Drake (whole thing here) and accidently slurged on this oh-so-soft Bengal tiger print shirt here. I'm not one bit sorry. Ooh, and if you're looking for noticeable-effort-looking work tops, these are great and super flattering.

Off the shoulder tops (or "Bardot tops") aren't going away and neither should they... I bought the pom pom ones above from Storets here, and have also found really good options at Topshop here. I don't really like my upper arms or shoulders so I've found that tops with a thicker band at the top like this one at Topshop, this one from Storets or this one (with additional cover/detailing) from ASOS are total winners.

Flower power has well and truly hit, this shirt from Topshop and this from Etoile Isabel Marant are awesome. For foot wear we're going back to basics with these gorgeous suede go-with-anything ankle boots from L.K.Bennett. I try to resist their collections every year and fail miserably. And last but not least, Warehouse. This brand completely went off my radar for about three years their most recent collection has put them firmly back on there. This jumpsuit is amazing for anyone looking for "office casual" and they have some super basic-with-twist tops like this and this.

Underwear wise, if youre anything like me you ate too much on holiday and just want to be comfortable. New discovering Cosabella is perfect for anyone who wants to look good for no effort whatsoever. This bra is like a hug, and the boyfriend actually commented on my hot new underwear which is a win because little does he know it feels like a sports bra...

Beauty

My skin has continued to really struggle this month, the ever changing weather can't be good for us can it?! I've been militant with my regime using my usual daily creams and serums and adding some specialist treatments.

I'm going to continue to wax lyrical about REN skincare Glycolactic Radiance Serum until all the women who read this blog buy one. It's amazing. Skin is dry? Skin is oily? Trying to hang on to tan? Trying to prep your skin for a tan? Worn too much make up? Hungover? This stuff solves it all. Yes it's not cheap and yes it feels like marmalade, but shut up and try it. Rant over.

I was also sent over some new products my Perricone MD. I love this brand and swear by their "no make up, make up" range (find it here) so was curious to test some things out. The one I'd really like to mention (they were all excellent) is the Intensive Pore Minimiser. I have quite large pores at the sides of my nose and they often get blocked (gross, TMI, sorry). This stuff has really helped, in fact looking at my face now they've really shrunk and are very clear. Use it like a toner each night and within two weeks expect this difference, find it here.

Next up, Estee Lauder's Resilience Lift. I hate my chin, and everything between my chin and my neck. I've spent hours looking up how (bar reducing food intake by half) to get rid of it. When this arrived I was dubious but jeez it actually does work. Admittedly not forever, but if you've got an event or a wedding coming up get this, use it the day before and perhaps in the morning and your skin will look firmer, tighter and just a bit better!

Our friends started Skin and Tonic some time ago, and it's always tricky to communicate that to readers without sounding like I'm just telling you to buy their stuff because they're friends and we want them to become the next big brand. There's an element of truth to it, but whats really true in this case is how good the products are. Their Gentle Scrub is a brilliant morning revitaliser and doubles up as a face mask if you mix it with honey or yogurt (or in my case, coconut oil). I used this on holiday and it really helped me keep my skin soft and supple in the sun... Check out their whole range here.

Last but not least, Malin and Goetz. Not the first time I've harped on about these guys so I'm hoping you'll get the message soon. If you have a problem go to these guys. Their sulfur paste is the miracle you need when a spot blows up suddenly (it stings, I won't lie, but it works). Their face pads are the most thorough thing I've found (they scratch a bit but they take out blackheads by themselves) and swear by them, and their peppermint shampoo and conditioners make my hair volume-y, not fly-away and generally pretty damn nice.

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.

So it's pay day and it's a bank holiday weekend - winner! Can't believe how quickly the year is going - or how many weddings we've got this year.  It's really easy to get carried away in the summer months, especially when you have outfits to plan for. I've got two friends' weddings in Italy and a spatter of ones in the UK between now and September.  I've been on the look out for outfits that are "special" enough but won't break the bank - or are worthy investments. I'm not a natural "dress up" girl so I find this kind of stuff really challenging. So here is my stab at it... This is going to be a long post so please pop the kettle on and settle in...


English Garden Party Reception

One of our friends is having an English garden party on the river before their wedding abroad, so I thought I'd buy something for that and the two weddings (two different groups of friends, I hold the camera, no one will ever know) I have in the UK. I wanted something I'd feel really good in, would work not matter the weather and was pastel coloured without looking cheap (which I find is a genuine problem with pale coloured clothes). Mango needs a serious mention as their efforts are outstanding; this nude mini is great, as is this midi floral print and you could consider getting married in this!

dresses: long sleeved lace, the outnet / blue and white dress, topshop / taupe lace mini dress, alice and olivia / multicolour dress, L.K.Bennett / nude mini lace dress, mango
accessories: clutch bag, Reiss / light pink heels, L.K.Bennett / pink clutch, Sophie Hulme

Having searched high and low I've gone for this L.K.Bennett dress. It's very bright (the pinks and light blues come out a little more than the pictures show) but the fit is super flattering for me - and will hide a lot of wedding-cake-binging sessions. It's more than I would usually spend on a dress, but the detailing is beautiful and I know I'll get several wears from it. Shoe wise, I'll no doubt wear my ever-faithful Jimmy Choo Agnes' or LK Bennett Florets as they are the only heels I can wear all day...

Needle and Thread

I wanted to highlight one particular brand because if you don't know about it you really, really should. Meet Needle and Thread. When I get married, whatever decade in the future that may be in, I'm demanding that every single girl who attends wears one of these, I'm completely obsessed. They're really well known in the fash-pack down here in London but still quite new on the scene across the country - so be one of the first and get one. I have a navy midi dress from them (very similar to this) and I wear it every time I get a chance...


Stocked on Net A Porter here, their maxi dresses are perfect for everything wedding from bridal to minion in the back row. This one is £350 and to be honest I'd believe someone if they told me it had another zero on the end (compare it to this £1000 Valentino and you get my drift). My favourites are above, and I really think you'll spot me in one of them for one of the Italian evening events.  Ooh and this skirt is on the wish list, with exclamation marks and underlining... Seriously, it wouldn't surprise me if they jack up their prices soon so get one whilst they're still reasonable!

Italian Wedding Outfits

I have visions of us all walking up to the church looking like a Dolce and Gabbana advert, for both weddings (craving this dress, for that exact purpose). To me, Italian weddings mean deeper, richer colours and a little more "oomph." I'm thinking deep colours; reds, navys etc - and really enjoyed having a look.

dresses: red lace dress, Warehouse / navy maxi dress, Reiss / black and red lace, the outnet / navy lace maxi, Topshop / blue dress, Reiss
accessories: red lace ups, L.K.Bennett / earrings, Astley Clarke / cross body, J Crew 

Self Portrait dresses are all the rage, but having bought one and sent it back due to the quality I'm not prepared to try them again. I found this red dress from Warehouse which is very similar, and not far off is this blue lace one dress from Reiss. The OutNet is a really good place to look; this dress is exactly what I need. I really love the vibrant blue of this dress too. Phew, am exhausted! Hope this post was useful for you too - it's helped me whittle it down to a couple but if you have any finds let me know!

Before we kick off, an apology. I am well aware I don't look my best in these photos. I've been feeling very under the weather all week, and watching back to back episodes of The Good Wife in an effort to get myself back up to speed. However, when these landed on my doorstep I couldn't not post about them as they completely made my week. So after a quick layer of bronzer and an eyebrow pencil, I nipped out to snap these...

I've always wanted a pair of Chloe scalloped pumps, always. When I worked in my last job I used to dribble over all of the pairs that came through our office. When Net A Porter asked me to pick a pair of my favourite Spring shoes there was no question it was going to be these. This particular style have a super block heel, making them that little bit more dressy... It's love.

I paired them with my all-time staples; a breton shirt (from Saint James at J Crew here) and my favourite pair of jeans (from Topshop, here). In my humble opinion you really can't go wrong with these two, I wear them both at least twice a week. I never thought I'd be so keen on a pair of Topshop jeans as I usually leave the store in tears whenever I try anything on my lower half in that store, but these are epic. The outfit looks accidentally very Parisian, which is no bad thing! In fact, on the subject, I'll hopefully be going there for the day next Tuesday...

The satchel is new from my friends at Cambridge Satchel Company. I'd been eyeing it up for a while, so when I found out I could get it personalised with my initials it tipped me over the edge, and here it is. I'm finding it super useful, its the perfect sized day bag (this is the larger of the two sizes). I can safely say that variations of this outfit will make up 80% of my Spring outfits... 

 

After a very hectic week I'm sat next to the fire at my parents' house and do not intend to move for the rest of the day. Lopez is at my feet and I'm spending the afternoon updating my Pinterest and planning blog posts, both things have been a little neglected of late. Having spied my way through some recent street style snaps I've noticed a bit of a trend for wearing camisoles as "outerwear." By that I mean, in place of a vest top. 

A huge part of me thinks its a little bit wrong that there is a day to tell someone you love them, as if it excuses you for the other 364 (or 365 this year). But being a Scrooge about Valentines Day is almost as cliche as roses and chocolates these days, so I've decided to meet romance in the middle and buy a present that isn't all that traditional. Mr Porter asked me to put together my choices for best gifts on the day, so I killed two birds with one stone and bought mine at the same time (easily done when their new in section is so good).

You could easily pass the site off as just being clothes, but no. I'm very pleased that they stock Perricone MD as since asking if it will "sort his face out" half of my pot has disappeared - and it's the best night moisturiser in the world, ever. Secondly, they stock Tom Ford fragrances. If you follow me on Instagram (here if you don't) then you'll have seen that I went to a dinner with a brand a couple of weeks ago with a bunch of girlfriends. It was to celebrate their new SS16 beauty collection, but Rose and I were transfixed with this fragrance. As Rose says Oud Wood "is so good I want to have sex with it." So, buy it for your boyfriend, husband, commute-crush, or anything you have a remote inclination of doing physical activity with. Lastly on the beauty front, I really recommend REN Skincare's 1 Minute Facial here; perfect for the guy who is beginning to realise skincare isn't the devil, but can't be bothered to spend much time doing it...

My other half doesn't want for much, or so he says - put Mr Porter in front of him with a budget to spend and it vanishes in seconds. Their content is bang on - this piece about "manssential wardrobe pieces" is an excellent starting block. Quite a few pieces were subtly (read: not subtle in the slightest) highlighted: Newish name Officine Generale was frequently dropped in, this white shirt and this blue one are clearly on the wish list. Other favourites were a J Crew chambray top and a pair of Rayban Wayfarers.

Forgetting what he says he wants, I want him in Common Projects trainers. I am obsessed with them, to the point I realised I'd gone off piste on the way to a meeting the other day because I was following a man wearing them (to see if they were CP ones - promise). They just ooze cool - if he won't wear them I may have to replace him with someone who will... Seriously. These are my favourites, or these, or these.

Whatever you're doing this weekend, I hope it's a good one. I'll be embracing my Welsh side and going down to Cardiff for the rugby on Saturday - so Sunday will most likely be spent in bed with tea and the papers. With a boy who wears Common Projects trainers...