Bank Holiday Bargains at Warehouse Sale

A big night out inevitably calls for a last minute shopping trip - but panic buys are not usually my forte, so thank goodness for Warehouse is all I'll say. They've always got a great selection of dresses in stock - whether you're looking for something smart, sexy or sophisticated (or a bit of all 3 for that matter).

I found this ombre stencil print dress with zip front skirt and pockets (you've just got to love a dress with pockets) in the sale reduced from £48 - £25. Outfit sorted, panic over! Now to enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend...

Jaeger Style Steal

On a recent visit to the Jaeger store at the East Midlands Designer Outlet this little gem of a skirt instantly caught my eye (pictured left). Not only is the mint green tweed reminiscent of Mulberry's S/S'13 collection but I'd already spotted Caroline Flack and Mollie King looking leggy and lovely in the matching pinafore (pictured below).

So what would the damage be on this 60s style mini skirt? Well, it had been reduced from £180 - £25! Needless to say it's now sitting pretty in my wardrobe. I wonder if there's a matching jacket to complete a Jackie O inspired ensemble?

The Jaeger online outlet is regularly updated with items starting from as little as £15, so I'll be keeping a lookout for more bargains.

Posh Clutch Bags

When Victoria Beckham was (quite rightly) named as Glamour's 'Woman of the Decade' back in June you couldn't fail to notice her impeccable outfit. Wearing a Maison Martin Margiela jumpsuit to collect her award, Victoria wasn't short of arm candy either - even without hubby David by her side. Instead the former Spice Girl had eldest son Brooklyn on her arm for the evening and struck gold with a chic metal clutch bag.

The clutch in question is of course from Victoria's own line and is still available for £1850 from MyTheresa. Pricey, I know - but if you are looking for a high street version Zara have come along with their Midas touch and a mirrored minaudiere for just £29.99. You can even practise your Posh pout in it!

Plantagenet Plaits

I don't know what I'm going to do with my Sunday nights once The White Queen inevitably reaches the end of its run this week - but perhaps I could spend some time practising plaiting my hair? If you've managed to prise your eyes away from the beautiful York brothers (swoon) you'll have noticed some pretty amazing hair-dos on display - including multiple fishtail plaits and even Princess Leia style buns.

Over the past weeks we've seen Elizabeth Woodville and Anne Neville positively fighting it out over who can have the most elaborate plaits - calling for the longest real-hair wigs ever made for TV. My own hair has now reached waist length, so at least I shouldn't have any trouble there. Now, whatever did I do with those old crimping irons?

Pippa's Secret To A Beautiful Bottom

The secret is out! Putting paid to those rumours that Pippa Middleton owes her particularly pert bottom entirely to pilates it has been revealed that she actually wore knickers from British lingerie brand Beautiful Bottoms under that famously figure-hugging Sarah Burton bridesmaid dress.

With no hint of VPL evident beneath the clingy bias-cut dress it had been joked that Pippa had earned herself the cheeky nickname 'Commando' from none other than Prince Harry, but it seems we were all wrong on that score!

Pippa's pert bottom has been the focus of much attention ever since the royal wedding - and it hasn't escaped her notice, with the younger Middleton sister commenting in her party planning book 'Celebrate': 'It is a bit startling to achieve global recognition before the age of 30 on account of your sister, your brother-in-law and your bottom.' The odds are Pippa's bottom will now help Beautiful Bottoms gain global recognition too!

Oprah & The £25,000 Bag

With more than a billion dollars in the bank Oprah Winfrey can pretty much buy anything she wants. The problem it seems is getting a shop assistant actually willing to serve her!

In Zurich for Tina Turner's wedding, Oprah has revealed how she attempted - and ultimately failed - to buy a handbag from the the fashionable Trois Pommes boutique. Wearing what she describes as 'full Oprah Winfrey gear' we can assume she looked far from a scruffy trouble-maker out to damage luxury goods, but when the US chat show host asked for a closer look at a £25,000 Tom Ford tote bag the shop assistant refused, suggesting it was far too expensive for the star.

Big mistake, huge! Pretty Woman really should be obligatory viewing for snobby shop assistants. More fool this down right rude empolyee who missed out on earning a massive commission from Oprah's purchase. Hopefully she'll have learned a lesson about prejudice, but sadly this kind of thing happens far too often.























There is a boutique in my home town, popular with ladies who lunch and mothers of the bride, where the so called assistants frequently offend, showing certain customers straight to the sale rail or sending them packing to Primark - whilst some potential shoppers barely get through the hallowed doors before they're greeted with an 'I'm afraid there's nothing for you in here, madam.'

I've worked as a shop assistant, so I'm not casting judgement on a job I don't understand, but I really can't understand the cult of sulky shop assistants who can't be bothered to provide service with a smile. Spending long hours on a shop floor with no customers is mind numbing at best - so having customers to talk to and keep you busy is actually a blessing. It's not your job to judge how much money someone has or hasn't got. If anything you'd push the more expensive stock - especially when there's commission on the cards.

As for Oprah, I think she has dealt with 'bag-gate' with dignity, leaving without a causing a scene, but now naming and shaming the store on the widest scale, responding with the quip: 'Obviously 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' is not shown in Zurich.' The owner of Trois Pommes has since apologised to Oprah, but insists it was a misunderstanding rather than racism. In a climate where many retailers are struggling to survive service should be of paramount importance. If you don't get the respect you deserve it's simple - don't hand over your hard earned cash.

5* For Orelia

Wondering what I could possibly have in common with Princess Beatrice, Roger Federer, Dustin Hoffman, Patricia Arquette and Chris Eubank? Well, I can tell you we were all born on 8th August. Yes, today is my birthday!

Star present has to be this lovely rose gold necklace given to me by my equally lovely niece and nephews. It's by Orelia - a jewellery brand I'll definitely be buying more of in the future - especially as they do a pair of matching star earrings!

Topshop Limited Edition Dresses

Ready, set, shop! A new drop of Limited Edition dresses has arrived at Topshop - and with 10 show-stopping styles to choose from you'll be spoiled for choice. There is a dress for everyone, whether you want a strappy flapper dress or a '60s shift.

The maxi dresses have to be my favourites (pictured left, £180). Perfect for a prom or a wedding, if you've got a special event coming up be sure to take a look - but they're sure to sell out fast!

Which would you choose?

Ooh New Shoes

The summer sales are still going strong - and these neon yellow slippers from River Island have certainly brightened up my day! Whilst I can quite happily leave head-to-toe neon to cyber-goths and ravers, these day-glo shoes will add a welcome pop of colour to my summer footwear collection - and I definitely won't get lost in a crowd wearing these! Encrusted with silver skulls and crystals, you've gotta love a funky pair of flats - especially when they've been reduced from £28 - £12. Oh, and they just happen to be extremely comfy too. Now you don't find that every day.

Cocktail Hour Earrings

Tell me about it, TGI Friday or what?! But before you rush straight off for a few cheeky post-work cocktails, make sure you spice-up your look with some statement earrings. They're all you need to transform your look in an instant, so you can forget about cocktail dresses and cocktail rings - right now it's all about cocktail earrings.

I love Grand Bazaar London's sparkling selection of cocktail earrings (pictured above, £149), whilst Astrid & Miyu's aptly named 'My Fairy Tale' earrings (pictured below, £49) have even graced the ears of Pippa Middleton.

Yes, you heard it here - chandelier earrings are no longer the preserve of Pat Butcher. The bigger, brighter ans sparklier the better - just hold back when it comes to the rest of your outfit and let the earrings take centre stage.