LK Bennett Bargain

Ever since my sister and her partner announced that they'll be getting married this September I've been on the lookout for the perfect wedding guest dress. I'll readily admit that I set myself no easy task, knowing exactly what I wanted to wear in my head, but had failed to find a match anywhere... until now. Finally, after all the fitting room frustration, I've got my hands on this LK Bennett beauty...

What's more the silk Lexi dress with lace detailing had been reduced from £225 to just £28 (surely the bargain of the century)!

If you're wondering where I managed to get such a great deal, I'll let you in on a secret. I stumbled across it at the LK Bennett outlet store at the East Midlands Designer Outlet.

I didn't even know this gem of a shop existed - packed with sample stock and sales lines covering LK Bennett's sought after shoes as well as lots of lovely dresses - but now I do I'll definitely be popping back soon to see what more delights they have in store.

If you happen to be a size 6, boy are you in luck - but if, like me, you're not a sample size there are still amazing bargains to be found, and the staff are super helpful.

My sister has some heels that I know will match this dress perfectly (and big sisters have to share), so now I just need the all important hat.

Longchamp at Long Last

For the best part of a year I've been longing for a stylish Longchamp shopper. London seems to be full of   ladies with a Le Pliage perched elegantly on their arm or nonchalantly slung over their shoulder, and I want my own piece of the action.

What better occasion to treat yourself than on your birthday? As today's the day it's definitely time to indulge. I'm going for a classic black bag that will go with everything, and the medium size that will hold everything I need to carry around.

If I've tempted you to take the plunge and buy your very own Le Pliage bag, but think you'd struggle to choose from the rainbow of colours available, you want check out Longchamp's customisation service. Choose the size, handle length, and a combination of 2 colours to set yourself out from the crowd.

Jeepers Creepers!

Don't get me wrong, I love an oversized shirt, boyfriend blazer and brogues as much as the next girl, but creepers always just seemed like a step too far along the road to androgyny for me. To put it bluntly, creepers give me the creeps.

Perhaps it's the association with beatniks skulking around dodgy backstreets (who gave 'brothel creepers' there unsavoury name), but I never thought I'd see the appeal - so you can imagine my surprise when I found the pair to change my mind at Matalan.

The creepers in question are a pump style - so they are a tad more girly and a lot more flattering than just your average creepers. The thick soles make them sooo comfortable, add to that a price tag of only £10 and I'm sold!

Going for Rose Gold

For what seems like ages I've been on the hunt for a rose gold watch. You know how it is, you can't find what you want, then 4 great options come along at once...

Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Folli Follie are all known for their stylish rose gold designs, but at a recent press show I was introduced to Oozoo watches - and guess what? Their rose gold watch is the best at the lot and definitely a winner at £69.99!

Clockwise from top right: Michael Kors £219, Marc by Marc Jacobs £200, Folli Follie £173, Ooozoo £69.99

Discover London with SalesGossip Shopping Walks

It's true - I do love London! With some of the best shopping in the world, what's not to love?

There are so many amazing department stores, designer boutiques, independent shops and pop-up sales - the only problem can be finding the best places that lie off the beaten track, and I've still got a lot of places to explore.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, shopping on Oxford Street can feel like groundhog day. Every few steps you've got another branch of H&M followed by yet another branch of Zara. So I'll definitely be trying out SalesGossip's series of London Shopping Walks this summer.

Produced in collaboration with Trip Stylist, the guides of Carnaby Street & Soho, Shoreditch, Savile Row, Covent Garden, Marylebone & Primrose Hill, and Knightsbridge each include clear instructions on how to get there along with handy maps - so even I couldn't get lost! The routes take you to recommended shops and even tea stops.

If you're going to be visiting London for the Olympics, the Shopping Walks offer the perfect way to see more of the city. Take a look and choose the one that suits your style...

As for the personalised tea cup, it's £15.99 from www.justengraved.co.uk.

The Queen Comes to Nottingham with Wills & Kate

Jubilee fever is far from over yet! Early this morning I grabbed my union jack once more and headed off to Nottingham with my best friend Toni. Having learnt a lesson from not seeing a great deal at the Jubilee river pageant we made sure we got ourselves a front row spot to see the Queen arrive in the city with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Kate was re-wearing her blue boucle coat by Missoni which she is reported to have bought from the Bicester Village outlet in Oxfordshire.

A Right Royal Weekend

The bunting was out and so were the crowds as the nation prepared to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend. From my (not so prime) position on Chelsea Embankment I attempted to see the flotilla pass by - and got pushed, shoved and my hair pulled in the process, but it was still well worth going along to mark such an historic occasion.

As the Royal Barge, The Spirit of Chartwell, came into view everyone surged forward and held their cameras in the air blocking my view entirely - but by climbing on a barrier I made sure I got the glimpse I'd been waiting a fair few hours for. Kate's choice of bright red Alexander McQueen dress ensured everyone could spot her on board and I could just make out a royal wave from the Queen herself. Sadly my photos are very blurry - but at least I can identify who's who.

The highlight of my 4 day weekend? It has to be standing in The Mall for the Jubilee concert. The atmosphere was amazing even during the build up. Whoever was in charge of the big screen footage has my thanks for keeping the camera fixed directly on Prince Harry. Then the concert began with Robbie Williams - cue hysteric screams from yours truly. One was most definitely entertained thank you very much!