susiestickgirl.blogspot.com has moved!

Susiestickgirl.blogspot.com has got a new home! Yes, I've only gone and got myself a website! You can now find my bargain fashion blogs at my new address: www.bargainistafashionista.com - I hope you'll come and visit.

Whistle-stop shopping spree

I had a mini shopping spree at Whistles the other day. Well, with up to 75% reductions in the sale, how could I resist?

Three dresses and a pair of shoes later, I was only £160 down.

My best buy? These Chie Mihara shoes - reduced from £195 to £50. Their zigzag cut-out detail is right on trend with this summer's gladiator sandals. And I love how they ooze plenty of attitude. I feel fierce, aggressive and empowered when I'm walking tall in these!

Since Jane Shepherdson took over as chief executive at Whistles (following her departure from Topshop), the brand has slowly but surely reasserted itself on the high street. Previously, I would have shopped in Whistles for pretty tea dresses, but now the label offers new-improved design credentials, with pieces that are more confident, more stylish and more designer-led.

One angle of Whistles that's still going strong is its support of other designers. Shopping there is like visiting an exclusive boutique, with brands such as Sass & Bide, Velvet, Won Hundred, Unconditional and Alex Monroe stocked alongside Whistles' own label.

Which brings me back to Chie Mihara. This Japanese designer focuses on design, comfort and quality - and I could tell the minute I slipped on her shoes. Thoughtfully designed and well-made, my sandals are so comfy they make wearing heels a pleasure. At just £50, I think I've bagged myself an excellent bargain.

Utterly frilled

Remember the ruffled tote bags from Gap that I blogged about back in April? Well, I was thrilled to discover that the Liberty-print version for Gap's Product (RED) range (which went on sale last December alongside my Gap Mulberry Bayswater bag - see June's blog) has been wheeled out in the sale. Was £25. Now £6.99.

Made from Liberty's iconic art fabric, it goes without saying that the material feels reassuringly expensive. There's a handy inside pocket and the tote is completely lined. So yes, be swayed by the sturdy construction and quality of the bag, but let your head be turned by the pretty print, too (it reminds me of delicate oriental parasols). Cheap and chic.

The new LBD

If there's one think every girl should have in her wardrobe, it's a little black smock dress (LBSD). Why? Because it's so versatile. For starters, it's so easy to dress up or down. Plus, its shape is very forgiving - and easy to wear.

Right now, my favourite LBSD is this sleeveless cotton version from Uniqlo for £19.99 (which I've customised - but more of that later). With T-shirt trim around the neckline and armholes, it has a cool urban appeal that reminds me of Alexander Wang (a past collaborator for Uniqlo's Designer Project ranges). Plus, it's got hidden side pockets - a LBSD must. It's the perfect number to keep me cool all summer long. But if you find black too sombre for the heat, the dress also comes in white and cornflower blue.

As to how I've customised my LBSD, it's all down to a £1 piece of beaded ribbon that I found in a haberdashery shop. Originally destined to be the bib detail on a plain navy vest, my plans were scuppered when a shopping trip to Uniqlo resulted in one dress but no vest. But, thinking that my simple LBSD could benefit from a touch of embellishment, I got the needle and thread out and, a few stitches later, this is the finished result. I'm liking the black and navy combo a lot. And the understated elegant. Not bad for £21.

Love hearts

I've wanted a pair of heart sunnies ever since I saw Alison Goldfrapp wearing some Cutler & Gross ones at a gig a few years ago. Thankfully, there's been plenty of these Lolita-style sunglasses around since last summer - and I think I may just have happened upon the cheapest ones on the high street.

These are a mere £1 from Primark (or Primarni as me and my friends like to call it). At such a bargainous price, I snapped up a pair with white frames, too. If you're going to any festivals this summer, these are the ones to heart.

Full exposure

I do love COS. And I love it even more when there's a sale on. This rather plain and unassuming fine-knit top is my latest buy from there. With 50% off, it was just £9.50.

I was attracted to its classic-yet-modern style. It's the exposed zip that does it. Zips are on show everywhere right now, with everyone from 3.1 Phillip Lim to Whistles getting tough with zip details on pretty dresses and tops. It adds a gritty urban edge to saccharine-sweet designs, turning a practical element into a feature.

I'm thinking this new acquisition will look great under a skirt suit or teamed with jeans and a statement necklace. It's the perfect foundation for my autumn/winter wardrobe - not that I want summer to be over just yet!

It's good to be square

Remember I was looking for some chunky bangles to go with the braided bib-front cardie I blogged about back in February? Well, these ones from Banana Republic fit the bill nicely. And, at £19.50 for all four, that's less than a fiver each.

I've been meaning to write about Banana Republic for a little while now. This American brand hit UK shores last year, opening up on Regent Street in March 2008. Opposite COS and Liberty, it forms a little triangle of my favourite shops in London.

Banana Republic's clothes may look rather corporate at first glance, but if you look beyond the smart workwear, there are well-made, classic-with-a-twist designs to be had. We're not talking bargainista prices exactly but, based on cost per wear, the quality and longevity of its pieces mean you get excellent value for money. One of my most-loved dresses is a simple black silk with a latticework neckline that I've worn so often since last summer it is most definitely worth every penny of it's £95 price tag.

As for these bangles, being just shy of £20 isn't too expensive given their contemporary style and the fact that they look and feel far superior to cheaper high-street counterparts. Plus, you can wear them how you like - by the armload or solo - giving ample opportunity for various outfit combinations. Convinced yet? I hope so.