SALE

Since I've started working in retail, the only thing I hear at the moment is SALE SALE SALE. I started at Hugo Boss, Bond Street today (Burberry on Sunday and Zenia Bond St. Saturday) and people really do go crazy for a bargain. Shopping hint: if you're in the market to buy a suit, HEAD TO HUGO BOSS. Most suits are reduced to about £300 which is a huge reduction from £800+! I know a lot of fashion insiders are skeptical of sales since some stores sell last seasons "tat" but I have to say, I've been particularly impressed with Hugo Boss. There are hundreds of suits on sale and all classic styles which will last season after season. The womenswear isn't too shabby either.

So with that in mind, I had a little trawl through net-a-porter.com and mrporter.com and have come up with my 5 designer sale picks for men and women.

Net-a-porter.com

Vanessa Bruno - was £280 now £140. I love this pretty skirt. Would be perfect teamed with a cream blouse or camisole for warm evenings.

Michael Kors - was £200 now £120. A great addition to your work wardrobe and the fringing adds extra detail.

Gucci - was £425 now £212.50. A classic skirt for work or smart occasion. Would look great with a navy blue crisp shirt or a loose white T.

Chloe - was £860 now £516. Perfect for work with simple wedges or with flat sandals to keep you cool on holiday.

Christian Louboutin - was £445 now £267. Christian. Louboutin. Sale. Enough said.

Mrporter.com

Burberry Brit - was £150 now £75. A great pair of basic jeans for casual with a simple T or a slightly smarter occasion worn with a shirt.

Rag & Bone - was £170 now £85. I love the colour. Would look sharp under a dark suit during winter.

Polo Ralph Lauren - was £405 now £202.50. With all these down pours we keep having, a rain jacket is a must.

Hartford - was £130 now £65. Simple colour, uncomplicated style. Throw on over a white T when it gets a little chilly.

Aubin & Wills - was £49 now £24.50. Not for everyone but I love the candy stripe pattern.

But be quick! They won't be there for long!!

Menswear Trends S/S 2011

To add a bit of diversity to my blog, I thought I'd take a little bit of time to talk about men's trends for S/S 2011.

BLUE

Issey Miyake, Dries Van Noten, D&G

Trailing through the catwalk reports I noticed a definite pattern of blue emerging. If you are already a religious jean-wearer then this trend is ideal but if you are feeling a little more daring, the bright blue shirt below would be perfect with long shorts or those trusty denims.

Selected at ASOS

DOUBLE-BREASTED

Jean Paul Gaultier, Kenzo, Lanvin. Note: I am definitely NOT feeling the Jesus sandals...

This is such a classic look that the smarter gentleman may already have a double-breasted piece in their wardrobe. Usually just for dressier occasions but the cardigan below makes the trend casual.

ASOS

A CLASSIC JACKET

Burberry, Lanvin, Paul Smith

Trench, blazer, mac, whatever your choice, make sure it's well cut and well made. And if it's double-breasted too, then all the better. Colour wise, aim for muted navy, charcoal and black, fabric wise, mattes and satins work well.

Cheap Monday at ASOS

GREY

Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Dior

A no-brainer. Mix with navy, burgundy, denim, black, tan or even more grey and you're on to a winner. I'd play with textures here - knits, tailoring, jersey - it's all good. Keep it simple with this t-shirt and pair it with some chinos.

ASOS

TURNED HEM SHORTS

Louis Vuitton, D&G, Marni

A little tailored, possibly with a crease down the front. I'd go for a matte navy, camel or even khaki to keep them neutral and versatile and both a shorter or longer style work. Wear with a t-shirt for day and loose untucked shirt for evening.

Polo Ralph Lauren. Note: Beware knobbly knees.

Photos: Style.com and ASOS