Best Summer Sales 1 - Baukjen, Finery, The White Company

Hello everyone and Happy Friday! The sales have begun so here’s the first of my ‘best summer sales’ posts highlighting the top picks from some of my favourite brands. I’ve focused mostly on pieces that I have and wear a lot so that I can genuinely recommend them to you. I’ll add my pictures to the brand’s shots to give you an idea of what they look like on an ordinary body.

Best Summer Sales: Baukjen

Baukjen has definitely carved a place of its own in my wardrobe this year. In my view their strong point is their jersey tops, followed by their jumpsuits. They really excel at high quality, pared-down chic.

Long sleeved jersey tops

I love this top, it’s the first thing I turn to on a Saturday morning. It’s easy, relaxed and yet the neckline makes it so much more interesting than a breton, especially when you’re wearing a jacket. I often wear it for work too. It’s been the hardest working piece in my wardrobe this season and I’m really hoping Baukjen will release it in different colours for the autumn. The one thing I would say about Baukjen tops is that it’s best to size up, not because they come up small but because the jersey is quite fine and I find that a size up skims rather than clings.

Edith top – 20% off

I have this one too although I’ve realised I haven’t actually photographed it yet. Again it’s just easy, it’s also available in navy.

Elina top – up to 40% off (depending on colour)

I don’t have this top… but I may in the next few days. It’s also available in Baukjen’s stunning cobalt blue.

Raey top (up to 40% off depending on colour)

I do have this one – it’s a great way to work the cold shoulder trend without resorting to a Bardot style top which you then have to tug down all evening. It’s also available in navy or black.

Cold shoulder top (up to 40% off depending on colour)

Short sleeved jersey tops

I have this t-shirt but I need to take a better photograph of it. It’s an unusually relaxed cut for Baukjen so don’t size up – it’s a good choice for wearing with skinny jeans though. It’s also available in white.

Ros top 35% off

Now, I haven’t tried this but it looks as though it is another good way of managing the off the shoulder look, also available in black.

Greencroft top

Smart dressing

Yes, I know this blazer is cream but it’s washable and fabulous quality.

Lexden blazer

Here it is and by the way, this jumpsuit is also in the sale but there aren’t many sizes left.

And finally from Baukjen, this lovely dress is half price. Although it’s fitted, it has its own Spanx-like lining to pull you in.

Darton dress – 50% off, available in a range of colours

Best Summer Sales: Finery

So, moving on to another favourite, Finery. This summer’s collection hasn’t been the best at Finery – in my opinion they veered a little too far down the eccentric route. However I’m pleased to say that I have seen the new collection for autumn and it is brilliant. They have also completely changed their style of photography. If it comes together as I think it will, it will be one of the most exciting ranges on offer next season. In the meantime they appear to be clearing the decks and quite a few Finery classics have appeared in the sale.

Finery tops

Starting with the Bidder sweatshirt, I have this in navy and it is wonderful quality. Soft, thick cotton jersey and the rose gold zips elevate it away from the norm.

Bidder sweatshirt, 40% off

Another cold shoulder solution, Finery design these necklines to accentuate the clavicles especially well.

Scallop edged top

Finery jumpsuits

I don’t think anyone makes a jumpsuit quite as well as Finery. The only reason that I don’t have this one is because I already have three black jumpsuits however, my friend Annette from ladyofstyle does – see below. It is so well tailored at the waist that it is incredibly slimming and it’s now 30% off.

McClure jumpsuit – 30% off

I do have this navy one though…

Navy wrap jumpsuit – 40% off

Finery skirt

My favourite Lufton midi-skirt is in the sale.

Lufton skirt

I’ve found it to be very versatile and I’ve worn it dressed up for a black tie event…

…in a more relaxed way for a trip to the theatre…

…and to cheer up a cold winter’s day at work.

Finery boots

Footwear is another hero area for Finery, it’s great quality, quirky and comfortable. I have these boots in both blue and brown, they look great with jeans and there’s something timeless about the shape. The burgundy version is also in the sale with 40% off – a great option for autumn.

Elmworth boots – 30% off in chestnut

Best Summer Sales: The White Company

The White Company have added some more pieces to their sale including the sandals that I’ve been wearing which have 40% off…

Suede wrap around tie sandals

…and the silver sparkle cardigan with 30% off.

Sparkle cardigan

One last thing that I often admire when I’m in their stores is this work bag. It is navy and I need a black one so it’s no good for me but it has lots of pockets and a zipped section for your iPad. It’s a really nice briefcase / bag hybrid. It has 40% off and is also available in dove grey here.

Ultimate work bag

So, that’s my first look at the sales, they will no doubt be coming thick and fast from now on. I’ll add them to my usual sale listing section at the bottom of each post when I hear about them.

Midlife lately

I think the Grenfell Tower disaster in London has overshadowed everything and affected everyone this week. The news is gruelling and everyone I talk to says they wish they could help in some way so I’ve looked into it.

Friends in London tell me that despite the emerging mood of anger, there is a strong sense of community spirit and lots of people are giving their time to pitch in and help where they can. The Rugby Portobello Facebook page seems to be a good place to start or alternatively the Grenfell Tower Volunteers Page is being regularly updated.

For anyone who is further away, it seems that the need for clothing, bedding and blood supplies is being met. Financial support now appears to be needed most and donations are being directed to the Kensington and Chelsea Foundation. All of the money will go to help these people who had so little to start with and have now lost everything. Alternatively the Dispossessed Fund is being run by the Evening Standard and is apparently the quickest way to get funds to the frontline. Donations will go towards the volunteer centres who are helping uninsured victims to get back on their feet and the fund will also help to pay for funeral costs.

There have been so many awful events in the UK recently that there is an instinct to turn inwards. I’m trying not to do that and instead I’ve been making a point of trying to be grateful for all of the small things this week. It’s so easy to overlook how lucky you are just to have a simple, ordinary day. This weekend, like so many of you, I will be particularly grateful for the end of exams. Apparently the sun is going to shine brightly across the whole country. I hope you manage to get outside and enjoy your weekend. Right now let’s do our best to live these precious lives of ours to the full. Keep in touch and I’ll be back on Tuesday.