So it seems it's just shoes that are being elusive...

And in green 

Another waisted dress which would work as there are a) no ties and b) it's a false cross over is the Cimpa Jersey Dress from By Malene Birger.  At £149 it's more expensive than a lot of jersey out there but considering how versatile this dress is, cost per wear, it would pay for itself very shortly. 

Cimpa Jersey Dress £145  An unusual shade of green if someone is looking for something different.

And in black 

Another super flattering dress is this from Oasis and again in a green shade. 

Twist Knot Crepe Dress  £55

This is it in the bright orange which is the one that caught my eye in Oasis.  The pic here really doesn't do it justice.  It's the most gorgeous vibrant coral - maybe the iphone pic gives you a better idea? 

Twist Knot Crepe dress in bright orange £55 from Oasis 

Another waist illusion super flattering dress is this from M&S.  Had a good feel of this yesterday - lovely drapey jersey - no crease, would wash like a dream.  Amazing price for a dress which you could actually wear to a wedding. 

Square Grid Print Shift Dress £39.50

But back to a couple of beloved shifts as they are so easy to wear and hide a multitude of sins for most.  And this one could easily be mistaken for a DVF tunic. 

Cube Print Tunic Dress £39.50 from M&S  

And moving to Whistles for inspiration clearly.  This reminds me of the leaf print shirt dress I have from last year.  Except this one goes in the machine and doesn't cost nearly £100 in the sale. 

Seed Print Tunic Dress £45 from M&S 

Ok don't laugh, I promise you this is the same dress and it is a gazillion times better in the flesh ie not like this.  Keep the top button undone. 

Pure Cotton Woven Striped Shift Dress £65 (there are pockets - oh yes) M&S  This one would look great with sandals.  Or back to the sneakers.  So wearable for so many occasions. 

Went into River Island yesterday and as per usual they had a couple of gems (amongst a large amount of age inappropriate tat of course) 

Yellow painted Animal Print shift dress £35

White Floral Print Embroidered Shift Dress from River island £30  If yellow is perhaps a bit too much, this one would be lovely with a pink, white or black blazer over it.  

We're all about the print and this is the gorgeous dress version of the skirt I featured a while ago. 

Jigsaw Paint Tulip Print Shift Dress £129

And speaking of dress versions of separates, the Mint Velvet circle separates are available in a dress. 

Black Circles embroidered dress £99

Or in the Ivory  I do love the little detail at the side which makes it less boxy as a tunic dress.

But if we're talking dresses from Mint Velvet, then call off the dogs as their new ones in are totally stunning. 

Blush Lace Cape Dress £149

They also do it in an ivory £149

And a black  I like the idea of softening the black for Summer with nude strappy sandals and a matching nude clutch.  

Another cape top style is available at Mint Velvet.  This one I think is fab for the summer if you do like the look of a cami topped dress but gravity means they perhaps don't like you so much any more (clearly I am talking about myself here - skin stretched over bone like a bongo drum would be a good description of my lack of cleavage) 

This crochet top gives the hint of flesh without baring it to the public.  All rather clever. 

Blush Lace Top Dress from Mint Velvet. £119   Nice with heels but I think this would look fab with some flat gladiator sandals. 

Really pretty in the pearl which is an off white/grey colour. 

And in black 

Finishing with a couple of "dresses" which aren't really dresses but are the genius skirt and top combo that is actually far more useful in a wardrobe than one dress. 

This at the Boden Press Day along with the retro dress and the shorts was the stand out piece.  Reminded me so much of the lime By Malene Birger top and skirt from last year at a fraction of the price.  Plus it comes in navy and pink as well. 

Flower Organa Skirt in zest (yellow) from Boden £99

Also available in blue and pink 

And the embroidered flower top in yellow

In pink 

And in navy - showing that you can mix and match.  Not for me - matchy matchy if you please.  Although above with the floral trews is excellent but that's totally different so it's ok.

River Island have also done a matching skirt and top which again is embroidered/slightly appliqued floral.  Different shape skirt though - a lovely full one. 

Black 3D flower midi skirt £50  yes that's a much better description.  The flowers are actually stitched on.  This looks like a designer piece - I guarantee no-one would know this was from River island.  So long as they have neither seen it in RI or read the blog.  Your chances are good. 

Not sure you can see from this detail but it's too layers - a nude back layer with a top layer over it.

And the matching tank top £30

Rubbish angle to this photo but the skirt is longer than it looks in this pic. They are honestly so so lovely together - and very useful apart too. 

And there was so so many more amazing things I saw, I may do a round up of the hottest picks on the high street tomorrow.  Before or after I tackle the Mid Heel Shoe.  Not of the block heel variety.  Not of the almond toe variety.  I was ruthless. 

I am now off to the theatre with the 9yr old and her friend - Hetty Feather in Kingston here we come.  She won tickets from the Jacqueline Wilson mag and gets to meet the lady herself.  She is simply too excited! 

So here's my outfit for the theatre and dinner. 

Black double zip jeans - Mint Velvet

Black and tan striped top - Vero Moda

Black and tan quilted leather jacket - Massimo Dutti

Stone suede Oxford Brogues - Seven Boot Lane

Stone Maxi zip satchel - Anya Hindmarch

See you tomorrow.  Three days into half term - are we all surviving?