ball gowns on the beach

I've always struggled with basics as I find shopping for them so dull. On the other hand, I have a huge oversupply of ball dresses as the possibilities are so much more interesting when buying them, and somehow they always seem better value for money, although on a cost per wear basis that is nuts (just call me Emma Bovary). The maxi dress is very much 'in ' this year and I wondered if any of these could be passed off as beach wear.

Matthew Williamson top for Nikki Beach not so much maxi, but anything else would be like wearing a Burka.

Versace inspired dress, I think not, this is a little over the top for day wear even in St tropez.

This is actually a wedding dress from Monsoon, but I think with the basket bag is OK for lunch at 55.

I bought this Temperley one with the bag at Bicester last week.

Bicester Village

Bicester was celebrating the jubilee in a suitably stylish way....

I loved this Cavalli collection when it was first in the shops, but I am not sure about luxe hippie any more, it seems really dated.

Anya hindmarch was had some better bargains than there have been for a while, some of the bags now starting with a £2, where it has been a £3 for the last year.

I liked all the color at Ted Baker, I am not sure what has come over me I am suddenly craving colour, I think it is the bad weather.

Pop up for London fashion designers, it was women's wear, now it is men's wear.

I think it was Missoni that got me into the colour mood, they seem to do it in a subtle way..

Tory Burch, the perfect antedote to grey British summer...

Mulberry, not much going on and still only 50% off, so could have bought for that price last year..

Marni, it just looks like H & M collection to me...

Jack Wills, actually more expensive than the sales in the shops, how does that work?

Valentino up to 90% off, they know how to do a good sale...

Matthew Williamson, really beautiful clothes that would last for ever at 75% off...

Temperley suitably patriotic, I did splash out  here...

Bought the orange dress below and matching bag.

Jimmy Choo, I just think Chinese copy...

Amanda Wakely still the best value, the most amazing silks and silk jerseys for less money than buying the fabrics and making the dress...

Where do you go for good sales shopping? Or do you prefer the ease and anonymity of online shopping?