I don’t usually gush over sales at Bluefly.com because they’re as abundant as the rain is in Seattle, but when the sale means that a Carmen Marc Valvo dress that I wouldn’t even consider looking at a week ago is now within my price range, I think it’s worth talking about.

Dresses at Bluefly.com range anywhere from close to $40 to $500. Of course you can always find a fab formal gown, but what I adore about Bluefly is the fact that I could pick up another maxi dress or sundress to add to my enourmous collection that just doesn’t need anymore dresses. How about picking up one of these Nicole Miller purple printed lurex georgette Maxi Dresses that is now 49% off? I’d say yes!

bluefly

Don’t fall in love with anything on Modcloth.com unless you plan on buying it right then and there. One disastrous click of your mouse on any other page or site could mean you’ve lost that piece forever. That’s how quickly the merchandise on this super-cool vintage site goes out of stock.

Modcloth is pure and innocent happiness — kind of like Saturday morning cartoons. Its quirky, colorful, happy designs make me want to pull a West Side Story Maria and serenade the city about how utterly glorious it is to be a girl.

I will hush up now and let the clothes do the talking. Here are some of my favorite Modcloth pieces of the moment – there’s no doubt in my mind they’ll all be out of stock by the time I post their photos:

Origami Blouse -- $49.99

Zen Garden Two-Piece Swimsuit -- $89.99

Acapulco Dress -- $49.99

Vintage Etienne Aigner Oxfords -- $39.99

Vintage Starburst Clutch -- $29.99

Images: Modcloth.com

Do you recall that amazing, hot pink dress Blake Lively (who plays Serena Van der Woodsen on CW’s hit show Gossip Girl) wore to the CFDA Fashion Awards? Well, now you can treat yourself or a fashionista you love to a similar dress by Michael Kors!

Zuma Press

The Michael Kors Cashroga Sheath Dress is a beautiful neon pink shade. It’s for the confident, stylish woman who isn’t afraid of a little colour!

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

The strapless dress is neon pink with a straight knee length skirt. It’s made of virgin wood, angora and cashmere. Totally luxe and super fun! This dress needs no accessories, just pair it with nude pumps or maybe silver or black and you’re good to go! Available at Bergdorf Goodman for $1595

Is someone in your life celebrating a birthday soon? Is their favourite colour pink? If it is, I found some really fabulous pink themed gift ideas to give the lucky birthday girl. From baby pink to deep fuchsia, every girly girl loves pink fashions and accessories.

(Image: Neiman Marcus)

What fashionista wouldn’t love a gorgeous pair of Manolo Blahnik sandals? These Caymino Jeweled Slingback Sandals ($1190) are ultra sexy and ultra pink!

(Image: Neiman Marcus)

Maybe give her a pink watch? This Michele Watches Coral Watch features a pink leather strap with a stainless steel case. It’s embellished with pave diamond insets, sapphire crystals and a mother of pearl face. Totally luxe!

(Image: Neiman Marcus)

Does she need a bright new bag to perk up her wardrobe? The pretty pink patent leather Estelle Tote by Dolce & Gabbana ($845) would make a great gift. The classic silhouette would make a great every day bag.

(Image: Neiman Marcus)

Or maybe she needs a fabulous dress to wear on her birthday? She totally does! This amazing Chiffon Tiered Dress by Kay Unger New York ($370) has just the right touch of fun, fabulous-ness and fearlessness. The combination of multicoloured pink and orange dots are so unexpected but not at all distracting and the pink self-tie belt finishes off beautifully.

Which one would you pick if you were the birthday girl? I’d definitely go for the dress!

Lately, I am totally obsessed by ruffles. High-necked ruffled dresses, ruffle-front shirts, you name it, I love it. I especially like the combination of ruffles with printed fabrics. Bonus points for florals. Here are some ruffled bits of fabric that might make you go a little ga-ga, too.

I am completely in lust with this Moon River Dress. It has a totally nutso boho print, and scads of ruffles for me to fall in love with. The shape of this dress is perfect for us pear types. All that ruffleage up will balance out an ample bottom half. The only thing I don’t love about this dress is the material: 100% polyester. If it were cotton, it would be perfect, but it would probably also be more than $59.99. Available from ModCloth.

Holy retro-ruffle goddess! Can you get any better than this icy pink polka dot confection by Miss Brache? Seriously, my tooth hurts just lookin’ at it. I love how the ruffles here are strategically placed right plum over your derriere. Way to make use of your best asset. Available for $118 by Miss Brache.

Nothing could be finer than this cool blue-green Crystal Sugar Doll dress. The demure collar and delicate chiffon make for a swoonworthy combination, and those petite little ruffles take it right over the edge of sweet. Plus, the shiny satin bow belt adds a little extra sass. Available for $48 from Red Dress Shoppe.

In case you’re not ready to dive into ruffles like I am, you might start with a sweet ruffled blouse. The high neck on this Queen Collared Button Up is amazing, and the patchwork print combination is subtle and sophisticated. You could pair this as you see it with a pencil skirt, but I’d love it with some high waisted short shorts for summer. Available for $118 from Smashing Darling.

Photo Credits: ModCloth, Miss Brache, Red Dress Shoppe, Smashing Darling

There’s really nothing like a new dress. One piece of clothing that is a whole outfit. I have a whole separate closet for them, and I like nothing better than to add to it. As with everything else, I am super picky about what goes into that closet. But, I have found a new indie dress designer that is seriously making me salivate.

I don’t know what the designer’s name is, but her line is called Stella Merle, named after her grandmother. And her shop is a veritable buffet of delicate, feminine dresses (and a few separates) that are wearable and affordable. I love this Tomato dress, with its drop waist and flirty ruffles. Unfortunately, I don’t have the figure for a dropped waist (they’re best on tall, slim girls), but there are plenty of other Stella Merle options for the rest of us.

I am literally dying for this open lace a-line dress. I recently purchased something similar, and am considering trading it in. The swingy shape of the dress will flatter most anyone, and while I usually shun bell sleeves, they are so subtly executed here that I can’t help but like them.

This blue lace dress has a similarly flattering shape as the white, but with adorable puff sleeves and flower appliques. Who can resist?

And this burlap and silk skirt is totally to die for! I love the contrast between the textures of the fabrics, and the way the burlap sets off the creamy color of the silk. All of this, and more, available from Stella Merle.

Photo Credits: Stella Merle

Summer weather calls for light and flirty dresses. This season there are numerous day dresses in a multitude of colours and prints.  Spoil her with these flirty frocks for her birthday, your anniversary or just because.

(Image: Neiman Marcus)

Yoana Baraschi Wildflower Printed Dress; $330

(Image: Neiman Marcus)

Theory Floral Dress; $315

(Image: Neiman Marcus)

Tory Burch Granada Printed Dress; $395

(Image: Neiman Marcus)

Rory Beca Doris Dress; $308

She can wear these while out and about, lunching with friends, a lunch date, day of shopping and even a party. These dresses can be dressed up or down depending on the shoes and accessories. All dresses shown are available at Neiman Marcus stores and online.

Missphit’s come out with an amazing new dress in a three-option colorway, and I’m simply drooling. It’s not cut like a plus dress at all, and yet it is available in sizes up to 3X. You can grab it in a nice raspberry color, a fresh green, or an ocean blue, and the top is an unlined chiffon fabric, which means you can layer away with tank tops of your choice.

Image: Missphit

This dress is also a perfect pick for slimming lines on the plus-size body. Instead of always grabbing something blousy or loose, you can get something that skims around the hips while still providing adequate room for daily, fast-paced movement.

Even though some fashion “experts” say that plus-size women should not wear patterns to appear slimmer, that’s simply incorrect: you need to select an item according to your frame. If you are taller and larger all over, you can definitely pull off a bigger print than someone who is 5′1″. If you are feeling self-conscious, select a pattern in the appropriate proportion to your body, but just tone down the colors for the right effect. The good news about this dress is that the medium-size print works for everybody!

I think this green dress from Missphit is an awesome slimming choice, but you must check out the rest. Visit Missphit now.

For me, Fall and Winter mean jeans, and Spring and Summer mean dresses. But in those few in-between weeks when its warm enough to go bare legged, but too cold to break out the sundresses, I get a little confused. Dresses, even when they’re long, tend to be made of lightweight material, so they don’t do much to keep you warm. Unless, of course, they’re adorable velvet jumpers by Stacie May!

I am seriously in lust with the delicious 70’s appeal of this dress. The color blocked velvet looks absolutely elegant combined with the soft silk floral ruffle. And the takes the A-line and pinches it just slightly for a slimmer silhouette. The dress is fully lined, so while you could wear it with some kicky flats on a breezy Spring day, it would also work with tights and boots in Winter. Available for $208 from Smashing Darling.

Photo Credits: Smashing Darling

Ladies, I am pleased to announce, my Easter dress. Well, my dream Easter dress (because, to be honest, there are certain parts of my body that will just  not fit in anything Betsey Johnson). This Betsey Johnosn Blush Dotted Cotton Strapless Tiered Dress will go with any dyed Easter Egg in the house this season.

It is blush, blue and white with two tiers to add to the ruffled band and dot and floral embellishments that adorn the first tier. While this is clearly an Easter looking dress, I say wear it to any Spring party, because it is just too adorable to pass up. It is $240 from Bluefly.com.

Photo from: Bluefly.com