Perhaps I have been living under a rock (this is entirely possible), but I only just discovered the existence of a wonderous thing called the ASOS Outlet.

Not to be confused with ASOS’s regular sale section, the Outlet offers hefty discounts on the site’s higher-end brands, including designer diffusion labels (Emporio Armani, Just Cavalli and CK by Calvin Klein) as well as the likes of Sass & Bide.

Just Cavalli is of course the diffusion label of Roberto Cavalli, and while some pieces can veer towards Eurotrash fabulous, this simple black maxi dress is definitely a winner. It’s marked down to US$294.75, which is significantly less than the original $650 price tag.

The good news is that ASOS’s shipping is cheap and fast, so you’ll have your new purchases within days.

By Caroline Warnes

I was browsing through the sale section of a site called Yeltour this morning and came across some great buys from Australian designers.

There are some significant reductions on pieces from the likes of Sass & Bide, Moss and Spy, Seduce and more.

I really like the Katherine Brigade dress - it’s reduced to $100 (half price), and while short sleeves may not be a priority with the weather being what it is right now, it could definitely be made winter-appropriate with black opaque tights and a warm knitted cardigan or jacket over the top.

By Caroline Warnes

Sass & Bide and I have had our differences in the past but their Sydney warehouse sales are always extremely popular so I feel it’s my duty to let people know about it.

Once again this weekend, Sydneysiders can pick up Sass & Bide stock for up to 70% off the original price. The sale is to be held at the Byron Kennedy Hall at the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park, starting tomorrow:

Thursday: 4pm - 9pm
Friday: 10am - 6pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 3pm

I have no idea if the Sass & Bide Bringing it Home long sequinned dress (as pictured here at My Catwalk) is included in the sale, but honestly it’s such a gorgeous dress and almost makes me forgive them for the whole “rats” thing.

By Caroline Warnes

The above headline re: local design duo Sass & Bide may seem a little harsh, but I’m sorry, I simply can’t take the fuggery anymore.

I’ve suffered in silence because of their stupid fashion trend known as Sass & Bide “rats” (as pictured here in the oh-so-appetising bronze colour) for several months, ever since I saw British Jesus impersonator Russell Brand getting around in a pair a while back. This ill-conceived piece of clothing is apparently a wet-look legging that will set you back nearly $200.

I’M SORRY, BUT WHAT? My hatred of leggings is not really any great secret, so it won’t shock anyone to hear that I wouldn’t pay two cents for a pair of leggings of any description, let alone $200. I have better things to spend $200 on. Like, oh I don’t know, ANYTHING.

Who exactly are these people who think this is a good look? And are they aware that I nearly cried when I saw the Sass & Bide zebra rats yesterday?? You should really think twice about wearing a piece of clothing when even David Bowie in his Ziggy Stardust phase would label it “a bit out there”.

But this isn’t just another blog rant about leggings. I checked out some more of the Sass & Bide range on MyCatwalk yesterday and could only conclude that either;

a) I’m not fashion-forward enough and don’t “get” any of it, or
b) It’s all just plain stupid.

Exhibit A: A giant gold cupcake wrapper thingy worn as a skirt.

Exhibit B: A dress so obscenely brief that you would surely get arrested for solicitation if you dared to wear it in public.

Exhibit C: What are the little wings on the side for? To fly away in case you suddenly realise you walked out of the house in this outfit and start dying of embarrassment?

Exhibit D: I’m actually not even sure what this thing is.

That being said, there are a few nice pieces in the collection, such as the gorgeous All Over Again dress. But on the whole, I’m sorry, you’ve lost me.

By Caroline Warnes

My love of maxi dresses is no secret, and I know I’ve written about them before, but by request it’s time to revisit the issue.

Maxi dresses are the one item of clothing that you can wear whether you’re feeling fat or slim, they hide a multitude of sins and still manage to look elegant, a la Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface. In fact, aside from the printing press and champagne, the maxi dress is pretty much the greatest invention in the history of mankind.

And don’t let the prospect of cooler weather put you off buying a new maxi dress. Although the best maxi dresses are generally short-sleeved, strappy or strapless, they lend themselves well to layering so you can pretty much get away with wearing most of them all year around. For example, the George dress pictured here from Viva La Frock would look great with a light cardigan and a pair of flat boots. Plus it’s on sale for $299.

Other options include:

* Otto Mode Yellow Floral Maxi - $50
* Bardot Bohemian Floorsweeper - $69.95
* Sunnygirl Plain Maxi Dress - $59
* Bracewell Full Mast Maxi - $172.50
* Wayne Cooper Oceania Maxi - $347
* Sass & Bide All Over Again - $690 (yeah I know, overpriced).

By Caroline Warnes

Firstly, let me say how sorry I am that this sale is for Sydneysiders only as it’s a beauty.

Krites Fashion is holding a massive clearance sale of its brands, with up to 75% off clothes and accessories by the likes of (excuse the long list) Alice McCall (love the dress pictured here from last season’s collection), Natasha, Buddhist Punk, Religion, Obey, Pani, Nookie, Tight Knickers, Freesoul, Cotton Candy, Ra.Re, Something Else, Sass & Bide, Minus Ung, Vintage Vantage, House of the Gods and more. Phew. Deep breath.

Merchandise on offer is for both women and men and you can pick up a selection of winter shirts, jackets and even snow gear.

The event is for three days only - this Friday (8am-6pm), Saturday (9am-6pm) and Sunday (11am-5pm) at 85-91 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria (building 4, it’s behind Officeworks).

If you head in on Sunday between 2pm and 3pm you’ll save an extra $20 on every $100 spent (though be warned that by Sunday the best stuff will most likely be gone).

It’s unfortunate that I am moving this weekend and therefore have to spend all my money on boring stuff like rent and cleaning products, otherwise I would likely be waiting on the doorstep like a deranged stalker at 8am on Friday.

By Caroline Warnes