LK Bennett was a high street giant, and a favourite of lots of customers – even Princess Kate. However, the company collapsed into administration earlier this year, and has now shut down its website in another blow to the brand. Back in January, the company appointed John Noon and Mark Firmin of Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP as joint administrators.

Shortly after this, LK Bennett was sold to US firm Gordon Brothers, which also owns Laura Ashley and Poundland. The brand had nine stand-alone and 13 concession stores at the time of the deal, but they were not included in it. As the LK Bennett website explains: “The LK Bennett stores were not included in the transaction and continue to trade under the Administration.”

Now, the website itself has shut down, despite continuing online sales since the time of the deal. The website adds: “Website and phone order now closed- Shop in store for a limited time.”

If people have already made online orders, they will still go ahead as usual, the website explains. Meanwhile, the brand has launched a closing-down sale in all stores across the UK with up to 75% off.

The sales continue as all “remaining warehouse stock just arrived in stores”. LK Bennett confirmed “everything [is] reduced” with up to 80% off stock.

LK Bennett was established in the 1990s, initially selling shoes before expanding its offering to include clothing and accessories such as handbags.

The brand described itself as “the British affordable luxury brand” and was founded by Linda Bennett in London “with the vision of bringing a bit of Bond Street luxury to the High Street”.

A LK Bennett spokesperson said: “There are some truly exceptional offers available across all categories. Everything has been reduced, including new season pieces.

“We anticipate strong demand and expect key styles to sell through quickly; we would like to thank our loyal customers for their support over the years and invite them to shop early to avoid disappointment.”

With the sunny weather finally hitting the UK, many of us are looking for ways to update our wardrobes for the warmer weather. Ditching the layers in favour of summer dresses is exciting, but it can be tricky to find a frock that’s versatile enough for a variety of occasions whilst also boasting a flattering fit.

Now, Marks & Spencer shoppers have been raving about a cotton rich midi dress they say ‘covers the tummy well’ and it comes in UK sizes 6-24 (though the size 22 is currently sold out online). The Cotton Rich Printed Puff Sleeve Midi Waisted Dress retails for £46 and features a flattering smocked bodice and a neat round neckline.

Versatile enough for both weekend plans and wearing to the office, the puff sleeves add a playful touch, while the 97% cotton material is breathable for warmer weather. The frock can be teamed with all manner of footwear from ballet flats to sandals.

One fan said: “Beautiful dress. Fits perfectly. Covers tummy really well. More colours needed. Wish it had pockets.”

Meanwhile, another enthused: “Lovely dress, perfect fit and length looks fabulous on and very slimming. Wasn’t sure about the sleeves at first but they’ve definitely grown on me. Love that it’s cotton, I’d love it in other colours!”

A third hailed the dress ‘a keeper’ writing: “The dress you didn’t think you needed, but once you try it on…it’s a keeper! Easy to wear, cute print, comfortable fabric and good quality. Sizing is spot on.”

It is of course worth noting that not every frock suits every wearer’s tastes, and one customer commented: “Loved the dress, well made but found it was difficult to zip and use tiny button at neck as restricted arm movement, also very long on me so unfortunately had to return. Good value for money.”

Despite this, another left the item high praise, writing: “So pleased with this dress. Great quality being cotton – very well-made, sits on the body superbly and true to its size, very good value for money. I would certainly be recommending this dress and your superb efficient service of shipping it to me.”

I never need much of an excuse to see what Piglet in Bed is up to. Ever since I bought my first linen bedding set in 2023, I’ve been quietly (read: obsessively) following every new drop – so when I heard something new was coming, I went straight to the site.

This time, the British homeware brand has expanded into summer-ready loungewear, and as someone who’s only recently tried Piglet’s off-bed pieces, I’m paying attention. Plus, everything is currently 25% off, with the discount applied at checkout.

While I’ve long been a fan of the brand’s relaxed linen bedding, I was introduced to its clothing late last year, when I picked up a pair of linen pyjamas. Since then, I’ve been curious to see how Piglet would translate that same effortless, lived-in feel into warmer-weather pieces.

Top of my wishlist is a pair of cotton boxer shorts (£26.25, was £35) that ooze laid-back summer. Available in five colourways, including dusty pink, rose, and buttercup yellow, they’re made from 100% prewashed cotton, giving them a soft, lightweight finish that feels ideal for the season ahead.

Naturally breathable and easy to throw on, they’re the kind of piece I’d happily wear while pottering around at home or style for a quick coffee run. I’m already planning to get my hands on a pair ASAP, although if past launches are anything to go by, they won’t stay in stock for long.

Also new is the cotton shorts set (£66.75, was £89), which comes in playful combinations like dusty pink and red gingham, or elm green and butter yellow. A trouser option (£74.25, was £99) is also available for slightly chillier nights.

Like the boxers, they’re crafted from cotton, finished with a matching trim and subtle embroidered branding. However, I’d be intrigued to see how these compare to my linen set, which, while beautifully soft, tends to crease quite dramatically after washing. Whether the cotton alternatives will offer a smoother finish remains to be seen.

Beyond Piglet, another pyjama brand I’m eyeing up is Their Nibs. Its White Wisteria Voile Pyjama Set (£44) is super cute, featuring a button-through shirt and adjustable shorts.

Otherwise, M&S has some laid-back styles for the season. This Cotton Rich Printed Shortie Set is affordable at £15, and features a fun margaretia print.

Back to Piglet: alongside the loungewear, the brand has also unveiled a new collection called The Season of Wonder. The drop includes fresh takes on its signature linen blends, with highlights such as the Honey Pembroke Stripe (from £45) and the Dusk Blue Farmhouse Stripe (from £59). As always, the focus is on soft, comforting textures and understated patterns that make a bedroom feel instantly more considered.