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John Lewis unveils their new Oxford Street store beauty department

Hi guys,
What can you buy with £7.8 Million? Well, you could buy a new house, a yacht, half a dozen cars, a couple of football players and 78,000 lipsticks.  Or, if you're John Lewis, you could spend that amount on completely revamping your beauty hall! And if you're asking me, I would say it was money well spent!

I just got back from a guided tour of the new beauty hall at John Lewis, and I have to say I was impressed. The hall is built around a town square concept, with the bigger brands around the outside of the hall and the more tactile 'help-yourself' products in the middle. It is also (rather uniquely) zoned: so yes, if you want something from Chanel, you can head straight to their counter and find all their products there, like in an ordinary department store. But you can also go to the skin, hair, nail, or make up zone if you want a specific product, but don't know what brand you're looking for.

Other features of the new beauty hall include:

- The only Topshop make-up counter outside of a Topshop store

- Products and launches exclusive to John Lewis such as the new Clinque matt foundation, the Diptyque 34 collection, or the Floris Royal Arms Diamon Edition perfume. Only 6 bottles of this £15,000 perfume have been produced. One went to the queen, one went to charity, the rest are for sale in the Floris boutique apart from the one which is for sale in John Lewis. Exciting, but out of my budget. However they also have a £99 version available.

- Two on-floor treatment rooms, including one from Lancome. Apparently, this is the only on-floor Lancome treatment room outside of Paris.

- An interactive Chanel fragrance zone to geek out about. You place a fragrance on top of the touch-screen table, and the table will tell you all about the fragrance, including what notes are included in it.

It's not like me to get excited about a department in a department store (they usually all look pretty much the same) but I was very impressed by what John Lewis have done to their Oxford Street beauty department, and especially impressed by the thought and unusual structure that have gone into it. If you're in the area and looking to buy make-up, skin care, or fragrance, then this is the place I would recommend you go!

Love Tor xx

Object love of the day: Gold DKNY watch

Hi guys,
Since I got it at Christmas, my Marc Jacobs watch has been my most prized possession. I wear it every day and it goes with everything: and it's turned me into something of a gold watch magpie. I notice other people wearing gold watches on the tube. I lust after them in magazine spreads. I'm officially obsessed! So when WatchCo.com asked if I wanted to review a watch from their website, how could I resist?



I had a hard time choosing because there were a couple of Fossil watches I really loved, but in the end I chose this DKNY watch complete with chronograph, pearl dial, and diamante around the watch face. I chose it because it's more of a dressy/evening watch that my Marc Jacobs one, and now I have a watch for every occasion!

Like all watches I had to have a couple of links taken out of it, but i'm in love with it already. It's reassuringly heavy, it is thick and chunky (which has the added benefit of making my wrist look tiny) and it's a great outfit focal point. I've been wearing it since it arrived. In fact, I've only taken it off because unless you're a contortionist it's almost impossible to take a photo of your own wrist! As an aside, it was really well packaged, and it also arrived (from the USA) in less than five days: I definitely wasn't expecting that!

What's your most prized possession? Do you have a watch you love, or something else you wear every day and couldn't live without?

Love Tor x

Disclaimer: I received a watch from Watch Co for the purposes of this review

Selfridges celebrates the Great in Great Britain

Hi guys,
Did you notice that this year is probably a good year to be feeling patriotic? No? Where have you been, hiding under a rock! With the Jubilee and the Olympics, apparently there's no better time to be British. And to celebrate Selfridges is about to launch the biggest display of retail theatre and in-store excitements of its 103-year history.

From Friday 4 May and running until the end of August, Selfridges will present The Big British Bang, a mash-up of British culture, history and tradition, from iconic to eccentric and from royals to rebels. Spanning the Jubilee-Olympics period, Selfridges’ British Big Bang will collide exclusive products, events and special initiatives together to celebrate all that Great Britain does like no other nation on earth including etiquette, humour, customs, fashion, art, sports, food – even marmite! Exciting much? Yes. I bloody love marmite!! 

So what else can we look forward to? During the event the Concept Store will be the ultimate destination for products ranging from fashion to food, irresistibly loaded with British character especially created for Selfridges by some of the most iconic British brands. From Union Jack-lined Barbour jackets, to a new range of Fred Perry polo shirts designed by artist Peter Blake and bespoke navy blazers with Union Jack embroidered motif by Gieves & Hawkes. Also included are hand-knitted striped hunting socks by Emma Willis and her hand-finished, proper British boxer shorts. Many traditional British wares with flair and impeccable pedigree will be available.

However, modern Britain will be there too. From Mulberry with a Union Jack-embellished version of its Bayswater hit bag, to Rupert Sanderson’s red white and blue strap heels or Nicholas Kirkwood’s crazy pearly queen six-inch heels and even Ted Baker offering an accessories collection with typically English halcyon days references.

Many more brands including Penhaligon’s, Mr Wingate, Tom Dixon, Emma Bridgewater, have created special designs for the Selfridges’ Big British Shop. Vivienne Westwood completes the starry line up of British fashion designers by designing a series of windows for the store. Selfridges windows are always my favourite ones: whenever I have a meeting near Oxford street I always walk the long way round so that I can check them out! 

As well as shopping there will also be events including afternoon tea parties and entertainment lineups. As if I ever needed any excuse to hit the shops, now I can say its my national duty. Let's shop for our country!! 

Want to find out more? Then visit selfridges.com

Love Tor xx

Fabfrocks picks: This summer's best swimwear

Hi guys,

Now that the torrent of rain and flood water has subsided (fingers crossed) we can once again resume normal service and start daydreaming about our wonderful summer wardrobe to come. Of course because of all of the tropical holidays I have booked (none!) and the long summer days I spend lounging around our local swimming pool (none) that means I got to thinking about finding the perfect swimwear.

It's a mission I set myself every summer, and every summer I fail. I think you either have the perfect bikini body, in which case a hanky tied together with two bits of string will look amazing on you. Or you don't, in which case everything you try on will make you feel like a sack of potatoes. So this summer I have given up the search for perfection (no swimsuit will make me look like a supermodel, no matter how much it costs!) and instead started the search for pretty happy patterned fun! With that in mind, here's my pick of the best swimwear available on the highstreet:

Peacock swimsuit, We Are Handsome, £180
Red and black high waist bikini, Topshop, £32
Red heart swimsuit, Clothing at Tesco, £14
Neon green bikini, Kurt Gieger, £40
Tropical lily swimsuit, Matalan, £15
Mara Hoffman lace up bikini, Net a porter, £210

Have you found the perfect swimsuit? Or do you (like me) just have something fitted and functional for hitting the pool in? I love to swim, so mine is supportive and functional, rather than pretty. But I would love to lounge around a tropical pool like a glamour puss one day....

Love Tor xx

PS- There is less than a week left to enter my amazing fashionpony competition: you could win a whole new outfit! What are you waiting for? Head over and enter now!

Fabfrocks chats to: Tats and Tempest

Hi guys,
Ever since I got my ipad, I have been slightly obsessed with it. And when my parents got me a leopard print Steve Madden case for it, it became my favourite fashion accessory: it gets all dressed up and goes everywhere with me! So I totally get why technology accessories are becoming such a fast-growing market. And where there is market growth, there are new brands popping up all the time!

One such brand is Tats and Tempest. Founded and designed by Marcus Tezcan, this is a brand that specialises in gorgeous leather technology accessories: think cases for ipads, laptops, and mobile phones. As soon as I checked out the website I fell slightly in love with a couple of the designs: on-trend enough to make you stand out, but subtle enough to match whatever else you're wearing. Here are some of my faves:

Because i'd fallen slightly in love with his brand, I decided to ask Marcus a couple of questions about his inspirations and where the brand began:

1.When and why did you start making technology accessories?
I started making technology accessories about two and a half years ago on my mums old Singer sewing machine. I'd never sewed anything before so was a bit of a mess to start with, but I got the hang of it pretty quickly and managed to make something that I could actually use. There wasn't a lot available from other designers at the time so I made a sleeve for my new laptop.

2. Why do you work with leather?
Because leather feels great, is luxurious, there are lots to choose from and good quality leather will last a life time which is how long i want my products to last!

3. What inspires you?
People, designers, blogs and Twitter; I love seeing what people are talking about on Twitter. And my mum.

4. Who is your favourite designer?
Currently JW Anderson for his design and structure of clothing. And because they're quite simple but effective. Also, Chris Bailey because he's from Yorkshire and the impact he has had on Burberry has been amazing.

5. Which celeb would you most like to see using your products and why?
I think Alexa Chung would be cool because she is beautiful (like Tats & Tempest products), I think she's going to be around for long time (like Tats & Tempest products) and quite fun (like Tats & Tempest products).

Are you addicted to your ipad? And how many cases do you have for it? I currently only have one for mine, but I'm giving serious consideration to getting a couple more, so that I can mix and match them which every item! As technology is definitely here to stay, it looks like figuring out how to make it more fashionable is going to be my next step!

Love Tor xx

The history of your M&S undies

Hi guys,
I'm always been a big fan of M&S undies (they're comfy, they wash well, they're available in a bigger cup size: what's not to like!) so you can imagine how delighted I was to read that they have raided their archive to create a new vintage underwear range.

To celebrate the Queens Jubilee year, the lingerie design team have taken inspiration from original 1950’s designs to transform them into more wearable pieces for a new collection launching at M&S. Consisting of four looks, the beautifully constructed collection uses silk, lace, luxurious satin and mesh combinations to emulate the glamour of the 1950s, including designs based on the original conical bra, corsetry and the big knicker shape. The collection was inspired by some research M&S had done on their rich underwear history...

Want to find out more about the history of M&S lingerie? The team have created a surprisingly interesting interactive graphic showing the history of lingerie from the 1920s through to the 1980s. I geek out about stuff like this, so I love reading snippets of information I haven't read before. Did you know, for example, that the first M&S bra launched in 1926 and was designed for use under flapper style dresses to flatten the chest?

If you don't want to geek out about bra facts, get excited about pretty pants instead. The collection is available in store and online in May. Form an orderly queue behind me, ladies!

Love Tor xx

Fabfrocks loves: Lady Gaga and Giorgio Armani

Hi guys,
My love of Lady Gaga is well documented. From copying her make up to lusting after her dresses, if she does it then I want it. I normally despise all forms of pop music, but with my hand on my heart I can say that going to see her on her last tour was one of the best musical nights of my life.

So how excited was I when I saw the sketches of the costumes for her latest Born this Way Ball tour (which hits the UK in September)? The answer is pretty damn excited: The custom Giorgio Armani wardrobe created for Lady Gaga is characterized by extreme forms and futuristic materials – latex, metal, studs, PVC – crafted with couture savoir faire. Each outfit is completed with detailed, other-worldly accessories.

The first design includes a black bodice made of tubular PVC elements connected with metal studs, with mirrored metal inserts to define a curvaceous design. The ensemble is highlighted by a matching headpiece, robotic thigh-high boots, and exaggerated gloves ending in mirrored nails.

Another look is created via a shiny black grid-patterned PVC bodice with matching headpiece and embroidered ankle boots. Highlights include shoulders outlined by a play of sharp spikes, black Swarovski jet crystals and flowing fringe, creating a moving architecture.On the third black bodice, transparent Plexiglas, black crystals and luminous studs create a Cubist composition of abstract guitars. The matching headpiece follows in the shape of a keyboard; the boots are black vinyl.

The final design is a long tunic with leg-o-mutton sleeves made of skin-toned latex. Luminous PVC elements create flashes of synthetic light inside the garment. The same avant garde lighting is featured on the triangle decorating the chest, on the headpiece, and on the platform of the matching latex ankle boots.

So what does the man himself think of his creations? “Collaborating with Lady Gaga is always an exciting experience for me. I admire the way she uses fashion as a scenic element and as a means to build a character," says Giorgio Armani. "She is an artist of many talents and great intelligence. Creating stage costumes for her is a stimulating and creative exercise." And what do I think? Well I have only two words: "Yes please!"

I can't wait til Gaga lands in London in all her glory!

Love Tor xx

Shoes: They call me mellow yellow!

Hi guys,
Although I'm still wearing a jacket (and most days, lets face it, a scarf) in my heart it's summer, so I decided to inject a little sunshine into my feet. Yes! Yellow shoes!
These particular beauties are from a lovely little brand called Jonak (c/o Sarenza) Since I started shopping for shoes on Sarenza I've had a real soft spot for Jonak shoes, because I like what the brand represents: The brand is underpinned by the philosophy that all women should have access to high quality, contemporary products at supremely affordable prices. And that's exactly what they do: these little wooden and leather beauties were only £50!

Created by Joseph Nakam in 1964 in Paris, Jonak gradually evolved from being a multi-brand shoe distributor to becoming a fully-fledged design label in its own right. Jonak now offers urban styles for dynamic women in major international cities and they launch at least 400 new styles a season. That meant that when it came to choosing a pair I was very spoilt for choice!

But it was always going to be the yellow clogs for me. My third pair of clogs in 12 months, and I still say they're the comfiest way to wear sandals. Everything about these sunshine shoes make me happy, and they seem to make other people smile too. I teamed these with contrasting toe nails to add to the summery feel, but threw on my skinny jeans, a blouse, and a nice cozy jacket because no matter how warm I want it to be, it's still damn cold!!

Still, the yummy mellow yellow shoes are like a little promise to myself that summer will be along soon....

Love Tor xx

Fabfrocks picks: The best rainy day rain coats

Hi guys,
It's raining, it's pouring, it's time to dig out your raincoat!

If, like me, attempting to dig out your mac made you realise that a) it doesn't fit you and b) it's not actually waterproof then it may be time to hit the shops and find a new one. Sadly, in a country as wet as ours, a raincoat is an essential piece of kit: more so even than an umbrella, which is 90% likely to blow inside out as soon as it's hit by a little wind. But if you're looking for a waterproof jacket (i'm not talking chic macs here!) it also isn't something you generally want to spend alot of money on: after all, you're only going to wear it when it's raining, meaning that no matter how great your outfit, your shoes will still be soggy, and your hair will still be frizzy!

With that in mind, here are my picks of the best affordable waterproof raincoats on the highstreet (only one is over £50!):

Victorian rose raincoat, Cath Kidston, £35
Yellow plastic rain mac, ASOS, £50
Clear plastic mac, Topshop, £35
Red rain jacket, H by Henry Holland @ Debenhams, £27
Metallic long jacket, Topshop, £45
Floral rainy day mac, Boden, £97

I always think rain coats should be fun: they remind me of being a kid and splashing around in puddles wearing wellies with frogs on them. Which is why I haven't chosen a single black rain coat: it's just not a garment that should be taken that seriously! My raincoat is a cag in a bag (or mac in a sac, whichever you prefer) from primark which is pink with a red cherry pattern all over it. And, as far as I'm concerned, that's exactly how a raincoat should be!

How are you protecting yourself from today's deluge of rain? Do you have a comedy raincoat, or are you more of an umbrella kind of gal?

Love Tor xx

Bicester Village goes vintage

Hi guys,
I fell slightly in love with the vintage styling of this new Bicester Village campaign. It makes me wish I had the kind of decadent life that involves long summer holidays spent lounging around the pool indulging in deliciously expensive cocktails, wearing hand-delivered couture, and looking moody! And lets face it, any ad campaign that has a dog in its finale is always a winner with me!

I am long overdue a trip to Bicester Village: I really want a new Vivienne Westwood scarf (preferably the same as my red one, but in black) and I always spend far too much money in the Cath Kidston and French Connection stores. In fact, it might be the perfect activity for this weekend, given the rainy weather!

For a little vintage inspiration for your next Bicester Village trip (and gratuitous cute puppy shots!) check it out:

Viral video by ebuzzing

Love Tor xx

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How to wear a classic white shirt

Hi guys,
You may remember that a couple of months ago I wrote a little post about how I would style a white shirt, for shirting company TM Lewin. I choose to dress my shirt up with a little sparkle: shirting in the daytime has never really fitted in with my lifestyle. Well back in February, as part of the same TM Lewin campaign, I was invited to a photoshoot where I got to style my classic white shirt again. Here are the results:

Now I'm not much of a white shirt wearer (for me they're a rare piece in my wardrobe, rather than an everyday occurence) but here are a few tips from my point of view on how to wear a classic white shirt:

1. Make sure you get the fit right. A good shirt should sit on your shoulders, have room for two fingers inside your collar (any more and its too big, any less and its too small) and not gape at the bust. It's hard to find the shirt that fits right - like finding the perfect pair of jeans. But when you find it you'll know!

2. Don't make the mistake of thinking white shirts are only good for office wear. I would never wear a shirt during the daytime: it's too formal. Instead, my favourite way of wearing a white shirt is to team it with a sequinned mini skirt or fuller A line skirt and killer heels for a super-sexy evening look.

3.Acessorize, accessorize, accessorize! See your white shirt as a blank canvas: a wardrobe basic that needs some personality injecting into it to make it your own. It's amazing the difference a nice pair of cufflinks, oversized chunky necklace, or even a little ribbon bow like mine, can make to the look and feel of what is fundementally a really simple outfit.

Are you a white shirt wearer? How do you style yours? I'd love to here your ideas and tips!

Love Tor xx

Fabfrocks at home: Loves Oliver Bonas

Hi guys,
I saw this chest in the 'wanted' pages of this week's Stylist magazine and immediately fell in love. It's everything you could want from a piece of vintage inspired furniture, and I've already mentally given it a spot in my living room. It's made in India from Mango wood and each handle, shelf and drawer is different. I didn't even know Oliver Bonas did furniture! But now I do, there is hardly a single piece I don't want. Not to mention all of the trinkety jewellery and pretty feminine dresses on their site I also covet on a regular basis... But this isn't about fashion, this is about the home!

Here are some of my 'must have' pieces from their furniture collection:

Herbert wood chest, £495
Raspberry velvet love tub chair, £545
Yellow ochre tub chair, £385
Decorative door knob, £6.50
Philippe Starck transparent chair, £149
Butterfly door hook, £16

The velvet chairs come in 3 different sizes and a matching Ottoman. They come in a dozen different colours, although the raspberry and the ochre are my personal favourites. I love that the ochre chair matches the drawer in the cabinet too: perfect for a hallway or little unused nook!

The biggest bargain on this page though is the door knob. I'm currently having a love affair with door knobs. I picked up six from a vintage shop in Horncastle (each had a different bird on it) and am planning on using them to replace the standard ones on my Ikea vanity table. Much like I always suggest changing the buttons on Primark coats to make them look more expensive, changing the handles on cheaper pieces of furniture is a sure fire way to make them look more expensive, and inject them with some personality.

Do you have any hints and tips for modifying your home on a budget? I'd love to hear them!

Love Tor x

PS - Don't forget to enter the latest fabfrocks competition! You could win a whole outfit from fashionpony.co.uk!

Label lust: Zakary le Stele

Hi guys,
My love of oversized chunky jewellery (as big and gold as possible, in fact!) continues unabated. I have stuck to my New Year's Resolution not to buy any more cheap jewellery: I haven't been inside the Topshop or H&M jewellery departments once! But that doesn't mean I'm not still as obsessed as ever with oversized bling: it's just my jewellery habit is becoming increasingly more expensive!

When I was sent over this lookbook from accessories designer Zakary le Stele I immediately fell in love. That could, of course, be because it features gorgeous French model Priscilla Miegemolle Dime and was shot on the streets of Paris (my favourite city in the world). But it's more likely to be because I immediately wanted to add the oversized cuffs to my jewellery box, then buy as many of the shoes, followed by the gorgeous digital print frocks as possible!



This is the designer's first complete womenswear collection, and it will be available this autumn/winter. Entitled 'L'ardeur' the print-heavy collection features pieces infused with sexual intensity and drama (according to the blurb!). Since I saw the first Matthew Williamson collection featuring them, I fell in love with digital prints so I have a soft spot for them, whatever the designer. And the soft structure of this collection really did capture my imagination!

I should really have prefaced this post with the disclaimer that you shouldn't fall in love with this collection too quickly, like I did. Unless you all have a secret you're not telling me, sadly the collection is far too expensive for we ordinary girls to afford. As in, high end couture prices. It's probably too late. But it's nice to dream!!

Love Tor x

PS - Don't forget to enter the amazing COMPETITION where you could win a whole outfit from Fashionpony.co.uk

COMPETITION: Win a whole outfit from Fashion Pony!

Hi guys,
I love two things: the new pastel jeans trend, and Fashion Pony. Fashion Pony is a gorgeous little website that stocks a mix of very cool independant designers (they're also a lovely fabfrocks advertiser) So when I wanted to run a new competition on the site for you guys, they were my first port of call. And they kindly agreed. And even better, the prize involves pastel coloured jeans. What's not to love?!

The Prize
You can choose ONE pair of coloured jeans from the site (they come in green, pale pink, lilac, and lemon yellow) and then any ONE top you fancy to go with them (the value of the top can be up to £40). Here are a selection of my favourites, but it would be almost impossible to choose just one:


To Enter
All you have to do is 1) Be a follower of this blog and 2) Leave a comment telling me which coloured jeans and top you would choose from Fashion Pony if you won the competition. It really is that simple!

The competition closes at 12 oclock noon on Saturday 5th May, when I will draw and announce the winner. The winner will be chosen completely at random, so everyone who enters has the same chance of winning. Good luck!

Love Tor xx

ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

Discover your holiday style!

Hi guys,
Easter weekend is nearly upon us (the perfect time for a long weekend away), the week after Easter Mike and I are heading to Disneyland Paris for three nights in the Disney Hotel New York and endless disney character fun, and last night we started brainstorming ideas for locations for our long summer holiday. I think it's fair to say that holiday season has officially begun!!

I love holidays and I really love the adventure of travel, but I am officially the worst suitcase packer ever! When I headed out to live in Beijing for a while my poor dad paid a small countries national debt in excess baggage for my luggage. And Mike bought me extra luggage allowance as a present before we even flew on our honeymoon. Travelling light is not in my vocabulary!

Now packing for the trip to Disneyland is easy: 4 Mickey Mouse T shirts and my comfiest pumps will probably do it! But packing for a long summer holiday is more problematic. Enter Style-Passport.com

Style Passport are celebrating their first birthday this month. And although i've only just discovered them (late to the table as usual!) I'm already slightly in love! The website offers you capsule wardrobe and beauty suggestions for different holiday options. SO for example I inputted that I was heading for a beach holiday and this is what it came up with:

You can then click to buy, shop, and explore more options. More useful than the shopping aspect though is just the knowing what to pack aspect! I'm going skiing in Scotland with my parents in the New Year, and i've never been skiing before. So I have no idea of the kind of things I'll need. Just two minutes on the ski pages though, and I had loads of ideas!

And if you haven't decided where to take your next holiday to, the site also includes recommendations, top tips, and destination ideas (as well as what to wear when you get there of course!) It's like the optimism of summer bottled up and created in website form!

I'm feeling inspired to trawl through my wardrobe and start packing some suitcases: starting, of course, which 4 matching his 'n' hers Mickey Mouse T shirts, and two pairs of comedy ears!

Love Tor xx

Spring cleaning for money saving!

Hi guys,
This weekend I spent a glamorous Sunday wearing my rubber gloves and spring cleaning our house. Everything was cleaned from top to bottom. But more importantly, I also de-cluttered every room to create space in our overstuffed cupboards and draws. And now that process is over (thank God!) I want to make a little money from the things that otherwise would be thrown away. Whenever I spring clean I clear out clothes, shoes, books by the hundreds, and take them to our local car boot sale. And now car boot sale season is starting up again (hurrah!!) there’s no better time to spend an afternoon sorting your cupboards out too!

Here are some top tips for clearing out your clutter and making some cash in the process:

-Check for duplicates! Mike and I have similar tastes in films and CDs. Which means when we moved in together (all those years ago!) we acquired duplicates of nearly everything: something I only realised when I was having our big spring clean this weekend! There are loads of sites you can sell your old multimedia to quickly and easily. Or why not box them and take them to your local car boot sale, or sell them on eBay?

-Don’t take any jewellery to a car boot sale or eBay though! You’ll get much more money selling it elsewhere: a cash for gold website is a good first port of call for any gold jewellery you have that you don’t want any more, and would rather have the cash for (think twice before selling any family heirlooms though!)

-Wash all your clothes first! OK so this isn’t a money saving tip, but if you’re going to take bundles of clothes to a car boot sale, please make sure they’re all clean. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been pawing through a pile of clothes only to be immediately put off by a stain and not be able to buy any of it!

-If you have kids, get them to have a clear out too! The stalls that always seem the most popular are those that are full of toys and baby clothes.

- Have a goal in mind! This isn’t essential, but it always helps me when I’m going to the effort to get rid of stuff to know that I’m doing it for a good reason. At the minute, that’s buying our first house. But it could be anything, no matter how frivolous: a night out, or even the Mulberry handbag fund!

Love Tor xx

PS - Want to find your closest car boot sale? Check out carbootjunction.com: they're a great carboot sale listings website!

Sneak peek: Diesel A/W12 Press day

Hi guys,
Yesterday I popped down to the Diesel A/W press day. Diesel isn't really a brand I wear: their jeans were 'all the rage' ten years ago, and my husband still has a pair knocking around at the back of the wardrobe, but nowadays nobody I know really wears Diesel (A contender for the overlooked store tour perhaps?) So I entered the press day with an open mind, hoping to be surprised. Here's what I found:




Simple, utilitarian clothes with plenty of black, grey, and neutral fabrics. The quality and workmanship is obviously of a high standard. But not necessarily to my taste.

There were two leather jackets I loved. But the rest of the outfits seemed a little bland and unsubstantial. I'm not a fan of shearling, the washes on the denim made me think of chubby builders, and there seemed to be an abundance of unironed (slightly grubby looking!) white shirts. Maybe it's a sign of my age, or maybe I'm just not 'cool' any more, but I prefer a look that's a bit more 'done' than this.

What do you think about Diesel? Is it a brand you wear or a shop you go into? If you love it, why? I'd really like to be convinced!

Love Tor xx

Give up Clothes for Good!

Hi guys,
Earlier in the month I was invited to a private dinner hosted by TKMaxx for a sneak peek of their latest charity campaign: Give up Clothes for Good! The campaign is being run in conjunction with Cancer Research UK, and will support and help fund research on kids cancers.

The basic premise of the campaign is pretty simple. You take a bag of clothes to your local TKMaxx store next time you pop in for a shop of bargain hunting. They give the bag to Cancer Research UK, who sell it in their charity shop. Each donated bag could raise up to £30 towards vital cancer research. Easy peasy!

Check out the video below to see what I (and all the other bloggers at the dinner) donated to the campaign, and our key picks from TKMaxx's new Spring/Summer collections:

It really is a great cause, so why not combine having a good old Spring clean of your wardrobe (something I recommend every year!) with filling a bag of clothes to take to your local TKMaxx for donation, and supporting their campaign?

Because, let's face it, it feels good to do something good! And any excuse to pop to TKMaxx to 'replace' all that stuff you just gave away, right?!

Love Tor xx

The matching/clashing accessory conundrum!

Hi guys,
It's a question I often ask myself: is it better to match your accessories or clash them?! Personally I'm a big fan of matching (I rarely leave the house if the colour of my shoes doesn't match the colour of my bag) but I also appreciate that a little clashing (especially in the summer) is probably much much cooler!

Matching

I love my new tan saddle bag (thank you very much, TKMaxx!) so I knew I had to get the perfect pair of summer shoes to match it. Enter these amazing peep toe T-bar sandals from Bertie (c/o Sarenza) They have a sturdy platform at the front which balances out the height of the heel, meaning you can wear them all day with no discomfort: tried and tested! I was delighted by how exact the colour-match was too. It's very rare when the colour on the screen is the same as what arrives on your doorstep!

Clashing

This is my third pair of Valensi pumps from Sarenza (I also have a gold pair and a black pair) and I plan on adding a couple of other, brighter and more summery shades, to my collection. They are the most comfortable pumps I have ever owned: they have a supportive back and sit slightly higher up the foot than normal pumps leaving you feeling snug and supported. It would be a little twee to then add a powder pink handbag though, so this is where I turn to the clash-side! So instead I went for a turquoise studded clutch. Just add jeans and a white tee and I'm ready to go!

Do you tend to match your accessories? Or do you mix and match colours? I'd love to hear your shoe and handbag co-ordination thoughts!

Love Tor xx

The Overlooked Store Tour: Miss Sixty

Hi guys,
When I was 15 I had a long Afghan coat in burgandy and gold which had a gold fur trim all the way around it. I loved that coat more than I've ever loved anything: It made me feel retro and glamorous. It was the most expensive, most luxurious thing I had ever owned. And it was from Miss Sixty. Which is why I have chosen them to be the next stop on the Overlooked Store Tour!

Miss Sixty isn't a brand I have thought about in years. Until I wandered past the Carnaby Street store earlier this week, I didn't even know they still had stand-alone stores (They do. All over the country: find your local one now!)




But a little research has given me a newfound love and respect for that favourite brand of my youth. Yes, you can still buy an overpriced cotton tee with a Miss Sixty logo on it. And all that denim of course! But you can also, and more interestingly, find a great selection of retro-inspired yet modern and wearable frocks and separates. And a range of handbags I'm already itching to get my paws on!

The brand seems to be having a love affair with lace at the moment, and there is a great flippy lace skirt that would flatter almost everyone. And as for the lace and denim dress in the first picture? At £140 I think it's a summer no-brainer: add this to your wardrobe, and always have something to wear!

The overall feel is laid back, not trying too hard, but still timelessly mega-cool! I want to be a Miss Sixty girl!

Do you/would you shop in Miss Sixty? And what store or brand reminds you of your long-lost youth?!

Love Tor x

Do you know your body shape?

Hi guys,
Sometimes when you find yourself in a fashion rut (and have more days when you hate everything in your wardrobe than when you can find something to wear) it's time to go back to basics: do you know your body shape? And are you dressing it in the best way?

Pepperberry sent me these great dress up dolls to illustrate the three most common 'curvy' body shapes, and how to dress them. Regardless of whether you gain or lose weight, your basic body shape always stays the same (just bigger or smaller!) Here's how to work out what basic curvy shape you are:

Straight
If your shoulders are equal to or wider than your hips, and you have little waist definition, then your body shape is straight. When you gain weight it usually lands straight on your tummy, but your slim hips and legs are your best features.
Is this your body shape? Then wear fitted dresses with an empire line to emphasise your narrowest part (just under your bust) and elongate your body.

Balanced
If your hips are in line with your shoulders and you have a well defined waist line then you have a balanced figure. When you gain weight it distributes evenly across your whole body and your curves are you best feature!
Is this your body shape? Then you're lucky, because you can wear most skirt shapes! But why not try a fitted pencil skirt to show off your curves?

Shaped
If your hips are wider than your shoulders and you have a narrow waist but full hips and thighs then you are shaped. When you gain weight it will show on your hips, bum, and tum, but your slim waist and upper body are your best features.
Is this your body shape? Then make like a fifties film star in a line and prom shaped frocks!!

What body shape are you? And is it something you think about/take into consideration when you hit the shops?

Love Tor xx

Daily wear: All the old favourites!

Hi guys,
There is comfort to be found in familiar clothes. I have several outfits I know I can just throw on and will look and feel great, regardless of how many times I've worn them before. These outfits usually aren't trendy or particularly fashion-forward. But they look good, feel incredibly comfortable, and most importantly, don't take too much thinking about in the morning!

Nothing I'm wearing today hasn't been featured on the blog (at least twice!) before:
The blouse is from Primark (the cost per wear on this must be down to about 20p by now!) The jacket and leather panel leggings are both from Topshop. The bag is from TKMaxx, and the shoes are from New Look. Jewellery-wise I am wearing all of the usual suspects: my tooth neclace (which I've now had for more than 8 years!) my Marc Jacobs watch, and two See by Chloe bangles.

My brogues have actually seen better days and definitely need replacing: I'm thinking about getting these Mellow Yellow ones from Sarenza instead. But even when they're old, dirty and smelly, it's hard to replace shoes as comfy as these!

Do you have a 'comfort' outfit you couldn't live without?

Love Tor xx

One Mango Tree: Fashion so sustainable, you know exactly who made it!

Hi guys,
It must be cotton bag season, because this is my second post about a gorgeous new range of cotton bags this week! This time they're bags from One Mango Tree who give African women economic empowerment, whilst creating gorgeous enviromentally friendly fair trade bags everyone is going to want to own at the same time.

All of the individual (female) artisans who made the bags receive recognition for their work. Each bag comes with a tag that tells you the name of the woman that made your bag. You're then able to visit the One Mango Tree website and see pictures of that woman and her family, and read her story.


My tag led me to Aber Grace, a mum of seven who is the sole supporter of her family. She lived in Bobi IDP camp for displaced persons for five years, but was able to leave in 2008 and move to Gulu after receiving tailor training from One Mango Tree. She started working full-time at the One Mango Tree workshop in July 2009. Although she has little time in between childcare and sewing beautiful accessories for One Mango Tree, Aber Grace likes to grow vegetables and dreams of owning her own land so that she can have a large garden.


TKMaxx have joined forces with One Mango Tree, and you can now buy your very own bag (and support a woman whose story you can't help but feel emotionally tied to) in 28 stores nationwide. The bags are £7.99. TKMaxx are also stocking a selection of purses (for £3.99) and aprons (for £5.99) also all made by the One Mango Tree women.

What better way to get involved in this season's red-hot tribal trend, and do something for the greater good at the same time!

Love Tor xx

News from the Topshop Outlet

Hi guys,
It's a sad, sad day. If fact, if I could be bothered, I would put a black border around the blog and declare a national day of discount-shopping mourning. For I am the bearer of bad news: The current Buy One Get One Free offer on all of the (already sale priced) items in the Topshop outlet store ends on the 31st March.

I don't know at this point what it will be replaced with: whether it will be a full price Topshop store, or disappear completely. Nor do I know what I'll do with my Saturday afternoon's when it's gone: I'll let you know the answers to all of these questions as soon as I do!

In the meantime, that leaves you with less than two weeks to head down there and check out the goodies: maybe even pick up some last-minute bargains!

In homage, why not check out some of my favourite Topshop outlet posts, including: The day I found leather brogues for £5 and Some seriously gorgeous new season knitwear

Love Tor x

*The Topshop Outlet is in the Broadwalk Centre in Edgware. If you are living nearby it's definitely worth checking out. However if you live further afield, it might not be worth a specific visit, as it is a very small store, and I can't guarentee the quality of stock.

Are you carrying around a £2,000 handbag?

Hi guys,

According to new research from Kenco Millicano, 1 in 10 women carry a handbag that weighs over 4kg – the equivalent of the average pet cat and heavier than most new born babies! And worse still, I'm pretty sure I'm one of them - and you probably are too! Nearly every woman I know totes around a big bag, and the popularity of the satchel has only made it even easier to distribute even more weight around your body.

As well as heavy, our handbags are also expensive. Almost half a million women in the UK are now carrying over £2,000 worth of contents in their handbags. Again - I'm guilty as charged! Without my handbag full of make up and gadgets, I wouldn't want to leave the house.

So I thought it was time to spill (literally!) the contents of our handbags and share, in a girly confessional, how much weight we carry around with us everyday. My handbag for today contains:

My filofax and Lanvin pen, Vivienne Westwood wallet, iphone, oyster card (in its Cath Kidston oyster card holder), sunglasses, leather gloves, lipstick, Chanel pressed powder, nail file, housekeys, a stack of business cards, and a packet of polos.

Go on, tell me! What's in yours?

Love Tor xx