Jenny Packham is the latest Designer at Debenhams

Hi guys,

I love Designers at Debenhams. The Henry Holland and Preen collabs are my first stops when I need something new. So I was uber-excited to hear that Jenny Packham was joining the Designers at Debenhams crew in April with her new collection, which is called 'No.1 Jenny Packham'.

I popped down today for a sneak preview of the range:

Once this collection launches, Debenhams really will be the go-to high street store for occasionwear! I picked up the bridesmaids dresses for my wedding from Debenhams, and as soon as I saw this collection I knew that brides-to-be, as well as stressed-out guests would fall in love with it.

I was actually really impressed. Having seen Jenny Packham's bridalwear in the flesh (then sighed a hearty sigh because of its pricetag) I was dubious about reworking those luxurious designs into something that would look good at a highstreet price point. I expected something to be lost in translation. But it really does work! The dresses are classic and beautiful with gorgeous detailing and embellishment. I spotted at least three that I want to add to my wardrobe right now!

So the million dollar question is what will it cost? Well, I was surprised by how reasonable the prices were. The prices of the dresses range from £85 6o £160. Which is a lot for an everyday dress for the office, but a bargain for a special occasion frock. The bags, jewellery and shoes range from £18 to £100.

What do you think of the collection? And designer collaborations in general? I know there are a lot of them out there! Would love to know what you think.

Love Tor xx

Shoe lust: Olivia Rubin for Dune

Hi guys,
Yesterday I went for a sneak peak at the Olivia Rubin for Dune collection. I can't resist a good shoe, so I was excited to see what the collection looked like. I was also excited by the gin cocktails and the dune branded cupcakes: officially yum! The capsule collection is made up of three bags (2 of them clutches) and twelve shoes with varying heel heights: predictably, it was the super high heels that I loved the most!

This pair was Olivia's favourite: she was wearing them with chinos at the event, and they looked fantastic: definitely the most eye catching pair out of all of the designs, with a simple shape but a really amazing print. The boldest of the three prints used in the collab. I love monchrome and I love oversized bows, so the next pair were ones that caught my eye:


Ahh, flats. The do what they say on the tin: nice enough, but it's hard to get excited about a classically cut pump. If you prefer to nod to the nude trend, and all things girly and pretty, then this next print could be for you. It's the same print as the first vibrant one, but in more muted colours:

I don't normally go for shoes with fabric heels 1. because i'm a leather obsessive and 2. because I usually manage to scuff them within about 10 minutes, but I think i'd be prepared to make the exception for some of these!

The collection landed in selected stores and online today, and is also available in Selfridges, and will no doubt sell out quick, so if you fancy any of this lovely foot porn, you should probably check it out sooner rather than later!

Love, Tor xx

Whats in the window: Diesel

Hi guys,
We all know I love nothing more than a good window display (Maybe in a former life I was a window dresser!) so when I was sent these pictures of Diesel's Christmas window displays, how could I not share?



My immediate reaction was that it was a very pagan and dark take on Christmas: not a Santa Claus or bauble in sight! I loved the climbing trees though, which reminded me of a scene from one of the darker fairy tales: think Little Red Riding Hood. According to the press release, it is "a seething mass of eldritch foliage which imagines a pagan journey to the temple of Diesel Black Gold" These pics are from the New Bond Street store.

I know everyone is talking about the Lanvin collaboration today, not window displays, but sadly I don't have a success story to share. Whilst everyone and his dog was joining the endless queue on Regents street this morning I had to be sat in the office, just a torturous 50 yards away. Do people take time of work to get their hands on these designer collaborations, I wonder, or are they only bought by freelancers, bloggers, and students who don't have somewhere to be at 9am on a Tuesday? If I had been able to get anything I would have liked the Tshirt dress with the ruffled collar, the yellow dress, and some of the jewellry. I'll be popping down later to see what's left over, but I won't be holding my breath!

Love, Tor xx

Fashion thoughts of the day....

Photo shows: Madonna's daughter Lourdes, genuine dutch clog (say with accent), tricksy jumpsuit, banned diesel ad, and Lady Gaga dressed as a man

- No doubt you've read about it, but have you actually checked out Lourdes (as in Madonna's daughter) blog? It's not actually her blog I don't think, but the blog for the tween clothing collection the pair have launched - of the three posts so far my guess would be that she's written half of one. Effectively its a corporate blog designed to sell the collection, but I can't help but wonder if its the wrong decision to put Lourdes "out there" so much when she is only 13: blogging ultimately brings you closer to people (fans and critics) and I don't know if it's fair to ask someone so young to deal with that. Interested to know what you guys think about it!?

- I'm beginning to wonder if fashion is less about taste and more about habit. I remember wearing clogs shoes the first time round back in the nineties (my mum worried they'd warp my feet and my dad used to always ask if I was from Holland) and this left me very anti their revival. I was not cool in the nineties! At one point I even insisted it was a trend that I wasn't buying in to. (and there are very few of those) Until I saw clog sandals on every blogger and in every magazine and on passing feet on my way to work - at first I got used to them, then that acceptance turned to like, and the like to desire. So yesterday I bought a pair!

- Why are jumpsuits so impossible to remove when you really need to go to the loo?! I'm addicted to my jumpsuits on hot sunny days but find myself hopping around with my elbows bent like a contortionist trying to get them off whenever I need a wee. Is there some trick that i'm missing??

-Whenever you're told somethings been banned for being offensive, do you immediately want to know what it looks like? Diesel have had two posters banned: one showing a woman flashing a CCTV camera, and another showing a woman photographing her crotch. The text on both says "smart may have the brains but stupid has the balls. Be stupid. Diesel." All I can think about is how I wish I could see these banned ads: which is why it's in the picture above. I always think banned ads are great PR for companies - it's the only way you can get so many national papers talking about your brand and product.

- I love Lady Gaga and I love her even more now i've seen the pictures of her dressed up as a man! The pics are for Japan Vogue Homme, and I love her for having the balls (excuse the pun) to tackle the rumours that she is a man/hermaphrodite etc head on, and on her own terms. I also think she makes a seriously handsome man!

This are all little bits i've noticed or been thinking about today, but none of them are big enough to warrant a post of their own. I'm addicted to Glee and want to end this with a tribute to Sue Sylvester (That's how Tor sees it!) but i'm just not cool enough to pull it off! Maybe i'll mumble something cool in "youth speak" like Lourdes did instead.....

Love, Tor xx

Fabfrocks loves...Agyness Deyn at Uniqlo

Hey guys,

Uniqlo have announced an upcoming collaboration with British-born supermodel and fashion icon Agyness Deyn (Or Aggy to the British press!) and her sister; Emily Deyn, owner of the Hussaindeyn brand. Obviously this could go two ways (given its Uniqlo): jeans or t shirts. I'm sure you can't take the suspense anymore, so the answer is, it's Tshirts. I actually really love them: the shapes, colours, and especially the images are great!

The collection takes inspiration from the punk era, using retro Polaroid photos. My two favourites are the "life in the fast lane" and the" more to life than cake" ones, although I prefer the Tshirt shape that comes with the sleeves than the vest shapes. I will refer to the "cheese" one as the fashion bloggers Tshirt: perfect for the narcassist in all of us!

I have written before about how bored I am with designer collaborations, but this is one I think I could really get behind: especially given the Tshirts are only £12.99 each. I suspect my casual summer stylings just got a little easier, these would look fab teamed with leggings or shorts. The Tshirts land in stores on the 1st May and given that I love the fit and feel of uniqlo tshirts (so soft, yet they hold their shape) I suspect there will be an orderly queue outside of the stores to get their hands on these: I also bet that i'll be at the front!

Love, Tor xx

H! by Henry Holland launch party

Tonight was the launch party of the H! by Henry Holland collection for Debenhams, so naturally I toddled down to check it out. My first thought on viewing the collection was that it wasn't quite what I was expecting; not as bold and brash as Henry's usual style. All the trademarks were there - polka dots, floral, tartan - but in a more understated, some might say more wearable, way.

The range is made up of 80 womenswear separates and a 150 piece collection of accessories and swimwear. Pieces that I especially enjoyed were the yellow floral dress, the neon colour block shoes, and the retro looking, casio-inspired, 2 tone watch. The tartan suit certainly had high impact in a light, almost pajama cotton, fabric, and was most representative of what I was expecting from the collection. Worn as separates, I thought both pieces had great potential. Lots of the pieces seemed inspired by other 80s brands - the ray ban style sunglasses for example.
Someone at the party told me that two of Henry's influences for the collection were "Clueless" and "My so called life". Viewed in this light the heavily 80s inspired collection made loads more sense!

As well as a chance to view the clothes, the evening was also a party. Fellow bloggers Style PA, Miggy and Disney Roller girl were all there and I also spotted Hilary Alexander in the crowd. Of course, Henry himself was the star attraction and I was disappointed not to have a chance to take his photo for you. The canopes were plentiful, as was the wine, and the goody bag contained the H! magazine baguette clutch; hoping to use that over the party season!

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All in all a good night was had! Unfortunately though if you're looking at any of these pieces and wishing they were yours, you'll have to wait: The collection doesn't launch until February next year. But don't worry - i'll remind you nearer the time and we can hit the shops!

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Love, Tor xx

Swim in it for charity!

Sometimes more interesting than what people do is how they go about doing them. For me, the thought process of a designer is just as inspiring as the final designs he or she produces. You can appreciate the design more when you see where it started and where influences were taken from. I hope this explains my fascination with the boards I am going to show you for today's post.


Cult British fashion label PPQ have designed a range of one off exclusive swimming caps in collaboration with the Schweppes Abbey-Well 'Get Britian Schwimming' campaign. The campaign aims to get more people swimming. Now I like to swim (its the only exercise I get if i'm honest!) but I would see these hats at the wedding before I would see them ruined in a swimming pool!






As you can see, PPQ used British heritage as the design influence for their pieces. The four caps channel four distinct British fashion traditions- Punk, 50's Britain , Rockabilly and Royal.

But because i'm a tease i'm not going to show you the final designs, but you can view then on eBay where they are now available to buy - it is, after all, for charity! Now i'm going to watch Xfactor and eat a roast dinner - enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Love, Tor xx

Jimmy Choo for H&M: What do you think?

Hi guys,
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Just over 3 weeks to go until the collection launches (14th November. Put it in your diary. Now) and the first pictures of the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection have been released.
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I have been excited to see these, because up until now Jimmy Choo have never released a clothing line, and I was interested to see how their famous shoes would translate. Especially given that on the Grazia website Jimmy Choo MD and all round gorgeous fashionista Tamara Mellon chose four of the dresses as her top picks from the collection. Dresses over shoes? This I had to see:

Turns out Tamara was right: I do prefer the dresses to the shoes, although the bracelets and belts are also on the must-have list. There is one belt which is designed to wrap around the waist 3 times: yum!! The clutch bags leave me feeling pretty underwhelmed. The buttery soft looking fringed leather dress is definitely on my must have list though. And not pictured here, but definitely just waiting for me to pick up are the zebra print ballet pumps. And at just £49.99 they're a snip: watch this space and they'll be on my feet!!
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Overall I'm expecting this to be a fairly sound collection and (quality depending!) I will definitely pick up a piece or two. I am very much over the celebrity collaborations, but the H&M designer collabs keep going from strength to strength. What do you think? Will you be buying anything?
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Love, Tor xx

The pixelated rose: coming to a wardrobe near you?

Those that you who read this blog regularly know that although my finances, and therefore fashion spending, has perked up over the past couple of months, I can't really afford to buy designer clothes. However, if I could have had anything this year, it would have been one of these Matthew Williamson dresses. I love the colour (on a black base, naturellement!) and the modern computer geekiness of it, juxtaposed with the vintage handicraft/homely nature of the original print. I loved this dress so much that I rejected the very good replica Mango did of it, because it just would have felt so inferior every time I wore it.

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Imagine my joy then when I read that H&M has unveiled Matthew Williamson as the company's next guest designer, with women's wear and men's wear collections due for launch next year.

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The Williamson revolution will begin with an exclusive women's fashion range in selected stores from 23 April next year. (bold for emphasis!) Further women's pieces, plus his first men's wear collection, will follow for the summer. These will be available from mid-May in all H&M stores around the world.

"Matthew has such a good eye and a way for working with prints that he mixes up in a new way," said Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor at H&M. "When he combines these things, you get a very contemporary London look."

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Mixing up prints in new ways? Please Lord let that be a hint that the pixelated rose print is coming to H&M alongside its inventor. I don't think i've ever crossed my fingers and my toes this hard in unison in my life!

Love, Tor x

Comme de Garcon - Polka What??

(OK, just advance warning that yesterday was quite a shopping day, so what is flying towards you now is part 1 of a 3 part mega posting session!)

Hey y'all,

Well, on the Comme de Garcon front I write to you a disapointed lady; everyone was right when they posted yesterday that all the stuff I wanted had gone. And (not that i'm sad or bitter!) but what was left really wasn't worth leaving the house for. This is the sight that greeted me when i arrived:

No crowds, no high fashion; nada! And although I was reserving judgement on the discussion that has been raging in the blogosphere of late, i'm prepared to say now that to my mind you really didn't get a lot for your money! However, for anyone desperate to get their hands on anything, the topshop Oxford circus store is having another big delivery today apparently. For now, this is as close as I got to the good stuff:

The window display! In the store there were only 3 things left in my size. In fact, there was only about 6 different items left altogether. But here they are:

1) Painful dress

How it should've looked:

How it looked on me:
Ouch ouch ouch!!! My poor boobs shouldn't look this flat and squished - damn you curves!! Actually this dress looked nicer on than on the hanger (if you ignore the flattening effect) and I really liked the cut out waist detail. I can see this looking really lovely on someone who isn't me!

2+3) Polka dot madness!

At £29.99 I scoffed at the cotton polka dot shirt - H&M quality for double the price? Why, I asked myself! I did however like the £14.99 pajama pants: i've never been able to resist decent pajamas! But what worried me most is that teaming them with the shirt looked way too much like a house suit set. What does that say about the shirts I wonder!?
Oh yeah, and even though it was a little baggy everywhere else, the central button gaped. Story of my life! (although nothing that couldnt be fixed with a needle and thread and a strategically placed popper!)

So there you have it! Painful dress and pajamas - not exactly what I was getting excited about really was it? Oh well, at least I had a worthwhile evening in the end, but more about that later.

I'm teasing you like the end of a dramatic episode of your favourite soap opera (please tell me you watch soap operas or i'm just not sure we can still be friends!)

To be continued.....

Tor x

Comme de Garcons for H&M - Before

Today my day is split into 2 distinct sections: before and after I view the Comme de Garcons for H&M collection. Unfortunately, unlike half the bloggersphere, I had to get up and come to work this morning rather than get up and wait in line for a chance to try on/buy some of the range. So while everyone else is battling it out on Oxford street, I’m sat here with fingers itching, waiting for 5.30 to come, and praying that there will be something left by then (and that the queues wont be as bad as they were in Tokyo!)
I’ve been admiring the collection from afar for months; I need the shirt with ruffled sleeves and the circus master-type jacket in particular. (see below!) But often these things are so much more disappointing in the flesh, so I’m trying not to get too excited (she says as she scours the web for more pictures-again!)

However, provided everything looks and feels as good tonight as I hope it will from my computer screen, these are the things I will be looking out for:

And here it is up close:

I need this jacket! I need it more than I think I can express in words right now! I think I also need this models platinum hair....

Oooh! Ruffly sleeves! Like jewellery attached to your clothes - I want to wear this under a little black dress for work and team it with (it's an urge I cant control) boots and legwarmers!

Comfy and practical - not cool but things I love anyway!! I can see me slouching to work in these on hangover days and still feeling lovely!

For more pictures and the prices of everything check out the H&M website (it goes without saying really, but just in cases!)

Obviously, in true fabfrocks fashion, my take on the whole thing will appear hours after everyone elses, and I know in the back of my head that all the 'good stuff' will be gone but still, I can't help being excited!

Roll on tonight!

Love Tor x

Self-flagellation, H&M and a dress for Mary.

Hello friends,

When I started this blog I thought I'd be aces. I'd be breakin' news, crackin' jokes and all whilst being the epitome of fashiony chic.

Frankly, I forgot that my manner and dress is little above that of an early 20th century hobo and my ranking in the Unspoken Order of Fashion Events and Things reflects this. Honestly, I don't think Karl Lagerfeld would even bother to shit in my mouth, let alone invite me to the factory. This is the cross I bear: jeans and a t-shirt and second-hand news.

Here it is:

H&M are collaborating with Finnish textile company Marimekko to produce a range of over 50 products consisting of smocks, dresses, shorts and accessories that'll be out April 2008.

You knew that? Nuts.

I bet you've seen this picture too, right? Vogue.co.uk? Catwalk Queen? I know, I know. Worst blog ever. I want credit however for searching the web to find an image this big. H&M's Press page is like bloody Fort Knox. I steal for you, sweet readership out of the tenderest love. However, I also have some neato Marimekko facts and images for ya in the hope of squeezing just the tiniest bit of originality out of this thing.

FUN FACT!
Marimekko is all about feminism, sisters, and those who are doin' it for themselves! In the male-dominated business world of the 1950s/60s, Marimekko was largely run by women: Armi Ratia a textile designer and company fouder and Maija Isola, the women she hired to create some of Marimekko's most iconic prints. There's a very interesting potted history of the Marimeko company's feminist ideals here in The Guardian. Odd, because The Guardian is usually about as fashion-forward as a scotch egg. Hm.

FUN FACT!
The name Marimekko literally means "a dress for Mary" that is to say -the everywoman.

The blessed mother models a 1963 Marimekko design which can be bought here from blueforestdesigns on ebay for £87 plus postage. It's a much nicer change from Mary Kate Olsen, no?

FUN FACT!
HandM wishes it was the only one getting hot Marimekko action! Manolo Blahnik is using two iconic Marimekko designs for his Spring/Summer 2008 collection.

They're available in January 2008 if you're monied and interested. Apparently they're a fusion of "Turkish architectural lines and Finnish protest" [Source]

FUN FACT!
The signature Marimekko shape is: clean unisex lines and free-flowing style, [that] convey a utopian feel of sexual equality.

That's a shame. I'm very fond of my breasts. Still, who needs udders when you look this pretty?

Lovely. Undeniably lovely. But I think I'll just get a hat and wait until Christopher Kane designs his utopian feel of sexual blah-de-blah. My boobs will thank me, I think.

Your pal,
Becky.