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

Shapewear from Gok Wan and Simply Yours

Hi guys,

I've been singing the praises of Gok Wan's shapewear for years (I first reviewed it back in 2009). So I was delighted when I was invited to check out Gok's latest shapewear collection, and him in person.

This is Gok's 8th collection for Simply Yours, which consists of six pieces: the multi-way Banger Booster bra, the Pull Me in Pants, the Curve Controller body, the Slicker Knicker, the Sassy Slip and the Divine Outline multi-way slip. All six styles are available in 3 gorgeous colours: Crush, Sweet Slate and Blush.

I asked the man himself what his inspiration for the collection was. Gok said he'd gone back to basics with this range (which definitely oozed old-school Hollywood glamour). He also said he'd tailored it to real women's needs: and with the seamless panels, boning, and amazing structure that was easy to see.

When asked why he decided to design his shape wear collection, Gok said: "I just think it's really important that every woman deserves to look and feel truly fabulous, regardless of her budget, size and shape."

I think Gok probably has the best job in the world, so curiosity led me to ask him what he loved most about it. He said:"It probably sounds a bit cheesy but it's about helping others and inspiring them. I think the main obvious point is making women feel wonderful and fabulous about themselves. Seeing them transform from a very shy, insecure person to being vibrant, and confident and happy just because they have a brand new look! "

And for all you mummies out there (inspired by my sisters, who are both new mums) I also asked Gok for his thoughts on shapewear for mums. He said: "Over the last nine months your body has changed, because you've made a beautiful baby. You need to embrace your new body because there's a reason why it has changed. But if you want to create a silhouette that you are used to then maybe try shape wear instead of beating yourself up about your changed body and the way you look." Frankly that's not just advice for mums, that's advice for everyone!

I really loved the collection. And I think now is the perfect time to launch it: spring/summer is fast approaching, and if you're going to reveal a hint of bra under a strapping summer dress, you want it to be as pretty as these! Why should shape wear just come in black, white, or that horrible flesh colour anyway?

Just 10 minutes with Gok left me smitten. I can't decide what I love more: Gok or his shapewear. But he can rifle through my knicker drawer anytime!

Love Tor xx

These aren't just any Valentines gifts....These are M&S Valentine's gifts!

Hi guys,
I always say that I'm not a big fan of Valentine's day. Who needs a special day to show someone you care about them, right? Having said that, if I didn't get a card I'd be gutted. Hypocrite, much!?

It's a fact that Valentine's day presents are usually pretty tacky (and as a general rule not great quality). Not true at M&S though, who's Valentine's offering I went to check out yesterday:




The heart bra set is traditional valentine's fare, but still devillishy pretty (and the fabric is a luxe-feeling satin). The stand out underwear set for me though was the gorgeous floral cotton longline bra and matching high rise briefs: this set has universal appeal that will last long after valentines day. And call me boring and practical, but because it's from M&S, at least you know if will wash well over and over again. And it's all available now.

Aside from the standard cakes and chocolates (always yummy!) the other gifts I loved were the household ones. Practical and pretty, who doesn't want a heart shaped cake mould or terrine? This Valentine's day I think I'll fill the house with pink and red kitsch and just finally embrace it. It's all too pretty not to!

Love Tor xx

M&S Lingerie: To keep you warm on long winter nights?

Hi guys,
Last week I was invited to breakfast at the Goring Hotel (where a certain Miss Middleton stayed the night before her wedding, if you care about these things!) to check out the Autumn/Winter collection from M&S lingerie: I'm having quite the love affair with M&S of late, aren't I?!

The collections were stunning: although lingerie often is when it's worn by beautiful models! It was mix of fun and colourful, with a nordic twist, and very vintage inspired:

I loved the very simple teal satin set, which is shown in the standard range style, but also comes in the M&S DD+ range. And the gown it was teamed with is gorgeous. I love the bold floral pattern and the rich aubergine colour. The DD+ range at M&S goes up to a G cup: not as large as the range at Debenhams or Bravissimo, but definitely big enough to fit the vast majority.

Cozy boots with lingerie isn't the sexiest look (and I can't see many people going for it!) but I love these cozy bootie slippers! They'd make great Christmas stocking fillers, and would be perfect teamed with snuggly loungewear for lazy weekends at home (or maybe it'd just me that doesn't like to get dressed on Sundays!)

I couldn't believe that the layered leopard print and pink tops were thermals! I am often spotted wearing plain black or white thermal tops under frocks in the winter, but would love to experiment with vibrant pattterned ones, so I'll definitely be picking this leopard print one up!

And can you believe the underwear in the final picture is shapewear? As a shapewear devotee, I can promise you I have nothing as pretty as that in my collection! The sheer panels make it look really surprisingly sexy and the super high waistline means you can be sure everything is held in place. Definitely one for the Christmas parties!

What do you think of the range? Has anything taken your fancy?
Love Tor xx

Boux Avenue: Great lingerie, Amazing party!

Hi guys,
Earlier this week I had the opportunity to go to the launch of Theo Paphitis' (yes, he of The Dragon's Den fame) new lingerie brand: Boux Avenue. The Boux Avenue website launched today, and the company are also launching several stand alone stores across the country: the one in Glasgow opened today, and the company are opening several more stores in the coming weeks.

Aside from the fact that the lingerie was gorgeous (and fits all the way from an A-G cup, so it a range that almost everyone can wear!) I also have to say, this was honestly one of the best events I have ever been to!




The event started with champagne and a cream tea whilst looking at the lingerie from the garden party collection: lots of girly feminine blush pinks. Whilst we were nibbling (read: scoffing) cakes, a silhouette artist cut out our silhouettes! Then we moved on to the next room (Boux Avenue had hired the whole of Sketch, which is a beautiful venue with some of my favourite toilets in London) where there was more beautiful lingerie clad models, fortune tellers and magicians, and yummy cocktails. There was also the bloggers favourite: a photobooth!

The main event was spectacular: ballet dancers, tap dancers, jazz dancers and a trapeze artist had us standing in awe at the talents, as well as there ability to perform wearing such skimpy outfits (all of which, Theo told us, are available to buy at Boux Avenue) We had such a wonderful evening, and I left feeling so inspired I heading straight onto their website at 12.30 this afternoon (which is when it launched)

As an aside: look! It's me with Nick Knowles! I look super excited because he's something of a childhood crush of mine!

Thanks to both Jenny of The Style PA, and Reena at Fashion Daydreams, both for being awesomely good fun to hang out with, and for the pictures above: my camera ran out of battery, just as the fun was starting!

Love, Tor xxx

Buttery pants!

Like Kate from Make do style I received a pair of pure silk knickers in the post this afternoon. They were made by British lingerie designer Ayten Gasson for Andrex. Pants made by Andrex doesn't sound sexy does it? But these do look pretty good (although the size large is a 12-14 and a little snug on me!) I also really liked the silk pouch they came in!!

The usp of these unusual knickers is that they are enriched with Shea butter. (to flog Andrex shea butter loo roll, of course!) The idea of wearing pants full of lotion made me feel itchy and uncomfortable at the thought, but the shea butter panel just makes them feel softer and even more silky.

And it's all for a good cause, as they say! Andrex is donating £5 from the sale of every pair of knickers to the "look good...feel better" charity that helps women undergoing cancer treatment combat the physical side effects.

If you would like your very own pair then visit the andrex website and feel that wonderful sense of well being that comes with doing something for charity. I wouldn't recommend wearing buttery knickers everyday though!

Love, Tor