Tote bag lust: Maude & Tilda

Hi guys,
I was sent the press release for these fun and very tongue-in-cheek tote bags a little while ago, and it got buried in my email. But I'm so glad I just rediscovered it to share with you guys!

These eco friendly bags are made by Parisian brand Maude & Tilda. They're made of 100% unbleached and undyed heavy natural cotton canvas, printed by hand and using only environmentally friendly dyes. And they are a must-have for any fashion concious gal on a budget: At $45 (USA) they aren't cotton tote bag cheap. But for their cool factor alone, they're worth every penny! I've just ordered the Chanel one, and cannot wait for it to arrive. With this folded into my handbag I have guarenteed style status and I won't ever need to use a carrier bag again: it's a win-win situation!

Love Tor x

The Overlooked store tour: Phase Eight

Hi guys,
Today's stop on the whirlwind trip of our overlooked store tour is Phase Eight. Now I am prepared to concede that this isn't exactly an overlooked store: my mum shops there frequently and even wore one of their dress/jacket suits to my wedding. But this is an 'overlooked' store for your average mid-twenty something. Or at least, and overlooked store my me, because I never pop in and check it out. And I'm making a grave mistake!

Phase Eight has a great selection of slick and stylish separates that would be perfect for work wear. And I've spotted at least half a dozen wearable, amazing quality dresses on their website that I would love to add to my wardrobe! I think their strength definitely lies in occasion wear, such as outfits for weddings and more formal parties. But I was wrong to assume that this was only the case for an older clientele.
Floral blouse, £59. Palazzo trousers, £59.
Lace cotton shift dress, £99.
Geisha fan dress, £110. Clutch bag, £60.

I don't like the strapless dresses you find in Coast for weddings and events: anything that requires a strapless bra just doesn't work for me. Shiny satin is not the friend of anyone over 20 and under 50 unless you're being ironic. And, in my opinion at least, a friends wedding really isn't the place for a frock so short that barely covers your modesty.

So bearing all that in mind, I have officially changed my mind about Phase Eight. It's perfect for stylish women of any age: and I include myself in that category!

Would you/do you shop in Phase Eight? And what have been your experiences? I'd love to hear all about it!

Love Tor xx

PS - Don't forget to enter my competition to win a piece of handmade jewellery.

Animal crackers from Matalan!

Hi guys,
This season's trends trickled down from the catwalk to the high street in record time. We've already seen Miu Miu's bird print replicated at New Look and Victoria Beckham's cat print was spotted at the Asda press day last week. But the range of animal prints available is only getting bigger and more diverse. As demonstrated by my newest purchases from Matalan!
Rabbit print top - £18. Dog print blouse - £7.50 (reduced from £15).

I picked up these two blouses from the Norwich store yesterday. They're just perfect for this time of year: add a blazer and skinny jeans and your ready to go! But as the weather warms up they'd look equally good teamed with leggings or city shorts and sandals: oversized handbag hanging off your arm!

As I type this I am wearing a leopard print blouse with a snake pint blazer. So I think it's fair to say that this season's trend for all things animal is one I will be following firmly this spring/summer! What about you? What new season trend are you most looking forward to wearing?

Love Tor xx

PS - Don't forget to enter my giveaway! You could win a gorgeous piece of handmade jewellery from Vintage Willow!