Thursday 27 February 2014

Sponsored Video: Bring on the colour with Very.co.uk

Hi guys,
Continuing with this week's theme of 'Thank God spring is finally here' it's time to start thinking about ditching the black in your wardrobe and introducing some colour instead. I'm as big a black addict as the next girl, but when the sun starts shining, even I start getting excited to wear bright bold colours. Very.co.uk's new campaign is all about shaking off the winter blues and bringing on the brights instead: and that means no more little black dresses when you could draw attention to yourself in colour.

I do love a colour pop! Bright colours can't really be called a trend as far as I'm concerned, because they never go out of fashion. But this season brights are meant to be clashed not matched: think a vibrant red dress with an emerald green bag, and why not throw in an orange lipstick for good measure too? There's an emerald green shirt dress in this ad that I'm slightly in love with. Teamed with my standard slick of red lipstick, it's definitely on my 'brighten up for summer' list:

If you like any of the pieces you've spotted in the video then you can shop the latest Very.co.uk TV ad here.

Will you be embracing the brights trend this spring? Or are pastels more your thing? I'll definitely be buying a few bright pieces to inject life into my summer wardrobe!

Love Tor x

*This is a sponsored video from very.co.uk, but all thoughts are my own

Wednesday 26 February 2014

Shoes: Come on summer...I want to wear my espadrilles!!

Hi guys,
The weather this week has been so gorgeous that I've dared to leave the house without my coat not once but, wait for it, twice! Admittedly I had a thick jacket on instead but the point is, spring is nearly here! My parents have already started growing all of their summer veggies and herbs so to me, spring has sprung. That means that my interest in boots and winter heels has completely waned and now all I can think about is summer sandals and buttery soft leather pumps.

We go away on our first holiday of the year in 8 weeks time, to Greece, so I've already started thinking about beach shoes too. I've ordered two new pairs of shoes for packing in my suitcase, and the first pair arrived last week:
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I got these gorgeous espadrilles from Sarenza for a bargain price of less than £20 in the sale. (You can pick them up now for £31) Because they're a cross between an espadrille and a pump, they're perfect for wearing on the beach but will also look fab with light wash jeans for running around the city when the sun is shining. I also really love the floral print of the pumps which looks like Liberty print fabric (it isn't, but it looks like it could be!) and the coral of the trim will tone in perfectly with so much of my summer wardrobe. They're great summer shoes, and I can't wait to wear them.....I'm almost as excited about having these on my feet as I am about feeling that sand between my toes!

Have you got your holidays booked for this year yet? And if you have, have you started shopping for them?

Love Tor x

Friday 21 February 2014

Update your interiors for Spring with Magpie

Hi guys,
I'm having a real interior design binge at the moment: Apartment Therapy is like crack to me! We bought our new house last May (so very nearly a year ago) and have done loads of renovating/decorating upstairs. But the big job that is the downstairs of our house has remained pretty much untouched: until now! Whilst spending one of many hours online window shopping for the details we'll put in when the real work is finally done, I stumbled across Magpie. Magpie is a British based ceramics company: they also create coordinating soft furnishings. There pieces tap into my personal taste so perfectly I wondered for a moment if there was some special mind voodoo going on!
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I can imagine these pieces sitting on the 1950s Mid-Century dining table we bought last year (that still needs sanding and varnishing, but of course in my daydream it looks perfect!) To say the pieces are such great quality and such lovely designs, I was surprised by how reasonable the price-points are. 'Chirpy', the bird collection, is my favourite one: I love the rich colours and the mid century feel will match the theme of my open plan living room/dining room perfectly. The price point for this range is £8.50 for a mug, £20 for a set of four side plates, and £22.50 for a 4 serving espresso set. See what I mean? Really reasonable prices!

Looking what I'm going to put on it when it's finished has given me the inspiration I need to get out into the garden and finally get that dining table sanded down! Do you get newly motivated to update your house at this time of year? I suppose they call it 'Spring Cleaning' for a reason!

Love Tor x

Monday 17 February 2014

Marks and Spencer at London Fashion Week

Hi guys,
Following in the footsteps of Topshop, Marks and Spencer are the latest British high street store to show at London Fashion Week: there very first LFW catwalk show was today. Don't worry though, there were no sensible vests and well fitting granny bras making their way down the catwalk (two of my favourite things to buy from M&S!). Instead the brand gave their new Best of British collection a show of its own: and I thought it looked amazing!
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There are plenty of things to love about the Best of British collection but one of the best is its commitment to home grown talent and to the British textile industry. The knitwear for the range comes from Scotland, the outerwear from Manchester and the footwear from Northamptonshire: all areas of traditional industry in these sectors, and areas where the textile trade has traditionally struggled in recent years. I've toured some of the footwear manufacturers of Northamptonshire and know that the loss of industry there hit the workforce (and their families) hard, leading to pockets where whole villages or streets were suffering from unemployment. That a stalwart British brand like Marks and Spencer are doing their bit to bring manufacturing home can only be a good thing!

The next thing to love about the collection are the clothes themselves. I love the retro 1960s feel of the range: one of my favourite eras for style. The maculine tailoring, the bold commitment to colour, the effortless style. I also love the return of the brogue (did it ever really go anywhere) as a sensible and comfortable alternative to the dreaded heel. These white ones have a clinical minimalist feel to them that gels with the collection perfectly. Oh, and that ice blue cocoon-style duffel coat? That is destined to be my winter coat for next year, even if I have to queue outside for hours to get my hands on it!

The Spring/Summer Best of British collection from Marks and Spencer lands instore and online tomorrow (18 February) and you can shop the range here. 

Love Tor x

Picture credit: Marks and Spencer

Sunday 16 February 2014

All the Celebs at Topshop Unique

Hi guys,
London Fashion Week in in full swing.  Meanwhile, I am safely ensconced in my living room watching occasional shows live streaming but mostly helping with the renovations on our house (my dad and hubby stripped our staircase this weekend - I can't wait to get it painted!)

I feel like LFW has moved on a lot, from a bloggers point of view, since I first started attending shows six years ago. Live streaming has exploded and the public's interest in seeing the shows as they happen has been recognised. I genuinely think I can get the same perspective on the shows by watching them at home: Well, what's what I'm telling myself whilst Wilbur is small and needs me here, at least!
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Meanwhile what I got really excited about was seeing all the celebs wearing Topshop at the Topshop Unique show. I love Topshop, and the Topshop Unique show is one of my faves: mostly because I can actually afford to buy all of the pieces I fall in love with! So seeing celebs wearing Topshop (including some of the pieces I actually have in my wardrobe) is pretty inspirational and a great way to get new styling ideas:
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For any dedicated celeb spotters, here is a full list of the celebs that attended the show: Kate Moss, Lottie Moss, Kendall Jenner, Ashley Madekwe, MIA, Daisy Lowe, Poppy Delevingne, FOXES, Leigh Lezark, Sophie McShera, Maisie Williams, Harley Viera-Newton, Chelsea Leyland, Jessica Gomes, Atlanta de Cadenet, Sibel Kekilli, MØ, Tallulah Harlech, Tao Okomoto, Chloe Norgaard, Portia Freeman and Mary Charteris

I am not loving Kate Moss's sexy-commando jumpsuit (although like everything, she manages to pull it off) but I do love the way Maisie Williams has styled that voluminous powder pink skirt: something I fell in love with and bought immediately, but realistically have no ideas how to wear! (You can buy that skirt for yourself right here!) One of the best things about Topshop, for me, is that it covers so many wearable and covetable trends at a price everyone can afford. From the multi-millionaire Oligarch to the skinny super model to the trendy shop girl to the (ahem) slightly podgy mum!

What has your favourite London Fashion Week show been so far? And are you watching any of the shows life stream at home?

Love Tor x

Thursday 13 February 2014

Fabfrocks Reviews; MDM FLow Lipsticks

Hi guys,
When it comes to make up, there are two things I wouldn't be without: mascara and red lipstick. I think if you can put a slick of lipstick on you immediately feel better; even if you don't have time to do anything else! The newest red lipstick in my collection is this one: a shade called 'Self Made 2' by MDMFlow.  photo mdmlipstick1_zps9c503c1f.jpg  photo mdmlipstick2_zps861c7945.jpg
MDMFlow is an emerging British beauty brand founded by London College Of Fashion graduate Florence Adepoju. The packaging is inspired by her love of hip hop and the nineties (hence the gold and black, and the cases that look like bullets).

The lipsticks come in six different shades, ranging from this classic red to vibrant shades of orange and purple. All of the MDMFlow lipsticks are made here in the UK (huge plus points for home grown talent supporting local industry) and they're perfectly easy to apply. Here's how the red version looks when I'm wearing it:
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If you ignore my slightly gormless look, I think it looks great. It's blue undertones means the shade really compliments my skintone (I suffer with redness in my cheeks, so I tend to avoid warmer shades). I also love it's velvety matt finish: I prefer matt lipsticks and immediately blot away any shininess anyway. All in all, I think this is a lovely lipstick and definitely one I will be using again and again.

The lipsticks are available from THEN AND NOW SHOP for £18 each. Why not buy one for yourself today?

Love Tor x

*I received the lipstick for the purpose of this review 

Tuesday 11 February 2014

Cuckoo for Kimono Jackets

Hi guys,
I've been spending a lot of time lately planning, researching and updating my spring/summer wardrobe. I didn't buy any new clothes last summer, and the summer before I was pregnant, so my summer wardrobe  is in dire need of an update. We are also going on holiday in the first week of May, making buying outfits perfect for sunnier climes even more important.

I've always loved kimonos, but it looks like this year the kimono has had an update: enter the kimono jacket! I love kimonos because they're so versatile: you can dress them up or down. Their naturally slouchy fit also makes them incredibly flattering and they're a great cover up on cool summer evenings or when you want to protect your shoulders from the summer sun. Have I sold them to you yet?! If not, check out these gorgeous ones from Topshop:
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Luxe palm kimono jacket, £68
Black jacquard kimono jacket, £60
Lace detail kimono, £45
Floral kimono jacket, £60

I already have that lace detail kimono (I bought it last October) and I'm planning on adding that floral one to my wardrobe asap. It will look awesome with stripey breton tees and denim in the early spring and slip vests and boyfriend shorts in the summer. I know it's not for everyone, but I even love the way kimono jackets look when they're worn open over loose fitting shift dresses: volume is one of my favourite summer looks!

What do you think about kimono jackets - will one be making its way into your new season wardrobe? And have you started shopping for your spring/summer wardrobe yet, or am I talking about this a little too early?

Love Tor x

Monday 10 February 2014

I Heart Flatforms

Hi guys,
I used to say that if I wasn't wearing heels then I didn't feel like me. Well, motherhood has quickly put paid to that foolish notion! Now comfort is key. Luckily, fashion seems to be moving with me because this spring/summer the flatform is still going to be bang on trend: yes, flats are back!
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Image 1: Zoe Jordan SS14.
Image 2: Bodice SS14. 

No more do we have to teeter around in stilettos and wonder how our feet will stay in barely-there straps. Instead pared back flat platform shoes are the heels of the day: if even that seems like too much height for you then embellished flat pumps are going to be just as popular.

Looking forward to the next season and feeling inspired by all these comfy but gorgeous shoes, I just ordered two new pairs of flatforms to build my new spring/summer wardrobe around. The sensible part of my brain said I should choose a classic black pair, but the part of my brain that loves shoes opted for these more interesting beauties instead:
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Vagabond Berlin from Sarenza, £60
Shelly's Sasha from Spartoo, £59.99

I choose the coral pair to wear with skinny jeans in the spring, and the basket sandals to wear with dresses and skirts in the summer. That is officially my on trend footwear for the season sorted! What do you think of my picks, and of the flatform trend? Is it for you, or one that you'll be giving a miss?

Love Tor xx

Sunday 9 February 2014

Daily Wear: Weekend Classics

Hi guys,
Sometimes there's nothing better than not having to think about what you're wearing and just throw on the basics! My plans for today involved cooking a Sunday roast, taking Wilbur for a walk to the park, and heading to a couple of antique/junk shops to do some furniture shopping. The perfect day to break in my new legging jeans and wear something simple then! (Not the perfect day to have a blow dry though: the wind didn't stop throwing my hair around all day!)
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When I read about the Gap jean leggings on Jen's blog I decided to head out and get myself a pair: and I'm really glad I did! So far they're holding their shape really well, they're flattering and they fit like a dream. I've teamed them with a thin knit striped jumper (whenever Spring approaches I feel the need to introduce stripes to my wardrobe!), my favourite Topshop boots, H&M cocoon coat, and Cambridge Satchel Company satchel.

Everything about this item is a classic/basic: something I go to and wear again and again. There studded Topshop boots are currently fitted with their second set of heels and their third pair of insoles because I wear them so often that I wear them out. And I just love slouchy oversized coats: they may not be the most flattering of coats, but they are so warm and cozy, and you can layer lots of jumpers underneath them if you need to too!
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Oh, and I promised you I would show you how those Maui Jim sunglasses looked in an outfit post: well here they are! They're much smaller than the oversized shades I usually opt for, but I really do like how they look. They have a great retro feel that really suits my style: roll on the summer so I get to wear them properly!

Love Tor x

Friday 7 February 2014

Valentine's Day Shoes from Sarenza

Hi guys,
If you didn't know that Valentine's day was a week today already then where have you been? It's like retailers are so desperate to keep the momentum of Christmas spending going, they've created a whole new holiday where you are guilted into spending big money on gifts! Whilst the concept of valentine's day then isn't one that I love, one thing I do love is shoes. So in what will be the final time I mention Valentine's day on the blog this year (I promise!) I present: red shoes!

Sarenza have launched a special Valentine's day hub over on the site. They believe that whether you’re single or in a couple, loved up or not at all, it’s shoes that should be getting your attention this Valentine’s Day! Now you know my attitude (Valentine's day, sh-malentine's day!) but I can't resist an excuse to look at pretty shoes. So here's my picks of the best from the hub:
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1.Steve Madden gravityy shoes, £88.90
2. Jeffrey Campbell red suede lita boots, £120
3. Bordello red embellished heels, £140
4. Arian burgandy suede heels, £41.70
5.Steve Madden beasst shoes, £79.99
6. Menbarr red peep toue heels, £84.00

If you are going out for Valentine's day then it's probably the perfect excuse to buy yourself a new pair of shoes: not that I need much encouragement, whatever the occasion! What are you doing for Valentine's day? And what are you wearing? I'd love to know!

Love Tor

*I am a Sarenza brand ambassador

Thursday 6 February 2014

Valentine's Day gift ideas without the cheese...

Hi guys,
I'm not a big fan of Valentine's day - restaurants suddenly become disproportionately expensive, as do bunches of roses and bottles of champagnes. But I do like the idea of there being at least one day a year when you make the time to tell that someone special how important they are - whether you choose February 14th to do that is up to you! What I'm most opposed to about Valentine's day though is the cheese! Chaps in silk boxers with roses between there teeth? Proposing in restaurants whilst everyone applauds? It's definitely not me! So here is a quick Valentine's day gift guide with no cheese, heart print boxer shorts or red satin lingerie included!
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1.Osprey heart print scarf, TK Maxx, £14.99
2. Molton Brown Gingerlily Hand cream, £10
3. 'Bee Mine' wildflower seeds, Not on the Highstreet, £3.49
4. Pencil set, Not on the Highstreet, £3.50

5. Personalised Alphabet handbag mirror, £5.95
6.. Ice cream earrings, Topshop, £8.50
7. All you need is love chocolates, Thorntons, £7

I don't think that saying 'I love you' should cost a fortune, and I for one certainly won't be shelling out (Wilbur and I are making red velvet cupcakes as our love token for his daddy) so none of the presents listed above will cost you more than £15: achievable no matter what your budget!

What will you be doing for Valentine's day? Do you have romantic plans, or will you be eating pizza on your sofa like me (hey, not having to cook is treat enough for me!)

Love Tor x

Saturday 1 February 2014

Shoes: Perfect Spring Ankle Boots

Hi guys,
I've briefly mentioned Miista shoes here before, because I own two pairs of them, and they've been featured in an outfit post or two. But now I'm upping the ante and writing about a pair of pretty pink Miista boots I just can't stop thinking about.

For someone that used to declare she wasn't a 'pink girly girl' I've been featuring an awful lot of pink here lately, haven't I? I love the geometric floral pattern on the boots, and the clear pink heel is definitely something to get people talking too.
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These boots would look great with skinny jeans and pretty blouses or vests in Spring: just add a leather jacket and you're ready to go! My only problem with the boots? Because they're such a statement piece I just couldn't imagine them paired with spring dresses or skirts. Maybe that's just because I'm not very brave! But if you think you could make these work with floaty frocks then prove me wrong: I'd love to see it!

Want to get your hands on these boots for yourself? They're brand new on the site, and you can add them to your own shoe collection for £224.99.

 Love Tor x

*Post written as part of a partnership with Spartoo shoes