Debenhams A/W press day: If the sun isn't coming out can it be winter already??

Sometimes I have to ruminate over new ranges before I can decide if I like them or not: this was not the case with the Debenhams A/W10 collection, which I am completely in love with!

Most suprising for me was the Henry Holland range. I liked the initial collection, but impartially: I could see that it was perfect for young trendy gals about town, but couldn't envisage wearing it myself. This time though, I want every single piece! The looks remind me very much of Luella, there are some beautiful satchels (perfect for that "back to school" feeling we all get in September) and there is a gorgeous cape that I am determined to make mine as soon as it hits the shops! The youth element remains, with knitted ear muffs that look like headphones, but it's somehow cooler this time round.

I'm obsessed with luggage. Someone that only goes on holiday a couple of times a year shouldn't own more than five suitcases. But I do. And I loved this new collaboration of Jasper Conran at Tripp luggage. (Just realised I spelt that wrong in the graphic above! oops!) The purple snakeskin would be the obvious choice, but I really loved the distressed brown leather: it had a well-loved unisex feel which I really related to, and also means you can have the other half carry your bags without too much whinging (my favourite suitcase has big babushka dolls on it, and if it gets too heavy i'm on my own!)

The Red Herring collection was gorgeous and dark and gothic: there was lots of velvet and sumptuous fabrics, and the burgandy velvet dress in the foreground is a particular favourite: I expect we will see this all over the Christmas party "must-have" pages! I've said it before, but i'm really glad hem lines are dropping; I ordered my first maxi dress this week, and I have everything crossed the length works on me, because I think they look phenomenal.

As always (because it's Debenhams) the prices were really affordable. I've already ear marked that Henry Holland cape as next years replacement for my winter coat. And there were loads of accessories options I wished were in store now! Overall, one of my favourite press days so far. What do you guys think?

Love, Tor

Fabfrocks reviews: J by Jasper Conran Swimsuit

I always struggle to find swimwear to fit, but I love to swim both in my local pool and especially when i'm away on holiday. So as you can imagine, I was delighted when Debenhams asked me if i'd like to review one of their Designers at Debenhams pieces. There was so much to choose from, but sadly their two pieces in the ranges don't include my cup size, so I opted for a simple black one piece from J by Jasper Conran instead.

I loved the simple black colour (I mostly opt for black swimwear, working under the illusion that it's slimming) but with the added details of the one shoulder and the bow. The fit is really good and the tummy control works, but doesn't feel uncomfortable. I liked the bow in the flesh, though it looked a little small against my chest.

My one issue with the suit was that I just couldn't keep it up! I was hoping the suit would come with a small detachable strap so that I wouldn't be worrying about it all the time (especially when i'm swimming) but it didn't and I really struggled to stop the top sliding down on one side: even a particularly bouncy walk could lead to boobie exposure! The fit on the hips and bum was really good though, and I think that the top would have been fine on boobs that needed less support: this was probably more an error with my choosing process than anything else!

This certainly isn't a swimsuit i'll ever be able to swim in, but for posing around the pool on days when i'm feeling too self conscious for my usual two piece, it will be perfect.

Love, Tor x

PS - You can read a nice little interview with me, in which I don't make myself look too stupid, over on the Qype website, as part of their series of blogger interviews.