Primark picks of the week: Erm, can I have everything?

Hi guys,
I had to pop into town to pick up some antibiotics yesterday afternoon (I have a sinus infection: yuck!) And whilst I was there I just couldn't resist a little peak in Primark. I'm glad I did, because I left feeling inspired: there is just so much to like in store right now!

I seem to have done a complete 360 on fast fashion recently. I'm still buying considerably less of it, and focusing on building up a wardrobe based on quality long lasting pieces, but I've come to realise that fast cheap trend-led pieces will always have a place in my wardrobe: it's the only way to inject some of the newer/more unusual trends into your look without winning the lottery!

Note that everything I've picked out below is available in my local store right now, so if you want anything you'd better be quick! (The perfect excuse to hit the shops this weekend, perhaps?!)

Rabbit print jumper, £14 
Embroidered shoulder cut out blouse, £12
Chunky metallic crew jumper, £12 
Watercolour mono blazer, £19
Studded collar shirt, £12
PU sleeve military jacket, £25

Quilted biker jacket, £25
Leather skater skirt, £12
Animal peplum top, £8
Floral block heel ankle boots, £20
Leather panel pencil skirt, £12
Graphic zigzag blouse, £12

I actually picked up the rabbit jumper yesterday: I can't wait to wear it! I also already have the chunky knit with the metallic flecks. It looks great, and is indicative of the gorgeous knitwear currently instore: I was impressed!  I also picked up 2 pairs of super-thick 150 denier tights: the quality feels better than ever before: certainly worth the minor price increase to £3 per pair. And if you're a plan-aheader, Primark have all their Christmas supplies in store too; wrapping paper, stocking fillers, and even Christmas tree decorations. What don't they have? Well I haven't been impressed with any of their coat selections so far: let's hope they're coming soon!

Have you been into Primark recently? Were you impressed by the stock in your local store, and have you bagged any bargains?

Love Tor xx

The Topshop outlet:What's in store right now?!

Hi guys,
It's been a while since I wrote a post about the Topshop Outlet, and yet I still visit really regularly. I shop there a lot less now (I'm still on my mission to curb my spending and avoid impulse buys) but if you're looking to bag a bargain, it's definitely at the top of the list of shops I would recommend. It's perfect for a quick-fix, guilt-free shopping fix. And the staff are friendly and helpful too, which is rare in a discount store.

Here are my picks of some of the best things in store this week:

Did you know the Topshop Outlet also stocks occasional pieces of Topshop maternity wear? Perfect if you're on a budget, and frankly, why spend a fortune on something you're only going to wear for a couple of months anyway?! This red long sleeved jersey dress is just £10.

Leopard print sweatshirt, £15. Boat knit jumper, £20. Floral detail jumper, £30. Leather tee, £3o. And remember everything in store is Buy One Get One Free. The Topshop outlet always seems to be a season behind, which means that now (whilst normal Topshop stores are filling with their spring collections) the outlet has the best of their winter wears. Perfect if you're looking for something you can buy now and wear now!

The one thing you always seem to get a lot of in the Topshop Outlet is evening wear/going out frocks. I never think of these as being particularly fast paced on the trends front, so it's a great place to pick up a cheap party dress. I love this beaded bodycon dress, £40.

The Topshop outlet is in the Broadwalk Centre in Edgware, London (On the Northern Line). As I have written before, this is a great place to shop if you live nearby, but because you can't always guarantee the quality/amount of clothes in store, it's probably not worth travelling a long way to visit.

Love Tor xx

Label love: Electronic Sheep

Hi guys,

I love knitwear. I love getting cozy in oversized jumpers and slopping about in big cardigans. Buying new cardigans means that Autummn is coming, and I am so ready for Autumn: i'm sick of summer dresses and not being able to layer. I want to wear something more substantial! Which is probably why my introduction to the brand Electronic Sheep came at exactly the right time.

This is the label to make all your knitted dreams come true: think scarves, hats, and capes with bold graphic styles patterns in vibrant colours all over them. This isn't for the faint hearted: you'll find no plain and understated black or grey knits here. I can just imagine myself wrapped up in layers of clashing knits teamed with simple black frocks and slimline jackets: that's one of the reasons I love knitwear so much. It's perfect for adding drama and interest to my otherwise fairly boring black wardrobe.

Electronic Sheep are also launching a collaboration with female DJ group Broken Hearts this A/W. The results of this collaboration are the include the 'big fruit' patterned scarf, the ultra long 'Alchemist Foxtrot' patchwork scarf and the 'Swift and Cliff' hooded cape.

I have to get my hands on one of those hooded capes, which would look perfect with my brown fur hat for my December trip to Berlin: Mike and I have just booked a 4 day trip at the beginning of the month, so that we can explore the traditional Christmas markets. See, I told you I was out of the summer mindframe and already thinking about autumn/winter: and I just mentioned the dreaded 'C' word too: shame on me!

Love, Tor xx

Jumpers get sophisticated with my-wardrobe.com

Hi guys,
When I think of knitwear, I think of casualwear. Big slouchy jumpers or cardigans teamed with leggings, jeans, and sloppy dresses. And then I saw these pictures from my-wardrobe. I get sent a lot of emails and press releases, and I don't publish a tenth of them here. But sometimes I see pictures that, for whatever reason, make me think "wow, I wish I dressed like that." And those are the pictures I just have to share:

Who knew knitwear could look so sophisticated? These outfits are simple but fashionable. Unfussy. Well put together. I want to dress like this model in my everyday life: these outfits would be perfect for almost any ocassion; work, play, dinner. Yes, I know i'm gushing. I even want to team tan shoes with ankle socks and a matching jumper.

I wish I looked a tenth as sophistcated as these pics, which is a new phenomenon for me. I've never cared very much about looking sophisticated before! Recently I feel like my fashion sense/tastes are evolving. I wonder how much of this has to do with my impending marriage.

It started with my hands and has spread: I've gone from having tatty chipped nails to polishing them 3 times a week. (It seems essential when my ring hand is under so much scrutiny!) I even apply hand cream everyday, to keep them looking there best. And I can feel my fashion sense growing up too. Gone are the Hello Kitty jumpers and chunky plastic jewellery. Even my scruffy pumps don't feel right anymore: In there place are blazers and gold jewels (still chunky though, that will never change!) and shoes that I actually take the time to polish. Has any one else found their fashion tastes evolving as they get older/experience changes in their life? And how do you feel about it?

Love, Tor xx