Style in a New York minute!

Hi guys,
Style-wise, I think I'll always be a London girl. I love the eclectic, undone, mismatched style of the London girl. I love the anything-goes attitude. But as I get older I appreciate the stereotypical New York style more and more. Nails are never chipped, hair is always blow dried, outfits are simple, chic, and perfectly coordinated. It's a grown up style I'd love to emulate, but I'm just too untidy to even try.

As New York Fashion Week has just started (and in just over a week London Fashion Week will start, when I will be singing the praises of all things London again) I thought now would be the perfect time to sing the praises of New York style. Starting with my three favourite New York designers:
Left to right: Alexander Wang, Diane Von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs. Even on the catwalk styles are simple and chic: no animal headdresses or dresses made from human hair here!

The good news is, thanks to some of my favourite discount websites, these designers (and more of their New York friends) are more accessible than ever. Here are some of my favourite and affordable pieces that you can buy right now:
Diane von Furstenberg printed silk dress, £189, The Outnet
Calvin Klein red silk dress, £129, TKMaxx
Marc Jacobs pom pom dress, £174, The Outnet

I'm a sucker for a well fitting dress, and that DvF one is really calling out to me: it's such a gorgeous pattern! I think that's the key to getting this look right: pick one key stylish dress, add simple coordinating accessories, slick hair and make up, and you're ready to go!

What do you think of New York style? Do you love the coordination of it? Or are you just a scruffy London girl at heart?

Love Tor xx

Latest on Fabfrocks and Family: Limited edition Peter Rabbit collection at babyGap
Latest on Fabfrocks at Home: Emma Bridgewater at TKMaxx for Comic Relief

Lust: Marc by Marc Jacobs baby bag

Hi guys,
Please excuse me this slightly self-indulgent post, because it's arrived! It's finally arrived! As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I knew I definitely didn't want a plain black changing bag. If I have to carry just one bag with me every day for two years, I wanted it to be a cool one!

The problem is, anything other than plain coloured decidedly practical bags are hard to find, and whilst there are some great leather options on the market, I find the shapes of them a bit clunky. So to find the one I wanted I had to think outside the box and look a little further afield. Then someone told me that in the States, you could buy Marc by Marc Jacobs baby bags. Obviously I had to check this out immediately: and not only did I discover this was true, I fell completely in love!!



The bag comes in a massive variety of different cool colours and patterns, including snakeskin, animal prints, and some great geometric prints: I love this one. But I think I chose wisely: now I've seen it in the flesh, I couldn't be happier with my black and neon patterned baby bag. It's definitely not boring! And it has the added bonus of matching my new Georgia Rose neon winter boots from Sarenza!

A note on ordering from outside the EU: My bag was supposed to arrive last week, but instead I got a letter from ParcelForce telling me before customs would release the bag, I had to pay tax on my purchase. In my case, this amounted to an extra £26. So if you are thinking of buying from the US, bear in mind that it will ultimately cost you more than the ticket price. Irritating, but for this gorgeous bag, totally worth it!

Love Tor xx

It's not over 'til it's over.....

Hi guys,
Usually by now all of the sales are just about done and dusted. But this year, maybe because of the warmer than average weather and maybe because half of the country is flat broke, there are still a ton of bargains to be had. Some stores are advertising up to 70% off, and almost every high street store is offering further reductions. If you aren't in the flat broke half of the nation then hit the shops, because you're in for a treat! Here are my picks:

Metallic detail dress, Topshop, £40 (was £150)
Beige coat, Miss Selfridges, £30 (was £69)
Brogue ankle boots, Feaith @ Debenhams, £32.50 (was £65)
French connection bag, £64 (was £160)
Vintage apple ring, Accessorize, £1.80 (was £6)
Lanvin purse @ Harvey Nichols, £68 (was £170)
Marc by Marc mouse pumps @ Selfridges £149 (was £215)

Miss Selfridges has an amazing sale. I picked up this gorgeous leather (actually pleather) sleeved coat for just £30, and it's still available on their website. It looks so much better on than it does off - in a soft lightweight fabric and an amazing fit. I'll be showing it off soon!

As well as having up to 75% off all of their sale, all of French Connection's sale coats are now £89 or less. My tip would be to look for a classic style in a colour you love, so that you can buy and wear it now, but still wear and love it again next winter too: that way, you're actually saving money!

Have you had any amazing bargains from the January sales? Are their any other shops you'd recommend I check out?

Love Tor xxx

Christmas: Lovely luxuries

Hi guys,

Well, Christmas is sadly over, although I'm not ready to hide the Quality Street tin just yet! I've had a fantastic Christmas. For me, Christmas is all about little luxuries. Having Harrods cheese instead of the usual Cathedral City (thanks Mum!), eating your body weight in yummy chocolates, wearing my favourite perfumes everyday (am I the only one that normally has a cheaper everyday perfume?), and having calorie laden snacks whenever you want them, guilt free!

Speaking of luxuries, I have received some seriously luxurious gifts:

I was treated to a new Steve Madden cover for my ipad, the Marc Jacobs watch I added to my Christmas gift list (the hints work!), two perfume gift sets, some gorgeous candles, Betsey Johnson pajamas and slippers, a new leather filofax (I couldn't live without mine), a Vivienne Westwood purse, a Lanvin pen, and much much more.

And the biggest luxury of all this Christmas? Taking time out without focusing on work, to just spend with my family. Especially the smallest member of all: meet little Bertie, who's just 7 weeks old! I am one very proud aunt!

I know I'm biased, but that is one seriously beautiful baby boy!

So, what did you get up to for Christmas? And did Santa bring you everything you wanted?

Love Tor xx

New York Fashion Week: Some Marc Jacobs love

Hi guys,

Whilst i'm busying myself with London Fashion Week, I thought i'd post a review of my favourite show from New York Fashion Week: London Fashion Week show reviews should start tomorrow!

As always, I loved the Marc Jacobs show: it's such an important one, because the man has so much influence. So many of the trends we've all been wearing for the past couple of years have been defined by him.

I loved all of the leather: the midi length leather skirts, the oversized leather tees If soft leather is going to be in vogue again next autumn/winter then count me in! I'm a polka dot addict, so I loved all the polka dot details. The soft polka dot handbag was an especial favourite: what I wouldn't give to have a collection of Marc Jacobs handbags at my disposal! How wearable this collection would be, I don't know: the leather and rubber skirts which looked so great with their high shine were so tight they would be incredibly difficult to walk in; you would be making a real fashion commitment if you decided to give it a go!

One trend I can't see taking off is the little hats that topped off the majority of the outfits. With their high gloss nubs, they made some of the browner outfits look like acorns: not a good look! These vinyl berets were made by Stephen Jones: very dominatrix, which completed the severe look of the whole show. I really loved it, but on the whole I only covet the softer more wearable pieces, like the polka dot sweater for example : the more extreme pieces looked great on the catwalk, but they're not for me!

Love, Tor xx

Photos from Style.com

New York Fashion Week: Opinions so far

I have been so busy preparing for London Fashion Week (only two days to go!) that I haven't really given New York my full attention. In fact i've only skimmed over most of the ranges and only had the chance to watch one (Rodarte) live streamed. However a couple of shows have stood out for all of the right (and some of the wrong) reasons.

Betsey Johnson always makes me feel a frisson of excitement and I wasn't let down this season; a not very modest retrospective of her many years in fashion. I was never a massive fan of the gun print but there were still some stand out styles; the cinched in corset waists were a success proving yet again that Queen Betsey knows how to dress curves. The styles I most enjoyed though were the more modest bohemian looks, and I really want a bird hat; DIY here I come! Do I also sense that cowboy boots might make a comeback?

Marc Jacobs was very grey. Grey was, for me the overriding feeling about the collection. But I don't mean that in a bad way; I enjoy the nuances you get with shades of grey that can't be achieved with shades of black. I loved the lowered hem lines (Marc, my ugly knees thank you!) and find many of the pieces extremely wearable (I would love one of the grey sweaters) but didn't get the serene dream-like feeling others have mentioned, probably because I didn't watch the show, I just saw the images afterwards.

Rodarte was dreamy. By that I suppose I mean dream-like, rather than the way a teenage girl would describe a pop star! Layers and nudes and watercolour florals floated down the catwalk like images from a beautiful hazy dream. This felt like a bloggers collection: by that i suppose I mean that when I watched the show I could immediately think of half a dozen bloggers that were going to fall in love with it.

Oh, and with Betsey's hay, Rodarte's confetti and Marcs cardboard, what happened to the traditional white catwalk!?

What have you thought about New York fashion week so far? Have there been any collections that have really stood out for you?

Love, Tor

All images from http://www.style.com/

What I learnt from New York fashion week....

...Is that I want to dress myself head to toe in the new Marc by Marc Jacobs collection.


You can see this collage bigger here.

I used to love clashing fuschia with orange in my late teens and once said those would be the colours my wedding dress would be (I also toyed with orange and lime green, remember when that was all the rage? Those are also the colours of my parents bathroom.)
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The African inspired fabrics are reminiscent of the Gadofka collection I fell in love with months ago, only, well, the only way I can think to put it is more marc; Africa in downtown New York and nowhere near a Savannha (unless that's a bar in New York that I don't know about - how great it would be to be making a witty cultural reference like a "cool person" and not even knowing!) The clashing patterns and the 5 million trends all at once feel of the collection is perfect for me: I can never make my mind up and often throw all the trends I like all together. (today i'm wearing a peasant dress with DMs and a tan belt!) The collection is perfect. Sigh! I am also a big fan of the bunny bow, and will be attempting to replicate this look using my giant yellow Johnny loves Rosie bow. If only i'd gotten the fuscia one too! I have a lovely thick length of black fabric and I can see some bunny-bow experimentation happening in a living room near here (ie mine!) soon! I can see aspiring Etsy millionaires doing exactly the same thing, and I bet we will see an abundance of these things on the highstreet in Spring - you heard it here first!
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Other things I learned from New York fashion week: That lady gaga is almost certainly certifiably insane, that Dazed and Confused seem to throw the best parties, and that we all have to talk about Rodarte. As much as we possibly can. You can all start now...

Later aligators (I really do have that Christopher Kane @topshop aligator dress on my mind don't I?)
Love Tor x

Big bust and a baby boom

First woolworths, then the officers club, ghost, zavvi, now viyella. Then I read on dressed and pressed's blog that the mosaic group c/o oasis, warehouse, principals and more was in trouble.

The face of the British highstreet is changing forever, and not neccessarily in a good way. Without choice there is no competitive market; without Zavvi we have to buy our non-chart CD's either online, or in HMV and who knows what that will do to the prices?

But today I read in the Independent that it's not all a downward spiral in retail terms, believe it or not. Evidence seems to be showing that the money we women seem increasingly guilty about spending on ourselves we are instead lavishing on our children.

What baby doesn't need an animal print D&G bottle?

According to several fashion companies, little sizes are turning into big business as designer childrenswear is experiencing buoyant year-on-year growth and bucking the trend of impending doom and gloom the rest of the retail industry is experiencing. The sector has become so profitable – Dolce & Gabbana has just announced that its kids' sales rose by 30 per cent in 2008 – that chic designers have taken to including childrenswear in their clothing lines. John Galliano and Marc Jacobs already produce mini designer gear, and soon Jean-Paul Gaultier will feature children's fashion. Boutiques and websites specialising in mini couture are springing up.
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Well done to the clever designers jumping on this trend and finding new ways of keeping their ailing business afloat. Because designer fashion doesnt come cheap, no matter how tiny the clothes are. This quite frankly frightening collection of baby-adult clothes from little marc jacobs costs almost as much as the adult range.

Not that I care about what crazy parents choose to spend their money on. What worries me about this though is the toddlers and children padding around in their diamond encrusted nappies or galliano trainers. See, where I come from kids look like this: They play out, they get grubby. They tear holes in their jeans climbing trees. They grow, really quick. And I wonder if the parents investing the money that, according the world news, they dont have in these expensive clothes will let their kids be kids in them or will fret (like I do over my betsey johnson handbag or my favourite suede heels) about them getting scuffed, torn, damaged. And what kind of life is that for a child? And what kind of values does it teach them? That having designer clothing makes you important, special, less able to play with the other kids?

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What right do I have to decide what kind of values a child should be given anyway? I don't even have one! And any boom in the British retail situation should be celebrated given the current crisis. After all, if we lose anymore highstreet stores, there won't be much of a highstreet left for me to shop on, and then where would this blog be??

Apologies for the slightly off fashion nature of this post, but it's worrying when there are 6 year old babies with better wardrobes than me. Learning which designer label you like best is something you can do at any age. Learning how to ride a bike or climb a tree are things you do in your childhood. Or maybe i'm just jealous because I don't own anything by D&G....and I can't ride a bike!

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Love Tor

Shoes I can never wear.....

OK, bear with me a moment whilst I drag myself into the twentieth century, but how good is eBay!?

I've never brought anything from eBay before. I know, I know, this is shocking news! But it's been a quiet week at work, so I started playing on there and now I think i'm addicted! So far, despite placing about 20 bids, I am yet to win anything, but I am starting to get pretty excited that I might win these:

Marc Jacobs SIGNED (big for emphasis) pink crystal shoes. According to the blurb they were designed for Swarowski. They are are a limited edition (only 200 pairs have ever been made!!!!) and have sold previously for $1,800. They are in original shoe bag and box, and soon they will be mine!!

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OK so realistically, someones probably going to swoop in at the end and pay a million pounds for them, but still, a girl can dream! They are in a size 41, and despite my size 39 feet, I. want. them.

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I think this is what ebay does to you. Makes you competitively, agressively want things you probably never would've thought you wanted until you see that little thumbnail picture. Becky once went into a bid frenzy over some false teeth, which I believe she wanted to turn into a necklace. However worrying this is, because it means my obsession can only get worse, it does make me feel better about the fact i'm hoping to spend a weeks salary on a pair of shoes i'll never wear........

Love tor x

Here comes George......

I feel like i'm turning into a one lady George of Asda cheerleader lately. As you can't have failed to have noticed, I LOVE George, and i'm not afraid to say it! It's as cheap as Primark (my other great love), but the attention to detail is better and, more importantly if you can't afford to replace your basics as often as you like, it lasts longer.

With this in mind, I decided it was time to view George's new season collection from the comfort of my bed and relax whilst enjoying a guilt-free fashion binge (Because even if you like something from George, you can't buy it on line, so you can't be tempted to cyber-indulge!)

First of all I feel I should point out that the George online range is significantly smaller than their in store collections, so it's difficult to get an overall feel for what's available, but even from this reduced range there were some key pieces that would slot into my wardrobe perfectly.OK, so it's not a wardrobe staple, or a key piece for everyone's wardrobe. But I love Hello Kitty and i'm not even sorry. The George Tshirts are usually really soft and a great fit. And I really like the cutesy graphic pattern on this T: £8 well potentially spent.

I LOVE this pink and grey hounds tooth scarf (£5) It'll look perfect once the weather gets a bit better (here's hoping) teamed with my yellow high necked linen jacket. I enjoy the early 80s pairing of yellow pink and grey. And I have a sneaky suspicion it will be a great investment piece, as Marc Jacobs ready to wear show at NY fashion week yesterday was full of vibrant coloured hounds toth pieces: so the scarf will still look great next Autumn/Winter too.

Nothing like being inspired by Marc Jacobs for a fiver!

I've become obsessed with finding the perfect checked shirt lately. And although I won't know for sure until I try it on (and try it on I will) this shirt seems like pretty close to perfect. Of course the matchy fabric belt will have to go- they're my pet hate, but with a high waisted brown leather belt, this shirt would look perfect with skinny jeans and red heels.

So there you have it. George at Asda does it again: 3 items, 3 perfect new season looks for less than the cost of a night in the pub. And you can't argue with that.

Lots of Love
Tor

Thinkin' Pink n' Puppies

Dear Blogosphere,

Devastating news - Catwalk Queen didn't include me n Tor in the Top 100 Fashion & Lifestyle blogs. It's almost as though an online experience that's only been going a few months and features badly photoshopped pictures of Karl Lagerfeld doesn't cut it anymore. That makes Karl sad.

Well, inwardly sad, anyway. Karl is nothing if not a trouper. He is a Belgian of many layers and mysterious caprices. I, however, am outwardly sad and rending my polyester garments. You know though, when I feel blue I always turn to my secret love -- musical theatre.

There is much to be learnt from musical theatre when it comes to fashion. Costumes have to project character to 150 rows and beyond, they have to swoosh and dance well and they have to glitter! sparkle! and shine! enough to delight the 13 year old girls and gay boys (I consider myself a spiritual member of both communities) this is not only fine entertainment but good style. I'll be conceptual and Japanese tomorrow,.

Because it's so insanely apropo-po, I'm going to take a look at Legally Blonde - The Broadway Musical. I've been obsessed with it the past few greyish days.

This is Laura Bell bundy belting her heart out as Elle Woods. I'm not going to pretend that the Legally Blonde musical isn't aching and groaning with product placement. That is a an actual Tiffany necklace around her neck, par example. The superiorities of Red Bull are touted in one scene (it's seamless, okay? no judgement - it probably paid for the lighting rig, all right? all right.) You'll also notice her brave use of the pale blue denim jacket. I used to despise it (helloooooo 1994) but now I'm digging the slight trashiness and full bodied unprentiousness of the thing. Used with appropriate contrast, it's an awesome look to layer in with something glitzy or something edgy. Also really liking the geometric forms on the skirt - a pink version of the S/S 2008 Marc Jacobs - I bet there'll be 100 million version in Topshop by March:

There's inspiration to be found every which-way, even for those allergic to pink and fluffy.

You can, like totally stroll into Harvard in a Topshop coat and you can choose between a Giles dress or a little Chilhuahua of your very own:

Plus

.....equals one awesome outfit in which to defend innocent fitness instructors. Topshop coat is £75 and the Giles S/S 2008 dress is on of those 'price on request' dealies. That translates to at least a grand.

Or.....

Blow your grand on chilhuahua puppies.

They're not accessories, however. Remember: if it shits, it's not fashion. Puppies need love. Fortunately you can express that love through fashion. Legally Blonde's merchandising is way intergrated, you guys. You can purchase every handbag used in the show - they just happen to be made and sold by Laura Bell Bundy herself. This hand-made bag entitled Bruiser's Cruiser will set you back $150 or around £70:

You can buy it all with your internet prowess just click: Schmancy Purses. then your doggies can travel in the diamonte'd style to which they should have become accustomed.

You see Catwalk Queen? We all need love. Especially me - I'm needy. Oh dear, my getting my rejection anxiety shakes. I need an uptempo triumph song!

Whew. Thank god.

Love,
Becky.

Dress - Primark (£3), Denim Puffed sleeved Jacket - NafNaf (£35, 8 years ago), Necklace - Topshop (£1)