Men's fashion: The GANT coloured chino challenge!

Hi guys,
Want to instigate a small episode of marital disharmony? Then I have the perfect recipe! Try wrestling your husband into a pair of bright blue trousers, insist he sits still while you fiddle with his hair, then spend half an hour taking his photo whilst he stands awkwardly, complaining he doesn't know what to do with his hands!

Yes, that's how mike and I spent our morning in the name of the GANT coloured chino challenge ( try saying it fast three times!) but it was totally worth it because by the end of my mini styling session we both agreed that the vibrant blue chinos looked great on him, they made a welcome change from his usual jeans, and he's even planning on wearing a couple of the outfits again!

I am going to call that a massive chino success story! Here's how we styled one pair of chinos three ways: Outfit 1- This is the chinos styled in a way that is closest to Mike's comfort zone: He loves this River Island coat and underneath he is wearing his favourite weekend uniform of a grey T shirt and black jumper. For full coordination, we added his black Ted Baker shoes. Outfit 2- I would say this is the most casual and the most 'trendy' styling option we tried: I've seen students in the city centre wearing very similar outfits on a Saturday afternoon. The jumper is from Primark and the shoes are Converse. Outfit 3- Finally this is the outfit I liked most. Ben Sherman shirt, Clarks shoes and satchel from Debenhams. All items I've bought for Mike as presents, which probably explains my slight bias towards them; but in this look especially, I think he looks great! He also has the best accessory with this outfit - a mini-me in matching trousers. Because coloured chinos work for everyone!

What do you think? Do you like the idea of a chap in coloured trousers and would your man be brave enough to give it a go?

Love Tor x

* We received the chinos from Gant for the purpose of this review

Primark: There's something for everyone!

Hi guys,
Well, my shopping ban is temporarily over, but it was only a small fail: yesterday we went to Primark. And as we discovered whilst we were enjoying a minor spree, there really is something for everyone:

For Him:


Just this weekend I told Mike he needed to sort out his summer wardrobe and pick up any bits he needed for our honeymoon: as a self-confessed plain dresser and shopping hater, this was his idea of hell. So he went into Primark and for just £23 he got everything he needed (except a sun hat!) The shorts and sandals were £5 each, and the tees were on an introductory offer price of £1.90. The vests were £2.50 and the sunglasses £1, and he doesn't need to think about shopping again for another 6 months: bargain shopping at its best!

For Her:


For myself I brought the wide floral palazzo pants that I showed you guys from the S/S Look Book (Although please excuse the terrible pictures!) I was dubious as to how they would work on my bodyshape, but for our honeymoon I have to keep covered up when we head to Cairo and Luxor, so I decided to give them a go. They're far too long and will need taking up, but I actually like them: and they were a bargain at £12! The seventies style shirt dress (£15) is a 'for now' purchase, and I love it: it actually looks and feels better on than it does in the photos. It also comes in black with a tan belt, and for easy summer work/play wear, I wish i'd picked that one up too. But i'm now not fashion shopping for non-wedding stuff until after the wedding, so it will have to wait!

For Home:

We always have a sofa covered in blankets: it's cheaper than paying extra heating bills, and more snuggly too! But my trusty black and white floral blanket (which i've had since I went to university in 2002) needed replacing: enter this horse print fleece blanket, which cost just £5. I've never bought any Primark homewears before, but their selection is massive and really modern: I could've spent a fortune, but I want to wait and see how this one washes first.

Love, Tor xx

For the boys: FFP at Debenhams

Hi guys,

Last week, Mike and I were invited to the launch of FFP at Debenhams; a new menswear line, the first new menswear range Debenhams have launched for years. British boxers Kevin Mitchell and Frankie Gavin are the faces of the brand, "embodying the tough, masculine ethos and performance element which makes the collection genuinely ‘Fit For Purpose.’" (Because that's what FFP stands for).

As you know, I don't usually cover menswear, but it was the first event Mike had been invited to, and I thought it would be fun for him to come along and see what I get up to on the evenings he's left at home alone with a pizza! I was also interested to see the new menswear collection, and how they would diferentiate it from their Red Herring brand, without having a designer name behind it.
I liked the range, but felt it was more appropriate for a slightly older man than Mike, despite the younger marketing; I would have brought 90% of the collection as a gift for my (admittedly very trendy) dad, but there wasn't really anything I would've picked up for Mike or any other gentleman in his 20s. It was very clean and preppy, but a little old; lots of striped polo shirts, clean functional jackets, and even a gilet thrown in for good measure. The jackets reminded me a little of Barbour jackets, and teamed with the hoodies and checked shirts, it did look a little bit young farmer! I did like some of the workman boots and distressed denim though; there is a lot of denim in the collection, and I think it will end up being one of their biggest selling points.
When asked for his thoughts on the collection (in less than 3 sentences, because the boy can talk!) Mike said: "I did like the jackets, especially the black one, but I thought the gilet was awful, and i'm not a hoodie fan, and although Tor liked the footwear, I didn't really like that either. The collection wasn't really for me. Having said that, I will go and try on some of the jeans!"

And the overall verdict? Worth a look, especially if you're looking for a present for your Pops, but i'm yet to be convinced. What do you guys think? Any pieces you'll be running to add to your Christmas shopping list?

Love, Tor xxx