Daily Wear: Stealing styling tips from my dad

Hi guys,
I know we're supposed to call it masculine tailoring or something, but whenever I see someone wearing a button up shirt with a knitted jumper over it I think of my dad: It's his trademark look! Today I'm stealing his style and wearing that exact same outfit for myself: These are Leigh jeans from Topshop, teamed with a heart print blouse from Asda (aren't you surprised I didn't say Burberry? Ha!) and my jumper is from Asda too. The big leather bag was a bargain in the River Island sale back in January. And I'm disproportionately pleased that I managed to paint my nails last night; it's the first time I've been able to do them for ages!
Instead of wearing boots, which was my first instinct, I opted for my Minna Parikka bunny shoes, and put rolls in my jeans instead. When I first found out that Sarenza would be stocking Minna Parikka shoes I wrote a lengthy post here about why I loved the brand so much. All of those reasons still stand: it is by far one of my favourite shoe brands both because of the quality, comfort, and the quirkiness. Since I got them I've worn these shoes to death!

What are you wearing today? And are you wearing your coat yet? I'm going without mine today: I hope I don't regret it!

Love Tor xx

Shoes: Lusting after the Minna Parikka bunny shoes

Hi guys,
Do you ever have one of those moments where you see a pair of shoes and you know that it's love at first sight? Like a birds singing, clouds parting, the world slows down a little kind of love? Well, that's how I felt when I saw these Minna Parikka bunny shoes: I first fell in love with animal shoes when I saw the Marc Jacobs mouse pumps. I remember tirelessly bidding on pairs of them on eBay because I couldn't afford to buy them full price. Then came the Charlotte Olympia cat flats. But if anything I love these shoes more, because they don't have an animal face on them: it makes them more subtle and sophisticated (If you can ever call a shoe with huge rabbit ears sprouting out of the top of them sophisticated!)

I love flat shoes because they fit my lifestyle so much better than heels at the moment: all the running around and walking for miles I do right now demands a trendy statement flat shoe that will go with everything. And these ones definitely tick all the right boxes!

The Spartoo sale has just started this week (Hurrah for the sales!) so these shoes are now 30% off, coming in at £132.99. If you want a pair of your own you can buy them here. I have been thinking about these all week, so I think i'm definitely going to have to succumb and buy a pair!

Love Tor x

* Post written as part of a new partnership with Spartoo shoes

Minna Parikka: Love of the day....

Although I own literally hundreds of pairs of shoes, i've recently realised that my shoes fall into one of two categories: gorgeous horrendously high heels, or cute but fundementally practical flats.

On Wednesday, whilst tearing up and down Oxford street with my sister (wearing shoes from category a: high and uncomfortable) I twisted my ankle. And it really hurts.

Whilst sitting here wearing my heeled boots and twisting my foot around (does anyone else kind of enjoy the perverse pleasure of controlling their pain in this way??!) I have had a moment of realisation: what I need are shoes that are flat, or nearly flat, and gorgeous. No to high heels, and no to plain black ballet pumps! This means no to more high street "everyone has a pair of shoes like those" purchases; what my heart desires today is a pair of shoes by Minna Parikka.

A lady who, a quick myspace stalk shows, looks as cool as her footwear:

Here's the blurb: "Finnish designer Minna Parikka’s shoes always cause gasps of delight and compliments galore. Combining her love of Nordic functionalism and the surreal, Minna creates designs that pay tribute to the footwear of eras past. Made in Spain of the finest Italian leathers, you'll fall in love with her signature style of bows, gingerbread shapes, hearts and buckles." Sounds like the kind of shoes i'm looking for "gasps of delight" are always welcomed by this meglomaniac! But more important than the words, here are the shoes:

* OK so the last two pairs don't satisfy the flat/nearly flat criteria, but a leopard cant change her spots that quickly can she??

The first pair are my absolute favourites: they are the kind of shoes I imagine minnie mouse would wear if mickey ever sent her out to work and she had to get an office job. They'd be the perfect focal point with black tights and black shoes (my standard work outfit) but would look outstanding with clashing coloured tights, patterned dresses and layers and layers of tops (my standard weekend uniform) Basically, I need these shoes! Time to start jiggling that piggie bank....

Thank heavens for the tatty devine website. Without them I might never have discovered the fabulous Minna, and her fabulous, delicious, drool inducing shoe candy.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Tor xxx