AW14: Time for Topshop

Hi guys,
Given the huge success of the Topshop Unique LFW show over the weekend, now seems like the perfect time to explore the Topshop AW14 collection. The campaign images have been out for a little while now and, as usual, Cara Delevingne looks as stunningly beautiful as ever. She typifies who the Topshop girl is for me: low key, effortlessly beautiful and certainly never about to try too hard when it comes to how she looks. Have you ever noticed that those young gorgeous girls (or 'Topshop girls'), much like off duty models, never feel the need to do too much to themselves? Their make up is minimal (just lots of smudgy black liner) their hair is undone, and that's exactly the feel this campaign gives, albeit in a more glamorous and grown up way. It's weird that making so little effort can be quite so aspirational.



Taking inspiration from a mixture of 90s grunge and rock and roll trends, both of which show no signs of going out of fashion, like all of Topshop's collections every piece here is infinitely wearable. I love this aesthetic. Skinny jeans, leather trews and jackets, sensible flat shoes and even some lovely faux fur coats - all you need to throw in is a 60s retro-style mini dress and you have my dream style (and half my wardrobe) right there!

These campaign images have been released for over a month now, but it took the weather turning cold for me to look at them with fresh eyes and decide that what I (at first) thought was a very plain and mainstream campaign is, in fact, one of the most wearable and inspired high street campaigns of the season.....so far!

Everytime I go into Topshop I tell myself I'm getting a little too old to be shopping there. But I just can't help myself: I love the look, I love the effortless style, and I love aspiring to be a 'Topshop girl'. Even if I am just a chubby old mum with paint and playdough on her jeans...

Love Tor x

Embracing Model Diversity: The Latest Campaign from TK Maxx

Hi guys,
TK Maxx have become the latest high street brand to embrace all things diverse, by including the world's oldest supermodel, Daphne Selfe and Felicity Hayward, the UK's hottest new plus size model, in their latest campaign video.

I like the TK Maxx ads: they're so fun and upbeat and cool (can I get away with saying 'cool'?). They're definitely the kind of ads you wish you could transport yourself into, anyway!
 
I'm loving all of the vintage styling and the oversized statement necklaces. And some of those chunky wool coats are enough to have me running to my closest branch of TK Maxx as fast as I can, looking to do some new season shopping!

TK Maxx did a quick Q&A with  plus sized model Felicity Hayward at the shoot for their latest campaign (images definitely to follow: they look as great as the TV ad!) and I've popped a little snippet below:

TK Maxx: Can you describe your personal style? 
Felicity Hayward: A modern day Jayne Mansfield, whose wardrobe got mixed up with the costume department of a John Waters movie. 

TK: What is your favourite trend from TK Maxx’s AW13 collection? 
FH: I would say winter pastels as I am a big fan of those colours, I could be a little biased on the grounds that I want to be an ice-cream lady when I am older and the colours in this trends remind me of all the flavours from mint choc chip to tutti frutti. 

TK: Do you have any fashion pieces in your wardrobe that have an amazing story behind them, or that you could never bear to part with? 
FH: I have a thong which once belonged to Prince and was worn by one of his dancers at the VH1 Fashion Music Awards in 1994. That baby isn’t going anywhere.

She's plus sized, she's gorgeous and sexy, and she loves Prince! Could this woman be my new fashion crush? I think so!

Love Tor x

Primark AW13: Another peek (Because it's all so good!)

Hi guys,
As you're reading this I am at The Crazy Bear in Stadhampton celebrating my 2nd wedding anniversary. But I thought I'd leave you guys with some yummy scrummy Primark fun! I get back tomorrow, and I'll share all the details of my trip!

After last week's peek at some of the campaign images from Primark's autumn/winter offerings, I thought we should have a look at some more of the product we've got to look forward to. I said it last week, and I'll say it again, I'm so excited for all of this stuff to land in store! It's a range that really appeals to me because it's lady-like, grown-up, massively wearable and would fit in so nicely with my existing wardrobe.
Image 1: Sweatshirt, £10. Trousers, £8. Shoes, £18.
Image 2: Jacket, £25. T shirt, £12. Trousers, £16. Shoes, £14. Necklace, £8.
Image 3: Jumper, £10. Shirt, £10. Jeans, £13. Shoes, £14. Earrings, £5.
Image 4: Dress, £13. Boots, £20. Tights, £3.50.
Image 5: Sweatshirt, £12. Skirt, £6. Shoes, £18. Necklace, £8.
Image 6: Coat, £25. Sweatshirt, £10. Trousers, £8. Shoes, £14. Earrings, £5.

The peep toe ankle boots are gorgeous: I tried on a similar pair in Topshop last week, and they were £75. They'd look great with coloured tights or skinny jeans! I also really like the cobalt blue coat, which has an awesome, retro 1980s feel. My final pick? That chunky knit dusty pink jumper is a piece you would buy and wear again and again. It's so versatile, and could be dressed up or down.

Want to see more? Check out last week's post showing the first peek at Primark's new season campaign images.

Is there anything that's caught your eye this time? And what do you think about the new Primark autumn/winter collection - are you tempted to start shopping?

Love Tor x

More magic from Primark's high summer collection!

Hi guys,
My first thought when I saw these campaign images from the Primark high summer collection: Why, hello 1995, good to see you again!

Yes, the dungarees, the obsession with American sport styling, the grungy 'I love Kurt Cobain' attitude: all reminiscent of a very young and very uncool me in the 1990s. And I remember really wanting a pair of those round Liam Gallagher sunglasses too! This is definitely a collection reminiscent of my youth:
Fluro Dungarees £13, White Vest £2.50, White Trainer £6, Round Clear Sunglasses £1.
Varsity Crop Top £6, Boyfriend Jeans £15, Strap Heels £12, Fringe Bag £8
Knitted Varsity Crop £7, Printed Shorts £4, Spike Necklace £8, White Trainer £6, Denim Duffle Bag £6, Ring £3
Aztec Print Cut-Out Dress £15, White Trainers £6, Sunglasses £2.50, Earrings from £2.
Oversized baseball top, £6.
White sunglasses, £2. Pink trainers, £6.

I am so tempted to give dundarees a go, but I just know they wouldn't suit me! I do like the much more curve-friendly cut out detail Aztec dress though: rather than the trainers, I would team it with a satchel and tan wedges instead.

I love all of these looks, but following the old adage that if you can remember a trend from the first time around you shouldn't wear it, I won't be adopting a full-nineties look!  Instead I think I'll incorporate a few details into my usual look: hello, new found obsession with neon!

Have you tried the nineties trend? Would you incorporate any nineties details into your wardrobe?

Love Tor x

PS - This is a pre-scheduled post and as you're reading this I am picking up the keys to our new house! We officially own it from today, and we move in later this week, after we've finished painting the upstairs. I couldn't be more excited: obviously a full post, complete with pictures, will follow!

Launching tomorrow: 'Perfectly' at Marks and Spencer

Hi guys,
As you guys know (because I bang on about it all the time) my current fashion focus is on building up my collection of good quality wardrobe classics. Staple pieces that will go with everything, and that I can wear again and again.

With that in mind, you can understand why I was so excited to read about the new 'Perfectly' collection by Marks and Spencer. The range consists of flattering understated key pieces, anchored around a neutral colour palette in quality fabrics, making the collection both easy to wear, stylish yet affordable. I've only seen pics of a few of the pieces, and there are already to things I'm chomping at the bit to get my hands on when the collection launches tomorrow: The thing that I love most about the range is the attention to the little details. The crisp white shirt for example, has covered buttons, helping it to reduce gape and give a smooth silhouette. The simple black dress comes with a skinny riveted belt to draw in the waist, and tiny shoulder studs.

Because these pieces are such classics, it also means they're ageless, and will look good on everyone. A hip young teen, my very stylish mum, and even a saggy tummied new mama like me will all look stylish and put together with just a couple of pieces from this collection in their capsule wardrobe. I will definitely be heading instore to check out the collection when it lands instore on 21st March. And that leather jacket with the fabric sleeves will be mine!

'Perfectly' by Marks and Spencer launches online tomorrow.

Love Tor x

More from Primark's A/W Campaign: The party edition!

Hi guys,
You guys couldn't get enough of Primark's A/W casual campaign images, and if you loved those, you're going to love what Primark have coming up for the party season!

I never spend a great deal of money on my party dresses: if I'm going to buy something designer or high end I want it to be something I can get a lot of wear out of. And as party frocks are something I tend to only wear once or twice, Primark is the perfect place to buy them from.

They have gone overboard with the sequins and the glitter (my favourite things, when it comes to getting ready for a night out) and it still amazes me that you can buy a whole outfit, including jewellery and shoes, for less than £50. And you'd look phenomenal!  God bless Primark, and their truly reasonable prices. Here are some of my picks from what they've got coming up:




Picture 1: Sequin skater dress £20 beg Oct.
Picture 2: Sequin mini £12 mid Sep, Stud shirt £13 end Oct, Gem bow black £20 beg Sep.
Picture 3: Sequin short £16 beg Oct, Sequin jacket £25 beg Oct, Gem bow platform nude beg Sept.
Picture 4: Lace dress £17 beg Oct. 

I need that sequinned flapper-style skirt and the metallic sequinned blazer in my life immediately. And if I had the legs to pull off shorts, those matching sequinned shorts would be joining them!

What do you think? Would you buy an occasion frock from Primark? If not, where do you shop when you need something new for a party?

Love Tor xx

Today I wish I looked like Sophie Dahl

Hi guys,
OK so her cookery programme was irritating. And I'm not a big fan of her diminutive husband.But today, the celebrity I most wish I looked like is Sophie Dahl. That's because she's just been unveiled as the face of classic British brand Aubin & Wills. And she is looking fresh faced and frankly, amazing!

How gorgeous are these shots? They make me wish I could perfect this understated and laid back cool look!



I confess that I never shop in Aubin & Wills (nor have I ever visited the younger sister store, Jack Wills) but I do think they have a knack for choosing amazing celebs to front their campaigns: previous stars have included Rosie Huntington-Whitely and my imaginary-husband, Carl Barat.

The collection launched in store and online last week (19th July). I have been looking for the perfect Camel coat to add to my growing collection of classic-pieces-to-last-forever for an age. I think I might have to pop in and try on the one being modelled by Sophie here: it looks great!

Where do you stand on the classics versus trends debate? Do you tend to buy classic pieces, or do you prefer your wardrobe to be more trend-led?


Love Tor xx