What to Wear For Your Dream Job Interview

Hi guys,
One of the main perks of working for myself is that I never really have to think about job interviews. My office is in the room next door to my bedroom and if I want to work in my PJs then there's no-one to tell me not to (very occasionally I do too!) However when I'm meeting new clients or attending client meetings I have to shed my house clothes and smarten up. So when someone emailed asking what they should wear to a job interview, I thought it was the perfect time to do a little fantasy 'work clothes' shopping and put together the perfect outfit for a dream job interview:

You can't go wrong with a crisp white shirt! Every woman should have one in their wardrobe armoury: you'll be amazed by how often you'll wear it. River Island have just launched a new tailoring collection, and I just couldn't resist these pin striped softly pleated cigarette trousers. If you need a really formal outfit then River Island also made a matching jacket to go with these, but I went for a block colour fitted black blazer instead. I always shy away from colour, particularly in a job interview situation, so I went for accessories in similarly dark tones, but with a patent sheen to add a little style.

Work in a more creative environment or looking for something a little more casual? Inject a little colour and style with slightly more unusual patterns and textures. One of the most important things about dressing for a job interview is to be comfortable, so if you are wearing jeans then why not opt for a low heeled ankle boot rather than a heeled court shoe? You don't want to be worrying about tripping up on your way out of the interview! And as for accessories? Whether you're going hyper formal or super casual, a simple handbag (big enough to fit in any A4 documents) and a chunky watch is all you need: there's no need to distract with layers of oversized bling.I am totally in love with this second outfit and buying those trousers as I type!!!

Companies such as City Calling offer fantastic interview tips and advice for job seekers, helping you know what to say and do when you're in the interrogation suite (I mean interview room!) but as well as prepping your interview technique and making sure you know every detail of your CV, you should also ensure you're happy and comfortable with what you're wearing. Because looking good is half the battle....

Love Tor x

What to Wear in Disneyland Paris in September

Hi guys,
In exactly seven weeks I will be donning my mouse ears, grabbing hubby and baby, and heading off to Disneyland Paris! This will be Wilbur's third holiday and his second trip to Disneyland Paris (not bad for an 18 month old) although as he was so small I don't think he will remember the first trip. He loves Mickey Mouse, Buzz and Woody, and I just can't wait to see his face the first time he sees the castle. Can you tell I'm excited?!

So what will I be wearing for this trip? Well my attitude is that when in Disneyland you should wear Disney clothes: but I also want to be comfortable and look a little on trend too. Here's my inspiration mood boards for hubby and I:

FOR HER

Minnie Mouse ears, ASOS exclusive, £10/ Bambi top. Paul and Joes Sister, £50/ Khaki joggers, Topshop, £45/ Toffee leather brogues, Shellys, £65/ Mickey mouse necklace, Gogo Phillip, £9.99

FOR HIM

Junk Food Mickey Mouse tee, £30.99/ Dark wash jeans, River Island, £50/ Mickey Mouse rotator watch, ASOS, £75/ Stars and Stripes Converse, £56.99/ ASOS satchel, £18. 

And here's how I wore Disneyland Paris last October, when the weather was much cooler. Note the obligatory ears and the Mickey Mouse sweatshirt!

I always make sure I've got comfy shoes on when I go to Disneyland, and a small across body bag is essential for the rides too. Pro tip: take more than one pair of shoes, even if you're travelling light. There is loads of walking involved in Disneyland which will leave you with very sore feet at the end of each day. But switching your shoes will change the pressure points being pushed each day, and make your feet a little more comfortable. The weather can also be so temperamental over there (just like it is here!) so we'll also all be taking our rain coats and then, hopefully, shoving them in the backpack because we don't need them!

I've gone a little mad on the pre-holiday shopping. New outfits for all of us (including a Buzz costume for little man) and I am planning to indulge in some serious mouse-themed retail therapy whilst we're out there too. Now I just need to find myself the perfect Mickey Mouse T shirt: do you guys have any suggestions?

Love Tor x

Daily Wear: Occasion Wear for Everywhere!

Hi guys,
If you have a special occasion coming up this summer then you're in luck. The high street is filling with occasion wear, and you're spoilt for choice when it comes to finding something to wear. I have two weddings to attend this year, including one very special one: my sisters! But when it comes to weddings and other special occasions there are so many more than one outfit you have to buy: you also need something for the hen 'do, the day before the wedding, for heading to breakfast on the morning afterwards...the list goes on!

Another important thing to think about when you're choosing your occasion wear is whether you'll be able to wear it again: those fancy wedding frocks are far too expensive to only wear once! That's why I've taken one dress from the Marks and Spencer occasion wear collection (which I'm completely in love with) and styled it for another equally as important occasion: a casual day of bridesmaids fun with my sisters and mum (incorporating setting up the wedding and then enjoying afternoon tea) the day before the wedding!




You can buy this dress for yourself here for £89. I've teamed it with a hat that's also from M&S, contrasting pastel yellow polka dot pumps and an over body bag. Whereas I would go for heels and a clutch if I were wearing this for the wedding, the flats and easy bag make the dress much easier and more comfortable for running around in, but still fancy enough for a sophisticated afternoon tea.

The thing I love about this dress is that it is quite clearly an occasion dress (thick luxurious fabric, gorgeous lace overlay) but its on trend pastel colour means that you really could wear it anywhere. Meaning it's cost per wear will be significantly better than some of the other frocks I've bought for weddings and other special occasions over the past couple of months!

Are you going to any weddings this year? And have you started thinking about what you will be wearing for them yet?

Love Tor x

Daily Wear: Weekend Classics

Hi guys,
Sometimes there's nothing better than not having to think about what you're wearing and just throw on the basics! My plans for today involved cooking a Sunday roast, taking Wilbur for a walk to the park, and heading to a couple of antique/junk shops to do some furniture shopping. The perfect day to break in my new legging jeans and wear something simple then! (Not the perfect day to have a blow dry though: the wind didn't stop throwing my hair around all day!)


When I read about the Gap jean leggings on Jen's blog I decided to head out and get myself a pair: and I'm really glad I did! So far they're holding their shape really well, they're flattering and they fit like a dream. I've teamed them with a thin knit striped jumper (whenever Spring approaches I feel the need to introduce stripes to my wardrobe!), my favourite Topshop boots, H&M cocoon coat, and Cambridge Satchel Company satchel.

Everything about this item is a classic/basic: something I go to and wear again and again. There studded Topshop boots are currently fitted with their second set of heels and their third pair of insoles because I wear them so often that I wear them out. And I just love slouchy oversized coats: they may not be the most flattering of coats, but they are so warm and cozy, and you can layer lots of jumpers underneath them if you need to too!

Oh, and I promised you I would show you how those Maui Jim sunglasses looked in an outfit post: well here they are! They're much smaller than the oversized shades I usually opt for, but I really do like how they look. They have a great retro feel that really suits my style: roll on the summer so I get to wear them properly!

Love Tor x

Daily Wear: A Walk in The Park

Hi guys,
Don't you just love weekends? Yesterday we hit the shops, took Wilbur to see the animals at the farm, and then had a scrummy dinner in Carluccios. Today we've been vegging on the sofa watching some of the DVDs we got for Christmas, and then we went for a walk in the park.

The other good things about weekends is that I have a little longer to get myself dressed: and so even if we're only going to the park I can scrub up to do it Basically, that's just a fancy way of saying I sometimes get to wear dresses instead of jeans! Bearing that in mind, here's what I'm wearing today:
Coat from Clothing at Tesco, dress from George at Asda, Monogrammed satchel from The Cambridge Satchel Co, boots from Sol Sana at Sarenza. 

It's also given me a chance to show off my new coat. This F&F Limited Edition faux fur collar cocoon coat is from Clothing at Tesco, and is still available on the website for £60. I've been wearing it constantly since I got it and I'm obsessed with its vintage feel and it's unusual blue colour (so much more exciting than the usual black and it goes better with jeans). I love it's oversized boxy shape and another bonus is that it matches perfectly with the new Cambridge Satchel Company satchel Mike got me for Christmas: given I ordered the coat before Christmas, how lucky is that?!

Underneath I'm wearing this long sleeved dress which has a lace Peter Pan collar, thick thermal tights (Primark's finest!) and I've added my favourite Sol Sana boots on my feet: these are another online order that arrived just before Christmas and that I've been wearing pretty much constantly since.

What have you been doing with your weekend and, more importantly, what have you been wearing to do it? Have you been wrapping up against the cold or snuggling up inside instead?

Love Tor x

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

Daily Wear: Like a preppy bumble bee!

Hi guys,
The title of this post is what my husband said when I asked him how I looked today! I'm pretty sure it wasn't intended as a complement. Nonetheless I'm quite happy with this simple but sunshiney outfit, which is just perfect for looking stylish, but not like I've made too much effort when I pop to the shops this afternoon:
The jumper is from Gap (Just £13.99 in the sale: total bargain!), the jeans are Topshop, and the blouse is H&M. The dainty flower necklace is from Cath Kidston. The heels are Steve Madden via Sarenza and the bag is via Hotter.

I usually shy away from bright colours because I'm not sure how to wear them and, truth be told, I don't really like drawing attention to myself which you're bound to if you wear a jumper like this. But this vibrant yellow looks great with my trademark black and new love of denim. And wearing heels helps too: it forces you to carry yourself tall and adds outfit confidence!

How to you wear bright colours? What's your comfort zone, and how do you force yourself to step outside of it sometimes? I'd love to hear your tips!

Love Tor xx

Latest on Fabfrocks at Home: My dream bedroom created by Laura Ashley

Daily Wear: Just a walk in the park!

Hi guys,
Isn't it amazing how much the weather can change your mood? After a miserable week stuck in the house with Wilbur last week (mostly wearing jeans and baggy tees) I woke up this morning to find the sun shining and the birds singing, and my immediately reaction was Hurrah! It's the perfect day to throw on a dress and go for a walk around the park!

So that's exactly what we're going to do today, complete with rides on the swings and sandwiches under a shady tree. And here's what I'm wearing to do it:
The dress is years old (like, I got it when I was at university old!) and is from Topshop. The vintage bag is just as old (I was 19 when I got this bag and I'm 29 now. That's some serious wardrobe longevity!). The necklace is the Black Lily one I showed off last week. And the shoes are from Mellow Yellow via Sarenza. I actually ordered these months ago in anticipation of Spring, but today is the first time I've worn them. I'm seriously excited to take them for a spin, as they're so cute, with their little heart cut out details!

Oh by the way - you may have noticed the new background to my last couple of outfit posts: our new garden! We spent much of this weekend mowing the lawn and weeding the patio: my next job is to paint the fences. It's so much nicer to take photos here without passers by on the street gawking. I feel much happier and comfortable posing too: cue lots more outfit posts to come this summer!

What did you get up to this weekend? Did you do anything nice, to make the most of the sunshine? And do you find the change of weather affects your mood too?

Love Tor x

Daily wear: My new uniform

Hi guys,
Everyone has a daily uniform, whether you're given a prescribed work uniform or not. Your uniform is your go- to outfit for speed, comfort, style. You could be a jeans girl or a leggings girl. Always wear black, or only wear bright colours.  Most people wear a variation of that same outfit everyday. I know I do!
Jeans, Miss Selfridges. Blouse, River Island. Boots, Georgia Rose c/o Sarenza. Baby bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Watch, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Bracelets, See by Chloe.

It used to be that my go to uniform for work everyday was a black dress or black tunic and a funky jacket. I love a jacket! But since I've been staying at home with Wilbur my lifestyle has changed and my uniform has too! For going to baby groups, coffee mornings, walks in the park, my new uniform is this. Jeans, comfy boots, baby changing bag, and a pretty blouse. I'm looking forward to the day when my uniform goes back to being pretty dresses and heels (I really miss heels!) but for now I am embracing the jeans and blouse look. And I like it!

Am I right? Do you wear the same type of uniform outfit everyday? And if so, what's yours?

Love Tor x

Daily wear: Happy Mother's Day!

Hi guys,
Well, if you're in the UK today is Mother's Day: my first as a mummy! We were planning to spend the day by the beach in Cromer and eat fish and chips. Then it started snowing: plan scuppered. I can't believe it's snowing, when you consider that it was only Tuesday that the weather was so warm I left the house without my coat (Yes, I do have that British preoccupation with talking about the weather)

So instead we had lunch at home (steak and dauphinoise potatoes: yummy!) and then spend the afternoon trawling the local antique shops looking for treasure. Here's what I wore for the occasion:
Leopard Print coat, Next. Striped blouse, Primark. Jeans, Miss Selfridges. Boots, Topshop. Bag, Pucci via TK Maxx.

It's not very often I wear my hair up: I tend to use it as a safety blanket! And it's even less often I leave the house without make up, like I did today. But a clean face and simple pony tail are perfect for lazy Sundays. As is this outfit; jeans and blouses tend to be my uniform at the moment: so easy to throw on with minimal effort required, but they still look stylish and well put together.

Do you have a go-to weekend outfit or style that you wear over and over again? And what is it?

Oh and as a PS - Happy Mother's day to my lovely wonderful mum, who I know will be reading this!

Love Tor x

If you buy one thing this Spring, make it neon!

Hi guys,
One of the emergant trend from this month's spate of Fashion Weeks for A/W13 is neon. We saw it at Henry Holland,  and neon detailing (even for nails and make up) was everywhere.

So this season's neons aren't going anywhere: meaning if you buy seasonless pieces, they're the perfect investment that you can wear now, and still be wearing this time next year.  Think neon jewellery, ballet pumps and lightweight, layerable shirts and tees.
Pink jumper, Gap. Perspex and orange necklace, H&M. Pink lipstick, Dior.  Bracelets, both Topshop.

The best thing is, the current love affair with neon isn't even a new Spring/Summer one. It actually started last year, which means there were, and still are, plenty of fluro neon items to be had in the January and end of season sales. I picked up my neon pink jumper from the Gap sale at the end of January for just £15. And I just ordered a great pair of neon detail sandals from Sarenza to keep me on trend all summer too.

Make up-wise, I think neon is difficult. I certainly wouldn't feel brave enough to wear a neon eyeshadow or (gulp!) neon mascara. But neon lipstick can look great: this neon pink lipstick from Dior has a high gloss shine that makes the colour pop even more, and really draws attention to your lips.

Admittedly, it isn't a trend for the fainthearted. But the benefits of wearing neon are multiple! It instantly makes you look tanned (I don't know how, but it does!), appear on trend with very little effort, and a little bit goes a long way: even a neon cuff is enough.

What do you think of the neon trend? Would you wear neon, or is it just a little bold for you?

Love Tor x

Daily wear: London Fashion Week AW13

Hi guys,
Getting ready for day one of London Fashion Week was something of a harried affair for me - not only did I have to get up and leave Norwich at the crack of dawn, I also had to dress, feed, and settle the baby at the same time. Nightmare! However I did manage to throw some semblance of an outfit together, and I actually think I looked alright. Even if we did take the photos at the back on an NCP car park, because we were running so late!
Coat, Stella McCartney. Trousers and boots, Topshop. Blouse, H&M. Necklace, All Saints. Sunglasses, Rock and Replublic via TK Maxx. Bag, BCBGMaxAzria via TKMaxx.

The patterned trousers were a big move for me, as I'm so self conscious of my thunder-thighs, I never wear anything other than black tights/leggings or jeans on my legs. But I loved these when I saw them in the Topshop sale, and at £10, how could I resist?!

I was planning on wearing my studded leather jacket (which looked great with this outfit, even if I do say so myself!) but when I got to London it was so cold that I threw on my Stella McCartney mac, which was luckily on the back seat of the car. Not as on-trend as I would have liked, perhaps, but at least it's a style classic and I was definitely glad to have it when the wind started biting whilst I was queuing for the shows! And this was another bargain - I got this last year from the Stella McCartney sample sale for £90!

Did you stream or see any shows at London Fashion Week yesterday? Or are you avoiding the LFW circus altogether this weekend? And if so, what are you doing instead? I'd love to hear all about it!

Love Tor x

Daily Wear: Winter neons

Hi guys,
I think you have to celebrate the small victories. On Sunday, Wilbur let me get dressed without crying, and then go out for lunch and eat three full courses whilst he slept: the first time that's happened since he was born!

For the occasion I wore bright neons, but in an uber traditional way. A typical Sunday lunch outfit. I would say the format of this outfit is boringly stereotypical for this time of year: knee high boots, floral dress, blazer. Yawn. But the colours mean that it looked a little more interesting, and although it's not the best or most fashion-forward outfit I've ever worn, I was pleased with how it looked.
Dress - Warehouse. Jacket, belt and necklace - all H&M. Handbag - Betsey Johnson. Boots - Next.

The jacket and the dress were both January sales purchases. The dress is from Warehouse for just £15 and the jacket was from H&M for £10. With hindsight, I'm not that keen on how this jacket looks with the dress. But it will look amazing teamed with simple t-shirts or blouses and jeans when spring arrives.

My husband told me (once we'd already left the house!) that the outfit was too bright and garish. But I'm not sure I agree. What do you think of wearing neons to brighten up gloomy snowy days? Are you a fan of neons at all, and will you be wearing them this spring?

Love Tor x

Daily Wear: My favourite sale bargain so far....

Hi guys,
Sorry for the long absence - we spent New Year's with my parents (we only got back yesterday) and frankly I was having so much fun that I didn't open my computer the whole time I was there!

I also haven't hit as many of the January sales as I was planning to: but I did make time to check out a couple, including Topshop, River Island, and Dorothy Perkins. And my favourite sale purchase (so far) is from the Dorothy Perkins sale, believe it or not: a (p)leather jacket with gold stud detailing reduced to £35. Not the investment buy leather jacket I was looking for, but it fit so nicely I just couldn't resist it! And here it is:



Jacket - Dorothy Perkins, Leopard print dress - River Island, H by Hudson boots - c/o Sarenza, Pucci bag - c/o TK Maxx, Necklaces - vintage and gifted 

You might remember this dress because I picked it up from River Island a couple of months ago in the mid season sales. I seem to be having a real leopard print obsession at the moment: I picked up another leopard print dress and two leopard print tops from the River Island sale last week too!

And if you're wondering why I've shown you the close up of my new gold locket, that would be because my son got it me for Christmas! It has pictures of the three of us (the boy, hubby, and I) inside, and the back is engraved with a special message - too cute for words. I haven't not worn it for a single day since Christmas.

A bit late to ask I know, but better late than never! How was your New Year? And what's your favourite/best sale purchase that you've made so far?

Love Tor x

The perfect Christmas day outfits for the whole family

Hi guys,
I normally resist writing about Christmas in November (believe me, you'll have enough of my Christmas posts to last a lifetime in December!) but I'm being beaten down by all the festive spirit everywhere and I just can't resist: The high street Christmas lights have been lit, Starbucks have their red cups out, and more importantly, I have seen the Coke Christmas ad on TV. Holidays are coming, my friends!

In honour of this, I started thinking about what I want myself and my boys to be wearing on Christmas day. This will be our first Christmas as a family of three (In fact, if he comes on time the boy will be less than a month old) so my usual laissez faire attitude to Christmas dressing is out of the window and instead been replaced by Christmas jumpers, cozy Santa accessories, and an unholy amount of red! Here are my picks from Next.co.uk of what I would like us to be wearing when the big day arrives:


Red skinny trousers, £26: Sparkle green sweater, £42: Nude and wine block platform shoes, £60: Colour block metal link belt, £12: Berry feather earrings, £7.50: Expandable bracelet, £12.


Straight leg burgandy chino, £20: Suede desert boots, £48: Burgandy patterned crew neck jumper, £30: Burgandy check scarf, £13: Black and orange leather strap watch, £30: Tan leather belt, £20.


I love santa suit, £11: Christmas bibs (2 pack), £4.50: Reindeer teddy bear, £9: Christmas pudding hat, £6: Knitted reindeer booties, £5.50

Of course in reality, Mike will wear his usual blue jeans and black Tshirt combo (it's tried and tested!) and I will wear something with an elasticated waist to make room for as much Christmas dinner as possible: but a girl can dream!! What do you wear on Christmas day? In my family's household we don't take off our PJs, but hubby's family get dressed up, so that will be a new experience for me this year!

Lovely blogger Northern Mum is collaborating with Next to giveaway a £500 voucher to the blogger who best styles a Christmas look for their family from the new season Next collection. The above is my entry to the competition - wish me luck!! 

Love Tor xx

Daily Wear: Long and lazy Sundays

Hi guys,
This weekend was dominated by a friend's wedding (which was great!) on Saturday and Saturday night. As is expected for these occasions, I got all dolled up and boogied the night away. Which meant that today was the perfect day for a lovely long relaxing day: which we chose to spend having a fat steak in the pub then mingling with the crowds of Bicester Village, alongside my parents, sister and gorgeous nephew. You can tell I had a late night the night before, as it doesn't look like I remembered to brush my hair!



I love the dress, which is from French Connection; a bargain picked up in the sale earlier in the summer. It's not maternity wear but where stretch jersey is concerned, I really don't think it matters. The scarf is from Alice Temperley's Somerset Collection for John Lewis, and the bag is BCBG MaxAzria, which I picked up from TK Maxx, also earlier in the summer. The ring is from Swarovski (and one of my faves!) Without wanting to be predictable (ha!) I am wearing my favourite River Island leather jacket and H by Hudson boots (c/o Sarenza) too. Again.

I love Bicester Village: it's one of my favourite shopping days out. And usually I come home with bags full of goodies to show off. But this trip, aside from an oven glove and two tea towels from the Cath Kidston outlet (oh the glamour!) I left empty handed.

Have you guys all had a good weekend? I'd love to hear what you've been up to - especially if it involves shopping. I really do think I'm addicted!

Love Tor xxx