Primark's A/W 2014 New Season Picks

Hi guys,
I feel I ought to start this post with a disclaimer: I very rarely shop in Primark any more. Over the past couple of years I have tended to shop less but shop smarter, so I would rather spend a little more on something that will last a little longer. That means I can't vouch for the quality of any of the things featured in this post. Having said that, I do still like a browse in Primark and I am always interested to see their new season press images. Much like Topshop (but on a more inexpensive scale) I always think Primark are great at nailing trends and assimilating all of the new seasons looks just a couple of garments. Of course, they also get alot wrong, but sometimes isn't that just the fun of fashion?! Anyway enough of my rambling. Here are the new season looks from Primark:

Image 1: Coat £30, Bag £10, Jumper £4.
Image 2: Coat £25, Skirt £6, Boots £15

Image 3: Coat £25, Jumper £14, Skirt £12, Boots £24, Hat £8.
Image 4: Coat £28, Dress £13, Shoes £12, Bag £14

Image 5: Coat £25, Top £6, Cullottes £14, Boots £24, Socks £2, Hat £2.
Image 6: Dress £20, Shoes £14, Hat £8, Snood £6, Bag £8.

I have a huge weakness for faux fur collars, so the lovely bright coral coat with the cream fur in image 3 immediately grabbed my attention. In fact, I love that whole outfit and the way it is styled. I'm pleased to see that Primark have moved away from the 90s revival trend (a trend I just can't wear - because I wore it the first time round! Shudder) and are focusing on lovely pieces that are wearable for everyone instead. Speaking of wearable by everyone, did you know that Primark have widened their size range? You can now buy sizes ranging from 6-20 in store. A very clever move meaning they can appeal to a much wider demographic of people looking for discounted fashions.

Love Tor x

Primark SS14: The First Images are in!

Hi guys,
Yes it's that time of the season once more: we're all freezing and bundled up in our coats, so it's time to start thinking about what we'll be wearing when Spring arrives. When it starts snowing i'll know it's time for me to buy my summer sandals! As we're in the process of booking our early-summer holiday (in May) I for one am particularly interested to see what spring/summer wear Primark have to offer. And their press images never fail to disappoint, even if they aren't always to my tastes.

There are a couple of looks in this initial that I suspect will look pretty cheap in the flesh, even if they photograph well. And when you can buy a whole outfit for under £20, what can you expect I suppose! But despite this, there are also a couple of outfits I definitely have my eye on:



Image 1: Coat £25, top £6, jeans £13, sandals £12, earrings £1.50
Image 2: Dress £20, earrings £1.
Image 3: Top £8, skirt £6, bag £1.50, earring £1
Image 4: Top £6, skirt £12, bag, shoes £13, hat £1.50
Image 5: Dress £20, shoe £12, sunglasses £3
Image 6: Top £8, skirt £8, bracelet £2, earrings £1.50

The drop dates for the selection above range from January to May, so if it's summer goodies you're looking for then it's safe to say you can start hunting now! I won't be running for the doors at opening time to get my hands on any of this particular range, but I do like the white dress with the white overlay: I think the fit would be really flattering!

Is there anything you've got your eyes on? Or are you hoping the next drop will be a little more inspiring, like me?

Love Tor x

Sneak Peek: A/W13 Mainline collection images from ASOS

Hi guys,
The model and product images from the ASOS mainline womenswear collections landed in my inbox this week, and I immediately poured over them, lusting after several new season items almost immediately. Autumn/winter is by far my favourite season (in terms of both the fashion and the weather) and even when I'm shopping the summer sales in this 30 degree heat it's the coats and the ankle boots i'm looking at, definitely not the bikinis and beach dresses!

The contrasting textures, the muted colours, the grungy feel - this is everything I love about winter summed up in just a few images. Layers and knitwear: it's like a winter-lover's wet dream! There are so many more amazing images from next seasons mainline ASOS collection that I could be sharing dozens of them every week until December, and probably still have more to show off! Can you remember when ASOS stood for 'As seen on screen' and sold dodgy knock offs of celebrities outfits? My how the brand has grown and changed! I really couldn't imagine the online shopping landscape without it now!

Sorry for my radio silence for most of this week. I have been snowed under with freelancing work (definitely not a bad thing!) and that combined with a teething and grumpy baby means there hasn't been much time left for blogging!

What do you think of these first peeks at the ASOS autumn/winter collection? Does it make you lust after winter already, or is just the sight of these tights making your legs feel hot and itchy?

Love Tor xx

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

Primark AW13: The first campaign images are here!

Hi guys,
We're finally having our first heat wave of the year, so it seems natural that now would be the perfect time for me to start talking about autumn/winter. Because what everyone wants right now is a new winter coat! Seriously though, the first campaign images from Primark for autumn have been released, and I knew I had to share them as soon as I saw them!

The unwearable crop tops and youth-focus of the spring/summer collection has gone. Instead it's been replaced with a grown up, lady like range that is really wearable and very covetable. There are so many pieces I'm lusting after that it's hard to know where to begin:
Image 1:Leopard print sweater, £10. Ring sets from £3.
Image 2: Nude coat, £32. Nude cropped jumper, £10. Nude trousers, £12.
Image 3: Black and white jumper, £14. Black skirt, £14. Black heels, £16.
Image 4: Leather sleeve coat, £28. Shirt, £12. Trousers, £12. Bag, £10. Trainers, £12.
Image 5: Grey and black dress, £17. Bag, £4.
Image 6: Pink coat, £25.

Where do I even start with my list of items I'm coveting? Obviously, because I'm a coat addict, I'd like the leather sleeved cream coat. The full faux leather skirt is just made for teaming with a vintage-style tee and heeled ankle boots. And that leopard print sweater has my name written all over it!

I really do like this collection. It feels like it's aimed at 20-somethings, rather than the teens and pre-teens of the past couple of seasons. What do you think? Is there anything you really like from Primark autumn/winter so far? Or is it just too early to start thinking about your winter wardrobe?

Love Tor x

Get ready for high summer from Primark!

Hi guys,
Spring has finally sprung - for the first time since September I've left the house without a jacket on this week. That means, that in the time-honoured fashion tradition of always looking a season ahead, it's time to forget about Spring and start thinking about high summer!

When I saw these high summer model shots from Primark, my heart skipped a beat. This is my dream summer wardrobe, and exactly what I'd like to wear for frolicking of the beach, wandering around the markets and sightseeing on my summer holiday. It has the perfect bohemian style and feels very casual, not too overthought, and just made for an exotic location. Perfect:
Fluro Zebra Bodycon Dress £10, Aztec Cut-Out Bangle £2.
Mexicana Print Tank £4, Denim Navajo Shorts £14, Ring £2.50, Bangle Sets from £2.50.
Bikini Top £6, Crochet Waistcoat £14, Printed Trousers £9, Beaded Sandals £12, Aztec Cut-Out Bangle £2, Ring £2.50 Crochet Fringe Top £14, printed Shorts £4, Feather Earrings £5, Straw Tote £7.
Bikini Top £4, Crochet Crop Top £12, Suede Shorts £12, Gladiator Sandals £12, Embroidered Rucksack £9, Dreamcatcher Necklace £10, Rings from £1.50.

The pieces I just can't wait to get my hands on are the paisley print trousers (still flattering because the base colour is black) and the fringed crochet top. Cream crochet and lace detail tops are definitely going to be a core part of my wardrobe this summer.

I also really love the tribal print shorts and for £4, they're a bargain! If you have the legs, go and check them out: I do not have the legs, but I love them so much that I'm currently scouring the high street for a longer pair: if I find them i'll let you know!

Have you started shopping for your summer holiday yet? Have you even booked it yet - and if you have, where are you going?

Love Tor x

SS13: The best campaign images so far from TK Maxx

Hi guys,
I think it's fair to say that I am a TK Maxx addict: It's the home of finding amazing designer bargains for me, and the source of the best designer pieces in my wardrobe. It's mantra is the store with a mantra closest to mine: the best quality at the most affordable prices!

There are certain items (luggage, designer sunglasses) where, when they need replacing,  I won't look anywhere else: I know I won't get better than I will find in TKMaxx! When I saw the new Spring/Summer campaign images from TKMaxx therefore, I got a little bit excited. Not only are there several pieces I already know I want to add to my wardrobe, I also just love the fresh, young, happy styling of every single photo. And the vintage overtones are everything I love. It's like looking at pictures of Spring!

My current obsession with interiors (not long now until the big move!) means I'm also slightly obsessed with all that vintage wallpaper. If only they sold that in store too, I'd never need to shop anywhere else!
The pieces on my immediate hit list are the royal blue and grey silk patterned pussy bow blouse, the mustard weave handbag, the zebra print ponyskin courts ......and the blonde model's gorgeous hair colour please!

I have to limit myself to monthly visits to TKMaxx because I know I will always find something I want instore, and if I went in more often, I would probably bankrupt myself! Do you shop in TKMaxx? And what is the best TKMaxx bargain you've ever had?

Never been to TKMaxx before and want to try bagging a TKMaxx bargain of your own? Then check out my guide to bargain shopping in TKMaxx.

Love Tor xx

SS13: Candy colours from La Redoute

Hi guys,
There are some trends that you can pretty much guarantee you will see as certain seasons approach. Fur and leather for winter. White for the summer. And just as nautical has been synonymous with spring for more years than I can even remember, over the past few years, candy and pastel colours have become just as big a Spring/Summer trend.
The Brightside of this is that you can spend that little bit more on your pastel pieces because it isn't a flash in a pan trend: you'll be able to wear them again and again. There's no need to pop to Primark because you know you'll only wear whatever trendy pieces you need once or twice! And if it's good quality staples at a reasonable price you're looking for you could do a lot worse than check out La Redoute, who seem to have really thrown themselves into a candy coloured explosion for this season! Row 1: Jacket £69, Bag £39, Tshirt £19, Trousers £59.
Row 2: Blouse £55, Top £29, Bag £99, Top £49.
Row 3: Top £29, Shoes £75, Trousers £55, Sweater £27.

With my new mint green blazer from the Matalan sale, and a couple of pastel blouses that I picked up last summer I will definitely be embracing the candy colours trend this Spring: perfect for teaming with skinny jeans and nude coloured pumps.

What about you? Will you be wearing pastels this spring, or do you think that it's a trend that's been overdone?

Love Tor x

SS13: Must have Primark's newest collections

Hi guys,
I know it's snowing outside, so obviously it makes perfect sense that all I can think about is what I'm going to be wearing when Spring finally makes an appearance. Or not. Admittedly it might be a while before we get to wear any of them, but towards the end of every season I get itchy to start buying from the new season collections. And the good news is, they're starting to pop up instore soon. As the sale stock is taken out, the fresh bright colours of spring are coming in.

If you want to see which new season catwalk trends the highstreet has picked up on and will be attempting to replicate you can do a lot worse that to look towards first Topshop, and second Primark. Here are the publicity shots showcasing Primark's latest offerings:
Gilet £18, Dress £15, Stud creeper £14, Bum bag £5, Socks £1.50

Dress £20, Heels £12, Sunglasses £3.

Jumper £10, Skirt £10, Studded creeper £14, Mens cap £4.


Heels £12, Sunglasses £3, Trousers tbc

To be honest, the way they have styled this photoshoot is all a little young and urban for my personal tastes. The affect of this being that I thought I didn't like any of it. But actually, if you look at each piece in isolation, there is a lot to like: the mint green chiffon dress in the first picture, for example. And the pretty rope-style sandals in the second picture.

Does anything from the new collection take your fancy? And have you had any Primark bargains lately? I'd love to hear all about them!

Love Tor x

Warehouse A/W 2012 campaign: Perfect classic coats

Hi guys,
My coat addiction is a well-documented fact. As soon as the A/W stock starts landing in store my new coat(s) are the first thing I go looking for! My theory for lazy winter dressing is that it doesn't really matter what you're wearing underneath as long as the coat you're wearing on top looks fabulous.

But if, unlike me, you don't have or want a coat in every colour and style to go with every outfit and prefer instead to opt for something a little more classic that will go with everything then I heartily recommend you check out the new season coat drop from Warehouse:




Beige coat, £95, Warehouse
Stud detail coat, £120, Warehouse
Belted military coat, £90, Warehouse 
Faux fur cocoon coat, £90, Warehouse 

I particularly like the faux fur cocoon coat and the black masculine style coat with the stud embellishment on the shoulders: both nod perfectly to this season's coat trends whilst being versatile enough that you could wear them everyday, and with everything. The beige coat is also simple but statement-making, though I dislike the zip up front (It's just a personal preference!)

I will admit that Warehouse isn't a store I've ever thought to go coat shopping before: truth be told, I don't normally rate their style. But these classic coats  are gorgeous, and definitely worth popping in for!

Love Tor xx