Primark's Spring New Season Accessories

Hi guys,
The evenings are getting lighter, the temperatures are warming up, and although it's only February, there are definitely days where it feels like Spring is on its way. I am quite vocal about my dislike of summer dressing: no layers, lots of sweat, and all the prettiest dresses simply aren't designed for ladies that need to wear a more structured bra with thicker bra straps.Tran-seasonal dressing, where I can layer up and be a little more experimental, however I love! So I couldn't be more excited for spring to arrive so that I can shake off my coat and pop on a jacket, and that excitement was piqued when I saw these great new season accessories from Primark:


Metallic sandals, £7: Floral shoes, £10: Floral patterned sandals, £12: Silver bag, £6: Punch detail bag, £8. 

The pared back and minimalist 90s really aren't going anywhere this season, and those metallic sandals are perfect for working with that. Primark also still seem to be channeling a more grungy '90s style too, both with their accessories but especially with their fashion ranges. I actually had a version of that silver camera-case style bag back in my school days (mine was black) and I thought I was the bees knees! Although I do love Primark (I've tried to give up my Primark shopping addiction but it keeps pulling me back) I've never really paid much attention to their accessories offerings: I only every buy leather accessories and generally don't buy high street shoes and bags at all. However some of these cotton pieces in particular would be great for occasional use or for packing away and taking on holiday. Yet another thing to look out for when I next indulge myself with a cheap shopping binge: Primark, you've gone and done it again!

Love Tor x

A Wonderful Winter From Primark

Hi guys,
Primark really do define the concept of 'fast fashion': it seems like they have a new season drop every week! Here are the latest images from their winter collection, and they clearly have cosy Christmas days in mind (offically the first mention of the 'C' word: sorry!) I love the combination of knitted sweaters with matching knitted skirts, which would love perfect teamed with thick tights and ankle boots for eating turkey (think how stretchy those knitted skirts will be), festive walks to the pub and, well, just about anything else really!

Image 1: Dress £17, Tights £3, Shoes £14, Snood £6, Cuff £4, Bag, £12
Image 2:Jumper £12, Skirt £8, Snood £6, Bag £12/

Image 3:Jumper £12, Skirt £10, Necklace £4, Ears stylists own
Image 4:Jumper £16, Hat £7

Image 5: Jumper £12, Skirt £10
Image 6:Coat £35, Top £8, Legging £6, Shoes £14

The subtle Minnie Mouse theme through the new drop was always going to appeal to me too; I'm always looking for cute but not to tacky Disney attire to save for my next trip! The pieces that are immediately on my must-have list though are the vintage style faux fur jacket (which at £35 is a complete bargain) and the checked knitted skirt and jumper combination. I love a bold check and I love the colour combination too: definitely something I would wear for smarter-than-casual cold winter days.

Are you still in love with Primark (it's an adddiction that's hard to give up) or have you lost interest in their cheap disposable wears?

Love Tor x

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

Festival Fun From Primark

Hi guys,
I'm not going to any festivals the year (unless a day trip to Lollibop Festival, the music festival for under 5s, counts!) but if I did then I would be styling it in head to toe Primark!

The new Primark 'life is a festival' edit is gorgeous and just looking at it is enough to make me wish I had tickets to rock out at a festival or two this summer. Think boho styling in wide legged cotton trousers, cute-as-a-button playsuits, and gorgeous loose fitting midi dresses that will be flattering on everyone. I think sometimes I forget that I'm a chubby 30 year old mum, because I want to dress like the pre-pubescent teens in this campaign:




Image 1: Bikini top £6, trousers £12, sandals £12, sunglasses £3. 
Image 2: Playsuit £5, hat £8, rings from £3. 
Image 3: Playsuit £7, hat £8, sunglasses £3.
Image 4: Bag £14, Shorts £10. 
Image 5: Dress £12, bag £4, boots £15, headband £3, sunglasses £3

I love the Aztec prints, the focus on monchrome, and the beautiful ethereal use of white too. The collection has a very nineties feel, whilst also having overtones of the very first boho wave from the early noughties too. It's youthful, carefree, grungy. The embellished bags are gorgeous as well as being completely practical, and would look great outside of the festival environment: I want that backpack for hands free trips to the beach this summer! Fashion-wise, summer is actually my least favourite time of the year. But some of these pieces are almost enough to persuade me to embrace summer dressing and flash a little flesh.

Are you going to any festivals this summer? And have you given any thought to what you'll be wearing yet?

Love Tor x

More Summery Loveliness From Primark

Hi guys,
If you want to see some images that will immediately have you craving some summer sun then these newest press shots from Primark definitely won't disappoint. I can only buy cup sized swimwear (which pretty much limits me to shopping in Bravissimo) and this is something I curse every summer. But it is a new experience to be cursing my body because I'm craving after swimwear from Primark! There is some serious swimsuit hottness going on, and at prices so affordable that you could have a different one for every day of your holiday!

Picture 1: Swimsuit £10, Skirt £10, Bag £8, Earrings £1
Picture 2: Bikini top £8, Bikini Bottom £4, Earrings £1
Picture 3: Bikini top £6, Bikini bottom £5, Sunglasses £3
Picture 4: Shirt £10, Bikini Bottom £4, Sunglasses £3, Earrings £1, Rings from £1.50
Picture 5: Bikini top £6, Shorts £7, Sunglasses £2, Earrings £1
Picture 6: Swimsuit £10, Skirt £10, Earrings £1

I love the Prada-style pineapple print bikini with the high waisted bottoms: It's almost worth buying those bottoms to pair with a plainer top! I also love the casual styling of the short sleeved boyfriend-style shirt with the bikini bottoms. Maybe it's because I'm going on holiday in a fortnight and maybe it's because the sun has started shining, but I can't remember the last time I had such positive feelings about swimwear!

What do you think of the latest Primark swimwear picks? And have you picked up anything fantastic in store lately? It's been a while since I popped into my local Primark, so I have no idea what's in store!

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

Primark AW13: Could this be the best season for years?

Hi guys,
Yesterday I popped into Primark to pick up some tights for a wedding I am going to this weekend. I ended up coming out with a coat, skirt, two blouses as well as my usual array of tights and socks. I was seriously impressed with all of the new autumn/winter wear in store this week (it wasn't there last week so it must be brand new) and actually my haul was quite restrained: there was so much more I could have bought. And having looked through the images of what's to come instore over the next few weeks, there's so much more I'm going to want too! Here are some of the pieces I picked up, and some of the other lovely bits I spotted yesterday:
Contrast collar shirt, £10, in store 14.08.13
Pleather skater skirt, £8, In store: 20.08.13
Metal tip tassel boots, £20, In store 13.08.13
Animal print sweatshirt, £10, In store 28.08.13
Pug medallion jumper, £14
Bug bracelet cuff, £3, 17.07.13

I picked up the pleather skirt and the animal print sweatshirt: I can't wait for the weather to cool down a little so I can wear them both!! They didn't have the pug sweatshirt or the bug cuff in the Norwich store, but both are definitely on my 'must have' list. Luckily, I'm in London on Saturday so I can pop and pick them up.

Autumn/winter is definitely in full swing on the highstreet: even the sale rails full of left over summer stock have disappeared! So if you're hitting the shops too this weekend then now is the perfect time to start searching for your perfect winter boots and your dream new season winter coat. The hunt is on!

Love Tor x

Daily Wear: Va-va-voluminous layers for a day at the zoo!

Hi guys,
Well I think the title probably explains where I've been today: we took a family trip to the zoo! In typical British fashion, excuse me for a minute whilst I talk about the weather! Although it's sunny the day started really coldly, which goes some way to explaining all my layers: I decided it was the best way to keep warm in the zoo during the early morning, without having to carry a jacket or bulky cardigan around with me all day. All that volume doesn't make for the sleekest or most streamlined look but nonetheless, here's how I wore it:
 Although they're only from George at Asda these are my new favourite jeans: I love the dark indigo colour and they have enough stretch to be insanely comfortable whilst still holding their shape. On top I am wearing a chiffon embroidered blouse with a peplum from Zara, a cotton kimono jacket from Primark and my new favourite scarf from Topshop: it has an incredible insect pattern all over it.  Finally, these Georgia Rose metallic sandals from Sarenza have been on my feet nearly constantly this summer. They're stupidly comfortable, and their bronzy metallic shade goes with absolutely everything.

This is the perfect jacket for this transitional weather, as when the temperature heated up a little I just removed the kimono and the scarf, and they both folded neatly into my bag: Simple!

What have you been doing with your Saturday? And what are you wearing today? Any tips for transitioning smoothly from your summer to your autumn wardrobe? I'd love to hear them!

Love Tor x

Environmentally friendly, Seriously cool, and only £1!

Hi guys,
Just a quick post to show my surprise favourite purchase from Primark of late: I picked up this reusable bag for just £1, and have been using it almost constantly. It's perfect for folding into my handbag and popping out to carry shopping, and has even found use as a bag for my swimming kit. Karl Lagerfeld as a pug: what's not to love?!
For any of you Primark aficionados out there, Primark are starting to roll out all of their new season stock. When I was in store this week I spotted some gorgeous floral kimonos, lovely autumnal dresses, knitted jumpers and winter boots. If you're ready to think about the new season, and you're planning to do some shopping this bank holiday weekend, definitely make Primark a stop on your list: you won't regret it.

And leave their horrible brown paper carrier bags in store. Put your purchases in one of these Karl bags instead!!

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

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

Sale shopping: Embellished jelly sandals from Primark

Hi guys,
The summer sales are popping up everywhere: today I got two gorgeous dresses from Oasis (pictures to follow) and a cheapy top from Peacocks (because I have no summer clothes for my holiday!) . But my biggest bargain purchases of the day were from Primark: two pairs of embellished jelly shoes for just £3 a pair.

They shoes came in five different colours with five different animal embellishments. Black or yellow with a bumble bee , coral with a toucan, mint green with a butterfly, and neon pink with a flamingo. I got the yellow ones purely because they didn't have the black in my size, and I love insects, and the coral ones because my bikini is coral, and they'll be perfect for schlepping around the pool in:
Thanks to Melissa shoes, jelly shoes are hugely popular at the moment. And although normally I will only wear leather shoes, they're surprisingly comfortable and perfect for wearing around swimming pools and beaches because they wipe clean and dry so quickly. I currently have my toenails painted black, so they bumble bee sandals look incredibly effective against them at the moment - I'll be wearing them with skinny jeans and a silky black tee tomorrow.

Have you had any sale bargains so far? And are there any summer sales you're looking forward to starting? I always like to keep an eye out for the Topshop and River Island summer sales: perfect for when you're taking sunny holidays later in the year!

Love Tor x

SS13 In Primark this week: Heading to a festival

Hi guys,
I suspect that, as everywhere prepares for the arrival of the new season (despite the fact we haven't actually enjoyed this season yet: where is the sun?) this will be the last SS13 Primark post. I've already seen a couple of the autumn jackets that will be appearing in store next month, and based on that, I think next seasons offerings will be quite exciting. Bring on AW13!!

In the meantime, the latest arrivals into Primark are just perfect if you're heading to a festival or two over the next couple of months. From practical duffle bags to hold all of your clobber to the now ubiquitous floral festival headband, if you want something new to give you that off-duty rock star look, Primark is the place to be this week.

Everything on the product picture has either landed in Primark over the past couple of days, or is due to arrive by the end of the week: Blue candy stripe barrel bag, £6
Belted floral maxi dress, £13
Acid wash Aztec skinny jeans, £13
Flower headband, £2.50
Box chain spike necklace, £8
Studded skater skirt, £10
Aztec flap satchel, £9

All you need to add if your favourite band tee (which will look perfect with that studded skater skirt!), a lightweight mac and a pair of wellies, and you're ready to go! Being festival ready has never been so easy!

Are you heading to any festivals this season? If so, which ones are you going to and what will you be wearing? I'd love to hear all about it!

Love Tor x

PS - Did you know you can now buy a selection of Primark clothes online, over at ASOS? Perfect if there isn't a Primark near you, or you just can't face heading into those messy stores! My only concern is that because the quality of the fabric in Primark varies so wildly, you wouldn't be able to check that until the product arrives, and could end up spending a lot of time on returns. Still, if you're interested, here's the link!

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!

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 In Primark this week: Rock the varsity trend

Hi guys,
This week's Primark drop is perfect if you're looking to rock the varsity trend this summer. Plenty of jersey tees and  preppy little dresses that will look great teamed with pumps and varsity bomber jackets.

When I was in my local Primark this morning the first quarter of the shop was entirely devoted to all things jersey. Tees professing that you're a 'Geek' or a 'Mathlete'. Or with Mickey Mouse or Batman on them. American high school girls would probably have a field day, but believe it or not this trend is ridiculously fashionable. Even if I am a little too old to rock it! Here are the new pieces that landed in store in Primark this week:
Tie dye tassle tank top, £6
Stud sleeved cropped varsity tee, £6
Road trip tank top, £4 (in store on Wednesday)
Mint pintuck shirt dress, £15
Studded bow pump, £5
Gold weave peeptoe flats, £10
Black stud sleeved varsity tee, £6
Green cutwork dress, £10

I really fancied trying one of the 'Geek' tees currently instore in Primark, but my husband, who usually has no interest in fashion, told me I was "far too old" for that particularly trend. It's sad, but it's probably true! I do like the green cutwork dress though, and it's a bargain for £10. It would look great with a contrasting fine knit cardigan too - more Grease's Sandy than Varsity girl, but the closest I'm likely to get to an American high school look!

Have you been into your local Primark lately? And what do you think of the varsity trend, would you try it out or not?

Love Tor x

SS13 In Primark this Week: Hit the beach in New Season Swimwear

Hi guys,
Have you booked your summer holiday yet? Are you going anywhere nice? Well, if you've got plans to spend any time on a beach with sand between your toes this summer then you have got to get down to Primark this week: all of their high summer swimwear and beachwear landed in store on 25th March (yesterday) and there are some pieces that I just can't wait to get my hands on.

I know March seems a bit early to be buying that new bikini (you probably haven't even started your bikini diet yet) but, much like buying the best winter coat, you have to plan early to get a good bikini, before all the best ones are sold out. And some of these bits just aren't worth missing out on:
Tassle cut out swimsuit, £13. Pink stripe bikini: top £4, bottom £3. Crochet pompom Kaftan, £8.
Lilac frilly bikini: top £6, bottom, £4. Block print hi-low swim skirt, £5. Aztec cut out swimsuit, £8.

If you're fuller busted like myself, then I wouldn't recommend buying a Primark bikini. Whilst they look amazing on the hanger, they just don't provide adequate support for the bigger busted gal. (I'll be sharing some of my favourite proper cupped bikinis next week!) For everyone else though, I really like Primark's swimwear; it's well cut and the designs are very fashion-forward. I will be shopping at Primark for my beach cover ups though: and that pompom detail Kaftan is at the very top of the list!

Have you tried swimwear from Primark, and what did you think? If you don't wear Primark swimwear, where do you get your bikinis from? Do you have any recommendations to share?

Love Tor x

SS13 In Primark this week: The Accessories Edit

Hi guys,
If you buy designer sunglasses only to sit on them, break the arms, or lose them as often as I do, then this is the Primark edit for you! Because right now Primark has a great range of sunglasses in store (with prices starting from just £1) that look considerably more expensive than they are, and some are so close to designer copies, that no one would suspect you weren't wearing the real thing!

They also have a great range of summer shoes and sandals: think wedges, heels, imitation converse in an array of candy colours, and stiletto heels so sharp you could have someone's eye out.

I'm prepared to admit that when it comes to accessories, I'm a bit of a snob: I love the smell and feel of real leather bags and shoes, and nowadays I won't wear anything that's imitation. But for summer bags and beach bags made of light weight canvas and cotton the standard is the same no matter where you buy it from: and for these accessories, I think Primark is perfect:
Orange and purple round sunglasses, £,1 Pearl encrusted beaded headband, £4.Polka dot mini bag, £3.
Aztec beach bag, £6 . Monochrome wedge heels, £16. Animal print cats eye sunglasses, £2

My picks from this bunch of bargains are the Aztec beach bag, which is perfect for a summer holiday and will go with whatever bikini colour I pick. And the orange and purple sunglasses: can you believe they're just £1?! I love the two-tone effect, and they'll look great as a focal point teamed with a simple cream sundress and an acid orange lipstick.
 
Are you a Primark shopper? And do you like these posts showing you what you might find in store, or do they take away the thrill of the chase for you? I'd love to know what you think!

Love Tor x

SS13 In Primark this week: Spring/Summer Essentials

Hi guys,
I went into Primark last week, and it was genuinely the best Primark visit I have had for a long time. There were tops, frocks, even shoes and sunglasses that jumped off the shelves at me and that I immediately wanted to buy. I didn't: I'm still trying to avoid Primark and focus on buying quality items. But I officially think that Primark have got their trends and key pieces for this Spring/Summer 100% right, when bearing in mind their low product price points.

All of this is in store now/going in store this week: Belted chiffon skater skirt, £6. Gem shoulder stripe T, £6. Scallop neck striped top, £10.
Leopard print vest, £3.50. Flock tassle blouse, £12. Striped knitted vest, £5. Tassle stud blouse, £10.
Navajo denim jacket, £23. Textured skater skirt, £10. Limited edition studded shell top, £20.

The key must-have products from this selection, for me, are the scalloped striped top and the Navajo detailed denim jacket. Both pieces are seriously on-trend and versatile. Picture the striped top with either a midi skirt and heels. Or a varsity jacket and jeans. And the Navajo denim jacket was made to give a casual touch to pretty summer dresses. I also have a soft spot for the tassled blouse.  it would be so flattering on a mum tum, and easy to throw on with jeans and pretty flat sandals or ballet pumps.

Have you had any Primark bargains lately? And have you been in store to check out their new Spring/Summer stock? If you have, I'd love to know what pieces you've picked up. Go on, make me jealous!!

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