Shoes: Come on summer...I want to wear my espadrilles!!

Hi guys,
The weather this week has been so gorgeous that I've dared to leave the house without my coat not once but, wait for it, twice! Admittedly I had a thick jacket on instead but the point is, spring is nearly here! My parents have already started growing all of their summer veggies and herbs so to me, spring has sprung. That means that my interest in boots and winter heels has completely waned and now all I can think about is summer sandals and buttery soft leather pumps.

We go away on our first holiday of the year in 8 weeks time, to Greece, so I've already started thinking about beach shoes too. I've ordered two new pairs of shoes for packing in my suitcase, and the first pair arrived last week:


I got these gorgeous espadrilles from Sarenza for a bargain price of less than £20 in the sale. (You can pick them up now for £31) Because they're a cross between an espadrille and a pump, they're perfect for wearing on the beach but will also look fab with light wash jeans for running around the city when the sun is shining. I also really love the floral print of the pumps which looks like Liberty print fabric (it isn't, but it looks like it could be!) and the coral of the trim will tone in perfectly with so much of my summer wardrobe. They're great summer shoes, and I can't wait to wear them.....I'm almost as excited about having these on my feet as I am about feeling that sand between my toes!

Have you got your holidays booked for this year yet? And if you have, have you started shopping for them?

Love Tor x

Valentine's Day Shoes from Sarenza

Hi guys,
If you didn't know that Valentine's day was a week today already then where have you been? It's like retailers are so desperate to keep the momentum of Christmas spending going, they've created a whole new holiday where you are guilted into spending big money on gifts! Whilst the concept of valentine's day then isn't one that I love, one thing I do love is shoes. So in what will be the final time I mention Valentine's day on the blog this year (I promise!) I present: red shoes!

Sarenza have launched a special Valentine's day hub over on the site. They believe that whether you’re single or in a couple, loved up or not at all, it’s shoes that should be getting your attention this Valentine’s Day! Now you know my attitude (Valentine's day, sh-malentine's day!) but I can't resist an excuse to look at pretty shoes. So here's my picks of the best from the hub:


1.Steve Madden gravityy shoes, £88.90
2. Jeffrey Campbell red suede lita boots, £120
3. Bordello red embellished heels, £140
4. Arian burgandy suede heels, £41.70
5.Steve Madden beasst shoes, £79.99
6. Menbarr red peep toue heels, £84.00

If you are going out for Valentine's day then it's probably the perfect excuse to buy yourself a new pair of shoes: not that I need much encouragement, whatever the occasion! What are you doing for Valentine's day? And what are you wearing? I'd love to know!

Love Tor

*I am a Sarenza brand ambassador

Year in Review: My Favourite Shoes of 2013!

Hi guys,
The New Year is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the previous twelve months- so expect a couple of these Year in Review posts!! In 2013 I made some sartorial decisions I was proud of. I also made some decidedly dodgy choices too. It has definitely been the first year I've worn jeans more than I've worn dresses, and flats more than heels. Shoes will always be my first love though (whether they have a heel or not) and here are some of my favourite shoe purchases of 2013:

1. Minna Parrika Bunny Shoes 

I was delighted when Minna Parrika came to Sarenza, and immediately ordered a pair of the sensible but super-cute bunny shoes. On reflection, these are hands down my favourite shoes of 2013 and they get a hell of a lot of wear. Because they're black they go with almost everything, and I've even worn them with opaques and a little floral dress to a low-key wedding!

(The heeled version of these have gone into the sale, and currently have 20% off)

2. Topshop Studded Boots

These were my first shoe and sale purchase of 2013, and a bargain at just £20 from the Topshop sale. Until I got my Sol Sana boots recently, they are the shoes I have worn most in 2013. I love the stud detailing, and they make the most simple outfits (like jeans and blouses-my staple) look a little more interesting.

3. Jonak Summer Sandals

How tan do my feet look in these sandals?! It's enough to make me long for summer (as I stare at my currently very pasty white skin!) I love feeling the air between my toes, so sandal season is a great one for me: and these were my favourite pair from this summer, combining both leopard print and pony skin: two of my favourite things. They were also endlessly comfortable, meaning I wore them all day without so much as a twinge in my feet. Result!

4. Heart Cut Out Detailings

Mike calls these suede Mellow Yellow shoes my hippy shoes! I suppose they do have a slightly 'crunchy' feel: they remind me of the school shoes I used to wear in the nineties! I'm a big fan of Mellow Yellow shoes, which cleverly combine sensible shoes with unusual detailing: and the shoes are always great quality too.

5. And Finally, A Sneaky Pair of Heels!

Finally, I had to throw these in, because they are the only pair of heels that have had any wear in 2013! These Steve Madden heels surprisingly comfortable, and I have worn them to Wilbur's and both of my neice's Christenings. Because they are built up so much at the front it doesn't feel like you are teetering on heels: and I have such happy memories of wearing these shoes!

Could you pick your favourite shoes from 2013? And if you could, which shoes would you pick? I'd love to hear your choices!

Love Tor x

Objects of Lust: Beautiful Boots by Sol Sana

Hi guys,
One of the things I like most about working with Sarenza is that the site almost constantly introduces me to brands I haven't heard of before, and immediately fall in love with. One of those brands is Sol Sana, who's boots I am newly obsessed with. In fact, I ordered these feline print Sol Sana Jessie boots last month, and have been wearing them near-constantly since they arrived:


They look incredible teamed with skinny jeans and boxy blouses, but I've also worn them out to dinner with black tights and a little black dress.They are a really gorgeous statement boot that get positive attention whenever I wear them. But they aren't the only incredible boots from the Sol Sana brand. Here are my picks of some other Sol Sana boots that have got my pulse racing:

Sol Sana Jessie boot in black, £145.70
Sol Sana Jai boot in khaki, £159.90
Sol Sana Larry boot in black, £132.00
Sol Sana Nic boot in wine, £145.70

My feline print Jessie boots are so comfortable and stylish (and get so many nice comments every time I wear them!) that I just ordered myself the Nic boots in the wine colour too: I have a wine coloured Vivienne Westwood scarf they will match with perfectly, and these statement boots are the perfect way to wear eye-catching shoes without having to wear heels. I'll be sporting a pair of these boots all Christmas long!

Love Tor x

*I am a Sarenza brand ambassador

Shop the Sarenza Mid-season Sale!

Hi guys,
Exciting news - the Sarenza mid-season sale has started! I need very little excuse to get excited about shoe shopping, but a sale at this time of year gets me doubly excited. I am definitely a winter girl, and I much prefer shopping for boots to sandals.

Christmas is also a great reason to get excited about shoes, as far as I'm concerned. Not only do you get to shop frivolously for heels (with the excuse of Christmas parties) but I also think shoes make fabulous Christmas presents: I've got shoes for both of my sisters this year, and I think they're going to be delighted with my choices! I've also got a pair of shoes (and a handbag or two) on my own Christmas wishlist.

The Sarenza mid season sale has discounts of up to 50% and is running until 24th November, giving you plenty of time for virtual browsing and wish list creation! Here's the link.

Are there any sale shoes you've got your eye on? And will you be putting any shoes on your Christmas wishlist? Hubby asked me to compile my Christmas wishlist this morning, so I spent a very pleasant hour looking at all sorts of lovely and almost completely pointless trinkets! If you'd told me 18 months ago that cheese knifes with rabbit shaped handles would be one of my hearts desires I would've laughed at you. Completely pointless! But isn't that what Christmas is for?!

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

New Season: My Choice of A/W13 Winter Boots

Hi guys,
It's that time of the year again and one of my favourite things to hit the shops for: It's winter boot shopping time! This year I have been seriously greedy because I've decided that I want three new pairs of boots. I've already got two pairs, so there's just one pair left to find. As usual I hit my virtual shoe shop of choice, and headed to Sarenza:
I went for the Vagabond Grace heeled ankle boots (£79.99) for my slightly smarter boots that I can pair with skirts and dresses. Although they're simple, these are by far the best boots I have ever owned and I love the way they look. The fact that it's like walking on a cushion helps too! They have a great slightly grungy '90s feel that really appealed to me. I'm already dreading the day I wear these boots through: I may have to buy a spare pair just in case anything ever happens to these ones!
For my throwing on and wearing with jeans daytime boots, I went for the Melvin and Hamilton Susan boots in black (£119.90). I was attracted to these because of their rainbow elastic and because of their slightly masculine feel. These boots look incredible with skinny jeans but if I'm being realistic they don't really look good with anything else: they are definitely not dress boots! I am also on the look out for a rich tan pair of ankle boots (yes, more ankle boots. I'm nothing if not consistent) but haven't spotted my dream pair quite yet: there's still time!

Have you been shopping for your winter boots yet? And what style have you gone for? I'd love to hear all about your choices!

Love Tor x

*I am a Sarenza brand ambassador 

Current Obsession: Vagabond Ankle Boots

Hi guys,
Every so often I stumble across a new brand that have a style I just can't get enough of: and when I was shopping for my new autumn/winter ankle boots this afternoon I discovered Vagabond. Here's the blurb: "The Vagabond shoe label was launched at the end of the 1960s, a time of total freedom where nothing seemed impossible. Based in Italy, the brand offered a collection of shoes for men. In 1994, Vagabond set itself up in Sweden, manufacturing designs from prototypes. This new approach allowed the brand to intervene at all stages of production, from design right through to sale — a real innovation in the shoe industry at the time. Today, Vagabond offers ranges for both men and women and sells over 2 million shoes per year in more than 30 countries. "

All I need to know about them though, is they make some seriously stylish and on-trend ankle boots. Making it hard to decide which pair to choose:

Vagabond Grace 3628-001, £79.99
Vagabond Palma Low, £89.99
Vagabond Grace 3628-450, £79.99

Yes, I know that these three boots look pretty similar. But they have subtle differences that means it took me almost an hour (and that is no exaggeration) to decide which ones to pick. They're all such classic and versatile boots that they'll go with everything in my wardrobe. In the end I went for the Grace model (the first pair shown above) and I can't wait for them to arrive! It's cold, wet and rainy here today: the perfect day to be thinking about your new autumn boots. What do you think - did I choose wisely? And which pair would you have chosen?

Love Tor x

*I am a Sarenza brand ambassador

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

Something for the Weekend: A list of lust!

Hi guys,
It's Friday morning, which means I've taken a little break from my freelancing work (despite having three deadlines looming!) to do a little virtual shopping instead. Rainy weekends like this one are perfect for hitting the shops, and there are new season collections landing in nearly every high street store right now. Here are the pieces I wish I had in my wardrobe right now:

1. I love this draped Vivienne Westwood bag from Sarenza (£337.50) which would be the perfect statement piece for autumn/winter. I'm such a Vivienne Westwood addict, but I actually don't have a bag, so this is definitely the next big-purchase item on my wish list. The burgandy and brown tones would look great and match almost everything.

2. My insect obsession continues, so this oversized dragon fly T shirt from Topshop (£20) has got me feeling really excited. There's still time to enter my competition to win a £100 voucher to spend at Topshop (click here!) and then you could add this to your wardrobe too!

3. Everything I want at the minute is from autumn/winter collections: hang the summer, I'm an autumn lover at heart! At last count I had over 30 different coats, but as soon as they start landing in the shops they're all I want! This leather mix wool coat from Mint Velvet (£199) is next on my hit list.

4. I love statement necklaces, especially at the minute because I seem to spend my life wearing skinny jeans and basic tops which are really livened up with jewellery. This J Crew statement necklace from Net a Porter (£138) is such a great piece, and perfect if (like me) you're trying to avoid the dreaded green of high street jewellry!

5. I actually just ordered these Melvin and Hamilton boots from Sarenza (£119.50). I love the Missoni-style stripes that will match my Marc Jacobs change bag perfectly, and the leather is so shiny and supple-looking. These are really delicious and practical autumn boots!

Have you got your eye on anything new? And will you be hitting the shops this weekend? If so I'd love to know what you're looking for and what treasure you find!

Love Tor x

Shoes: My perfect summer feet!

Hi guys,
Well I'm going to state the obvious and say that it is scorching!! I am currently alternating my time between hiding inside in the shade (the perfect time to go to an air conditioned shopping centre!) and sitting under a parasol in the garden with my feet in the paddling pool - ahh, the joys of freelancing!

Keeping my feet comfortable in this weather is a daily challenge: not glamorous I know, but my feet tend to swell in the heat. I still want to look good though (obviously!) so I need sandals that look amazing paired with simple cotton sundresses, shorts and leggings, but still keep my feet comfortable and give them room to expand at will! I have found the perfect solution: these super-sexy Jonak sandals from Sarenza.
These are the most comfortable leather sandals I have ever owned. The leather sole is slim and flexible and the pony skin leather upper is so soft: it's like wearing butter on your feet! Because the straps are adjustable and the sides are open it doesn't matter whether my feet are swollen (there's that glamour again!) or their normal size: the shoes still feet comfortable and look great. I promise you, these are like the holy grail of summer shoes!

What are you wearing to keep cool in the heat? And do you have any tips for look sleek and put together when inside you feel like you're melting? I'd love to hear them! I'm not sure I'm keeping my composure at all this week!

Love Tor x

*I am a Sarenza Brand Ambassador

The Summer Sales: Winter boots at Sarenza

Hi guys,
The Sarenza sale is now in it's second month, and it's still going strong: in fact, if anything, the discounts just keep getting bigger! The thing I like most about the Sarenza sale though is that, unlike other stores and websites, is that it's not just the summer stock that's been discounted. You'll also find amazing discounts on pumps, wintery heels, and even boots. So if you're organised and thinking about next winter, you could get an absolute steal on your winter boots if you buy them now in, ahem, July!

I like to be organised, and my taste in winter boots leans towards the classic anyway, so picking up sale bargains works perfectly for me. Regardless of your tastes, or the kinds of boots you like, I think they have something for everyone. Here are my picks of the best boots available in the sale right now: Emu Australia floral boots. Was £200, now £100. Buy them here.
Camel Georgia Rose biker boots. Was £95, Now £38. Buy them here.
Jeffrey Campbell pink studded boots. Was £160, Now £64. Buy them here.
Mustang cowboy boots. Was £70 Now £33.60. Buy them here.
Tan heeled ankle boots. Was £140 Now £56. Buy them here.
Sweetie wellington boots. Was £31 Now £18.60. Buy them here.

So what do you think? Am I a savvy bargain hunter, or absolutely mental for thinking about next winter when the sun is shining so brightly? And will you be checking out next seasons boots this July?

Love Tor x

*I am a Sarenza brand ambassador

Summer sales: Pick up a bargain with Sarenza!

Hi guys,
When I got the email saying that the Sarenza summer sale had started, my stomach turned over a little in excitement. After all, the only thing more exciting than shoes is sale shoes! So I trawled through the site checking out all the amazing pretty summer shoes available at discounted prices (when there's still so much of the summer left!) and picked out some of my favourites/the biggest bargains. Here are my choices: Ash Engima leopard print boots (60% off). Were £216 to £86.40
Ravel colour block wedges (50% off) Were £80 now £40
Peach Mysuelly heels (50% off) Were £236 now £118
Neon pink and beige Mysuelly flats (50% off) Were £236 now £118
Irregular Choice heels (50% off) Were £119 to £59.50
Paul and Betty neon lips heels (50% off) Were £216 to £108
Camper white sandals (50% off) £76 to £38
Jonak tan booties (50% off) Were £71 to £35.50
Brown chocolate Schubar sandals (50% off) Were £39 to £19.50

I think they're a little high for me, but I'm giving serious consideration to those colour block wedges from Ravel: they're just perfect for summer and I have an orange dress they would look fabulous with. Although it's not so good a look when I wobble and fall off them! The second pair I love (and the obvious choice for me) are the Paul and Betty lip heels: Everyone needs a nude heel in their shoe wardrobe armoury, but these are a quirky and unusual way of wearing them. I just can't resist!

Sarenza have also had a site redesign in the past couple of weeks: the design is now more funky and streamlined. But more importantly, it's now compatible to be used easily on your phone and tablet: dangerous for me as it means I can shop for shoes on the move. Gulp!

Love Tor x

* I am a Sarenza brand ambassador

Shoes: Beaded sandals for sunny weekends

Hi guys,
It's time for a collective hurrah for the sunny weekend! If you're in the UK you'll agree that this weather has been a long time coming! We're headed to visit my folks for the day, and I will be taking Wilbur to the beach: an occasion that requires a simple, casual outfit. And of course, the perfect shoes! Which is why I'll be wearing these ones: These gorgeous Eden sandals cost just £52 and you can get a pair of your own right here. I was immediately attracted by the mix of the turquoise and orange beads: they have a lovely bohemian feel. Like you got them when you were on a far-flung exotic summer holiday. (There's no need to tell anyone you got them online, not in a dusty street market!)

I plan on teaming them with a simple jersey maxi dress and a floral chiffon kimono. Simple, beachy, and comfortable enough to sit on the beach building sandcastles in: perfect!

What are your plans for the weekend? Are you doing anything nice? And will you be wearing fabulous shoes whilst you do it?

Love Tor x

*I am a Sarenza brand ambassador

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

Dailywear: A nice day for a white Christening!

Hi guys,
Yesterday was Wilbur's Christening. Which of course meant that I had spent weeks choosing an outfit to wear for the occasion. I wanted to look smart (but not too smart). Conservative (but not too conservative). Feel fashionable, and be comfortable. Here's what I went for: The dress is from French Connection. I managed to get it in the sale for just £30. The shoes are Steve Madden via Sarenza. And although they're high, they were surprisingly comfortable (unfortunately, because it's been so long since I wore heels though, I did have a little wobble!) The suede handbag is from Hotter. I have no idea where I got the belt from! And believe it all not (because I don't think you can tell!) the jacket is from Primark: We were lucky with the weather, and it was so warm I took it off as soon as we left the Church.

And as for the white Christening mentioned in the header? Well here is my little man (now officially Wilbur George) wearing the Christening gown that I also wore to my Christening 29 years ago. And he wears it adorably!
What have you been doing with your bank holiday? Have you been up to anything exciting? After all the running around yesterday, we're planning on spending today on the beach with a picnic, doing very little!

Love Tor x

Shoes: Comfort soles for the soul!

Hi guys,
When it comes to weddings, parties, and anything that involves drinking cocktails, I am definitely a heel girl. But when it comes to everyday summer days I prefer foot comfort! Summer to me means picnics in the park, strolls along the beach, and walking everywhere: why drive when you can feel the sun on your shoulders?

With that in mind I want sandals that look good but are so comfortable that I'm not thinking about my feet whilst I'm enjoying the rare British summer. Enter my latest picks from Sarenza: these comfort sole 'soft sole' Clarks sandals with their stud detailing. I always associate comfort sole shoes with old ladies on buses wearing pleated skirts and pulling shopping trolleys. But these aren't those shoes.

Yes, they're so comfortable you can walk in them forever without any rubbing or blisters. But they also look great: the on trend stud detailing is perfect with the black leather and metallic gold combo. And because of my obsession with gold jewellery they go with everything in my wardrobe, making them the perfect shoes!

Have you bought your new summer sandals yet? And have you gone for style, comfort, or a little bit of both?

Love Tor xx

*I am a Sarenza brand ambassador