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

Fall head over heels for Spring at Bicester Village

Hi guys,
You all know how much I love shopping at Bicester Village. I make sure to have a visit every season, and we've even booked a hotel close to Bicester Village for our wedding anniversary so we can go shopping the next day: yup, talk about obsessed! So I'm always interested to check out their latest offers and deals:

To celebrate the launch of spring at Bicester Village there will be exclusive promotions, accessory prize draws and events throughout March and April. Visitors also have the chance to win a VIP shopping experience with top stylist, Cheryl Konteh, plus £1,000 to spend on a new wardrobe. All you have to do is pick up and fill in an entry card in one of the stores at Bicester.

I'm already looking forward to my Spring visit! Have you been to Bicester Village lately? Have you had any bargains? I'd love to hear all about them!

Love Tor x

*This post and video is sponsored by Bicester Village

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

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: Missy Matchy!

Hi guys,
It wasn't until I glanced at my very orange finger nails that I realised quite how matchy-matchy this outfit is! My boots match my bag. My dress matches my scarf and nails (and to a certain extent my bronzer) Only my blazer doesn't have a matching partner!

The dress is seasons old from Topshop. The boots and jacket are also from Topshop (more matching alert!) The scarf is from H&M, and the bag - well, you've seen that in every picture from the past couple of weeks! It's Betty Jackson Black at Debenhams. My hair is still a mess, but there is light at the end of the tunnel: i'm having a cut and colour on Saturday!

It feels really miserable to have to wear a scarf and boots again. I'd just relegated my knitwear to the back of my wardrobe, and dug out all my sandals and sundresses. I know the warm weather came early, but I embraced it! Now we're in a seasonal no-mans land, and I have no idea what to wear! I seem to keep opting for layers (for warmth) and colour to show that it's spring! How are you coping with the changable weather? Any tips to share on how to stay warm without resorting to your winter coat?

Love, Tor xx

Daily Wear: Florals for spring (obviously!)

Hi guys,
I know it's a big fat cliche, but when the sun starts shining and the birds start singing, I have a compulsion to start wearing florals. Florals= the start of spring, as far as i'm concerned. I'm still wearing closed shoes (despite what all the girls wandering down Oxford street in sandals think, it's just not that warm yet!) but i've switched to the footless tights, and it feels amazing to feel the breeze around my feet:

I was stupidly excited on leaving the house to realise that I could put my sunglasses on before 9 oclock in the morning (they're Spitfire ones from River Island) I love wearing sunglasses, and have far too many of them, so it's great to be able to dust the collection off and bring them out.

It's only when I started writing this that I realised just how much Primark i'm wearing today! My dress, shoes, and belt are all from Primark (but not all this season). My jacket is Topshop, the bag is from Joy, the necklace is from Urban Outfitters, and the brooches are both vintage. Here's a close up of the brooches, because they're too ridiculously cute for words:

The little bird was a gift from my mum, and is the twin of the one that sits on the handle of my brooch bouquet. Mike got me the owl from the John Lewis vintage jewellery counter: I find it horribly expensive, but he was just too cute to miss out on! I've attached them so it looked like the owl was catching the tiny little bird: small things amuse small minds, apparently!

Love, Tor xx

Primark picks of the week: Spring is here!

Hi guys,
I had a quick wander along Oxford street on Monday night, and just couldn't resist taking some snaps of the new Primark window displays: Primark has such fast turnaround of stuff that they never get anything in early. What they have in stock they expect to sell. That means that if they have got their spring stock in, it is officially spring!



Things I want from the pictures above:
-The brown and navy maxi dress in picture 1.
-The black and tan midi dress (which looks like separates) in picture 1.
-The tan tassled bag in picture 2.
-The floral dress, the yellow blouse, and the cream and tan brogues in picture 3.

Mostly, I have fallen back in love with Primark again. I'm still avoiding shopping there, because I still want to invest in better quality longer lasting pieces. But I am finding there is more and more I want to buy from Primark, which hasn't happened for a long time. For the past two seasons I think they really went off the boil: the trends weren't quite right, the fit was appalling, the quality looked as horrible as it was. But now: well now, I want to shop in Primark again, and I have to fight the urge. This season's ladylike and seventies trends are being catered for perfectly. And there are at least 13 tees I really want to pick up for my summer holidays too!

Love Tor xx

What's in the window: Spring is coming!!

Hi guys,
I cannot tell you how much I am longing for Spring. I think that because the cold spell came so early this year it feels long overdue: I keep forgetting that it's only January and wanting to slip my sandals on! And apparently i'm not the only one. The boring 'Sale Now On' signs are coming down (although Topshop are hanging on in, with new 'More lines added' signs in their windows). In there place are exactly what i've been waiting for: flowers, colours, plenty of white, signs that Spring will soon be here!

And to prove it, here's what's in the shop windows this week:

Stella McCartney

I walked past this window three times, admiring the flower heads, before I noticed the beautiful dresses below. How did I miss them? The screen print patterns are breath taking. And matching bags too!

Miu Miu

I love lazer cut outs, so these dresses immediately got my attention. I also loved the contrast between the nude and the neon on the shoes: if I had the money they'd be the perfect addition to my growing shoe collection!

Kenzo

This window immediately makes me think of my mum on a resort holiday. On how I long to wear crisp white shirts and not have to worry about throwing on my coat. Come on Spring: hurry up!!

Love, Tor xxx

Spring time wardrobe clearout: bag a bargain!

Inspired by Make do Kate (or rather, feeling guilty because she's so efficient and i'm so disorganised) I've spent most of the day organising my wardrobe: separating winter clothes from summer clothes, putting the things that need repair/alteration to one side to work on this week, and ruthlessly removing anything that doesn't fit/doesn't look as good as it should: i'm forever buying things and wearing them once, realising they don't really suit my shape, then leaving them sitting in the wardrobe. I've only done the clothes so far (I still have shoes and accessories to go) but this is the massive cull pile so far:

Kate's list of what to do and how is more comprehensive than anything I could put together, so if you're looking to have a clear out of your own I would recommend reading her posts. Before I send all this to the charity shop I've decided to add it the Fabfrocks shop for a fortnight: nothing will be more than £7 (plus p&P) mostly its all a fiver, and there are some really nice bits including a 100% silk jacket from topshop, a lovely lace dress and a gorgeous panelled dress from ASOS too. The prices are so low because I just want it out of the house really- it's refreshing to be able to see all the clothes I actually like, and will make getting dressed in the mornings so much easier! So if you see anything you fancy just drop me an email!

I can't believe how wonderful the weather has been this weekend: I hope you've all had fun and made the most of it!

Love, Tor xx

Primark pick of the week: More spring looks

Hi guys,
Primark are really into the swing of spring with a massive selection of their summer clothes in store: they've even got their swimwear and sandals in store! Today there are only two picks from Primark, but I think they're winners. I haven't been to Primark for a while, and it was as manic as ever, but they really are good at picking up on the trends and translating them into something wearable. I am having concerns about the quality of late though: the last two floral frocks I bought shrunk to an unwearable size after just two washes (everything else in the wash was fine, so I don't think it was my machine!)

I wasn't massively impressed with the dress selection in store yesterday but I loved the peach evening dress from the Primark premium range. Yes, you read that right; Primark have started a premium range of just a small number of jackets and dresses at slightly higher than usual Primark prices: this dress comes in at £21. I don't know whether it is the cut or the fabric (which feels the same) that makes the collection premium; if you've tried it i'd love you to let me know!

I also really liked this denim parka (£19) which I think would be an easy way of trying the double denim craze, but would also look really pretty over a little floral dress. It would be a great alternative to a mac; I love macs, but get bored of seeing them at this time of year when every second person has one on!

Love, Tor xx

ASOS: Out of Africa

As the weather gets a little bit brighter and spring draws near, it's time to really focus on new season trends. Every year there are two pages you will constantly see in the trends section of any magazine: nautical and tribal. I can confidently predict these will never go away!! So what better time for ASOS to launch its Africa collection: a new collection celebrating the vibrancy of the continent.

Over the past couple of months ASOS have been working away with artisans and small producer groups in Africa to launch a capsule collection of clothing and accessories with the aim of supporting trade in Africa.

I'm in love with the scarf wedges but can't see a price for them - I hope they're part of the collection. I also really like the turbans; i'm a big fan of headwear and think it's a nice, brave way of incorporating a trend into your wardrobe without having to vear away from my standard range of blacks and grey. The prints in this collection are so bold that you wouldn't need any other jewellery of accessorise with them: they're real statement pieces!

The vast majority of the collection is handmade and each piece comes packaged in its own pouch made from Kanga fabric with a handmade coconut button fastening.

The ASOS Africa collection will be housed onsite within The Green Room, an online marketplace which brings together and highlights brands that promote people and the planet. Its a great cause and also a great range if you're looking to explore your tribal side this summer.

What do you think of the new collection? Are there any pieces that really stand out?

Love, Tor x

Primark pick of the week: New season dresses

Hi guys,

.

I know it still feels a bit cold, but think about spring we must! And I could be slightly biased because I can't actually buy any of them (and not being allowed something makes us want it all the more) but I love every single summery floaty dress in the primark window this week:

The themes are generic summer ones: floral and nautical. But I like the vintage feel to some of the nautical pieces and the flattering puff sleeves on the floral dresses. I also like the price point: I always double check the hems and restitch the buttons on anything I buy from primark but I do think the quality of their stock is improving dramatically. And although that means you have to pay £15 for a dress instead of £10, something similar from topshop would still set you back £60. This, of course, is merely an observation, and not me trying to talk myself into shopping at all!

.

The transitional coats instore at the minute are very eyecatching: i'm especially fond of the white sailor coat with contrasting navy buttons and trim (second picture) And for those of you still looking to wrap up warm against the current chill, a lot of the jumpers and cardigans instore have been reduced - see? There's something for everyone!

.

Love, Tor xx

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PS - I know I usually take close up pictures instore but a burly security guard asked me not to and proceeded to stalk me with his eyes all the way around the shop. So these window pics were the best I could do. Hopefully i'll have better luck next time!

All the fun of the fair in candyfloss hues

I'm having an editorial love affair with the upcoming Spring trend for candy floss colours; the baby blues, pinks, and greens remind me of the standard colours of the Nissan Figaro (my all-time dream car) They make me think of Easter eggs and Spring babies (chicks, lambs, calfs) and softest floaty chiffon.

I also love the puce and nudes that are being used for accessories all over the catwalk to go with this new trend: it makes me long for utterly impractical buttermilk leather gloves!

I'm looking forward to subtle clashing and layering colour after gentle colour all over myself. But will I ever turn by back on black? It's not really that tough a question - the answer is no! I will be softening the look by introducing some of the pastels I crave though! When Christopher Kane gives up black and turns to pastel, you know it's time to reassess the colour pallette of your wardrobe!

If you're thinking of getting ready for Spring on a budget then ASOS is a great place for basic pastel pieces (ideal for layering) at the minute but Topshop and River Island are also cashing in on the trend! Topshop and Kurt Geiger would be my first stops if I was looking for the obligatory statement nude shoes to compliment your new outfit.

Love, Tor xx

I'll wear it in any colour, as long as it's black

Athough I make occassional timid forays into the weird and wonderful world of clothing made in (gasp for effect) colour, my wardrobe consists of mostly black things. In fact my 3 favourite things in the whole world are: my black leather bomber jacket, my black skinny jeans, and my black satin puffball prom dress. I also have a Betsy Johnson handbag I got for Christmas that I would risk my life for in a burning house, but that's a very dark brown. Anyway, reader, you get the point. I love black.

Frankly, colour scares me. This Christmas when everyone was searching for the perfect purple dress,(because everyone went crazy for the violets and plums shown at Lanvin) I was still looking for the perfect black one.

Dress from the AW07 range at Harvey Nicholls

You see, the problem with colours is that they come and go. Whereas black, like a truly dependable friend, will never go out of Vogue. I like to see my wardrobe as a box of chocolates (hey, i'm a candy addict!) Sometimes I fancy a truffle, and sometimes I fancy a strawberry soft centre. And it's fun to mix these things up a bit. But whatever filling i'm in the mood for, the one thing I will always want is chocolate.

So I wear my colour with trepidation. Enter stage left: the accessory. Yes, you too can always wear the most up to date trends, and still not have to throw away your favourite dress. Behold, my homage to the purple trend at my aunties wedding in Novmber:

My favourite black puffball dress is turned into a new season trend with the help of a fancy hat and a cheap scarf. Fashion without having to leave my comfort zone: one of my favourite things.

So, what prompts this colour driven angst I hear you cry? Well, that would be the news that this Spring/Summer we will all be wearing vibrant canary yellow and garish pop art hot pink:

When pink attacks...

Clockwise from top left: 3.1 by Phillip Lim, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Donna Karan, Catherine Malandrino, Oscar de la Renta, Anna Sui, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen (Image Kindly borrowed from handbag.com)

Now as wonderful as these models look, in yellow, I do have major issues with the new yellow/hot pink trends.Firstly, not 2 of the most flattering colours in the world. (especially with my complexion, dahhling!) Secondly, 2 colours i'm just not sure I can get away with teaming with my beloved black (unless I want to look like a bumblebee or an 80s reject: and not the cool kind)

What to do? Oh, woe is me!

It's at times like this I thank God for that most wonderful of inventions: denim. Enter my cute skinny light denim jeans teams with a simple black or white top and yellow/pink shoes delete depending on mood) with acres of the same coloured jewellery. If you're similarly colour opposed (it's a choice, not a desease) then here are some attention grabbing coloured accessories to start off your new season collection:

Pink leather foldover wallet. Topshop £15
Yellow braces. Topshop. £10
Bottega Veneta Woven leather belt £255. Netaporter.com
Marni Disc necklace £316. Netaporter.com

Jade Jagger Pink Kiss Necklace. £95 Netaporter.com

...........Crisis averted. Vive le black! x