Hello summer, Hello ASOS. Break out the summer dresses!

Hi guys,
I can't be the only one that thinks they have summer sorted, until summer actually arrives. The sunshine and high temperatures today saw me break from wearing my jeans and reach for a summer frock instead, only to find that they're all either too short, too low cut, need too much accessorising or, for whatever reason, just aren't fit for purpose. I think the idea of dressing for summer is much more exciting and easy to romanticise than the reality, which calls for something simple and low key. That's why I've found myself browsing ASOS late at night in my PJs with a fan blowing in my face. And there is so much to love:



This is what I'm looking for! Simple dresses that speak for themselves: just add sandals and go! I think because I love to layer, I tend to favour simple clothes in simple cuts and fabrics, but without the layering potential these pieces simply don't work in the summer months. Time to go back to the drawing board, back to the wardrobe, and do a little more shopping: I currently have windows for ASOS, Boohoo and Dorothy Perkins open in my browser!

How do you handle high temperature dressing? Any hints and tips for looking chic and keeping cool at the same time? I'd love to hear them!

Love Tor x

PS - If you're frantically looking to update your summer wardrobe at short notice then you may like to know that Dorothy Perkins are currently offering 20% off when you spend £50. Excludes sale and selected brands.Just enter the code SUMMER20 at the checkout. The offer ends on Tuesday.

Having a love affair with House of Fraser

Hi guys,
When I was living in Central London, Selfridges was my department store of choice. It was perilously close to my office, and I used to pop in on at least a twice weekly basis: our flat was littered with those trademark yellow carrier bags!

Since we've moved to Norwich (where sadly, there is no Selfridges) House of Fraser has become my new tempting poison. Whenever I pop into the city center I park in the House of Fraser car park, meaning there's always an excuse for a walk through the many departments which, in the past couple of weeks, have become a riot of colour. And I am really impressed! Therapy by House of Fraser in particular always has something that I covet, and the Linea Weekend range is fast becoming my go-to for yummy mummy everyday wear. Then I saw the latest House of Fraser press shots. And I have fallen in love all over again:


Image 1: Embroidered grey sweater £195 McQ, Floral prom dress £115 Untold, Bird print scarf £30Dickins &Jones
Image 2: Denim shirt £55, Aztec printed shirt dress £50 both Linea Weekend 
Image 3: Blue leather biker jacket £1,115 Acne Studios, Neon green check midi skirt £79Mary Portas Image 4: Denim dungarees £65 Noisy May Yellow logo t-shirt £35 Biba Yellow studded ‘Poppy’ grab clutch £30 Therapy
Image 5:  Pink jacquard printed shift dress £150, Linea White shirt £59, Mary Portas Coral bag £225, Vivienne Westwood

I really haven't ever seen the appeal of dungarees until I saw this image: but teamed with the elegant heels, pop of yellow and the clutch I think they have a grown up appeal that I'd really like to try. They'd be fabulous for wearing during summer day trips: so stylish but practical at the same time! The image that really makes me lust though is the floral combination of the sweater and the prom dress. I need to have that sweater, and I want the scarf to tie in my hair too! House of Fraser have brought their 'A' game for this Spring: I might have to take to parking somewhere else, or I'll be in danger of bankrupting myself!

Do you have a favourite department store? Which is your department store of choice, and why?

Love Tor x

Object of Lust: French Connection mellow yellow jacket

Hi guys,
I've got a massive soft spot for French Connection, and statement jackets are my favourite things in the world to buy and wear, so it stands to reason that I would be lusting after this vibrant yellow collarless jacket from French Connection!

The colour just screams summer, but the shape and style will be perfect for wearing during the chillier days of spring. I love how it's been styled with the white shirt and leather skater skirt, but equally I think it would look great worn my way: with jeans, pumps, and a patterned blouse! It's the look that's pretty much my mummy uniform, but the colour will give it a fashionable edge: 

You can pick the jacket up here at £130. I popped into my local FC store to try this on this afternoon but it wasn't in stock, so I'm just going to have to risk it and order one: It will be the perfect transitional wardrobe piece and it's too lovely to miss out on! I really am a jacket addict!

Have you got your eye on any new season transitional pieces? Now the weather is starting to hot up, there's no better time to hit the shops!

Love Tor x