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!

SS13: Mellow Yellow from ASOS AFRICA

Hi guys,
I've fallen slightly in love with the latest collection from ASOS Africa. ASOS Africa is produced in collaboration with SOKO Kenya, allowing communities to establish sustainable business through local craftsmanship. It's the perfect combination of stylish glamorous fashion, and doing something for the greater good. And with its bold yellow and green motifs, it's just perfect for summer:
Traditional African lace is given a very modern update in this new collection.  Soft silhouettes are given a sporty edge with chevron jersey binding, dolphin hems and cropped layers over longer lengths. Traditional Kenyan kanga fabric is used as an all-over print on trousers and crop tops or inserted on a tailored quilted jacket.

Prices start at £25 for a crop top and range to £50 for the full-printed maxi dress. But it is the loose kimono and the fitted jacket that I am most excited about: both are perfect for teaming with a white cotton tee for effortless casual summer dressing.

What do you guys think of the new ASOS AFRICA collection? Are there any pieces you're dying to get your hands on? 

Love Tor x

Stunning swimwear from Rigby and Peller

Hi guys,
Think Rigby and Pellar and you immediately think 'Underwear provider to the Queen'. And given the Queen is in her 80s, that evokes images of matronly sensible underwear with limited fashion credentials. But actually, you'd be wrong!

Rigby and Pellar's SS13 swimwear collection has been inspired by Miami's South Beach. Split into two ranges, named Ocean Drive and South Beach, the collection references the bright azure of sea with shades of navy, turquoise and aqua contrasting with vibrant pops of pink and purple. It oozes glamour and sex appeal. And the best thing? The swimwear collection fits back sizes 30 – 36 and cup sizes C to H, so it's perfect for bigger busted gals like me! The collection features retro sculpted swimming costumes and bikinis with multi way straps in bright contrast colours. With glamorous mix and match options to choose from including a halter neck, bandeau or front cross over, combined with a selection of tie-side, roll-top and adjustable hipster shorts there will be a style to suit you whatever you're body shape, or you could buy one perfect top then mix and match your bikini bottoms to keep things interesting.

It's definitely not Primark cheap (The swimsuit above comes in at £150) but as I've said before, when it comes to swimwear for fuller busted gals you get what you pay for! This underwired suit will give you the lift and support you need for your boobs, and the construction of the swimsuit cleverly draws the eye to the narrowest part of the waist. For the beach confidence that comes with having high boobs and a narrow waist, I think £150 is probably a small price to pay!

Have you chosen your new summer swimsuit yet? And what do you think of the Rigby and Peller ones: worth the money, or just too expensive?

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 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

Shoes: Is it Spring yet?

Hi guys,
Last week in my post about why we should all be wearing neon, I mentioned that I had ordered a pair of neon sandals from Sarenza to bring a little neon into my summer wardrobe. Well, they've finally arrived, and I like them so much that I can't wait for Spring to arrive so that I can get my toes out and put these babies on! These are from a brand I'd actually never heard of before called Sole Society. They have a great selection of summer sandals, particularly neon ones so look out for them if you want to shop the trend. They're called the Sammy sandal, and would set you back just £63. I know they're bright (like, you have to wear sunglasses to look at them bright) but I really like them. And whilst I definitely wouldn't recommend putting them on with a neon pink dress and neon green jewellery (because this isn't the Eighties!) with jeans and a crisp white shirt they would look on trend but still sophisticated and age-appropriate.

I think if you want to dip your toe into the water of any new trend but are feeling unsure about it, trying it on your feet is the best way to go! Your feet won't make you look fat no matter what you put them in and neon shoes won't draw the attention on the street that a neon frock would! So if you're colour shy (like me) or set in your ways and don't want to verve too far from styles and shades you know suit you, get adventurous with your shoes instead!

When I slipped then on to take these photos they were so comfy, and it was so nice to feel the air around my feet, that I didn't want to take them off! I suspect that you'll be seeing these in a lot of outfit posts this summer!

Have you bought any Spring/Summer clothes yet? I've already started planning some Spring outfits and had all my favourite blazers dry cleaned: I can't wait!

Love Tor x

SS13:Get frock happy with the ASOS look book!

Hi guys,
I'm a self confessed dress addict (the blog title is probably a dead giveaway of this!) so whenever I see a new look book or stack of product shots, my eyes immediately make a bee line for the dresses. The glitzier the better: and nevermind the fact that I don't actually have anywhere to wear them! So when I saw the latest spring/summer press images from ASOS I did my usual 'look at the pretty frocks' trick. And I definitely wasn't disappointed!!
Green shift dress with 3D flower lace, £120
Metallic deep plunge skater dress, £45
Fluro spot shirt dress, £50
Red mini dress with laser cut flowers, £150
Denim look oversized shift dress, £35
Shift dress with cornelli trim, £85

The dresses on my "must-have immediately" list are the denim oversized shift and the pretty pink fluro shirt dress (my particular favourite!) Both would be perfect for just throwing on with sandals for a put-together, pretty summer look; and it's this ease that is my favourite thing about wearing dresses. My favourite dress from the full selection above is the green lame' and yellow lace number: I know it would be unflattering on my figure (because its so shapeless) and lets face it, when does someone wear something like that anyway (?) but nonetheless it immediately caught my attention, and I think it looks great!

Which of my selection is your favourite? What do you think of the new selection of spring/summer dresses from ASOS? As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts!!

Love Tor x

Shoe inspiration: Check out the SS13 Sarenza Look book

Hi guys,
Now that fashion week is behind us, I'm so excited for spring to finally arrive: and even more so now that I've seen the latest spring/summer lookbook from Sarenza! I'm a massive shoe addict (I just can't help myself when it comes to shoes) and checking out the sandals and pumps I'll be wearing this summer is making me itch to get my feet out of my boots and into something light and breezy pronto!

Leopard print, sugary sweet pastels, and African style tribal prints are all the order of the day when it comes to key trends. Slipper shoes are another trend- they were hot last season and they aren't going anywhere for spring summer this year either! I have a pair of leopard print slipper shoes- so that's two trends in one for me!
Finally neon for both shoes and handbags are a huge trend- another winner for me as neon makes me happy! There is a gorgeous neon yellow Betsey Johnson bag I have my eyes on.

Other pieces I just can't resist are these black Miista court shoes with the space age clear crystal heel: gorgeous statement shoes, but low enough that you could wear them comfortably! I will definitely be picking those up for wedding season as the great way to make a subtle statement that will go with everything.
Sarenza are adding some new brands to their rosta for this Spring/Summer. They include Guatemalan brand Osborn where each item is handmade by local artisans, Mocks (who make surprisingly lovely plastic boat shoes), Mila Louise who makes beautiful on-trend leather bags, and Mohekann: patchwork leather accessories. The buyers at Sarenza are amazing: when it comes to footwear they always have their toes on the fashion pulse (do you see what I did there?) and pick the most on-trend shoes from the very best brands: I can't wait to get my feet on some new season shoes immediately!

So tell me, all you show addicts out there: what shoe trends will you be trying this Spring/Summer? Have you picked up any new season shoes yet, and if so, what kind have you gone for?

Love Tor x

SS13: More must-haves from Primark

Hi guys,
The more I see of the new season pieces from Primark, the more my fingers start itching to hit the shops: I can't wait to hit the big Oxford Street store when I'm in London for London Fashion Week this weekend.

Although my local Norwich branch is good, it doesn't get all of the pieces I see in the look book, and I really want to get my hands on some of the prettier summer dresses. Here are some more of the press shots showcasing the new S/S pieces:

I really like both of the denim shirts, and am seriously impressed by the sunglasses, which are only £1. Things I don't like? They may be on trend but I just don't like hi tops. My motto is that if you can remember a trend from the first time round (I can!) then you're just too old for it...

The best pieces, in my opinion at least, aren't shown on the model shots: there are some great cut out shots of them though. Here are some of the pieces that I can definitely see myself rocking when Spring arrives. Unless otherwise mentioned, all of this is in store now:
Floral tapestry biker jacket, £25
Crochet fringed top, £14 (In store 1st March)
China print dress, £20 (In store 8th March)
Striped midi tube dress, £7
Red zip pocket jacket, £26
Ivory lace midi dress, £17
Embroidered patch denim shorts, £12

What do you think of the new season collection from Primark? Are you a fan of the youthful urban theme and styling they seem to have gone with for their campaign photography? And if you've shopped in Primark lately let me know, what have you picked up?

Love Tor xx

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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

Shoes: My Spring style to a T!

Hi guys,
February is nearly here, and it is in February that I start thinking about my style and any new pieces I need in my wardrobe for the coming Spring. And one of the things I knew I needed was to replace the tan clogs that I wore to death last Spring/Summer: I wore them so often there is barely any sole left and the leather on the strap is so thin it's on the verge of snapping!

I needed something tan, with a very low heel, and something that would go with everything. After much searching, here's what I chose to replace them:

I just couldn't resist these gorgeous Mellow Yellow shoes from Sarenza (now only available in black), which will be perfect for Spring. They remind me of the Clarks T bar shoes I used to wear to school when I was a little girl: the six year old in me would have loved the heart detailing! The grown up in me loves how versatile they are: I want to wear them with skinny jeans and black cigarette trousers. But I know they're going to look great and very bohemian with midi dresses and maxi skirts too.

I picked these up in the Sarenza sale, which is still going strong! There are not only a great range of boots and winter boots (which you'd expect from a January sale) but also great summer shoes like these, so if you like to plan ahead it's worth checking out.

Now that the snow has melted have you started thinking about your new spring style yet? And have you been shopping for any new spring pieces? I'd love to hear all about it!

Love Tor x

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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

Sneak Peek: The Motel S/S13 Look book

Hi guys,
The January sales aren't quite over yet (I can't wait to show you some of the amazing bargains I picked up when I went on a spree today!) but even more excitingly than that, Spring/Summer is coming.

I've started getting emails containing some of the new season look books from a couple of my favourite brands, and despite my love of all things winter, it's got me feeling quite excited about the warmer weather and a new summer wardrobe. So I couldn't resist showing you a sneak peek of some of the new season pieces from Motel: mostly because I just loved the bright, vibrant, youthful photography, moreso than the clothes.




Summer means flashing the flesh, trips to the seaside, vibrant colours and fun. Obviously Motel is a brand aimed at girls much younger than me (if I'd ever had bare midriff days, they'd definitely be over!) but if I were ten years younger it's definitely a brand I would look to for eveningwear: in fact, I'm tempted to give that leather peplum pencil skirt a go anyway, and risk looking like mutton dressed as lamb! Motel is like a mecca for gorgeous frocks and separates just perfect for a night on the town.

Are you looking forward to summer yet? Have you started thinking about your spring/summer wardrobe? Or are you still firmly focused on hats, gloves, and wrapping up warm in your winter coat?

Love Tor xx

London Fashion Week SS13: Tahir Sultan

Hi guys,
The Tahir Sultan show was hands down my personal favourite show that I saw on Saturday. By that I mean that of everything I saw it was the show that most appealed to my own sense of style: I could imagine wearing every single piece. Think stud embellishment, feathers, sharp shoulders and relaxed tailoring: it was like looking inside my dream wardrobe.

I'd never heard of Tahir Sultan until I was invited to his show: that's one of the best things about fashion week though, isn't it? Discovering and then falling in love with new talent! Tahir is a Kuwait based designer who described his collection as being "dedicated to the secret few who know that there is nothing more fashionable than just being yourself". A philosophy I'd like to thing this whole blog is all about!

Here are some of those all-important details:

The collection was very feminine and wearable, and it felt really modern. I loved the dramatic tailored jackets that drew attention to, and emphasised, tiny waists, and the grecian inspired evening dresses with their perfect draping would be my first port-of-call for all of those imaginary red carpet events I go to! The key colours from the collection were greys, black and white whilst hints of fluro pink and orange lifted everything and gave a more summery, sun-shiney feel.

What do you think of the Tahir Sultan collection? And have any other new or upcoming designers caught your eye during London Fashion Week this season?

Love Tor xx

London Fashion Week SS13: Spijkers en Spijkers hair inspiration

Hi guys,
The Spijkers en Spijkers collection this season was very 1920s inspired, with a mix of simple geometric prints and intricate screen printing. But what really caught my attention was the hair.

Most of the models had natural-looking blonde hair which had been simply styled in twisted plaits. The hair was then lifted at the crown to give a half chignon feel, and then a strand of soft gold string was tied around the forehead to give a relaxed, hippie, bohemian feel. It caught my attention because of its undone look, and the fact that it would be so easy and effective to replicate at home. I know these are the Spring/Summer collections, but wouldn't this be perfect Christmas party hair?




The make-up was also understatedly lovely: Think healthy-looking dewy skin and pink tinged lips. The only really 'done' part of the look, designed to compliment the 1920s feel of the collection, were the heavily black kohled eyes. The Body Shop were the official make-up sponsor of Vauxhall Fashion Scout this season, so it's nice to know that you can get everything you need to replicate this look at affordable prices from the high street too.

What do you think of the undone hair at Spijkers en Spijkers? And have you got any new hair or make-up inspiration from the London Fashion Week shows you've seen so far?

Love Tor x

London Fashion Week SS13: The Ones to Watch

Hi guys,

Let the write-ups from my first day at London Fashion Week begin! My first show of the day was the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Ones to Watch. I always enjoy this show and the chance to check out the new and upcoming talent. This year the Ones to Watch were: Helen Van Rees, Hana Cha, Charlotte Simpson, and Ming Pin Tien.

My two favourites were Helen Van Rees and Ming Pin Tien:



Helen Van Rees won my unofficial award for best use of cereal boxes during London Fashion Week! I can imagine constructing some of her headpieces at home with weetabix packets! In all seriousness though, I really loved her collection. It was inspired by Chanel tweeds but for the modern age:three-dimensional weaved cubes were added to more traditional tailored pieces. And what would a fashion show be without a mental hat, eh?! I'm a sucker for old fashioned tweed, so this really had me sold. An added bonus? The pieces were made from 100% recycled materials.

I was also sold on Ming Pin Tien's collection the moment I saw the leather cage armour-type bodices and oversized jacket. The whole collection was both feminine and wearable, and architectural and extreme at the same time. I would have worn several pieces from this collection, and felt like a warrior-woman whilst I was doing it - I predict big things for this designer! Sadly not a single one of my photos for this show came out, but you can see and read more about Ming Pin Tien's collection on the Vauxhall Fashion Scout website.

I would love to know what you guys have thought about London Fashion Week so far: are there any trends that have got you excited? Any pieces or designers you particuarly love? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Love Tor xx

Fearne Cotton's SS13 Collection for Very.co.uk

Hi guys,
Well London Fashion Week has officially started. And last night I went to my first show- Fearne Cotton's latest SS13 offering for Very.co.uk. The show was held in the ballroom at Claridges (a very impressive venue) and there was an equally impressive guest list.

I'm a terrible celeb spotter, but I saw Jo Wood (Fearne's soon to be mother-in-law) Milly Mackintosh and Professor Green, Keith Lemon, Bo Bruce (from The Voice) Reggie Yates, Davina McCall, and Mischa B of X Factor fame. No doubt someone with a better eye than we would have doubled this celeb spot count. Fearne's soon to be sister-in-law Leah Wood also walked the catwalk, and afterwards Fearne described her as her 'muse'. If only this were a celeb blog, eh?! Instead, let's talk about the fashion show.

The theme was English country garden, and the catwalk was covered in quintessentially English trees. Naturally this was reflected in the clothes: the opening pieces were bedecked in floral. There was also lace, bright coloured leopard inspired prints, and a lovely traditional mac which had been given a vintage 1960s twist. As has become Fearne's signature, sheer and chiffon cut outs also featured on several of the dresses.


There were a couple of dubious items (I'm thinking of the capri-length jeans with the fluoro pink go-faster stripe down the sides and the green heart print tee) but there was also a couple of pieces I loved- I can't wait to get my hands on one particular maroon jumpsuit! Truthfully, the collection wasn't really to my personal taste, but the pieces I liked most were the simple minimalistic ones, which really focused on good clean lines: something you don't often find on the highstreet. And for the finale piece.....


The lady herself looked lovely, wearing a floor length fitted black dress with sheer sleeves, also from her own collection, and with her hair piled high in a retro beehive. Are you a fan of Fearne's previous Very.co.uk ranges? Do you own any pieces from her collections, and what's the quality like? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Love Tor xx

PS - I am aware it's not OK to hate celebs for being prettier than you. But am I allowed to hate Fearne just a little for looking so glowing and fresh faced whilst sporting her tidy pregnancy bump? It just seems terribly unfair that she can still look so beautiful. I meanwhile look like a whale!