Happy Birthday Zalando!

Hi guys,
I'm a big fan of Zalando: the shopping site, and I've worked with them several times since they launched two years ago. I was a particular fan during my pregnancy, because cool maternity clothes are so hard to come by. And now that I'm a busy mum, it's my special occasion saviour. The nature of the site, pulling together all the best items from the best brands and stores, means that it's so much easier to find what you're looking for. Perfect speedy and easy shopping when you want something fast.

This week Zalando are celebrating their second birthday. And in honour of that, I am showcasing some of my favourite purchases from the site:
Warehouse monochrome dress from Zalando.
Mamalicious zebra patterned maternity top from Zalando
Full circle blouse from Zalando

Warehouse isn't a shop I normally go into when I'm shopping in the city, but I just can't get enough of this Warehouse dress. It looks great for casual wear with leggings and boots but can be dressed up with heels too: winner! And the Mamalicious and Full Circle blouses were regulars in my maternity armoury: I wore them both at least once a week!

If you want to celebrate Zalando's birthday too then create your own birthday image for the brand and tweet it using the hashtag #zalandoturns2 - there's a £300 voucher to win if you do! Find out more here.

Love Tor x

Daily Wear: Mad about Monochrome

Hi guys,
Monochrome is everywhere at the minute. It's a key trend for this Spring/Summer, and the perfect one to try when the weather is as cold as it is today too. Never one to miss out on a trend, my outfit today is all about monochrome. I wore this to brunch with Mike and Wilbur this morning (I threw my big leopard print coat over the top to keep me warm) and was very excited to be wearing a dress and not a blouse and jeans for a change!
Dress: Warehouse c/o Zalando. Boots: Topshop. Bag: From a market in Turkey. Bracelets: Accessorize/Topshop.

I love this Warehouse dress, which has a super-soft jersey lining and is made from a lovely chiffon, and which I got from Zalando. I really like big shopping sites like Zalando, and Sarenza (for shoes). They're great for comparing lots of big brands at the same time, all in one place with no fuss.

Unfortunately this outfit didn't get much wear, because it was so cold and miserable outside that as soon as we'd had our brunch we scurried straight back home to snuggle under a blanket and watch films: definitely a pyjama affair!

What have you done with your weekend? Have you done any shopping (if so, do tell!) or just been hibernating away from the weather, like me?

Love Tor x

Daily Wear: Winter neons

Hi guys,
I think you have to celebrate the small victories. On Sunday, Wilbur let me get dressed without crying, and then go out for lunch and eat three full courses whilst he slept: the first time that's happened since he was born!

For the occasion I wore bright neons, but in an uber traditional way. A typical Sunday lunch outfit. I would say the format of this outfit is boringly stereotypical for this time of year: knee high boots, floral dress, blazer. Yawn. But the colours mean that it looked a little more interesting, and although it's not the best or most fashion-forward outfit I've ever worn, I was pleased with how it looked.
Dress - Warehouse. Jacket, belt and necklace - all H&M. Handbag - Betsey Johnson. Boots - Next.

The jacket and the dress were both January sales purchases. The dress is from Warehouse for just £15 and the jacket was from H&M for £10. With hindsight, I'm not that keen on how this jacket looks with the dress. But it will look amazing teamed with simple t-shirts or blouses and jeans when spring arrives.

My husband told me (once we'd already left the house!) that the outfit was too bright and garish. But I'm not sure I agree. What do you think of wearing neons to brighten up gloomy snowy days? Are you a fan of neons at all, and will you be wearing them this spring?

Love Tor x

Simple fashion maths for winter dressing

Hi guys,
I'm starting to think more and more about how I can simplify and streamline my wardrobe, so that I am always looking slick and well put together as easily as possible, whilst still making the biggest impact. Long gone are my days of having hours to plan outfits: instead I want to look good with low impact and then throw on some lipstick (my fail safe tip for looking like I've done my make up when I haven't!)

With these pieces getting dressed in the morning couldn't be easier: just pick one item from each row (I've chosen them all so that they can all be mixed and matched), throw it all together, and you're ready to leave the house in minutes.The perfect mathematical formula for low impact casual winter dressing:


Black leather look sleeve biker jacket, River Island, £75
Ombre faux fur coat, Topshop, £89
Contrast sleeve drape jacket, Warehouse, £85
Owl print skinny sleeve Tshirt, New Look, £9.99
Stud shoulder jumper, New Look, £27.99 
Silk ombre blouse, Warehouse, £55
Ultra soft jeggings, Dorothy Perkins, £23
Leigh khaki skinny jeans, Topshop, £38
Bleach mom jeans, Topshop, £40
Red suede boots, French Connection, £100
Black biker boots, Office, £60
Brown ankle boots, Jeffrey Campbell, £120

I'm a big fan of this new, understated look. I'm starting to come around to thinking that simple basics are the way forward. I already own the leather sleeve biker-style coat from River Island and the black jeggings from Dorothy Perkins. Both are definitely going to become post-baby wardrobe staples. And my favourite jeans in the world (and I'm very fussy about jeans!) are the Leigh skinny jeans from Topshop. So many of the items listed above come highly recommended by me!

Do you tend to find yourself wearing similar outfits over and over again? Could you put together a formula for creating your perfect casual wardrobe?

Love Tor xx

Warehouse A/W 2012 campaign: Perfect classic coats

Hi guys,
My coat addiction is a well-documented fact. As soon as the A/W stock starts landing in store my new coat(s) are the first thing I go looking for! My theory for lazy winter dressing is that it doesn't really matter what you're wearing underneath as long as the coat you're wearing on top looks fabulous.

But if, unlike me, you don't have or want a coat in every colour and style to go with every outfit and prefer instead to opt for something a little more classic that will go with everything then I heartily recommend you check out the new season coat drop from Warehouse:




Beige coat, £95, Warehouse
Stud detail coat, £120, Warehouse
Belted military coat, £90, Warehouse 
Faux fur cocoon coat, £90, Warehouse 

I particularly like the faux fur cocoon coat and the black masculine style coat with the stud embellishment on the shoulders: both nod perfectly to this season's coat trends whilst being versatile enough that you could wear them everyday, and with everything. The beige coat is also simple but statement-making, though I dislike the zip up front (It's just a personal preference!)

I will admit that Warehouse isn't a store I've ever thought to go coat shopping before: truth be told, I don't normally rate their style. But these classic coats  are gorgeous, and definitely worth popping in for!

Love Tor xx

Mid-season sales: Extra 20% off at Warehouse

It's officially mid-season sale time: the River Island sale started today (more of that to come!) and then I got an email letting me know that the Warehouse.co.uk sale had an extra 20% off sale prices: and there's also a code for free delivery! Obviously I had no choice but to check out their site and bring you a list of my favourite and most bargainalicious pieces!

Green embroidered dress, now £10. Rose print blazer, now £15. Silk shirt, now £15. Biker jacket, now £80. Crochet jumper, now £20. Stripe dress, £30.

I loved the green dress and couldn't believe what a bargain it is, especially given its 100% cotton and the original price was £45. There were lots of prom shaped type dresses on the site, which would be perfect if you have a fancy Christmas party to go to (i'll be having a couple of pints in the pub!) and a great selection of fine knits, which I always find much more convenient than chunky ones for wearing around the house, and under coats. Speaking of knits, I couldn't resist that crochet jumper, which would look amazing contrasted against a floral tea dress, or worn simply with panelled leggings. My favourite piece though is the stripey dress: i'm addicted to dresses (note the name of the blog!) and that one would be perfect for taking from work to play!

There is a lot of left over summer stock in the Warehouse sale, but also some great bits to see you through the winter: personally i'm delighted to see all the summer stuff in store, at it means I can pick up some bits and bobs for my honeymoon, but at bargain prices! To Save your extra 20% off all Sale items plus free standard delivery, follow the big ugly link, and then put FREEDEL1 in at the checkout. I'm being good and saving my pennies at the moment, but i'm not sure how long that will last with so many great sale offers around....

Love, Tor xx

Mid season sales: Warehouse picks!

I didn't even realise the mid-season sales had started, because i've been so busy over the past couple of weeks (too busy to scour the shops, can you imagine!?) However on Saturday, after the Skinny Cow swap shop my sister and I popped into Debenhams for a stroll and a cup of tea (I realise that makes me sound like Bridget Jones mum!) and I noticed that a lot of the concessions were sporting sale signs, with the biggest selection coming from Warehouse. My need for tea and cake was too great for a proper look, but when I got home I went straight to my computer to see if it was worth a re-visit. The verdict? Definitely worth checking out!

On the website there are 87 items in the £10 or under section, including some basic cotton tops, lovely denim skirts, and a massive selection of belts, scarves, and jewellery. I always worry with mid-season sales that you'll only be wasting your money on clothes that it will quickly get too warm to wear, however there are some really versitile pieces that could carry you all the way through to Spring/Summer.

I can't wait to hit the highstreet and try some stuff on, but in the meantime here are my picks of the sale from the website:

Everything pictured comes in at under £30. I love the pleat fronted city shorts (which also come in black) they would be great with tights for now and with sandals for in the summer. I love the belt which on the surface is very simple but which reminds me of an aeroplane belt: utility cool. The jewellery is pretty cool too (and each piece is reduced to £4 - bargainalicious!)

Are there any other mid-season sales you guys have been checking out? Whilst i've been rushed off my feet and neglecting the shops (sob!) what have I been missing?!

Love, Tor xx

New purchase: Mad about mohair!

When I was a little girl my mum had an oversized mohair cardigan. It was purple. I used to love playing with it: it had a silk lining and I loved the contrast between this and the shaggy, slightly itchy mohair wool.

Two weeks ago the increasingly generous (!) boyfriend bought me an early Christmas present: a gorgeous dress from Warehouse I had fallen in love with. However its body con fit left me conscious of the hips it clung to, and after much deliberation I decided to take it back: this left me sad. It was perfect save an inch of fabric at the hips but the size up looked baggy and shapeless! Sadness however led quickly to happiness when you see what I swapped it for:

A mohair coat with a silk lining (just like my mums!) reduced from £100 to £60 in the pre-festive sales. I was yet to buy a winter coat, and relunctant to relagate my boyfriend blazer back to the wardrobe. If i'm honest, I was also trying to hold out for the January sales! This solves both issues, as it is a boyfriend blazer style coat, with wonderfully pointy lapels and beautiful double breasted buttons as a fastener! After initial concerns that it was a little masculine, I twirled around in it three times and promptly fell in love! And I think for the quality received, it was a bargain too!!

PS - As I freeze in yet another of my floral dresses i'm beginning to contemplate knitwear. I think it's time to invest in a more wintery wardrobe. What are you all wearing as the cold snap snaps??

Love, Tor xx

I found another outlet store!

I accidentally did it again! I was wandering down Oxford street (i'd been on a specific trip to buy a new jacket that i'll share later!) when I walked into that little shopping complex halfway down near Tottenham court road (I wish I could remember what it was called!!) and found another outlet store: this time a Warehouse one! Yes, I found a warehouse outlet store!

Everything in store is discounted, with prices starting at £5. I actually didn't buy anything, but I tried on loads of stuff! There was lots of summer dresses and skirts, as you'd expect in this kind of store when the seasons are all confused, but there was also a small collection of winter coats and lots of gorgeous party dresses!

I was tempted by the white graffitti print dress, but as I had just bought my new jacket (yes, it gets two mentions, it's that good!) Still, I can definitely see this store being added to my visit list whenever I visit Oxford street! Like all outlet stores, it isn't the place to go if you're looking for something specific, but it is great for browsing and spontaneous purchases without breaking the bank!
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Love, Tor xx

If in doubt, complain!

Now i'm what I think most people would class as typically British when it comes to complaining.

If i'm in a restaurant and my food isn't as hot as i'd like, i'll eat it anyway. Poor service? Doesn't affect my tip. But this week I made my first proper complaint about Warehouse (the clothes store, not a storage facility!) and i've never felt so good about myself! In fact, i'd recommend it to anybody:

Two Fridays ago I popped out in my lunch hour and bought this skirt. Although some might say it looks like a nappy, I think it looks great. I'm happy with my bargain and all is well with the world until....The next morning I pop on the skirt only for it to immediately rip right down the back, not even on the seam! Despite having other plans, I immediately take off the skirt and drive down to Brent Cross, my nearest shopping centre, to return it. The only Warehouse in that particular centre (and within a 15 mile radius of my home) is in the Fenwicks department store. So having found the exact same skirt in the exact same size I went to the counter to exchange it. I didnt even have any intention of complaining about the fault (caused by the poor and flimsy quality of the fabric, if your interested!) I just wanted the same skirt I had originally paid for. Only it wasnt that easy. First I was told that I couldnt exchange my skirt within that store as it was a concession within a department store. (There was no sign stating this anywhere) Then the assistant had the audacity to imply that I had ripped the skirt on purpose to get a new one. Now i'm definitely no criminal mastermind, but what;s in it for me to rip a skirt one day only to go out of my way to get the exact same one the next day? Madness!!

I was dismissed and told smugly that if I had a complaint to contact head office. I left the store feeling let down, insulted and angry. And still in possession of a broken skirt. The next day I did two things: Went to the store where i had originally got the skirt (they were great and swapped it straight away) and wrote an email to the Warehouse head office. In my email I explained what had happened, that I had inconvenienced myself going back to their store when I didnt have to, how hurt I felt my the insult from the staff, and that I wanted them to do something about it.

The results were three fold:

1. It felt cathartic to write the letter and feel that I was getting my say.
2. They wrote back and apologised, convincing me I was right to be angry and to complain (see left)
3. They sent me a £15 voucher to encourage me to try their products again.

One afternoon last week I popped down to Oxford street with my boyfriend and spying a Warehouse, I decided to head inside and spend my vouchers. However everything is soo expensive in there, and I didnt have the faith to pick something up and have to go through this whole process again. So for £14 (with a £1 voucher in change!) I got:

It made me feel better knowing that my complaint had been taken seriously, and that they cared enough about my custom to try to win it back. And as I headed into that store when I saw it rather than turn right around (having angrily promised never to set foot in a Warehouse store again just the week before) it obviously worked!

My advice if you think you have cause to complain is:
1. Dont argue in the store! It probably isnt the assistant's fault and even if it is they generally dont have the power to fix it!
2. Write an email or a letter, rather than call. The person on the phone will only make you angry and you wont be able to get your point across as clearly.
3. Say exactly what happened in as clear and concise a manner as possible.
4. Tell them exactly what you want. Whether its a formal apology or financial compensation, you probably wont get it if you dont ask!
5. Include your address and telephone number. You wont get a response without these, but its amazing how easy it is to forget!

And finally, don't feel shy or embarrassed about making a complaint. The saying "the customer is always right" is popular because its true! Particularly in today's difficult ecomony shops need your loyalty and your custom, and they know you won't keep going back if the quality and the service is shoddy. You have all the power, so why not use it!?

I'm still not convinced about the quality of Warehouse's goods by the way: one voucher doesn't stop the feeling that you're receiving Primark quality goods at triple to quadruple the price. But it will make me pop back in now and again and keep an open mind.

And with my final rant on the subject finally over, I really do feel better!

Lots of love,

Tor

Head to toe, but I didn't know!

Help! I think i've committed a major fashion faux pas, and i'm trapped in the office until 5.30 pm, and there's nothing I can do about it!

You see, today I left the house like this (with close up of the details):

Nothing wrong with this outfit, you think. (I hope!) Of course, my hair looks like a disaster because I got wee'd on en-route, and I'm not wearing any make up, but I don't think strangers would point and laugh as I passed them in the street. Well, thats because I know something they don't know.

In traditional blog stylee, below is a breakdown of my outfit:

Silk Dress - Warehouse

Morroccan leather belt - Warehouse

Poloneck jumper (worn underneath) - Warehouse

Oversized bag - Warehouse

Wooden bangle - Warehouse

In fact, the only things not from Warehouse are my boots and leggings (Primark) and my necklace (Miss Selfridge).

In my defence, it's not all from this season, so I didn't even notice until about 10 minutes ago. But even so, is this the ultimate fashion crime? After all, not only am I dressed head to toe from one highstreet store, it isn't even a particularly fashion forward highstreet store! Should I lock myself in the stationary cupboard until the end of the day and then scurry home with my tail between my legs, muttering that i'll never make the same mistake again? Or should I hold my head up high, because what noone else knows won't hurt them, and the outfit doesn't look that bad?

I really am in a fashion dillemma. You decide, while I go and hide in the toilet for a while...

Love, Tor xxx

Bargain hunting

Unless you've been locked in a cave for the past week, you probably don't need me to tell you that we are in the middle of a Debenhams 3 day spectacular; they are advertising up to 25% off everything, but in reality the majority of wares have 20% off- still a good deal whichever way you look at it!

However what you might not be aware is that this 20% discount also applies to concessions within Debenhams stores. This in effect means that for the next 2 days you can get discounts at Miss Selfridge, Dune, Faith, Warehouse, and loads of other stores, depending on which Debenhams you use (their website will tell you which concessions are in your closest store!) I know it's not as cheap as the January sales (you wouldn;t believe how many people have said that to me over the past 2 days!) but hey, it's not January yet, and I for one still have plenty of Christmas parties to look fabulous for in December.

Here are the 2 outfits i'll be looking to make savings on:

Dress; Miss Selfridge £45, Boot; Faith £72, Fan clutch; Warehouse £30 and Money Gold necklace £56.

This whole outfit then would cost £203 to buy on a full price highstreet type day. However on a magical day like today, the whole outfit costs only £162.40. I know thats not the cheapest outfit we've ever brought you (anyone else remember last years "christmas dress for under £30 fiasco?") but £40 off is definitely not to be sniffed at!

The next outfit is:

Dress; Miss Selfride £50, Shoes; Faith £68, Lace tights; Warehouse £8 and Earrings; Miss Selridge £10. (Total cost:£136 Saving price cost:£108.80 )

How amazing are these ginormous oversized stud earrings!?

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Hmmm, i've just realised how similar these outfits look; that might be because I LOVE LBD's and because i'm feeling all gothic sophistication for this seasons Christmas endeavours!
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Anyway, the point i'm making is that if you do need a new dress for Christmas, and you we're planning on buying it full price from the highstreet anyway, now is the best time to get yourself to debenhams and save some money; afterall £40 is 8 cocktails, and thats a good night out!
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Lots of love,

Tor

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