Daily wear: Dressing up jeans

Hi guys,
I've been wearing jeans a lot more lately. They're just so easy to throw on, which is important when you only have 20 minutes to get ready and run out the door. They're also super comfortable: especially these ones with their elastic waist: I'm never going back to zips and buttons!

I used to only ever wear my jeans on lazy Saturdays, teamed with flip flops and slobby tees. But now I'm wearing them with chiffon blouses, fitted tops, and smart blazers. I actually couldn't imagine my wardrobe without them:



Jeans from Debenhams, Monochrome top from Mamalicious c/o Zalando (whose summer sale has just started) Heels Michael Kors c/o Sarenza, Marc Jacobs bag, See by Chloe bangles, Dial bracelet c/o Debenhams and I made the headband myself.

I wore this outfit for an afternoon of shopping followed by an early dinner. I really love this top, which is a super light cotton that feels light and airy but still looks super-smart. And the simple monchrome pattern means it goes with everything! I wore this with flip flops during the day, then added the heels and a slick of lipstick to dress it up for dinner.

What are you wearing today? And are you a jeans wearer, or recently converted to wearing jeans again? I'll say it again, but I really don't know where I'd be without mine!


Love Tor xx 

Shoes: All that glitters.....

Hi guys,
Behold my new sparkly shoes!!! Mmmmm, shoes!!! They're from a Sarenza brand I've never tried before: Anniel.  And they are so comfortable I don't ever want to take them off. These beauties were made in Italy (from Italian leather) and above all the quality really shines through.

I'm going to call these shoes my pregnancy heels. Not because they are heels, you understand. They are clearly very simple pumps. But because with their Wizard of Oz sparkilyness, they are the shoes I will be wearing in lieu of heels for every single night out of my pregnancy. Frankly, if you can't make yourself look thinner with a stiletto, sprinkle yourself in glitter instead!!

Over the next couple of months I have two weddings, a hen do, and numerous parties to go to. And for each of those events I suspect I will be wearing these comfy, buttery soft shoes. Victoria Beckham et al may rock their pregnancies in Louboutin platform spike heels, and good for them: but not good for me. I fall over when walking in flats, so I just daren't risk falling off a pair of heels. Occasionally, just occasionally, some things are more important than fashion.....

I'm taking these beauties for their first night out this weekend, so expect to see lots of outfit pictures on Monday!

Love Tor xx

PS - My impatient nature means that my least-favourite thing about Sarenza is having to wait for my deliveries (the flip side, of course, is that they're free) but now you can pay £8 for NEXT DAY delivery!! No more waiting around for beautiful shoes I want on my feet now, now now? I'll take that!!


*I am a Sarenza brand ambassador 

Are you ready for the Havaianas European Tour?

Hi guys,
Lately I seem to be writing about shoes more than I write about anything else - but what can I do, when there are so many great shoe campaigns out there at the minute?! This time I'm talking about Havianas: but not their flip flops (of which I own at least 3 pairs and take them on every holiday I've ever been on!) but their new espadrilles.

I don't own any espadrilles, but actually looking at these, I don't know why! They'd be the perfect summer alternative to pumps for walking and holidays. And because they're made of cotton my feet would be able to breathe in them, which just doesn't happen with sweaty leather pumps! Unlike normal espadrilles (which have a wicker base) these ones have a rubber base, just like normal Havianas sandals, which makes them water resistant and hard wearing. Why hasn't anyone thought of this before?! 
The Havaianas Team went on a European Tour to create an awesome campaign to promote the launch of these new Origine Espadrille range. As well as coming to London, they went to Paris, Madrid, Lisbon and Milan to film the essence of their brand with a cool creative Lomo Matrix effect. This was done by gathering people to sit in a circle, giving them each a camera and them all recording action shots happening in the middle of the circle at the same time. Check it out for yourself, the London video was filmed in Hyde Park: 

To find out more about the campaign, and the new espadrilles, you can visit the Havaianas Facebook page. And if you want to get your hands on a pair of the espadrilles for yourself, you can visit the Havianas website.
What are you wearing on your feet this summer? Are you a sandals, flip flops, pumps, or even an espadrilles kind of gal?

Love Tor xx

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Life lately, according to my iPhone

Hi guys,
Warning and beware, blogger cliche coming up! Yet another 'life according to my iphone' post. On the bright side, I can promise that there's nothing hipster included:

Mmmm, mini sponge cakes filled with nutella instead of jam (because chocolate is always better than fruit!) I am very proud to say I made these myself, and they tasted just as good as they look

This weekend my sister and niece came to visit. We went to Great Yarmouth for the day, and Lily had her first ever donkey ride. She absolutely loved it: are there donky riding championships for babies I don't know about?! Because I'm pretty sure she'd win...

This picture pretty much sums up all of my life lately: painting the new house! We are currently painting in this Crown Heritage matt emulsion: the shade is called Duke's Blue. I keep finding flecks of this paint all over me. This morning I noticed I have it splattered all over my toes. Oh the glamour! 

I went to a press event for Puffin Books, and was gifted this gorgeous edition of Peter Pan, with Cath Kidston artwork on the jacket. Isn't it a gorgeous print?

A glass wall, shaped like a heart, made out of nail varnish bottles! All things to love: this wall is in the John Lewis beauty hall, and is made up of Nails Inc nail varnishes. In the right light you can see the graduating colours: very cool indeed, and obviously someone's labour of love.

Alan Sugar's car! My inner geek/celeb spotter was delighted to see this car being parked in Mayfair.  Unfortunately I didn't see the man himself - probably for the best. He isn't famed for his sense of humour, but who could see him and resist telling him he's fired?!

Isn't it funny how leaving somewhere makes you realise all the more how beautiful it is? London has never looked as beautiful as it does to me in the past 2 weeks, and when I wandered past the Natural History Museum I just couldn't resist snapping it! 

Finally, I've been exploring with a new shade of lipstick! Not exactly breaking news, but finding the right shade is still important. Rather than my usual vivid red this is a more muted shade: Revlon Colour Burst lip butter in Candy Apple.

What have you been up to lately? And how are you spending your summer? I'd love to hear all about it!

Love Tor xx

My picks from the Sarenza summer sale

Hi guys,
Exciting news: not only has the Sarenza summer sale started (and who doesn't get excited about a shoe sale?!) Starting today, Sarenza are having a "Crazy Days" sale, which means an extra 20% off on all of the following brand (including items currently on sale):

Mellow Yellow, Carvela, JB Martin, Jonak, Schmoove, Florsheim, Buffalo, Paul & Joe Sister, Stéphane Kélian, Chie Mihara, Pura Lopez, UME Un Matin d’Eté, Chocolate Schubar, Vagabond, Latinas, Muratti, Emma Go, Tatoosh, Janet & Janet, Pour La Victoire, Kelsi Dagger, C. Petula, Kesslord, Pare Gabia, Spot On, Georgia Rose, I Love Shoes, Marvin & co, Rose & Martin, Valensi, Addict Initial

As many of the sale items were already 50% off, there is some serious bargain-hunting potential to be had! To celebrate this, I've created a wishlist of all of my favourite picks from the sale:

I had to include a pair of Valensi pumps (I have four pairs and they are the most comfortable every day shoes I have ever owned) and the Emma Go green and silver flats are seriously lust-worthy, but mostly I went fantasy shopping for heels I can't wear. I especially love the slightly 80s-looking Georgia Rose courts with the gold toe. 


Want to win your favourite pair of shoes from my selection? Well then you can! All you have to do is 'like' my wishlist (or one of the other Sarenza brand ambassador's wishlists) on the Sarenza Facebook page, and someone will be chosen at random to win their choice of any pair of shoes. 


Love Tor xx

River Island's A/W 2012 campaign: Lust worthy!

Hi guys,
I really do have a soft spot in my heart for River Island. It's one of my favourite shops on the high street for all of the reasons I know that sometimes other people don't like it: the excessive embellishment, the flamboyant patterns, the general 'lariness' of it all!

But it's also bang on trend and, along with Topshop, is one of the high street shops I look to to find out which catwalk trends will trickle down (although gush down is probaby more appropriate, given the speed it happens at now) to the high street:

Things I have to get my hands on? The metallic embellished top (oh chunky hardwear, how I need you!) and the multicoloured faux fur stole are definitely on my 'must have' list. The 80s gold embroidery is not to my taste, but is definitely going to be bang on trend for next season.

I always get excited to see the new season collections: I blame my attention span, and the fact that because I saw all the clothes on the high street now last Christmas, they're starting to feel very very old. I've already started spotted frocks that I know will be perfect for Christmas but don't worry, I won't start ruining your summer holidays by talking about the 'C' word just yet.....

Love Tor xx

Daily Wear: The swan dress

Hi guys,
I saw this swan print dress on the Topshop website, immediately fell in love with the print on it, and scurried to the Oxford Street store to snap it up! Topshop seem to have gone slightly crazy with this print: you can also buy it in a standard and petite non-maternity tea dress, shorts, jacket, jumpsuit, and blouse.

The great thing about a printed dress like this is that you don't have to do to much to dress it up. I went minimal with accessories, and just kept everything else black. Here's how I wore it:



Eeek - please excuse my chipped toe nails (must rectify immediately!) As I said, the swan print dress is from Topshop, Marc Jacobs handbag, belt from Primark (but doesn't it look like Moschino and it only cost £3?!), Primark sandals, Rock and Republic sunglasses and Marc Jacobs watch.

This is the first time I've worn sandals this month, and just putting them on really makes it feel like summer! I wore this outfit to meet Mike from work and head out for pizza: we decided we needed a treat before coming home and continuing operation Paint the Whole House. I keep finding paint in the most obscure places, and we're not even half way through yet! I know how I'll be spending my evenings for the next fortnight...

What are you wearing today?

Love Tor xx

I wish my wardrobe looked like my-wardrobe.com!

Hi guys,
Lets just start this off with a big old sigh. A sigh because when I look in my wardrobe I see a whole lot of high street (and a disproportionate amount of black!) instead of the effortless designer wardrobe I often create in my minds eye. A wardrobe that could come straight from the frock section of my-wardrobe.com.

When it comes to fantasy dress shopping I am often to be found wasting hours away pouring over Net-a-Porter mentally decimating my credit card and/or savings account. But I may have to switch my allegiences. Because a selection of  My-wardrobe Dresses are currently blowing my mind! Prepare to have your mind blown too:

Alice by Temperley Rana dress, £222
Vivienne Westwood bronze dress, £107
Carven one shoulder tribal dress, £357
Tilda black sheen pleated dress, £231 
Antik Batik aztec mini dress, £239
Elizabeth and James floral dress, £220
DKNY animal print tunic dress, £157

My favourite, predictably, is the most expensive of my picks: the Carven tribal dress. But alot of the other frocks are surprisingly affordable: £107 for gold Vivienne Westwood. Erm, how exactly can I say no?! I love it when the sales start....even these gorgeous dresses start to look affordable.....

Have you started shopping the mid season sales yet? And what are you looking for? A few designer pieces at half the prices, or lots and lots of high street at bargain prices? And you a quality or quantity shopper?

Love Tor xx 

PS - Don't forget to enter my competition to win one of TEN St Tropez tanning sprays or lotions worth £26 each!  

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The Fabfrocks maternity wishlist

Hi guys,

Another glorious Monday! Monday is my favourite day to create shopping wishlists: it's amazing how a little harmless Monday lunchtime browsing can make the week suddenly seem manageable again, isn't it? All of my virtual shopping this week has been pregnancy related, and as I'm guessing you don't want to see which moses basket or crib I'm thinking of buying (and frankly, who can blame you!) I've decided to filter this down to all of my  current fashion wants.

In terms of my growing girth, I have reached the point where I can no longer zip up my fitted dresses/skirts/jeans. Which means it's time to hit the shops and check out some maternity clothes. Gulp. So here's everything I'm currently wishing for. Apart from my waistline back, of course:

Coral ruffle dress, New Look, £39.99
Swan collar dress, Topshop, £38
Sequin tunic, Isabella Oliver, £104.50
Aztec tshirt dress, Topshop, £28
M by Missoni maternity cardigan, Blossom mother and child, £278 
See by Chloe yellow camoflage tunic, Blossom mother and child, £377

Actually finding pretty maternity clothes on the highstreet is really hard. If you like jersey or plain t shirts you're in luck! But if you want anything like my normal wardrobe (tea dresses, lace tees, leather leggings perhaps) then you won't find a great deal. And if you do, tell me where, because I'm getting desperate! Topshop seems to be the best I've seen so far, in terms of sticking to the same styles/patterns as their mainline range. But frankly, I can't afford a whole new wardrobe from Topshop that I will only be able to wear for 5 more months! Time to look at my existing wardrobe and get creative, I think...

Love Tor xx

PS - Don't forget to enter my competition to win one of TEN St Tropez tanning sprays or lotions worth £26 each! 

Competition: Win one of ten St. Tropez tan lotions!

Hi guys,
St. Tropez is going on tour across the country with its first ever Spraycation. The tour kicks off in London at Westfield W12 on the 15th June, then heads northwards to Bullring Birmingham for the 22nd and 23rd June, Trafford Centre in Manchester on the 28th and 29th June, Glasgow Braehead 6th and 7th July with the final stop in Dublin Pavilions on the 13th and 14th July.

 I will definitely be heading down to the Westfield leg of the tour to get my spray on!! I'm one of the palest people I know, but in the summer I really do love a light tan to make my skin look less translucent against my summery clothes!!

 According to research conducted by St. tropez nearly half of the UK plans to stay put this summer rather than fly abroad for their holiday, with nearly a quarter of those polled stating that they will be taking time off work to enjoy the events and celebrations on home soil. And because almost everyone feels better with a little colour on their skin, what better time to join the tour and tan up!?

To celebrate the Spraycation kicking off you can enter my competition to WIN one of 10 Dark Sprays or Lotions  (worth £26 each).

To enter the competition all you have to do is be a follower of the blog (the sign up box is to your right) and leave a comment telling me your favourite thing about summer. 10 winners will be chosen randomly on 10th July at 12pm. Good luck, and I can't wait to read your entries!

 Love Tor xx

 PS- if that's just not enough competition for you, St. Tropez will also be running an online competition asking people to send in a 'virtual postcard' telling them where their ideal Spraycation would be across the UK and why. One lucky winner, plus their friends will see their idea become a reality as St. Tropez brings its luxury Spraycation experience worth over £8k to the winner and their friends wherever they want it in the UK. Whether it's the back garden, local pub or living room St. Tropez will make it happen. Enter the competition via www.facebook.com/sttropeztanuk

ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

The fashionable Father's Day gift guide

Hi guys,
I have a confession to make: I am a terrible daughter. This year I managed to forget my dad's birthday! It completely slipped my mind: I even called home on the day without remembering at all until my mum reminded me! So to make up for it, I am planning to make this Father's Day a good one!

Want to be a good daughter and not a terrible one like me? Then make a note that Father's Day is this Sunday (17th June 2012). If you do nothing else, pop a card in the post and pick up the phone this weekend!

Want to do more than send a card? And aren't crafty enough to make a homemade present (because everyone knows if you can craft, handmade gifts are always well-received)? Well then if you have a fashionable dad (and I really do!) then this fashionable Father's day gift guide may help. And I promise there isn't a cheesy mug or pair of 'I love Dad' socks in sight:

Digiplex watch, Storm, was £69.99 now £44.99
Tan satchel, Cambridge Satchel Company, £93
Alexander McQueen skull cufflinks, Mr Porter, £93
Jil Sander dino jumper, £490 (Yes, I know this one is expensive but this is a wishlist!)
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male, Debenhams, £28.50
J by Jasper Conran wallet, Debenhams, £18
Vintage-style shoe cleaning kit, Amazon, £12.25
Red slim chinos belt, Topman, £12

In the end I went with aftershave (and a few other bits) for my dad, but I wish I'd seen those McQueen cufflinks before I hit the shops: they are seriously cool!

Do you celebrate Father's Day? If so what will you be doing for your dad this weekend?

Love Tor xx

A diamond in the rough!

Hi guys,
I've never been a diamond jewellery kind of girl. Even my engagement ring isn't a traditional diamond; diamonds just seem too perfect, too boring, too uniformly ordinary to me. But then I saw these diamond earrings: so far from the traditionally preppy diamond studs I'm used to seeing. And I fell in love:
They're from etsy shop Alexis Russell Jewellery and come in at $168 (approximately £111) The gold is 14 carat, and the stone is a rough cut diamond. I've never seen one before, but I love it -  it has an earthy, natural, organic feel. And they have a mixed metal feel, with the gold against the silvery diamond.


Rough diamond sterling silver ring, $148 (approx £98)
Rough diamond cascade necklace, $235 (approx £136)


The collection comes in a mix of 14ct gold and sterling silver, although I prefer the gold against the uncut earthy stones. I would definitely recommend checking out some of Alexis' stuff: Its a lovely little Etsy shop, featuring hammered metal bangles (which are gorgeous!) and a plethora of pieces made from semi precious stones. But it's the rough cut diamonds that have stolen my heart!

Love Tor xx

Spiky shoes: What colour to choose?!

Hi guys,
I've always had an unhealthy obsession with shoes, but lately my inbox seems to be bombarded with new styles that I know I just need: my lustometer is in overdrive!! The latest culprits that I can't seem to get out of my head are these super spiky loafers from nelly.com.
And because this pesky pregnancy has scuppered any interest I have in wearing heels, I think I might have to indulge (erm, I mean invest) in a pair! The problem? They come in four different colours (Cobalt Blue, Mocha Cream, Sunny Day Orange or Ice White) and I just can't choose which one I want. I'm torn between the blue and the orange.

At £51.95 they're definitely affordable, but not so affordable I can buy two pairs! So I want to know what you think! Which spiky shoe has caught your eye? If you could choose one colour which would it be? And more importantly, do you think these essentially comfortable pumps are really as dangerous as they look? (I'll have plasters at the ready, just in case!)

Love Tor xx

PS - I'm hosting a twitter party on the 14th June! I'd really love it if you could put the date in your diary and join me!

The fashion pregnancy diary: Stylish ways to hide your baby bump

Hi guys,
I promise this isn't going to turn into a pregnancy blog (I'm still all fashion!) but as being pregnant is now something I have to consider when making fashion choices, I will be including occasional pregnancy fashion posts: and if you know anywhere that has a good selection of stylish maternity wear that me know, because I am really struggling to find anything I like!

Like lots of people, I didn't want to tell everyone I was pregnant until I had passed the 12 week point. Of course my husband knew and my mum (because I had to bore someone with every.tiny.detail or I would have gone insane!) but to everyone else I had to hide my tiny baby bump in the hope of looking the same as ever (optimitic!) or, more realistically, just a bit chubby. It's actually not as easy as you think: especially if (like me) your stomach seems to explode from the minute you take that first pregnancy test!

In the same situation? Hoping to be in the same situation? Just interested in how fat people like me hide their tummies? Well here are my tried-and-tested tips for hiding your baby bump in that all-important first trimester:

1. Oversized tops are your friends. My selection of oversized chiffon blouses was a lifesaver! I teamed them with a tight fitting black skirt and leggings or skinny jeans to create balance and highlight the part of me that wasn't growing! Then people tended not to notice what was going on under the layers of chiffon around my tummy!

2. Empire line? If you're small busted, all of my pregnancy books recommend an empire line to hide your baby bump. If your busty like me though, I would say this was a no-go. I ended up looking like a blow up doll: and still a little bit pregnant!

3. Wear a boyfriend blazer. Over everything! I know I always did this anyway (I have more boyfriend blazers than anyone I know!) but a blazer, and when it was a little colder a long scarf, meant that most of my upper body was well-covered, and there was no way anyone could tell what was happening underneath. Waterfall jackets and tops also have the same affect.

4. T shirt dresses. H&M has a great selection of T shirt dresses with a slight A line. I picked up half a dozen of these, and have been wearing them constantly for the past 3 months. Not exactly fashion forward I'll admit, but they come in a great range of colours (including an amazing fluro pink) and teamed with oversized jewellery and amazing shoes they'll definitely get your through that first trimester looking stylish and comfortable. Which leads me to my final tip.....

5. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Don't waste money on new clothes for this short period of time. Instead wear jersey and cotton pieces you already have in your wardrobe and accessorize them. If something is tight on your tummy, hide it with a scarf. If your T shirt dress fits fine, but looks plain, add an oversized necklace and a chunky bangle. And remember, your feet shouldn't grow (yet!!) so make the most of all your favourite, amazing shoes!

And now? Well now I'm pregnant! Everyone knows: even the postman and the lady on the till in Waitrose last night. Now I've started telling people I can't stop. So I'll be flaunting my tiny baby bump, and even doing a little maternity clothes shopping: yes, every new life experience is just another excuse to hit the shops!

Love Tor xx

Jubilee fashion - How could I not?!

Hi guys,
With the Jubilee weekend (or what I am calling the 'Big Move' weekend) almost upon us, how could I not do a quick round up of all the best of Britannia fashion currently on the high street? And by that, of course, I mean the best of everything kitsch, tacky and gloriously over the top!

Love London make up bag, Accessorize, £10
Jubilee print blazer, River Island, £40 
Jubilee crown ring, Topshop, £10
Vivienne Westwood bracelet, Asos, £95
Union jack clutch, Debenhams, £50
Vivienne westwood dress, Matches, +£2000
Crown sunglasses, Accessorize, £6
Steam cream Big Ben moisturiser, Asos, £13
Union Jack pendant, Cath Kidston, £20

OK I know I said this would be high street, but you just can't talk about the best of British without throwing in a Vivienne Westwood dress, can you!? I also love the blazer from River Island so much that I just ordered it! It will look fantastic not only this weekend, but also all wonderful British summer long teamed with plain frocks, or jeans and a white tee.

I'm not ashamed to say that I like the Royal family - especially the Queen when she's wearing her ceremonial robes (or 'all blinged up' as I prefer) I think it's nice to have someone to look to that you can depend on and it's at times like this that I do feel very very proud to be British. So at some point this weekend, amongst the chaos of the removal men, endless boxes, and frantic hoovering, I will find the time to eat a hotdog in honour of 'er Maj: It's the least I can do!

What are you going to be doing this Jubilee weekend? Will you be celebrating? And more importantly, what will you be wearing to do it?!

Love Tor xx