Daily Wear: Va-va-voluminous layers for a day at the zoo!

Hi guys,
Well I think the title probably explains where I've been today: we took a family trip to the zoo! In typical British fashion, excuse me for a minute whilst I talk about the weather! Although it's sunny the day started really coldly, which goes some way to explaining all my layers: I decided it was the best way to keep warm in the zoo during the early morning, without having to carry a jacket or bulky cardigan around with me all day. All that volume doesn't make for the sleekest or most streamlined look but nonetheless, here's how I wore it:
 Although they're only from George at Asda these are my new favourite jeans: I love the dark indigo colour and they have enough stretch to be insanely comfortable whilst still holding their shape. On top I am wearing a chiffon embroidered blouse with a peplum from Zara, a cotton kimono jacket from Primark and my new favourite scarf from Topshop: it has an incredible insect pattern all over it.  Finally, these Georgia Rose metallic sandals from Sarenza have been on my feet nearly constantly this summer. They're stupidly comfortable, and their bronzy metallic shade goes with absolutely everything.

This is the perfect jacket for this transitional weather, as when the temperature heated up a little I just removed the kimono and the scarf, and they both folded neatly into my bag: Simple!

What have you been doing with your Saturday? And what are you wearing today? Any tips for transitioning smoothly from your summer to your autumn wardrobe? I'd love to hear them!

Love Tor x

Guest Post: Affordable Shopping for New Season Trends

Everybody has that one friend who can waltz into a shop and return after five minutes with bags full of the season’s latest trends...then you hear how little they paid for everything and you’re left bemused and, in all honesty, pretty damn jealous. Well hopefully this guide will give you a head start on kitting your wardrobe out with must have garms for AW13 without the designer price tag!

Animal Print
Just when we thought it was time to trade in that leopard print coat, Burberry rock up at London Fashion Week with a whole host of animal print designs to bring the trend back to life. For those who dare trying, combine various prints into one outfit. When done right, it’s the ultimate style statement for the fashion gurus out there.

1. Iron Fist Leogir Leggings (£25.59) 2. Vila Chee Mini Skirt (£21.99)
3. RVCA Moon Safari Shirt (£27.49) 4. Vila Colorado Shirt (£24.49) 5. DC Bristol Mid LE shoes (£54.99)

Winter Floral
Who said flowers are just for Summer? Next season we are set to see an explosion of wintery floral prints to bring some colour into our dowdy December wear. Ultimately feminine and full of fun, a versatile floral with brighten any outfit.

1. Jorge Gypsy Floral Cut Out Dress (£35.99) 2. Jorge Dream Lover Leggings (£24.99)
3. Loreak Mendian Bahamas Dress (£53.18) 4. Only Shaded Flower Leggings (£12.99)
5. Louche Bali Flower Pastel Floral Shirt (£34.99)

Oversized
Next season is all about slouchy, oversized clothing. Apart from being incredibly comfortable, oversized items can channel a multitude of looks depending on what you wear them with. Keep an eye out for apparel inspired by the days of punk and grunge. Although this was big last year, a more subtle approach to this look is set to be at the forefront of fashion next season.

1. 55DSL Dadrap Dress (£54.99) 2. Traffic People Tribal Dress (£34.98)
3. Cheap Monday Melinda Short Dress (£20.98) 4. Religion Clark Long Sleeve Shirt (£59.99)
5. Ichi Knur Top (£19.99)

Bold Prints

It seems the trend next season is to incorporate exotic Summer colours and eye catching prints into your Autumn/Winter attire. Geometric designs are always popular, and when accessorised with a large statement necklace will give you an outfit to get those fellow fashionistas hankering for your style flair.

1. Numph Emma Dress (£38.99) 2. Vero Moda zigzag leggings (£14.99)
3. Motel Rocks Hollyanna Print Dress (£34.99) 4. Ted Baker Keicon Kaleidoscope Bag (£27.99)
5. Yumi Printed Top (£17.49)

And remember it’s not always the clothing that makes an outfit, accessorising is the key to a successful style. Use an oversized handbag or bold coloured shoes to make a statement. Team plain clothing with large jewelled necklaces or an extravagant headpiece to add a quirky edge to your look. Don’t forget it’s not always designer or high street stores that hold your every fashion need, having a rummage in charity shops, boot sales and vintage fairs could result in you finding your favourite piece of timeless treasure!

Natalie Gale  is an online content writer for Surfdome.com. Surfdome specialise in the latest fashions and best equipment for extreme sports such as skating, surfing and snowboarding

Shoes: My Bank Holiday Pick!

Hi guys,
It's nearly the bank holiday! And for most of us that means fun days out, long walks and (if the weather is on our side) a sunny BBQ or two! Mike, Wilbur and I are visiting my parents for the weekend so we will be enjoying a mix of walks to the park and long afternoons building sandcastles on the beach. So what will I have on my feet? Well for me it has to be practical, stylish, gorgeous Converse! 
My Converse are peach, but I am seriously lusting after these incredible gold ones! They're all leather and have a gold and white tie dye pattern all over them. Even the eyelets are gold: and you know how I feel about anything gold! Love it! Converse teamed with skirts or dresses isn't the look for me: I tried it in my teens, but now I think it's too grungy and too scruffy. It's a classic and preppy combination but I prefer Converse hi tops teamed with skinny jeans and simple shirts or blouses: there's no better casual outfit when you don't want to think about what you're going to throw on and you're having an active and informal day out. With these on my feet though, I'd still be able to show off my fashion credentials!

Want a pair of your own? Well they're a little more expensive than normal Converse but you can have a pair of these for £79.99. You'll find them here.

We just booked a holiday for the three of us to Paris/Disneyland Paris in six weeks time: I will definitely be getting these to wear for the occasion! What do you think?!

Love Tor x

*Post written as part of a partnership with Spartoo shoes

Environmentally friendly, Seriously cool, and only £1!

Hi guys,
Just a quick post to show my surprise favourite purchase from Primark of late: I picked up this reusable bag for just £1, and have been using it almost constantly. It's perfect for folding into my handbag and popping out to carry shopping, and has even found use as a bag for my swimming kit. Karl Lagerfeld as a pug: what's not to love?!
For any of you Primark aficionados out there, Primark are starting to roll out all of their new season stock. When I was in store this week I spotted some gorgeous floral kimonos, lovely autumnal dresses, knitted jumpers and winter boots. If you're ready to think about the new season, and you're planning to do some shopping this bank holiday weekend, definitely make Primark a stop on your list: you won't regret it.

And leave their horrible brown paper carrier bags in store. Put your purchases in one of these Karl bags instead!!

Love Tor x

Featured post by Sarah Fielding: From Summer to Autumn, Just Add a Jacket

With the change of season we're all very quick to think we must ditch one seasonal wardrobe to switch for the new season. If only the climate was that simple. Weather is unpredictable at best during the change of seasons and so there is rarely a clean break between one and the other. When it comes to the end of summer, we're not always that keen to put away those bright and breezy pieces anyway. Fortunately adding a layer or two can be the perfect solution and there are so many different jackets out there that it is easy to transform a summer look into something that will work for autumn too.

Working week

When it comes to your working week, over summer dresses or smart trousers and short sleeve blouses have probably paid a major part in your work wear wardrobe. There is no need to ditch them for your black trousers and jumpers as soon as the kids return to school and autumn begins. Adding a blazer style jacket adds both shape to your figure and can transform your summery work looks to smart autumnal outfits in an instant.

Sunday brunch

Those gorgeous cream chino style trousers that you've been enjoying all summer are still the perfect choice for a weekend get together with friends. Here you can again a blazer style jacket or go for a pretty boucle style collarless jacket for a classic elegant style statement. Something like the Bonmarché Textured Classic Jacket is a pretty additional layer.

A walk in the park

Days strolling with the dog in the summer are full of relaxed cropped trousers and tees. When it comes to autumn the days can be a bit cooler and certainly there is more chance of a spell of rain. It's not always cool enough to make the switch to chunky knits but an extra layer to keep out the wind and rain will be a welcome extra layer. A lightweight parka such as the Bonmarché Metallic Lightweight Parka will work with your crops or jeans easily.

A night on the town

There are some gorgeous relaxed waterfall and kimono style jackets available these days and they are the perfect cover up for a night on the tiles with your friends or a romantic date with your partner. Why not throw one of these on over smart summer Capri trousers and a pretty blouse? The David Emanuel Soft Waterfall Jacket is a pretty and bright choice. Add a pretty scarf or wrap for extra warmth when you leave the restaurant or pub too.

Autumn nuptials

Not everyone gets married in the summer and for autumn weddings there is the extra challenge of having to prepare for cooler weather. Your favourite summer wedding dress can still serve you well right into autumn. A tailored jacket is a perfect layer up for autumn weddings. It offers a formal look as well as adding curve appeal with its nipped in waist. A softer alternative to a jacket is a smart jacket style cardigan knit so consider these as well.

A weekend away

When the schools are back in for the autumn, it's the perfect time for the rest of us to take a quick getaway. So many more of us these days are making the most of everything Britain has to offer when it comes to holidays that a long weekend in the Lake District or exploring the stunning countryside in Scotland for example is just the ticket to enjoy the autumnal colours as they start to come in. Don't let the slight chill in the air put you off your exploring when a smart fleece or gilet can add that extra warmth you need. They look great with the relaxed cropped trousers you've been enjoying all summer and will be just as comfortable come winter with a sweater underneath.

*This is a post written by Sarah Fielding

Embracing Model Diversity: The Latest Campaign from TK Maxx

Hi guys,
TK Maxx have become the latest high street brand to embrace all things diverse, by including the world's oldest supermodel, Daphne Selfe and Felicity Hayward, the UK's hottest new plus size model, in their latest campaign video.

I like the TK Maxx ads: they're so fun and upbeat and cool (can I get away with saying 'cool'?). They're definitely the kind of ads you wish you could transport yourself into, anyway!
 
I'm loving all of the vintage styling and the oversized statement necklaces. And some of those chunky wool coats are enough to have me running to my closest branch of TK Maxx as fast as I can, looking to do some new season shopping!

TK Maxx did a quick Q&A with  plus sized model Felicity Hayward at the shoot for their latest campaign (images definitely to follow: they look as great as the TV ad!) and I've popped a little snippet below:

TK Maxx: Can you describe your personal style? 
Felicity Hayward: A modern day Jayne Mansfield, whose wardrobe got mixed up with the costume department of a John Waters movie. 

TK: What is your favourite trend from TK Maxx’s AW13 collection? 
FH: I would say winter pastels as I am a big fan of those colours, I could be a little biased on the grounds that I want to be an ice-cream lady when I am older and the colours in this trends remind me of all the flavours from mint choc chip to tutti frutti. 

TK: Do you have any fashion pieces in your wardrobe that have an amazing story behind them, or that you could never bear to part with? 
FH: I have a thong which once belonged to Prince and was worn by one of his dancers at the VH1 Fashion Music Awards in 1994. That baby isn’t going anywhere.

She's plus sized, she's gorgeous and sexy, and she loves Prince! Could this woman be my new fashion crush? I think so!

Love Tor x

Shoes: A Last Hurrah for Summer!!

Hi guys,
I've been bombarding you with images of new autumn/winter shoes and clothes over the last week, but actually, summer isn't over yet! And I definitely don't want to wish away this last month of precious sunshine, or start wearing my boots when I could still be feeling the air between my toes. In fact, I'm wearing a summer frock and flip flops as I'm typing. So in honour of that, here are my favourite sale sandals currently on Spartoo: my last hurrah to summer!
These incredible Rupert Sanderson wedges are currently a whopping 70% off. Instead of costing you £508.99 you could pick them up for £152.70: it's a damn bargain for a beautifully made shoe from a British designer! I just love the combination of colours: brown, tan, orange and turquoise all complement each other perfectly and they all scream summer (they also have the added bonus of looking incredible with a tan). I have a soft spot for Rupert Sanderson, in part because my office used to be right behind his London store, so I walked past the windows lusting after the shoes nearly every day. These shoes look like they've been worn on holiday and been scuffed from walking on the beach. They make you want to head to an expensive beach resort, team them with an oversized straw hat, and strut your stuff.

Fun fact: Did you know that every pair of Rupert Sanderson shoes in named after a daffodil? This particular model is the Nissa. You'd only get that kind of random quirkiness from a British shoe designer!

What do you think of these shoes? Would you wear them, and what would you wear them with? My vote goes for floaty maxi dress: let's keep summer alive whilst we can!

Love Tor x

*Post written as part of an ongoing partnership with Spartoo

What's in your Handbag? Check out what's in mine!

Hi guys,
The last time I wrote about what was in my handbag was back in March 2012, and since then the contents have increased dramatically: no more tiny body bag filled with make up and basic essentials for me! But I'm not ready for a big ugly mum bag either: I want something on trend, made of buttery soft leather, but roomy enough for all of my supplies. And boy, do I have a lot of supplies! My handbag contents for today are: My Vivienne Westwood purse, house keys and car keys, mobile phone, Missoni sunglasses, Chanel lipstick and Filofax (just the same as last year). However the new additions are: rice cakes or carrot puffs (depending on what snacks the boy fancies for the day), a teddy bear and a rattle, and wet wipes to mop up any spills and snot. Oh the glamour!
With all of this stuff to carry around every single day, I require a pretty special bag. This bag from Marks and Spencer's new season leather bag range is the perfect size for just about any occasion; small enough to carry around everyday but roomy enough to stash a hearty supply of snacks and toys for Wilbur in. It feels so soft (I have a place in my heart for pony skin leather, and buy far too much of it!) and the leather literally melts under your hand as you carry it. I love the zip detailing and leopard print is another of my obsessions, so it really is the perfect bag for me.

This bag is one of the key leather items from Marks and Spencer's A/W '13 collection, and would be the perfect addition to a capsule winter wardrobe, because you could carry it all day (it's perfect for work or for Saturday afternoon shopping trips) or dress it up for the evening and it wouldn't look out of place to dinner: especially if you carry a big bag at all times, like me. Marks and Spencer are very focusing on quality with their leather offering for this season, and it definitely shows in the craftmanship and design of this bag.  Good old M&S: they always seem to know exactly what I need and they never let me down!

If you want to buy one of your own you can pick it up from the M&S website: It's available right now, and will cost you £99.

Love Tor x

Autumn Inspiration: Mad about Monochrome

Hi guys,
As all of the autumn/winter collections start landing on the high street my lust-o-meter has gone into overdrive. I love shopping for a new season, and I really love it when that season is autumn/winter: it's my favourite time of year by far! Every so often when the seasons are changing over, I see individual press images that have such an impact that I can't stop thinking about them. I want to be the model. I want to run out and recreate the look immediately: this image from Marks and Spencer was one such image!
The Autograph coat comes in at £99. The shirt is £32.50, the hat is £19.50. The gorgeous handbag costs £59.

It's simple, it's clean, it's slightly sixties-inspired. I need to have that hat with the contrasting snake print peak in my life immediately, and I now have a hankering for a crisp white cocoon coat. I know you can't buy them from Marks and Spencer but, man, what I wouldn't do to have those thick statement eyebrows. This is the kind of look that would suit just about everyone: I can see Joan Collins wearing this, but also a sexy young thing like [insert name of one of The Saturdays here: I'm too old to know them by name!] too. The mum in the back of my mind has reservations about sticking fingers and white wool coats, but for a look this good I think I'd take the dry cleaning bill.

What do you think? Will you be rocking some statement monochrome this autumn/winter?

Love Tor x

Something for the Weekend: A list of lust!

Hi guys,
It's Friday morning, which means I've taken a little break from my freelancing work (despite having three deadlines looming!) to do a little virtual shopping instead. Rainy weekends like this one are perfect for hitting the shops, and there are new season collections landing in nearly every high street store right now. Here are the pieces I wish I had in my wardrobe right now:

1. I love this draped Vivienne Westwood bag from Sarenza (£337.50) which would be the perfect statement piece for autumn/winter. I'm such a Vivienne Westwood addict, but I actually don't have a bag, so this is definitely the next big-purchase item on my wish list. The burgandy and brown tones would look great and match almost everything.

2. My insect obsession continues, so this oversized dragon fly T shirt from Topshop (£20) has got me feeling really excited. There's still time to enter my competition to win a £100 voucher to spend at Topshop (click here!) and then you could add this to your wardrobe too!

3. Everything I want at the minute is from autumn/winter collections: hang the summer, I'm an autumn lover at heart! At last count I had over 30 different coats, but as soon as they start landing in the shops they're all I want! This leather mix wool coat from Mint Velvet (£199) is next on my hit list.

4. I love statement necklaces, especially at the minute because I seem to spend my life wearing skinny jeans and basic tops which are really livened up with jewellery. This J Crew statement necklace from Net a Porter (£138) is such a great piece, and perfect if (like me) you're trying to avoid the dreaded green of high street jewellry!

5. I actually just ordered these Melvin and Hamilton boots from Sarenza (£119.50). I love the Missoni-style stripes that will match my Marc Jacobs change bag perfectly, and the leather is so shiny and supple-looking. These are really delicious and practical autumn boots!

Have you got your eye on anything new? And will you be hitting the shops this weekend? If so I'd love to know what you're looking for and what treasure you find!

Love Tor x

Shoes: Can I think about Autumn yet?

Hi guys,
I know it's the middle of the summer. I know that I'm currently wriggling my (neatly painted) toes in a selection of pretty sandals. But I can't help it: I've already started thinking about my new autumn boots! I love autumn and I love wearing ankle boots. When it comes to shoes they really are my kryptonite!
My current ankle boot obsession are these fringed boots by Fornarina: don't they look just like something Pocahontas would wear? They aren't to my usual taste at all: I would normally wear black leather boots with hardwear detailing, whereas these are light, suede, and they have a rubber wedge (something that would normally make me baulk). But I love the fringing details, I think the embroidery around the ankle is such a great touch, and that they would look amazing teamed with skinny jeans.

My whole attitude to jeans has changes over the past twelve months and whereas I was once completely committed to daily dresses, now I don't know where I'd be without jeans in my wardrobe. With that though has come a change in my attitude to shoes: with dresses I tended to wear a streamlined black tights and black boots combo. With jeans I think you can be a little more creative without it impacting the overall look and feel of your outfit: or maybe I've got too much time on my hands to think about these things!

Whichever way you look at it, I want these Pocahontas boots. If you want them too then they can be yours for £122.99. Tell me, how would you style them? Do you think they're the perfect boots to wear with jeans, or would you team them with a dress instead?

Love Tor x

*Post written as part of an ongoing partnership with Spartoo shoes.

COMPETITION: Win a £100 Voucher to spend at Topshop!

Hi guys,
Good news! In honour of the beautiful and sunny weather, I've teamed up with Appliances Online (ao.com) to do a give away of a £100 gift voucher to spend on lovely summery things (or anything you want really!) at Topshop! Ironically before they got in touch I had been checking out Appliances Online this week - we need a new cooker, and then I got sidetracked by looking at SMEG fridges (my current object of lust!)
HOW TO ENTER: To enter all you have to do is leave me a comment in the comments section below telling me what you would spend your voucher on, then email me using the subject title COMPETITION (here's my email address!) so that I have your contact details to get in touch with you if you win! It's that simple!

The competition will close one week from today (that's Friday 9th August) at 12pm, and the winner will be chosen at random.
Good luck everyone!

Love Tor x

(You're email address will only be used to contact you if you win, and your details won't be passed on to anyone else!)

Sneak Peek: A/W13 Mainline collection images from ASOS

Hi guys,
The model and product images from the ASOS mainline womenswear collections landed in my inbox this week, and I immediately poured over them, lusting after several new season items almost immediately. Autumn/winter is by far my favourite season (in terms of both the fashion and the weather) and even when I'm shopping the summer sales in this 30 degree heat it's the coats and the ankle boots i'm looking at, definitely not the bikinis and beach dresses!

The contrasting textures, the muted colours, the grungy feel - this is everything I love about winter summed up in just a few images. Layers and knitwear: it's like a winter-lover's wet dream! There are so many more amazing images from next seasons mainline ASOS collection that I could be sharing dozens of them every week until December, and probably still have more to show off! Can you remember when ASOS stood for 'As seen on screen' and sold dodgy knock offs of celebrities outfits? My how the brand has grown and changed! I really couldn't imagine the online shopping landscape without it now!

Sorry for my radio silence for most of this week. I have been snowed under with freelancing work (definitely not a bad thing!) and that combined with a teething and grumpy baby means there hasn't been much time left for blogging!

What do you think of these first peeks at the ASOS autumn/winter collection? Does it make you lust after winter already, or is just the sight of these tights making your legs feel hot and itchy?

Love Tor xx