Shopping: Happy 5th Birthday, Westfield London!

Hi guys,
Yesterday Westfield London turned five! I can't believe how fast the time has gone: I was there when it opened, and it feels like yesterday! In honour of the occasion I headed down to London for the celebration, and of course, for a spot of shopping. I took my best friend with me as my travelling companion: my mum!
Yesterday evening many of the stores were throwing their own birthday parties and offering free cupcakes, glasses of champagne (or cava) and music and entertainment in stores. House of Fraser threw quite a party! As you arrived at the shopping centre, birthday girls were handing out booklets listing all of the great deals you could get as your very own birthday present (some of the stores were offering discounts of up to 25%!). There's also a lovely little pop up shop in the heart of the mall where you will find lots of different designers offering an exclusive fifth birthday sweatshirt collection, all priced at £65 each.

We went to Square Pie for lunch where we enjoyed some free champagne as we ate: I know you can't call pie and mash fine dining, but they're the best pies in London, and you can't get them in Norwich so I always make a beeline for it when I'm in Westfield!


Mine was steak and cheese: nom,nom, nom! Once we'd filled our bellies it was time for the serious business: the shopping, and making the most of all of those birthday celebration discounts! Here's a quick list of some of the best discounts you could receive whilst the birthday celebration is happening from 30 October to 3 November (That's this Sunday).

30% of at - Ecco, and Mamas and Papas.
20% off at  - Coast, Calvin Klein Jeans, DKNY Jeans, Armani Exchange, LK Bennett, and Zatchels.
15% off at - Juicy Couture, Aspinals of London, and the White Company and Little White Company.
10% off at - Laura Ashley, Models Own,and Schuh.

Loads of the stores are also offering special offers such as free gifts when you make a purchase, or free cupcakes or prosecco in store all weekend.

Of course whilst we were there I managed to buy a small mountain of shopping, including a new pink coat (well, if everyone else is doing it!), jumpers and accessories perfect for winter. And a couple of treats for Wilbur too, of course: I just can't resist popping into those baby clothes shops! I'll be writing about my shopping and showing of my purchases in separate posts. 

All of these great discounts make it the perfect time to make a start on your Christmas shopping! Will you be heading down to Westfield London to join in the birthday party celebrations?

Love Tor x

PS - Happy Halloween everyone!

*I haven't been compensated to write this post, but I did receive a gift card for my shopping trip. 

Shoes: Shining with Sam Edelman

Hi guys,
I am slightly in love with slipper shoes because they are as comfortable as, well, wearing slippers. I have white ones and black ones and leopard print ones. But I have never explored the option of evening ones before. Until now. These embellished slipper shoes are just perfect for wearing over the holiday season if you want to look a little more informal, keep your feet comfortable or, like me, simply can't wear heels and crawl around after a mischief maker at the same time!

I love the embellishment and the way the detailing still manages to have a delicate, embriodery-style feel. If you want a pair of these Sam Edelman beauties for yourself they are available right now for £157.99.

Have you given much thought to your festive shoe options yet? Or do you roll your eyes every time I mention the 'C' word?

Love Tor

*Post written as part of a partnership with Spartoo shoes

Daily Wear: Stealing styling tips from my dad

Hi guys,
I know we're supposed to call it masculine tailoring or something, but whenever I see someone wearing a button up shirt with a knitted jumper over it I think of my dad: It's his trademark look! Today I'm stealing his style and wearing that exact same outfit for myself: These are Leigh jeans from Topshop, teamed with a heart print blouse from Asda (aren't you surprised I didn't say Burberry? Ha!) and my jumper is from Asda too. The big leather bag was a bargain in the River Island sale back in January. And I'm disproportionately pleased that I managed to paint my nails last night; it's the first time I've been able to do them for ages!
Instead of wearing boots, which was my first instinct, I opted for my Minna Parikka bunny shoes, and put rolls in my jeans instead. When I first found out that Sarenza would be stocking Minna Parikka shoes I wrote a lengthy post here about why I loved the brand so much. All of those reasons still stand: it is by far one of my favourite shoe brands both because of the quality, comfort, and the quirkiness. Since I got them I've worn these shoes to death!

What are you wearing today? And are you wearing your coat yet? I'm going without mine today: I hope I don't regret it!

Love Tor xx

Hair: My current hair inspiration

Hi guys,
My hair has been through many incarnations over the years. First the fringe, then the battle to grow it out. The bob, the long bob, and my current length. White blonde, dark blonde, dip dyed pink. I'm always wanting to try new styles, but am reluctant to try anything too dramatic incase I don't like it. Right now I am considering getting it all chopped off, but the idea of saying goodbye to all this hair that has taken me such a long time to grow worries me! Alexa Chung is my current hair inspiration - I would love her hair style but I'm just not brave enough to give it a go! Because my hair has a natural wave it would be really easy for me to manage, and I love the idea of growing out the blonde into a low-maintenance dip dye effect too.

Nowadays I suppose cutting off all your hair isn't as scary as it used to be. After all, if Jessie J and Lady Gaga have taught us anything its that you can buy fabulous long wigs in an outstanding variety of styles and colours and what your real hair looks like doesn't even matter! And if the fake Gaga look isn't for you you can even buy great human hair wigs from Pauls Hair World. I've never worn a wig before, but it is reassuring to know that if I get the chop and I hate it, I can always hide the evidence!

What's your attitude to changing your hair style? And do you think Alexa's hair is as lust-worthy as I do? I'd love to hear your thoughts on all things hair!

Love Tor x 

*This is a sponsored post 

Guest Post: Top Tips for Sensitive Skin

Did you know that sensitive skin is not only caused by your lifestyle and diet but the ingredients found in your skincare products too? If you suffer from sensitive skin, it can be difficult finding the best products to keep your skin healthy and flare-up free.

We’ve put together our top tips to combat skin-irritation and help you select the best beauty essentials for your skin type.

Testing

Testing a product before using it on your skin is extremely important, particularly if your skin is prone to reactions. When using a new product or brand it is advisable to carry out a patch test, this is where you apply a small amount of product onto your skin and monitor the area for 48 hours to see if it causes irritation. Testing is also essential when visiting a beauty salon, whether you’re treating yourself to a facial or changing your hair colour, asking for a patch test will help avoid any unwanted reactions.

Always read the label

If your skin has been affected by certain products and brands in the past, take a look at the ingredients label, you may notice reoccurring ingredients which could be causing the reaction. There are a number of hypoallergenic products on the market which have been specially formulated without harsh ingredients for sensitive skin types.

Make-up

Mineralcosmetics are a popular choice for those who suffer with sensitive skin, as the natural mineral combination is much gentler on the skin. Many brands specialise in mineral makeup and foundations that work in harmony with your natural skin tone, avoiding harsh chemicals and future irritation.

Cleaning and Cleansing

Thoroughly removing your makeup is important to keep your skin looking great. Always remove your makeup before sleeping but try to avoid rough scrubs and harsh makeup removers to do so. We recommend using mild make-up remover face wipes, which will gently remove your makeup, whilst cleansing and moisturising your skin.

Food and Lifestyle

Diet and lifestyle play a big part in keeping your skin radiant and healthy. Drinking lots of water and incorporating regular exercise into your routine are both proven to have a great effect of your skin. Ensuring your diet is full of fruits, vegetables and essential Vitamins such as C and E will help to keep redness and irritation at bay. 

*This is a guest post. The content has been written for the site with my approval. 

Accessories: You know you're a mum when....

Hi guys,
You know you're a mum when your iPhone cover image stops being something sleek and stylish, and becomes a big old close up of your baby's squishy face instead! My iPhone case was sent for me to review by www.wrappz.com who sell all manner of phone covers, cases, and skins. They have a great range of really quite fashionable and stylish pre-designed cases too, but I just couldn't resist the idea of having Wilbur smiling at me from the back of my phone.

I'm really pleased with this, and am going to order one for Mike too. It will make a great filler for his Christmas stocking - yes, I am thinking about Christmas stockings already!

What do you have to protect your mobile phone? Something personalised, something stylish, or do you simply leave it cover-free?

Love Tor x

Looking for cheap cosmetics and perfumes this Christmas? Let me tell you a secret....

Hi guys,
When I was living in London and my sister in Bedfordshire, we used to always do our Christmas shopping together: and we'd meet halfway between both our homes in Watford! We hit the shops, gossiped, ate a Christmas dinner, and then went home laden with bags.

One of the shops we always visited was a shop called TJHughes. TJ's (as we called it) is one of those shops that sells a little bit of everything. But we always made a beeline for the Christmas gift sets, the ridiculously cheap cosmetics, and the crazily affordable perfumes. You can find a great range of cheap perfumes from TJHughes. And everything always has a huge discount off the RRP: I once went in and found Urban Decay eyeshadows for £1.50 each! TJ Hughes used to be my Christmas time secret weapon, because it meant I could get my friends and family so much more cosmetic-based presents for my money! And now I'm sharing that secret with you! Maybelline lash stiletto mascara, 99p (rrp £2.99)
Elizabeth Arden Flawless finish, £12.99 (rrp £20)
Paul Smith Woman, £19.99 (rrp £50.04)
Boujois nail varnish set, £9.99
Kenzo flowers £22.99 (rrp £29)

If you don't live near Watford (but all the best people do!) you can also shop online at www.tjhughes.co.uk. I didn't even know they had a website until last week. I've added some of the best deals available on the website right now, so that you get an idea of the kinds of bargains available.

This year, the Christmas shopping trip is being replanned, as halfway between both our homes now is Cambridge. And this year we'll both have our babies with us. But it's still one of the festive days out I most look forward to!

Love Tor x

*This is a sponsored post 

Shoes: Give me metallic detailed boots!

Hi guys,
If you're looking for winter boots that will really make a statement then I have found the statement boots for you: especially if you're a fan of anything gold and shiny like me! These Antik Batik knee high boots are quite the show stoppers. I really like Antik Batik: their collections always have a really ethnic and bohemian feel, and these boots are no exception. 
I just love these shoes: because they're so detailed you wouldn't have to do too much with the rest of your outfit to stand out: jeans and a simple fine knit sweater, or tights and a classic tea dress. And because they're flat you could wear them all day without any problems too. I don't currently own any knee high boots (I tend to be more of an ankle boots fan) but I think I would definitely be prepared to make an exception for these!

Want a pair of these beauties of your own? You can add them to your shoe collection for £255.99. And they are available here.

Love Tor x

  *Post written as part of a partnership with Spartoo shoes

Exercise: Fixing my Post-baby body!

Hi guys,
This week I paid the balance of Wilbur's first birthday party venue, and made the scary realisation that time really does fly: In six short weeks, I will be mum to a one year old. That got me thinking about me, and about the battlefield that is my post-baby body. I have saggy stretched boobs from my extended period of breastfeeding (we're still going strong!) and my tummy looks like a wrinkly partially deflated balloon - complete with stretch marks. Yup, I'm a looker! Which means it's time to do something about it and attempt to get back to something vaguely resembling a passable form!
Since I was pregnant I have been swimming twice a week: it's the only time I leave Wilbur and it gives me a chance to clear my mind and relax as I swim. It's also had the added benefit of meaning my legs (previously the part of my body I would say were my worst) look better than they ever have: If you want to tone your legs then I would heartily recommend swimming!

If you do decide to swim I can also recommend the swimming supplies from Zoggs: that's what they stock in my local pool, so my goggles and swim cap are both by them. They also have a range of gorgeous swimming costumes for women. And once a week I take Wilbur swimming too: he's going to grow into a water baby! Wilbur is wearing one of the Zoggs bodywarmers in the picture above, and it's brilliant for keeping him warm and toasty when we're in the pool together.They have a great range of children's swimwear and you know what you're getting is good quality.

I love my swimming sessions and wouldn't give them up for the world. And my arms and legs are thankful for them too! But they aren't doing much for my middle section sadly. Which means it's time to try something else: I'll be documenting all my diet/exercise attempts to lose my 'mummy bits' here over the next couple of months and let you know what works and what doesn't - for me at least! I'm determined it's time to do something about it, although whether abstaining from food is a good idea over the Christmas period is yet to be seen.

Do you have any diet and exercise tips to share? Anything that might kick start my new regime - or even something new I can try in the pool that might work out that pesky tummy area? All tips and ideas will be gratefully received!

Love Tor x

*This is a sponsored post

Fashion Lessons We Can Learn From Disney Princesses

Hi guys,
Whilst I was watching the Princesses on parade at Disneyland Paris last week, and marvelling at how well presented they always are, I came up with this fun idea for a post: fashion lessons we can learn from Disney Princesses. It also gave me a great excuse to share some of my princess parade photos!

1. The most fashionable women think outside the box. All you need is a little imagination: anything can become part of your outfit if you use your initiative. Just ask Ariel and her use of seashells. Or Giselle and her frocks fashioned from curtains!

2. Cropped tops really are the next hottest trend. Especially if you've got a fabulous figure like Princess Jasmine in Aladdin. And whilst we're talking about Princess Jasmine, detailed harem pants are a great on-trend alternative to a dress for evening wear too!

3. Don't have time to blow dry your hair? Why not use the Colours of the Wind as a low-cost and environmentally friendly alternative: it worked for Pocahontas!

4. Don't underestimate the effect putting on a really really great dress will have on you - and, apparently, you're level of attractiveness to handsome princes. The list of down-on-their-luck wannabe princesses this has worked for is too long to list!

5. No matter what you're wearing, it pays to make sure you're always wearing fabulous shoes. After all, the handsome prince wouldn't have gone chasing after Cinderella if she'd left Crocs behind!

And the lessons I've learnt from the Disney villains? Well, fur always looks fabulous, darling (just ask Cruella de Ville). Black is the most flattering colour for fuller figure gals (just ask Ursula the Sea Witch) and if you go to a party where someone is looking much 'fairer' than you either pretend they don't exist or eliminate them (well, if it works for the evil queen from Snow White....)

Love Tor x

Sponsored Post: I'm adding a compact camera to my Christmas list

Hi guys,
We got back from our trip to Disneyland Paris on Friday evening, and whilst we were there I managed to take 300 photos, spend hundreds of pounds on Disney toys for my little man, and give him the best holiday ever. I'll be writing a full review of tackling the park with a ten month old baby on my family blog later. But it's the photos I will always treasure.

On the way home, Mike said to me that photos are memories noone can ever take away; which in turn made me think about how glad I am to have my camera and be able to capture everything. BUT (isn't there always a but!) my DSLR camera is bulky and massive, which means I always have it when I'm on holiday, or for big events, but never seem to have it for capturing those little spur of the moment things, or taking outfit posts on those rare occasions when I think "hey, this outfit looks good today!". Which is why I've added a Compact system camera small enough to fit in my handbag to my Christmas list! Need some reasons why? Here are several:

Infographic Source

If I could pick any compact system camera, it would have to be one from the Sony NEX range: because although they're small, they have all the functionality I would look for in a camera (let's face it, why get a low quality point and shoot, when your iphone already has that quality of camera built in). And they look great too: because I'm far too vain to put anything that isn't sleek and great-looking in my handbag!

What do you think about the merits of choosing a compact camera, or will you still be carrying your DSLR around with you everywhere? And have you started thinking about what you'll be putting on your Christmas list yet? It's closer than you think: and it won't be long 'til I'm posting near-constant suggestions for Christmas gift ideas. So if you don't have any ideas now, you will soon!

Love Tor x

*This is a Sponsored Post

Holidays: Packing for Paris in the Autumn

Hi guys,
I know this is a pretty niche post, but I really struggled to decide what to pack for our trip to Paris last week. Some forecasts said it would be warm, some that it would be cold and rainy. In the end, it was both! The weather was really changeable. So what did I pack for Paris in the Autumn? And what pieces would I recommend?

When I'm in Paris I always like to be as comfortable as possible (we walk a lot, rather than take the Metro when possible because that way you see so much more) and I also try to blend in with the locals rather than stand out as a tourist (It decreases the likelihood of having your purse stolen!) so I keep things muted and (dare I say it) chic. Lots of neutral colours, sensible but stylish boots (these are my Vagabond ankle boots from Sarenza) and a comfortable pair of jeans are what I would consider essentials.
We've been to Paris in October a couple of times before and the weather is different every time, so I try to prepare for every eventuality which means only one thing: lots of layers! I also packed vests, chiffon blouses, a heavy cardigan, my leather jacket, and a couple of scarves for extra warmth (if needed) and style. Of course, I also slipped in a Mickey Mouse tee too, for when we had our photos taken with the big man himself!
My suitcase came with lovely matching cotton bags, which I've used to pack my toiletries and my underwear separately. I always pack much more underwear than I need, because changing your pants and socks is an easy way to freshen up before you go out for the evening without having to fill your suitcase with lots of extra outfits!

Other Parisian essentials? My sunglasses, a couple of necklaces (to take black chiffon blouses from day to night) and of course my slimmed down make up bag, which contains my foundation and powder, a mascara, and a lovely bright red lipstick. It's worth noting that (because we travelled with the baby) we didn't doing any fancy evening dining: if you are heading to Paris and you will be enjoying evening activities, you will need to pack something other than jeans, in my experience. Leather trousers or a slim-fitting pencil skirt would be my first choices!

What do you pack when you travel to Europe at this time of year? Do you have any hints or tips to share?

Love Tor x

Lust: Feel Grown-up in Preen from Debenhams Edition

Hi guys,
I really love the Edition Designers at Debenhams. Of all the high street designer diffusion ranges, it is the best quality with the closest similarities to the designer's mainline collections. By far my favourite of the Edition designers collections though is Preen: I love the sharp shapes, the clean lines and the overall grown-up feel of the collection. These are the clothes that would take you from work to play effortlessly.

I had a winter coat from the collection two years ago, and it is still one of my favourites: the styles are timeless but fashion-forward at the same time. Here are some of the pieces you can currently pick up in Debenhams right now:

I want that prim and proper buttoned up white blouse, the statement red trousers, and the black top with the dainty daisy embellishments on it. All are pieces that would slip in perfectly to almost anyone's wardrobe, and classic enough that they would last you forever!

I'm probably showing my age, but I just lust after the classics: I want a wardrobe that will take me anywhere without having to really think about it! What do you think of the Preen at Debenhams range? Are there any pieces you covet?

 Love Tor x

Hit the Shops for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Hi guys,
Breast Cancer Awareness month is an event that is close to my heart (or should that be close to my chest?). And the beauty of it is, it's so easy to support! Sometimes talking about cancer, or thinking about doing something for charity can make us feel awkward and, well, just a bit British about it. But the beauty of supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month is that all you have to do is shop. Hit the shops and treat yourself, buy something you would normally buy anyway, you can even buy your vegetables in Asda, and you will be supporting Breast Cancer Awareness, with a portion of the sales for each item going to the charity.

Here are some of my favourite items that are currently on sale for Breast Cancer awareness month this year: Pink T shirt bra, Primark, £2.50
Pink diamante heart bracelet, Marks and Spencer, POA
Pink rubber support bracelet, Primark, £1
Pink Fiflop super sneakers, Flitflop, £90
Perfume print cami and shorts set, Marks and Spencer, £16
Primrose and peony jar candle, Sainsburys, £5
Lavender knitted cushion, Sainsburys, £12

I'm not going to lie, I'm not the biggest fan of the colour pink (something of a hindrance to this campaign, I admit) but some of these pieces are really pretty. And if you don't like to wear pink, there are plenty of pink home wares you could choose from too: that's what I'll be doing. I'm actually going to buy a couple of those knitted cushions to put on the sofa in my office. And whilst I'm thinking about it, I'm going to make a donation to my favourite breast cancer charities at the same time!

What will you be doing for Breast Cancer Awareness Month? And have you seen any specific BCAM-branded products that have taken your fancy?

Love Tor x

Shoes: Evening booties from Ted Baker

Hi guys,
I always think it's difficult to choose evening shoes in the winter. In the summer there is an incredible range of heeled sandals to choose from, but when winter arrives, if you're not a fan of the classic court shoe, your choices are very limited indeed. But when I saw these gorgeous snake skin booties from Ted Baker, my first thought was what great evening shoes they would make; teamed with opaque black tights and a glitzy frock, they would be just perfect for a Christmas party.
I'm like a magpie for anything gold, so I love that the hardware, the toe cap, the sole and even the Ted Baker label are all in my favourite shiny metallic shade. The narrow heel might be a little wobbly for me (I tend to walk better in a chunky block heel) but they don't look too high, and I love the pointed toe and the texture of the crocodile skin pattern on the leather. 
What do you think? Would you rock an evening ankle boot to a Christmas party or do you think that boots, no matter how pretty, just aren't smart enough for wearing to fancy parties? Personally, I think these are great and would have incredible leg-lengthening properties when teamed with black tights. I'm sold!

Love Tor x

*Post written as part of a partnership with Spartoo shoes

London Fashion Week and New Look

Hi guys,
New Look got in touch and asked me to answer a few questions about my experiences around London Fashion Week, which I could then share with you guys. Here they are, in Q&A format: I hope you find the questions (and the answers!) interesting:
Photo taken from the Ashley Isham show back in Feb 2012

How do you feel about the impact bloggers have had on London Fashion Week as well as fashion on the whole?
This bloggers/LFW debate is still boring on isn't it? I think bloggers have been at fashion week for a while now, and I definitely don’t think that’s a bad thing! Some bloggers have websites that are as big as (or even bigger than) the circulations of some of the larger fashion magazines. And if their readers are interested in fashion week content, they should be able to go out and get it! I think that in just the same way as anyone else attending LFW has to justify their credentials (who they are writing for, circulation numbers etc) bloggers should have to do that too. Because it is an industry event, not just a fun day out (although it is fun too!)

What interests you most about blogging?
I love blogging because I find real women and what they really wear (and their views on all things fashion) so much more interesting and inspiring than what models and celebrities are wearing or doing. I’m interested in blogging because it’s real. And I love writing my own blog because it’s a way of sharing my passion for and interest in fashion, as well as a great creative outlet.

Describe your personal style in 3 words.
Trend-led, accessorized and eclectic

High Street or High Fashion?
High street all the way! I think the British high street is the best in the world, and it means you get to try all the catwalk trends without breaking the bank. I do have some high fashion pieces in my wardrobe, but I always mix and max that with more trend-led high street pieces.

How do you feel about online streaming of some shows?
I think that online streaming is a brilliant idea. For the first time in nine seasons I had to miss LFW this season (I stayed home with Wilbur instead) but I was still able to watch some of my favourite shows from the comfort of my own sofa. It’s not quite the same as actually being there,and you don’t get to soak up the atmosphere or feel the feedback from the room. But you do get to see the collections as the designer wants them to be seen, and it’s a huge improvement on simply seeing still photos afterwards: this way you actually get to see how the clothes move!

What do you love the most about Fashion Week? 
I think the thing I love most about Fashion Week is the whole atmosphere of it: I love style spotting and seeing what people are wearing and the hustle and bustle of it. It’s also a great opportunity to catch up with friends and to network with other bloggers and PRs. 

If you could sit on the FROW next to any celeb, who would it be?
I’m not really a massive celeb spotter but I would love to sit on the FROW next to Hilary Alexander, because I always love reading her show reviews and I think it would be fascinating to see and hear her responses in the flesh. Oh, but if I have to choose a celeb, who wouldn’t want to spend some time sitting next to David Beckham? Phwoar!

Do you have any thoughts you'd like to share around London Fashion Week, particularly the involvement of bloggers and high street brand there? I'd love to hear them!

Love Tor x