Stunning swimwear from Rigby and Peller

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

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

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

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

Love Tor x

Daily wear: How to wear a sweatshirt

Hi guys,
Like most trends, the rise of the humble sweatshirt took a while to grow on me. It seemed too casual, too understated, too damn young! But having bought one I've done a 360 on the sweatshirt trend, and will definitely be giving it a go this spring. Here's how I made it work for me:
Sweatshirt- Gap. Necklace- Warehouse. Jeans- Topshop. Shoes- Jeffrey Campbell c/o Sarenza. Handbag- River Island.

- Add a chunky necklace. I'm a huge fan of oversized necklaces anyway, but they're almost essential partners to the sweatshirt. They stop it looking too casual and give a grown up, fashion-forward feel.

- Keep everything else streamlined- you need to balance the volume of the sweat. I've seen several other bloggers really make theirs look amazing with pencil skirts and even sequinned minis. But for my lifestyle, a fitted vest and skinny boyfriend jeans were the order of the day.

- If you're sweat is plain, add a little interest somewhere. I tried this outfit with my black boots and gold pumps first. But the best fit was when I added some pattern via my feet: these slipper shoes from Jeffrey Campbell.(Available here with 30% off)  Heels would have looked even better, but I can't really go to little mans messy play class in heels!

This neon orange sweatshirt was a bargain from the Gap half price sale (I paid just £14.99 for it) and their sale is still on instore and online now if you want to pick up one of your own. I chose this one because it nods to two trends at once- neon and sweats- with mininal effort. But I'm actually thinking of going back for the grey and lilac ones too- outfits for this awkward seasonal transition period, done!

Do you own a sweatshirt? And how do you style yours?

Love Tor x

SS13 In Primark this Week: Hit the beach in New Season Swimwear

Hi guys,
Have you booked your summer holiday yet? Are you going anywhere nice? Well, if you've got plans to spend any time on a beach with sand between your toes this summer then you have got to get down to Primark this week: all of their high summer swimwear and beachwear landed in store on 25th March (yesterday) and there are some pieces that I just can't wait to get my hands on.

I know March seems a bit early to be buying that new bikini (you probably haven't even started your bikini diet yet) but, much like buying the best winter coat, you have to plan early to get a good bikini, before all the best ones are sold out. And some of these bits just aren't worth missing out on:
Tassle cut out swimsuit, £13. Pink stripe bikini: top £4, bottom £3. Crochet pompom Kaftan, £8.
Lilac frilly bikini: top £6, bottom, £4. Block print hi-low swim skirt, £5. Aztec cut out swimsuit, £8.

If you're fuller busted like myself, then I wouldn't recommend buying a Primark bikini. Whilst they look amazing on the hanger, they just don't provide adequate support for the bigger busted gal. (I'll be sharing some of my favourite proper cupped bikinis next week!) For everyone else though, I really like Primark's swimwear; it's well cut and the designs are very fashion-forward. I will be shopping at Primark for my beach cover ups though: and that pompom detail Kaftan is at the very top of the list!

Have you tried swimwear from Primark, and what did you think? If you don't wear Primark swimwear, where do you get your bikinis from? Do you have any recommendations to share?

Love Tor x

Fall head over heels for Spring at Bicester Village

Hi guys,
You all know how much I love shopping at Bicester Village. I make sure to have a visit every season, and we've even booked a hotel close to Bicester Village for our wedding anniversary so we can go shopping the next day: yup, talk about obsessed! So I'm always interested to check out their latest offers and deals:

To celebrate the launch of spring at Bicester Village there will be exclusive promotions, accessory prize draws and events throughout March and April. Visitors also have the chance to win a VIP shopping experience with top stylist, Cheryl Konteh, plus £1,000 to spend on a new wardrobe. All you have to do is pick up and fill in an entry card in one of the stores at Bicester.

I'm already looking forward to my Spring visit! Have you been to Bicester Village lately? Have you had any bargains? I'd love to hear all about them!

Love Tor x

*This post and video is sponsored by Bicester Village

SS13 In Primark this week: The Accessories Edit

Hi guys,
If you buy designer sunglasses only to sit on them, break the arms, or lose them as often as I do, then this is the Primark edit for you! Because right now Primark has a great range of sunglasses in store (with prices starting from just £1) that look considerably more expensive than they are, and some are so close to designer copies, that no one would suspect you weren't wearing the real thing!

They also have a great range of summer shoes and sandals: think wedges, heels, imitation converse in an array of candy colours, and stiletto heels so sharp you could have someone's eye out.

I'm prepared to admit that when it comes to accessories, I'm a bit of a snob: I love the smell and feel of real leather bags and shoes, and nowadays I won't wear anything that's imitation. But for summer bags and beach bags made of light weight canvas and cotton the standard is the same no matter where you buy it from: and for these accessories, I think Primark is perfect:
Orange and purple round sunglasses, £,1 Pearl encrusted beaded headband, £4.Polka dot mini bag, £3.
Aztec beach bag, £6 . Monochrome wedge heels, £16. Animal print cats eye sunglasses, £2

My picks from this bunch of bargains are the Aztec beach bag, which is perfect for a summer holiday and will go with whatever bikini colour I pick. And the orange and purple sunglasses: can you believe they're just £1?! I love the two-tone effect, and they'll look great as a focal point teamed with a simple cream sundress and an acid orange lipstick.
 
Are you a Primark shopper? And do you like these posts showing you what you might find in store, or do they take away the thrill of the chase for you? I'd love to know what you think!

Love Tor x

SS13: The best campaign images so far from TK Maxx

Hi guys,
I think it's fair to say that I am a TK Maxx addict: It's the home of finding amazing designer bargains for me, and the source of the best designer pieces in my wardrobe. It's mantra is the store with a mantra closest to mine: the best quality at the most affordable prices!

There are certain items (luggage, designer sunglasses) where, when they need replacing,  I won't look anywhere else: I know I won't get better than I will find in TKMaxx! When I saw the new Spring/Summer campaign images from TKMaxx therefore, I got a little bit excited. Not only are there several pieces I already know I want to add to my wardrobe, I also just love the fresh, young, happy styling of every single photo. And the vintage overtones are everything I love. It's like looking at pictures of Spring!

My current obsession with interiors (not long now until the big move!) means I'm also slightly obsessed with all that vintage wallpaper. If only they sold that in store too, I'd never need to shop anywhere else!
The pieces on my immediate hit list are the royal blue and grey silk patterned pussy bow blouse, the mustard weave handbag, the zebra print ponyskin courts ......and the blonde model's gorgeous hair colour please!

I have to limit myself to monthly visits to TKMaxx because I know I will always find something I want instore, and if I went in more often, I would probably bankrupt myself! Do you shop in TKMaxx? And what is the best TKMaxx bargain you've ever had?

Never been to TKMaxx before and want to try bagging a TKMaxx bargain of your own? Then check out my guide to bargain shopping in TKMaxx.

Love Tor xx

SS13 In Primark this week: Spring/Summer Essentials

Hi guys,
I went into Primark last week, and it was genuinely the best Primark visit I have had for a long time. There were tops, frocks, even shoes and sunglasses that jumped off the shelves at me and that I immediately wanted to buy. I didn't: I'm still trying to avoid Primark and focus on buying quality items. But I officially think that Primark have got their trends and key pieces for this Spring/Summer 100% right, when bearing in mind their low product price points.

All of this is in store now/going in store this week: Belted chiffon skater skirt, £6. Gem shoulder stripe T, £6. Scallop neck striped top, £10.
Leopard print vest, £3.50. Flock tassle blouse, £12. Striped knitted vest, £5. Tassle stud blouse, £10.
Navajo denim jacket, £23. Textured skater skirt, £10. Limited edition studded shell top, £20.

The key must-have products from this selection, for me, are the scalloped striped top and the Navajo detailed denim jacket. Both pieces are seriously on-trend and versatile. Picture the striped top with either a midi skirt and heels. Or a varsity jacket and jeans. And the Navajo denim jacket was made to give a casual touch to pretty summer dresses. I also have a soft spot for the tassled blouse.  it would be so flattering on a mum tum, and easy to throw on with jeans and pretty flat sandals or ballet pumps.

Have you had any Primark bargains lately? And have you been in store to check out their new Spring/Summer stock? If you have, I'd love to know what pieces you've picked up. Go on, make me jealous!!

Love Tor x

Shoes: Is it Spring yet?

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

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

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

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

Love Tor x

Shoes: Feeling a little Irregular!

Hi guys,
I really love Irregular Choice shoes: they're quirky and unusual. They demand attention the second you put them on. And in my opinion, they're perfect occasion shoes: if you want to show off your fashion credentials at a wedding without detracting from the bride, for example, what better way to do it than with your feet?! I loved these floral shoes with the Perspex heels so much, that I brought them for a wedding and now have to plan what outfit to wear around them: I'm thinking a very simple silk blend dress. And the leopard print ones were a birthday present many years ago, but they're still in great condition because I preserve them so lovingly in their box. These are the kind of shoes that demand that kind of care: and it helps that the boxes are so pretty too!

Sarenza have a great selection of Irregular Choice shoes on their site, and the new Spring/Summer options have just landed. I'm already obsessed! Shoe names and prices from left to right: Fresh cut grass, £84.50. Baby beauty, £84.50. Tea and cakes, £64.99. Ozzy, £84.50. Summer bucket, £82.50. Aphrodite, £79.99.

The shoes that are next on my hit list are the 'fresh cut grass' ones: cream low heels with plastic blue birds and cream flowers all over them. OK so they aren't exactly understated, but when has that ever stopped me?! I also really like the final pair, 'Aphrodite'. They have a really nautical feel, and would look great teamed casually with jeans and a blouse.

Are you an Irregular Choice fan? And what do you think of the selection above?

Love Tor x

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If you buy one thing this Spring, make it neon!

Hi guys,
One of the emergant trend from this month's spate of Fashion Weeks for A/W13 is neon. We saw it at Henry Holland,  and neon detailing (even for nails and make up) was everywhere.

So this season's neons aren't going anywhere: meaning if you buy seasonless pieces, they're the perfect investment that you can wear now, and still be wearing this time next year.  Think neon jewellery, ballet pumps and lightweight, layerable shirts and tees.
Pink jumper, Gap. Perspex and orange necklace, H&M. Pink lipstick, Dior.  Bracelets, both Topshop.

The best thing is, the current love affair with neon isn't even a new Spring/Summer one. It actually started last year, which means there were, and still are, plenty of fluro neon items to be had in the January and end of season sales. I picked up my neon pink jumper from the Gap sale at the end of January for just £15. And I just ordered a great pair of neon detail sandals from Sarenza to keep me on trend all summer too.

Make up-wise, I think neon is difficult. I certainly wouldn't feel brave enough to wear a neon eyeshadow or (gulp!) neon mascara. But neon lipstick can look great: this neon pink lipstick from Dior has a high gloss shine that makes the colour pop even more, and really draws attention to your lips.

Admittedly, it isn't a trend for the fainthearted. But the benefits of wearing neon are multiple! It instantly makes you look tanned (I don't know how, but it does!), appear on trend with very little effort, and a little bit goes a long way: even a neon cuff is enough.

What do you think of the neon trend? Would you wear neon, or is it just a little bold for you?

Love Tor x

SS13: More must-haves from Primark

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

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

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

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

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

Love Tor xx

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SS13: Must have Primark's newest collections

Hi guys,
I know it's snowing outside, so obviously it makes perfect sense that all I can think about is what I'm going to be wearing when Spring finally makes an appearance. Or not. Admittedly it might be a while before we get to wear any of them, but towards the end of every season I get itchy to start buying from the new season collections. And the good news is, they're starting to pop up instore soon. As the sale stock is taken out, the fresh bright colours of spring are coming in.

If you want to see which new season catwalk trends the highstreet has picked up on and will be attempting to replicate you can do a lot worse that to look towards first Topshop, and second Primark. Here are the publicity shots showcasing Primark's latest offerings:
Gilet £18, Dress £15, Stud creeper £14, Bum bag £5, Socks £1.50

Dress £20, Heels £12, Sunglasses £3.

Jumper £10, Skirt £10, Studded creeper £14, Mens cap £4.


Heels £12, Sunglasses £3, Trousers tbc

To be honest, the way they have styled this photoshoot is all a little young and urban for my personal tastes. The affect of this being that I thought I didn't like any of it. But actually, if you look at each piece in isolation, there is a lot to like: the mint green chiffon dress in the first picture, for example. And the pretty rope-style sandals in the second picture.

Does anything from the new collection take your fancy? And have you had any Primark bargains lately? I'd love to hear all about them!

Love Tor x