Yes, it's Time! I'm going to mention the 'C' Word!

Hi guys,
When I was out shopping today I popped into Primark, where I was confronted with a stand full of Christmas jumpers. Then I went into Mamas and Papas, where the stand closest to the door is covered in tiny Santa costumes. And every card shop on the high street has festive wrapping paper in the window. It may only be September, but the X Factor is on the TV, there are Quality Street in the supermarket, and it's time to count down to Christmas.

So thanks to all of this and a timely email from Duo, unveiling their new Christmas collections, I've decided it's time to show you my dream Christmas party outfit. I already have a couple of Christmas parties booked in for this December, and hubby and little man's birthday's both fall in that month too. So having a couple of Christmas party outfits in my armoury is essential: and the sooner the better! 1. French Connection Daisy Maze Dress, £150
2. Phase Eight clutch bag, £44 
3. Angelica black suede shoes, Duo, £125
4. River Island brown vintage shrug/jacket,£30
5. Marni gold plated cocktail ring, £120
6. Hervé Van der Straeten gold earrings, £130

I love anything with a vintage feel, so this slouchy dusty pink dress caught my eye as soon as I saw it. It would be perfect for hiding my mummy tummy and showing off my legs (which will look much longer thanks to those killer heels) instead. I kept the jewellery simple (for me anyway) and rejected my trademark bangles and lockets because of all the sequins on the dress: a simple pair of earrings and a cocktail ring seemed like enough accessories. And because I'm far too old to queue outside a night club without a jacket on in the middle of winter, I've added a little vintage shrug into the mix to keep me toasty and warm.

Have you started thinking about your Christmas party looks yet? And what trends do you think you'll be channelling? Believe me, this is just the first of plenty of Christmas posts you've got coming your way over the next couple of months!

Love Tor x

Current Obsession: Vagabond Ankle Boots

Hi guys,
Every so often I stumble across a new brand that have a style I just can't get enough of: and when I was shopping for my new autumn/winter ankle boots this afternoon I discovered Vagabond. Here's the blurb: "The Vagabond shoe label was launched at the end of the 1960s, a time of total freedom where nothing seemed impossible. Based in Italy, the brand offered a collection of shoes for men. In 1994, Vagabond set itself up in Sweden, manufacturing designs from prototypes. This new approach allowed the brand to intervene at all stages of production, from design right through to sale — a real innovation in the shoe industry at the time. Today, Vagabond offers ranges for both men and women and sells over 2 million shoes per year in more than 30 countries. "

All I need to know about them though, is they make some seriously stylish and on-trend ankle boots. Making it hard to decide which pair to choose:

Vagabond Grace 3628-001, £79.99
Vagabond Palma Low, £89.99
Vagabond Grace 3628-450, £79.99

Yes, I know that these three boots look pretty similar. But they have subtle differences that means it took me almost an hour (and that is no exaggeration) to decide which ones to pick. They're all such classic and versatile boots that they'll go with everything in my wardrobe. In the end I went for the Grace model (the first pair shown above) and I can't wait for them to arrive! It's cold, wet and rainy here today: the perfect day to be thinking about your new autumn boots. What do you think - did I choose wisely? And which pair would you have chosen?

Love Tor x

*I am a Sarenza brand ambassador

Sponsored Video: Very.co.uk's new Definitions range launches

Hi guys,
Another day another new collection: Very.co.uk have a reputation for offering trend-led fashions at affordable prices, and for working with a range of stylish and accessible celebs too. But now they have launched a new womenswear brand called Very Definitions. Unlike some of the other Very collections (I'm thinking Diana Vickers), this one is aimed at a slightly older audience: sophisticated trend focused women looking for clothes they can wear to work and then out for cocktails afterwards. Otherwise known as me, twelve months ago, before my life was taken over by the baby and comfy jeans! But now that I am starting to wear dresses and throw myself into work again, there are definitely pieces in this collection that I'm very interested in. Check out the video to launch the collection, which you probably saw during XFactor on Saturday night (I know I did!):

I really like the loose fitting monochrome leopard print dress, and although it's a little smarter than I would normally wear for work, the short red chiffon dress is really gorgeous too. These are the kind of dresses you would wear to work if you knew you had a date afterwards and no time to change!

The collection has already launched and is available to shop right now. It's come at the perfect time too: this miserable weather is making me crave something to liven up my days! And what's not to like about a good fashion TV ad?! To find out more you'll find Very.co.uk on both Facebook and Twitter. 

What do you think of the new Definitions collection? Are their pieces you'd wear, and do you think the concept is a good one? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Love Tor x

*This post has been sponsored by very.co.uk but all thoughts are my own