Happy Birthday Dr Martens: 50 Today!

Today is the 50th birthday of Dr Martens and to celebrate on Monday I was invited to look around the DM factory, based in a small village just outside Northampton.

The day was split into three sections: first we got to explore the products that will be available in the AW10 collection, then we were given a tour of the factory where we saw a boot being produced from start to finish. Finally we were shown the videos being produced as part of their 50th Anniversary celebrations which feature specially recorded classic songs from 10 up and coming artists, including The Noisettes. The first three of these videos are released now, and the other seven will be lauched throughout the year. You can see the videos, download the tunes, and find out more on the new Dr Martens website, which launches today.

As cool as the videos and lovely lovely boots were (floral= love) the most interesting part of the day was the factory tour: I think it's amazing that the DM vintage collection is still made in the UK using traditional techniques.

It was fascinating to see the soles being produced, the leather being stitched, and the traditional techniques used to put the whole shoe together. Did you know that out of a side of leather (that's a whole half of a cow) the same piece have good strong parts, and weaker parts: the nearer you get to the cows belly, the weaker the leather is. How fascinating is that!? I always just thought leather was leather!

The gentleman that conducted our tour, Brian, was amazing; he has been working at the factory for 37 years and is the longest serving member of staff, so he knows everything there is to know about making Dr Martens! As part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations the factory is being opened once a week, so if you'd like to check out this tour, and meet Brian, you can!

Oh, and if you're London based and you love DMs as much as I do then get yourself down to the flagship DMs store on Neal Street today: For one day only to celebrate their birthday all of the 1460s (those are the classic standard height boots) will be just £14.60! No, this isn't an April Fool. And at that price, i'd pick up three pairs!

Love, Tor xx

Hot Spring Fashion: Tights as Pants!

FINALLY!  We are so excited to finally see tights make it into the main stream as an actual garment, and not simply an undergarment. Gone are the days where we will leave something to the imagination!  These days, if you've got it, flaunt it!  And be sure to show every single cellulite covered inch of it! Just pair your t-shirt with an adorable, sheer, colored pair of tights and you'll be sure to turn more than a few heads!  Check out some of our favorite looks for this smokin' hot trend:

APRIL FOOLS!!

Tights. Are. Not. Pants.

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Florence and Fred couture and beautiful nails!

Last night I went to check out the launch of Tesco's new Florence and Fred couture range. Everyone was cooing over the pagoda dress, which came in purple or grey (pictured) and which had this amazing wired collar that you could manipulate to wear the dress in so many ways. I really loved the sequin pieces, most notably the silver jacket with the sharp shoulders (also pictured) and the matching harem trousers in silk with the sequinned peplum. The other stand out pieces for me were a lovely floor length cloudy patterned skirt and matching top.

All the harem pants in the collection make me really wish it was a look I could pull off, but I just don't think they'll ever work for me. Although I really liked the collection, and there were a couple of really covetable pieces, I do wonder who will be buying it: couture or not, the price point is pretty high for a supermarket collection. I think the quality of the clothes deserves the higher price, and most is made with premium fabrics such as silk, but I think they are going to have to work really hard to shake off the cheap fast supermarket fashion perception. I think the fact they are only selling the collection online instead of instore is a good starting place.

As well as the chance to look at the new collections, Tesco had also made the most adorable cupcakes with each blog name written on them, gave us cookies with the pagoda dress on them, and set up a nail bar where WAH nails gave all the bloggers fingers a make over. I just managed to take a picture of the cookie before it started looking too temptingly eatable! Like nearly everyone else, I went for leopard print on my nails. Mine are on a stripey pastel background:

I absolutely love them! I always see women on the tube in their tracksuits with great nails and wondered why they bothered, but now I know: it makes you feel great about yourself, no matter what you're wearing! I know this because i'm sat in my PJs and keep looking at my fingers and smiling to myself!

I'm interested to know what you guys think of F&F couture: Are there any pieces you really love? Does the price point put you off or is quality more important than the label inside the dress?

Love, Tor x

PS - Don't forget to enter the competition to win a piece of Emma Hadley jewelley: only one week to go!

Color Day: Lilac, Rose, & Gray

"Here comes Peter Cotton-Tail, hopping down the bunny trail..."

Our color theme this week is based upon the spring pastels that typically show up this time of year right around the Easter holiday. Rosie pinks and the lovely lilac shade of purple are two ultra feminine colors that go nicely together for a soft and girly look. Pair them up with a cool gray to give it a little drama and you'll be all set for your Spring soiree!

PetereneDesign, Jenmenkaus, TogetherForever, HusbandDesigns, Orchardandbrown, Dashingetc, Bedding, Martha Stewart, Dress, Roses, Gray Favor Boxes, OPI, Shoes, China, Lavender Place Cards

XOXO,

Jen and Saira

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer: Check out the goods!

Yesterday was the launch of this years Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign. I thought the Mario Testino pictures looked fantastic, especially the one of Kylie, who looked gorgeous and healthy: I think she is the perfect choice to front the campaign! Last night I went to the launch party for the event to see the products that are available from all of the retailers involved, and I was really impressed with what I saw:



The pieces I especially love are the striped cardigan from Whistles (in the second picture) and the ruffle sleeved top from Warehouse (picture one) but it's fair to say they've come up with something for everyone from the Laura Ashley twin set (second picture) to M&S T shirts to underwear sets: I think the Superdry hoodies are a great addition to the FTBC family too, because they're a youth brand, and the younger someone is when you make them aware of breast cancer the better.

At the event last night I heard a really shocking statistic; 120 women a day are diagnosed with breast cancer in this country. I think hearing the numbers really brought how important the campaign is home. It was a really interesting event that gave me food for thought as well as the chance to look at some great clothes: every piece is really wearable and not obviously a 2010 chairty piece meaning you could still wear it again year after year. I was never really a big fan of the target T shirts - when would you wear them!?

Why not check out the pieces and do your bit whilst you're out shopping this weekend?! Oh, and if these pieces aren't to your taste then don't forget to buy your pins and bracelets (find out more about these here!) They're subtle but pretty: I have my pin on my red mac!

Love, Tor xx

Primark pick of the week: More spring looks

Hi guys,
Primark are really into the swing of spring with a massive selection of their summer clothes in store: they've even got their swimwear and sandals in store! Today there are only two picks from Primark, but I think they're winners. I haven't been to Primark for a while, and it was as manic as ever, but they really are good at picking up on the trends and translating them into something wearable. I am having concerns about the quality of late though: the last two floral frocks I bought shrunk to an unwearable size after just two washes (everything else in the wash was fine, so I don't think it was my machine!)

I wasn't massively impressed with the dress selection in store yesterday but I loved the peach evening dress from the Primark premium range. Yes, you read that right; Primark have started a premium range of just a small number of jackets and dresses at slightly higher than usual Primark prices: this dress comes in at £21. I don't know whether it is the cut or the fabric (which feels the same) that makes the collection premium; if you've tried it i'd love you to let me know!

I also really liked this denim parka (£19) which I think would be an easy way of trying the double denim craze, but would also look really pretty over a little floral dress. It would be a great alternative to a mac; I love macs, but get bored of seeing them at this time of year when every second person has one on!

Love, Tor xx

Dear John: Check out my cute stationery!

One of our lovely readers, Ms. Hillary Blum, is mad for stationery! With the advent of email, letter writing has become a thing of the past. But when you have a cute stationery set, you can't help but want to send love letters or find a pen pal. Here are some pretty stationery sets for you to enjoy:

If you're a cat lover, then this stationary set by Ginko is definitely for you. With a lovely cherry blossom pattern etched in gold and a cute kitty cat sitting playfully on the envelope, you are sure to ditch email and go for the snail mail. 

This cute, handmade notepad by Etsy seller sweetlifepaper is perfect for jotting down notes or writing letters. Plus you can have it personalized with your name on it to give it an extra special feel.

This stationery set from Target is clean and simple, and is made from recycled paper! The writing surface is completely blank, with a bright lime green lining. The envelopes provide a nice pop of color, and will help your correspondence stand out from all the rest.

This set from Etsy seller robayre is also made of recycled paper. The actual stationery is very simple, lined paper,  but the highlight of this set are the unique, hand selected envelopes. Each buyer will receive a variety of envelopes made from vintage illustrations and clipart as well as modern art posters.

Notecards also fall under the category of stationary and we love these handmade notecards by Michelle Brusegaard!  The colors are beautiful and the peacock design is so unique and fun you'll be making up excuses to send these out to your friends! Check out her etsy shop for these or or some of her other great designs, like the "Mum Motif".

Or check out this assorted pack of screen printed cards by Eliza Jane Curtis!  We love all the eclectic colors and patterns that have been inspired by the designer's love for the city of Buenos Aires and all its' art deco splendor.  These cards are truly one of a kind!

 

We think paper lanterns are so romantic and ethereal, so we really like this letter writing set by Lantern Studios.  You get two whimsical designs to choose from with coordinating envelopes too, and you know we love the super girly colors!

This stationary set by DesignofArtisan is semi-formal, elegant, and romantic. The geometric shapes and patterns give this stationary a sort of 1930's feel that we think perfectly complements the subtle colors and whimsical chandelier graphic.

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Etsy obsession of the week: CandleLynn's yummy cupcakes!

I know it's the title of the feature, but it's true to say I really am obsessed with Etsy. The obsession started with jewellery, ranged into fashion, and now i'm turning to Etsy for my homewares too: so although this is a fashion blog this weeks Etsy obsession is a seller who actually specialises in making candles: CandleLynn. I figure that if you guys are anything like me your desire for pleasing aethetics branches into your home too!

My kitchen is cupcake themed (see visual evidence below) so imagine how excited I was when I found scented candles shaped like cupcakes and other food stuffs, perfect for my kitchen. Because my kitchen/living room is open plan I like to have scented candles in the kitchen after i've cooked, to take away the cooking smells (I think i'll call that a Tor's top tip!)

They are also a bargain: less than $8 US for your choice of three cupcakes: i'd go for a selection of pink and yellow ones and display them on a floral cake stand!

I left my job last Friday and am taking just over a week off before I start my new role. As well as a whole host of wonderfully fun fashiony things, I also intend to have a proper Spring clean of the whole flat, including of course the kitchen. I will be buying myself these candles as a reward when the job in complete: they're hand poured, and handmade when you order them. They are highly scented with high quality, fragrance oils and you choose your own colours and fragrances. This seems like a highly decadent cleaning reward without spending too much money!

Whilst we're on the topic of domestication and my kitchen, I realised I was getting old this weekend, when I asked for a new dinner service for my birthday, instead of the usual clothes/shoes.

I saw it about a month ago and fell in love. Three more trips to see it, and I knew it had to be mine. I think the blurb on the site will describe it better than I can: "Patterned bone china dinnerware and serveware designed by Concetta Gallo for Habitat. This distinctively beautiful yet odd aesthetic is all about contrast and juxtaposition. Photographs are mixed with original drawings, smooth graphic lines with grainy textures, flowing liquid colour with block line and intricate detail, and precious gold finish with a floating, surreal sense of scale." So beautiful and unusual: although possibly too pretty to let anyone eat from them!

Love, Tor xx

Gossip Girl Style, Part 3 of 4: Jenny Humphrey

We've watched Little J grow from being an awkward teenager to an angsty fashionista. She's not afraid of eyeliner, and there is never such thing as too much black. Here are a few ideas to help you channel your Jenny Humphrey alter ego:

 

No more Humphrey plaid shirts for Jenny, she is all about style. This drop waist dress from Top Shop is edgy enough to satisfy your inner bad girl, but still feminine enough to get the boys' heads turning. Add leggings, a chunky chain necklace, headband, a ton of black eyeliner, and voila! Jenny Humphrey is cloned.

Speaking of black eyeliner, if you want to perfect Jenny's smokey eye look, check out the Too Faced smokey eye palette, available at Sephora. With step-by-step instructions and 6 different shades to use, you will be rocker chic in no time. 

 

 For a dressier occasion like a holiday or party you could check out this dress available at Forever21.  This dress speaks loads to Jenny's more mature and high fashion style - while the tiers give it a soft look, the grommets give it that edgy look that is all Little J.

Of course, now that Jenny is Queen, she has to have her own headband! This unique piece by Etsy seller blingjewelry is dark and dramatic, just like Little J. We love the large satin flower and the delicate beading, plus it will definitely stand out in her bleached blonde hair! 

Jenny Humphrey knows that a simple white tee goes a long way. This loose, cuffed tee by Brooklyn Industries is a shout out to Jenny's past, and is both comfortable and edgy.  Add tights and heeled booties, and like Jenny, you have an effortlessly sexy and hip look. 

We know, we know -- tights are not pants! But leggings are all the rage, and American Apparel offers pretty much every color and style you can think of. These lace leggings are sure to get you on the top of the Met steps.

Every riot girl needs a leather jacket (or faux leather jacket in this case). This reasonably priced bomber jacket from Urban Outfitters is definitely a Jenny Humphrey staple, to be draped over school uniforms, vintage tees, and even haute couture.

While Jessica Simpson and Jenny Humphrey may seem like an odd pair, two blondes can make a right! We like this eclectic piece created by the pop-star-turned-designer. The bright jewels laid out on the black velvet creates a nice contrast with the heavy metal chains. And if you're looking for some more color, it's available in kelly green and royal blue as well!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Pop up store at Whiteleys

On Friday Whiteleys opened a floor of pop up shops to the public. There is a Wildfox store, a Junk food store, a Disney Couture store, and the first ever Frost French pop up store. On Thursday night I was invited to the launch party of the event (thanks to Self Service) and I must say I was impressed: I've never been to Whiteleys before, and it's a beautiful building with a great range of shops and restaurants.

The actual launch party was loads of fun: I'm not normally impressed by celebrities (they're just ordinary people going about their business) but even I couldn't stop staring at Kelly Osbourne (who sadly I took a terrible picture of - see below) who is incredibly beautiful and very petite in the flesh. Her fiance isn't much of a looker though!

As well as the obligatory celebrities there were loads of lovely bloggers at the event and I spent my evening taking advantage of the Tequilla bar with Jenny of the Style PA and Fiona of Save our Shoes. The entertainment of the evening was Alice Dellal's band, Thrush Metal, who wore old man face masks, so although I took a pic of one of the masked folks, I didn't actually see the lady herself.

If you're in the Whiteleys area (it's off Queensway) then I would recommend popping in to check out the pop ups: the attention to detail with the store layouts is worth a look (the Frost French store has lines of tiny pot plants in the windows and under each rail of clothing) as is the Disney Couture store: I could look at that jewellery all day!

Love, Tor xx

TKMaxx's fashion bloggers challenge

I always involve experimenting with outfits and making my pieces as versitile as possible, so when TKMaxx got in touch and asked me to take part in their fashion bloggers challenge, how could I say no! I was given a picture of a dress from their collections (only £19.99- bargain!)and three very different situations, and asked to accessorise the dress for each. Here are the situations:

- Meeting the boyfriend's parents for the first time
- Job interview
- Night out with the girls

Here's what I came up with:

For meeting the parents I wanted something pretty but casual: fashionable but well put together. In these situations I don't think it's wise to look too overdone, but it could be taken as a slight to look too underdone as well (balancing act or what!?) My mum always says the first thing people notice about you is your shoes, which is why i've balanced this outfit with a nice pair of courts, and a matching bag for good measure!

For the job interview I knew I would have to make the outfit look much smarter, which was hard to do with a pretty ruffled dress. But I gave it a go! I went for a shoe that meant business (I always feel more confident in any situation if i'm wearing heels) and a very smart pin striped jacket. Accessories-wise I kept it simple with a neck scarf and a big watch

For the night out with the girls I went for high heels and military-glam. I also toughened the dress up with lots of black and rock chick accessories: this is the way I would be most likely to wear the look.

How would you wear this dress?

Love, Tor xx

Hair Style Look Book: Bridal Braids

For weddings and other special events, the details matter! That includes everything from the dress to the shoes to the jewelry and, of course, to the hair. Braids are a fresh, fun twist to add to traditional hairstyles. Perfect for the modern bride looking for a more unique look, braids can be used to frame your face and soften an updo, add character to loose curls, and give a boho feel to a formal occasion. Here are some looks that we thought were particularly pretty, ranging from more structured updos to more loose and casual locks. 

Happy styling!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira