Spring 2012 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: J. Mendel

We'll wrap up our fashion week highlights with J. Mendel and his lovely vertical color block pieces. Some of us avoid stripes like the plague for fear they will make us look fat. While horizontal stripes have that effect, vertical stripes are elongating and can actually make you appear taller and slimmer.  J. Mendel's collection of vertically color blocked pieces and feminine, fluttery dresses with surprise pops of contrasting colors.  Overall it was modern, sophisticated, and extremely flattering.

Images from Elle via Imaxtree.com and Matteo Volta 

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Shoe Lust: Sarenza's A/W Collection Preview

Hi guys,
It seems like I'm destined to spend my days in accessories heaven: and who am I to complain?! First I lusted over the M&S accessories range, and now I've had the chance to view some of the newest arrivals in Sarenza's A/W collection, and I'm already mentally preparing a whole new wardrobe based on them!

In the months I have been a Sarenza brand ambassador, I have genuinely fallen in love with the website, and the massive variety of brands they represent. And I think my obsession is only going to increase, if this new collection is anything to go on:

These leopard print and red patent leather shoes from Georgia Rose (£157) look, if possible, even better in the flesh than they do in this photograph. The leather of the leopard print panels was so soft, and these would be perfect teamed with cigarette trousers for a quirky take on this season's androgynous trend.

Sparkle is my newest obsession, and I know I won't get anywhere near the holiday season without investing in some! My favourites are the front pair with the patent toe, also from Georgia Rose (£127), but I also have a slight obsession with the Jeffrey Campbell Lita boots.

Speaking of Jeffrey Campbell, both of these shoes are from the brand, although the leopard print ones don't land on the site for another couple of months. I actually just ordered the wedges (they should arrive tomorrow!) but in the dalmatian print with the black heel. They look gorgeous, and I can't wait to team them with leggings and flippy little frocks.

Finally, not many people know that as well as selling shoes, Sarenza also has a massive collection of handbags. I love my Friis & Co satchel from the site, which I have been using exclusively since it arrives. But I could be tempted to upgrade it for this patent Lollipops version: the colours are lovely!

I think my bank balance could be in jeopardy this month! There are so many shoes and boots that I want, that it's going to take serious willpower to resist buying them all!

Love Tor xxx

Spring 2012 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: Tory Burch

We could have used color day to showcase the colorful collection by Oscar de la Renta, but we're betting that our average reader is probably more in tune to a collection that can be worn in more of an everyday kind of capacity, like that of Tory Burch. This collection features a little bit for everyone with bright colors (Why, hello there, yellow!), polka dots and ruffles, tiers of fringe, and fun studs and sequins.  Maybe it's a love for Gatsby or maybe it's the popularity of HBO's Boardwalk Empire, but our favorite flirty and sexy 1920's flapper style made its way into the Tory Burch collection too.  Take a look:

  Images from Elle via IMAXtree.com and Matteo Volta

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Trend spotting at Westfield London's Car bootique

Hi guys,
My love of all things car boot sale related is a well-documented fact. So how could I resist popping down to Westfield London to check out their car bootique sale, which is taking place in the atrium from today until Sunday 2nd October.

It's a great event! As well as the car bootique sale, there are also catwalk shows on Saturday and Sunday, and blogger tutorials by blogging superstars The Style PA, Disney Roller Girl, and Fashion Foie Gras. Definitely worth checking out!

The car bootique sale features cars from French Connection, Coach, House of Fraser, River Island and many more.


So what trends did I notice from all of those top stores? Well Heritage is still very hot. The Ted Baker car looked like a walk through a huge English country garden (complete with coat wearing dog) and padded jackets in the barbour style were the order of the day. At the River Island car the heritage trend took a more elderly eccentric turn (my favourite kind) with a mishmash of pussy bow blouse, tweed jackets, and fitted skirts in a variety of clashing patterns and a riot of autumnal colours.


Animal Print is massively popular, and although leopard continued to dominate at House of Fraser and Twenty8Twelve, I think the more luxe and subtle snake print seen on the very understated French Connection car will prove more popular. I adored the biba at House of Frazer collection that was showcased, and just wanted to swath myself in their gorgeous selection of faux furs.

Finally, and my favourite trend of all, is the Modish Sixties trend. Again, I saw this on the River Island car: lots of monochrome and simple clean lines. I also loved the Aline mini dress in mustard, which is just ripe for teaming with black tights and patent black accessories.

Another part of the Car Bootique event is that the team of Westfield are looking for three bloggers to help write their Stylenotes blog. In order to win the chance to write for their blog, you have to show off your unique blogging superskill. (The suggestions were mega videos and hand written poetry). The problem is, I think my blogging skill, or maybe un-skill, is that I'm completely normal: I'm just like everyone else. I'm the same as the girls reading this blog (that's you!) and the girls I saw shopping at Westfield London today.

Admittedly sometimes I get to meet and interview celebs (but I always get star struck!) And I pinch myself at every London Fashion Week show I attend, because I can't believe they let me in! The important thing is though, I never take for granted any of the amazing experiences I get because I write this blog.

But I do love fashion and I want to look good. I want to make the trends work for my body shape and fit in with my lifestyle, just like every other girl you see in Topshop on a Saturday afternoon. And isn't that what a trip to a shopping centre is all about? About normal people finding something they fall in love with (then in my case justifying the expense of buying it for themselves!) and that little bit of fashion magic making them leave the shop feeling really special? That's what I love about fashion and that's the skill I'm showcasing, not clever odes to hemlines , because that's what keeps me writing this blog everyday!

Anyway, enough rambling from me. If you're heading to Westfield London this week, check out their Car Bootique sale: I promise you won't be disappointed!

Love Tor xx

Daily Wear: Fabfrocks in jeans!

Hi guys,

Today I did something I very rarely do, particularly on weekdays. Today I left the dresses hanging in my wardrobe and headed for a day at work wearing jeans. I don't really like the shapes of my legs, especially my thighs, so I don't often wear jeans at all. But then, whilst have a deep clean of my wardrobe, I found these Topshop jeans that I haven't worn since university. They fit like a dream and it's been a revelation: I can't stop wearing them!

I teamed my lovely jeans with an Urban Outfitters blouse, See by Chloe bracelet, Primark owl necklace, Topshop outlet boots, and satchel c/o Sarenza.

I appreciate that this isn't a high-fashion outfit, but it feels perfectly comfy and perfect for autumn. I also thought I should share the pictures of me in jeans, because they don't get taken very often!

I'm glad I didn't dress for the heatwave the weather forecasters said was coming: I saw so many women struggling through the rain torrent in sandals tonight. Instead I packed my bag sensibly with my River Island snake skin blazer and my beloved Vivienne Westwood scarf:

I hope you don't get bored of seeing this scarf by the end of the winter! I just can't get enough of it: it turns even the most boring of outfits into a style statement, and I'm completely in love with it. It matches all of my winter coats too, so I can see myself wearing this until the fabric wears thin!

What have you been wearing today? And what item have you bought recently that you know you'll be wearing all winter?

Love Tor xx

Spring 2012 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: Charlotte Ronson

Charlotte Ronson's collections are always young and fresh and her Spring 2012 collection certainly lived up to our expectations.  We love the country meets city look and various textures and flirty, feminine colors and sheer fabrics! Charlotte does dresses very well and this collection is light, breezy, and definitely wearable.  Plus, we're not sure if you're aware, but Charlotte Ronson's "I Heart Ronson" Collection is available at JCPenny and features some really great designer apparel at incredibly affordable prices.  We hope to see some of these frocks there this Spring!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Fabfrocks at Home: I heart Hornsea

Hi guys,

I wrote a couple of weeks ago about my acquisition of a gorgeous Hornsea terrine and coffee jar for the bargain price of £2.50 for both pieces. But I definitely excelled that bargain on the Dagger Road carboot sale in Edgware this morning (If you live in the area, this car boot still has plenty of stalls, despite the fact that the summer season is over; it stays open until the end of October!)

I picked up a 40 piece 1974 Hornsea dinner service in the daisy pattern and the mustard/orange colourway for just £20. That works out at just 50p a piece!

The set included the sugar, tea and coffee jars, three large terrines, the coffee and tea pot with the sugar bowl and milk jug. There is also the gravy boat, three serving platters, six teacups and saucers, six plates, six bowls, and vinegar and oil jars. The only set that wasn't complete was the dinner plates: sourcing them will become my next mission!

I love Hornsea table wear. For me, it's one of the iconic prints of the seventies. I love all of their designs, but I am especially a fan of the heirloom range, which is the pattern of the pieces I got on my last trip. This particular collection is called Saffron and it was produced from 1972-1990 (as I said, this is the '74 version). It's amazing what google can tell you about your carboot purchases!

I've never been a big fan of matching, so I will be filling in the gaps in my collection with pieces from another of the patterns and colour ways.

I am a massive advocate for shopping on car boot sales, especially if you like vintage pieces. This same set would have cost ten times as much if i'd been shopping in an antique shop, and apart from that, once you start car booting, the thrill of finding something special becomes almost addictive. It's also environmentally friendly (why buy something that has to be produced new, when something you might fall in love with already exists) and it's a whole lot of fun!And it's not just good for homewares: I also often get great bargains on boots and clothes too! If you're thinking of giving it a go, then check out the fabfrocks guide to carboot sales.

Have you had any car boot bargains this weekend?

Love Tor xx

Four of the best: Dresses from the Topshop Outlet this week

Hi guys,

As I try to do at least once a month, this morning I popped down to the Topshop outlet. I didn't buy anything except jewellery, but if i'd have been in the market for a party dress, I would've been in luck! There was a great selection of partywear in store today, and in a great range of sizes too. Here are four of the best dresses they had instore today:

The strapless polka dot dress (my favourite of the four!) is £25. The sequinned dress, which is from the dress up! range, and the crochet purple dress were both £30 each. And the patterned dress, which would look great for the office with tights and a blazer, was just £15. And don't forget that everything in the store is buy one get one free, compounding the bargains even further!

Other notes from the Topshop outlet: If you're looking for winter coats or knitwear then you're out of luck. There was absolutely none in store today. On a brighter note though, there is an offer on right now where all the Freedom jewellery instore is £1.50 per piece, buy one get one free. I picked up a couple of gorgeous brooches! There is also an enormous selection of skirts, so if you love wearing separates, this is the week to pop down!

Love Tor xx

PS - The Topshop outlet is in the Broadwalk Centre, Edgware. It is on the Northern line, and in zone 5. It's only a very small store, and although there are often bargains to be had, I have hundreds of trips in where the stock isn't that great. So it's worth popping into if you're in the area, but I really wouldn't travel a long distance to visit it.

Spring 2012 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: Ralph Lauren

We love Ralph Lauren's spring collection, possibly because it's reminiscent of The Great Gatsby (and you know we love our Gatsby). We love the soft, pale pastels and the fluttering dresses, which create such beautiful and romantic look. There were way too many pieces to choose from, so instead we focused on our favorite part of the collection: the evening dress. We wish we had some sparkly event to go to where we could wear these gorgeous, beaded, floor length dresses without looking ridiculous or over-the-top. This may be one of our favorite evening wear collections.

Image Credits: New York Magazine



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Marks and Spencer Accessories: Not what you'd expect!

Hi guys,

This evening I was invited to a Mad Hatters Tea Party to check out the new ranges of accessories from Marks and Spencer. And I have to say I completely fell in love: it wasn't what I was expecting at all. But in a good way! I think I have a slight prejudice against Marks and Spencer because it was one of only 5 clothing stores on our high street growing up, and was the place my Nan got her nighties, and my mum got my sensible school knickers.

But I take it back! I withdraw my old-fashioned prejudice: because judging by these accessories, M&S is a cool place to shop! The collections were divided into four distinct trend zones: Nordic Narnia, Wilderness, Global Traveller, and Boy Meets Girl:

The pieces in the Boy Meets Girl zone were my favourites: I especially loved the oversized black leather handbags (which felt as soft as butter) and the chunky black watch in the picture above.

I also loved all the glitter and sequins in the global traveler zone: can you believe the black and taupe sequinned and heeled Mary Janes were only £30? That's considerably cheaper than some of the more popular high street stores, and I completely loved them. They'd be perfect for Christmas parties, and I would team them with leggings for girls nights out.

I was also surprised at how many of the pretty shoes came in with built in insolia technology: I only have one pair of insolia shoes, but I swear by it! They're the only heels I can dance in all night long and not go home with my feet in shreds. Shoes that feel comfy but look all fashion: how can you lose!?

The overall verdict? For quality and affordable pieces that are fashion-forward, and are built to last, head to Marks and Spencer. I definitely will be!

Love Tor x

The Show: Redefinition

Hi guys,
If I ever won a substantial amount of money then one of the things I would do would be to take a tour of the shopping centres of the UK. I get so jealous when I hear people talking about their local shopping areas on twitter: each one seems different and with its own idiosyncrasies. I think it comes from growing up in a town with 5 shops: shopping centres seem exotic! I already love the Arndale Centre in Manchester, and am a regular visitor to Westfield London. I'd like to visit York, Leeds, and of course, the Bullring in Birmingham.

As well as the shopping (of course!) my favourite things about shopping centres are the unique events each centre hosts. And this weekend, The Bullring are hosting a cracker! The Show: Redefinition is a show that mixes technology and fashion. Real-life and holographic models will blur the lines between reality and illusion in a unique show that will show off loads of A/W trends from stores like Reiss, French Connection, and Forever 21.

Frankly, it sounds amazing! Britain's Next Top Model winner Tiffany Pisani will be taking to the catwalk, and although I don't know who it is, there's going to be a celebrity guest appearance too!

Want to head down and check it out? Then here are the show times:
Friday 23rd September: 10.30am, 1pm, 3pm, 5.30pm
Saturday 24th September: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm
Sunday 25th September: 11.30am, 1pm, 3pm

If you do go make sure you come back and let me know how it was! I'd love to be able to make it, but sadly I already have other plans this weekend (cue loud sobs!) You can find out more about the show on the Bullring Facebook Page.

Love Tor xx

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Competition: Win a trip to New York with BIC Soleil

Hi guys,
BIC have got a new razor on the market - called the BIC Soleil Bella. I know it's not something we ladies talk about a lot, but unless you're really lucky (in which case I curse you!) we all have to deal with our unwanted body hair.

I'm going to come clean about my routine: I use a hair removal cream on my upper lip, I have my eyebrows waxed, and for everything else I use a razor: admittedly I normally steal Mike's, so maybe it's time to invest in one of my own! And apparently the BIC Soleil is tailored to be more comfortable on a woman's curves, so it might be a good place to start.

I know it's considered much more trendy to have regular waxing appointments, but I just find it the quickest and easiest form of hair removal. No planning, no appointments: just jump in the shower and go!

In order to encourage women to 'Just live' (without worrying about their body hair all the time) and promote their new razor range, BIC are running a competition over on their facebook page. The star prize? An amazing Trip to New York!! Plus as well as the grand prize, they are offering a load more prizes on a weekly basis! This could be a theatre outing, a day-trip or a similar experience for you and a friend.

Want to enter the competition for your chance to win? Then head over to the BIC facebook page now and whilst you're their check it out: The page is pretty cool, and has weekly beauty tips and blog posts from a monthly-featured blogger!

Love, Tor x

*This is a Sponsored Post

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LFW SS12: Fearne Cotton for very.co.uk

Hi guys,
Last night saw the unveiling of Fearne Cotton's SS collection for very.co.uk, and I toddled along to check it out, along with lots of other lovely bloggers.

There were also plenty of celebrity guests in attendance, including Holly Wiiloughby, Whitney Port (adding fuel to the rumours that she'll be doing her own collection with Very next year) Myleene Klass, and the boys from McFly; including my mega girlhood crush, Dougie!

After a couple of cocktails we found out seats and the show began:




Am I the only one slightly creeped out by how all the models look slightly like Fearne?! Anyway, I digress! The collection was heavily seventies-inspired with pussy bow blouses and spray-on denim (both jeans and shorts). Feminine, but still with the tough, rock chick edge you'd expect from a Fearne collection. Key pieces were kept deliberately minimal: soft jersey cotton dresses and tops in simple block colours, often layered with chiffon panels. Great for layering, but a little too flimsy for wearing alone? The one piece I really liked was the mustard covered mini dress with the slightly bell-shaped skirt.

The black maxi skirt and slouchy trousers were equally covetable, and would be great for teaming with almost anything: wardrobe staples you could wear over and over!

Whilst not always to my taste, I can see this being a big seller for Fearne and Very next summer. What do you think of the new collection?

Love Tor xx

PS - I have uploaded some more photos from the show to the Fabfrocks facebook page (Including some of the celebs in attendence), if you want to check them out.

Spring 2012 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: Bill Blass

So we're not going to lie, we had no idea who Bill Blass was until we started blogging about Fashion Week. But now that we found him, we love him! His collection has strong, vibrant colors and is really ready-to-wear.  The collection had a strong nautical theme without being too gimmicky (only a few anchors and stripes overall), and we really loved the simple prints. Like Victoria Beckham, the collection had a very preppy and athletic feel that we could see rocking in real life.

Image Credits: New York Magazine



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Harrods Christmas World is open...and looking fantastic!

Hi guys,
Yesterday after my last LFW show of the season, I met Mike from his office, and he took me to Harrods. We had ice cream in the Harrods Ice cream parlour (best sundae I have ever eaten!) and then went for a walk around their Christmas World which, bizarrely, opened about a month ago.

I unashamedly love Christmas! I have loved it my whole life and I always get excited about it far too early: not normally this early, but I've just finished putting together the Christmas gift guide for work, which got me in the festive spirit. Plus, Christmas World is a tourist haven, and if you try to visit closer to Christmas it's like a very sparkly hell!

I am very lucky that Mike humoured me whilst I checked out every single bauble and tried to find the most expensive crackers (my best was £599 for a box of six) the took some photos:




The world is slightly smaller this year than last, and has been moved from its usual spot on the fourth floor to the second. It's been divided into three distinct zones and themes.

My favourite was the gingerbread Christmas, full of fifties-style pastel colours and decorations shaped like ice cream cones, candy canes, and gingerbread men of course! The other two zones were Winter Wonderland (lots of white and glitter) and Traditional Christmas (Victoriana in red, gold, and green). It's definitely worth a visit if you're in town and looking to get festive! The baubles start in price from about £4 each, which isn't cheap, but they make a lovely special memory or souvenier.

It's a bit too soon to be talking about Christmas proper, but if Harrods is a bit too rich for your purse then nearer the time I will be doing lots of Fabfrocks at Home features about Christmas on a budget: including how to make your own decorations!

Love, Tor xx

Spring 2012 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - Nicole Miller

Bright, bold, and youthful are the words we would use to describe Nicole Miller's Spring 2012 Ready to Wear collection.  A little bit 80's, a little bit rock and roll - this collection is sporty, fun, exciting.  We love the retro neon colors paired with the dark black leather and fun checkerboard print. It all kind of reminds us of a more modern and wearable version of what we used to see on The Misfits from Jem and the Holograms. It's truly outrageous.

Images from Elle via Imaxtree.com and Matteo Volta

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Sarenza A/W Collection Review: Pure British Style

Hi guys,

Sarenza have just launched their brand new A/W collection on site. To celebrate that, they are launching a review contest to pick the Best of British style from their new ranges, and they asked me to take part. As a Sarenza brand ambassador (and dedicated fan of the brand) how could I say no?!

I have an imaginary £800 to spend on the new season shoes of my dreams. Can you imagine how exciting that would be?! But instead of just showing you shoes, I thought I would show you how to turn incredible statement shoes into outfits:

First up are these House of Harlow ankle boots (£240). How gorgeous are these?! They're 100% leather, and I love the slightly bondage-style overlays. I would team these with my leather jacket, skinny black jeans, a cute satchel (I have the Friis & Co one from Sarenza, and it's fab!) and a vibrant,oversized chunky knit scarf.

Next up are these Mellow Yellow ankle boots (£160). I love these boots: they're simple and delicate, but they'd go with anything. These would be perfect for teaming with a dress and a fitted fur coat for a work to evening occasion.

Then I would indulge with these crazy Jeffrey Campbell Lita heels (£103.32) These shoes deserve to be taken to a party, so I would wear it with a sequinned dress and tan vintage-style accessories.

Finally, I would put on my sensible hat and get these Jonak moccasin boots (£63.75) They look so comfortable, and would be great for long Autumnal walks. Team with jeans and knits for a cozy take on the heritage trend.

Total fictional spend: £567.07. Which leaves me plenty of money to buy comfy pumps in every colour: perfect for when all those beautiful heels leave my feet aching!

I love being British: I think we Brits have a very distinct sense of style, both with our shoes and our dress. I just can't imagine a French woman hitting her local disco in those glittery Jeffery Campbell boots with quite the same gusto I would! I know i'm generalising, but I think we just throw things together and experiment a little bit more.

NB: For ease (and because this really isn't about the clothes!) all the outfits are from Topshop.
Love, Tor xx

PS - Don't forget to enter my London Fashion Week competition: you could win a tote bag packed full of goodies!

COMPETITION: Win a London Fashion Week pack, worth over £50!

Hi guys,

To celebrate that London Fashion Week is in full swing, I thought I'd run a giveaway of a LFW goody pack! The prize is the official LFW tote bag, designed by Mulberry. I've filled the tote with bangles and bracelets from Claire's Accessories, a gorgeous moisturiser from Santa Verde, the Charles Worthington Salon at Home straightening kit, a Fashion Targets Breast cancer compact mirror, and a lovely leather notepad from Tesco (the official sponsor of London Fashion Week)

There are 3 ways to enter the competition:

1. Follow the blog, using the follow box to your right.

2. Follow fabfrocks on facebook: just follow this link.
3. Sign up to the fabfrocks mailing list. (Click here to subscribe to our mailing list!)

If you do 2 of these things you will be entered into the competition twice. Enter all three ways, and you will be entered into the competition a whopping FIVE times, giving you loads more chances to win!

The competition closes at 12pm on Friday 30th September. Good luck!

Love, Tor xx

ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

LFW SS12: Ada Zanditon

Hi guys,

As part of LFW's digital schedule, Ada Zanditon didn't give a presentation, but instead showcased the collection with the screening of a film inspired by it.

The collection was entitled Poseisus and the designs featured all of the designers trademarks: geometrical sculpturing, eye-catching prints, and innovative designs. The film took us on the journey of a greek goddess seahorse who travels the world, flowing in the current. There was clear inspiration from sea horses, and greek goddesses incorporated into the show.

After the screening two models wearing the key dresses from the collection circulated amongst the crowds. The cobweb/seahorse inspired dress looked phenomenal, but almost more impressive was the eery eye make up: the whole look left me transfixed.

One of the things I most admire about Ada Zanditon's work is her commitment to ethical and sustainable manufacturing. Ada has been dubbed the greenest rising star of London Fashion Week: but you really can't tell when looking at the quality and innovation of her designs. Leave all your preconceptions about hippie, scratchy ethical fashion at the door: this is high fashion at its best!

And here's the video from the presentation. Just turn the volume up to deafening level, and you can feel like you're actually there:

ADA Zanditon ss12 from Andrew & WIlliam Ho on Vimeo.

Love Tor xx

LFW SS12: Bernard Chandran

Hi guys,

I always enjoy the Bernard Chandran show at London Fashion Week, and I thought this year was better than ever.

The inspiration of the show was the 1950s glamour that once inspired the designers mother. But there were no twee full skirts here, and above all the collection felt thoroughly new and modern. The cuts were clean and simple: pencil shapes and straight lines topped with white cotton gloves. But with curved sculptural detailing that I completely adored! The outfits towards the end of the show that featured the white cut-out embroidery were by far my favourites:

The colour palette was at its best when it was muted, but the collection also featured greens and turquoise blues.

Of the collection, Chandran said: "This season I pay tribute to my mother. I discovered myself through her. I am truly inspired by her younger days of the fifties, where they actually took the effort to be fashionable. Given the limited resources at that time, she would take the pain to create and sew her own clothes, and put them together to look stylish. I truly admire her creativity, the passion to create and the effort to look good." Aww, I have such a soft spot for people that love their mums!

Have you been checking out the London Fashion Week coverage this season? What's been your favourite show so far?

Love, Tor xx

PS - Are you following me on facebook and twitter? Please do: I'll be sharing lots of little updates from the shows over the next couple of days!