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

Shoes: Kiss me, Baby!

Hi guys,
When I got my last pair of Vivienne Westwood Melissa's it was love at first sight: they look great, they feel great, and believe it or not, they even smell great! Admittedly, the fact that they are a fairly vibrant green colour means that I don't wear them as often as I would like, but I would still rank them as amongst my favourite shoes. Now though, the high class take on the jelly shoes have had another revamp. And if possible, I like this design even better:
Slightly sheer and with a vibrant red lip motif on the front, frankly, what's not to like? These shoes are seriously sexy! The colours aren't too bright that they wouldn't go with just about everything though (unlike my other, fairly difficult to match pair!) I do love a good lip print, so even the lining of these shoes are appealing to me. They're glamorous, they're shiny, the heel is low enough that you can walk in it all day. And if you don't like the black sheer variety they also come in a high gloss baby pink too. Have I sold these to you yet?!

If you want a pair of your own you can pick them up for £183.99. You'll find them here. Wouldn't they be perfect for over the festive period? They'd certainly be a conversation piece at a Christmas party!

What do you think? Do you like these Melissa's with their smooch appeal? Or has another design already stolen your heart - and if so, which one? I'd love to know!

Love Tor x

*Post written as part of a partnership with Spartoo shoes 

Current Lust List: New Season from French Connection

Hi guys,
Despite the fact that it's 30 degrees outside today (and I'm wearing a floral sun dress) my mind is now firmly fixed on autumn/winter fashions, and all the sunny days the weather gods throw at us won't be distracting me! Autumn/Winter is my favourite fashion season by far, and I would start shopping for it in July if I could! I want to look at new season shoes, new season coats, pretty party dresses (yes, Christmas party season is nearly here!) and fabulous jumpers I can slouch about in as part of my skinny jeans/nice top new uniform! As usual, I will be checking out the best of all the new season collections from all of my favourite stores. Let's start with French Connection, where I've never seen a party dress I didn't like,. To mix things up a little, this year I will pick my favourite three pieces from any given store, which means I will have to edit all my favourites much more strictly and will give you an easy overview of what the new season collections have to offer:
1. London Texture Front Jumper, £59. I love, love, love this leather fronted jumper. In fact, it is my favourite piece on the whole site, and I plan on making a beeline to my local French Connection store to pick it up immediately. It will look fantastic worn casually with skinny jeans and studded boots. But could be dressed up paired with opaque tights and a vibrant coloured pencil skirt. You could even add a metallic sequinned mini skirt and have a too cool for school party look. I love this versatile jumper: get in my wardrobe!

2.Hedgerow bottom tunic dress, £120. Digitally printed for an intense ombre effect, this floral tunic dress is another versatile little number. Add heels and a glitzy clutch for the evening, or high gloss flat pumps and a fitted black blazer for a super-stylish office look. I've been a fan of digital prints since the very first Matthew Williamson digital rose print hit the runway, so I always have a soft spot in my heart for dresses like this. And I love this loose undone shape too: dresses like these were made for new mums like me!

3.Belle boucle wool coat, £220. Finally, how could I write about a winter season collection without mentioning my very favourite winter piece of all: the coat! I have over thirty coats in my wardrobe but I don't have an orange one, meaning I have the perfect excuse to add this to my collection. I enjoy the oversized and masculine proportions of this boucle coat, as well as it's glorious and bright tangerine shade. I would wear this open over a chiffon blouse and team it with leather leggings: this fabric would look fab contrasted with the mixed textures of the leather and the chiffon. Winter heaven!

What do you think of the latest collections from French Connection? And what do you think of my picks? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Love Tor x

*This post is sponsored by Spreaditfast

Primark AW13: Could this be the best season for years?

Hi guys,
Yesterday I popped into Primark to pick up some tights for a wedding I am going to this weekend. I ended up coming out with a coat, skirt, two blouses as well as my usual array of tights and socks. I was seriously impressed with all of the new autumn/winter wear in store this week (it wasn't there last week so it must be brand new) and actually my haul was quite restrained: there was so much more I could have bought. And having looked through the images of what's to come instore over the next few weeks, there's so much more I'm going to want too! Here are some of the pieces I picked up, and some of the other lovely bits I spotted yesterday:
Contrast collar shirt, £10, in store 14.08.13
Pleather skater skirt, £8, In store: 20.08.13
Metal tip tassel boots, £20, In store 13.08.13
Animal print sweatshirt, £10, In store 28.08.13
Pug medallion jumper, £14
Bug bracelet cuff, £3, 17.07.13

I picked up the pleather skirt and the animal print sweatshirt: I can't wait for the weather to cool down a little so I can wear them both!! They didn't have the pug sweatshirt or the bug cuff in the Norwich store, but both are definitely on my 'must have' list. Luckily, I'm in London on Saturday so I can pop and pick them up.

Autumn/winter is definitely in full swing on the highstreet: even the sale rails full of left over summer stock have disappeared! So if you're hitting the shops too this weekend then now is the perfect time to start searching for your perfect winter boots and your dream new season winter coat. The hunt is on!

Love Tor x

Daily Wear: Va-va-voluminous layers for a day at the zoo!

Hi guys,
Well I think the title probably explains where I've been today: we took a family trip to the zoo! In typical British fashion, excuse me for a minute whilst I talk about the weather! Although it's sunny the day started really coldly, which goes some way to explaining all my layers: I decided it was the best way to keep warm in the zoo during the early morning, without having to carry a jacket or bulky cardigan around with me all day. All that volume doesn't make for the sleekest or most streamlined look but nonetheless, here's how I wore it:
 Although they're only from George at Asda these are my new favourite jeans: I love the dark indigo colour and they have enough stretch to be insanely comfortable whilst still holding their shape. On top I am wearing a chiffon embroidered blouse with a peplum from Zara, a cotton kimono jacket from Primark and my new favourite scarf from Topshop: it has an incredible insect pattern all over it.  Finally, these Georgia Rose metallic sandals from Sarenza have been on my feet nearly constantly this summer. They're stupidly comfortable, and their bronzy metallic shade goes with absolutely everything.

This is the perfect jacket for this transitional weather, as when the temperature heated up a little I just removed the kimono and the scarf, and they both folded neatly into my bag: Simple!

What have you been doing with your Saturday? And what are you wearing today? Any tips for transitioning smoothly from your summer to your autumn wardrobe? I'd love to hear them!

Love Tor x

Guest Post: Affordable Shopping for New Season Trends

Everybody has that one friend who can waltz into a shop and return after five minutes with bags full of the season’s latest trends...then you hear how little they paid for everything and you’re left bemused and, in all honesty, pretty damn jealous. Well hopefully this guide will give you a head start on kitting your wardrobe out with must have garms for AW13 without the designer price tag!

Animal Print
Just when we thought it was time to trade in that leopard print coat, Burberry rock up at London Fashion Week with a whole host of animal print designs to bring the trend back to life. For those who dare trying, combine various prints into one outfit. When done right, it’s the ultimate style statement for the fashion gurus out there.

1. Iron Fist Leogir Leggings (£25.59) 2. Vila Chee Mini Skirt (£21.99)
3. RVCA Moon Safari Shirt (£27.49) 4. Vila Colorado Shirt (£24.49) 5. DC Bristol Mid LE shoes (£54.99)

Winter Floral
Who said flowers are just for Summer? Next season we are set to see an explosion of wintery floral prints to bring some colour into our dowdy December wear. Ultimately feminine and full of fun, a versatile floral with brighten any outfit.

1. Jorge Gypsy Floral Cut Out Dress (£35.99) 2. Jorge Dream Lover Leggings (£24.99)
3. Loreak Mendian Bahamas Dress (£53.18) 4. Only Shaded Flower Leggings (£12.99)
5. Louche Bali Flower Pastel Floral Shirt (£34.99)

Oversized
Next season is all about slouchy, oversized clothing. Apart from being incredibly comfortable, oversized items can channel a multitude of looks depending on what you wear them with. Keep an eye out for apparel inspired by the days of punk and grunge. Although this was big last year, a more subtle approach to this look is set to be at the forefront of fashion next season.

1. 55DSL Dadrap Dress (£54.99) 2. Traffic People Tribal Dress (£34.98)
3. Cheap Monday Melinda Short Dress (£20.98) 4. Religion Clark Long Sleeve Shirt (£59.99)
5. Ichi Knur Top (£19.99)

Bold Prints

It seems the trend next season is to incorporate exotic Summer colours and eye catching prints into your Autumn/Winter attire. Geometric designs are always popular, and when accessorised with a large statement necklace will give you an outfit to get those fellow fashionistas hankering for your style flair.

1. Numph Emma Dress (£38.99) 2. Vero Moda zigzag leggings (£14.99)
3. Motel Rocks Hollyanna Print Dress (£34.99) 4. Ted Baker Keicon Kaleidoscope Bag (£27.99)
5. Yumi Printed Top (£17.49)

And remember it’s not always the clothing that makes an outfit, accessorising is the key to a successful style. Use an oversized handbag or bold coloured shoes to make a statement. Team plain clothing with large jewelled necklaces or an extravagant headpiece to add a quirky edge to your look. Don’t forget it’s not always designer or high street stores that hold your every fashion need, having a rummage in charity shops, boot sales and vintage fairs could result in you finding your favourite piece of timeless treasure!

Natalie Gale  is an online content writer for Surfdome.com. Surfdome specialise in the latest fashions and best equipment for extreme sports such as skating, surfing and snowboarding

Shoes: My Bank Holiday Pick!

Hi guys,
It's nearly the bank holiday! And for most of us that means fun days out, long walks and (if the weather is on our side) a sunny BBQ or two! Mike, Wilbur and I are visiting my parents for the weekend so we will be enjoying a mix of walks to the park and long afternoons building sandcastles on the beach. So what will I have on my feet? Well for me it has to be practical, stylish, gorgeous Converse! 
My Converse are peach, but I am seriously lusting after these incredible gold ones! They're all leather and have a gold and white tie dye pattern all over them. Even the eyelets are gold: and you know how I feel about anything gold! Love it! Converse teamed with skirts or dresses isn't the look for me: I tried it in my teens, but now I think it's too grungy and too scruffy. It's a classic and preppy combination but I prefer Converse hi tops teamed with skinny jeans and simple shirts or blouses: there's no better casual outfit when you don't want to think about what you're going to throw on and you're having an active and informal day out. With these on my feet though, I'd still be able to show off my fashion credentials!

Want a pair of your own? Well they're a little more expensive than normal Converse but you can have a pair of these for £79.99. You'll find them here.

We just booked a holiday for the three of us to Paris/Disneyland Paris in six weeks time: I will definitely be getting these to wear for the occasion! What do you think?!

Love Tor x

*Post written as part of a partnership with Spartoo shoes

Environmentally friendly, Seriously cool, and only £1!

Hi guys,
Just a quick post to show my surprise favourite purchase from Primark of late: I picked up this reusable bag for just £1, and have been using it almost constantly. It's perfect for folding into my handbag and popping out to carry shopping, and has even found use as a bag for my swimming kit. Karl Lagerfeld as a pug: what's not to love?!
For any of you Primark aficionados out there, Primark are starting to roll out all of their new season stock. When I was in store this week I spotted some gorgeous floral kimonos, lovely autumnal dresses, knitted jumpers and winter boots. If you're ready to think about the new season, and you're planning to do some shopping this bank holiday weekend, definitely make Primark a stop on your list: you won't regret it.

And leave their horrible brown paper carrier bags in store. Put your purchases in one of these Karl bags instead!!

Love Tor x

Featured post by Sarah Fielding: From Summer to Autumn, Just Add a Jacket

With the change of season we're all very quick to think we must ditch one seasonal wardrobe to switch for the new season. If only the climate was that simple. Weather is unpredictable at best during the change of seasons and so there is rarely a clean break between one and the other. When it comes to the end of summer, we're not always that keen to put away those bright and breezy pieces anyway. Fortunately adding a layer or two can be the perfect solution and there are so many different jackets out there that it is easy to transform a summer look into something that will work for autumn too.

Working week

When it comes to your working week, over summer dresses or smart trousers and short sleeve blouses have probably paid a major part in your work wear wardrobe. There is no need to ditch them for your black trousers and jumpers as soon as the kids return to school and autumn begins. Adding a blazer style jacket adds both shape to your figure and can transform your summery work looks to smart autumnal outfits in an instant.

Sunday brunch

Those gorgeous cream chino style trousers that you've been enjoying all summer are still the perfect choice for a weekend get together with friends. Here you can again a blazer style jacket or go for a pretty boucle style collarless jacket for a classic elegant style statement. Something like the Bonmarché Textured Classic Jacket is a pretty additional layer.

A walk in the park

Days strolling with the dog in the summer are full of relaxed cropped trousers and tees. When it comes to autumn the days can be a bit cooler and certainly there is more chance of a spell of rain. It's not always cool enough to make the switch to chunky knits but an extra layer to keep out the wind and rain will be a welcome extra layer. A lightweight parka such as the Bonmarché Metallic Lightweight Parka will work with your crops or jeans easily.

A night on the town

There are some gorgeous relaxed waterfall and kimono style jackets available these days and they are the perfect cover up for a night on the tiles with your friends or a romantic date with your partner. Why not throw one of these on over smart summer Capri trousers and a pretty blouse? The David Emanuel Soft Waterfall Jacket is a pretty and bright choice. Add a pretty scarf or wrap for extra warmth when you leave the restaurant or pub too.

Autumn nuptials

Not everyone gets married in the summer and for autumn weddings there is the extra challenge of having to prepare for cooler weather. Your favourite summer wedding dress can still serve you well right into autumn. A tailored jacket is a perfect layer up for autumn weddings. It offers a formal look as well as adding curve appeal with its nipped in waist. A softer alternative to a jacket is a smart jacket style cardigan knit so consider these as well.

A weekend away

When the schools are back in for the autumn, it's the perfect time for the rest of us to take a quick getaway. So many more of us these days are making the most of everything Britain has to offer when it comes to holidays that a long weekend in the Lake District or exploring the stunning countryside in Scotland for example is just the ticket to enjoy the autumnal colours as they start to come in. Don't let the slight chill in the air put you off your exploring when a smart fleece or gilet can add that extra warmth you need. They look great with the relaxed cropped trousers you've been enjoying all summer and will be just as comfortable come winter with a sweater underneath.

*This is a post written by Sarah Fielding

Embracing Model Diversity: The Latest Campaign from TK Maxx

Hi guys,
TK Maxx have become the latest high street brand to embrace all things diverse, by including the world's oldest supermodel, Daphne Selfe and Felicity Hayward, the UK's hottest new plus size model, in their latest campaign video.

I like the TK Maxx ads: they're so fun and upbeat and cool (can I get away with saying 'cool'?). They're definitely the kind of ads you wish you could transport yourself into, anyway!
 
I'm loving all of the vintage styling and the oversized statement necklaces. And some of those chunky wool coats are enough to have me running to my closest branch of TK Maxx as fast as I can, looking to do some new season shopping!

TK Maxx did a quick Q&A with  plus sized model Felicity Hayward at the shoot for their latest campaign (images definitely to follow: they look as great as the TV ad!) and I've popped a little snippet below:

TK Maxx: Can you describe your personal style? 
Felicity Hayward: A modern day Jayne Mansfield, whose wardrobe got mixed up with the costume department of a John Waters movie. 

TK: What is your favourite trend from TK Maxx’s AW13 collection? 
FH: I would say winter pastels as I am a big fan of those colours, I could be a little biased on the grounds that I want to be an ice-cream lady when I am older and the colours in this trends remind me of all the flavours from mint choc chip to tutti frutti. 

TK: Do you have any fashion pieces in your wardrobe that have an amazing story behind them, or that you could never bear to part with? 
FH: I have a thong which once belonged to Prince and was worn by one of his dancers at the VH1 Fashion Music Awards in 1994. That baby isn’t going anywhere.

She's plus sized, she's gorgeous and sexy, and she loves Prince! Could this woman be my new fashion crush? I think so!

Love Tor x

Shoes: A Last Hurrah for Summer!!

Hi guys,
I've been bombarding you with images of new autumn/winter shoes and clothes over the last week, but actually, summer isn't over yet! And I definitely don't want to wish away this last month of precious sunshine, or start wearing my boots when I could still be feeling the air between my toes. In fact, I'm wearing a summer frock and flip flops as I'm typing. So in honour of that, here are my favourite sale sandals currently on Spartoo: my last hurrah to summer!
These incredible Rupert Sanderson wedges are currently a whopping 70% off. Instead of costing you £508.99 you could pick them up for £152.70: it's a damn bargain for a beautifully made shoe from a British designer! I just love the combination of colours: brown, tan, orange and turquoise all complement each other perfectly and they all scream summer (they also have the added bonus of looking incredible with a tan). I have a soft spot for Rupert Sanderson, in part because my office used to be right behind his London store, so I walked past the windows lusting after the shoes nearly every day. These shoes look like they've been worn on holiday and been scuffed from walking on the beach. They make you want to head to an expensive beach resort, team them with an oversized straw hat, and strut your stuff.

Fun fact: Did you know that every pair of Rupert Sanderson shoes in named after a daffodil? This particular model is the Nissa. You'd only get that kind of random quirkiness from a British shoe designer!

What do you think of these shoes? Would you wear them, and what would you wear them with? My vote goes for floaty maxi dress: let's keep summer alive whilst we can!

Love Tor x

*Post written as part of an ongoing partnership with Spartoo

What's in your Handbag? Check out what's in mine!

Hi guys,
The last time I wrote about what was in my handbag was back in March 2012, and since then the contents have increased dramatically: no more tiny body bag filled with make up and basic essentials for me! But I'm not ready for a big ugly mum bag either: I want something on trend, made of buttery soft leather, but roomy enough for all of my supplies. And boy, do I have a lot of supplies! My handbag contents for today are: My Vivienne Westwood purse, house keys and car keys, mobile phone, Missoni sunglasses, Chanel lipstick and Filofax (just the same as last year). However the new additions are: rice cakes or carrot puffs (depending on what snacks the boy fancies for the day), a teddy bear and a rattle, and wet wipes to mop up any spills and snot. Oh the glamour!
With all of this stuff to carry around every single day, I require a pretty special bag. This bag from Marks and Spencer's new season leather bag range is the perfect size for just about any occasion; small enough to carry around everyday but roomy enough to stash a hearty supply of snacks and toys for Wilbur in. It feels so soft (I have a place in my heart for pony skin leather, and buy far too much of it!) and the leather literally melts under your hand as you carry it. I love the zip detailing and leopard print is another of my obsessions, so it really is the perfect bag for me.

This bag is one of the key leather items from Marks and Spencer's A/W '13 collection, and would be the perfect addition to a capsule winter wardrobe, because you could carry it all day (it's perfect for work or for Saturday afternoon shopping trips) or dress it up for the evening and it wouldn't look out of place to dinner: especially if you carry a big bag at all times, like me. Marks and Spencer are very focusing on quality with their leather offering for this season, and it definitely shows in the craftmanship and design of this bag.  Good old M&S: they always seem to know exactly what I need and they never let me down!

If you want to buy one of your own you can pick it up from the M&S website: It's available right now, and will cost you £99.

Love Tor x

Autumn Inspiration: Mad about Monochrome

Hi guys,
As all of the autumn/winter collections start landing on the high street my lust-o-meter has gone into overdrive. I love shopping for a new season, and I really love it when that season is autumn/winter: it's my favourite time of year by far! Every so often when the seasons are changing over, I see individual press images that have such an impact that I can't stop thinking about them. I want to be the model. I want to run out and recreate the look immediately: this image from Marks and Spencer was one such image!
The Autograph coat comes in at £99. The shirt is £32.50, the hat is £19.50. The gorgeous handbag costs £59.

It's simple, it's clean, it's slightly sixties-inspired. I need to have that hat with the contrasting snake print peak in my life immediately, and I now have a hankering for a crisp white cocoon coat. I know you can't buy them from Marks and Spencer but, man, what I wouldn't do to have those thick statement eyebrows. This is the kind of look that would suit just about everyone: I can see Joan Collins wearing this, but also a sexy young thing like [insert name of one of The Saturdays here: I'm too old to know them by name!] too. The mum in the back of my mind has reservations about sticking fingers and white wool coats, but for a look this good I think I'd take the dry cleaning bill.

What do you think? Will you be rocking some statement monochrome this autumn/winter?

Love Tor x

Something for the Weekend: A list of lust!

Hi guys,
It's Friday morning, which means I've taken a little break from my freelancing work (despite having three deadlines looming!) to do a little virtual shopping instead. Rainy weekends like this one are perfect for hitting the shops, and there are new season collections landing in nearly every high street store right now. Here are the pieces I wish I had in my wardrobe right now:

1. I love this draped Vivienne Westwood bag from Sarenza (£337.50) which would be the perfect statement piece for autumn/winter. I'm such a Vivienne Westwood addict, but I actually don't have a bag, so this is definitely the next big-purchase item on my wish list. The burgandy and brown tones would look great and match almost everything.

2. My insect obsession continues, so this oversized dragon fly T shirt from Topshop (£20) has got me feeling really excited. There's still time to enter my competition to win a £100 voucher to spend at Topshop (click here!) and then you could add this to your wardrobe too!

3. Everything I want at the minute is from autumn/winter collections: hang the summer, I'm an autumn lover at heart! At last count I had over 30 different coats, but as soon as they start landing in the shops they're all I want! This leather mix wool coat from Mint Velvet (£199) is next on my hit list.

4. I love statement necklaces, especially at the minute because I seem to spend my life wearing skinny jeans and basic tops which are really livened up with jewellery. This J Crew statement necklace from Net a Porter (£138) is such a great piece, and perfect if (like me) you're trying to avoid the dreaded green of high street jewellry!

5. I actually just ordered these Melvin and Hamilton boots from Sarenza (£119.50). I love the Missoni-style stripes that will match my Marc Jacobs change bag perfectly, and the leather is so shiny and supple-looking. These are really delicious and practical autumn boots!

Have you got your eye on anything new? And will you be hitting the shops this weekend? If so I'd love to know what you're looking for and what treasure you find!

Love Tor x

Shoes: Can I think about Autumn yet?

Hi guys,
I know it's the middle of the summer. I know that I'm currently wriggling my (neatly painted) toes in a selection of pretty sandals. But I can't help it: I've already started thinking about my new autumn boots! I love autumn and I love wearing ankle boots. When it comes to shoes they really are my kryptonite!
My current ankle boot obsession are these fringed boots by Fornarina: don't they look just like something Pocahontas would wear? They aren't to my usual taste at all: I would normally wear black leather boots with hardwear detailing, whereas these are light, suede, and they have a rubber wedge (something that would normally make me baulk). But I love the fringing details, I think the embroidery around the ankle is such a great touch, and that they would look amazing teamed with skinny jeans.

My whole attitude to jeans has changes over the past twelve months and whereas I was once completely committed to daily dresses, now I don't know where I'd be without jeans in my wardrobe. With that though has come a change in my attitude to shoes: with dresses I tended to wear a streamlined black tights and black boots combo. With jeans I think you can be a little more creative without it impacting the overall look and feel of your outfit: or maybe I've got too much time on my hands to think about these things!

Whichever way you look at it, I want these Pocahontas boots. If you want them too then they can be yours for £122.99. Tell me, how would you style them? Do you think they're the perfect boots to wear with jeans, or would you team them with a dress instead?

Love Tor x

*Post written as part of an ongoing partnership with Spartoo shoes.

COMPETITION: Win a £100 Voucher to spend at Topshop!

Hi guys,
Good news! In honour of the beautiful and sunny weather, I've teamed up with Appliances Online (ao.com) to do a give away of a £100 gift voucher to spend on lovely summery things (or anything you want really!) at Topshop! Ironically before they got in touch I had been checking out Appliances Online this week - we need a new cooker, and then I got sidetracked by looking at SMEG fridges (my current object of lust!)
HOW TO ENTER: To enter all you have to do is leave me a comment in the comments section below telling me what you would spend your voucher on, then email me using the subject title COMPETITION (here's my email address!) so that I have your contact details to get in touch with you if you win! It's that simple!

The competition will close one week from today (that's Friday 9th August) at 12pm, and the winner will be chosen at random.
Good luck everyone!

Love Tor x

(You're email address will only be used to contact you if you win, and your details won't be passed on to anyone else!)

Sneak Peek: A/W13 Mainline collection images from ASOS

Hi guys,
The model and product images from the ASOS mainline womenswear collections landed in my inbox this week, and I immediately poured over them, lusting after several new season items almost immediately. Autumn/winter is by far my favourite season (in terms of both the fashion and the weather) and even when I'm shopping the summer sales in this 30 degree heat it's the coats and the ankle boots i'm looking at, definitely not the bikinis and beach dresses!

The contrasting textures, the muted colours, the grungy feel - this is everything I love about winter summed up in just a few images. Layers and knitwear: it's like a winter-lover's wet dream! There are so many more amazing images from next seasons mainline ASOS collection that I could be sharing dozens of them every week until December, and probably still have more to show off! Can you remember when ASOS stood for 'As seen on screen' and sold dodgy knock offs of celebrities outfits? My how the brand has grown and changed! I really couldn't imagine the online shopping landscape without it now!

Sorry for my radio silence for most of this week. I have been snowed under with freelancing work (definitely not a bad thing!) and that combined with a teething and grumpy baby means there hasn't been much time left for blogging!

What do you think of these first peeks at the ASOS autumn/winter collection? Does it make you lust after winter already, or is just the sight of these tights making your legs feel hot and itchy?

Love Tor xx

July 2013, According to my iPhone...

Hi guys,
I can't believe how fast this year is going: we're already halfway through the summer, and it feels like it's only just started. And with all the events we've got planned for August, I just know that the second half is going to fly by too! Here's what July looked like:

This has been a busy month on the 'doing' front; Mike and I went to Crazy Bear for our anniversary (check out the gorgeous afternoon tea and the London bus reception!) I had an amazing spa day with my sister and my first post-baby night out (mmmm, cocktails!) and, with the addition of the new border, I've finally finished decorating Wilbur's bedroom: the first room in the house that's finally completely completed!

Wilbur has suddenly had a very fast development spurt. He crawls, he stands up and pulls himself up on the furniture, he has two teeth and he steals rice cakes whenever I leave them unattended! This morning I found his attempting to paint my wooden living room floor with a nail varnish - he's going to be such a handful!

So what about me? Well I've been wearing my new Miista sandals from Sarenza on an almost daily basis, shopping for hats for the two weddings we've got coming up, and I've refound my obsession with painting my nails! I'm now back to freelancing fulltime, which I'm loving, even though it's good fun juggling the work with looking after Wilbur! And other than that I've just been enjoying the new found sunshine with my family and friends.

What have you been up to this month? Has anyone got any really exciting plans coming up for August? I'd love to hear all about them!

Love Tor x

Get Involved in London Fashion Week, and Enjoy a Great Film!

Hi guys,
London Fashion Week is fast sneaking up on us, and soon the sunny days will be over and we'll be descending on the cobbles to find out what trends we'll all be wearing this time next year. It's like fashion ground hog day: I feel like I keep doing the same things over and over! I always get very excited about London Fashion Week events everyone can get involved in though: I think fashion should be accessible for everyone, and rather than hang out at Somerset House being sneared at by fashion editors, why not go to a fun event that's free and open to all London fashionistas instead?

During London Fashion Week a Fashion Film festival has been launched in association with Silent Cinema. For 3 nights during LFW, there will be a pop-up, full-sized cinema screen in St Martin’s Courtyard showcasing the following films:
Sunday 15 Sept - Zoolander
Monday 16 Sept - Grey Gardens
Tuesday 17 Sept - The September Issue The St Martin’s Courtyard Fashion Film Festival will open on Sunday 15 September with a salon fashion show in the courtyard followed by the first screening, and will run until Tuesday 17 September.Silent Cinema is beautifully simple: you wear wireless headphones to watch great films on a full size cinema screen. 100 free tickets are available for each screening through a prize draw. If you’re not one of the lucky ones to win a pair of tickets, be one of the first to arrive on the night and there will be a number of tickets available for each screening on a first come first served basis.

For a chance to get hold of a pair of tickets, visit www.stmartinscourtyard.co.uk/fashionfilmfestival and enter your details. Winners will be contacted one week prior to the screening. There will also be tickets available on the night.

I'm going to be there on the Sunday night to watch Zoolander (one of my favourite films of all time!) Will I see any of you guys there too?

Love Tor xx

Shoes: Slightly in love with Terry de Haviland

Hi guys,
I have massively exciting family news this week, which has left me with a huge smile on my face. My little sister Amie is getting married, and I am going to be the (incredibly old sounding) Matron of Honour for the occasion. That means whenever I have been doing any online shopping, I have been deviating towards anything vaguely bridal: think dainty metallic shoes and accessories, floaty lace dresses, and I had a very enjoyable hour looking at the Dreamboys website too (For hen 'do research purposes, of course!)
When I was busy shopping for shoes for another wedding I have to do to next month, probably because I was still thinking about Amie, these incredible gold Terry de Haviland shoes just jumped out at me. Wouldn't these make amazing bridal shoes for a modern, fashion-forward bride?! I've never been much of a fan of delicate and dainty shoes, so these are perfect for me from that point of view. They would look amazing with a dress that showed a little ankle, or even peeping out from under a floor length sheath dress.

I am thinking of getting these for the wedding I am going to (as a guest) in September: they have been reduced in the sale from £353.99 to £212.39 so from a price point of view they're a damn bargain! And the beauty of a statement shoe like this is that you can wear such a simple outfit with them and still look good for any occasion. I love wearing simple black dresses for almost everything, which means I can get away with wearing almost any shoe I like: the more ornate the better, in my opinion!

What do you think? Would you wear a pair of shoes like this for your wedding?

Love Tor x

*Post written as part of a new partnership with Spartoo shoes

How much will you spend on looking good this summer?

Hi guys,
Just received an interesting press release that I thought I would share, because the numbers in it left me a little shocked! I love shopping as much as the next shopping addict, but even I was surprised at how much the average British woman spends on looking good in the summer: especially given the British summer is so short! But according to research from Lambrini, the average British woman spends £800 on looking good in the summer! Wow.
Here's how the figures are broken down: More than two thirds (67 per cent) say they splash out more on looking good in July than in any other month. A combination of outdoor events and big social occasions like weddings means 80 per cent will spend £400 on new clothes, while 89 per cent will book-in for £400 of beauty treatments too.

And if that sounds expensive, one in eight British women interviewed for the Lambrini research admits spending £800 on a new hot weather wardrobe. If that sounds like a lot, one in 20 woman say they spend over £1,500 on their summer wardrobe!! Erm, ouch!

I would guess that so far this summer (Despite having two weddings, two christenings and an engagement party to attend, and going on holiday in October) I have only spent around £200. Are British women not wearing any of the clothes they already have in their wardrobe any more?!

How much have you spend on your summer wardrobe? Are you buying a new dress for every summer social occasion you attend, or do you (shock horror) wear the same dress twice, and reuse clothes you've worn last summer? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this: maybe £800 isn't as much money to spend in a month as it feels to me!

Love Tor xx

The Summer Sales: An Extra 10% off with ASOS!

Hi guys,
All the summer sales seem to be dwindling down, but if you're a concerted bargain hunter like me, that can only be a good thing. It means that rather than getting 30% or 50% off, you can now get up to a whopping 70% off at all of your favourite shops. And if you like ASOS then I have even more exciting news. As well as the sale having up to 70% off, you can now get an extra 10% off all sale items when you enter the promo code TAKE10 at the checkout: that means that theoretically, you could get up to a whopping 80% off your favourite ASOS goodies!

Here are some of my favourite pieces with 70% off (80% off if you remember to apply the extra discount code!) I'm having a mini shopping spree, because I just can't believe how cheap everything is! Purple ruffle front blouse, Was £28 Now £8 (Or £7.20 with that code!)
Top with floral print and cut out back, Was £36 Now £10.50 (Or £9.45 with the code)
Midi dress with embroidered lace top, Was £50 Now £15 (Or £13.50 with the code)
Studded leather look jacket, Was £70 Now £21 (Or £18.90 with the code)
Studded shoulder coat, Was £100 Now £30 (Or £27 with the code)
Lucky U chunky jumper, Was £35 Now £10.50 (Or £9.45 with the code)

There's currently the perfect mix of high summer pieces and more wintery pieces (some of which will still be just as on trend for the approaching autumn/winter!) I just ordered the floral print top, the lucky U jumper and I'm giving serious consideration to buying the coat with the studded shoulders too. I just can't resist a good stud, and I really can't resist a bargain as good as these!

Have you done any shopping this weekend? Have you picked up any bargains, and which shops have you been shopping in? I'd love to hear all about it, and any sale shopping tips too!

Love Tor x

Shoes: My perfect summer feet!

Hi guys,
Well I'm going to state the obvious and say that it is scorching!! I am currently alternating my time between hiding inside in the shade (the perfect time to go to an air conditioned shopping centre!) and sitting under a parasol in the garden with my feet in the paddling pool - ahh, the joys of freelancing!

Keeping my feet comfortable in this weather is a daily challenge: not glamorous I know, but my feet tend to swell in the heat. I still want to look good though (obviously!) so I need sandals that look amazing paired with simple cotton sundresses, shorts and leggings, but still keep my feet comfortable and give them room to expand at will! I have found the perfect solution: these super-sexy Jonak sandals from Sarenza.
These are the most comfortable leather sandals I have ever owned. The leather sole is slim and flexible and the pony skin leather upper is so soft: it's like wearing butter on your feet! Because the straps are adjustable and the sides are open it doesn't matter whether my feet are swollen (there's that glamour again!) or their normal size: the shoes still feet comfortable and look great. I promise you, these are like the holy grail of summer shoes!

What are you wearing to keep cool in the heat? And do you have any tips for look sleek and put together when inside you feel like you're melting? I'd love to hear them! I'm not sure I'm keeping my composure at all this week!

Love Tor x

*I am a Sarenza Brand Ambassador

Primark AW13: Another peek (Because it's all so good!)

Hi guys,
As you're reading this I am at The Crazy Bear in Stadhampton celebrating my 2nd wedding anniversary. But I thought I'd leave you guys with some yummy scrummy Primark fun! I get back tomorrow, and I'll share all the details of my trip!

After last week's peek at some of the campaign images from Primark's autumn/winter offerings, I thought we should have a look at some more of the product we've got to look forward to. I said it last week, and I'll say it again, I'm so excited for all of this stuff to land in store! It's a range that really appeals to me because it's lady-like, grown-up, massively wearable and would fit in so nicely with my existing wardrobe.
Image 1: Sweatshirt, £10. Trousers, £8. Shoes, £18.
Image 2: Jacket, £25. T shirt, £12. Trousers, £16. Shoes, £14. Necklace, £8.
Image 3: Jumper, £10. Shirt, £10. Jeans, £13. Shoes, £14. Earrings, £5.
Image 4: Dress, £13. Boots, £20. Tights, £3.50.
Image 5: Sweatshirt, £12. Skirt, £6. Shoes, £18. Necklace, £8.
Image 6: Coat, £25. Sweatshirt, £10. Trousers, £8. Shoes, £14. Earrings, £5.

The peep toe ankle boots are gorgeous: I tried on a similar pair in Topshop last week, and they were £75. They'd look great with coloured tights or skinny jeans! I also really like the cobalt blue coat, which has an awesome, retro 1980s feel. My final pick? That chunky knit dusty pink jumper is a piece you would buy and wear again and again. It's so versatile, and could be dressed up or down.

Want to see more? Check out last week's post showing the first peek at Primark's new season campaign images.

Is there anything that's caught your eye this time? And what do you think about the new Primark autumn/winter collection - are you tempted to start shopping?

Love Tor x

Looking Back: Two Years Ago Today....

Hi guys,
Today is my wedding anniversary. Two years ago today was a Friday, it was hot and sunny, and it was my wedding day. To celebrate Mike and I are going to The Crazy Bear in Stadhampton, where we will be having an Alice in Wonderland afternoon tea, dinner in their award winning restaurant, then a champagne breakfast tomorrow morning. It's the first time since he was born that I've left Wilbur for more than an hour or two, and I'm both excited and nervous.
To celebrate this, and because I'm feeling nostalgic (and because it's my blog so I can if I want to!) I'm prescheduling this post and sharing some of my wedding pictures. Again. Because you aren't sick of seeing these already. I know it's self-indulgent, but I have these scattered all over our house, and I never get tired of looking at them. Two years have gone so quickly, and so much has changed already. Let's see what happens after many more wedding anniversaries to come! Wedding season is in full swing again this year - I love weddings, and we have another two to go to before the year it out. They're such a wonderful way of sharing love and happiness with your family and friends - especially when you're the bride!

I hope you have something lovely planned for this week, and that you're feeling as happy and lucky today as I am!

Love Tor x

Shoes: Quirky Leopard Print Heels!

Hi guys,
Largely due to the popularity of Jeffrey Campbell's mega-heels with fashion bloggers around the world, quirky and unusual shaped sandals are very much 'in!' I've got a pair of the Jeffrey Campbell rocking horse shoes, and they get compliments everywhere I wear them. But I have a not-very-secret, secret about them: they just aren't that comfortable!

These platform sandals, despite their height and the kinky heel, do look like they'd be comfortable though. I think it's because of the buttery soft leather upper and the adjustable ankle strap. I'd never heard of the brand Casadei before, but when I fell in love with these shoes I did a little research. Launched in 1958 in Italy, Casadei is a family-owned company that's proud of it's values and roots. I love Italian leather shoes, and the styles are a perfect blend of classic and glamourous.

I admit that I can imagine Nancy Dell'Olio wearing these, but wouldn't they look amazing with a tan and bright red toe nails? Team with jeans or a little black dress for that little bit of WAG glamour we all aspire to every now and again (Even if we don't admit it!)

The additional discounts on the Spartoo sale means that these shoes are now a whopping 70% off: reduced from a huge £526.99 to a much more affordable £158.10. If you want a pair of your own you can buy them here.

Love Tor x

* Post written as part of a new partnership with Spartoo shoes

The Summer Sales: Winter boots at Sarenza

Hi guys,
The Sarenza sale is now in it's second month, and it's still going strong: in fact, if anything, the discounts just keep getting bigger! The thing I like most about the Sarenza sale though is that, unlike other stores and websites, is that it's not just the summer stock that's been discounted. You'll also find amazing discounts on pumps, wintery heels, and even boots. So if you're organised and thinking about next winter, you could get an absolute steal on your winter boots if you buy them now in, ahem, July!

I like to be organised, and my taste in winter boots leans towards the classic anyway, so picking up sale bargains works perfectly for me. Regardless of your tastes, or the kinds of boots you like, I think they have something for everyone. Here are my picks of the best boots available in the sale right now: Emu Australia floral boots. Was £200, now £100. Buy them here.
Camel Georgia Rose biker boots. Was £95, Now £38. Buy them here.
Jeffrey Campbell pink studded boots. Was £160, Now £64. Buy them here.
Mustang cowboy boots. Was £70 Now £33.60. Buy them here.
Tan heeled ankle boots. Was £140 Now £56. Buy them here.
Sweetie wellington boots. Was £31 Now £18.60. Buy them here.

So what do you think? Am I a savvy bargain hunter, or absolutely mental for thinking about next winter when the sun is shining so brightly? And will you be checking out next seasons boots this July?

Love Tor x

*I am a Sarenza brand ambassador

The Summer Sales: Starting with River Island!

Hi guys,
The summer sales are well and truly in full swing! I popped into the city for a mini shopping trip yesterday, and struggled to find a single store that didn't have a huge sale sign in the window! As has become tradition, the first sale I want to talk about is River Island. Usually I come out with bagfuls of stuff, but this time I only picked up two vests: one of which, I have to say, is the most flattering vest I have ever owned!
I could have spent a small fortune on bags and shoes, which are always the highlight of the River Island sale for me, but I showed some rare restraint, and actually put the two bags I was carrying back! So if you do pop to the River Island sale what can you expect to find in store? And what do I think are the biggest bargains available? Here are my picks:
Red oversized slouchy jacket, Was £35 now £20
Black and white drop hem dress, Was £28 now £15
Black and white 3D flower Tshirt, Was £15 now £7
Orange skull studded slipper shoes, Was £28 now £12
Red one shoulder pencil dress, Was £45 now £15
Pink fluro 'famous' belt, Was £10 now £3
Pink stone ring, Was £8 now £2
Cream studded clutch bag, Was £50 now £25

I chose these pieces because you'll still be able to wear them through the autumn too, and given we aren't expected to have much of a summer, if you pick up any high summer bargains then you're unlikely to get a lot of wear out of them!

The sale is available in store and online at RiverIsland.com, and is well worth checking out! Have you shopped the River Island sale so far this sales season? And have you had any amazing bargains?

Love Tor x