Shoes: The perfect studded boots from Topshop

Hi guys,
Am I allowed to change my mind and have a new favourite purchase from the sales? Because if I am, it would definitely be these studded boots from Topshop:
And they were a serious bargain! The original price was £80. They were reduced to £50, and having tried them on I decided to snap them up straight away. Then, when I got to the till I discovered they'd been reduced again and I ended up paying just £30 for these babies: you wonder if that even covers the cost of the leather!

It just goes to show that even though the sales are dwindling down, it's definitely worth popping in to some of your favourite shops to see what they have left and further reduced: you could be pleasantly surprised.

Here are some of the best sale offers still on right now:
Debenhams Blue Cross Sale -Up to 70% off (also available online)
Boots 75% off all Christmas gift sets
Matalan 70% off (also available online)
Warehouse 70% off
Topshop: Further reductions (discounts vary)

These boots are going to look great teamed with my gold studded leather jacket. And the best thing is, they look just as good when they're worn with tights and skirts as they do with jeans and trousers. Could they be a contender for the crown of my new favourite boots? It's too early to tell. But lets just say my beloved H by Hudson boots should sleep with one eye open....

Love Tor x

Boots sale: Where there is Soap there is Glory

Hi guys,
One of the sales I always check out is the Boots sale: straight after Christmas all of their gift sets are reduced by 50%. Later in the month the reduction will be increased to seventy percent, but the products available by that point are usually pretty limited: shoppers have already snapped up all the best stuff!

As well as picking up a few birthday gifts for family and friends, the thing I have my eyes peeled for are Soap and Glory sets. I really love the scent of their bath products and buy them regularly, full price or not. So getting them in the sale is a real treat! When I popped into my local Boots on the 27th I got the hand wash and hand lotion set for £5 (reduced from £10) and the travel miniatures set for £9 (reduced from £18) which I will be saving for our next holiday in February!

Other great brands and products I spotted were Charles Worthington hair sets, French Connection bath sets for men and women (complete with lovely wash bags) and even some gorgeous Jamie Oliver cookery sets. There were huge Champneys boxes full of products too - basically I could have spent a small fortune filling my bathroom with gorgeous lovely-smelling goodies!

Have you checked out the Boots sale yet? Are reduced toiletries on your sale shopping itinerary? And if so what have you picked up so far?

Love Tor x

Daily Wear: Don't step on my blue suede boots!

Hi guys,
Believe me when I say that I am so excited for the day to come when I am not  wearing maternity jeans any more. For the last nine months they have been my uniform, and I actually have hot sweaty dreams about tea dresses, patterned tights, and a certain leather skirt I have been saving for nearly 8 weeks (I couldn't risk it going out of stock, even though I can't wear it yet!) I want to get my style back, goddammit!! Sigh and end rant.

Nonetheless, I do try to make an effort with my jean-y ensembles every now and again. And today was no exception, as we tackled the crowds in the city to throw ourselves into the festive spirit and shop for some Christmas decorations.. Here is my latest jeans-based outfit for the occasion:



Jeans, Debenhams (Red Herring maternity)
Leopard print coat, Next
Scarf, Missoni from TKMaxx
Handbag, Pucci
Blouse, George Maternity @ Asda

The suede ankle boots are from Espirit, c/o Sarenza. They come in three different colours (red, black, and blue) but I just couldn't resist these vibrant blue ones! In a stroke of luck, they match my new Missoni scarf perfectly too (totally a happy coincidence, as I ordered the boots before I found the scarf!)

I worry about the practicality of blue suede and puddles, but since when has fashion been about being practical, right? What are you wearing today? Taunt me, and let me know all about your newest pretty dress!

Love Tor xx

Shoes: I'm bringing Boho back! (?)

Hi guys,
This season the main boot trends are chelsea boots, studded rock chick leather, sleek wedges, metallic banana heels...the list goes on. All great trends I can get behind, and all lovely boots I poured over on the Sarenza website. The trend most definitely is not for moccasin boots.

Which is why it seems illogical that the latest boots I've fallen in love with are exactly that. Not on trend at all: in fact, they remind me of Sienna Miller/Kate Moss in the height of the boho trend, circa 10 years ago! But I just can't get enough of them. And I think they look great!



These moccasin boots from Chocolate Schubar at Sarenza are as gorgeous in the flesh as they looked in the photos. I love the way the top pulls together in a draw string style, and the lace is made of the same suede as the boot itself: a really nice touch! They'll be perfect teamed with skinny jeans and chunky knit jumpers and cardigans for those casual days that seem to happen much more often in winter than in summer.

They look great paired with my favourite tan Pucci bag, and they're so soft that they literally mold themselves around my feet. Maybe they'll even challenge my beloved H by Hudson boots to be my new favourites! It just goes to show that sometimes following 'the trends' can be overrated, and it's much better to just buy what you like!

Now I want your confessions! Do you have any not-quite-on-trend items in your wardrobe that you just can't live without? Any pieces you just can't bear to part with? Go on, you can tell me....

Love Tor xx

Fabfrocks loves: My new ECCO boots

Hi guys,
For the past 6 months, my life has been largely a heels-free zone. Heels and pregnancy aren't exactly best buds: I've been wearing pumps, slipper shoes and my glitziest flipflops instead! And all the winter boots I've been busy stocking up on are flat as pancakes. When it comes to giving my feet the comfort they crave, flats are always my very first option. But then these gorgeous boots from ECCO arrived, and they are so so damn comfortable, that for the first time in months, I left the house wearing heels!

My new boot is a revelation. It's called the Sculptured 65 from ECCO, and it is the perfect mix of sexy shoe (with its 6.5cm heel) and I-can-wear-this-all-day comfort, thanks to its inbuilt comfort technology: Each boot comes with a textile lining, a leather inlay sole covered with the ECCO Comfort FibreSystem, and a moisture-absorbent circulation system. Which is a fancy way of saying they're really padded inside, meaning it feels like you're walking on a cushion! I'm not sure how even the biggest heel hater could fail to feel comfortable in these!

I've worn these beauties three times since they arrived last week, and they're so versatile they go with almost everything! So how did I style my new boots? Well up until now I've teamed them with a slinky black dress for a dinner date with my husband, and leggings and an oversized paisley shirt for a trip to the shops. And today, I'm wearing them with a simple blouse and rolled up jeans: my favourite look so far!!  The patent finish of the shoes immediately makes my favourite jeans look and feel so much smarter! Because I love matching, all I need now is a black patent leather bag and I'll be able to wear these boots everywhere!

What do you think of the ECCO shoe? There's loads more in the range (different styles, same level of comfort) that I heartily recommend checking out on the website? Do you look for comfort when you're shopping for heels? And how would you have styled my new boots? As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Love Tor xxx

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My new A/W Boots....Yes, already!

Hi guys,
August is such an awkward month. The weather is too warm and sunny to really want to put serious thought into your new season wardrobe (let's face it, who wants to think about coats when you're still wearing flip flops?) The problem is, it's far too late to be buying summer clothes too: and the chances of finding any in store, apart from in the dregs of the sale, are minimal anyway.

But me? Well, I like to plan ahead. And Autumn/Winter is my favourite season of all; I love it when it's cold, I love seeing my breath when I'm walking. I love frost, and snow, and wrapping up warm. Bonfire night, and Halloween and Christmas. You get the idea!

So August is the time I start planning my new Autumn/Winter wardrobe. And this year, I've started with my boots first. Here are my two new pairs:



H by Hudson Horrigan boots, Sarenza, £170 
Georgia Rose Bilboq boots, Sarenza, £72.50 

I love both pairs! The H by Hudson boots will look amazing with either my favourite tan or black leather handbags, and they're so comfortable and versatile. The neon and sand Georgia Rose boots make more of a statement, but when you don't want to make an effort with your outfit, statement boots are just what you need!

Luckily my winter boots from last year (One pair of zebra print ankle boots, and one pair of studded black cowboy-style boots) are still going to be very much on-trend this winter! And I have my tall Bearpaw sheepskin boots for those really snowy days. I would like a pair of knee high riding boots (my nod to this season's Heritage trend) which I have my eyes open for but other than that, I think the winter boot box of my new season checklist can be well and truly ticked!

Love Tor xx

Nice Bootie

Our trip to the mall this weekend helped us scope out some of the things we hope to pick up during those black Friday and cyber Monday sales. One of the main items on our list is a cute pair of booties.  Recently Jen went on a boot bender and ordered at least a dozen boots from Zappos before finding the perfect pair of knee high boots to fit her wide calves. But while knee high boots are sexy, and great for those of us who can't bear the thought of giving up our skirts in the winter, the hassle that comes with finding a pair can be frustrating. Measuring calves, packaging and returning, struggling to zip them - it's all very time consuming and somewhat stressful. So, put down that measuring tape and focus your energy on snagging yourself a great pair of ankle booties. Ankle booties are really popular right now and can be dressed up for work or down for casual get togethers. Wear these heeled booties with your jeans and sparkly top or a cute dress and tights for a holiday worthy look that is casually cool and chic:

1. Nine West | 2. Anthropologie | 3. DKNYC | 4. Kimchi Blue |

5. Seychelles | 6. Jessica Simpson | 7. Madewell | 8. Steve Madden |

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Jack Frost Can Nip Someone Else's Toes, Thank You

All of these winter snowstorms have got us going crazy for winter boots  and there's even more snow expected to come into our area tomorrow! In the search for a great boot, we're torn between fashion and function, especially when we think how we'll be navigating the snowy channels on our way to work. The trick is, of course, finding a boot that is practical, warm, but still looks good. While we haven't found "the perfect boot," we have found a number of boots that will suit your needs.  Take a look below!

We are huge fans of of the Sorel Tivoli boot, which looks like a hybrid of a rain boot and snow boot. It's waterproof, with great traction and fur lining... what else can you want in a winter boot? We especially love the plaid pattern, and think this is the perfect casual boot for a girl with a fun sense of style.

No discussion of serious winter boots can go without a shout out to the famous Russian Valenki boots. While not the most gorgeous choice out there, they will keep your feet warm and dry. They come with removable galoshes, which they suggest you wear if the snow is more slush than powder. Made of 100% wool, these boots actually form to fit your feet, which is very Back to the Future Part II.  You know these are the real deal... those Russians don't mess around when it comes to the snow.

Another more "serious" winter boot are the Janey boots by Northface. Like the Valenki boots, they come equipped for slush with a rubber sole. They are also water proof, have a faux fur lining, and are made from recycled materials. We also love the side laces... très chic.

 Wearing hot pink never looks serious but, kid you not, this is a serious winter boot. Moon Boots are a a ski fashion staple and are super warm, waterproof, and incredibly lightweight. When you slip them on, you feel like you're walking on air... or perhaps the moon.  They come in an array of colors and styles, but are known for their rounded, oversized shape.

Back in 1996, Timberland boots were all the rage. Best known for their iconic yellow work boots, Timberland boots dominated hip hop fashion in the 1990s, but have since faded out of the cultural mainstream. You still see them around nowadays, but what many people don't realize is that the company offers so many different styles, such as this winter lace-up boot. With a rubber sole and fleece lining, this boot is perfect for the winter and is very sleek and stylish. One word of caution: that many laces can be a huge pain in the winter if you have frozen fingers. But we're a huge fan of lace-ups, so we'll take it!

 Another tall, lace-up boot we love is the Winter Transit boot by Columbia. To us, this is the embodiment of urban winter footwear. It's fashionable, sleek, subtle, and practical, which is exactly what you need this winter. It's waterproof, with faux fur lining and a rubber sole for extra traction. It sort of reminds us of something that Russian soldiers would march in in the war against Napoleon... and we know how well that turned out!

Meet the Ugg boot's greatest rival... the Emu boot.  Also made in Australia with sheepskin lining, the Emu boot gets a lot of comparisons to the famous Aussie brand, and is currently facing a law suit from the company. If you check out their website, you'll definitely see the similarity, but this Armadale boot is a different style, and we're really liking the look of it. It looks more equestrian than the typical Ugg boot, is covered in leather rather than suede, and has an interesting top shape.

The classic Ugg boot is the most popular winter boot around. While we were haters of the boot a few years ago, we've come around after actually trying them on. They are incredibly warn and comfortable, and are seriously perfect for a cold winter night. But when it snows or rains, you're in trouble, because the boot isn't waterproof, leaving you with wet feet and stained suede. So if you want a serious winter boot, but love the warmth of Uggs, try the Adirondack boot by Uggs. We're partial to the camel color, although it's also available in dark brown and black. The boot is waterproof with extra traction and, of course, the Ugg staple -sheepskin lining throughout.



Here's to walking in a winter wonderland!



XOXO,



Jen & Saira

AW10: Primark's coats and boots

Hi guys,

Looking through my stats and site traffic yesterday, I couldn't believe how many people were finding the blog by searching for new season Primark boots or coats. But actually, my Primark winter posts are from last winter, so those poor souls won't be able to buy whatever they find! So being the selfless lovely person that I am (ha!) I popped down to Primark armed with my camera to seek out the best of this seasons winter wears: what the people want, the people get!

Primark still don't allow you to take photos in store, and the staff are getting particularly vigilant about enforcing the rules, so apologies if the picture quality isn't great but I had to take these on my iphone:

The camel coat on the top right is the most expensive thing I have ever seen in primark: this cashmere mix coat is £49. I can testament that it feels beautiful though, and it looks great on! The black coat on the top right is exactly the same except that it is a wool mix, and is therefore cheaper at £29. There were lots of military details on coats too, and if you still need protecting from the Autumn showers, they still had all their rain macs and lighter weight coats in store too.

Ahh, the ubiquitous faux Mulberry Alexa, as seen in nearly every store on the high street this winter! The Primark one costs just £9, and they also comes with a matching purse. It's actually a good sized bag, and not bad quality, given the price.

If there's a trend on the high street then you can guarantee that Primark have come up with their own cheaper version of it! The boots instore today were replicas of so many other boots i've seen: cowboy boots, heeled clog boots, biker boots, and traditional knee high boots. There was also the best pair of Gareth Pugh replica-style chunky black wedge boots that I fell absolutely in love with, but sadly I couldn't take a picture!

Another thing worth mentioning is the pajamas! I'm a self confessed pajama addict, and I had a field day in the pajama section of the store where all the winter PJs are out in force, and you can even buy an adult onesy, complete with built-in feet! You can guess what i'll be wearing when the cold nights draw in!

Love, Tor x

Fall Fashion: Combat Boots

If you stepped outside of your house this weekend then you know -- fall is finally here! We posted last week about how the military look is back, and this extends to footwear! Combat boots are a very stylish, and very practical look for this fall. Keep your feet warm and dry and still be in mode. Here are some ways to put your best foot forward:

Play it rough in these chic lace-up combat boots by Steve Madden. Wear them with skinny jeans and a cropped coat, or with tights and a floral skirt for a nice contrast.

For something more edgy, try this zip-up boot by Nine West. Not only does the zipper add some bling, it's a lot easier to zip up than lace up! And you can always unzip just a little and fold over the top for a more casual, slouchy look.

For a non-leather alternative, try this field boot available at Urban Outfitters. It's a slightly more feminine version of the combat boot, with the low heel, subtle stitching, and rounded toe. FYI, the reviews state that the boot runs big, so go for a size up.

Love the utilitarian style, but want something more feminine? Then try on this lace-up ankle bootie from Steve Madden. It's what we imagine the Spice Girls would wear when acting as soldiers during World War I. Rugged but delicate, camouflaged but chic. Power to the world! 

Of course, no list is complete without the classic Doc Martens. These iconic lace-ups are reminiscent of the angst of the early 90s, and if flannel plaid is okay, why not go all the way? Channel your inner Angela Chase (à la My So Called Life) and wear a floral dress with an oversized cardigan and clunky Doc Martens. You'll sure to have Jordan Catalano asking for your number during study break in no time.

For a more updated look, try this more subtle boot with a plaid lining. It still has the iconic sole of the original Doc Marten, but the lacing, fabric, and shape are a bit more casual. The plaid lining gives this boot a little extra flair, and would be perfect for a day of shopping in rainy November.

These boots were made for working!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

April Showers call for Rain Boots!

Happy April, dolls!  Us NY/NJ folks are used to rainy days and typically the month of April is pretty unforgiving.  Although not the most stylish footwear out there, rain boots are certainly practical and sometimes necessary for the woman on the go.  Will they look silly?  Probably... but we've found a few styles that we think are easily wearable and even, if we dare to say it, cute!  Plus, you can guarantee that your feet and your shoes will stay warm and dry until you get to wherever it is you are going, be it work, school, or just running errands around town.  Take a look at some of the ones we think will have you singing in the rain in no time at all:

These boots, available at Delia's, are simple and are pretty cute as far as rain boots go (we love the polka dots!) Gone are the days of getting to class with your socks wet and your jeans soaked!  Just slip your feet into these cute boots and you're feet will stay dry all day long!

Looking for a pair that is still fun but slightly more sophisticated?  Be impermeable to puddles with this colorful, equestrian style boot by Chooka!  We like this boot because it has a longer, more sleek and adult look to it, but is still fun with its youthful bright colors and pattern.  Tuck in your skinny jeans or leggings and you'll be ready to brave any storm!

Chooka seems to be the front runner for the more stylish rain boots, so here is another one that we think is extremely wearable.  This one is the most work friendly so far.  It is has a nice shape, adjustable straps, and the herringbone print which is slightly more professional looking.  Wear these to work while keeping your flats or heels safely tucked away in your purse so you can change when you get to the office!

Of course, you can also opt for the traditional Hunter Wellington boots, which are definitely not just for British fisherman. They come in a variety of colors, but we prefer the classic olive green, navy blue, or black. They're durable and comfortable, and your feet will definitely stay dry. Plus Kate Moss wears them, so that means they must be chic.

Ok, so we know these are kind of weird looking...but, the concept is completely awesome!  We've all had this happen: You get to work or class and it's bright and sunny and you're wearing your cute new peep toe pumps.  Then, you're getting ready to leave when you notice it is completely pouring outside and you've got no choice but to trek it down to the subway station in the rain, completely ruining your shoes and drenching your feet in the disgusting water!  The Shuella is the solution to this problem.  They are rain boots that simply fold up to be carried around in your purse and then, when you need them, they quickly unfold and slip right over your heels (or flats or sandals!) for instant protection.  Completely genius, in our opinion.  Now, if they would just come out with some cute patterns...





Stay dry!





XOXO,

Jen & Saira

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

Bargain of the week!

I have written before about my undying love for Soap and Glory, but this is a deal that I don't think anyone could resist!

It is the Boots offer of the week (less than half price) and it is just £20. For that you get the pretty carry case, 11 full sized products and the pouff and cotton draw string bag as well. I dont want to sound like i'm promoting Boots here, but to put that into perspective, another gift pack with 2 full size products and a shower cap comes in at £15: this is the best bargain i've bought for ages! Here is a close up, so you can see what products are inside:

It all looks and smells so delicious that I wish I could use it all at once! According to the lady who served me in Boots this morning, this has been their most popular offer of the week to date, and they anticipate having run out of the sets completely by tomorrow, despite the offer running until Thursday (Christmas eve) The bf bought me this one, but its such a good deal i'm thinking about going back to get another: that way I have replacements for when this one runs out!

.

PS - Today is "Christmas" in our house (because Mike and I still like to go to our respective families for the festivities) so I have a hoard of lovely presents to share later, and am writing this with my feet soaking in my new Scholl foot spa whilst Mike fetches me candies. Later there will be a Christmas dinner. This is a life I could get used to!!

.

Love, Tor xx

Love of the day... Soap and Glory

So the whole of the soap and glory range is one 3 for 2 at Boots at the minute, and their gift sets are also on 3 for 2 in the Boots Christmas gift range. What better excuse did I need to buy 3 things (paying for only 2 of course!) when I popped to Brent Cross on Sunday afternoon??

I got the body scub, the anti-cellulite gel (it's nearly Christmas - time to panic!) and the convenient spray on moisturiser. Except of course they all have much better names that that (thing no1 I love about Soap and Glory) such as Mist you Madly, The righteous butter, clean on me, and my personal favourite, sexy mother pucker. The lovely man at the counter also gave me 2 of the free gift bags (it must be my winning smile!) which the bf is going to use for my sisters Christmas presents: he isn't one for wrapping paper!

I was given two wonderful Soap and Glory gift sets last Christmas having sampled some of the shower gel ala Becky's house, and I have been hooked ever since.

The packaging is amazing and brightens up your bathroom with its witticisms and vintage bathing beauties (thing no2) and thing I love about Soap and Glory no3 is that each item in the range has the same rich distinctive scent. This means that the more of the products you use the more that smell is layered, and once on it lasts all day. It also compliments every fragrance on my shelf. Oh, and to answer the most important question, in my opinion at least, it works! I user the sexy mother pucker lip gloss on every night out for a magnificent pout and the body butter and moisturiser soften and moisten my skin. If it wasn't so close to Christmas I would be heading down for another 3 for 2 bargain, but i'm hoping santa has another gift set in his sack!

In other news:

• There is no Jimmy Choo @ H&M post because by the time I got there on Sunday nearly everything had sold out
• I saw a poster this morning saying that Brent Cross had started their Christmas opening hours: they're now open until 10pm on weekdays. Woo!!
• Watch this space, because in the next few days I will be launching a competition in collaboration with the lovely folks at Aussie hair.

Have a great day!

Love, Tor xx

PS-I just realised that the pictures I used make this look like an advert but it isn't! I paid for all the products and just wanted to share!! And I felt too lazy to take pictures of my own products - my laziness will be my downfall!!