SS13:Get frock happy with the ASOS look book!

Hi guys,
I'm a self confessed dress addict (the blog title is probably a dead giveaway of this!) so whenever I see a new look book or stack of product shots, my eyes immediately make a bee line for the dresses. The glitzier the better: and nevermind the fact that I don't actually have anywhere to wear them! So when I saw the latest spring/summer press images from ASOS I did my usual 'look at the pretty frocks' trick. And I definitely wasn't disappointed!!
Green shift dress with 3D flower lace, £120
Metallic deep plunge skater dress, £45
Fluro spot shirt dress, £50
Red mini dress with laser cut flowers, £150
Denim look oversized shift dress, £35
Shift dress with cornelli trim, £85

The dresses on my "must-have immediately" list are the denim oversized shift and the pretty pink fluro shirt dress (my particular favourite!) Both would be perfect for just throwing on with sandals for a put-together, pretty summer look; and it's this ease that is my favourite thing about wearing dresses. My favourite dress from the full selection above is the green lame' and yellow lace number: I know it would be unflattering on my figure (because its so shapeless) and lets face it, when does someone wear something like that anyway (?) but nonetheless it immediately caught my attention, and I think it looks great!

Which of my selection is your favourite? What do you think of the new selection of spring/summer dresses from ASOS? As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts!!

Love Tor x

SS13: Must have Primark's newest collections

Hi guys,
I know it's snowing outside, so obviously it makes perfect sense that all I can think about is what I'm going to be wearing when Spring finally makes an appearance. Or not. Admittedly it might be a while before we get to wear any of them, but towards the end of every season I get itchy to start buying from the new season collections. And the good news is, they're starting to pop up instore soon. As the sale stock is taken out, the fresh bright colours of spring are coming in.

If you want to see which new season catwalk trends the highstreet has picked up on and will be attempting to replicate you can do a lot worse that to look towards first Topshop, and second Primark. Here are the publicity shots showcasing Primark's latest offerings:
Gilet £18, Dress £15, Stud creeper £14, Bum bag £5, Socks £1.50

Dress £20, Heels £12, Sunglasses £3.

Jumper £10, Skirt £10, Studded creeper £14, Mens cap £4.


Heels £12, Sunglasses £3, Trousers tbc

To be honest, the way they have styled this photoshoot is all a little young and urban for my personal tastes. The affect of this being that I thought I didn't like any of it. But actually, if you look at each piece in isolation, there is a lot to like: the mint green chiffon dress in the first picture, for example. And the pretty rope-style sandals in the second picture.

Does anything from the new collection take your fancy? And have you had any Primark bargains lately? I'd love to hear all about them!

Love Tor x

Create Christmas glamour with House of Fraser

Hi guys,
I don't know about you, but nothing fills me with more dread than the thought of a formal Christmas party. Especially one where you don't really know anyone well enough to ask them what they're wearing (I'm thinking of husband's/boyfriend's work Christmas parties in particular). You don't want to go too formal, and be the most overdressed person in the room. But you also don't want to just throw on a little black dress and be the most underdressed person in the room if everyone else is in floorlength gowns. Frankly, it's a sartorial minefield!!

So when I saw these images from House of Fraser I both immediately fell in love with them, and then sighed a sigh of relief. House of Fraser have gone for all-out glamour when it comes to their Christmas campaign. And if you have a formal Christmas party to go to, there's something for everyone:




It's like the heyday of the 1920s come to life again. I really like the opulence of it, and suddenly have an urge to head out and buy pearls! I particularly love the beaded dress in the top picture, and the floorlength dress in the second: it's knot detail at the waist means it will be especially flattering on not-so-perfect tummies: just what I'm looking for!

You'll find all of the House of Fraser dresses here.

How many Christmas parties do you have to go to this year? They sometimes feel never-ending, don't they! Have you decided what you're wearing yet? I'd love to know and steal some of your inspiration!!

Love Tor xx

PS - Don't forget to enter my Christmas giveaway: there is a great selection of little prizes to be won!! 

Hot Leather In the City

It is officially fall and the weather is finally cooling down, so now is prime time to rock your favorite fall trends. Last year, we posted about the faux leather trend, and this year the trend continues. Today's focus is on faux leather dresses,  which we absolutely love but are a bit wary of pulling off. Our theory is that you can start off gradual with just some leather embellishments and then before you know it, you will be clad head to toe in leather like Angelina Jolie on the red carpet.

1.  The Limited | 2. DKNY | 3. Aqua | 4. Urban Code | 5. Urban Hearts | 6. Top Shop

 XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Peplum Love

Our favorite fashion trend right now is the peplum look. It makes your waist look teeny tiny and tastefully covers up the tummy, giving a girl the perfect silhouette. Of course, the peplum look is not for everyone -- just take a look at Kim Kardashian. That said, we absolutely love how the peplum looks feels both 80s throwback and sci-fi futuristic at the same time. Our motto is, you never know until you try!

1. Top Shop  | 2. Oasis  | 3. Urban Outfitters | 4. H&M | 5. Anthropologie | 6. Aqua

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

George at Asda: In which I forgot to buy any potatoes.....

Hi guys,
Yesterday I popped to Asda to buy some bits and pieces for dinner (I was planning on making a Shepherds pie- glamourous life!) when I got so distracted by all of the 'New In' George range, that I forgot to buy the potatoes: an essential Shepherds pie ingrediant! Their high summer collection has just arrived, and it's made me think about summer holidays, and the warm weather that hasn't quite arrived yet.

Although I always admire the George collection at their press days, I almost never shop there (as that isn't where I do my supermarket shop) and was interested to see if they had the same gorgeous stuff in store as they do when they showcase the collection to the press. Here are my picks of what I saw yesterday:

The verdict? George is definitely still a great place to shop, and there are some real gems in their collection. Pretty patterned bras for £8? What's not to like! And aside from Primark, perhaps, where else can you get fashionable swimwear for your summer holidays at such low prices! A lot of the fashion is really lovely too: I liked the beige and silver jumper so much that I snapped it up straight away!

The not-so-good? Maybe it's a sign of my age, but the G21 range (shown in pictures 3) which I used to admire for being so fashion-forward, now strikes me as garish and unappealing. Lots of very bright colours and obviously cheap fabrics. And why embellish everything?! I, for one, very see teenage girls covered in that many sequins: they have more taste!

Nonetheless, I will definitely be checking out George again next time I pop into Asda to forget to do my shopping!

Love Tor xx

I wish my wardrobe looked like my-wardrobe.com!

Hi guys,
Lets just start this off with a big old sigh. A sigh because when I look in my wardrobe I see a whole lot of high street (and a disproportionate amount of black!) instead of the effortless designer wardrobe I often create in my minds eye. A wardrobe that could come straight from the frock section of my-wardrobe.com.

When it comes to fantasy dress shopping I am often to be found wasting hours away pouring over Net-a-Porter mentally decimating my credit card and/or savings account. But I may have to switch my allegiences. Because a selection of  My-wardrobe Dresses are currently blowing my mind! Prepare to have your mind blown too:

Alice by Temperley Rana dress, £222
Vivienne Westwood bronze dress, £107
Carven one shoulder tribal dress, £357
Tilda black sheen pleated dress, £231 
Antik Batik aztec mini dress, £239
Elizabeth and James floral dress, £220
DKNY animal print tunic dress, £157

My favourite, predictably, is the most expensive of my picks: the Carven tribal dress. But alot of the other frocks are surprisingly affordable: £107 for gold Vivienne Westwood. Erm, how exactly can I say no?! I love it when the sales start....even these gorgeous dresses start to look affordable.....

Have you started shopping the mid season sales yet? And what are you looking for? A few designer pieces at half the prices, or lots and lots of high street at bargain prices? And you a quality or quantity shopper?

Love Tor xx 

PS - Don't forget to enter my competition to win one of TEN St Tropez tanning sprays or lotions worth £26 each!  

*Sponsored post

Fresh Faced Florals

As Meryl Streep's character says in The Devil Wears Prada, "Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking..." And we get it, it's a bit overplayed and cliched, but there's a reason for that! Large floral prints remind us of Kelly Kapowski -- effortlessly beautiful, carefree and casual. If you don't want to look too Laura Ashley, then dress down your look by mixing prints, throwing on a military jacket, or adding a pair of lace up boots. Otherwise tousle your hair, put on a charm bracelet, and in no time Zack Morris and A.C. Slater will be vying for your attention.

1. Mod Cloth | 2. Free People | 3. Asos | 4. Urban Outfitters | 5. Citizens of Humanity

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Lovely in Lace

We love love love white lace for Spring. It's so fresh, classy, and romantic, and when worn right brings out your inner Kate Middleton. The trick is to find a look that isn't too demure or over the top, and with just a touch of sexy. For a sweeter look, go for soft curls and delicate accessories. Or vamp it up with some red lipstick or black accessories. Who said lace is only for doilies?

1. Free People | 2. Asos | 3. Charlotte Russe | 4.  Bhldn | 5. Forever 21 | 6. Mod Cloth

 XOXO,

Jen & Saira

The Overlooked store tour: Phase Eight

Hi guys,
Today's stop on the whirlwind trip of our overlooked store tour is Phase Eight. Now I am prepared to concede that this isn't exactly an overlooked store: my mum shops there frequently and even wore one of their dress/jacket suits to my wedding. But this is an 'overlooked' store for your average mid-twenty something. Or at least, and overlooked store my me, because I never pop in and check it out. And I'm making a grave mistake!

Phase Eight has a great selection of slick and stylish separates that would be perfect for work wear. And I've spotted at least half a dozen wearable, amazing quality dresses on their website that I would love to add to my wardrobe! I think their strength definitely lies in occasion wear, such as outfits for weddings and more formal parties. But I was wrong to assume that this was only the case for an older clientele.
Floral blouse, £59. Palazzo trousers, £59.
Lace cotton shift dress, £99.
Geisha fan dress, £110. Clutch bag, £60.

I don't like the strapless dresses you find in Coast for weddings and events: anything that requires a strapless bra just doesn't work for me. Shiny satin is not the friend of anyone over 20 and under 50 unless you're being ironic. And, in my opinion at least, a friends wedding really isn't the place for a frock so short that barely covers your modesty.

So bearing all that in mind, I have officially changed my mind about Phase Eight. It's perfect for stylish women of any age: and I include myself in that category!

Would you/do you shop in Phase Eight? And what have been your experiences? I'd love to hear all about it!

Love Tor xx

PS - Don't forget to enter my competition to win a piece of handmade jewellery.

The Shape of Love

To continue with last year's tradition, here are our favorite heart-shaped items to commemorate Valentine's Day. From tops to accessories to home decor, we love heart-shaped anything (especially chocolates). And if this post doesn't fulfill your heart's desire (!), then check out assorted hearts, a pretty and sweet blog that shares random images of the universal symbol of love.

1. Top Shop | 2. Asos | 3. Delia*s | 4. Aqsa | 5. bhldn | 6. 8000 Nerves | 7. Yardsale Press | 8. Forever 21 | 9. Urban Outfitters

<3

Jen & Saira

Deeply Yours

Is it nearing the end of January already?! Valentine's Day is approaching which for some means adding an insane amount of red to your wardrobe. Our snarky side hates color coding holidays, but then we go ahead and do it anyway. If you want to be a little festive but not seem over-the-top-weird, then forego the candy red and instead try on a deep, rich red / maroon / burgundy for a more mature and professional look. The rich full color adds drama to any outfit, but is still understated enough to wear in the office. Plus, the deep red hue tends to look good with every skin tone.

1. Victoria's Secret | 2. Bettie Page | 3. Urban Outfitters | 4. American Eagle |

 5. Steve Madden | 6. Ralph Lauren | 7. Express |

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Glitter Me This

Alright, so we know everyone is focused on Christmas and Hanukkah right now, but we are obsessed with New Year's Eve! This is mainly because one of our good friends is getting married on the 31st and we are determined to celebrate in style. For us (and most retailers) New Year's Eve means sparkles, sequins, and glitter -- the more, the better! This year there are so many styles to choose from, so drape yourself in some festive wear and celebrate the new year in style.

1. BCBG | 2. Top Shop | 3.  Asos | 4. Aidan Mattox | 5. Banana Republic | 6. French Connection | 7. Cynthia Steffe 8. Express

Let the countdown begin!

And, don't forget, we start giving away some FREE STUFF next week!  If you or your friends haven't added us to Facebook or made any recent comments be sure to encourage them to do so and be entered to win.  Win what, you might ask?  Well, we'll be sure to give you a little preview over the weekend.  But, to peak your interest, we can say we have some great gifts from Glamourpuss, Orange Tabby Press, Naki Nagi, Wink and Flip, Heaven and Earth LLC, Yardale Press, KC Tararuj, Danielle Rizzolo, and even MORE wonderful artists!  Check out these artists here and be sure to try to catch some of them at the BUST Craftacular this Saturday and Sunday!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Are You A Gypsy Warrior?

We are so excited for our friend Michele Bezoa (co-founder of the Gypsy Warrior brand along with her pal Nicla DiCosmo) for the grand opening of their flagship store! We've featured Gypsy Warrior products on our site before (and included it as part of our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway last year), but today we wanted to share some of our favorite finds that are available online. We love Gypsy Warrior for its ability to blend the old with the new, the edgy with the classy, and the boho with the rock and roll... in other words, the gypsy with the warrior! If you're in New Jersey, be sure to check out the boutique located on 43 Hudson Street in Ridgewood, NJ 07450, or shop online. Just be sure to act fast -- there are some hot items!

1. Brass Multi Chain Stud Necklace | 2. Luna Dress | 3. Drape Across Mocha Dress | 4. Ivory Crochet Poncho Shawl | 5. Suede Fringe Bag | 6. Tassel Dress | 7. Braided Feather Headband | 8. Sheer Angel Sleeve Dress

Happy Shopping!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Peter Pan Style

We love Peter Pan collars this season. We love the soft, demure school girl look that can still be sexy and professional. Think Michelle Williams and Carey Mulligan, ever graceful, stylish, but with a little bit of edge. While this look can be a bit youthful, pair it with a pencil skirt or sexy heels to give it a grown up look. Also, steer clear from barrettes and headbands... that may be overkill.

1. Alloy | 2. Forever 21 | 3.Yes Style | 4. Asos | 

5. Top Shop |6. Nordstrom | 7. Urban Outfitters | 8. Modcloth

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

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

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

Spring 2012 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: Victoria Beckham

No longer known as Posh Spice, Victoria Beckham has created an empire. She is one of the few designers who creates classic looks that people will actually wear. off the runway without looking like they're trying too hard. This season her collection varied from mod to preppy chic, with slim fitting dresses to sexy-yet-boxy military style coats. While we wish the color palette was a bit more diversified, we love the monochrome look and expect to see the high halter neck dresses on all the celebrities this season.

Image credits: New York Magazine

Vera Wang Bridesmaid Collection

 The old saying, "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" doesn't quite have the same meaning when the bridesmaids are decked out in Vera Wang.  Vera Wang's highlight anticipated Bridesmaid Collection with David's Bridal was revealed earlier this summer. Ranging from $150 - $250, these dresses are sleek, stylish, and incredibly affordable. The dresses come in a variety of colors to fit your palette, and range from elegant gowns to flirty frocks, perfect to fit every wedding style. Take a look!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira