Fabfrocks chats to: Tats and Tempest

Hi guys,
Ever since I got my ipad, I have been slightly obsessed with it. And when my parents got me a leopard print Steve Madden case for it, it became my favourite fashion accessory: it gets all dressed up and goes everywhere with me! So I totally get why technology accessories are becoming such a fast-growing market. And where there is market growth, there are new brands popping up all the time!

One such brand is Tats and Tempest. Founded and designed by Marcus Tezcan, this is a brand that specialises in gorgeous leather technology accessories: think cases for ipads, laptops, and mobile phones. As soon as I checked out the website I fell slightly in love with a couple of the designs: on-trend enough to make you stand out, but subtle enough to match whatever else you're wearing. Here are some of my faves:

Because i'd fallen slightly in love with his brand, I decided to ask Marcus a couple of questions about his inspirations and where the brand began:

1.When and why did you start making technology accessories?
I started making technology accessories about two and a half years ago on my mums old Singer sewing machine. I'd never sewed anything before so was a bit of a mess to start with, but I got the hang of it pretty quickly and managed to make something that I could actually use. There wasn't a lot available from other designers at the time so I made a sleeve for my new laptop.

2. Why do you work with leather?
Because leather feels great, is luxurious, there are lots to choose from and good quality leather will last a life time which is how long i want my products to last!

3. What inspires you?
People, designers, blogs and Twitter; I love seeing what people are talking about on Twitter. And my mum.

4. Who is your favourite designer?
Currently JW Anderson for his design and structure of clothing. And because they're quite simple but effective. Also, Chris Bailey because he's from Yorkshire and the impact he has had on Burberry has been amazing.

5. Which celeb would you most like to see using your products and why?
I think Alexa Chung would be cool because she is beautiful (like Tats & Tempest products), I think she's going to be around for long time (like Tats & Tempest products) and quite fun (like Tats & Tempest products).

Are you addicted to your ipad? And how many cases do you have for it? I currently only have one for mine, but I'm giving serious consideration to getting a couple more, so that I can mix and match them which every item! As technology is definitely here to stay, it looks like figuring out how to make it more fashionable is going to be my next step!

Love Tor xx

Sponsored video: Merino, no finer feeling

Hi guys,
In case you hadn't noticed (ha!) it's pretty nippy out there. Which means wrapping up is absolutely essential. And when I'm wrapping up, I like to do it in fabrics that look and feel fantastic: no acrylic wool here! I'd much rather wear natural fibres: as well as feeling softer, they also don't make you smell the way acrylics often do (is that too much information?!) Not to mention the static. My favourite pink cardigan is made from a pretty cheap wool blend, and every time I wear it my hair sticks out like a hedgehog! Not a particularly fashionable look..

I thought about my winter knitwear addiction, and some of the terrible acylic mistakes I've made, when I saw this video. It's for the Merino: No finer feeling campaign. And it makes you never want to have cheap fabric next to your skin ever again:

Merino wool is my preferred wool for workwear, because it looks more sophisticated and professional than a body-bulking chunky knit. It's natural, biodegradable, and renewable (if you care about that sort of thing). If you don't, it's also super soft, and the favoured wool of some of my favourite designers (yup, I'm thinking about Mark Fast)

I actually think wool is an underrated fabric, relegated to cozy jumpers and casual weekend wear, when actually it's a much more versatile fabric that can look fantastic whatever the occasion...and right now that occasion is keeping me warm and snug whilst still looking stylish and put-together for a long day of meetings!

What do you where to keep warm at work when the weather is this chilly?

Love Tor xx

*This post is sponsored by Merino

Fabfrocks loves: Levis Made and Crafted

Hi guys,
Earlier this week I went to check out the new offering from Levis: Levis Made and Crafted. Well I say from Levis, but actually that would be wrong: Made and Crafted is developed by Levi’s XX,an independent, creative division of Levi Strauss & Co. that develops and manages the exclusive Levi's Vintage Clothing and Made and Crafted brands. So that clears that up!

The collection is the perfect mix of modern and heritage, and is positioned as much more premium than the usual Levis line. My favourite piece? The Military green parka from the mens range! However unlike the standard Levis range, this one is definitely tailored to women. Think fitted jackets, loose shirting and shirt dresses, and such a big range of premium denim that there's bound to be a pair to suit everyone. The whole collection was made to be mixed and matched then teamed with cute ankle boots for the perfect effortless weekend wardrobe:

Shirting was huge from the womenswear collection, with plenty of casual shirtdresses to lust after

I loved the distressed detailing on this jeans, which I have tried and tested, and can assure you they make the thighs look much slimmer!

Also part of what I went to see was the new high rise family (which lands in Harvey Nicks early next month): a collection of three high waisted jeans. They come in skinny fit, boot cut or flared shapes. I'm not normally a fan of high waisted jeans, as they aren't the most flattering cut. But actually these sit on just the right part of the waist meaning they're beautifully flattering, not too high, but high enough to have a lovely modern 70s feel. The skinny pair are by far my favourite, but made to be teamed with chiffon blouses and oversized knitwear.

The price points are higher than I would normally pay for denim (£130 + per pair) mostly because it's something I rarely wear. But the quality speaks for itself, and really does justify the higher price. I've only worn my Made and Crafted jeans once, but I'm already a convert, and compared to my usual Topshop pair, you really can tell the difference in the quality: outfit post to follow.....

Love Tor xx