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

Accessories: Hit the Coordination Station!!

Hi guys,
I have one fashion quirk that I'm pretty sure all the 'cool kids' like to secretly laugh at, but I just don't care. I like my shoes and handbags to match. All the time! That's why I have so many pairs of tan shoes: because my favourite handbag is tan. And you can guarantee that if I find a pair of heels I love them I will be out on the high street hunting down a clutch bag to match it. When it comes to accessories, I am definitely a matchy-matchy girl.

So how excited was I when, whilst shopping on Sarenza for both a new handbag and a new pair of summer pumps, I shortlisted both of these items only to later realise that they matched almost perfectly: it must be fate!
The shoes are from Georgia Rose (£31) and the handbag is from Poisson Bleu (£97.90). I also have a great pair of beige suede sandals that are going to look great with this bag when the weather warms up a little bit! I thought the bag was a brave choice, because I usually opt for tan or black when it comes to leather accessories: but the warm chartreuse stripe on this one is going to be perfect for injecting a little bit of colour into my summer wardrobe. I love it!

Do you like to match your shoes to your handbag? Or do you prefer the unmatched look?

Love Tor x

*I am a Sarenza Brand Ambassador

SS13 In Primark this week: The Accessories Edit

Hi guys,
If you buy designer sunglasses only to sit on them, break the arms, or lose them as often as I do, then this is the Primark edit for you! Because right now Primark has a great range of sunglasses in store (with prices starting from just £1) that look considerably more expensive than they are, and some are so close to designer copies, that no one would suspect you weren't wearing the real thing!

They also have a great range of summer shoes and sandals: think wedges, heels, imitation converse in an array of candy colours, and stiletto heels so sharp you could have someone's eye out.

I'm prepared to admit that when it comes to accessories, I'm a bit of a snob: I love the smell and feel of real leather bags and shoes, and nowadays I won't wear anything that's imitation. But for summer bags and beach bags made of light weight canvas and cotton the standard is the same no matter where you buy it from: and for these accessories, I think Primark is perfect:
Orange and purple round sunglasses, £,1 Pearl encrusted beaded headband, £4.Polka dot mini bag, £3.
Aztec beach bag, £6 . Monochrome wedge heels, £16. Animal print cats eye sunglasses, £2

My picks from this bunch of bargains are the Aztec beach bag, which is perfect for a summer holiday and will go with whatever bikini colour I pick. And the orange and purple sunglasses: can you believe they're just £1?! I love the two-tone effect, and they'll look great as a focal point teamed with a simple cream sundress and an acid orange lipstick.
 
Are you a Primark shopper? And do you like these posts showing you what you might find in store, or do they take away the thrill of the chase for you? I'd love to know what you think!

Love Tor x

Are you carrying around a £2,000 handbag?

Hi guys,

According to new research from Kenco Millicano, 1 in 10 women carry a handbag that weighs over 4kg – the equivalent of the average pet cat and heavier than most new born babies! And worse still, I'm pretty sure I'm one of them - and you probably are too! Nearly every woman I know totes around a big bag, and the popularity of the satchel has only made it even easier to distribute even more weight around your body.

As well as heavy, our handbags are also expensive. Almost half a million women in the UK are now carrying over £2,000 worth of contents in their handbags. Again - I'm guilty as charged! Without my handbag full of make up and gadgets, I wouldn't want to leave the house.

So I thought it was time to spill (literally!) the contents of our handbags and share, in a girly confessional, how much weight we carry around with us everyday. My handbag for today contains:

My filofax and Lanvin pen, Vivienne Westwood wallet, iphone, oyster card (in its Cath Kidston oyster card holder), sunglasses, leather gloves, lipstick, Chanel pressed powder, nail file, housekeys, a stack of business cards, and a packet of polos.

Go on, tell me! What's in yours?

Love Tor xx

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

Hi guys,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love Tor x

Buy of the Day: Betty Jackson Black Satchel

Hi guys,
Yesterday I went on a mini shopping spree on Oxford street with lil sis. With Mothers day, and my mum's, dad's and other lil sis's birthdays all being celebrated this month, I had a lot of presents to buy! But I also managed to pick up a little gift for myself, and I am completely obsessed with it:

This yummy satchel is from the Betty Jackson. Black diffusion range at Debenhams. It's 100% leather and has a great tan pony print design all over the front panels. Without sounding like a complete geek, it is the most lifestyle friendly bag i've owned for ages: it has hundreds of pockets and compartments for all my handbag junk, and even has a built in key hook, so i'll never have to rummage around in my bag for my keys ever again!

It was also an absolute bargain, reduced from £150 to £75 in Debenhams current sale.

You're going to see a lot of this bag in coming months: its so light, roomy, and easy to carry that it is going to be my go-to everyday bag for the spring/summer months.

Love, Tor xx

Accessory lust: Marc B bags

I love my accessories: I think they make an outfit, especially because I dress quite plainly most of the time. That means that i'm crazy about shoes and handbags (not to mention my love of oversized jewels!) So how delighted was I when Marc B asked if i'd like to review one of their bags?

The answer is, pretty delighted! The website is very funky and easy to navigate, which made choosing my bag stress-free. I couldn't decided whether to go for my usual oversized holdall-type bag, or something a little more delicate. I opted for the latter, and chose the Knightsbridge bag in classic black. Apparently i'm in good company: it's one of the brands best sellers!

I went for the matt black, but the bag also comes in a patent black and an array or bold and pastel colours. The gold strap can be switched around so you can wear the bag two ways: which a long strap (which is long enough to go across your body) or a short shoulder bag-type strap. Looking at their site, it seems the chain handle is something of a specialism for them, and they do it really well. Obviously when you look at this bag you draw immediate comparisons to a Chanel, as the style and quilting are so similar. This didn't bother me as much as I thought it would though, as it's such a lovely bag.

On a boring and practical front, the thing I loved most about the bag was the inside: it has so many pockets and zip up areas which makes this the perfect bag for a day trip or holiday. You could put your cash/camera in the very middle zip up pocket, and it would be impossible for anyone to pickpocket you. Also, the lining of the bag is leopard print, which I love !

The bag is slightly too small to contain everything I carry on a day to day basis (it's a tad too narrow to fit my filofax in) but everything else fits in like a charm. This would be a perfect bag for a day when I wanted to be more streamlined: for example for going out after work, going to a gig, or a daytrip when i'm on holiday. I think it's lovely, and overall i'm really pleased with it!

Love, Tor xx

PS - Don't forget to enter my competition to win a £60 voucher from Sarenza!

Pauls boutique: Yay or nay?

Hey guys,

They have installed a massive display of Pauls boutique handbags right at the front of the entrance to Fenwicks since the last time I went in: I don't go in very often because i'm really not that big a fan of Brent Cross: there are only ever about 5-6 shops I want to go into! It's certainly an eyecatching and colourful display (I noticed it straight away and got my camera out!) but I can't decide how I feel about the brand:

They're very kitsch bags (something I usually like) and on the plus side the shapes are classic and usable. I just don't enjoy the excessive branding and the overuse of neon pink. These aren't cheap bags, but they looks and feel very cheap: they remind me of hubba bubba bubble gum packets: I used to love that stuff when I was a kid! I think this is a teen brand but the prices seem to be more target to twenty-somethings: I certainly didn't ever have enough pocket money to buy a £80 bag when I was a teenager! I also can't escape the feeling that you could do this yourself: the badges, charms and ribbons would be so easy to create and attach to any old bag. So effectively all you are really paying for it a brand.

What do you think of Pauls boutique? Would you ever buy on of these bags? Interested to know where you'd place the brand too, as I can't decide where I think it sits!

Love, Tor xx

Rucksack love: the perfect new season bag

For the past couple of weeks i've been hunting for the perfect tan bag for the summer: I wanted something practical that I could carry to work or the library, but would be equally practical for carrying sandwiches to the park or a towel to the beach. I wasn't sure whether I wanted a satchel or a rucksack. I even toyed with a big drawstring bag. But then I saw this leather rucksack from Jones the Bootmaker, and knew I had found the bag I was looking for:

This comes in tan or black, but it's the tan one i'm interested in! At £69 it's a little overbudget, but given it is 100% leather, I think the price is really reasonable. I'm hitting the carboot sales over the bank holiday weekend, and if I don't find a yummy battered second hand rucksack there, then I will be coming home and making this baby mine! (I got my favourite leather mini satchel from a carboot sale for £1, so there is hope!)

What are your plans for the Easter weekend? Or is it too early to think about it? I already can't wait and keep looking out for the weather forecast - I hope it stays sunny!

Love, Tor xx

Bag + TV = ?

I've never been famed for my maths skills, but even I can work out the simple sum above! Bag + TV = Bagtv!
Now I must admit, when I first read about the handbag with a TV built in, I was both bemused by, and dubious about, it. Travelling in and out of central London and carrying a bag with a tv built into it seemed like a beacon to muggers calling "rob me! This bag looks expensive, I bet there's lots of nice stuff in it!" However, when I tried taking this one out today I had no problem at all; and it certainly made my commute go faster!

My beloved makes the bagtv work so that I can take it out for a stroll!
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I think the reason I had no problem is because the built in dvd player (for despite it's name it is a dvd rather than a tv!) is actually quite discrete; to the unknowing observer, you're just carrying a normal patent leather bag! It looks like a normal handbag until you remove the convenient leather slip and the TV appears in the window! It's also a lot lighter than I expected and very slimline, so the player has its own pouch inside the bag without interfering with your purse, keys, diary, make up bag, and whatever else you accumulate in there throughout the day! The weight of it was my main concern; my bag is heavy enough without adding to it! But I actually didnt notice any weight difference at all.

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And whilst i'm talking about problems I was expecting to have with the bag (i'm not very positive am I!?) it's time to mention the battery life; the battery lasts 2.5 hours before you have to charge it. This is perfect for me (my commute is just under an hour each way) but not so great if you were hoping to take it long haul. If you have the scratch you can buy extra battery bars for longer life, but I just cant see that being worth it (buy a video ipod instead!) It comes with a mains charger you can use at home in the car, which is super easy, but to me this is definitely a commuter bag, not an alternative to a TV!

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Also, although its not to my usual tastes (not enough crazy details and bells and whistles!) I actually think the bag looks pretty good: very sophisticated and expensive looking. The finishing is very well done, and the colour is very rich; the berry shade is perfect for Autumn/Winter (my mum would love a bag like this!)

BagTv poses with it's remote control and a selection of my favourite kids dvds (including the shoe people!)
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Speaking of my mum, when I told her about this clever gadget she said; "I wish i'd had one of them for you three (me and my sisters) when you were little" and that, I think, is where bagtv will find its niche; busy mums who want to entertain their kids on buses, planes, trains and automobiles will be able to tune them into their favourite cartoons whilst still carrying her bag full of essentials, and without sacrificing on looking good!
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I'm normally a book on the tube kind of girl, and I dont think i'd like to sit in front of the goggle-box everyday and sacrifice my reading time, but it was really fun to watch red dwarf as the world, and the rest of the commuters, passed me by; a very welcome occasional diverson that I can highly recommend!

Bagtv comes in seven different colours (the blue and white one looks very nautical and is my favourite) and they are all available for £199. And it's definitely for you if you like to be the centre of attention; my friends couldnt get enough of playing with it- the perfect combination of fashion and gadget!

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Love, Tor x

One man's rubbish...

...Is another man's treasure, as my nan is fond of saying (often at carboot sales and in charity shops!)

I love anything with an animal on it: tiger T shirts, wolf vests, lion necklaces and snake rings - If you can name it, chances are I own it or covet it!


When I saw this Kate Spade owl bag on that's hideous.com my immediate thought was "wow, this bag is fantastic...it would look so good with my summer floral dresses...I really want that for my holiday...."and so on!

Deka of that's hideous instead wrote: "was just browsing in the kate spade store over the weekend. i love that the line has gotten more creative from their standard box, but i dont love this. i can definitely see a slightly older generation digging it though. available this fall"

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It just goes to show that great minds definitely don't think alike. And if you ask me, that's one of the best things about fashion!

Love Tor x

PS - Sorry for the tiny post but my sisters op is today and i'm on my way to the hospital! Wish us both luck (but mostly her of course!!)

Dans mon sac il y a…

Does anyone else remember those early French lessons at school where you started with that essential phrase "Dans ma trousse il y a..." (Or in my pencil case there is...) and then you had to list all the things you had in your pencil case? I always loved saying "une gomme" (a rubber/eraser) It was a beautiful round word that filled your mouth and then popped out like a bubble.

Anyway, this post is my grown up equilivent of that favourite school game. They say you can tell alot about a person from the contents of their handbag. Well, for those of you who really wanted an insight into mine, i'm sure your going to be disappointed. But lets see, shall we!

Despite its massive sack like nature, here is a list of everything nestled comfortably inside my handbag, sweet papers and all!

Dans mon sac il y a...... My oversized patchwork purse, Make up bag, Compact Mirror, Sunglasses, LG Renoir phone (my new blog photo phone of dreams!),Sunglasses, Little miss vintage note book, Tissues with shoes on, a thank you card for my sister, a black vest, half a packet of throat sweets, Red gloves, year planner, Inhaler, Stamps, A necklace, some loose change, Receipts, The contract for our new house, 3 pens, oyster card, used train tickets, 2 nail varnishes, and a leaflet welcoming me to the Ikea family.

Or in Pictorial terms:

The insights I think you can get from this are that I carry too much stuff, I never have time to put my make up on in the morning so I do it when I get to work and i'm an untidy slob, hence the receipts and used tickets stuffed in every corner. What weird things lurk at the bottom of your handbag?

I tag the lovely style child, make do style, and dressed and pressed (three of my favourite little blogs!) to tell us all what's hidden in theres!

Lots of love,
Tor

Meat and Fashion?

Yesterday I said to my sister that I hadn't done any changing room posts for a while (I will be posting some new purchases later!) and we discussed what theme I should go for in my next changing room saga. Although I doubt i'll top my personal fav, the DVD (Dick van Dyke) look, I like to have a theme.

Amie responded: Well, I like meat. And I like fashion. Could we try meat fashion? Maybe dress in colours of meat or wear meat clothes? I dimissed her immediately, though I did suggest that I could photograph her with a steak on her head if it made her happy.

Aww, her very own meat helmet!!

Anyway, it looks like the last laugh is on me. For what did I see in the metro this morning but this:

Artist Nancy Wu has made a Chanel style handbag out of yummy beef jerky. Well, I suppose thats one way to deal with the issue of the mid-shopping trip snack! Even the golden chain has beef jerky strips feed between it. The sheets of jerky were hand sewn to create desirable fashion items. There is also a LV wallet thrown into the mix:The project provides a humorous take on designer accessories, whilst simultaneously making me laugh at the coincidence, and look like a fool!

I've obviously missed the trend, and my sister is the one with her finger on the pulse. Meat and fashion. It's where it's at!

Tor xxx

Handbags: just the way you want them

Another week, another make-it-yourself website to become addicted to. This week i'm addicted to Freddy&Ma: a really stylish and well put together site that allows you to create your own handbag. Rather than tell you how fun and easy it is, i'm just gonna let the pictures do the talking; the step by step is so easy to follow, the the final results look gorgeous and polished:

I really liked the 'hobo' shaped bag, and those panels meant a lot of space to work with colours and fabrics. So first you choose the leather:

Obviously, I had to choose tan! (i dont think I can write again about how much I love it!) next the fabric; I loved this one because it was so brash and 'bling'-

Finally, you can change the colours of any of the panels to create a contrasting effect, and change any 'hardware' on the bag: choosing between gold or silver.

And Voila! Your final product is complete! It's not exactly what i'd call highstreet cheap (this bag costs $310) but it's fun and the final products look polished and well put together. And with all of these make your own sites, half the fun is in playing with the options and create something that's unique and represents your personality; and you cant get that on the highstreet! I am, of course, finding it slightly addictive: there are literally thousands of fabrics and everytime I think i've found my favourite one I see another-

Hmmm, I wonder whether designing a handbag counts as a 'homemade' valentines gift? Here's hoping......