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

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

SS13 In Primark this week: Heading to a festival

Hi guys,
I suspect that, as everywhere prepares for the arrival of the new season (despite the fact we haven't actually enjoyed this season yet: where is the sun?) this will be the last SS13 Primark post. I've already seen a couple of the autumn jackets that will be appearing in store next month, and based on that, I think next seasons offerings will be quite exciting. Bring on AW13!!

In the meantime, the latest arrivals into Primark are just perfect if you're heading to a festival or two over the next couple of months. From practical duffle bags to hold all of your clobber to the now ubiquitous floral festival headband, if you want something new to give you that off-duty rock star look, Primark is the place to be this week.

Everything on the product picture has either landed in Primark over the past couple of days, or is due to arrive by the end of the week: Blue candy stripe barrel bag, £6
Belted floral maxi dress, £13
Acid wash Aztec skinny jeans, £13
Flower headband, £2.50
Box chain spike necklace, £8
Studded skater skirt, £10
Aztec flap satchel, £9

All you need to add if your favourite band tee (which will look perfect with that studded skater skirt!), a lightweight mac and a pair of wellies, and you're ready to go! Being festival ready has never been so easy!

Are you heading to any festivals this season? If so, which ones are you going to and what will you be wearing? I'd love to hear all about it!

Love Tor x

PS - Did you know you can now buy a selection of Primark clothes online, over at ASOS? Perfect if there isn't a Primark near you, or you just can't face heading into those messy stores! My only concern is that because the quality of the fabric in Primark varies so wildly, you wouldn't be able to check that until the product arrives, and could end up spending a lot of time on returns. Still, if you're interested, here's the link!

SS13 In Primark this week: Rock the varsity trend

Hi guys,
This week's Primark drop is perfect if you're looking to rock the varsity trend this summer. Plenty of jersey tees and  preppy little dresses that will look great teamed with pumps and varsity bomber jackets.

When I was in my local Primark this morning the first quarter of the shop was entirely devoted to all things jersey. Tees professing that you're a 'Geek' or a 'Mathlete'. Or with Mickey Mouse or Batman on them. American high school girls would probably have a field day, but believe it or not this trend is ridiculously fashionable. Even if I am a little too old to rock it! Here are the new pieces that landed in store in Primark this week:
Tie dye tassle tank top, £6
Stud sleeved cropped varsity tee, £6
Road trip tank top, £4 (in store on Wednesday)
Mint pintuck shirt dress, £15
Studded bow pump, £5
Gold weave peeptoe flats, £10
Black stud sleeved varsity tee, £6
Green cutwork dress, £10

I really fancied trying one of the 'Geek' tees currently instore in Primark, but my husband, who usually has no interest in fashion, told me I was "far too old" for that particularly trend. It's sad, but it's probably true! I do like the green cutwork dress though, and it's a bargain for £10. It would look great with a contrasting fine knit cardigan too - more Grease's Sandy than Varsity girl, but the closest I'm likely to get to an American high school look!

Have you been into your local Primark lately? And what do you think of the varsity trend, would you try it out or not?

Love Tor x

SS13 In Primark this Week: Hit the beach in New Season Swimwear

Hi guys,
Have you booked your summer holiday yet? Are you going anywhere nice? Well, if you've got plans to spend any time on a beach with sand between your toes this summer then you have got to get down to Primark this week: all of their high summer swimwear and beachwear landed in store on 25th March (yesterday) and there are some pieces that I just can't wait to get my hands on.

I know March seems a bit early to be buying that new bikini (you probably haven't even started your bikini diet yet) but, much like buying the best winter coat, you have to plan early to get a good bikini, before all the best ones are sold out. And some of these bits just aren't worth missing out on:
Tassle cut out swimsuit, £13. Pink stripe bikini: top £4, bottom £3. Crochet pompom Kaftan, £8.
Lilac frilly bikini: top £6, bottom, £4. Block print hi-low swim skirt, £5. Aztec cut out swimsuit, £8.

If you're fuller busted like myself, then I wouldn't recommend buying a Primark bikini. Whilst they look amazing on the hanger, they just don't provide adequate support for the bigger busted gal. (I'll be sharing some of my favourite proper cupped bikinis next week!) For everyone else though, I really like Primark's swimwear; it's well cut and the designs are very fashion-forward. I will be shopping at Primark for my beach cover ups though: and that pompom detail Kaftan is at the very top of the list!

Have you tried swimwear from Primark, and what did you think? If you don't wear Primark swimwear, where do you get your bikinis from? Do you have any recommendations to share?

Love Tor x

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

SS13 In Primark this week: Spring/Summer Essentials

Hi guys,
I went into Primark last week, and it was genuinely the best Primark visit I have had for a long time. There were tops, frocks, even shoes and sunglasses that jumped off the shelves at me and that I immediately wanted to buy. I didn't: I'm still trying to avoid Primark and focus on buying quality items. But I officially think that Primark have got their trends and key pieces for this Spring/Summer 100% right, when bearing in mind their low product price points.

All of this is in store now/going in store this week: Belted chiffon skater skirt, £6. Gem shoulder stripe T, £6. Scallop neck striped top, £10.
Leopard print vest, £3.50. Flock tassle blouse, £12. Striped knitted vest, £5. Tassle stud blouse, £10.
Navajo denim jacket, £23. Textured skater skirt, £10. Limited edition studded shell top, £20.

The key must-have products from this selection, for me, are the scalloped striped top and the Navajo detailed denim jacket. Both pieces are seriously on-trend and versatile. Picture the striped top with either a midi skirt and heels. Or a varsity jacket and jeans. And the Navajo denim jacket was made to give a casual touch to pretty summer dresses. I also have a soft spot for the tassled blouse.  it would be so flattering on a mum tum, and easy to throw on with jeans and pretty flat sandals or ballet pumps.

Have you had any Primark bargains lately? And have you been in store to check out their new Spring/Summer stock? If you have, I'd love to know what pieces you've picked up. Go on, make me jealous!!

Love Tor x

Primark picks of the week: More, more, more!!

Hi guys,
Just when I think I've exhausted the subject of Primark's newest Autumn/Winter collection, they go and release some more gorgeous images that I just have to share with you guys! All of the items shown below are either in store right now, or arriving in store this month. So as always with Primark, if you see something you love you'll have to be quick!

Burgandy stud shoulder jumper, £14
Multi-coloured bobble hat, £2 
Beige biker jacket, £27
Pleather/tan mix biker jacket, £27
Jewel print T-shirt, £10
Stud and lace detail blouse, £14

Velvet flocked bodysuit, £12
Star print jumper, £12
Robin print snood, £4
Belted polka dot dress, £13
Purple and blue snood, £6
Moustache print jumper,£14

The knitwear looks so cozy, and just perfect for snuggling up in now that the weather has turned decidedly chilly! I am definitely reconverted to Primark: not as a disposable fashion source I will shop every week and wear only once (which used to be how I shopped Primark!) but as a great place to dip my toe into new trends, or buy seasonal items with short lifespans; Christmas items, for example.

Are you a Primark shopper? If yes, how often do you tend to pop instore?

Love Tor x

More great shots from Primark: Primark Limited Edition

Hi guys,
Another day, another series of images to lust after in Primark! This latest set is from their Limited Edition collection, which is already in store (I saw some of the pieces in the new Oxford Street store window the week before last) and will be just perfect for the party season.

The Limited Edition collection fuses digital print, sequins and studs (so all of the trends) and prices start from £8. Here are some of those all important shots:




Image 1: Mullet hem dress, £25. Leggings, £17.
Image 2: Studded shorts, £14.
Image 3: Print blazer, £25.
Image 4: Quilted jacket with faux fur trim, £26. Futuristic print leggings, £10

This is a really young, bodycon, on-trend collection. And I can see it being really popular. The pieces I've got my eyes on are the patterned blazer (I know that comes as no surprise!), the oversized black studded bag, and the snakeskin leggings.

What do you think of the new Primark Limited Edition collection? Would you pay a couple of pounds more for limited edition pieces from Primark? Or do you prefer Primark as a budget store where you can pick up pieces for as cheaply as possible?

Love Tor xx

Primark picks of the week: Erm, can I have everything?

Hi guys,
I had to pop into town to pick up some antibiotics yesterday afternoon (I have a sinus infection: yuck!) And whilst I was there I just couldn't resist a little peak in Primark. I'm glad I did, because I left feeling inspired: there is just so much to like in store right now!

I seem to have done a complete 360 on fast fashion recently. I'm still buying considerably less of it, and focusing on building up a wardrobe based on quality long lasting pieces, but I've come to realise that fast cheap trend-led pieces will always have a place in my wardrobe: it's the only way to inject some of the newer/more unusual trends into your look without winning the lottery!

Note that everything I've picked out below is available in my local store right now, so if you want anything you'd better be quick! (The perfect excuse to hit the shops this weekend, perhaps?!)

Rabbit print jumper, £14 
Embroidered shoulder cut out blouse, £12
Chunky metallic crew jumper, £12 
Watercolour mono blazer, £19
Studded collar shirt, £12
PU sleeve military jacket, £25

Quilted biker jacket, £25
Leather skater skirt, £12
Animal peplum top, £8
Floral block heel ankle boots, £20
Leather panel pencil skirt, £12
Graphic zigzag blouse, £12

I actually picked up the rabbit jumper yesterday: I can't wait to wear it! I also already have the chunky knit with the metallic flecks. It looks great, and is indicative of the gorgeous knitwear currently instore: I was impressed!  I also picked up 2 pairs of super-thick 150 denier tights: the quality feels better than ever before: certainly worth the minor price increase to £3 per pair. And if you're a plan-aheader, Primark have all their Christmas supplies in store too; wrapping paper, stocking fillers, and even Christmas tree decorations. What don't they have? Well I haven't been impressed with any of their coat selections so far: let's hope they're coming soon!

Have you been into Primark recently? Were you impressed by the stock in your local store, and have you bagged any bargains?

Love Tor xx

What's in Primark: Accessories edition!

Hi guys,
Last night I popped down to Primark to see what they had in store. With the honeymoon approaching I am in need of basics, and I love the primark stretch vests, which cost just £2 each! Sum total of my Primark spend? £8.50 on 3 vests and a pocohontas-style headband. Whilst I was in store though I checked out everything else on offer (like you do!) and whilst I wasn't really impressed with any of the dresses (the selection was small and generic) I did like some of the accessories:

Shoes:


I really loved the deck shoes in the vibrant colours: very eighties style, and a bargain for £10! I also couldn't resist these flowery sequinned pumps in the turquoise (my new favourite colour!) The shoes are always my favourite section in Primark : the designs and styles are just like you'd get from much better shops (though admittedly the quality isn't the same) but the prices are so cheap: perfect for micro trends you want to try, but know you won't wear over again (like neon deck shoes, for example!)

Satchels:

My love of satchels is well documented. These mustard and brown ones look far more expensive than the £8 they actually cost!

Bikinis:


With summer coming, how could you not cover bikinis?? Their sun shop section was actually small, and not that impressive: maybe it's a little early for the full range to be in store. Although they don't come in cup sizes (so they aren't good for curvy girls) the primark bikinis come in great patterns and are super cheap: perfect if you're looking for something just to wear for a week on a budget. These come in at around £5-7.

Love, Tor xx

Primark picks of the week: Spring is here!

Hi guys,
I had a quick wander along Oxford street on Monday night, and just couldn't resist taking some snaps of the new Primark window displays: Primark has such fast turnaround of stuff that they never get anything in early. What they have in stock they expect to sell. That means that if they have got their spring stock in, it is officially spring!



Things I want from the pictures above:
-The brown and navy maxi dress in picture 1.
-The black and tan midi dress (which looks like separates) in picture 1.
-The tan tassled bag in picture 2.
-The floral dress, the yellow blouse, and the cream and tan brogues in picture 3.

Mostly, I have fallen back in love with Primark again. I'm still avoiding shopping there, because I still want to invest in better quality longer lasting pieces. But I am finding there is more and more I want to buy from Primark, which hasn't happened for a long time. For the past two seasons I think they really went off the boil: the trends weren't quite right, the fit was appalling, the quality looked as horrible as it was. But now: well now, I want to shop in Primark again, and I have to fight the urge. This season's ladylike and seventies trends are being catered for perfectly. And there are at least 13 tees I really want to pick up for my summer holidays too!

Love Tor xx

Primark picks for a very gloomy November

Hi guys,
Writing these Primark pick of the week posts is getting increasingly difficult and frustrating. The Oxford street store now seems to have hired staff specifically to stop people taking photos. Without meaning to sound snobby, I think it's ridiculous that Primark are so militant in their anti-photography policy. I mean, you cannot buy clothes cheaper. You could not make clothes cheaper. They are at the bottom of the high street food chain: its not like a wedding dress shop where they're frightened you might copy their designs. Primark's designs are usually copies of Topshop designs anyway!

I digress. Anyway, by flaunting the rules I did manage to get a few snaps. Here's what's hot in Primark this month:


First we'll start with the window photos: lots of great looking snuggly outerwear and knitwear. I have had a couple of pairs of Primark leather gloves and swear by them: the quality and fit is great and they last forever. The hats and scarves also looked and felt lovely, although the snoods are a bit on the small side! A word of warning about the knitwear though: I saw knits hanging on the rails with buttons missing and holes in them. I bought a chunky knit cardigan to get it home and find a hole in the collar. The quality of the knitwear just wasn't great, and given they are now charging £15 for a jumper, you'd probably be better investing your money elsewhere.

Now the stealth shots. I loved this jumpsuit and its mix of lots of different themes: leopard print, pastels, military detailing. In theory it just shouldn't work, but I think it looks great! I have a massive soft spot for mustard knitwear, and although I have concerns about what it will look like after it's been through the washing machine, I loved this cardigan. Again note the military details: Primark have gone crazy for military this winter!

I loved these clog-style wedges. They were my favourite piece in the whole store yesterday, having the right mix of classic and fashion forward styling. Sorry for the blurry picture of the shearling cape, I just wanted to share it because its such a big trend. It looked lovely (both on and off) but felt quiet thin; i'm not sure that it would keep you warm in the winter without a thick cardigan underneath. At £29, again, I think your money could be better invested elsewhere.

I left the store with a pair of black leather driving gloves and a heart full of disappointment. It could be that i'm getting too old for Primark, or that i've been spoilt by the sale prices outwhere. I will try again in a fortnight and keep my fingers crossed. But if things don't improve for the better, I think my love affair with Primark could be over.

Love, Tor xx

Primark pick of the week: the changing room edition

I think i've mentioned before that the Primark on Oxford Street opens at 8.30, and that if you get there when they open you will find you have the pleasure of having the shop to yourself: no queues, no pushing, and no mess (because the primark fairies have spend the night hanging everything back up!) It also means that you can walk straight into the changing rooms: this is a rare treat when normally you have to fill your basket and take a chance (unless you have the time and patience to queue for over an hour for the changing room!)

To take advantage of my early morning opportunity, this weeks Primark pick is a changing room edition: here are my five favourite things I tried on when I went to Primark for some very early morning shopping.

White dress, £9. Floral blazer, £13. Lilac polka tunic, £6. I fell in love with this jacket as soon as I saw it (I wasn't going to buy anything but couldn't resist and picked it up) I love the pattern, the fit, and it was an absolute bargain! Technically I know i'm not allowed to buy any more jackets, but this teeny weeny little one won't hurt....

Polka dot dress, £13. Floral bow dress, £11. The polka dot dress fit like a glove and was the perfect balance of smart and casual: this would look great for work on really warm days! The floral dress looked better on than it has photographed, and had lots of really interesting strap details at the back.

As you're reading this, I am in Paris (oh the joy of post scheduling) and hopefully the weather is glorious and i'm having a lovely day. I will be doing that wearing my new jacket....

Love, Tor xx

Primark pick of the week: More spring looks

Hi guys,
Primark are really into the swing of spring with a massive selection of their summer clothes in store: they've even got their swimwear and sandals in store! Today there are only two picks from Primark, but I think they're winners. I haven't been to Primark for a while, and it was as manic as ever, but they really are good at picking up on the trends and translating them into something wearable. I am having concerns about the quality of late though: the last two floral frocks I bought shrunk to an unwearable size after just two washes (everything else in the wash was fine, so I don't think it was my machine!)

I wasn't massively impressed with the dress selection in store yesterday but I loved the peach evening dress from the Primark premium range. Yes, you read that right; Primark have started a premium range of just a small number of jackets and dresses at slightly higher than usual Primark prices: this dress comes in at £21. I don't know whether it is the cut or the fabric (which feels the same) that makes the collection premium; if you've tried it i'd love you to let me know!

I also really liked this denim parka (£19) which I think would be an easy way of trying the double denim craze, but would also look really pretty over a little floral dress. It would be a great alternative to a mac; I love macs, but get bored of seeing them at this time of year when every second person has one on!

Love, Tor xx

Primark pick of the week: The nudes and florals edition

Having spent a week looking at what we'll all be wearing next winter (and possibly channel it into our wardrobes now, given the horrible weather) it's time to go back to look at what we'll be wearing in the spring and summer; they're fast approaching, and the high street knows it!

Primark is full of sandals and swimwear, which feels weird when it's snowing outside, but now is the time to think about buying it; Primarks leather gladiator sandals sell out every year and if you're budget is tight you'll want to get them before they're gone! If you can't plan that far ahead they also have a great selection of Spring macs and patterned blazers.

This post though is for all the Angels going to the Aussie event next weekend, where the dress code is new season florals and nudes: if you want to buy something new then Primark has you covered!

After months of the price point slowly creeping up the Primark price point is starting to decline again: The floral and mesh dresses above are only £5 and the scalloped lace top is only £8. Despite having spend a week lusting after high end clothes, i'll always love Primark: It might not be where you would go for your classics or basics (this is where you should spend your money) but it's perfect if you want an ontrend wardrobe pick-up, without breaking the bank.

Love, Tor xx

PS - Do you know they're still not letting you take photos in Primark? I can understand why they wouldnt let you take pictures in a designer or wedding shop, but wonder who would be photographing and then stealing Primarks designs!!

Primark pick of the week: New season dresses

Hi guys,

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I know it still feels a bit cold, but think about spring we must! And I could be slightly biased because I can't actually buy any of them (and not being allowed something makes us want it all the more) but I love every single summery floaty dress in the primark window this week:

The themes are generic summer ones: floral and nautical. But I like the vintage feel to some of the nautical pieces and the flattering puff sleeves on the floral dresses. I also like the price point: I always double check the hems and restitch the buttons on anything I buy from primark but I do think the quality of their stock is improving dramatically. And although that means you have to pay £15 for a dress instead of £10, something similar from topshop would still set you back £60. This, of course, is merely an observation, and not me trying to talk myself into shopping at all!

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The transitional coats instore at the minute are very eyecatching: i'm especially fond of the white sailor coat with contrasting navy buttons and trim (second picture) And for those of you still looking to wrap up warm against the current chill, a lot of the jumpers and cardigans instore have been reduced - see? There's something for everyone!

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Love, Tor xx

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PS - I know I usually take close up pictures instore but a burly security guard asked me not to and proceeded to stalk me with his eyes all the way around the shop. So these window pics were the best I could do. Hopefully i'll have better luck next time!

Primark new season boots AW09/10

This is the final post in my three post installment on what's in Primark this week (from inside the store at least, I also got loads of lovely pictures of their windows to post for tomorrow's "whats in the window" feature!) I like to call it Primark Friday!
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This post is on the new season boots. Boots are my biggest bugbear of the winter season; how to marry looking fabulous with feeling comfortable (especially in the rain and snow) is troublesome. Even more troublesome is the number of cheap boots that let in water, only you don't discover that until the middle or a torrential rain storm! Luckily you'll be pleased to hear that this isn't a problem I have ever had with Primark boots.

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Here are 3 of the best pairs of knee high boots in the store (because I showed you their ankle boots a couple of weeks ago) There are 2 pairs which are colourful and fabulously unusual and one pair of thigh highs which makes me die and sigh and all manner of other words that would drive Sister Wolf insane!

1. For your inner country life reading bumpkin. Or anyone who wants to look like whatshername from Gossip Girl!
2. Crazy Fringe! These also come in black; I think I love them because they would make you look like a hairy beastie, and they would swoosh and move as you walked.

3. The winners! Believe it or not, these are only £24 but they look so much more! Flat and comfy riding style boots with gold buckle detailing and a long fringed tassle down the side. These are my kind of boots! As you can see, they were flying off the shelves in double quick time, so if you want a pair I suggest you get down and check them out asap!
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Now that i've done by primark sales pitch, i'm going to give the Christopher Kane for topshop look book a serious inspection. More on that later!
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Love, Tor xx

Primark new season party dresses AW09/10

Why is it that in the summer we are happy to head for a night on the town with our friends wearing whatever falls out of the wardrobe (in my case this summer, a Tshirt dress and heels) but as soon as the weather gets gloomier we all rush out to buy glamorous party dresses?

Whatever the reason, Primark haven't let us down with their party dress selection this week; think lots of sequins, 80s power shoulders, and one shoulder detailing.

One Shoulder Animal Madness

An 80s interpretation of the future (aka Star Trek dresses!!)

Sequins, sequins, and more sequins!

I was very restrained and didn't buy any party dresses but if I had I would have had the sequin zig zag one (how similar is it to the one I tried on at the Arcadia bloggers night?) and the star trek style dress; the shoulders looked very sharp and the whole dress was made of a thick stretchy jersy material; double yum with a cherry on top! I'm not a massive fan of the one shouldered look on myself, but the snake print one shouldered dress was gorgeous: very glamourous, well made, and prefect for both the body con and eighties trends!

Haven't bought you're winter coat? Read my Primark New season coat piece!

Love, Tor xx

Primark New Season Coats AW09/10

As Make do Kate would remind us all, fashion is about looking and feeling good, not how much you spend. For some, that means drastically cutting down your shopping and buying investment pieces. But for others (students, recent graduates, people on salaries like mine: i'm thinking of you!) there isn't money for investment pieces, and even with your shopping cut right back, you end up in Primark for the big pieces. And the big piece we are all trying to buy right now is our winter coat.

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Right now, this isn't necessarily a bad thing; as the prices in Primark have slowly creeped up, so has the quality. And although you aren't going to be coming out with a cashmere number you can wear season after season, for £30 you can find a very wearable coat that will last you the whole winter.

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I went to Primark last night armed with my camera and took hundreds of pictures of everything beautiful in store right now. Hopefully this will answer everyone who emailed me with a primark related question over the past couple of weeks; sorry for the lack of Primark related posts over the last week, but to remedy this there will be THREE (count 'em, THREE) posts on Primark going up today.

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So to get us started, here are my picks of the Primark winter coats:

Grey seems to be a popular primark coat colour at the moment, as does military style coats. These are some of my favourite of those two themes; if you like your coats plainer (or should I say classic!) there were also loads of options with very basic detailing too.
I love this cocoon coat, which came in this grey and in black. You can't see very well, but it has shiny buttons which look like big black diamonds and is a really flattering fit. The sleeves are a little long, but that's probably because I have the shortest arms in the world!!
This is my favourite, favourite, and the coat I would buy if I was in the market for a new one (I own more than 10 coats, so I really cant have another!) I love the close fit and the exagerated hips, the colour and pattern are wonderful; this coat is a curvy girls dream!!
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My one piece of advice when buying a primark coat is to take 5 minutes (this really is all it will take!) when you get it home to restitch the buttons. For some reason they are always loose and if you don't do this you are likely to lose one after a couple of wears; this is the only obvious flaw I can note with any Primark coat i've ever bought though!

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Next i'll be doing dresses and boots; I was told you can't take photos in Primark, but I went in like a stealth ninja undercover agent, all for you guys!

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Love, Tor x