Shoes: Lusting after the Minna Parikka bunny shoes

Hi guys,
Do you ever have one of those moments where you see a pair of shoes and you know that it's love at first sight? Like a birds singing, clouds parting, the world slows down a little kind of love? Well, that's how I felt when I saw these Minna Parikka bunny shoes: I first fell in love with animal shoes when I saw the Marc Jacobs mouse pumps. I remember tirelessly bidding on pairs of them on eBay because I couldn't afford to buy them full price. Then came the Charlotte Olympia cat flats. But if anything I love these shoes more, because they don't have an animal face on them: it makes them more subtle and sophisticated (If you can ever call a shoe with huge rabbit ears sprouting out of the top of them sophisticated!)

I love flat shoes because they fit my lifestyle so much better than heels at the moment: all the running around and walking for miles I do right now demands a trendy statement flat shoe that will go with everything. And these ones definitely tick all the right boxes!

The Spartoo sale has just started this week (Hurrah for the sales!) so these shoes are now 30% off, coming in at £132.99. If you want a pair of your own you can buy them here. I have been thinking about these all week, so I think i'm definitely going to have to succumb and buy a pair!

Love Tor x

* Post written as part of a new partnership with Spartoo shoes

Shoes: All that glitters.....

Hi guys,
Behold my new sparkly shoes!!! Mmmmm, shoes!!! They're from a Sarenza brand I've never tried before: Anniel.  And they are so comfortable I don't ever want to take them off. These beauties were made in Italy (from Italian leather) and above all the quality really shines through.

I'm going to call these shoes my pregnancy heels. Not because they are heels, you understand. They are clearly very simple pumps. But because with their Wizard of Oz sparkilyness, they are the shoes I will be wearing in lieu of heels for every single night out of my pregnancy. Frankly, if you can't make yourself look thinner with a stiletto, sprinkle yourself in glitter instead!!

Over the next couple of months I have two weddings, a hen do, and numerous parties to go to. And for each of those events I suspect I will be wearing these comfy, buttery soft shoes. Victoria Beckham et al may rock their pregnancies in Louboutin platform spike heels, and good for them: but not good for me. I fall over when walking in flats, so I just daren't risk falling off a pair of heels. Occasionally, just occasionally, some things are more important than fashion.....

I'm taking these beauties for their first night out this weekend, so expect to see lots of outfit pictures on Monday!

Love Tor xx

PS - My impatient nature means that my least-favourite thing about Sarenza is having to wait for my deliveries (the flip side, of course, is that they're free) but now you can pay £8 for NEXT DAY delivery!! No more waiting around for beautiful shoes I want on my feet now, now now? I'll take that!!


*I am a Sarenza brand ambassador 

These pumps were made for working...

The saying is "dress for success," and this most definitely includes shoes. Every girl in the workforce knows that a good pair of heels can go a long way. While we prefer a pair of cute flats for every day in the office, heels are a definite must for every professional woman. They are sexy, sleek, and powerful... plus we hear that they help tone your legs when you walk. So here are our top picks of professional, yet stylish, heels to wear in the office and spice up any ensemble.

One of our favorites is the "blush" colored "ULLTRA" pump from Steve Madden. This heel is incredibly wearable to the office or would look great with a cute pair of jeans and a flirty top! Or, now that spring is here (fingers crossed), imagine dressing up these pumps  with a pretty floral dress and blazer. We can't wait! Plus, if you have pale skin (like Jen), this color will help make your legs appear even longer! Ah, what a magical pair of shoes!

This from Joan & David pump is an another comfortable option, but one that is slightly more conservative and perfect for your big meeting (or interview)! It offers a subtle pop of color and a little bit of hardware, giving the classic pump a modern twist. It stands out just enough to be fun, but is discrete enough to wear in front of your boss. Plus you can coordinate it with pretty much every suit color!

One look that we can't get enough of are lace-up heeled oxfords like this pair by Mossimo. This is a modern take on the traditional men's dress shoe that is just perfect for the winter, fall, and early spring. While this look may not be for everyone, it's ideal for the working girl who wants something more practical, and without all the fuss.

For a dainty and ultra feminine look, try this adorable pump from Nine West! The heel height is just right to be able to comfortably wear at the office all day, but the patent finish allows for a seamless transition for an evening out or special event. Our favorite part of this shoe is the delicate ankle strap which adds both style, and more importantly, support! Also available in pink and black! 

Like the strappy look but not the 3 inch heel? Ralph Lauren offers a simple, comfortable choice with their Mary Janes. They are conservative but still very chic and feminine, and give a classy touch to every outfit. Not only are they a throwback to our youth, but they're also on sale!

And, finally, the ULTIMATE pair of pumps is, of course, the Christian Louboutin Platform Pump. While they sport a staggering 4 1/2 inch heel, they are one of the most comfortable heels on the market, not to mention the most popular. Forget about just wearing them in the office, these heels are everywhere on the red carpet. Of course, there is the teensy matter of the price -- they go for a whopping $695.00 at Bergdorf's. But never fear! Many designers have copied the style at a much more affordable price. While not as comfortable, Jessica Simpson, Steve Madden, BCBG, and Mossimo have all come out with comparable pieces, at a fraction of the cost.

Happy shopping!



XOXO,

Jen & Saira 

Shoes that are good for the Sole

Although expensive (so expensive I don't actually own a pair!) French Sole pumps are the most comfortable, prettiest shoes I have ever had on my feet. Because I am more of a flats than a heels kind of girl (comfort is king!) I have lusted after a pair for a very long time- and in Tor world lusting means frequently trying on! I was thinking about them because of this gorgeous pair I saw in Look magazine today:These ones however say "I love you" across the heart, where the ones in the magazine simply say "French Sole". Perhaps they're too new to be on the website yet?
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I really am trying to have more investment pieces and less Primark in my wardrobe (although I still love Primark very much!) But I am trying to have Primark for my trend-led buys that I don't expect to last more than a season or two (sequinned party dresses for example) and spend a little more on 'the classics' that I know I will wear over and over. Like new pumps. The problem is I am always drawn the crazy colours and patterns rather than the cute patent black pair that I could actually talk myself into buying as an investment piece.

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Here are the ones I fancy:

Maybe this means that i'm just not ready to be sensible and buy investment pieces yet. I still fancy a pair of these pumps though - here's hoping the January sales will be kind to me!

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That's definitely what I will be looking for in the sales: decent shoes are always a sensible investment even if I never go for the sensible pattern! It's a discussion I have everytime another pair of Primark pumps has to be thrown away. "I could have had a really nice pair of pumps the amount i've spent on these over and over again". The problem is, of course, that you can find the fiver needed to replace the above mentioned shoes, but finding £100 all at the same time for the nice pair is more difficult.

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Love, Tor xx

Lesson of the day: don't buy cheap shoes!

Now I am a big fan of Primark. In fact I often think I run the risk of being their most vocal cheerleader. But I am about to give a piece of Primark advice I hope you'll all take heed of: think twice before you buy the shoes! Want to know why? This is why.... What a perfect start to a perfect day- this happened just as I got to work! I only bought these shoes 6 weeks ago. And this is the 5th pair of primark pumps i've owned that have failed to make it past the 6 week shelf like. I actually once owned a pair that I ripped the soles from the first time I wore them (although it was a drunken night out..) You think you're saving money with these £5 pumps but your really not; the way i'm getting through them I could've had a gorgeous French Sole pair by now! Of course, if you want to buy a pair of lime green shoes you know will be out of fashion in a month but you have a great dress to wear them with right now, thats different. I'm talking about shoes you're going to wear again and again. And primark is not the answer!

So what do you do instead? Well if your anything like me and you've got the time but not a lot of money you hit the sales. If you've got the time and energy to watch the sales, wait for the right time, pre plan what you want and so on (and so on!) you really can pick up a bargain.

House of Fraser have an amazing sale on at the moment. See!!Shoes for as little as £15! Its mostly on boots (you could pick them up for next year) party shoes (leave them on the shelf, you'll never wear them no matter how cheap they are!) and winter heels. It is the latter category that i'm most interested in; winter heels also make great spring and summer shoes if you get them in the right colour. I fell in love with these chunky Bertie Mary Janes that came in black, red and brown.

I ended up buying the brown pair. How much like Doc Martin Mary Janes do they look?! They're going to look great toughening up leggings and girlie dresses now, but they'll also make great summer work shoes (sadly, open toed shoes aren't really appropriate workwear) And how much did I pay, I hear you all crying? Just £15, reduced from £85. In actual fact, that's cheaper than the last pair of heels I got from Primark anyway. And these have the added bonus of being 100% leather. Which is more than I can say for their pleather (although super stylish!) offerings.

I'm converted- I shall wear primark shoes no more! My poor battered feet are in for a real treat with these real leather goods - they aren't going to know whats hit them!

Love Tor