Shopping: Cooler bags that look cool!

Hi guys,
Summer finally made an appearance this weekend. To celebrate the appearance of Mr. Sunshine, we went for a family day out and picnic. With all things vintage and retro becoming increasingly fashionable, so too is the humble picnic having a revival. I love dining al fresco, and there's nothing nicer than eating little summer treats (mini quiche, sausage rolls, homemade salads) whilst feeling grass between your toes.

In order to picnic properly you need one of two things (preferably both!) A picnic hamper filled with plates, glassware and cutlery. And a cooler bag to make sure your drinks and sandwiches aren't sticky and warm! Here's mine, which was a birthday present that my parents brought back from America for me: I'm slightly in love with it! It's Betsey Johnson, it's the most vibrant pink colour, and I love the fish bone and fish head design. Unfortunately, I can't find anywhere that you can buy mine in the UK. But here are a selection of other cool looking cooler bags that would be perfect for taking pride of place at your summer picnic: Anorak seagulls cooler bag, £37.50 (available here)
Menu grey and lime cooler bag, £44.00 (available here)
Red polka dot picnic cooler bag, £7.99 (available here)
Pelican pattern picnic cooler bag, £11.99 (available here)
Cath Kidston drinks flask, £12.00 (available here)

Do you like to picnic? And what are your favourite picnic foods? I'm currently obsessed with the new M&S picnic selection: It's expensive but it tastes so delicious, it's worth every penny!!

Love Tor x

Shoes: In praise of Georgia Rose

Hi guys,
Yesterday I went out for lunch and, wanting to add a pop of colour to my outfit, immediately added my neon panel boots by Georgia Rose. They are some of my favourite boots, and I wear them all the time. I have several pairs of Georgia Rose shoes: my favourites are eye-catching navy blue brogues covered in silver stars: they always get plenty of attention whenever I wear them. And yet, almost no one who admires them (it happens a lot!) has heard of the brand that makes them: which is why this is a post in praise of Georgia Rose!
Georgia Rose is a French brand, which is probably why Sarenza stock so many of their styles (Sarenza is a French brand too). Here comes the blurb: "The Georgia Rose woman has is dynamic, feminine, ambitious and glamorous and before anything else, she is contemporary with a passion for fashion. Because Georgia Rose knows that life is made up of a thousand moments, the brand has created shoes for every occasion. A fantastic relationship between quality and price, a fantastic range and even a bags and handbags line: Georgia Rose is going to become your new best friend!"

Because they focus on comfort as well as being fashion-forward, Georgia Rose is fast becoming one of my favourite brands: I like a shoe I can wear all day without my feet aching, and these definitely tick that box!

Here are some of my picks of the very best Georgia Rose shoes available for this Spring/Summer:
Pink polka dot loafers, £111.
Green and yellow brogues, £74.40 (Currently 40% off)
Stappy tan sandals, £60.90 (Currently 30% off)
Yellow velvet wedge sandals, £72.10 (Currently 30% off)
Brown and gold sandals, £111.
Floral platform heels, £111.

I saw the brown and gold sandals for the first time when I was putting this post together, and now I'm slightly obsessed with them! I know having that thick ankle strap will make my legs look shorter, but I like them so much I think I'm going to have to have them anyway. And those yellow wedges just scream summer: I love yellow teamed with black, so with a little black cotton dress these could be yet another summer staple. My final favourites (I have so many) are the pretty pink loafers. I have three pairs of slipper-type shoes already but I can't get enough of them: as comfy as ballet pumps but much more on trend: what's not to love?

Have you tried any shoes from Georgia Rose, and if so which ones? What do you think of the brand? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Love Tor x

* I am a Sarenza brand ambassador

Time to get your feet ready for summer!

Hi guys,
Yesterday in lovely Norwich it was 20 degrees and sunny. I spent the afternoon in the park, and even abandoned my beloved boots in favour of gold pumps. This got me thinking: it's probably time to remove that nail varnish that's been on my toes forever, give myself a pedicure, and get my feet ready for sandal season: it's nearly here! The first step was to remove my nail varnish and trim my toenails. I like mine short, slightly rounded, and neat. Then I soaked my feet in warm water for 20 minutes (very relaxing!) and scrubbed away at them like I've never scrubbed before! I use the Carnation foot scrub. Finally, I moisturised them then painted my toenails a nice vibrant red.

My advice from now until Autumn is to start moisturising your feet everyday. It will keep them soft and supple, and prevent the need for any extensive hard skin removal: after all, prevention is better than a cure! I use Soap and Glory Heel Genius foot lotion: it smells and feels fantastic.

It's also the perfect time to stock up on some preventative solutions for those blisters and sores that come with the first month in sandals. Unlike with boots, the leather straps on sandals can rub and dig in, making the first time you wear them particularly painful. I protect my feet by rubbing Carnation anti blister stick underneath the straps on new sandals - it really helps!

Are your feet ready for sandal season? If not it's time to get to work- it doesn't matter how nice you're new sandals are if you're putting them on ugly feet!

Love Tor x

Primark swimwear - What do you think?

Hi guys,
Yes I know this is my second swimwear feature this month, but it's that time of the year and, as I've already confessed, when it comes to finding the perfect bikini I'm obsessed!

This time I'm thinking about whether, when it comes to swimwear, you get what you pay for. More specifically, if your a normal sized soul and you buy a bikini from Primark which costs just £5 for the top and £3 for the bottoms will it give you the support you need? Or are this bikinis designed simply for the slender limbed teenagers who model them?

I've never bought a bikini from Primark so I can't comment on the fit, but when I was last in store I copped a feel and the fabric seemed to be of good quality. And there were some patterns and designed I really coveted too:

Bikini top £5, bikini bottoms £3, hat £4. 

Swimsuit £8, Bangle £3, Backpack £8. 

Bikini top £6, bikini bottoms £6, Visor £2.50. 

Based simply on these images, I would say this isn't swimwear for gals with boobs. But until you've tried these things out for yourself really, it's impossible to tell. So I'm throwing this over to you! Have you had a bikini from Primark? How did it fit and what did you think? Did you get value for your money, or did you wish you'd spent a little more for a bikini of better quality?
I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Love Tor xx

Feet saviour - Butterfly Twists

Hi guys,
Hurray! Summer has finally arrived! We spent this weekend eating al fresco, swimming outside in our local lido, and walking in the sunshine.

That means my Butterfly Twists couldn't have arrived at a better time; I always struggle in the first week of sandal season with rubbing heels and those funny little bits on flip flops that go between your toes. But having a pair of Butterfly Twists (that's fold up shoes to you and me) in my handbag meant that as soon as the rubbing got too much and threatened to blister I could pop off the sandals and pop them on instead.


I've had a pair of foldable shoes from Primark before, but they were so flimsy the sole quickly fell off, and I couldn't keep them on my feet. These are different though: although I've only worn them twice, they're surprisingly comfortable. They're also pretty sturdy, look funky, and come with a little carrying bag to hold the folded shoes, so you don't have to put your stinky shoes in your handbag. Its a win win situation really!

How have you spent your weekend? And have you been struggling with going back to wearing summer shoes like me? Within a week I know they'll be the comfiest things in the world again, but the first couple of days out of my winter boots are simply unbearable!

Love Tor xx

Shoes: They call me mellow yellow!

Hi guys,
Although I'm still wearing a jacket (and most days, lets face it, a scarf) in my heart it's summer, so I decided to inject a little sunshine into my feet. Yes! Yellow shoes!
These particular beauties are from a lovely little brand called Jonak (c/o Sarenza) Since I started shopping for shoes on Sarenza I've had a real soft spot for Jonak shoes, because I like what the brand represents: The brand is underpinned by the philosophy that all women should have access to high quality, contemporary products at supremely affordable prices. And that's exactly what they do: these little wooden and leather beauties were only £50!

Created by Joseph Nakam in 1964 in Paris, Jonak gradually evolved from being a multi-brand shoe distributor to becoming a fully-fledged design label in its own right. Jonak now offers urban styles for dynamic women in major international cities and they launch at least 400 new styles a season. That meant that when it came to choosing a pair I was very spoilt for choice!

But it was always going to be the yellow clogs for me. My third pair of clogs in 12 months, and I still say they're the comfiest way to wear sandals. Everything about these sunshine shoes make me happy, and they seem to make other people smile too. I teamed these with contrasting toe nails to add to the summery feel, but threw on my skinny jeans, a blouse, and a nice cozy jacket because no matter how warm I want it to be, it's still damn cold!!

Still, the yummy mellow yellow shoes are like a little promise to myself that summer will be along soon....

Love Tor xx

Color Day: Salmon, Chartreuse, and Baby Blue

Inspired by a photo found on Pinterest, we decided to pull these shades together for an inspiration board that is modern, youthful, and fun.  Chartreuse adds a unexpected burst of energy to the otherwise muted and romantic salmon and blue.  This is a combo that's prefect for an outdoorsy, whimsical spring or summer wedding or for some preppy meets shabby chic home decor.

Salmon, Chartreuse, and Baby Blue Inspiration Board

1. Barn Yard Chic | 2. Wedding Bee | 3. Flower & Flour | 4. Flowers from the Garden | 

5. Lemon Square Designs | 6. Mod Dot Textiles | 7. Ready Go | 8. Blue Dove Studio |

9.  Chartreuse Love | 10. Enchanted Dream Weddings | 11. Brideorama | 12. Invitation Crush |

XOXO

Jen  & Saira

Summer Reading

To our delight, guest bloggers Maggie and Lynette are back with their picks for great reads for summer!  Grab a blanket, your sun block, and your big floppy hat and get ready to hit the sand with one of these great books!  Take it away, ladies:

Summer and reading go hand in hand. Whether you're forced into it à la high school English class or simply love reading on your own, summer is a fantastic time to crack open a good book. So settle down in a beach chair on a sunny day or on your couch when those thunderstorms are raring and pick up one of these reads! Whether you choose a post-apocalyptic novel or a classic story you haven't had a chance to read, these books are guaranteed to take you far away from your every day life.

The Passage - Justin Cronin

If you're going to read one book this summer, or this year even, make it The Passage. While its intimidating size (approximately 800 pages) has frightened some readers away, those who have taken on the challenge have not regretted it. The author himself describes the novel as a story about a girl who saves the world, but The Passage is much more than that. While readers discover early on that the world has ended due to a scientific experiment gone horribly awry, the way that Justin Cronin tells the tale of the destruction of our society creates an unbelievably gripping story you will be unable to put down. Suffice it to say that after I'd started this novel, I spent two days with the book either in my hands or sitting next to me while I waited to pick it back up again. Once you start this engrossing book, you simply won't be able to stop reading it!





A Discovery of Witches - Deborah Harkness 

Harkness has created a beautifully diverse world where vampires, daemons, witches and humans coexist, despite humans remaining unaware of the existence of the other species. The novel's protagonist is an alchemical scholar writing an academic paper in Oxford before accidentally calling a book out of the stacks. Little does witch-born Diana know that this book has been missing for hundreds of years…or that all three of the supernatural species desire to possess it. A Discovery of Witches begins as a mystery revolving around a book and rapidly becomes a history of the magical world. Despite the obvious similarity between this book's main romantic story and the romance between Bella and Edward in the Twilight Saga, I enjoyed being a part of the world Harkness created.

One Day – David Nicholls

Are you a sucker for stories about friendship and love? What about tales that focus on friendship and love spanning the course of 20 years in what feels like the blink of an eye? David Nicholls’ One Day tells the story of Dexter and Em by touching base in their lives on July 15^th each year, giving you a glimpse into events that have passed and the large and small moments that comprise their lives. Dex and Em are both lovable and exacerbating, and their experiences ring true to how life (at least for this writer, and at least thus far) takes you to places you never expected and changes the opinions you so firmly believed in during your youth. That said, a warning—Nicholls’ shows no mercy when it comes to exposing his characters and readers to painful, traumatic events. Prepare yourself for some heart-wrenching moments.

**Even if you don’t read One Day, you can still see Dex and Em’s story on the big screen! It comes out soon and stars Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess.**

Fated – S.G. Brown

The thing about Fated is that it’s awesome. (Read the book and you’ll get why this is funny.) In all seriousness, S.G. Brown’s Fated is a richly crafted tale about Fate’s role in modern society.  Known socially as Fabio, Fate is tired of his job and envious of Destiny’s, who guides humans on their paths to success whereas Fabio is tasked with helping the average Joe make it through the day. When Fabio falls for Sara, a human on Destiny’s path and strictly off limits, he finds himself breaking all the rules to be with her – and to improve the lives of his humans, who he stopped caring for hundreds of years ago – and consequently changes his own destiny. With excellent supporting characters and clever narration, this is definitely a fun summer read.

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane – Katherine Howe

While I’m not a huge fan of novels that explore historical periods side by side with a more current narrative, I thought Howe did an exceptional job in Physick Book. Readers will meet Connie, a Harvard graduate student in the 1990s who is searching for the subject for her doctoral dissertation. While Connie looks for the subject that will guide her life for the next few years, she also begins the arduous task of cleaning and restoring her grandmother’s house near Salem. Yes, Connie’s search leads her to the life of seventeenth century witches in Salem. While that’s no surprise to anyone reading the novel, what I found surprising was how strongly I wanted to curl up in Connie’s grandmother’s library and sit in her favorite armchair. Definitely an enticing read, the Physick Book is a beautifully written historical mystery that also manages to force the reader into seeing the past in a new light.

Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card

Time to change things up a bit and go with an oldie but a goodie. Written more than 25 years ago by Orson Scott Card, Ender’s Game is a science fiction masterpiece that still enthralls new fans each year. Andrew Wiggen, known as Ender because he is the embarrassing third child in a society where having two children is the acceptable norm, is an exceptionally bright and gifted young boy plucked from his home by an organization whose sole focus is protecting the human race from extinction. Why? Because Ender is Earth’s greatest hope against the Buggers, an alien race that has nearly destroyed humanity twice. Ender is sent to the Battle School, where he is tested beyond all others to prepare him for his destiny. The biggest question you must ask yourself when you read Ender’s Game is this: will they break Ender’s brilliancy and compassion for others… or will he save the world? Trust me when I say you want to find out the answer. 

XOXO,

Maggie & Lynette

Summer Style: Ikat

Ikat, aka that strange kind of Aztec looking print, has become very popular for this season. Now, we had never even heard of Ikat until recently, but from what we understand it is not really the print, but the method of weaving. Ikat is created using a process very similar to tie dying by tying off bundles of fabric and then dying them.  The process creates these patterns and they can be done in one color or, more often, many colors. These days it's kind of hard to pull off tie dye, but an Ikat print can give you similar blurred lines and a carefree look in a way that is still totally sophisticated.

1. Scoop | 2. Modcloth | 3. Lord & Taylor | 4. Macy's |

5. J. Crew | 6. Anthropologie | 7. Bloomingdale's| 8. Banana Republic | 

XOXO

Jen & Saira

It's summer time in Primark!

Hi guys,
Well it may be rainy and miserable outside, but in Primark it's high summer! The majority of the high summer stock has now landed instore, and it is a riot of colour. I popped down on Thursday of last week (to find the Oxford street store surprisingly empty and with no queues) where I picked up a couple more vests (Yes - I know i'm obsessed!) and I couple of shirts for Mike. And whilst I was there, I checked out the windows:


I love the stripey dresses (which everyone is wearing - I would guesstimate I pass one every 2 minutes whilst walking down Oxford street!) I am also a big fan of their wide chiffon palazzo pants, which come in ditzy floral patterns and eye wateringly bright block colours.

Ahh I be a global traveller! It's a phrase that always makes me think of naff photoshoots and simultaneously long to be on holiday: I guess that's what they're going for!

I am no longer buying shoes from Primark (I made a personal promise that I would stop wearing cheap, non-leather shoes, and i've stuck with it!) but window displays like this definitely weaken my resolve. I love the lace up wedges, which come in blue red and green: they're perfect summer going out shoes, and would look great teamed with flirty skirts or cut offs: lust! (Sigh!) I just wish summer would arrive already!

Love, Tor x

Rock the Boat

Boat shoes aren't just for people named Bambi and Biff. While a bit on the preppy side, they can be stylish and chic, not to mention incredibly comfortable. Wear a weathered, leather pair with a feminine dress to create a modern and hip contrast, throw on a sleek neutral colored pair with black fitted capris for some Audrey Hepburn-esque style, or embrace your inner yacht club member with a color print and Bermuda shorts.

 1. American Eagle | 2. Sperry | 3. Top Shop | 4. Urban Outfitters | 5. Target | 6.  Steve Madden | 7. Vans 

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Boho Magic

Boho chic is The Look for this summer. Think: floppy hats, loose skirts, fringe, and lots and lots of jewelry. It's a fun, playful look for the summer that will keep you feeling loose, cool and with the flow. For inspiration, check out the photos of celebrities at Coachella, or the Olsen twins daily street gear.

1. BCBG | 2. Asos | 3. Anthroplogie | 5. Vero Moda | 6. Free People  7. Banana Republic 

Mind you, accessorizing is such an integral part of this look that it warranted its own section!

 8. American Eagle | 9. thunder rose | 10. Top Shop | 11. Urban Outfitters | 12. Gypsy Warrior | 13. Forever 21

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Hair Style Look Book: Beachy Waves

We've got to admit, we love the beach babe style - that fresh out of the water, tousled and care-free, I know I have sand everywhere and I don't care kind of look.  And, not just for the day at the shore, but for any occasion! Pairing formal dresses or flirty frocks with tossled beachy waves creates a style that is casual, but still glamorous and romantic.  It's summer time, so treat yourself to a swim and let nature take it's course, transforming your locks to resemble the rolling waves of the ocean.  Sure, maybe saltwater isn't the best for your hair, and might leave you feeling a little grimy, but there's no denying that it can give it some serious texture and volume. If you're not a fan of the sun and salty seas, don't fret; you can easily get this look indoors.  One way is to use a styling product that essentially acts just as the salt water and helps texturize your hair.  But, if you do not have naturally wavy hair, we suggest wrapping some sections of your hair around the outside of a large barrel curling iron to create this care-free, bohemian look.  Here's a look at some of our favorite examples of this sexy style:

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Summer Office Attire 101

Hey, Dolls!  First off, Happy Monday, and second, congrats to Spain on their World Cup win! Now on to business!

We've been experiencing quite the heat wave here in the Northeast this past week, so we graciously accept Hillary's newest post on summer office attire.  Have you seen some women in your office wearing grossly inappropriate items?!  Don't be one of them! Read Hillary's summer style tips below to make sure you are looking professional even on the hottest of days!

Though you might be dreaming of relaxing on the beach while you’re working 9-5 this summer, your office attire shouldn’t look like you are sitting poolside! Office dress codes tend to adjust for the changing temperatures, but there is a distinct line between office appropriate and plain old too casual. The following are a few do’s and don’ts of summer office dress:

Don’t...

Wear flip-flops to the office. In addition to the sometimes obnoxious noise that accompanies wearing this summer favorite, many office environments frown upon this casual footwear. Though it might be tempting to slip on the flips, leave these shoes for the sand, or at least hide them under your desk or in your purse (only if they are clean, please!) for after work!

Do...

Wear professional or dressy sandals - if your office allows open-toed shoes. The above Rampage Madyson Patent Sandal, available at DSW, has a comfortable low heel and also allows you to flaunt your pedicure.

Don’t...

Wear shorts. Though the above shorts may look slightly dressy with a belt and heels, there is no hiding that showing too much skin in the office can make you look unprofessional.

Do…

Consider wearing longer shorts, like the above Drew Double Button City Short from The Limited. This crisp look has a dressy tone, and just coming over your knees this pair won’t be too showy for the office.

Don’t...

Wear a see through sundress. Though Lauren Conrad’s white sundress is cute and light for those heat waves, it’s clear she’s outside enjoying “The Hills” and isn't in the office.

Do…

Consider wearing a bright colored dress to summer it up, like this Secret Treasure Dress from Anthropologie. Or, should you really be set on wearing one of your more summery strapless dresses, make it office-appropriate by wearing a cardigan to cover up and fight those freezing office temperatures.

Don’t…

Wear spaghetti strap tank tops (like the above from American Apparel) unless it's worn as an under shirt (or unless your office is a dance studio). Regardless of what season it is, staying away from showing too much skin in the office is key to looking professional!

Do...

Know it's ok to wear a conservative tank. If you feel the urge to go sleeveless, consider wearing a tasteful top like this Cowl Neck Top from The Limited.

We find it amazing how many people, on a daily basis, we see breaking these simple rules.  Thanks, Hillary, for bringing us these much needed tips!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Summer Style: Beach Bags

Summer is all about relaxing days at the beach (or park, if you're a city dweller). In order to make the most of your day in the sun, you need a whole lot of accessories. We're talking sunblock, towels, blankets, reading material, water bottles, snacks, etc. Clearly you'll need a pretty durable bag to tote around all of these "essentials." So, here are some of our favorite picks for summer fun that have both form and function:

This bag from Walmart is cool and neutral and is certainly large enough to hold a thin blanket, towel, and then some! 

Looking for something a little more wild?  Try this reversible Billabong tote! One side is more subdued and  features a graphic screen print of a cheetah  while the other is a definite statement, with a full and brightly colored cheetah print!

You can never go wrong with bright colors on the beach.  We love this spacious, golden yellow bag by  Urban Outfitters.  It just screams summer sunshine.

Oversized graphic prints are a fun way to add personality to your beach wear. Anchors and nautical prints are perfect for summer and this simple white bag from Anthropologie features a bold red anchor that we adore.

When it comes to beach bags, size matters.  And, the bigger the better! We really like this extra large black, white, & pink bag from Roxy for it's size and retro style.

And, what better way to admire the beauty of mother earth's beaches and parks than with an eco-friendly beach bag! This one, by ikabags, is made of 100% cotton canvas and is sturdy and durable enough to use as a beach bag, laptop bag, or general tote.

These cruelty free bags, by ShopJessBecause, that are made from fabric remnants and re-purposed burlap/jute coffee sacks. This material is very durable and the bag itself is modern, bold, and big enough for all your essentials. Don't forget to pack your sunblock, otherwise you might end up getting dark roasted yourself.

Make waves!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Dresses: Got your GOAT

I normally immediately delete any email that's subject starts with the sentence "Victoria Beckham wears...." Victoria Beckham might or might not have excellent taste, but this isn't a celebrity blog, and unless she's designing it, i'm not writing about it. But, accidentally, I clicked open instead of delete, and i'm glad I did: but not for Victoria Beckham.

The yellow dress VB is wearing is the one above (which looks better on the model) and it's strikingly lovely: the colour, the length, the subtle ruffles. I coveted immediately (as I often do) then googled the GOAT website looking for more dresses. Nothing is as striking as the initial yellow burst, but I loved the shape and sharp shoulders of this pillar box red dress which I immediately wanted to team with opague tights and dolly shoes. The collection has a really 1960s feel, which I felt again in this white dress with its bib/peter pan collar, and the oversized buttons on the cashmere cardigan/jacket made me instantly think of Marc Jacobs then ponder how great it would look on my mum.

GOAT is certainly aimed at someone a little older than the Topshop generation: tailoring rather than gimmicks are king. My mum would look fabulous in all of this: tailoring and great cardigans are her trademarks. But I rather like it: luxy fabrics, great cuts and flattering fits, what's not to like? When the time inevitably comes for me to smarten up and stop dressing like i've been dragged through a hedge backwards, this is how i'll be doing it.

Love, Tor xx