• Bag it up! Sammy Bag Review [Lulu Hun]

    Over on the Lulu Hun website there are occasionally more shoes, bags and accessories which appear but don’t make it over to the Collectif site. A couple of these are the sweet Sammy bags.

    I’d eyed them as soon as they launched and couldn’t decide which colour to get, so I waited. Then I kinda forgot for a little while, then remembered and talked myself out of it – I probably don’t need two more bags during lockdown. However, the sale hit a couple of weeks ago and these beauties went down from £32 each to just £9.99! Well, I obviously needed both at that insane price didn’t I?!

    They’re really cute box style bags with a raffia/wicker look and bright woven pattern. The lighter one is on a natural coloured base and the darker one is on black. They have a magnetic fastening with two large brown clips to twist open.  They’re a circular shape but have a flat bottom so they don’t tip over when you’re rooting around for your essentials.

    Speaking of essentials, there’s enough room inside for my phone, a mirror and some make up items. It’s pretty roomy though a slim design and features a little internal pocket too.

    There’s a detachable gold chain and I have to say I’m not a fan of that style of strap, so I will replace it with something more in line with the vintage style, but they’re handy all the same. I really love the vibrant colours and the tiki feel they have, they’ll both go with so many new Summer outfits this year!

    Ooooo look at that fab colour combo!

    The Sammy bags are currently available at Lulu Hun for £9.99 each in the sale  – which will you choose?! x

  • Layered to the max! Warming up for winter with Collectif

    Feeling the chill in the air the past week or so, I decided to layer up with a few Collectif pieces including the Caterina Blackwatch and the matching scarf

    The Blackwatch pencil dress is a rerelease and comes in a variety of other styles too this year, including the swing version and the fabulous scarf which I obviously needed to play matchy-matchy with. 

    It’s a gorgeously classic green, black and navy check in the popular Caterina shirt style design. There are patch pockets and a matching belt (no holes sadly). I really love the Caterina’s and have quite a collection of them now. They work so well to dress up or down and feel smart but not too formal. I always buy my normal size in a Caterina pencil which fit really well and I size down in the swing versions.

    I really love that there’s a matching scarf (and gloves too, might need those!), to co-ordinate your look and it has the sweetest tasselled fringing. I picked out the green of the dress and wore it with my Molly jacket, which is another rerelease this year but there’s an amazing orange version in the Top Vintage collab too which I am sorely tempted by.

    Molly jackets are the perfect short jacket for cooler weather days, when it’s not cold enough to warrant a full length coat  but too cold to wear something thinner. The 40’s tailored style is really flattering, nipping in at the waist with a wide buckled belt and the floral linings are so pretty! I also really like that you can remove the faux fur collar should you wish to which make it suitable for warmer Spring days ahead, or as a paired down suit jacket for work.

    Sans scarf

    The Molly’s are cut quite small, so if you’re busty or you want to wear thick layers underneath, definitely size up one. I have it in my normal size and it’s a perfect fit for me with a jumper over my dress too (but not a super thick one – no cable sweater numbers!). 

    I decided to style my tartan scarf on my Molly coat with my own little nod to the highlands, wrapping it around like a shawl and tucking the corners into my belt. It was actually a really cold day when I wore this and I felt so snuggly and warm with the scarf like a shawl. Definitely going to wear it like that again!

    With shawl scarf

    I added some thick black tights (we all need tights right now – gotta protect those pins!) and my Lulu Hun Selma boots which I bought last year but are also available to buy online now. The range has been expanded to include the most fabulous green and red pairs this season (here) and I can’t tell you how comfortable these ankle boots are with their small block heel.

    They really suit vintage styles perfectly with their dainty round toes, scallop edge details and ribbon laces. Such delicate features which compliment 40s and 50s style dresses, skirts and wide legged trousers and look really cute peeking out at the bottom of a long winter coat too. 

    I have them in my normal size which fit really comfortably for me. If you have a wide foot, you may want to size up but they’re true to size. 

    I love a good check so I‘m really enjoying seeing the new collections launch and more matching accessories which have really won my heart this season! Which have been your favourites? x

     

     

    Additional info:
    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and 4’11 with 2.75 inch heels on. 

    Full outfit details:

    Caterina Blackwatch pencil dress 
    Blackwatch scarf 
    Natalie bead necklace in green
    Tiki earrings in green
    Molly jacket in olive green
    Selma boots in black
    All Collectif/Lulu Hun

    Hair flowers: high street
    Bangles: Splendette

  • [London Edge Feb 2020 Part 7] Bright & Beautiful, Lulu Hun and Collectif Menswear AW20

    In our final instalment of the Autumn/Winter 2020 previews, we’re starting with the awesome new collection from Collectif Menswear. 

    As well as the amazing Jonathan jacket pictured above (seriously, how cool is that?!), there were some great chunky knits, guaranteed to keep your other half warm (or for yourself as I’ve often said before!).

    I love a good moss stitch pattern and this bright yellow cardigan has bags of true vintage style with a modern flair, brightening up even the darkest of wintry days.

    I will always be a sucker for an atomic print, so this knitted top also caught my eye:

    The starbursts are everything! For a more casual look there are plenty of polo tops too:

    As with previous seasons, there will also be a range of novelty prints which are going to be very popular (no previews of those though to keep you in suspense!).

    Next we have Bright & Beautiful, which takes its inspiration from the 60’s and 70’s. Adding a contemporary twist to their vintage styling, there are often pieces which crossover from the past and look on trend for the modern day. Like this cropped sequin jumper which will look great with some high waisted jeans or slacks:

    The rainbow sequin detail is so pretty! Also this cute ladybird dress which is a classic 60’s mini shape in velvet, but sits a little longer than their daring lengths and has a fabulous gold print:

    As with every Bright & Beautiful season, I’m always on the look out for the new Astrid, and this tweedy version didn’t disappoint!

    Such a staple style to pair with brown boots for Autumn.

    There was also this new trench coat style which has the best tartan detailing to the lining:

    I love the turned up cuffs to reveal the tartan pattern. With a wide collar and double breast buttons, it oozes 70’s style but you could easily throw this over something more modern too. 

    Moving on to Lulu Hun and accessories now and the displays were fantastic as always. Here you can see the bags from the current collection: 

    Current season stock

    The leopard bag is particularly splendid, and there’s also a matching mirrored brooch which will be coming to the Collectif Accessories range:

    The accessories line will also launch new Natalie necklaces (you know how much I love those), one of which is this superbly pumpkin inspired treat (no tricks):

    Featured on the shoe display were these Spring/Summer prickly delights from Lulu Hun:

    The cactus wedges and pumps are really fun, and I adore a tropical leaf print!

    So what can we look forward to for Autumn from Lulu Hun? Firstly, the wonderful Mara is returning in two new shades:

    I have these in black and red already from 2018:

    They’re the perfect heel to be running around in and look so dainty with their velvet bow detail to the front, impeccably finishing off your vintage outfit. The plum and green versions will be brilliant additions.

    The next stand out pair for me were these spectacular heels:

    With faux fur all the way round, these platform heels are so cute and are like the shoe version of the Tatiana boot. I had to try them on to see how they looked of course!

    Bit of a weird angle as I was doing a balancing act of holding everything in my hands and trying to point down to my feet, without dropping everything! but, you get the picture. They look super cute on and were a really cosy fit.

    And now for the cream of the crop…..

    There are no words. These cowboy boots are just magnificent (ok, there were some words). I’m hoping they’re faux leather so I can strut around in the blue and red pair, tip my hat at random people and say, ‘howdy partner’ as I pass by.

    Finally the Autumn/Winter bags from Lulu Hun. My favourite picks were this black glitter satchel:

    So practical but so fancy! And also this incredibly cute pink heart bag:

    Isn’t it adorable?! And with all that love, it’s the perfect way to leave our jaunt around London Edge this year having viewed so many gorgeous things. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing all the previews and do share with me which you liked most by popping a comment below x

     

    Featured brands today can be found here:
    Collectif Menswear
    Bright & Beautiful
    Collectif Accessories
    Lulu Hun

  • [London Edge Feb 2020 Part 5] Voodoo Vixen, Hell Bunny & More!

    As we take a little tour of the trade floor, I thought I’d show you some more highlights from the show. There were some great displays from so many brands and fab to see so many independent retailers exhibiting.

    The featured photo above shows a stunning display by The Seamstress of Bloomsbury. They always have a wonderfully vintage stand combined with Classic Bags in Bloom, whose bags are hand finished in the UK and look absolutely adorable with their vintage styling. 

    Hell Bunny always have a great centre spot showcasing their existing and upcoming designs.

    There were a few favourites I saw hitting the runway.

    Hell Bunny Python Rose Dress
    Hell Bunny Viva Las Vegas Top and Skirt
    Hell Bunny Pina Colada Dress and Noa Noa Mid Dress

    I particularly like the tropical Tiki print of the Noa Noa dress above which is full of exotic birds, palm frongs and hibiscus flowers – the perfect summer print! 

    Hell Bunny also had a range of shoes on display and I’m a sucker for a polka dot peep toe, especially if it has a bow on it. LOVE.

    Moving on to Voodoo Vixen with their exciting collaboration for Summer called Unreal Redheads (so I’m aptly drawn to it!). I really loved the cute designs and pastel shades of these two.

    This is the Trixie Gingham dress and features a pastel rainbow gingham with love heart pockets and buttons – adorable!

    The Hayley prom dress is a real head turner. I have a similar design which was hand made for me about 8 years ago as it’s such a classic vintage evening style and looks amazing on all shapes and sizes. Mine wasn’t resplendent in rainbow tulle though! I love it when straps sit delicately on the shoulders and the detailed pleating on the bust is fantastic.

    Beautiful tulle pleats

    The Jinkx Floral Tropical Print dress also stood out for me with it’s gloriously leafy and floral design. 

    The sweetheart neckline combined with heart buttons and elasticated sides for a perfect fit make this a great choice for holiday season.

    There were also some fun novelty bags from Voodoo Vixen – and I do love a novelty bag! I especially like the camera bags:

    It was also exciting to see Daisy Dapper at London Edge which are based in Sweden.  Their stand was filled with elegantly styled, vintage inspired, pieces and some were adorned with daisies!

    Lastly for today, my favourite piece from Banned Retro, was this Summer Sail Dress with it’s sweet open collar and border print full of bright sailing boats:

    I hope you’ve enjoyed the tour around London Edge, look out for the next instalment which will include Collectif Autumn/Winter 2020 range. Subscribe below to be notified when the post goes live x

     

  • [London Edge Feb 2020 Part 3] Bow & Crossbones

    I’d missed the fabulous Bow & Crossbones last time they exhibited at London Edge as I ran out of time, so I wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice! Heading over to their stand, I was greeted with such a friendly welcome from Camilla and Taz. It’s so nice when people you only know via social media turn out to be as lovely in the flesh as they are online.

    Bow & Crossbones make fakelite and 50’s inspired bangles, necklaces and earrings, but also sell true vintage, kitschy cool, items. I love Cam’s work and often wear her pieces which you’ll have seen in previous posts – in fact I was actually wearing some Bow & Crossbones when I met her! You know I love a good accessory.

    Bangle stacking is easy with B&C!

    The Kane Wicker collection (which I’m wearing above in Coco and Black) is just unbelievably good, made better only by the fact that part of the new season pieces are two tone wickers! That’s right, you heard correctly,  TWO-TONE! 

    Spot them on the second row up in all their funky glory

    I have no idea how it’s even possible, but it looks incredible. With earrings to match, these are so ridiculously cool. I think I may have let out an audible yelp when I first saw them. So they’re definitely on the list!

    Offering us another sneak peek of what’s to come, these awesome octagonal bangles were showcased too, look at all the gorgeous carving:

    I love shaped bangles but they never fit my teeny wrists, so when Cam said the new collections going forward will always be available in all 3 sizes (Princess, Queenie and Goddess), I was thrilled! Such great news, right?! whichever size you need, we’re all catered for.

    There were lots of gorgeous earrings to look at too and I’d already spotted the Dot earrings which were released recently. They’re double hoops and super cute.

    Dotty about these! Photo credit: Bow & Crossbones

    To my surprise, when I picked them up, they were so much lighter than I expected! No droopy lobes for us, ladies! I’m going to be bagging a few of those too.

    Hope you’ve enjoyed a little preview of all the goodies coming this year from B&C, in the meantime there are so many pretties available on the website and make sure you drop by on Friday evenings for the market nights which are fab! x

     

    Look out for Part 4 of my London Edge round up which will be coming soon. You can subscribe to the blog below which will notify you when it publishes to be a step ahead 🙂

     

     

     

  • [London Edge Feb 2020 Part 1] Oh So Flamingo

    Not even Storm Dennis would keep me away from London Edge for their 21st year of this amazing trade show. It always has the best atmosphere, the coolest brands and so much to see my eyes can’t cope with all the awesome in one place!  I’m going to write the round up in parts again as there’s just too much to share, and this way I can give each brand the time they deserve.

    I still feel that excitement when I walk in and see everything that lies ahead

    Upon arrival, I headed to the Press Meet where the back drop (main photo) brought the devil out in us all. I liked that my hair matched the theme, even if I was too short for the horns to actually reach my head ha – did you spot that?! I got to meet some absolutely stunning models and influencers and loved that our styles were all so different but everyone was super friendly and welcoming – as is the nature of the show.

    After the press call, I headed over to see Rachel from Oh So Flamingo, whom I want to talk about today. I’d met this lovely lady at the last show and she’d kindly gifted me the most gorgeous Starburst Hoop earrings (see previous article here).

    Her stand was filled with lots of beautiful new designs and I instantly fell in love with all the flamingo and jungle themed goodies with their bright, leafy, pieces which scream Tiki-tastic and make me want to wear them all!

    Mingos + Monstera = LOVE

    Oh So Flamingo specialise in handmade, laser cut, acrylic, jewellery with fun novelty themes. The ranges include earrings, necklaces and brooches to wear together or as separate pieces, and are very reasonably priced (earrings are around £9.00) for all handcrafted pieces.

    New additions coming this year also include some furry friends – and I know many of you are crazy (but obviously fabulous) cat ladies so these will be perfect to add to your collections.

    Rachel also kindly made me the most amazing bespoke brooch which features my logo and I can’t tell you how good this is!

    My logo has never looked so good!

    I love all the detail and it’s the perfect size to wear to events. I was ridiculously excited to receive such a special piece and popped it on straight away to flounce around the rest of the show with it – and of course, everyone loved it!

    I think you can tell how happy I am.

    I can’t wait to snap up some of the new items when they launch, but in the meantime, if you’re looking to add instant joy to your outfits, then look no further than the current rainbow-filled Love In Colour pieces, which are available here.

    Look out for the next part of my London Edge previews – you can subscribe to the blog below to be the first to see them x

    Wearing:
    Dress, handbag and earrings: all Collectif Clothing
    Boots: Lulu Hun
    Bangles: Bow & Crossbones
    Brooch: Vintage

    Photo Credit: Melissa Sacco (featured photo)

    For transparency:
    The brooch piece featured was gifted, but all views are my own – I just love the brand and wanted to share it with you x

  • Ahoy Accessories! [Collectif Clothing]

    A new season brings us more exciting accessories to liven up our outfits. It’s a pretty inexpensive way to add new interest to pieces we already have, or for a whole new outfit. A bunch of cute jewellery arrived and I wanted to share them with you to help with sizing etc (warning: this post is very face heavy, sorry!).

    The main photo shows my beloved Natalie Bead set which I’ve previously spoken about in other colours (here) and seen here in white. I love these sets, though the earring size did increase quite a lot from the originals (I preferred them smaller to be honest). White will go with all my nautical looks over the summer and make a nice change to my creamy coloured pearls. 

    I’ve also worn it with the new Summer Lighthouse Brooch, which is a glittery, acrylic, brooch featuring a lighthouse, waves and a tiny anchor. It’s very cute and I can see it pairing with so many outfits over the Summer.

    I really love the next set which is called Cocktail O’Clock and features a coconut cocktail (mock in my case) with umbrella, straw and flower detail. The earrings are a little fiddly as there isn’t much space between the catch and the drop but they’re so fun and just the right size for making a statement in the sun.

    The brooch backs are a little on the flimsy side but they’re functional and will only be worn on light summery fabrics so I think they’ll be fine. They’ll also be supe easy to replace if I need to. My favourite vintage brooch pin has recently snapped off and I’m still mourning the loss of that, so these are a great pick me up to brighten up my days.

    Brooch back detail

    Big hoops can really set off a vintage look and I have some plain in gold and silver etc but these Tiki 50s Earrings are so cool and come in a range of colours. I have them in green and red.

    I’ve mixed them above with the Natalie Bead necklace in red as they go quite well together and give me a larger earring option. The earrings have a really cool bamboo look to them with ridges and waves, adding tropical vibes to your outfits and the large size is great.

    Close up of Tiki Earrings

    I also managed to bag (ha, see what I did there?!) the new Carrie bag which is available in pink and black this season. I already have it in green (see here) so I’m delighted to have it in black too which will see me through all seasons. The fastening is so easy to use with just one push and a click to close. I’m a simple girl, I need a simple bag.

    Unfortunately it looks like everyone else snapped up the option in black as they’re out of stock on the website now but some stockists still have a few so have a scout around if pink isn’t your thing. They’re the perfect size for keeping the essentials in and big enough for a phone too.

    I’ve paired the Carrie with some new outfits which I’ll share in my next post so you can see how to style it vintage.

    Have a great week xx

     

    Also wearing:
    Bangles from Bow & Crossbones and Splendette
    Cardigan: Collectif Clothing 

     

  • Happy 2020! [Collectif Mimi Clueless]

    Happy new year you gorgeous lot! Hope this year is amazing for you. I have sashayed my way into it with this gorgeous Mimi Clueless dress which my lovely sister bought me. I missed this the first time it came around so I was delighted to receive it for Christmas (along with some Splendette goodies – that gal knows me well!).

    I’ve written about the Mimi before as I loved my pumpkin check version (see here) and this print certainly doesn’t disappoint. It’s so bright and cheery with reds and blacks mixed in to the check. Yellow is my favourite colour (alongside teal) so I was pretty much swishing around with the dress pressed against me for quite some time at Christmas haha (no joke though).

    Yummy yellows

    The sweetheart neckline is so flattering and has black bias binding around it. I found it tts and the same fit as the pumpkin, despite hearing it came up smaller for other people. I’m glad I went with my normal size.

    It’s a mid calf length on me and I strutted my stuff around Market Harborough in it while attending an Afternoon Tea event hosted by the Vegan Cakery (check them out, they’re award winning, and rightly so!). Food porn below.

    Diets start in February, right?!

    I was wearing my Lulu Hun Selma boots which are so comfortable and the cobbled streets were no match for them. For stylish, you can see them on the pumpkin check post. I was also snuggled up in my Carmella coat as the Pearl would have been too big to take to the venue (which is the quaintest little building on stilts as you can see in the main photo).

    Close up Carmella car selfie 

    These products are all available in the big Collectif sale at the moment with a whopping 50% off (code SALE50) so snap them up while you can! The Carmella is from 2018 so the black isn’t available any longer, but there’s a beautiful camel colour way this season in that style. The Mimi is currently only £17.49 with the code! I’ve had a little splurge too during sale time and will post my bargains up soon xx

     

    Also wearing: 
    Cardigan – Jessie Geek by Collectif Clothing
    Earrings – Catkin hoops by Splendette 
    Bangles – A selection from Bow and Crossbones

    For reference, I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and wearing a 6 here. I’m 4’11” and wearing 2.75 inch heels.

  • Mimi Pumpkin Check Dress by Collectif Clothing

    I’ve been meaning to write about this gorgeous little number for about a month now, but never got around to it, so I’m popping it up now while we’re still embracing the beautiful, autumnal, colour palette. Everywhere I go at the moment everything is golden, orange or fiery reds – love it! (though I’m definitely feeling the cold already brrrr!),

    The Mimi Pumpkin Check dress is a really lovely shape with its sweetheart neckline (trimmed in black), featuring a little gathering at the bust, and cute, puffy, sleeves. The swing shape isn’t a really full circle skirt but there’s more than enough room for a petticoat underneath if you wish to add one.  Sadly, there aren’t any pockets to this one – but maybe we can keep our fingers crossed these will come in time. 

    The print itself is just divine with those amazing oranges and blacks – it’s a real headturner. The fit is true to size, so if you’re in between sizes on the waist, you should size up as the fabric doesn’t stretch. The length is a little shorter than the Dolores style (which is great for me!), so it cut nicely at my shin. 

    I’m really pleased with this style and will be buying more Mimi’s. They’re a very comfortable, easy, design to wear and perfect for popping some tights and knitwear on colder days. I would have liked a lining on the skirt part to sav me wearing a slip but that’s just a minor detail. This style comes in a range of other prints too but this one is still available in sizes 8-22 and costs £52.50.


    Also wearing:
    I paired mine with yet more orange and black (couldn’t resist living my own pumpkin dreams!)

    Billie Cinch Belt – Collectif Clothing in orange (these are such handy little elasticated belts to have, I bought them in a few different colours).
    Bangles – Splendette in Fox
    Bangles – Bow & Crossbones in Black Weave
    Bangle – Collectif Clothing  Carrie in black
    Necklace – Collectif Clothing Natalie Bead Set in black
    Earrings – Splendette
    Boots – Lulu Hun 

    For reference:
    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and wearing the 6 above.

  • Collectif Amber-Lea Pumpkin Dress Review

    Happy Halloween lovelies! For today’s post, I thought I’d wear the fabulous Amber-Lea Pumpkin Stripe Dress which I’ve had for a while now but it seemed fitting to share with my spooky friends.

    This new style is similar to the Amber pencil dress, with a gathered skirt instead. I have an Amber pencil already so I knew I was going to love this shape – and with the cool pumpkin stripes, it was a definite winner!

    The swing skirt has plenty of room for a petticoat (I wore mine with a fluffy black petti underneath) and has huge pockets for stuffing hands or essentials into.

    There are half sleeves for colder days and a wide scoop neck (great for larger busted ladies).I found it true to size with a bit of stretch in the fabric (thanks to the spandex) so there’s plenty of room for puddings (marvellous). 

    This style pretty much sold out immediately on the main site, but there is still plenty of stock available from stockists in all sizes currently (except 6).

    I paired my pumpkin dress with a Kimberley Cardigan and picked out the green to compliment it. These are really lovely (I already have other colours) and so soft. The sleeves are very long for petites so tall gals will love them. The cropped length is perfect over swing dresses and gathered skirts and the matching green buttons are very sweet and super easy to do up.

    Continuing with the green accessories, I had my Carrie bag which was the perfect match. I love this darling little bag. It’s very reminiscent of vintage purse style handbags with a modern twist. One little clip in the centre opens the entire bag and there’s enough room for all my bits and pieces (lipstick and liner, obviously).  I’m grateful for a really easy way to get in and out of this bag as I’m usually forever fumbling with fastenings. It comes with a gold chain if you want to make it into a shoulder bag, but I really like it hand held instead.

    I’m also wearing the sweetest addition to the accessories collection this year, which is the Evie Ascot Scarf in black. This is based on an original vintage design and one side cleverly tucks into the other to hold it in place so there’s no knotting, keeping clean lines and the focus on the chic pointed scarf ends. I also bought it in the mustard to brighten up my black outfits. This is such an inexpensive way to make an immediate vintage impact on what you’re wearing.

    Hope you like the outfit and enjoy Halloween – don’t get too scared!(unless you like that, obviously).

    Watch out guys and ghouls!

    If you’re looking for a super way to spend a day this weekend, remember the Collectif Outlet Sale is on (details on their events page). I’ve written about what to expect at these events previously and all the bargains I’ve snapped up so it’s definitely worth a visit – enjoy! x

     

    Also wearing:

    Necklace and earrings: Natalie Bead Set by Collectif in orange
    Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
    Belt: Billie by Collectif in green
    Shoes: Lulu Hun Susan heels in green
    Petticoat: Hell Bunny