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Crazy for Coloko! Shoe Review
I’m a bit of an Imelda Marcos if truth be told. I have hundreds of pairs of shoes but only one pair of feet – go figure! But I can never resist a cute pair of shoes and these low flats by Coloko tick all the boxes! I’d been wanting a pair of jelly style shoes since forever, but everything I’d previously seen reminded me too much of actually wearing jelly shoes to school in the 80’s! So I was delighted to finally find a pair that feel more grown up, but fun at the same time.
The Blossom style I chose is an open shoe with covered heel and toe, featuring a double bow on top. I opted for the blue and it has a speckled effect (almost like glitter but it isn’t at all shiny) and a small heel of 15mm making them super comfortable to walk around in for long periods.
Coloko Blossom side and sole The footbed has a really sweet pattern on it too, as well as the sole of the shoe – they haven’t forgotten about keeping things pretty when they’re not on your feet, which I love (and think of all the cute patterns you’ll leave while walking on the beach!).
Coloko Blossom Footbed I was a bit concerned about them being open and thought they may slip on and off my heel, but they’re a perfect fit and don’t do that at all. I would say I’m a small 4 (37) and they’re true to size.
Recently I’ve been trying to make better choices for the planet, so being a vegan friendly product is such a plus too. The packaging is fully recyclable as well (though I tend to keep all the boxes my shoes come in so they don’t get dusty).
If you sign up to their newsletter there’s a 15% off code for orders and delivery is free over £30. They have other ballerina flats and sandals too, which are obviously going to be next on my list!
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Supplier Spotlight: ilovethe50s.com and Collectif Fairy Palm Dress Review
Today’s review is of the Collectif Fairy Vintage Palm Dress in green which is such a summery print. I really like the colour of this one, giving off totally tropical safari vibes.
The Fairy dresses are such an easy style to wear, I think I have around 5/6 of these beauties (maybe more – who knows what’s in the depths of my Collectif wardrobes!). They always feel really comfortable with their slight stretch in the fabrics, elasticated shirring panel to the back and adjustable spaghetti straps – making this an ideal choice for everyone to express their summer vintage style.
Showing the elasticated panel to the back The dress is a pull on style (no zips to worry about) and features a full skirt. Those who love a petticoat will find it roomy enough to put one underneath should you wish to. I have it in my normal size and find it a perfect fit. I could probably size down, (as it has that light stretch and the elasticated panel), but I prefer my normal Collectif size as it then allows for comfort after eating. Bigger busted ladies, you’ll find it has ample room and the shirring expands to accommodate the ladies, so I’d buy your normal Collectif size. If you prefer a tighter pin up fit though, you may want to size down one.
I love the detailing to the bust with these styles too – the prettiest of pleats meet at the centre of the bust where there’s a sweetheart neckline and matching green buttons all the way to the waist (which are just for show).
Close up of the front pleat details and buttons The large, white, palm tree print is just fab and really goes so well with the green. Add some bamboo bangles and earrings for a Tiki inspired look or some flat sandals and a cute sun hat for shopping on a summer’s day. It’s a very versatile dress and lends itself to being dressed up or down.
White palm tree print on green, with the Carrie bangle and some Splendette I teamed mine with red (with hints of green), adding the belt from my Dakota skirt and my red Lulu Hun Veronica Heels (previous reviews of both on the blog) to make the green really pop. I’ve also added the Carrie bangles, the red Natalie bead set and an assortment of green styles from Splendette too.
Accessorised with red Basking in the sunshine in my fairy dress To snap this dress up, and others from Collectif, my readers receive a special discount rate from the fabulous Ilovethe50s.com. Use the code ELLE at checkout to receive 20% off Collectif dresses on their site!
They also stock a range of other brands and you’ll find some gorgeous Splendette goodies on there too. The website is run by the very lovely Karen, and all orders include FREE DELIVERY! It’s very easy to use, brands are listed clearly to search by and, once at checkout, you can use Paypal, Amazon Pay or Google Pay for a faster service or choose to pay by card. There are also speedier delivery options – first class is only £1 and there are next day options too if you need it super fast. If you sign up to the newsletter, you’ll also hear news first and receive notice of any further discounts on the site.
The website began last year when Karen decided she wanted to change her work life and offer a range of beautiful vintage clothing and accessories which flatter everyone, regardless of your age or clothes size – something I’m very passionate about too as a 40 something! There’s a great range available so enjoy the discount gorgeous gals!
Please note the discount code will run until the 31st May 2019. If you’ve enjoyed reading the blog and are interested to know more, please click subscribe at the bottom of the page for more reviews, info and discounts as they go live.
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Disclaimer: Gifted ad – this piece was gifted in exchange for an honest review and a discount for my readers. All thoughts are my own and I would happily purchase from this company. Please contact me via my Instagram for collab work or ads.
Stats for reference: I take a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing (33:24:33) and I’m 4’11”, wearing 3 inch heels in the photos.
I’m also wearing:
Bangles: Splendette
Sunglasses: Collectif (previous season)
Hairflower: Ebay a few years ago
Parasol: Collectif (bought from the outlet sale in Feb) -
Collectif x Modcloth Ayana Rainbow Shorts Review
Rainbow shorts! Who knew I needed these in my life?! But apparently I do and I believe most of you do too as they’re such a fantastic print. This is the bespoke pastel rainbow fabric from Collectif which they’ve used in a collaboration with Modcloth to create another style to their rainbow range.
The Ayana shorts are a lovely high waisted piece with full pockets and a white button to the side (along with hidden side zip).
I love this pattern and the fabric has some stretch in. I could have probably sized down in these but I’m grateful for the extra room to enjoy summer barbeque parties and extra puddings! The Modcloth sizing is the same as Collectif’s until you hit the extended sizes, for those, you need to follow the Modcloth sizing chart only for a true fit.
I have a few pairs of Ayana’s and they’re a really comfortable pair to wear casually or jazzed up. I’ve paired mine with the white Mahina top from last year which is no longer available but there is now a black to purchase (here) which would also work, along with the Sasha tops (the plain white would work great, previous Sasha review here). Also wearing my clear pastel rainbow bangle stack from Splendette which have coloured stones in them. They’re a perfect match for this outfit, I think, and finish it off nicely with my pastel pink Outlaw jacket from Collectif.
Full outfit These are such happy shorts, they were perfect for the sunshine today and I recommend snagging a pair before they’re gone as there aren’t many available!
With the Pink Outlaw Jacket from Collectif ___________________________________________
For reference: I’m 4’11” and a standard size 6 in Collectif, wearing 4 inch heels.
Also wearing:
Sunglasses: Collectif (previous season)
Pins on jacket: Punky Pins and Sass & Belle
Shoes: Lulu Hun Lorena
Other bangles: original vintage and Bow & Crossbones -
Collectif Review: Sasha top and Dakota Skirt
It may still be dreary outside, but I’m still planning all my summer outfits! And this one is an outfit I really love (together and as separates).
The Dakota skirt is a beautiful shade of red and a good vintage length on me. She has deep pockets that feature a flap over style and shiny red button affixed for decoration. The swing style is very flattering and it comes with a matching belt that has eyelet holes (woohoo!).
This is a new style for this season and I bought it when it first launched, but it wasn’t warm enough to wear it until recently! I hadn’t noticed how pretty the pleat detailing is to the front. This is such a lovely design and I really hope it returns in ALL the colours in future seasons as it’s a great alternative to a full gathered skirt. I found her to be a perfect fit and true to size.
She’s very versatile and easy to dress up or down. I could wear this with a Penny top for evening drinks or with my Arizona tshirt to make it super casual.
I chose to pair it with a Sasha vintage palm top, (which is another new shape and design for this year), and my goodness, what a star this little top is! The neckline is sweetheart, but can be altered by pulling the ties at the centre either tighter or keeping them looser. I’m not gonna lie, I pulled them quite hard because I need all the help I can get in that department! It’s great to have the option to be more modest though, and will suit a range of bust sizes.
The elasticated sleeves will sit just off the shoulders or on them; I quite liked having them on my shoulder a little as pictured. If it was warmer though, I’d likely slip them down.
Collectif Sasha Palm Top The palm tree print is fab and really stands out with the white on black, and the fabric is a jersey so it’s soft and stretchy. It’s true to size but with lots of stretch so buy your normal size and if you’re busty, there’s plenty of room.
I’m so glad I bought the Sasha – I know they’re going to be a firm staple of my summer wardrobe. I bought the plain colours too and there’s also a cat print available (here).
I really loved this look and highly recommend both products. Please note I changed the belt to one of my Collectif white ones as I wanted to tie the white in with the palm trees of the top. The skirt comes with a gorgeous matching red belt.
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For reference:
I’m a standard Collectif Size 6 (33:24:33) and 4’11” (wearing 4 inch heels here)
Also wearing Collectif Sunglasses (previous season) and Collectif Natalie earrings from the bead set -
Supplier Spotlight: SilkFred.com and Collectif Jemima Review
With so many online shopping sites popping up, it’s difficult to know who to trust sometimes. I’d seen SilkFred appear on my social media newsfeed occasionally but I wasn’t really properly aware of them until recently – when I found they now stock Collectif!
SilkFred are an online company based in London which provides a sales platform for a range of boutique, independent, brands. So if you’re looking for something a little different, SilkFred is a pretty good option to start your search! You can find other reproduction vintage brands like Glamour Bunny on there too, accessories from Crown and Glory or maybe some true vintage to add to your wardrobe, like Pop Sick Vintage?
I made a beeline for the Collectif store front (obviously) as I saw they had in stock the Jemima dress I’d been after, in my size! (yes, a chorus of ‘Hallelujah’ did start playing in my head when I saw it). Out of stock everywhere else, it was meant to beeeee! I already have the cream version which I bought back in January when it first launched (see full review of the dress here). Do you ever get buyer’s regret? I’ll be honest, it doesn’t happen to me often (I’m like a good soldier and never leave a pretty dress behind!)…..but as I’d bought quite a lot of new releases, I decided to buy just the one colourway of the Jemima and go with cream, leaving the black behind.
BIG mistake! I couldn’t get her out of my mind, could I?! Typically she was super popular and snapped up by everyone so I thought all was lost. Then SilkFred came to the rescue! I quickly bagged myself a 6 and had spoken to Collectif about the company – it’s all legit and the process is exactly the same as if you order via Collectif direct. It was easy to register, checkout and I received my DPD updates and speedy courier delivery as always. The great thing about SilkFred is there is FREE DELIVERY on orders over £50! so you save money on shipping too. I like that they use their own photos as well, so you can see how it looks styled differently and at diffferent angles, which you may not have previously seen on the main website.
I was super happy with my purchase. I’d signed up for SilkFred updates and they notify me of certain things (you can opt out of this if you prefer). Apparently they send discounts that way too so it’s always worth signing up to a newsletter I think.
Overall, it’s a great format in addition to the main site and gives us another outlet to buy from – which is always a good thing. So if anyone is unsure, go for it!
Obviously I’m over the moon with my black Jemima dress – still available in most sizes on the main site (here) or on SilkFred (here). I found it came up slightly smaller than my cream version (though still true to size), so order up if you’re in between sizes or busty. I’ll be using SilkFred again in future (alongside the main site), as it gets a huge thumbs up from me. And now my wardrobe is complete……until the next dress release!
Collectif Jemima dress in black Outfit details:
Dress: Collectif
Jewellery Set: Collectif
Sunglasses: Collectif
Bangles: Collectif and Bow & Crossbones
Shoes: Lulu Hun
Hair Flower: Miss Bella’s Blooms
Brooch: ErstwilderAll products bought by me and the thoughts expressed are my own.
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Collectif Margherita Sun Check Dress Review
Happy bank holiday everyone! I think we were spoilt with the last one where we were all basking in the sunshine – this is definitely more like a British bank holiday! Hope you’re not too chilly and able to enjoy it in your pretties none the less.
I was lucky enough to be treated to this absolutely gorgeous dress for my birthday at the end of last month. This beauty just screams Spring is here and brightens up any dull day. I first saw her at a trade show last year and ever since then, I’ve waited patiently for her to drop on to the website.
Collectif Margherita at Trade Show The Margherita Sun Check Swing Dress is a wonderfully bright yellow shirt dress with 3/4 sleeves and a large gingham print (bright yellow and a pale yellow on white). She has a belt similar to those of the previous Aida Zak collections which I’ve been harping on about recently – they look so fitting for the era (it’s a matching yellow belt with pale yellow plastic slider which stay put without the use of holes).
Of course, this awesome dress has pockets to keep us all happy as well as really cute details on the sleeves (which are turned up) and the collar (which is a little wider than a Caterina, for instance). Both of these features are reminiscent of the 50’s. I also really like the circular, yellow, buttons they’ve chosen too.
Collectif Margherita close up details Margherita doesn’t have a full circle skirt but it’s not a-line either – she’s somewhere in between and I definitely prefer this flared style. There’s enough fullness without the need for a petticoat which can get very hot in the summer.
It’s also worth noting that this new style is a little shorter – which is perfect for us petites! I was absolutely delighted to find her sitting just below my knee. This literally never happens with dresses! The skirt length is 23 inches, so those on the taller side may not find it suitable, but it’s a dream for any of us that are vertically challenged.
Fit wise, I find this truly spot on and fitted me perfectly. If you have a large bust, I’d size up to accommodate the button closure, or if you have wide arms, again, you may want to size up for the sleeves.
This dress is so perfect and even better than I’d hoped for – when you fall in love with a dress you’ve only seen in a different size, you hope she’s going to be right for your own body shape….and this one felt made for me.
Collectif Margherita, Erstwilder and Miss Bella’s Blooms I’ve paired her with red here but she looks great with so many other colours too – like green, turquoise, navy, pink, lilac etc, so whether you want to mute it a little with a complimentary pastel or turn up the brights even more (as I have), you can as it lends itself well to both.
If you fancy a slice of Margherita (see what I did there? cheesy, I know – oh, there’s no stopping her!) she’s on the site now for £75 with free delivery (free delivery only lasts until the end of today – Monday 6th May 11:59 GMT) and is available in all sizes from 6-22. She’s a must for your wardrobe but there are alternatives if she’s not quite right for you – check out this beautiful print in all the other styles here.
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For reference, I’m 4’11” wearing 3 1/4 inch heels and I’m 33:24:33
Photo details (what I’m wearing):
Sunglasses: Collectif (previous season)
Bangles: Collectif Carrie and Bow & Crossbones
Necklace and Earring Set: Collectif Natalie in red
Shoes: Lulu Hun Juliette (last season)
Brooch: Erstwilder
Hair Flowers: Miss Bella’s Blooms -
Collectif Wanda Review
Wow, Wanda is full of sass! A figure hugging pencil dress with matching, wide, belt and the cutest, winged, neckline detail to the front. It also has heart buttons with a faux centre opening (great for girls with bigger busts that hate gaping buttonholes). There is actually a zip at the back and a halterneck tie.
I picked up both the polka dot and the green version last Summer but as they’ve been rereleased (here) I thought a review would be helpful for those wanting to grab it this season – especially as they’re adding new colours to this range, including a gorgeous little black dress option.
The black and white polka dot version is so much fun! It’s a stretchy cotton and is true to size. If you’re in between sizes though, or have a larger bust (D+) you will probably want to size up. I love to jazz mine up with red accessories – who doesn’t like a little monochrome with a splash of red?
Black & White Polka Dot Wanda I also added the hat I featured here to it the other day, along with sunglasses and jewellery all from Collectif. Perfect for warm days basking in the sunshine – look at that sweet wing-tipped neckline!
The light green one is a really lovely colour. Again, it has stretch in the fabric, however the waist band doesn’t really stretch and is bang on true to size – so if you’re in between sizes or even a little over the Collectif measurements for your normal size, size up with this one. This green is marginally smaller than my polka dot version and as I’m within the measurements, it’s fine – but I definitely won’t be wearing it to an all you can eat buffet unless I buy the bigger size (which I may still do, cause, you know, cake).
Light Green Wanda They are really cute dresses, perfect for wearing casually with a cardi and flat sandals or vamping up with killer heels and a (faux) leather jacket. I highly recommend them; just size up if you need to and keep your eyes peeled for more styles coming too!
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ASOS Design Straw Hat Review
Despite the April showers we’ve been experiencing, I managed to sport this gorgeous new straw hat from the ASOS Design Summer collection on the 1st, while bathing in the glorious sunshine we had for a minute.
Soaking up the sunshine in my new hat It’s a steal at £18.00 and the has two interchangeable ribbons – one is plain black as above (which is very elegant) and the other is more of a casual, nautical blue stripe.
Alternative nautical ribbon Alternative ribbon insitu What I love most about this hat is there are adjusters hidden in the band! As I’m petite, I have a rather small head which never fits standard sized hats. So I can fawn over all the beautiful hats but know they will never normally fit my teeny tiny bonce. This feature is ingenious! By pulling the elasticated strings together, it will fit any sized head as well as those with a standard fit that don’t need them (just leave them loose).
Internal elastic adjustment Elastic tied to fit It has a curved, wide, brim and is made from 100% straw.
Side View The perfect accessory to keep you cool in the coming months and looking chic in your vintage outfits. I am so thrilled to have finally found a hat that is a perfect fit for me.There are a range of other choices too from ASOS (see here); I particularly love the boaters which work well with our vintage style too. Have fun choosing something for your own summer collection!
See you in St Tropez! -
Colour Me Pretty – Lulu Hun Shoe Review Veronica & Lorena
I absolutely love a pop of colour on my feet and the Lulu Hun’s Spring/Summer collection never disappoints! As well as adding a sense of fun (and your own personality) to an outfit with accessories (see here for some inspo), you can easily brighten up your day to day wear with some fun and fabulous shoes.
I bought the gold Veronica’s last year from Lulu Hun and I was lucky enough to win the silver pair in a Collectif competition (which pop up on my previous post here). They are the most comfortable shoes – I danced all night in them at the Collectif party back in December. I do love bright, primary colours though, so when I saw these were coming in red and green too, I was absolutely delighted! I’ve obviously snapped them both up and now have all 4 – shoes for every outfit or occasion!
Lulu Hun Veronica line up! Colour me pretty Veronica circle There have been a couple of slight changes to the Veronica’s this season, one of which is the funny little hook catch which is on quite a few of the Lulu Hun range. This has been swapped out for a normal buckle and is a very welcome change as, although I didn’t mind the hook, I much prefer a buckle. The other alteration is to the footbed of the shoes which are now a fabulous floral print. I love that this pretty print peeks out from the vibrant red and green, they’re a great new design feature.
The new red and green Lulu Hun Veronica heels with floral bed and normal buckle The metallic range are £41.00 and the red and green are £44.00, all available in sizes 3-8 and available to purchase here or direct via the Lulu Hun website.
A perfect fit in my new Veronica heels I tend to match my clothes with red accessories quite a lot, so the opportunity to buy the new Lorena heels in red too, was just too tempting. I’ve always loved these fun and funky shoes with their ric rac detailing. I have the black and green pairs from last year already (seen on my previous post) and though they seem high at 4 inches, with the 5/8th platform they’re super comfortable to wear.
Lulu Hun Lorena line up Colour me pretty Lorena cirle The block heel and buckle straps make you feel very supported. How cool are these shoes?! I never want to take them off.
Wearing my new red Lorena heels They go so well with my ric rac skirt, Carrie bangles and Natalie bead sets from Collectif.
Lulu Hun Lorena heels and Collectif accessories How well do they go with my skirt?! The Lorena heels are £43.75 each, available in black, green and now red in sizes 3-8. All the pairs I bought are true to size and fit perfectly. I’m a standard 4/37 and bought my normal size.
There are so many more Lulu Hun Summer shoes I have my eyes on, but I only have one pair of feet (you know that’s not going to stop me, right?!). Enjoy brightening up your feet on grey days, dolls!
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It’s all in the details; accessorise your life!
Today we’re going to take a look at the fabulous new range of accessories from Collectif. They were showcased last year and I instantly fell in love with all the tropical goodies and fifties inspired sets. Adding accessories can totally change an outfit and breathe new life into it, so here are a few of my favourite picks.
Nothing makes me happier than matching my jewellery to my clothes. The new Natalie necklace and earring sets are perfect for instantly making an outfit have more vintage appeal.
Collectif Natalie Necklace and Earring Bead Sets The bead sets come in red, yellow, orange, turquoise and olive. I bought all of them except olive (I love the colour, but personally don’t wear that much which would go with it, although I am reconsidering as it is so pretty!). Important to note the orange is more of a peachy coral rather than a bright orange, it is gorgeous and I hope a bright comes out too at some point (and every other colour of the rainbow to be honest!). The stud earrings are pierced and a really nice size. The necklace beads are graduated in size, growing larger to the centre, which is a style I really love. The sets are priced at £15 each.
Moving now on to bangles – and who doesn’t love a good bangle?! Oh my goodness, have they pulled it out of the bag with this set of Carrie bangles. Each one has its own design – the red has strawberries, the green has leaves and the yellow also has leaves but in a different pattern. Obviously, I had to have them all. One is never enough, especially when they’re this good. They’re plastic resin and £11.50 each with an inner diameter of 67mm. The tropical designs are just dreamy.
Collectif Carrie bangles. Pattern details They look great with the Natalie necklace which I’m wearing here. I’m also wearing the Mansfield silver earrings which are great for an instant pin up look:
Wearing Collectif Carrie Bangles, Mansfield earrings and Natalie bead necklace All the colours!! I wish I could wear all the necklace sets all at once haha
Collectif Carrie Bangles & Natalie Bead Sets Next up is the Sunny hair flower. This beautiful hydrangea comes in blue, pink, green or purple. I have thus far managed to resist the other colours but I doubt that will be for long! I bought the blue as one of my favourite flowers is a blue hydrangea. She is quite a large piece, but I prefer larger flower sets over small ones (if you’re going to do it, do it big!). There is a clip at the back to hold it in place. Little tip from me, I always place two bobby pins criss crossed over each other then pop the flower clip through that to make it firm and stay put all day. The Sunny hair flowers are £12.50 each
Here’s my fully ensemble, sporting the Sunny hydrangea, Natalie bead set in red (wearing both the necklace and earrings) and Carrie bangle in red. They work so well together, I already know they’re going to become a staple part of my outfits. Hope you’ve enjoyed a little look at the selection I’ve chosen.
Collectif Sunny Hair Flower, Carrie Bangle and Natalie necklace and earring set
