• Mirtilla Oranges Pencil Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]

    We’ve reached the end of another week – a miserable one here in the UK sadly with all the rain (but our gardens are thankful!). Better weather is on its way though and what better way to hold on to hopes of blue skies and endless sunshine than by adorning yourself with a taste of Spain (when I see sweet juicy oranges, I always think of Valencia).

    I managed to purchase this one during the 50% off sale and my size happened to appear (it was meant to be!) so I snapped it up immediately. The Mirtilla style is new this season and what a fab little pencil she is! Emblazoned with oranges on a navy cotton sateen, she has a casual feel with the polo style top but still dressy with the tailored wiggle. I absolutely love this new design, especially the bespoke orange print, it’s just delicious.

     

    The collar has a couple of buttons to the front and turn up sleeves on the arms. There is a side zip on this one which, to be honest, I found incredibly difficult to get on with a pencil style. They work much better for swing dresses and I do wish it had a centre back zip instead as I have to ruin my hair to get it on. I much prefer to step into dresses and I felt a bit like I needed to be double jointed to get into it with side zip haha. Once on though, it’s super comfortable to wear and it has just the right amount of stretch. 

    It falls on my mid calf which is just perfect for a good vintage length. I love that it’s more of a casual style but still in my beloved pencil shape. I really hope to see more of this design returning (but fingers crossed for a centre back zip). There are also swing versions of this design if you’re not a pencil lovin’ kinda gal, but not in the oranges print.

    I paired mine with the orange Billie cinch belt and Natalie orange bead necklace from last year’s Collectif accessories, the parasol I picked up at a Collectif outlet sale event a couple of years ago, the Aaliyah orange orchid hair flower from earlier this season at Collectif, shoes from Lulu Hun (featured earlier on the blog, here) and bangles by Splendette and Bow & Crossbones which were a perfect match with this dress. I felt totally tropical! Bring back sunny days x

     

    For reference:
    I’m 4’11 and wearing 4″ heels, I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and no alterations have been made. 

  • Susan Navy High Heels Review [Lulu Hun]

    Hey gorgeous shoe fans! Today we’re having a look specifically at the new season Susan shoes by Lulu Hun, in navy. I’ve previously spoken about this style here, but since then I’ve pretty much bought the entire range and thought I’d share what the new shade looks like.

    So, they are the same style with a fabulous forties inspired heel and slingback which fastens with a buckle and feature a slim platform sole too. I cannot tell you how much I love this design. The things I look for most in heels is 1) a slingback, 2) a peep toe and 3) a platform, so ticking all my boxes, they were always going to be mine! Platforms are such a great way to get the added height of the 4 inches, but it feels super comfortable to wear too, especially with the blockier heel. Bonus!

    There is a really sweet white bow to the front, giving these shoes somewhat of a nod to nautical, combined with a new, sultry, red sole, which I now want on all of my shoes please!

    They’re made from PU leather and are really good quality. I’ve had other pairs for over a year now and worn them a lot out on the razzle dazzle, especially to dance in, and they haven’t put a step wrong (the same can’t be said for me and my dancing sadly ha).

    Fit wise, I found them to be exactly like the previous season. I took my normal size (4) and they fit perfectly. I have a narrow foot though, so if your foot is wider, you may want to size up. The slingback strap is adjustable on the buckle so you can get a tighter or looser fit.

    They also come in white with a contrasting red bow, which are also very cute. I don’t really wear white heels though as I’d get them dirty instantly. I really hope they return in another plethora of colours so I can add more to my collection. They’re the perfect shoes to pair with any outfit and are currently priced at £45.50 and available in all sizes.

    Which colour will you choose? Susan rainbow joy right here!

    Susans galore!

    This style is also currently 50% off on the Lulu Hun website! So snaffle them up quickly x

     

  • Pinup picnic, for one [Collectif x Top Vintage Collaboration Caterina Review]

    This year we’ve been treated to another gorgeous collaboration between Top Vintage and Collectif Clothing (you can view the full Collectif Loves Top Vintage range here). There are some very cute circus prints as well as a very fabulous harlequin (which I am eyeing up but I don’t suit pale colours so I’m hoping it’ll return in a bolder colour, fingers crossed!).  Also included in the collection is this sweet little Caterina.

    The Caterina is a very popular style (you know I already have quite a few!), but this one is super special because she’s sleeveless! It’s the stuff of dreams – a sleeveless pencil Caterina. No more trying to figure out how to bunch sleeves up under fitted cardigans just smooth, smooth, lines!

    No more bumpy sleeves!

    I find I’m being drawn more and more to red clothes again. They used to be my staple as a brunette, but since I became a redhead (almost a decade ago), I always avoid red clothes thinking they’ll clash too much. Well I’m truly over that now. Maybe current world events are encouraging me to stop getting hung up on the minutiae as they don’t matter. So, I’m embracing red, clash or no clash. It’s my favourite shade – that bright pop of lipstick red.

    The fabric is cotton with a little stretch but it has a linen look and is lovely and light to wear for Summer too. As a classic 50’s shirtwaister dress, it has sweet wooden buttons running down the front (to the hip line) and these feature on the front pockets too. It has a matching belt with holes as well which is a great addition and I found it true to size for me, if a little bit generous on the hips. I’ve found a couple of the pencils are similarly sized this year. I may run it in a fraction but it gives me room for Covid essential pudding eating, so I’m not all that fussed.

    Close up details of the beautiful neckline and buttons

    I paired it with mint, but it will go well with so many other colour combinations too, I just adore anything on the turquoise scale with red. I’m currently knitting something in these shades and hadn’t realised that when I look around my home and clothes, I tend to put them together A LOT! ha

    Stay safe and I hope you can enjoy a little pinup picnic of your own in your garden or even a floor picnic in your lounge while the sun is shining. We may not be able to get together, but we can carry on looking fabulous until we do! Have a great Easter, until next time cuties x

    The Collectif Loves Top Vintage Caterina is priced at £55.00 and is available in all sizes from 6-22 on the website.  

    For Reference:

    Also Wearing:
    Cardigan: Collectif Lucy Strawberry Cardigan from a previous season (but Abigail would go so well too).
    Sunglasses, Bags and Necklace: All Collectif
    Bangles: Some vintage, mostly Bow & Crossbones
    Peep Toe Shoes: New Look (many moons ago)
    Brooch: Made by me
    Everything else – vintage/ retro bits and bobs from my house

    Stats:
    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif clothes and I’m wearing 4 inch heels in the photos. The dress sits on my mid calf which is a perfect cut for a vintage look. You can cinch in the waist with the belt for a classic 50’s silhouette.

  • Adriana Top Review [Collectif Clothing]

    This crop top may be small but its impact is mighty! In a gorgeous bright red, cotton, the Adriana top has halterneck straps which tie at the neck.

    I love the sweetheart line and pleating details at the bust. I added the Cocktail O’clock brooch at the centre which I think adds a nice touch too – already feeling ready for Summer, despite only just dipping a toe in April!

    There’s an elasticated back which makes for a comfortable fit as the shirring is super stretchy. If I could have, I would have sized down as it runs a little large on me (though anyone busty will have plenty of room so you should order your normal size). I’ll sew it in when I get to it, but I think I can get away with it as it is if I decide to be lazy.

    There are matching shorts available (here), but I wore mine with high waisted trousers and jeans while it’s still a bit cooler. As a woman in my 40’s, it’s very rare for me to put my midriff on display, (especially in public, that’s usually saved just for the garden!), so I’ll probably end up wearing a loose white shirt over it, tied at the waist. Either way, it’s going to be the perfect top to wear as we heat up and will go with so many things. I had planned on maybe wearing it around the pool with some wedges – but maybe next year!

    The Adriana top is £27.50 and currently available in sizes 12-22 on the Collectif website

     

    For reference:
    Checked trousers: Collectif Clothing Bonnie Gingham trousers (sassy pants from a couple of seasons ago)
    Blue jeans: Collectif Clothing Kirsty jeans (also previous season, super high waisted stretch denim)
    Bangles: Bow & Crossbones (black set and blue),vintage (red)
    Earrings: Collectif Clothing Tiki Earrings (red), Bow & Crossbones Double Dot Hoops (blue/yellow and red).
    Hair flower and necklace: so old I can’t remember, sorry! but likely the high street many years ago.

    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and wearing size 6 in everything above. 

  • Supplier Spotlight: Ilovethe50s.com featuring Collectif Maura

    Hope you’re all doing well in isolation and coping ok. It’s so important to be supporting small businesses during these hard times (if we can), and if you fancy a little lift to brighten your day, then I have a gem of a dress for you to consider!

    This is the Collectif Maura dress which is a fabulous rockabilly styled shirt dress. It’s a lovely dark indigo denim with lots of stretch and features retro style square red buttons all the way down the front.

    The red accents are continued on the stitching and the wide circular belt. The pencil shape is really easy to wear with lots of stretch and it’s super comfortable too. I did a lot of stretching, bending and all sorts while I was wearing it and it just moved with me, despite being a pencil it’s not restrictive at all.

    I found it true to size, and it sits on my mid calf which is a perfect vintage length for me. For the taller among you, it should sit nicely just below your knee. If you’re particularly blessed up top you may wish to size up. There’s a handy popper detail below the first button at the bust area to avoid any gaping issues too.

    How cute are those buttons?! I love them so much

    It’s such a versatile dress – everyone needs a faithful denim dress to carry them through from Spring to Summer and this fits the bill perfectly with its classic 50s styling. I loved wearing it for a little walk in the sunshine and I’ll also be wearing it to pick up my essential groceries in a couple of days. As the days grow warmer, you’d best believe I’ll be wrapping my hair in a bandana to add those rockabilly feels!

    You can find this fab little dress fully stocked in all sizes from 8 to 22 at Ilovethe50s.com which is an awesome independent online retailer, run by the very lovely Karen. Selling a range of vintage styles and brands, the Maura dress is amongst many others in the online store’s 20% off sale, so it’s the perfect time to snap it up. I don’t know about you, but I’m all about the little treats right now to get me through the isolation, and this offer will definitely brighten everyone’s day.

    There’s also the option to use Clearpay or Klarna if you need to spread the cost and pay in instalments, and not only that, it’s all free delivery within the UK! You can purchase Maura directly here.

    Stay safe, stay well, and treat yourself through the tough times xx

     

    For Reference:

    Also wearing:
    Shoes: Lulu Hun Susan 
    Bangles: Bow and Crossbones, vintage and Splendette. You can find lots of lovely new Splendette stock at Ilovethe50s.com too!
    Handbag: Banned Retro previous season
    Earrings & Necklace: Collectif Clothing Tiki and Natalie

    Stats for reference: I take a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing (33:24:33) and  I’m 4’11”, wearing 4 inch heels.

    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 or at info@lapetitepinup.co.uk for collab work or ads.

  • Sasha Gingham Fishtail Dress [Collectif Clothing]

    This sassy little number is a rerelease from last Summer and, as I missed out on it then, I was super happy to see it again this year. 

    With a large black and white gingham print, bardot, elasticated, sleeves which sit on the arms or shoulders and gorgeous fishtail to the bottom of the dress, it’s comfortable but sexy.

    There’s a bow to the front of the sweetheart neckline, which you can pull tighter to reveal more cleavage (I didn’t as I’d reached my own dare to bare point without adjusting it) or leave looser for a more modest line. It’s true to size with some stretch in the material. I feel like such a senorita in this dress

    Perfect for Summer dates with your love or night’s out with your girls. This design also comes in plain black currently but will be available in more colours for the Spring/Summer collection – so look out for those!

    Olé!

    The Sasha is currently available in 8-12 and sizes 18-22 and costs £49.95. 

    For reference:
    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and wearing the 6 above. I’m 4’11” and in 4 inch heels.

  • Chrissie Lobster and Cactus Jumper [Collectif Clothing]

    I’m a long time fan of the Chrissie jumpers, with their cute puffed shoulders, round neck and cropped length, they’re always perfect for pairing with trousers and skirts or popping under a cardigan for a twin set feel. However, Collectif have really knocked it out of the park with the novelty style Chrissie jumpers which are new this season! I absolutely love a novelty print, so these made my heart smile.

    Crazy for Cacti

    The cactus version has a vivid green pattern on black and is a really stand out print.

    I tucked mine into my Frankie swing trousers (oh how I wish Collectif would remake this style!) and added a bangle stack and green and black jewellery to accessorise. The fit is true to size but a little looser than the next I found.

    The lobster print is amazing! Who doesn’t love a lobster design? The bright red lobsters on navy make a real statement with its chevron pattern.

    Lobster love

    I wore it with my Trouble Maker jeans from last year and red and blue accessories.

    As mentioned earlier, the lobster fits slightly more snug than the Cactus version on me, both still true to size though.

    They’re 100% cotton and easy to wash and wear, they keep really well. I have Chrissie jumpers from years ago that have worn really well.

    The Cactus version is currently available in all sizes except 10 at the time of writing, and the Lobster is available from sizes 8-22. Both priced at £37.50.

     

    Also wearing: 
    Necklace and Earrings: Natalie Bead Set and Tiki Earrings both by Collectif Clothing
    Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
    Trousers and Jeans: both Collectif Clothing (old season stock)

    For reference:
    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and wearing my normal size. I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels.

  • Clair Mini Polka Dot Skirt Review [Collectif Clothing]

    Polka dots are such a classic pin up/rockabilly look and the Clair skirt has the sweetest mini polka dots in white on black with a matching belt in reverse.

    I love the contrasting belt

    It’s a stretch fabric and has side seam pockets – yay! The length is good, sitting just below my knee. I actually made a mistake and sized up in this one and needn’t have as it’s true to size. However, with the belt to cinch in, I can easily get away with the larger size.

    There’s a centre back zip and the belt has a buckle with holes. I popped a black petticoat under mine for extra floofiness which immediately makes you want to swoosh about in it.

    I do love my accessories, and these Wicker bangles from Bow & Crossbones and clear, jewelled, bangle from Splendette were the perfect combo for stacking with this outfit.

    Bangle close up because they’re gorgeous

    This skirt is super cute and I love monochrome outfits paired with my red hair (add red accessories to achieve your own pop of colour – or bright pink/yellow work well too). I’ll be wearing it with cropped black jumpers and black tights while I wait for Spring to appear. There are a couple of items in the Clair range which I’ll add on, like the matching top and a pencil dress which I am just dotty about- have you seen the bow detail?! Irresistable!

    The skirt is already sold out in larger sizes (currently 6-14 available on the website), but stockists should have some too and it’s priced at £52.50.

     

    Also wearing:
    Top: Mahina top in black by Collectif Clothing
    Handbag: Carrie in black by Collectif Clothing
    Necklace: Natalie black bead set by Collectif Clothing
    Petticoat: Hell Bunny
    Bangles: Wicker from Bow & Crossbones, Clear jewelled from Splendette
    Earrings: Splendette

    For reference, I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing but wearing a size 8 in this article. I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels.

  • Katya Houndstooth Pencil Dress [Collectif Clothing]

    Happy Valentine’s you gorgeous lot! This darling of a pencil dress is new for the Spring/Summer season. It has the most gorgeous sweetheart neckline, matching fabric belt (with holes), centre back zip and elbow length sleeves.

    The houndstooth print is a classic and in this vintage style it will be the perfect dress to play down at the office with a nice fitted jacket over it, or play up for a dinner date tonight with red accessories and killer heels.

    The fabric is quite stiff but stretchy, and true to size. I find most of these styles are a little big on the shoulders for me as I’m petite but I can get away with it. I find it similar to the Helene and Vanessa dresses for fit (both of which I also love). It also really accentuates the bust which, as part of the itty bitty committee, I really appreciate ha 

    Close up details of neckline and belt (and, oh hey boobs!)

    My heart will always be with pencil dresses, there’s just something about them making you have to wiggle when you walk that keeps me choosing this style over swings. Although this is a Spring/Summer release, (and it’s certainly light enough to wear for those seasons), this will really work during the coming weeks over Winter too with some layers and tights. I do love a dual purpose dress!

    The Katya is still available in all sizes currently and is priced at £55.00. Hope you love it as much as I do xx

     

    Also wearing:
    Bag: Collectif Clothing Carrie
    Necklace: Collectif Clothing Natalie Bead Set in Black
    Earrings: Splendette
    Bangles: Bow & Crossbones 

    For Reference:
    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and 4’11” wearing 4 inch heels

  • 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