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Lucy Buttercup Playsuit [Bright & Beautiful at Collectif]
This season has seen the return of the romper and I for one have been loving it! For someone that never used to get their legs out, I seem to have made up for it the past few months. Maybe lockdown has unleashed a devil may care attitude in me?! I’m just so enamoured by the Lucy Playsuit by Bright & Beautiful which oozes 60s style.
Bright and Beautiful is one of Collectif’s sister brands, and whereas Collectif usually incorporates the styles of the 40s and 50s, Bright & Beautiful looks to the 60s and 70s for inspiration. There are always a few pieces from the collection which I fall in love with and this season it’s been their flower power influences which have caught my eye.
The Lucy playsuit features a gorgeous bespoke print of yellow and white flowers with green accents and the floral print is so delicate but so summery. There are round, white, buttons to fasten at the front (there’s no zip on this playsuit) and a matching white belt with circular buckle. No holes in the belt though to keep it staying put which is a bit of a shame but I tend to use Velcro dots on these kind of belts which do the trick.
It’s a sleeveless shirt style to the front with a large, pointy, notched collar to the front which finishes in quite a low V on the bust. I don’t usually wear things that low, but heck, it’s so warm, I don’t care anymore! ha. I’ll maybe sew in a popper when I’m feeling more demure but for now, boobs are a go! This is especially handy for those with larger busts as there’s plenty of room and the fabric has stretch to it too.
The shorts part of the playsuit are really comfortable to wear. The playsuit is fitted but the shorts get a little wider to the hem and they’re really flattering. They’re the perfect length for me but will come up a little shorter for taller/average height ladies remember. It’s also true to size I found. There’s stretch in the cotton so it’s a great fit but as it’s a fitted shirt style, bustier ladies may need to size up or those with full waists.
This is the perfect little mod inspired playsuit for Summer and you can pick it up over at SilkFred for £54.00. Limited sizes are now available as it has been super popular (it’s out of stock on the Collectif website). So if you like it, grab it!
I’m also wearing Lulu Hun Lily wedges with this outfit which are a great staple for Summer. They’re so comfortable to wear and I have them in most colours now. This bold yellow pair work great with so much of my summer wardrobe.
I actually size down in this style as I have a narrow foot and find them a little large in my normal size. If you have a wider foot, don’t size down and you may actually need to size up. I love the diamond cut out pattern which is so reminiscent of true vintage styles and the low wedge gives that extra elevation for a more glamorous look even on casual days. They’re available in sizes 3-8 (36-41) and cost £45.00.
Such a perfect combo with the playsuit and I love that they’re pu rather than leather. Are you a playsuit fan? They’re so easy to slip on when the weather is roasting but instantly give that vintage vibe from a bygone era. I hope more appear in Spring/Summer 2022 collections too with lots more colours, fingers crossed! x
For reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and the Bright & Beautiful range and wearing a size 6 in the photos above. I’m 4’11” and wearing 2 3/4 inch heels. My measurements are 33:24:33.Also wearing:
Earrings and Bangles: All Splendette
Shoes: Lulu Hun
Hair Flower: Miss Bella’s Blooms
Necklace: Thrifted -
Annabelle Floral Palm Dress [Bright & Beautiful]
Something a little different from me today. I don’t usually veer too much from my love of the 50s but occasionally something will come along from the Bright & Beautiful range which I just love and need to have! That’s the case for this gorgeous Annabelle Palm Dress which oozes much more of a late 60s/early 70s vibe. I actually had a very similar wallpaper in my bedroom growing up as a little kid so it’s really nostalgic for me.
It’s still a shirt style dress, which I often wear, but instead of either having a voluminous skirt over the knee or a tailored pencil shape, it’s loose and not at all fitted.
Feelin’ that 60s vibe It also features a super cool, pointed collar which match the cuffs on the full length loose sleeves. None of which is too hot to wear as it’s made from a really light fabric that’s perfect for Summer. The bespoke print is great with the large florals and palm frongs all over in greens, white and a dash of blue.
I love how light it is to wear and that the breeze caught the bottom of the skirt a little to give me a little ‘flip’ when I walked
As well as wearing it as intended, I also couldn’t resist cinching my waist in a little and added a white belt from another outfit to change it up a bit and give myself more options. I really like it with the belt too and feel like it works well.
Overall I preferred the option with the collar buttoned up and the belt added and felt the look was still retro, though I’d style my hair in more of a straight bouffant next time and change the glasses to something a little larger to emulate that groovy vibe.
Fit wise, it’s a loose fit and I have it in my normal size which fitted great. If there was a size down (unfortunately sizes don’t go down enough for me) I’d have also tried the size down too but I feel it’s pretty true to size. The length is above my knee which is amazing for me! These dresses are meant to be on the shorter side which was part of the trend at the time.
The Annabelle Floral Palm Dress is available on the Collectif website in most sizes (all except 8 and 18) for £55.00 and sizes 8-16 over at SilkFred with free delivery.
For reference:
I’m 4’11” with 4 inch heels on in the pic and a standard size 6 in Collectif and Bright & Beautiful clothing. I’m wearing a size 6 in the photos above.Also wearing:
Shoes: Lulu Hun Lorena previous season
Hair Flowers: Collectif Aaliyah and High Steet many moons ago
Earrings and Sunnies: Collectif previous season -
Bright & Beautiful Demmi Deckchair Dress Review [Collectif]
As Summer is drawing to a close, I’m making full use of my sale buys and enjoying the last of the sunshine in this very sweet little dress, the Demmi Deckchair, part of the Bright & Beautiful range from Collectif.
It’s super lightweight and made from rayon which is perfect for warm days. I’ve previously spoken about its counterpart with the Astrid in this print, but this shorter version is really lovely too and great to have as a more casual option.
As well as the amazing bright stripes, this dress has a gorgeous, sweetheart, neckline and adjustable straps which are great to ensure a good fit for everyone. The top part is fitted and has pretty wooden buttons running down the centre to the waist. From there, the skirt billows out with darts finishing at hip height. I really like how full the skirt part feels along with the fitted bodice. There’s also an invisible side zip to get in and out which is super handy and discreet.
The fit is great for me. I love that it’s a mini dress version – which actually works as just a normal length dress for me! It’s a wonderful length for petites and sits just above my knee (which to be honest, doesn’t usually get seen much now!). It will obviously sit shorter for those of average height and taller. There’s no stretch in the fabric so if you’re busty, you may want to size up and also if your widest part is on the waist. I found it true to size for me and I’m really happy with how it fits.
As the Collectif sale is coming to an end, this dress is now out of stock on the main site, however, you can still pick it up in selected sizes for just £22 at SilkFred which includes free delivery too – bargain!
Also wearing:
Hair flowers: Miss Bella’s Blooms and Collectif
Sunglasses and Necklace: Collectif
Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
Earrings: Splendette
Shoes: old favourites from E5PFor reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and I’m wearing a size 6 in this Bright & Beautiful range. I’m 4’11” tall wearing 4 inch heels. -
Astrid Deckchair Stripe Dress [Bright & Beautiful]
What a treat! I love a rainbow dress and this beautiful Astrid Deckchair dress was kindly gifted to me from Collectif. It’s part of the Bright & Beautiful range which is the 1960’s and 70’s inspired sister label to Collectif Clothing. The Astrid is the perfect Summer dress with it’s array of radiant stripes and lightweight rayon for feeling cool, but staying chic. And though I don’t have a deckchair, I do have a hammock – and this dress looks amazing while taking in the rays.
This is such a fun dress with its striped print, but is also very elegant with a fitted bodice at the top. A trademark of Astrid dresses is they’re usually trimmed with something delicate and this one is no different, using red ric rac this time. It’s a sweet detail and matches the flowy, carefree, nature of the dress.
There’s a side zip to get in which is super easy and the dress feels really comfortable to wear. There are pleats on the skirt falling from your natural waistline which give the skirt an extra swooshy feel as you’re moving. I absolutely love it! The only thing it’s possibly missing is what every girl needs – pockets, but it’s such a lovely dress that I don’t even mind forgoing those.
I find Astrids true to size and though they fall a little longer on me, I actually don’t mind because they’re so floaty. I’ll wear it with some flat summer sandals too and brighten up a (socially distanced) barbeque.
They’re such a great style and so easy to wear, I feel like everyone needs at least one Astrid in their wardrobe – and for an instant Summer injection, this one is a great choice! There are lots of other prints too in this design if full on stripes isn’t your thang though, see here. Just add sun x
Let’s be having you, Summer! Also wearing:
Hair flower: Collectif Clothing
Shoes: E5P
Bangles: Splendette
Earrings: Bow & CrossbonesFor reference:
I’m 4’11” and a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and Bright & Beautiful. I’m wearing 4 inch heels in some of the photos.This piece was gifted to me, but all my views are my own and I only ever post honest reviews.
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[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
