• [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

  • Collectif Menswear Preview SS20

    The fabulous new Menswear collection is still to launch at Collectif as of yet (coming very soon though), and if you want to see what’s in store this season, have a look at my previous post here from way back in January.

    Today we’ll be looking at what’s to come next year with a sneaky preview of their Spring and Summer 2020 designs! Very exciting. I was blown away by the new line and the cool prints and fab co-ords don’t stop this year!

    First up we have this awesome array of tiki inspired shirts with short sleeves – who doesn’t love a Hawaiian shirt?!

    In a range of colours and tropical prints, these shirts feature wide collars and a pocket to the front. They ooze 50’s summer tiki vibes. Perfect for casually lounging by a pool or summer barbeques back in old Blighty.

     

    Next up are these raglan baseball tops which come in a few different colours (same print). I love a good raglan top and wish they came in my size too! Definitely unisex if you fancy one for yourself gals! it’s not all about the boys 😉

     Moving on to knitwear, I just died when I saw this! There are a couple of utterly fantastic light knits with the best novelty designs ever!

    A cowboy passing a giant cactus, with a sky filled with atomic stars and a spaceship? Yes please! Just the coolest thing ever.

    The last piece I have to show you is this nifty denim shirt. I love the winged stitching, the buttoned pockets and the wide collar. Perfect to throw on over any tee with some black workwear boots.

    On to accessories now, and they really have excelled in this too, offering a wide variety of co-ordinated fifties/sixties fashion forward styles. This man bag ties the look together well and is big enough to pop all of your other half’s lipstick, phone and accoutrements in as well 😉

    I really like the design of this – how it looks a little like a flight bag/suitcase with it’s faux wrap around straps. This is coming in a couple of colour options and I believe it’s leather (not for the vegan among us).

    Finally, I really liked this style of wallet too. Again, it is leather so hopefully they’ll do a faux version in seasons to come.

    Rivets and chains add some nice details to this. 

    So guys, next time you’re dragged into a Collectif store by your gal, you don’t have to make a beeline for the nearest coffee shop or stand waiting outside the changing room endlessly…..you can be browsing your very own collection! Lucky boys, enjoy!

    Look out for the next instalment of the previews for Spring/Summer 2020 which will be Lulu Hun and Bright & Beautiful. Subscribe below to be notified of new posts first and feel free to leave a little comment on the blog below too about what your thoughts are for the upcoming designs x

  • Collectif Summer Party Fun!

    I had such an awesome day/night spent with the Collectif crew at their Summer Party on Sunday. I actually missed my train and arrived much later than planned, but there was still time for shopping in the Camden store – where all ticket holders were given a whopping 50% off everything! wowee! So I picked up the red pair of Susan heels (previously reviewed the black pair here which I actually wore that evening) for an absolute steal!

    The shop was bustling with lots of ladies bagging amazing bargains, and the staff were just fantastic as always – literally nothing is too much for these girls! Even though it must have been pretty overwhelming at times with the sheer volume of dolls that turned up, (and very hot upstairs), their welcoming smiles and willingness to help and advise is always impeccable. I love the Camden shop so much.

    While the ladies that booked to have hair and make up done were getting primped and primed at the venue by the fabulous Le Keux team, I grabbed a quick bite to eat before heading back just in time to see the start of the queue forming for the evening event and within 5 minutes we were in Gabeto, the venue for all the night’s fun and frolics.

    I just loved seeing wall to wall Collectif and everyone looked so beautiful in their finery. Some had brought their other halves along and they were resplendent in their waistcoats and tiki tastic shirts too. As with all Collectif events, there’s such a lovely buzz and feel to the place – everyone is so happy to be there and to be involved; it gives off such a great party vibe.

    The gorgeous Kellie from Team Collectif enjoying the show with her hubby

    We were treated to live vocals from vintage lovin’, big band sound, babes, The Sweet-Spots, The Tootsie Rollers and The Satin Dollz. All of whom were dressed in Collectif and looked (and sounded) utterly fabulous. Swingdance UK were also on the dancefloor and swinging like a dream! I could watch them all night.

    The Sweet-Spots were fun and fabulous
    The Satin Dollz
    The Tootsie Rollers and Swingdance UK

    Musical delights also came in the form of The Cash Cows, whose quirky style got everyone dancing, with numbers you recognise but reworked in a totally unique way.

    The Cash Cows

    The very glamorous and utterly divine House of Burlesque gals served up sophisticated chic on the catwalk later in the evening, cutting their way through the crowds to share the new stock styles. Their cheeky sassiness was infectious and everyone loved the show! It was ingenius to use them as models as it really brought the clothes to life; these girls know how to turn it up on the catwalk!

    The star of the catwalk show was, inevitably, the new Nova pastel rainbow dress which everyone is waiting for (it’s coming soon, woohoo!). It looks absolutely gorgeous in real life!

    We also saw a little sneak peek of the upcoming Menswear collection (previously blogged about here). Again, it makes such a difference seeing them on the guys. They did a fab job and obviously when I’m asked to feel the quality for myself while they’re strutting down the runway, I oblige!

    Ooooo, feel the quality! Photo credit: Rachel O’Toole-Hawkins

    Entertainment by Lolo Brow was also a highlight – she’s always so good! If you get the chance to see her, go!

    Lolo Brow being epic – photo credit @rubycorkscrew

    It was a really great night, catching up with Collectif loving fans near and far and of course, Team Collectif, too.

    With my girls at the party! Photo Credit: Lucy Klinkenberg

    There will be another party soon enough, so if you’re able to, come along and see what you’ve been missing! They’re so much fun and you can dance the night away with like minded lovelies as well as being entertained by awesome acts!

    For fear of turning into a pumpkin at midnight (and missing the last train home), I left at 11pm and got home around 1:15am; a little dishevelled, tired but so very happy! See you at the next one guys and dolls! x

    Home bound on the train after a wonderful day and night with Collectif

    Outfit details:

    Dress: Collectif Watermelon Love Mahina Sarong Dress
    Starburst Brooch: Antique
    Cardigan: Collectif Jessie Tropical Palm Leaf
    Belt: from the Collectif Zoe dress
    Jacket: Collectif Monroe in black
    Hairflowers: Ebay, High Street and 2 x Elsie pink and green hydrangeas from Miss Bella’s Blooms
    Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
    Earrings: Splendette black hoops
    Shoes: Lulu Hun Susan Heels in black

  • Collectif Previews at London Edge (Part 2 Menswear)

    Hi lovelies, hope you enjoyed Part 1 of the previews which showcased some very lovely things coming this season (spring/summer 19).  Today it’s time to talk about Menswear! Yes, you heard right, the Collectif team have worked their magic and summoned up an awesome array of menswear for the men in our vintage lives (and the ladies, some pieces will crossover well).

    Vintage styled menswear is sadly lacking currently so this whole collection is really going to fill that gap in the market, and it’s very reasonably priced too. I was so impressed with the range, here’s a few snippets for your viewing pleasure (there will be many more coming).

    Knitwear & Plaid Shirts

    Everyone loves a checked shirt! There were lots of lovely plaids to choose from and some atomic, argyle and mod themed knitwear. 

    Cardis & Polo necks

    For a more relaxed look, I loved the tshirt range featuring the Collectif ‘C’ embroidered logo. Great under a blazer with turned up jeans.

    Tshirts

    Formal and fun shirts were available too. The wing tipped collar is a really nice detail

    Wing tip shirts

    A selection of casual jackets to match was also included in the collection. The linings were really nice (each one a little different) and some had matching scarves! 

    Light Jackets

    I particularly liked these checked blazers too and short trench style coats.

    Blazers & Coats

    We will have to wait a little longer for the launch of this range which will be due in the summer, but there should be pieces starting to trickle in by Easter. I can’t wait, it’ll be the perfect one-stop shop for you guys and dolls! No more partners sitting in the shoe area at Camden while their gals try on pretties – he can be browsing the rails for himself while he waits instead! What a great summer we have to look forward to.

    Part 3 of the London Edge previews will be coming shortly, with a glimpse at some Autumn/Winter wear. Subscribe to the blog below and you’ll be notified of the new post and see it all first! 

    EDIT: Part 3 is now live! you can read it here