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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 Summer Party Competition & Outlet Sale!
Over the next couple of weeks there are some very exciting events happening at Collectif! In order not to miss out, here’s all the info you’ll need to make sure you’re ready and raring to go for some early Summer fun and frolics!
Firstly, on the 1st and 2nd of June, there’s the next Outlet Sale – these are amazing and you can pick up so many bargains for just a few pounds.
I did a full review of the last one in February, but this one promises to be even bigger and better with twice the stock! This blows my mind as the last one was full to the brim with goodies. Please make sure you take a drink with you as you may need to queue (it’s a very popular event) and try not to all arrive at once – use the Sunday too as they restock all the time. There is a curtained off changing area in the back of the room if you need to check the fit. I bought £2 necklaces and dresses from £5-£15, consisting of either previous stock (which I’d been lusting after but thought it had gone forever), or there are limited edition and current and new sample stock items too which are little gems scattered through the rails – such a lucky duck if you find one of those! Sizes available are 6-22, there’s something for everyone. If the rails are looking a bit bare after the first deluge of shoppers, hang in there and wait as they get restocked all the time and more will be coming!
It’s a great day out and right by the Excel, easy enough to find if you catch the DLR to Custom House, then head straight down the concourse as far as it goes, walk down the steps and turn immediately right. You will probably see a queue forming outside Collectif Head Office so it will be obvious which building it is, but if you don’t and you’re one of the first, it has this signage outside and is just past the Fox bar and restaurant. Remember it’s card payments only, gals!
There are stairs going down into the warehouse as you can see, so if you have mobility issues, or you’re taking a pram, head to the back of the building instead and call Collectif on 07482017812 and a staff member will help you.
The week after the Outlet Sale, it’s time to put on your glad rags and join me at the Summer Party!
Held on the 9th June (Sunday), it’s set to be another night of dazzling entertainment, packed full of like minded vintage-lovin’ ladies, filling the space with love and laughter. The last one (for their 18th birthday celebrations) was spectacular and everyone had such an amazing time. You can find all the info about what to expect here as I blogged about it afterwards, but rest assured, you’re in for the most fabulous treat!
So much fun at the last shindig! It costs just £10 for a ticket (purchase here) and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win £300 worth of Collectif vouchers! Eep, exciting huh?! Very best of luck, ladies! All tickets also include a huge 50% discount at the Camden store for that evening! So if there’s something you have your eye on, it’ll be the ideal time to pick it up. Heck, who am I even kidding, I never need an excuse to buy something from the Camden store at the best of times – it’s like an Aladdin’s Cave to me, filled with so many gorgeous things whispering ‘buy me’ every time I go in! The staff at the store are just the loveliest girls too, you will always receive the best customer service there.
If you fancy a little vintage makeover before the party, you can select from two other types of ticket – the first is £28 and includes taster hair OR make up, and the second costs £39 and includes both taster hair AND make up. The taster hair includes a half pinned up style (like victory rolls, faux bangs, a beehive etc) and the taster make up consists of lips, eyes and brows. It’s such a great deal as you’ll be primped and preened by the wonderful team from Le Keux Vintage who are experts in making pin-up perfection dreams come true. Appointments are available between 2.45 and 6pm and need to be booked via the normal ticket system (Le Keux will contact you to arrange a time after booking). Click on the photo to be redirected to book.
Get ready to become perfectly coiffed by the Le Keux team! Amidst the fabulous entertainment provided by artists such as The Tootsie Rollers, House of Burlesque, Lolo Brow and Swing Dance UK, there will also be a catwalk show showcasing the awesome new Menswear line (for sneaky peeks, see my preview here for a glimpse of some of the goodies you’ll see) and a photobooth – and who doesn’t love a photobooth?!
Please note that this event will be held at Gabeto which is just opposite the Collectif Camden store in the Stables Market. I look forward to seeing you there and dancing the night away with you all again – come say hi if you see me! x
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Collectif is all grown up! 18th Birthday Celebrations
A couple of weeks ago I had the great pleasure of attending the Collectif 18th birthday party (held on the 25th November). From humble beginnings on a stall at Camden Market, the brand has flourished during those years and now boasts a sucessful online store shipping worldwide, international stockists, and shops in Brighton, Spitalfields, Commercial Street and of course where it all began, Camden.
To celebrate this massive achievement, Collectif hosted an extravaganza at their Camden shop and FEST. With tickets snapped up fast including hair and make up at the event, I bagged a silver ticket for £20 which included a free dress (I chose the absolutely gorgeous Maica green velvet dress which fits like a dream!). What an amazing deal those tickets were! It also included a free drink at the shop (sponsors Sailor Jerry saw to that!) and a pink cocktail at FEST which was particularly yummy.
I headed to the shop early to have a browse (you can’t go to Collectif without buying something, right?!) and picked up a Jasmine skirt I’d been after which was no longer available on their website (woohoo!), then had a mingle with the staff and ladies starting to trickle in for the celebrations.
Serving rum, donuts and cupcakes at the Camden store – delish! There was live entertainment outside the shop, with fabulous groups like the Victory Sisters, the Tootsie Rollers and Britain’s Got Talent finalists, the D-Day Darlings bringing cheer to the crowds in the crisp night air. I went over to FEST to be met by the delightful Collectif team (all looking fabulous in their Collectif finery), and joined the ladies that had been coiffed to perfection while we waited for the evening events to start, chatting amidst exquisitely dressed stables and everyone dazzling in their Collectif frocks (honestly, everyone looked stunning!).
Fest Stables hair and make up stations It wasn’t long until the doors opened to the main stage and everyone gathered on the dancefloor to listen to the launch of the birthday party. The live music started and we were treated to The Danny Mcvey Trio, more Tootsie Rollers, D-Day Darlings and Victory Sisters. It was a delight to see the SwingDancers burning up the floor with their awesome moves! I really must learn how to dance one day.
The Swingdancers in full swing with live music from the Danny McVey Trio The evening was peppered with talented acts in between the fabulous musical numbers, featuring burlesque and drag performers Lolo Brow, Meth and Tigress.
Lolo Brow’s Burlesque performance The Mythical Menagerie team were there too, sprinkling us all with a friendly dusting of unicorn sparkles.
Bedazzled with my bestie by some unicorn friends There were some truly moving moments too – just looking out over the hundreds of guests and feeling the love and warmth in the room, the sheer joy of everyone being who they are (most apparant when the song ‘This is Me’ came on), lifting each other up in confidence and enjoying each other’s company – things this brand stands for and prides themselves on. It was a very magical evening.
The dancefloor was filled with revelry. So many gorgeous ladies (and gents!) Fest fabulousness! Myself (far right) with the beautiful Bella from Collectif (second left) and our friends Later on the MD made a rousing speech and commended his wonderful team of staff that help make the brand what it is. I had spoken to the MD a few times that evening and he wanted guests to know how grateful he was to have such a brilliant team, and that they really are what makes the company. I have to say I agree, as the Collectif team go all out for their customers and it was lovely to hear an MD recognise the efforts of all members of his workforce – be it customer facing or behind the scenes. If you’ve ever been to a store you’ll know how awesome the staff make you feel when you’re trying something on; if you buy online, they’ll try to get it to you as quickly as possible and work extra hours to make this happen, and if you’ve ever had an unfortuate issue with something not working, the customer service team just want to make you happy and rectify it as soon as possible. As well as the many others like the creative teams and office staff that all make up the amazing Collectif family.
It was also very exciting to hear him promise more events going forward and a pop up shop near the Head Office was the start of these last week. Keep an eye on the facebook page Events section for the latest updates, can’t wait for more of these types of things next year!
I was also given a little insight into how the company decides what to make and who we are as customers. I absolutely loved this as I have a Marketing background so I found it incredibly fascinating. Customer engagement and listening to feedback was clearly evident here and hugely impressive.
It was such a well organised and fun night and I had an incredible time, as did everyone I spoke to (it was great to meet so many of you!). I’m thankful to Collectif for building such a fantastic community, caring about their customers so much and continuing to design the most fabulous clothes which suit everyone, regardless of age, gender, size etc. We all looked and felt amazing, and that’s what it’s all about.
See you next year!
ps for my outfit info click here and for further photos from that night, follow Collectif’s instagram tag #collectif18
