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Collectif Pick of the Sale!
With the January sale still in full swing and payday drawing close, it’s the perfect time to try a few pieces and save so much money! There’s still quite a lot to choose from so if you’re on a budget, or just fancy a bargain, have a look at the sales area to see what you can snag!
I usually go for dresses but these separates are such a great combo and perfect to brighten up grey days.
I’d had my eye on this yellow Maya polo top for a while and I’m so glad I have it now as it’s a great little knit and perfect for layering and then going into Spring with its 3/4 length sleeves. The buttons on the front are faux and just for decoration as they don’t open, but it adds interest to the top. It has plenty of stretch and it fits really well. There’s a v shape to the pattern on the front which you can still see when tucked in and adds a nice extra detail.
I love a really bright pop of colour (bet you couldn’t tell that!) so I paired it with the Jasmine Rainbow Wave skirt. The skirt has obligatory pockets (yay!) and the coolest of designs with its curvy colours whirling around the skirt. What’s not to love?! I added a petticoat in the photos above as it’s a full swing and has plenty of room for one underneath but in this photo, I removed the underskirt to show you there’s still a nice shape with the Jasmine just on its own.
I mixed and matched a few pieces to build a small winter sale capsule wardrobe and swapped out the polo top for the warmer Machi Wave jumper.
I sized up in the jumper but needn’t have, it’s a great fit and true to size. The custom design flows horizontally on the jumper which makes a great clash of colours with the vertical waves of the skirt – I do love a good clash!
This is a great buy and the jumper will go well with so many other things in my wardrobe so it’s a new staple!
Next up is the Atomic Harlequin Caterina Pencil Dress.
As a pattern, I absolutely adore anything harlequin although I wasn’t sure about the muted colours in this one when I first saw it launch. However, sale time is a great excuse to try things out and I’m so glad I did as the pattern is so pretty! I really love the variety of soft greens and the black and white breaks it up perfectly.
I’ve always been a fan of the shirt style Caterina and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. The buttons open at the front (no zip on this one) and it comes with a matching notched belt. It’s true to size and has some stretch in the fabric. To make it winter-friendly, I added the Kimberley Bolero (which is actually a cardigan) and this little number definitely keeps you nice and toasty. It’s super soft too and features delicate domed buttons to the front. I always size up in cardigans and did with this one too which was a perfect snuggly fit. The length is cropped to accentuate the waist and looks great on anything cinched in or high waist jeans.
All shirt styles need a good v shaped cardigan to go over for added warmth and the Kimberley fits the bill perfectly. I hope these return in more colours as I already have a few, but some brights would be amazing.
On to a dress I wouldn’t normally choose because it’s a shortie – and yes, I know that sounds odd coming from someone who’s petite! I don’t usually go for shorter lengths but the pattern on this one is super sweet with its stardust stripes and again, I wouldn’t usually go for something in reds and pinks as they clash with my hair – but I’m actually enjoying the clash and whenever I wear red, I’m always reminded I should wear more of it instead of shying away!
The Gosia Starburst Stripes Dress has a square neck and the cutest puffed and elasticated sleeves.
The skirt is full and you could fit a petticoat underneath (I’m not wearing one) but it would need to be a shorter one. There’s a zip to the back and I added a belt to cinch my waist in (the belt doesn’t come with the dress, this is from one of my other Collectif frocks). The fit is great and true to size and it even has side pockets. It’s hitting just below my knee but will be shorter on taller girls so bear that in mind.
I also tried my Kimberley on top and the sleeves fit well under it. Overall, I really like this style and it totally surprised me!
Now last but by very no means least (as it’s my favourite of them all), it’s the Blanche Chestnut Check pencil dress and I love everything about this dress!
It has a Dolores style top and the sleeves are elasticated to sit on or off the shoulders and feature signature decorative buttons. The wide belt with a circular buckle is a really nice alternative to the usual shape too.
The check is a beautiful russet combination of oranges and browns and the accents like the awesome side pockets (yes, pockets!) are edged in a deep brown. The fit is brilliant and has a centre back zip – though be warned, there is zero stretch to this fabric so if you’re in between sizes on the waist, go up a size! I’ll be dressing this one up and down throughout the season and highly recommend it. If you haven’t tried a pencil dress before – try this one! I also popped my Kimberley cardi over it to see how it fits over the sleeves and it works a treat! It looks great with the sweetheart of the Blanche peeking through and most importantly, is keeping me glamorous but WARM!
So which were your favourites, or do you have a favourite I didn’t pick? I hope you enjoyed my sale highlights and I’ll see you again soon 🙂 xx
Acknowledgements:
All items gifted by Collectif Clothing and the above is my own, honest, review of each item.Also wearing (items are my own):
An array of Splendette and Bow & Crossbones bangles
Earrings and necklaces by Collectif
Shoes by Lulu Hun and E5PYou May Also Like
How Star Will You Go Dress Review [Harkel Clothing]
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Emilia Gingham Cherries Top and Dakota Skirt [Collectif Clothing]
This adorable set was a birthday gift from a beautiful friend who knows me VERY well! What could be better than a cute frilly cropped top and swing skirt adorned in a big gingham print with scrummy cherries?! So perfect!
The Emilia Gingham Frill Top is a real darling of a little top with a frilled sweetheart neckline. I ironed down those frills to make them more uniform and set them in place.
There’s a row of domed black buttons to the front, but these don’t open. Instead it’s an elasticated back which is easy to get in and out of and adjustable straps which cross over at the back. It’s so great when adjustable straps are included with elasticated backs as they fit just about everyone. I would say it’s true to size. I’m actually wearing a size bigger than I usually wear which feels a little looser but not noticeably, especially with the straps adjusted. As it’s cropped it goes more by your bust size and as I’m almost a size 8 bust, I think that’s why it works ok for me. So I’d recommend you buy your normal size but if that isn’t available, a size up will likely work too.
The matching Dakota Gingham Cherries Skirt works so well with the top. I have the Dakota in another colour way already but this is a different fabric and much stretchier so you may be able to size down with it. There’s a buckled belt included and belt loops around the skirt which is great to keep the skirt from twisting around. There are two side pockets to the front with a fold over detail in the black trim and these are large enough to keep whatever you want (except the kitchen sink – hands usually suffice haha).
Fold over details to the pockets It has a centre back zip and it’s pretty gathered, fitting a petticoat underneath just fine. I wore a black one underneath but I’ll wear it without too.
The length is lovely and just past my knee, though bear in mind the petticoat will be lifting it a little so it’ll drop a little without one.
I absolutely love the print of kitschy red cherries over black and white gingham, giving it such a classic retro look. I was such a lucky (and spoilt) gal to receive this gorgeous set. It’s going to be super versatile too, not only wearing it as a set but wearing the top with a variety of jeans, skirts and trousers and the skirt with a range of different black, white or red tops. So many options!
The top is £27.00 and currently available in sizes 10-22 and the skirt is £49.00 and available in sizes 6, 18-22 (both available as a set, here) and sizes 8-16 available for the skirt over at SilkFred.
For Reference:
I’m 4’11” with 4 inch heels on here. I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif, but I’m wearing a size 8 in the top and a size 6 in the skirt. My measurements are 33:24:33.Also Wearing:
Hair Flowers, Earrings, Necklace and Sunnies: Old stock Collectif
Bangles: Splendette
Shoes: E5P old stock -
Check Please! Gingham Vest Crop Top and Trousers [Primark]
I don’t often shop on the High Street but, along with thousands of others, ended lockdown by mooching about in Primarni. It wasn’t very busy when I went which I was glad about too.
I happened upon this little outfit which is just adorable! Obviously the only one left in my size was on the actual mannequin so I had to ask a friendly store person to wrangle the mannequin out of their clothes (which was also funny as I hadn’t expected her to just rip off the arms in a somewhat brutal fashion – can you tell I haven’t worked in retail?!).
It comprises a mint gingham crop top and matching trousers and has an elasticated fit. I usually buy tops a size bigger to allow for boobage so I did the same here, but could have done with my normal size to be honest because of the stretch in the material. I’m pretty happy with it though and it has the loveliest gathered bust details over a fitted bodice and a sweetheart neckline with straps for support.
At the back, the top is low backed with a fixed bow which I just love! There’s a side zip to get in and out of it if you’re wondering whether you need to be Houdini – you don’t!
Gorgeous bow detail to the back The trousers are slim fitting on the leg with a side zip and have a faux belt detail to the front – don’t think that belt is moving, because it’s going nowhere! I like the feature though and together with the top it’s a really sweet Spring/Summer outfit. I bought my normal size in the trousers but could have sized down if they’d had that size in stock. Again, I’m pretty happy with the size I have though as it means I can eat puddings to my heart’s content haha.
I paired it with pink, adding a pink and white gingham cardigan, fuchsia heels and mint and pink accessories. I love mint, it’s one of my favourite colours and looks amazing with so many others like yellow, purple, red etc. I kept it pastel perfection though and even blended in with my picnic blanket! I wouldn’t normally wear a cropped top but it’s vest style so long enough to just about cover my mid riff and the back is so pretty I just had to have it!
The top costs £8 and the trousers are £10. You can see them here featured on the Primark site. Hope you manage to find them in your local store and continue to stay safe you gorgeous lot x
For reference:
I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels. I’m a size 4 or 6 in Primark usually. Above I’m wearing a size 8 top and size 6 trousers. My measurements for reference are 33:24:33.
Also wearing:
Cardigan: previous Collectif season
Sunnies: previous Collection season
Necklace: previous Collectif season (part of the Natalie set)
Hair flowers: Collectif last year and high street
Shoes: Lulu Hun Lorena in fuchsia
Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
Earrings: Bow & Crossbones -
Giordana Gingham Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]
You all know by now that I go a bit gaga for gingham and the gorgeous Giordana is no exception! With its large black and white print and bardot neck, I was smitten!
The fabric is the super light and made from viscose making it perfect for all your upcoming Summer soirées! Don’t expect it to be a heavy fabric as it is very thin – which suits me as I want to wear something as light as possible in the heat of Summer!
The neckline is unique as it’s one piece and the shoulders are hand tied into bows. When untied, the top half of the dress is in two pieces. I was a little bewildered by this at first, but then realised it’s actually a great feature as you can tie them as tight or as loose as you need to, making it fit for all body types and there’s plenty of room for those blessed up top. There’s also a side zip for ease of getting in and out.
That neckline is just scrummy! I really love the way you can change the neckline and chose to wore it higher on one side and lower on the other which I felt right for me as it’s the way I usually wear things with a wide neck. You can wear it straight across too if you wish.
There’s a full swing skirt to the bottom, with pockets, woohoo! I did try a petticoat on underneath as there’s plenty of room for one, but prefer it without personally.
Feelin’ cute amidst the blossoms It comes with a black belt which has holes (hurrah!) and fits below the knee. Obviously on me it’s at my calf but that’s my preferred length for vintage dresses, so it works for me. Size wise, this comes up pretty true to size though roomy in the bust area.
I was delighted to get this dress out on such a sunny day and it was perfect, keeping me cool but glamorous. I can’t wait to wear it more this year!
The Giordana is available in sizes 8-22 at £59.00 from the Collectif website.
For reference:
I’m wearing a size 6 in the photos above, and I’m 4’11” with 4.5 inch heels.
Stats:
For size guidance, I’m 33:24:33Also wearing:
Bangles: Splendette
Sunglasses: Collectif (previous season)
Earrings: Collectif (previous season, part of the Natalie set)
Shoes: E5P
Hair flowers: high street many moons ago
Parasol: bridal store but you can find them on eBayDisclaimer:
This item was gifted to me, but all my views are my own and I only ever post honest reviews.
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Check, Please! Amber and Suzanne Valley Reviews [Collectif]
So I didn’t realise just how many checks I’d ordered in the sales until they arrived ha. I guess it turns out, I really do like checks! I’m so happy with my choices though, they’re all unique in their own way and such great dresses.
First up is the Amber Holiday Romance Pencil dress in a glorious red and white pattern.
Lady in red! I have an Amber Evergreen pencil dress already from a few years ago so I sort of knew the fit to expect with this, though obviously it’s a completely different fabric so I did kinda hope for the best. As it turns out, the fabric is actually much thicker and quite firm. It’s such a great choice for the colder months and I really like it. I dream of days when all pencils will be lined but I feel like my tights will actually have more chance of not sticking to my dress with this fabric.
It has a wide scoop neck and half sleeves, a fitted bodice and a classic wiggle cut for added va va voom!
It’s a lovely modest length below my knee and has a zip at the back with a hook and eye fastening. Fit wise, I’m glad I bought my normal size as it’s a good fit for me. There is some stretch in the fabric, but if you’re in between sizes you may need to size up as the waistband seam doesn’t move much. It’s a really comfortable fit for a wiggle dress. I also added a belt too to pull the waist in further and true vintage gloves to complete the look. It’s available in all sizes currently and only £15.75 with code BS50 until Sunday night!
As well as a pencil style, there are also swing versions of this dress. I have Amber-Lea’s which have a gathered full skirt to the bottom with the same top half, but I don’t have the Amber swing so this is a new style for me and when I saw the bold print of the Amber Scholar Check Swing Dress, I just knew I had to have it! I mean, look at these colours!
This one is a Modcloth collaboration and has the most fantastic, stand out, black, green/blue, yellow and pink check print. The style is the same as the pencil above the waistline with the wide neckline and half sleeves, but includes a full swing skirt to swoosh about in. It’s a really flattering fit and an amazing colour combination.
I wore it with a complimentary yellow belt and shoes with a smaller heel and it still sits nicely just below my knee so a great length for me. I bought my normal size and again that was the right choice for me. If you’re a size 18 or over make sure you check the sizing chart for the dress as Modcloth have their own sizing for these sizes. Anything under an 18 is the standard Collectif sizing. Waistbands usually have a little more stretch in the seam for the swings, I’ve found, and this is no exception. So if you’re in between sizes, you’ll be fine with your normal size for the swing version. It’s currently available in all sizes and down to £27.19 in the sale with the code. I’m absolutely delighted the collabs are included in the sale.
Another collab I had to have but waited patiently for was the Suzanne Valley Check dress from the Top Vintage collection. It has the most glorious print in green, orange, yellow and black which brightens up any dull day! I’m a bit in love with the Suzanne dresses and admittedly already have two – the black white check, here, and I was treated to the beautiful Berry Check this Christmas from a good friend, here, but you can never have too much of a good thing!
It’s such a classic style with a gorgeous bateau neckline, tailored princess seams and a fitted waist. Three quarter length notched sleeves and a really full swing skirt also add to that fabulous 50’s feel. There’s also a matching fabric belt which is one that sadly doesn’t have a buckle but I use Velcro dots to fasten it in place which is a handy tip if you struggle with these kind of belts!
There’s a centre back zip and two lovely pockets to the side seams. I have my normal size in my other two Suzannes and they’re perfect fits so I did the same with this TopVintage collab and hit the jackpot. The length is great for me too, hitting my mid calf. Though the fabric has a small amount of stretch, there’s no stretch in the waist, so if you’re in between sizes and/or if you’re busty, you will need to size up in this one. The fabric is great for winter too, being thicker than normal – though not as thick as the Amber. A great winter staple for every vintage lovin’ gal!
This is one of those dresses which is even better than you’d imagined and I’m so glad I managed to get my mitts on it. It’s only available in sizes 6, 8, 12 and 18 now for the sale price of £33.75, so if you can snag one, do it! Remember the sale ends midnight on Sunday and works on these TopVintage and Modcloth collab beauties x
Additional info:
I’m 4’11” and wearing 3-4 inch heels in the photos above (Susans are 4 and the yellow Juliette is 3). I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and bought that size in all of the dresses above.Also wearing:
With Amber Holiday Romance:
Susan red heels by Lulu Hun (previous season)
Natalie Red Necklace by Collectif
Adore Heart Belt by Collectif (previous season)
True vintage red gloves
Starburst bangles by SplendetteWith Amber Scholar Check:
Juliette shoes by Lulu Hun (previous season)
Thrifted necklace
High Street belt from moons ago
Flamingo Carved Earrings in pink by Splendette
Bangles by Splendette and Bows & CrossbonesWith TopVintage Suzanne Valley Check:
Susan green heels by Lulu Hun (previous season)
Carrie Orange bag by Collectif
Kirin Necklace by Collectif
Wide Carved Bangle Set by Splendette -
Moxy Holiday Check Trousers Review [Collectif Clothing]
What did you manage to grab in the sale? There’s always that one item you order that you’re not sure about but think, “well, I can always send it back!”. Then it turns out to be the best thing you bought and wonder why you didn’t just go for it sooner!
For me, that’s the Moxy Holiday Check Trousers. I coveted these for ages but I just wasn’t sure because of obvious height issues for me as well as sizing concerns. They’re a brand new style so I had no point of reference about how they sized up.
They’re a wide legged trouser with an amazing large checked pattern in dark green and red with a light green background. I don’t know why, but they seemed yellow on my screen before I ordered and when they arrived, they are indeed a gorgeous soft green with no yellow whatsoever (I wouldn’t mind them in yellow though – maybe next time!). Here’s a close up of the fabric.
The fabric is actually quite stiff and thick which make them perfect for winter. There are two large pockets to the front and the thick fabric does make them stick out a little at the sides with the cut but I don’t mind this so much – especially as I love a big pocket for hand stuffing and they’re incredibly comfy!
It has a super high waistband which is fitted and fastens with a zip to the front of the trousers as well as a concealed hook and eye above it to keep them secure. You also do up two, black, covered buttons above the zip so these babies are staying put! The waistline is pointed where it meets the cute matching fabric straps and these crossover at the back. There are matching black buttons on the braces both front and back and a buckled matching belt. I’m loving these little details!
The straps have double buttons to fix them in place and, as I’m petite, I’ve used the highest button hole only to fix them and shorten the straps for my frame. I’ll hop on the sewing machine and add another button hole to the braces so I can have them both in place as they should be, but it’s not too bad without that effort. I’ll also slightly shorten them but to be honest, I was super surprised that they weren’t longer as Collectif trousers do tend to be super long. Maybe not one for the really tall gals among you but average and shorter girls will be rejoicing!
I bought my normal size and they fit great. There’s some stretch in this fun fabric which is good as I often find the waistbands are sewn in tight and don’t stretch. That’s not the case with these so if you’re in between sizes or have a big lunch, you’ll be fine!
I really like these vintage style trousers, which surprises me as I didn’t think they’d suit me at all! So if you’re like me and were wavering, I fully recommend taking the leap! They’re currently still available in all sizes from 6-22 at just £19.50 with the discount code BS50. The full price should be £55 – total bargain! x
Additional information:
I’m 4’11” wearing 4.5 inch heels and I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif.Also wearing:
Morgana top by Collectif (previous season)
Tiki earrings and Natalie necklace in green both by Collectif (last season)
Splendette bangles -
Layered to the max! Warming up for winter with Collectif
Feeling the chill in the air the past week or so, I decided to layer up with a few Collectif pieces including the Caterina Blackwatch and the matching scarf.
The Blackwatch pencil dress is a rerelease and comes in a variety of other styles too this year, including the swing version and the fabulous scarf which I obviously needed to play matchy-matchy with.
It’s a gorgeously classic green, black and navy check in the popular Caterina shirt style design. There are patch pockets and a matching belt (no holes sadly). I really love the Caterina’s and have quite a collection of them now. They work so well to dress up or down and feel smart but not too formal. I always buy my normal size in a Caterina pencil which fit really well and I size down in the swing versions.
I really love that there’s a matching scarf (and gloves too, might need those!), to co-ordinate your look and it has the sweetest tasselled fringing. I picked out the green of the dress and wore it with my Molly jacket, which is another rerelease this year but there’s an amazing orange version in the Top Vintage collab too which I am sorely tempted by.
Molly jackets are the perfect short jacket for cooler weather days, when it’s not cold enough to warrant a full length coat but too cold to wear something thinner. The 40’s tailored style is really flattering, nipping in at the waist with a wide buckled belt and the floral linings are so pretty! I also really like that you can remove the faux fur collar should you wish to which make it suitable for warmer Spring days ahead, or as a paired down suit jacket for work.
Sans scarf The Molly’s are cut quite small, so if you’re busty or you want to wear thick layers underneath, definitely size up one. I have it in my normal size and it’s a perfect fit for me with a jumper over my dress too (but not a super thick one – no cable sweater numbers!).
I decided to style my tartan scarf on my Molly coat with my own little nod to the highlands, wrapping it around like a shawl and tucking the corners into my belt. It was actually a really cold day when I wore this and I felt so snuggly and warm with the scarf like a shawl. Definitely going to wear it like that again!
With shawl scarf I added some thick black tights (we all need tights right now – gotta protect those pins!) and my Lulu Hun Selma boots which I bought last year but are also available to buy online now. The range has been expanded to include the most fabulous green and red pairs this season (here) and I can’t tell you how comfortable these ankle boots are with their small block heel.
They really suit vintage styles perfectly with their dainty round toes, scallop edge details and ribbon laces. Such delicate features which compliment 40s and 50s style dresses, skirts and wide legged trousers and look really cute peeking out at the bottom of a long winter coat too.
I have them in my normal size which fit really comfortably for me. If you have a wide foot, you may want to size up but they’re true to size.
I love a good check so I‘m really enjoying seeing the new collections launch and more matching accessories which have really won my heart this season! Which have been your favourites? x
Additional info:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and 4’11 with 2.75 inch heels on.Full outfit details:
Caterina Blackwatch pencil dress
Blackwatch scarf
Natalie bead necklace in green
Tiki earrings in green
Molly jacket in olive green
Selma boots in black
All Collectif/Lulu HunHair flowers: high street
Bangles: Splendette -
Demira Gingham Daisy Pencil Dress [Collectif Clothing]
What a great new style for the Spring/Summer 2020 collection! This bloomin’ gorgeous dress is the Demira Gingham Daisy Pencil dress and is a stand out piece – radiating happy vibes wherever you wear it!
I managed to bag it in the sale (still currently on) having ummed and ahhed over it since it launched. I absolutely love the bold, bright, print but I was a bit concerned about the higher neckline and puffed sleeves – not things I would normally go for. I almost bought the pencil skirt instead (which is also very cute) but I’m so glad I took a punt and bought the dress – it’s a triumph!
The puffed sleeves are elasticated and actually add a sweet detail to the top of the dress which is more conservative with a round neck. They’re comfortable on the arms and not tight at all. At the back of the dress, the neckline dips into a lovely v shape and there’s a centre back zip making this easy to get in and out of.
I found this style to be true to size, with limited stretch at the waist, so if your widest part is there, you may want to size up. It falls on my mid calf giving a great vintage feel and accentuating that wiggle when you walk!
I wore the Demira with accents of yellow, picked out from the daisy print. This goes really well but you could pair it with white, blue or black accessories if you preferred to be matchy matchy but not so bold with yellow.
To get your gingham daisy fix, this dress is still currently 50% off at £26.25 (utter bargain!) and available in all sizes. If a pencil isn’t your thing, then have a look at the other items available in this design too (available here). I’m still thinking I may need a few more pieces in this print, but if you prefer spots over gingham, then Collectif have also just launched this new polka dot design! Which will you choose? x
Also wearing:
Pineapple bag and cinch belt: Collectif Clothing
Yellow shoes and Blue shoes: Lulu Hun
Hair flower: Miss Bella’s Blooms
Earrings: Bow & Crossbones
Bangles: Splendette
Necklace: VintageFor reference:
I’m 4’11” and a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing, wearing 4 inch heels in the photos. -
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. -
Big Sale Bargains Collectif Clothing
Happy Friyay lovelies!
Hope you’ve all enjoyed a little splurge on the sales. Isn’t the January sale always AMAZING?! I confess, I do tend to buy throughout the seasons as and when things appear so by sale time, I’m thinking I’m pretty much done and don’t need anything. However, then I flick through the sale pages and realise I NEED IT ALL!
I’ve been pretty tame this year and just bought a few things. Some went back as the sizing wasn’t right for me (which is my own fault as I knew a different size wouldn’t fit me but one can dream) and these are the items I kept (there are a couple of others but they were duplicates of things I already have).
Firstly, the peter pan collar obsession continues with this beautiful Clemence Pencil Dress. This was one of my must haves when I saw it a trade show and I’d been patiently waiting for it to launch, which it did, shortly before Christmas. Having been a bit extravagant at Christmas, I waited for the sale and bought it at 50% off and my goodness am I so glad I managed to snag it! and for that price too!
The gorgeous meadow print is used on a couple of other seasonal styles. It has a large green, white and black check and the sweetest details, including covered black, velvet, buttons which run down the front and little black buttons on the sleeves. Yes, that’s right gals, I said SLEEVES! How fantastic is it to have a dress with sleeves during the winter months. I always feel the cold so I am over the moon as sometimes three quarter sleeves aren’t enough for me little chilly wrists.
Clemence button and fabric details There is also an optional ready made, adjustable, bow which can be worn or excluded. I really liked both options and will also be using the bow on my other dresses and blouses. Such a great feature!
Fit-wise, I found it a little roomy for me. It seems larger than some of my others, but you know, that’s just room for puddings. I also found it longer than other pencils I’ve had. They normally cut mid calf but this one sits on my lower calf. I may end up having it altered slightly to be a tiny bit shorter, but I was happy with the overall fit and look. I’m also removing the buttons on the skirt part as I prefer them just on the top half. Hopefully I won’t make any holes! I paired it with my black Lulu Hun Susan Heels and some Christmas decorations which were still up at the time I took the photos haha
Next is one I’d forgotten about until I happened to remember that some Modcloth items are included at sale time. The polka dot print on this Caterina is the same as those on the Jemima and Dolores dresses we’d had previously, but in a glorious navy instead.
The 50’s shirtwaister style is such a classic for a vintage lovin’ gal. I have a number of dresses in this style but this is definitely my new favourite. The polka dots against the navy are really lovely.
I tend to size down with Caterinas and I did with this Modcloth collaboration too and it fits perfectly. There’s a matching belt in the same fabric and pockets in the side seams. I also much prefer the buttons on this one which are metal with a little pattern around the edge. Caterina’s are so easy to wear wherever you’re going (or not going – just add a pinny over it at home for 50’s housewife chic!).
Lastly, this is a sale item I didn’t expect to be keeping as I thought it wouldn’t work for me, but I think it does! woohoo! The Dolores Palm Jumpsuit was from the last Summer collection and I didn’t take much notice of it as I don’t suit Dolores styles, and with the petite aspect, jumpsuits often don’t work with my shorter frame. But I threw caution to the wind (as you often do during sale time) and figured, what’s the worst that could happen? I end up with a saggy crotch? Ok, that sounds pretty bad, but luckily it didn’t turn out that way!
The top of the jumpsuit is a normal Dolores style with slim fit trousers. Genius! Firstly, this print has been amazing and I’ve picked up a few styles with this palm tree design. I’ve always loved the look of a Dolores on others, but for some reason, I can’t get my body to make it work. So the jumpsuit option made my little Dolores-wannabe heart sing! There’s a centre back zip and a pocket on your butt. It’s a comfortable fit with stretch in the fabric. She’s going to get worn a lot this Summer as you put it on and instantly launch SASS mode. I popped a wide red belt on to cinch in the waist and some white heels to fully embrace the sassiness.
Unfortunately the jumpsuit is no longer available, but fingers crossed for a return this year in a different print (or check the Collectif buy/sell group for this version). The Clemence dress is in the sale, along with the full swing version too. I recommend snapping these up! The Modcloth Caterina isn’t in the sale section so I was lucky to get that with the 50% off code, but it will no doubt enter the sale at some point so keep your eyes peeled.
Having all shopped til we drop, I’ve been patiently awaiting the launch of the Spring/Summer 2020 collection and was delighted to see the new additions to the site this week (although strangely they’re not in the New In section, you have to look for them by category). I’ve bought a few items which I’ll share next time with you (I know it’s still winter, but I’m already wishing it was Spring). Some of them will crossover with a cardi and tights added for winter so I can get double the wear! In the meantime, enjoy your sale items and look out for further reductions x
For reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and 4’11” usually wearing 4 inch heels in the photos above.
Bangles: Bow & Crossbones
Necklace: Charity shop find
Shoes: Lulu Hun and Everything5pounds
Silly Doggo spying in one of the pics: Model’s own
