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Mimi Pumpkin Check Dress by Collectif Clothing
I’ve been meaning to write about this gorgeous little number for about a month now, but never got around to it, so I’m popping it up now while we’re still embracing the beautiful, autumnal, colour palette. Everywhere I go at the moment everything is golden, orange or fiery reds – love it! (though I’m definitely feeling the cold already brrrr!),
The Mimi Pumpkin Check dress is a really lovely shape with its sweetheart neckline (trimmed in black), featuring a little gathering at the bust, and cute, puffy, sleeves. The swing shape isn’t a really full circle skirt but there’s more than enough room for a petticoat underneath if you wish to add one. Sadly, there aren’t any pockets to this one – but maybe we can keep our fingers crossed these will come in time.
The print itself is just divine with those amazing oranges and blacks – it’s a real headturner. The fit is true to size, so if you’re in between sizes on the waist, you should size up as the fabric doesn’t stretch. The length is a little shorter than the Dolores style (which is great for me!), so it cut nicely at my shin.
I’m really pleased with this style and will be buying more Mimi’s. They’re a very comfortable, easy, design to wear and perfect for popping some tights and knitwear on colder days. I would have liked a lining on the skirt part to sav me wearing a slip but that’s just a minor detail. This style comes in a range of other prints too but this one is still available in sizes 8-22 and costs £52.50.
Also wearing:
I paired mine with yet more orange and black (couldn’t resist living my own pumpkin dreams!)Billie Cinch Belt – Collectif Clothing in orange (these are such handy little elasticated belts to have, I bought them in a few different colours).
Bangles – Splendette in Fox
Bangles – Bow & Crossbones in Black Weave
Bangle – Collectif Clothing Carrie in black
Necklace – Collectif Clothing Natalie Bead Set in black
Earrings – Splendette
Boots – Lulu HunFor reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and wearing the 6 above. -
Lulu Hun and Bright & Beautiful SS20 Preview
If you missed the previous Spring Summer 2020 previews, you can click for Collectif and Menswear and see what delights next year holds! Today is all about my favourite picks from Lulu Hun and Bright & Beautiful though, and first up, we’ll take a look at Bright & Beautiful.
To be honest, I don’t buy a great deal from this range as the era isn’t something I wear much of (it has a very 70’s vibe), but occasionally there are some beauts which I just can’t be without!
For instance, the Astrid. I’ve spoken about this style of dress previously here. It’s boat neck and flared skirt design easily lends itself to the 50’s and it’s the main dress from the range which I really look forward to seeing from B&B every season. Next year, we have this gorgeous Deckchair version coming!
Bright & Beautiful Astrid Deckchair Dress It’s a showstopper for sure. I love the rainbow stripes and the addition of the red ric rac trim (it’s often lace that features on the edge instead). If you’re not an Astrid fan, then this print appears in a few other styles too so there’s something to suit everyone.
If you are an Astrid fan, then you may be delighted to hear that it’s also coming in a new pencil style!
Bright & Beautiful Astrid Gingham Pencil This looks like it will be a Summer staple for most with it’s classic gingham check and perfect crossover for work wear, lunch date or a mooch around the shops with friends. I really like how the main best sellers are all getting an upgrade next year to incorporate new versions of a very popular design.
The gingham continues with this gorgeous red checked dress called Iris. It has a shirred top and flared skirt – again, perfectly passable for a fifties style. Just add the picnic.
Bright & Beautiful Iris Gingham Dress The knitwear was a massive hit with me. There are so many cute, short sleeved, jumper styles coming, including this yellow check Sydney.
Bright & Beautiful Sydney Check Jumper and the Bella Harlequin jumper in blue
Bright & Beautiful Bella Harlequin Jumper Both of these have the sweetest details at the back with a row of false buttons. You could probably wear it either way around too.
Next up is Lulu Hun. This range just keeps getting better and better – I just love all the novelty items and the accessories which match perfectly with the designs of the dresses.
The sandals are always a big hit and they have some fabulous styles coming, including these orange, strawberry. monstera leaf Lottie sandals and the Phoebe starfish version.
Lulu Hun novelty sandals galore! True vintage fans will also like this 40’s inspired, mock croc, matching bag and shoes.
Lulu Hun 40’s style mock croc I also really like this wedged sandal which has a removable flower!
Lulu Hun Kellie wedges with removable flowers You can just see underneath where it has a brooch and hair clip attachment. So you could pop it in your hair if you don’t want it on your shoes. Clever!
The bags were so fun and fabulous as always. I particularly liked these bright gingham saddle bag styles with co-ordinating fruits and flowers. There’s also a little padlock feature to the front and lots of room for all your essentials.
Lulu Hun Gingham Bags And lastly, a pastel pink perfection bag with something I happen to say rather a lot.
Lulu Hun heart shaped bag This heart shaped bag sums up the collection rather well I think! Will you be broke next year because there’s so much stuff you want?…..HELL YEAH! (sorry, not sorry) x
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Collectif Review: Anna Capris and Lottie Gingham Top
I’ve been meaning to mention the Anna Capris for a while now as I already had the black pair from last year, see below (back when I used to crop my head out of all my photos ha):
Black Anna Capris The navy version launched this season and they are just as sweet as the black. Made from a stretch cotton, they’re quite roomy in the leg compared to my black pair, and the high waistband is fixed (side zip) with little stretch – so if you’re in between sizes on the waist measurement, you may want to size up. They have the cutest ties at the bottom of the cropped legs; I absolutely love the little details Collectif adds in like this.
The black and the navy are both worth investing in as they’re staples for a pinup look and work well with flats or heels to go from day to night. You could also wear a nice blouse and cropped jacket with them for workwear. The navy costs £35.50 and the black is currently on sale in sizes for £28.40. Both are available in all sizes at the time of writing (6-22).
I paired my navy capris with the Lottie Gingham Top, which is a picnic-perfect darling of a top in a large red and white print. There’s a sweetheart neckline with wide straps, (both trimmed with a pretty daisy lace edge), an elasticated panel at the back making it super stretchy to accommodate all bust sizes, and an invisible side zip.
The princess cut seams are one of my favourites and really elevates this lovely little top. She’s a shorter style, finishing above the hips, so this is an ideal pick for petites (or those that like a shorter top without all the need for tucking in).
Available in sizes 6-22 at £25.50, this is a great price for such a classic rockabilly styled piece. Pop a cropped denim jacket over and a bandana or a very cute hair flower in your hair, and away you go!
Showing the side tie detail of the capris _________________________________________
Also wearing:
Hair Flowers: Beautiful blooms from Miss Bella’s Blooms
Jewellery: Natalie Bead set from Collectif in Red
Bangles: Vintage and Collectif Carrie in Red in main pic, Splendette and Bow and Crossbones in black capri pic
Shoes: Joe Browns in black capri pic; Everything5pounds in main photo -
Collectif x Modcloth Isaboo Suncheck Dress Review
I am obsessed with yellow. Along with turquoise, it’s my joint first place happy colour. Add a dash of yellow to any outfit and you are instantly cheered. So, although I have the beautiful Margherita sun check dress already (see that review here), I love the print so much that I needed to get the Isaboo too when it was released, and, you know, she’s a totally different style obviously, so it had to be done….
Unlike Margherita, (who is on the shorter side), Isaboo has a long, full, gathered skirt (with pockets – yay!), which will really please taller ladies. Though I am obviously just teeny, she is quite long on me, (which I was expecting as the description states her total length is 42 inches) and I was thinking I’d have to hem it up. However, once on and with heels, I think I can get away with this true vintage style length, so I’ll probably leave her as she is.
I love her open collar and sleeveless style, which is so reminiscent of the 50’s. This collaboration is absolutely Mrs Maisel-worthy! (who else wants her entire wardrobe?). There are darts to the bust, a side zip and a matching fabric belt. I found the fit perfectly true to size. If you are lucky to have a larger bust, you may want to size up, but if you’re in between sizes, you’ll probably be ok with your normal size as there’s a little stretch in the fabric and at the waist. I really hope both the Margherita and the Isaboo return in future seasons with equally fabulous prints, as they’re so stylish and classically vintage.
Isaboo open neck and matching belt details I paired my sweet Isaboo (how cute is that name?) with the Jessie Tropical Palm cardigan, which I bought originally to match the skirt (see here), but (as with all Collectif cardi’s), they’re easy to mix and match with other outfits too. I love the greens on the leaves (one is almost turquoise, squee), so I added in black and turquoise accessories to set off the yellow, which works so well together (happy colour heaven).
The Jessie Palm Cardigan and Lorena Heels add black and teal touches I love a Jessie cardi, and have quite a few now as the cropped style suit our vintage inspired frocks so well. The darling pearl, green, buttons are a lovely addition and the fabulous applique leaves in 3 colours are just dreamy. I have a thing about Monstera plants so this design fills me with glee!
Palms in many colours <3 I would size up in this one as it is a little on the smaller side. I have my normal 6, which is fine for me, but a teensy bit tight on the arms with the 3/4 sleeves, so an 8 would have been a better choice. I can’t wait to wear this ensemble again though, as it was so perfect on a sunny day.
Happy’ometer max’ed out! Remember, with any Modcloth collab piece, you can only find them on the website or in store, stockists aren’t allowed to hold these. So if you see an item you love in this collection, make sure you nab it as they’re available in limited numbers.
Also be aware of the sizing difference between Collectif and Modcloth for the plus sizes. Up to size 16, the Collectif sizing chart applies, but from size 18, you then need to refer to the Modcloth sizing chart and go by their measurements. Hope this helps, happy shopping! x
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For reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif (33:24:33) and bought a Collectif x MC size 6 in the Isaboo dress
I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels hereAlso wearing:
Shoes: Lulu Hun Lorena (previous review here)
Jewellery Set: Collectif Natalie in turquoise (previous review here)
Bracelets: Collectif, Bow & Crossbones, Splendette and Vintage
Sunglasses: Collectif previous season
Hair Flowers: High Street many moons ago -
Collectif Margherita Sun Check Dress Review
Happy bank holiday everyone! I think we were spoilt with the last one where we were all basking in the sunshine – this is definitely more like a British bank holiday! Hope you’re not too chilly and able to enjoy it in your pretties none the less.
I was lucky enough to be treated to this absolutely gorgeous dress for my birthday at the end of last month. This beauty just screams Spring is here and brightens up any dull day. I first saw her at a trade show last year and ever since then, I’ve waited patiently for her to drop on to the website.
Collectif Margherita at Trade Show The Margherita Sun Check Swing Dress is a wonderfully bright yellow shirt dress with 3/4 sleeves and a large gingham print (bright yellow and a pale yellow on white). She has a belt similar to those of the previous Aida Zak collections which I’ve been harping on about recently – they look so fitting for the era (it’s a matching yellow belt with pale yellow plastic slider which stay put without the use of holes).
Of course, this awesome dress has pockets to keep us all happy as well as really cute details on the sleeves (which are turned up) and the collar (which is a little wider than a Caterina, for instance). Both of these features are reminiscent of the 50’s. I also really like the circular, yellow, buttons they’ve chosen too.
Collectif Margherita close up details Margherita doesn’t have a full circle skirt but it’s not a-line either – she’s somewhere in between and I definitely prefer this flared style. There’s enough fullness without the need for a petticoat which can get very hot in the summer.
It’s also worth noting that this new style is a little shorter – which is perfect for us petites! I was absolutely delighted to find her sitting just below my knee. This literally never happens with dresses! The skirt length is 23 inches, so those on the taller side may not find it suitable, but it’s a dream for any of us that are vertically challenged.
Fit wise, I find this truly spot on and fitted me perfectly. If you have a large bust, I’d size up to accommodate the button closure, or if you have wide arms, again, you may want to size up for the sleeves.
This dress is so perfect and even better than I’d hoped for – when you fall in love with a dress you’ve only seen in a different size, you hope she’s going to be right for your own body shape….and this one felt made for me.
Collectif Margherita, Erstwilder and Miss Bella’s Blooms I’ve paired her with red here but she looks great with so many other colours too – like green, turquoise, navy, pink, lilac etc, so whether you want to mute it a little with a complimentary pastel or turn up the brights even more (as I have), you can as it lends itself well to both.
If you fancy a slice of Margherita (see what I did there? cheesy, I know – oh, there’s no stopping her!) she’s on the site now for £75 with free delivery (free delivery only lasts until the end of today – Monday 6th May 11:59 GMT) and is available in all sizes from 6-22. She’s a must for your wardrobe but there are alternatives if she’s not quite right for you – check out this beautiful print in all the other styles here.
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For reference, I’m 4’11” wearing 3 1/4 inch heels and I’m 33:24:33
Photo details (what I’m wearing):
Sunglasses: Collectif (previous season)
Bangles: Collectif Carrie and Bow & Crossbones
Necklace and Earring Set: Collectif Natalie in red
Shoes: Lulu Hun Juliette (last season)
Brooch: Erstwilder
Hair Flowers: Miss Bella’s Blooms -
Collectif Reviews – Bonnie Trousers, Mona Shirt and Bright & Beautiful Astrid dress
So as well as a trip to London Edge, I also sprinted over to the Camden store – mostly to catch up with the team there whom I adore. They are truly special with so much care taken with every customer, making them feel absolutely beautiful inside and out and giving them a guiding hand if unsure. The service is always provided with a very warm welcome and nothing is ever too much. The customer service is impeccable in store and it’s the reason I travel so far to visit time and time again (as well as the fabulous clothes obviously!), but the friendly staff always make it a very special day for anyone that visits. Looking at that amount of Collectif stock at the Edge had made me need to purchase something though, and there are still plenty of bargains to be had – in store currently has an extra 15% off sale items too! Amazing!
I tried on a few things (I normally take half the shop into the changing room with me) and decided upon these in the end. The first of which I’d been hankering after for a few months because, well look at this awesome check! One of my favourite colours to wear is yellow, and this yellow and blue tartan just screamed for me to buy her since she launched (but I waited as I’d gone completely mad last season, as with all seasons I guess!).
Bright & Beautiful School Check Astrid The School Check Astrid has a full skirt and is lovely and soft. She has flattering boat neck, teal trim to the edges and a side zip. Although she doesn’t have pockets, this can be forgiven for how beautifully vibrant the dress is and it’s total swish-worthiness (yes, I just made up a word). I paired mine with the Lulu Hun Juliette heels in yellow and found it true to size (bought my normal 6) with room to spare around the waist. Plenty of room for puddings!
My next bargain buys were items I’d previously never considered. Being petite, I struggle with high waisted trousers as the rise is often too high for me. However, being a gingham freak (I clearly went gaga over this black and white check as I bought it in every style, including the shoes! see my previous posts), I figured I’d keep everything crossed and give them a try.
To my absolute delight, they fitted really well! The Bonnie Gingham Trousers are a cigarette style, with a fitted top half and slim leg further down. They’re fastened with a side zip and hook and eye and have a pocket at the back. I bought my normal size and found them spot on true to size. There’s no stretch in the waist though so if you’re in between sizes on the chart, you’ll need to order up.
Collectif Bonnie Gingham Trousers and Mona Shirt I tried them on with the Mona shirt, which again, I hadn’t looked at previously (as I don’t wear workwear clothes), however, I soon realised this blouse is just perfect for a classic, pin up, weekend look too. The white works really well with the trousers I think, and I paired red shoes and a cinch belt for a pop of colour. The Mona has a the most gorgeous open v neckline with a lovely collar, three quarter sleeves with cuffs and the fabric has light stretch. I found her true to size and very flattering on the décolletage!
The Astrid was £30.38, Bonnie’s were £12 and the Mona was £11.62 – so two full outfits for £54! The extra 15% off sale items ends on Sunday 10th (in store only), so be quick and remember there’s the Outlet Sale weekend at the end of the month too so if you’re local (or even if you’re not – I’m not and I’ll be there!), pop along for limited edition and sold out styles with dresses from £10! See you there x
