-
Gemma Western Cactus Shirt [Collectif]
I swear sometimes Collectif read my mind. Lately I’ve been hankering after a good western shirt with long sleeves, and lo and behold – one appears on the website! So obviously I snapped it up and it was delivered the very next day. Superb!
The Gemma Western Cactus Shirt is made from black cotton and features a fabulous embroidered cactus design emblazoned on the front. There’s a dainty collar with piped green edges and a row of red popper style buttons.
The pattern also has western style swirls in green and to add a little sparkle, there’s studs dotted through the design which catch the light beautifully.
It has long sleeves which end with matching green faux winged cuffs and feature two, red, popper buttons. I love how it all ties in together and the green, black and red work really well together.
The shirt is a fitted style with darts for a more tailored finish. The length is great for me – enough to tuck in to high waisted bottoms or you could wear it over if you prefer (I’m a tucker inf’er). It fits perfectly and is true to size for me. The cotton is light enough to wear over Summer and I’ll be adding a cardi for Autumn. It’s one I’ll want to wear from season to season.
I wore it with a black denim mini skirt and cowboy boots to continue the western theme. I’ll also wear it with high waisted jeans, black shorts and red trousers for alternative looks.
The Gemma Shirt is available here in sizes 4-22 and costs £49.00. Are you a fan of the vintage western look?
For Reference:
I’m 4’11” and wearing 2.64” heels. I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and wearing a size 6 in the photos above.Also wearing:
Denim Skirt: PrettyLittleThing
Boots: PU from Zulily
Hair Flower and Sunnies: Collectif previous seasons -
Chrissie Lobster and Cactus Jumper [Collectif Clothing]
I’m a long time fan of the Chrissie jumpers, with their cute puffed shoulders, round neck and cropped length, they’re always perfect for pairing with trousers and skirts or popping under a cardigan for a twin set feel. However, Collectif have really knocked it out of the park with the novelty style Chrissie jumpers which are new this season! I absolutely love a novelty print, so these made my heart smile.
Crazy for Cacti The cactus version has a vivid green pattern on black and is a really stand out print.
I tucked mine into my Frankie swing trousers (oh how I wish Collectif would remake this style!) and added a bangle stack and green and black jewellery to accessorise. The fit is true to size but a little looser than the next I found.
The lobster print is amazing! Who doesn’t love a lobster design? The bright red lobsters on navy make a real statement with its chevron pattern.
Lobster love I wore it with my Trouble Maker jeans from last year and red and blue accessories.
As mentioned earlier, the lobster fits slightly more snug than the Cactus version on me, both still true to size though.
They’re 100% cotton and easy to wash and wear, they keep really well. I have Chrissie jumpers from years ago that have worn really well.
The Cactus version is currently available in all sizes except 10 at the time of writing, and the Lobster is available from sizes 8-22. Both priced at £37.50.
Also wearing:
Necklace and Earrings: Natalie Bead Set and Tiki Earrings both by Collectif Clothing
Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
Trousers and Jeans: both Collectif Clothing (old season stock)For reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and wearing my normal size. I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels. -
[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 Kimberly Embroidered Cactus Dress Review
A gorgeous new addition to this season’s collection is the Kimberly Embroidered Cactus dress. She’s the perfect summer dress in white with sweet, embroidered, cacti dotted around and wooden buttons for decoration down the front. The dress actually has a side seam zip to get in and out and there’s a shirred, elasticated, back (as with the fairy dresses) so there’s room for stretch at the bust.
Close up of the cute cacti on the Collectif Kimberly dress Made from a lovely 100% white cotton, she’s super light and perfect for sunny afternoons. I may pop a slip underneath mine as I’m always a little conscious about standing in front of light sources wearing white. Those that wear a petticoat won’t have this issue and there’s plenty of room for a petti underneath as she has a gathered skirt. The bodice is lined so fully covered in that respect and features princess seams for a lovely fit. I found her absolutely true to size on the bust and at the waist a little roomier so cinched mine in with a brown belt (to match the buttons) for more definition of my waist, which is just personal preference – though I would be very happy to wear it without the belt too for a more relaxed look (like at a family picnic/bbq etc).
Tiki brown accessories with my belt and bamboo bag The length is good, great for taller girls as well as petites as she’s more of a midi length – hitting just below mid calf for me (which is where I prefer mine to sit for a vintage look). I did wonder if she may look a bit too long on me without heels and need altering, but having tried her with flats, she still works either way for me I think, bonus!
Perfect with flats too I love a sweetheart neckline and the wider straps hide bras meaning you don’t have to go strapless with this one. There also large patch pockets to the front, making it super practical – we love a good pocket, don’t we gals!
As well as the white, this style is also available in new polka fruit fabric too if you prefer a darker novelty print which is such a fun mix of tropical fruit fabulousness!
I really hope this style returns in future seasons as it’s such a lovely, floaty, number and perfect for Summer or to take on holidays when you want something cute and easy to wear without melting. It’s available in sizes 6-22 and costs £55.00.
___________________________________________
Disclaimer: Gifted ad – this piece was gifted to me and I’ve written an honest review – all thoughts are my own and I would happily purchase this myself. Please contact me via my Instagram for collab work or ads.
Stats for reference: I take a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing (33:24:33) and I’m 4’11”, wearing 4 inch heels in the photos.
It was a super windy day so apologies for the windswept look!Also wearing:
Bamboo bag: Primark
Shoes: Lorena by Lulu Hun
Hair Flowers: Miss Bella’s Blooms
Bangles: Splendette mostly (vintage otherwise)
Necklace: Natalie from Collectif
Earrings and Sunglasses: previous seasons from Collectif
