• 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 AW19 Collection

    The awesome new Lookbook is now live at Collectif for this season (see here) so I thought I’d drop a few real life photos in for you to see what they look like close up and personal, which can sometimes show a little more detail than the editorial pics. I already previewed some of the collection back in January (see here) but I’ll include the rest of the photos you can see in the Lookbook now they’re live which I’ve been dying to share with you!

    So, firstly is the Alice in Wonderland inspired collection. This is just so cute. I love a good toadstool!

    Claudia In Wonderland Cape Coat
    Reverse side is the Cheshire Cat smile!
    Peta in Wonderland Dress
    This matching Wonderland Cardigan will also be coming soon,

    On to the Blackwatch tartan which is just dreamy. I have this myself and will review it fully shortly. Blackwatch tartan IS winter. The Dolores dress has velvet buttons added this year too which is a really lovely addition.

    Caterina Blackwatch Dress

    Next up  is the gorgeous Caroline Cape. This was a staple in a lot of our wardrobes last year as it came in black and red previously, and I love the addition of this beautiful green.

    There are some very sweet cardigan and scarf sets coming, including the Allie Woodland version which was included in the lookbook. I only photographed the geek check though so I’m including that here. They come with a matching scarf – how cool is that! And more velvet buttons <3

    On to the Monet Woodland Pine Check trouser which is a lovely autumnal wide leg with a fab check and matching belt.

    Next is the Courtney Polka dot occasion dress which is just fab! I love its frothy layers of tulle

    Closely followed by Giselle, which is perfect for any pink princesses and guaranteed to brighten up any occasion!

    The Caterina Sunset Stripes is a really lovely design. The colours are fantastic on this one.

    The beautiful Bernice Plain Faux Fur Coat follows in a lovely burgundy. I really like the wide brown belt which is included too.

    On to the fluffy Cara cardigan, which will be available in a few colour ways.

    The we have the showstopper Sheena Leopard Cape which has a hood. It’s super cosy and fleecy with a velvet feel on the black.

    The Byna Pencil Dress in black is shown next, which is a lovely stretchy bengaline and features a pretty strap detail to the front.

    The Caterina Geek check dress is just fab. I love the bright yellow running through the monochrome check and anything geeky, I’m in!

    The Blackwatch Pearl Coat has been seen quite a lot due to spoilers this Summer, but I’ll include it again anyway as it is a thing of beauty!

    The very whimsical Aurora Occasion Swing is next which features a black chiffon overlay with balloon sleeves, pink floral embroidered roses to the neck and sleeves and pink sash belt at the waist.

    The Dolores Half Sleeve Midnight Floral Swing Dress is another perfect Autumnal staple. It has those gorgeous velvet buttons again too!

    I don’t have a clear photo of the June Apple Swing Dress, but you can see the design either side  here (and a sneaky peek at another dress coming soon)

    The matching cardigan looks like this. Will you be brave enough to take a bite? With those cute red buttons, I think you will!

    The very fabulous Heather Hooded Swing Coat returns in this glorious burnt orange for Autumn.

    Along with the signature style Bonnie trousers in a Pumpkin Check – the bright orange check is just amazing!

    And this print is also available in a Mimi dress

    I don’t have photos of the Lila Magic Mesh Skater dress, but I can tell you the spooky theme continues on other dresses, so those of you that are Halloween all year long won’t be disappointed!

    The Trixie is such a popular dress and every year everyone waits to see which new designs will drop. This year, we already have the Golden Polka Dot version (available to buy here) as well as a few others to come, but the Midnight Moon appears in the Lookbook with its soft velvet and sparkly moons and stars.

    The Jessie Rainbow star cardi follows, along with the Alexa Rainbow Star Swing Skirt. The multi coloured stars are so sweet on these. 

    I hope you’ve enjoyed browsing through the real life pics and look forward to hearing about all your AW19 purchases! I’ll share mine soon too. Feel free to add your comments about this season to the bottom â†“

  • Collectif SS20 Preview

    Oh it’s good to be back after a brief hiatus, and my goodness, have I come back with a bang! Today I’ll be sharing a few sneaky peeks from the Spring/Summer 2020 collection by Collectif Clothing. Yes, that’s right, 2020! While the AW19 releases are gradually trickling through (I’ve bought a few myself already which I’ll share with you later and remember to click here for my AW19 previews previously), those of us which are going mad bagging bargains in the sale are still very much in Summer mode, so here’s a few things to tantalise for next year which I hope you’ll enjoy viewing.

    Firstly, let’s talk about Jemima. She was one of my favourite picks from this season and came in cream or black polka dots. Next year she’ll make a comeback and will be available in a gorgeous green…swoon. A great all rounder of a dress with pockets, everyone needs one.

    Next up are the popular Dolores styles. The green polka dot print from above is also available as a Dolores top and looks super pretty combined with the rusty orange or, for a lighter pairing, the pastel colours which also appear on the dots.

    You won’t be disappointed with the vast array of these staples in numerous prints. I’ve chosen to share this cute ‘Strawberry’ Dolores Doll style which is just delicious.  I can’t look at strawberries on white without thinking of strawberries and cream, yummo.

    The heart buttons are a really nice detail, and of course, pockets on all Dolores! that continues to make a lot of people very happy. There’s a matching cardigan to this too for those that like to be as co-ordinated as me!

    The highly favoured Caterina also gets an update and new colour options. These are such a signature style, it was unfathomable that they’d be able to improve on this design. However, I bring to you……….the sleeveless Caterina! [insert audible gasp here].

    This amazing dress is perfect for anyone that struggles with Caterina sleeves (for me, they are quite wide and loose because of my size, some others find them too snug), or like me, prefer not to see the bulk of the sleeve underneath one of the cardigans – so for us, this fantastic solution is genius! It’s also just a fabulous seasonal version of this dress with its spring green and linen look fabric, and will appeal to so many that enjoy a sleeveless number in the warmer months. 

    As if that wasn’t enough, the Caterina has also been transformed into a blouse for those that like the shirt dress style but want to pair it with a contrasting trouser or skirt.

    This navy polka dot version will be great for the office and paired with jeans or wide white slacks for a more relaxed weekend look. 

    Kimberly was another new style which appeared this season (I have one myself – check my reviews section or type in ‘kimberly’ in the search bar at the top) and they’re back in abundance with some really great prints, including this crazy for cacti pattern called Cactusland featuring wooden buttons with bright red centres.

    Such a super light and floaty dress which will see us through any future history making, soaring temperatures!

    I know quite a lot of you are always keen to see what the next Korrina will be….so here she is, in a stunning bright red which will pair so well with navy and white (and that cute strawberry dolores above!).

    As well as these reinventions of fabulous designs, there are a variety of new gals joining the girl squad too. Among these is the very elegant, Bertha, whose sweet pale pink swing dress is just a delight.

    With a beautiful, wide, boat neck collar, half sleeves and bow detail to the waistline, she’s sure to be a hit over the Summer for any event or just when you want to feel fancy at work, swishing around the photocopier.

    Next up, meet Demira. In a signature polka dot print on a gloriously red background, this new swing (and pencil) style is a great alternative to those that like a Dolores but aren’t able to wear them for whatever reason. 

    With a higher neckline and elasticated arms, this will be easy to dress up or down for work, dinner dates or casual days out.

    As well as dresses, the knitwear is awesome too! I really loved this adorable Doreen Cardigan, look how pretty she is!

    Featuring a blue and white striped shawl collar which crosses at the ends, this navy cardi with white covered fabric buttons will be a staple in my wardrobe for getting a nautical look with ease. 

    Lastly, I need this more than anything. Collaborating with Playful Promises again, (after this season’s great new launch into swimwear), exciting new prints and styles will be available. Even better than that, those of us that need a little support will be delighted to see the new range includes lots of padding and structure, including this amazing bikini!

    Do you like my melons?

    Such a fun little set with a tie front and padding in the cups. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the collection too.

    So that’s a quick round up of my sneak peeks for Spring/Summer 2020. There are so many more, and the most gorgeous prints which we have to look forward to that I know you’ll love. They really have outdone themselves! But for now, enjoy the Summer sale (currently up to 65% off selected styles) and the launch of Autumn Winter 2019 (which is also SO good it makes me want the cooler weather to return – almost) and I’ll pop up the Lulu Hun, Bright & Beautiful and Collectif Menswear SS20 collection previews on my next post (so enter your details in the Subscribe section at the bottom of the page to be notified of new posts and be the first to see them!) x

     

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    Apologies for all the logos over everything, I’m tired of people lifting my pics and not crediting me (how rude is that?!) so it has to be done for preview pics I’m afraid! x

  • Collectif Previews at London Edge (Part 3 AW19)

    Welcome to the final instalment of the London Edge Previews! Today we’re taking a little glimpse at what this year’s Autumn Winter collection has in store for us – and with the current climate, it feels super cosy to be looking at warm woollens and sumptuous velvets! 

    I’ll do a proper round up of this collection much nearer launch, but for now here are a few sneak peeks to satisfy your curiosities.

    As many have already seen on social media, the magnificent Pearl returns in the most gorgeous blackwatch tartan (the same one as the dress I wore to London Edge so I was perfectly matching!) with a splendid black fur trim.

    Blackwatch tartan Pearl

    There were other pearls too, but the most striking outerwear for me was actually this beautiful full length black, velvet, cape. It has the most fabulously soft, leopard fur, lining – glamour and warmth are my favourite things combined! I love that it’s rather unassuming at first glance, but with a swish of your cape, the striking leopard print would be revealed. All the drama!

    Leopard lined velvet cape

    There are some great themed lines coming too. Indeed, it seems like Team Collectif have heard the callings of all those Halloween babes! I know for some of you, Halloween is all year round, not just October, so you will be able to fill your boots with all the goodies to come!  I love this cute tee!

    Spooky Babe Tee

    There were lots of moons, stars, cats and black – including this dress with flocked detail and so many other amazing designs you gals are going to adore!

    Flocked dress

    Another awesome theme coming in the Autumn will be…… Alice in Wonderland! This range is amazing and you will be all over these, I’m sure. Just look at the Claudia cape coat with the Cheshire Cat grin on the back! The toadstools are everything <3 

    Alice In Wonderland Claudia Cape Coat
    Cheshire Cat grin

    As well as the themed collections, we have staples coming in many more prints and shades – the knitwear is amazing and so thick and warm! This fun star print swing dress was a winner for me too. Who doesn’t love being showered with rainbow stars? Yes, please!

    Star Print

    However, Autumn Winter usually means only one thing for me, evening dresses! Bring on the glitz and glamour! I was absolutely bowled over by the variety of occasion wear we have to look forward to (including our beloved new Trixies) – though the biggest delight for me, came from seeing the rerelease of this stunning gown, the Ingrid (seen here in Jade).

    Ingrid Jade Dress

    This has the most beautiful draping and is such an elegant dress with a classic 30’s shape. Cut on the bias, this is very flattering for lots of ladies and I’m sure it will be just as popular again.

    Ingrid Front. Photo by Collectif Clothing
    Ingrid – back detail (photo by Collectif Clothing)

    The Bright & Beautiful range didn’t disappoint with the new Astrids (which are fast becoming a favourite of mine), especially this one with flashes of electric blue on deep maroon

    Bright & Beautiful Astrid

    And Lulu Hun also excelled – these boots will be in everyone’s baskets, I’m sure! Glittery, leopard print flocked, DM style boots. What else do you need?!

    Lulu Hun Winter Boots

    I hope you’ve enjoyed a quick twirl around next winter’s fashions and the previous two parts of the London Edge series (here and here). While I was at the show, I asked about events, (which had been mentioned previously at the 18th birthday party), and was told that we have an awesome Summer one to look forward to (though this will be earlier rather than later), so I hope to see you all there in your new season stock for more fun and frolics! 

     

  • 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

  • Collectif Previews at London Edge January 2019 Part 1

    Hello lovelies, it’s that time again! I had the pleasure of attending London Edge at the weekend and ogling all the new pretties heading our way – my goodness, wall to wall fabulousness!

    Collectif at London Edge 2019

    It was so great to see everyone there and catch up with all the staff, models and stockists. I wore my Winona Slither dress with the Carmella coat I bought in the sale – she is divine! With black Lulu Hun Mara shoes upon my feet, I was head to toe in Collectif! 

    La Petite Pinup at London Edge 2019!

    So, what have we got to look forward to? Well, everything! Basically, we will all be broke for the next year because we’ll be buying all the new Spring/Summer pieces and the amazing Autumn/Winter collection. I’d already seen SS19 at last year’s London Edge and have a few pieces already (see here), so I was really looking forward to previewing AW19 and the brand new Menswear range – and oh happy days, it didn’t disappoint! There’s so much I want to share with you that I’ll have to break this up into three parts (SS19, Menswear and AW19).

    There are some amazing summer prints heading our way, with pretty pastels as well as bold primary colours too. Faithful staples like the Dolores and Caterinas return in new colourways as well as a whole new range of exciting tops and dresses…and the all important swimwear! 

    Swimwear launched very recently at Collectif with the Playful Promises collaboration. It’s great to see two independent brands teaming up to produce such a pinup perfect collection! My favourites are the leopard print swimsuit and bikini and the green palm bikini. In a couple of months, more of the collection will be available, including these gorgeous items:

    Parrot bikini
    Flamingo swimsuit
    Watermelon bikini

    The Watermelon bikini is awesome! I love the cupped styles and some also have light padding in too for extra support. They’re perfect for lounging around a pool with a cocktail in hand at your next beach holiday! I am also considering pairing the leopard swimsuit with slacks to wear for an evening look.

    Moving on to separates, there are a dazzling array of new tops coming this spring, including all of these:

    Bardot and slash neck style tops

    The bardot and slash neck tops are such a great addition as they’re such a staple for a retro gal’s wardrobe. You can pair them with anything and instantly feel a little rockabilly. I like wearing mine with capris or wide leg trousers, circle or pencil skirts or under dungarees (check my instagram for styling ideas as I wear these a lot). 

    There’s also a return to the light sweater tops which are so perfect for spring. These Wendy tops are so reminiscent of the era. I really hope a matching cardigan will come in the future too as twin sets are a personal favourite of mine.

    Lovely light sweaters for spring

    An alternative to the Dolores tops which I know you are all big fans of, is this lovely gypsy style top with elasticated sleeves and button front will be available in a lovely light cotton in black or white. This is going to be great to slip on with anything.

    Pretty elasticated sleeve tops

    I love broderie anglaise for summer and so I was delighted to see it on a Sammy shirt. Sammy shirts go so well with denim, light trousers or shorts. The tie detail at the front is great for a pinup feel with a bandana in your hair, and I also like to tuck the waist ties into trousers for a slightly tailored look. This one is available on the site to buy now.

    Sammy blouse

    The Amanda top was very popular last year and it’s returning in a beautiful, vibrant, red this year! I know this will make a lot of you very happy. I have this in last year’s navy and the button feature at the shoulder is just darling.

    Amanda top

    The biggest new addition was the range of tshirts which are coming! Yes, you heard it right, tshirts! Such cute retro themed designs which you’ll be able to tuck in or over cute denim on casual days. I adore these and will need the whole set.

    Retro tshirts

    Speaking of denim, these sweetheart dungaree shorts and button feature jeans really stood out for me. I love the detailing with the brown buttons at the top.

    Denim Dungaree Shorts
    Button denims

    Moving on to skirts, I loved this new red style which has deep front pockets with a covered button and is begging to be paired with the slash neck stripey tops or a bardot.

    Red swing skirt

    The Jasmines are a style I’ve always really liked as they suit so many of us, whatever the size or shape and a full gathered skirt is a perfect 50’s pick. The fruity fun of recent years continues with limes. There’s also a Jade dress in this print and a matching cardigan (we all love a matching cardi!).

    Jasmine Lime Skirt
    Jessie Lime Cardi

    The fabulous knitwear continues with the ever gorgeous Chrissie jumpers. This season features the amazing palm print detail to the shoulders in a muted green. 

    Chrissie Palm Sweater

    Now, it’s time for the dresses! The Cecilia Lemon print from last year (I have the pencil version of this and it’s beautiful!) has been added to the Dolores collection and as a full swing Cecilia. These look so pretty and the fabric is lovely. Definitely one (or two) to add to your wish list! As you can see from the photo, there’s also a matching lemon cardigan coming too which pairs exquisitely.

    Dolores Lemon Dress
    Cecilia Lemon Dress & Lemon Cardi

    Following on from my previous post about the new Jemima dress, the mini polka dots are being extended to the Dolores range! So if Jemima isn’t quite right for you, grab this print in the Dolores.

    Mini Polka Dot Dolores

    This red palm tree print is stunning and will be available as the Dolores shown here, but also in other styles too and in a range of colours. It’s a perfect summer print!

    Dolores in red palm print

    For the Caterina fans, there are new shades like this beautiful pale grey, , a large blue check and a pink and blue check too which are so 50’s!

    Grey Caterina
    Blue check Caterina
    Pink/Blue Check Caterina

    There’s some radiant sunshine yellow pieces this season too, including the Aria shirt dress with a fresh new look. I love everything yellow – it brightens up even the coolest of summer days! 

    Aria in Yellow

    The Ocean Map wrap dress is very cool (there are a few other styles in this print available online here), teamed with the matching mermaid cardigan. 

    Ocean Map Dress
    Mermaid Cardigan

    I also really like this light cotton cactus dress and the totally bananas Lorena (so fun!). 

    Cactus Dress
    Lorena Bananas Dress

    One of my all time faves from last year , the Wanda (I have it in green and the black/white polka dot version already), returns in pastel pink, woohoo!

    Wanda in Pink

    I’m also a big Outlaw jacket fan and have 3 of the previous styles, but I know this shell pink version will really appeal to the pastel princesses out there!

    Outlaw Shell Pink Jacket

    The accessories and shoes this season are also off the scale! They’ve really outdone themselves! So many colourful jewellery sets, belts, bags, hair pieces and fantastic summer sandals!

    Accessories for days!

    I mean, look at these iridescent mermaid shoes and matching bag!! 

    Accessories for a Modern Mermaid
    Shell detail

    I particularly love the cute cactus bag, which is also coming in a natural shade.

    Wicker Cactus bag

    And I am always a fan of a novelty sandal and a gingham ballet shoe for summer outfits

    Novelty sandals in every colour

     

    Crab sandals & bag to match my Josie skirt!

     

    Gingham summer flats

     

    The gingham continues with these sweet wedges and matching bag. I think the bag would match the black and white Suzanne and June dresses I bought last year too.

    Gingham wedge and matching bag

    As always, this is only a snippet of my own picks, and there will be so much more coming, so if we don’t have the same tastes, rest assured, there will be something coming which will totally grab you! 

    So many choices! There’s something for everyone <3

    I hope you’ve enjoyed the little preview of the new collection and parts 2 and 3 will be coming up shortly with menswear and autumn/winter, so subscribe below to be notified of the new posts going live x

    Edit: Part 2 is now live and available to read here and Part 3 can now be found here.