• 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 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 here

    Also 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

     

  • Pure London AW18 Collectif Preview

    I had a ball at the Pure London Show last month, meeting up with some of the fabulous team at Collectif, and previewing their AW18 range. I’d seen some of it at London Edge back in February but there was much more to see and my goodness, we are in for a treat!

    Those of you who are ardent fans of the Dolores and Caterina styles won’t be disappointed! There are plenty more coming in wonderful, woodland inspired, and tattoo style, rockabilly prints, including more gnomes! And pockets, lots and lots of glorious pockets! We all love a pocketed dress, I know.

    Dolores Forest Friends Dress
    Close up of the Forest Friends pattern
    Collectif Atomic Cats Dolores
    Collectif Caterina Acorns Dress
    Collectif Caterina True Love with a glimpse of gnomes on black backgrounds

    There was also a range of quirky prints which shone like a beacon for me – anything remotely geeky or nerdy I am all over! I especially love the book print which appears on a range of styles, the atomic cats which are really cute, and the oodles of gorgeous checked prints in brights and autumnal shades.

    Collectif Book Shelf Jasmine Skirt
    Collectif Mimi Clueless Check Dress

    The great thing with Collectif is the co-ordinates. You can buy separates and be as matchy-matchy as you want (for me, that’s to my heart’s content!). The themes follow through from dresses, skirts, tops, cardigans and on to trousers.  For instance, the True Love dresses have some pretty cardigans to cover up, which are already available here and the Forest Friends dress will have this adorable deer cardi launching soon. I’m in love with the geek cardigan too with glasses and pencil detail.

    Jessie Forest Friends Cardigan

    And then there’s the velvet – of which I always need one in every colour available.  We will be seeing a range of sumptuous velvets in jewel tones, beautiful evening dresses ahead of the party season and glamorous coats to keep us warm when the nights start to draw in.

    Collectif Angelina Dress Red Wine actual photo
    Collectif Anjelica Red Wine Dress

    The popular Anjelica dress of last year is back with a revamp in a deep red (wine) colour. I absolutely adored my black version which is stretchy and clings to all the right bits. I would pop this on your wanted list as they sold out quickly last year! The black has returned this year and makes a fabulous party stopper staple.    (insert black link)

    The velvet continues in the form of flocked animals – flamingos and cats pop out from plain backgrounds, making a fun alternative. 

    Dolores Flock Flamingo Dress

    The ‘Make a Wish’ range is the season must have though. Glittery, shooting stars in silver, burst across black velvet.  This is available in a variety of styles so whatever your preference, you’ll be able to find the perfect outfit for you – which is one of the many reasons I love this brand, because it caters to so many of our different tastes. There are matching accessories too, which I absolutely adore.

    Collectif Trixie AW18 Dress
    Lyra Occasion Dress
    Collectif Claudia Coat and Cape

    Speaking of accessories, you’ll be spoilt for choice with gloves, bags, hats, and of course, most importantly, jewellery! There are some lovely, sparkly, pieces to dazzle the night away in at evening soirees – including these beautiful earrings!

    The fabulous and ever popular Pearl Coat makes a return in new colour ways and even a velvet! She also brings a few new friends to the party – faux fur in abundance to keep the chill off in the depths of winter and new trenches for those in between season stages in similar shades. I have both a Korrina and a Pearl and would highly recommend either for feeling fine and divine!

    Collectif Olive Green Coat
    Callie Velvet Coat
    Collectif Korrina Green Trench Coat

    I was also delighted to see that a skirt which was named after a good friend of mine is getting a couple of new colourways this year. The fabulous Kayleigh skirt will be available in the True Love print (which the real Kayleigh would have loved I think). Kayleigh was also a huge fan of Collectif and  pencil skirts so she would have been thrilled to have a skirt range named after her. 

    Kayleigh Suede Skirt

    Lulu Hun shoes and accessories have been amazing this year and continue to be so for the fall. A range of flat and heeled shoes and boots await (some of which can be customised!), along with cute novelty bags for the upcoming festivites. The pumpkin bag is a favourite! Halloween is just around the corner and I was delighted to receive the ‘Call Me‘ bag pictured here in the goody bag at the event. I’d been lusting after it for a while so I was over the moon to have one. Both the black and red versions are still currently available on the site.

    Lulu Hun Pumpkin Bag

    I’ll be at London Edge AW18 in a couple of weeks so I’m sure there will be more delights to share then (subscribe to the blog for updates). In the mean time, hope you’ve enjoyed a sneaky peek at what’s to come and you’re not spent up from the Summer Sale as the New In selection is gathering pace! Goodbye Summer, hello Autumn! x