• Caterina Atomic Dress and Annasofia Coat Reviews [Collectif Clothing]

    I’ve had this Caterina for a good while now and it’s one of my all time favourites – just look at that cool 50’s print! I love how bright and fun it is and how reminiscent it is of an original 50’s wallpaper design. Anything atomic is always a winner for me, but especially so when it’s pretty authentic and based on actual vintage patterns.

    The Caterina is a staple design for Collectif and comes in swing or pencil style. I often lean towards the pencils but I have quite a few swing versions too. You can’t go wrong with a Caterina in your closet. The shirtwaister style is so easy to wear and great to throw tights on and a cardigan over for a classic winter look.

    There are small buttons to the front, two patch pockets (both close with a matching small button) and a matching buckled belt with the same patterned fabric (I love it when they do that). The short sleeves are turned up and there’s an open v neck with collar.

    I found the fit is true to size. If you’re in between sizes you may need to size up as there isn’t much stretch in the waist. I’m in love with this atomic print and I hope it’s repeated in some other colours and styles. It’s currently available in all sizes at £55 for the pencil and sizes 6-14 in the swing version for £65 but both look to be heading towards the sale so this would be a great one to add to your wish list!

    Moving on to the stunning Annasofia Faux Fur Coat with its glorious princess vibes! Made in a dark green with gorgeous brown faux fur details to the collar (which is detachable – handy!) and pockets. I have quite a few Collectif coats including a Pearl which is fabulously trimmed in faux fur. I wanted a coat which was still fancy, but not as full on as the Pearl, and the Annasofia is just perfect to fill that gap in my coat needs. Such a pretty coat but very practical too as I can still move around easily and it’s not as heavy as my Pearl. 

    Smitten with Annasofia

    There are a couple of buttons to the waist for fastening and a concealed one behind to make sure it stays put.

    Close up details of the faux fur and concealed and front buttons

    It also has a beautiful green velvet ribbon at the back to tighten or loosen as you wish for the waistline. Though I need to press the ribbon as it literally came out of the bag and straight on to my back haha

    It has a flared skirt to the bottom half while keeping everything above quite fitted. I have my normal size in this coat and it fits great for me with room for layering underneath, though the guidance on the website advises to size up for this and I wouldn’t be able to fit great bulky jumpers underneath but I can certainly fit cardigans layered over a dress. So if your layering is like mine, using thin layers, you’ll be fine. If it’s more bulky, size up to fit them all in.


    The length is good on me too despite being petite, hitting my lower calf though it looks longer from the angle of my camera here (which it’s not). I’m really happy with the Annasofia, she’s such an elegant coat with a great design and in a gorgeous colour. Unfortunately she’s mostly sold out now with only the smallest and largest sizes available on the website (current pre sale price is £125) but Cherry Red Vintage also has 16 and 18’s at £112.50 and an 8 and a 12 can also be found over at Atom Retro (£87) so it’s worth scouting around the internet to find one if you need an Annasofia in your life, as I did.

    I’m also wearing the Angelina Faux Fur heels by Lulu Hun in the photos with the Annasofia. You can just see them peeking out at the bottom. I tried these on almost a year ago at a trade show and fell instantly in love.

    That Cinderella moment – the shoe fits!

    They’re a faux suede, closed toe, platform heel with faux fur trim all the way around. How cute! Perfect for jazzing up any wintry outfit. The heel is slim and almost 4 inches so not for the faint hearted ha but I do love a high heel. The guidance given is to size up as they come up small but I actually found they fit me perfectly in my normal size. I don’t have wide feet though so if you do, follow the website guidance and size up. They’re currently available in all sizes at An already reduced price of £33.95 but will likely enter the sale too so I’d recommend you nab a pair of these fun faux fur beauties!

    Looking forward to seeing what everyone chooses for the sale and hope the reviews have helped with your wish lists! xx

     

    Additional information:
    I’m 4’11” wearing mostly 4 inch heels in the photos and a standard size 6 in Collectif which the dress and coat are.

    Also wearing: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones bangles. Dress and coat via the wonderful Cherry Red Vintage

  • [London Edge Feb 2020 Part 6] Collectif Sneak Peek AW20

    We are nearing the finale of our roundabout tour of London Edge this year and in this penultimate edition, we’ll be taking a glimpse at the upcoming Autumn/Winter collection from Collectif. For anyone that missed my highlights of the Summer launch, you can read about them here and check my latest reviews for SS20 lines which are currently out already.

    Firstly, there are the beloved Caterinas, which we all love with their classic shirtwaister style. There will be plenty of  glorious new updates to this design, but two gorgeous checks at the show were this one with it’s fabulously autumnal yellow and rusty hues:

    The colours are so scrummy on this one

    And this one, which has a lovely red and black check on a cream background and gives me awesome lumberjack chic vibes:

    Both with matching belts that have holes in, yay! 

    I also really liked this cute Mary Grace Swing dress which is an alternative shirt dress style:

    This design first appeared as a dress last year (Meow print) and I’m so pleased to see it’s return with this sweet cherry pattern, neck tie and bold red buttons. It’s definitely on my list.

    I don’t often go for suits, but this one really struck me. I just love the bold green check and the cut of the jacket:

    Adorned with velvet buttons, you could either wear this with the matching items or as a single piece, which is how I think I’ll style it (with black trousers most likely). It’s so incredibly scrummy, I can’t wait for it to launch!

    I thought this was the most perfect Autumnal outfit:

    Next season’s Babette jumper will appear in a vivid orange and the border print skirt with orange falling leaves is a match made in heaven.

    On to the Dolores, which is a super popular design, and this year will be arriving in a gorgeous purple check:

    Seriously, how good is that print? 1 of each, please!

    Now my ghouly gals, Collectif have you covered whether it’s just for the Halloween period or living spooky every day!

    This Elvira style print with its fun Hocus Pocus design will send you batty, I’m sure!

    And the Peta dress returns in sumptuous velvet with the coolest spooky print in glitter.

    There was also a range of Beetlejuice inspired designs at the show which were amazing, including this one:

    This Eliana Pencil dress will be a sure hit – it’s insanely good. I need one.

    Moving on to coats, we saw the return of the leopard lined Sheena and Hazel cape and coat in a deep wine colour this time:

    There will also be a couple of new Pearl coats, one of which was in orange:

    Ideal for popping over all those seasonally fabulous outfits!

    Lastly, the sought-after Trixie for Autumn Winter period will include this dazzling green version:

    It has an array of glittery stars, cascading over luscious velvet. Perfect for all your festive events and celebrations.

    I hope you’ve enjoyed this sneaky peek of the exciting things coming to Collectif later in the year. Do you have any favourites so far?

    To see what’s ahead for Bright & Beautiful, Lulu Hun and Collectif Menswear, stay tuned for the next (and final) instalment of the AW20 previews x