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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.
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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 -
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 -
Supplier Spotlight: ilovethe50s.com and Collectif Fairy Palm Dress Review
Today’s review is of the Collectif Fairy Vintage Palm Dress in green which is such a summery print. I really like the colour of this one, giving off totally tropical safari vibes.
The Fairy dresses are such an easy style to wear, I think I have around 5/6 of these beauties (maybe more – who knows what’s in the depths of my Collectif wardrobes!). They always feel really comfortable with their slight stretch in the fabrics, elasticated shirring panel to the back and adjustable spaghetti straps – making this an ideal choice for everyone to express their summer vintage style.
Showing the elasticated panel to the back The dress is a pull on style (no zips to worry about) and features a full skirt. Those who love a petticoat will find it roomy enough to put one underneath should you wish to. I have it in my normal size and find it a perfect fit. I could probably size down, (as it has that light stretch and the elasticated panel), but I prefer my normal Collectif size as it then allows for comfort after eating. Bigger busted ladies, you’ll find it has ample room and the shirring expands to accommodate the ladies, so I’d buy your normal Collectif size. If you prefer a tighter pin up fit though, you may want to size down one.
I love the detailing to the bust with these styles too – the prettiest of pleats meet at the centre of the bust where there’s a sweetheart neckline and matching green buttons all the way to the waist (which are just for show).
Close up of the front pleat details and buttons The large, white, palm tree print is just fab and really goes so well with the green. Add some bamboo bangles and earrings for a Tiki inspired look or some flat sandals and a cute sun hat for shopping on a summer’s day. It’s a very versatile dress and lends itself to being dressed up or down.
White palm tree print on green, with the Carrie bangle and some Splendette I teamed mine with red (with hints of green), adding the belt from my Dakota skirt and my red Lulu Hun Veronica Heels (previous reviews of both on the blog) to make the green really pop. I’ve also added the Carrie bangles, the red Natalie bead set and an assortment of green styles from Splendette too.
Accessorised with red Basking in the sunshine in my fairy dress To snap this dress up, and others from Collectif, my readers receive a special discount rate from the fabulous Ilovethe50s.com. Use the code ELLE at checkout to receive 20% off Collectif dresses on their site!
They also stock a range of other brands and you’ll find some gorgeous Splendette goodies on there too. The website is run by the very lovely Karen, and all orders include FREE DELIVERY! It’s very easy to use, brands are listed clearly to search by and, once at checkout, you can use Paypal, Amazon Pay or Google Pay for a faster service or choose to pay by card. There are also speedier delivery options – first class is only £1 and there are next day options too if you need it super fast. If you sign up to the newsletter, you’ll also hear news first and receive notice of any further discounts on the site.
The website began last year when Karen decided she wanted to change her work life and offer a range of beautiful vintage clothing and accessories which flatter everyone, regardless of your age or clothes size – something I’m very passionate about too as a 40 something! There’s a great range available so enjoy the discount gorgeous gals!
Please note the discount code will run until the 31st May 2019. If you’ve enjoyed reading the blog and are interested to know more, please click subscribe at the bottom of the page for more reviews, info and discounts as they go live.
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Disclaimer: Gifted ad – this piece was gifted in exchange for an honest review and a discount for my readers. All thoughts are my own and I would happily purchase from this company. 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 3 inch heels in the photos.
I’m also wearing:
Bangles: Splendette
Sunglasses: Collectif (previous season)
Hairflower: Ebay a few years ago
Parasol: Collectif (bought from the outlet sale in Feb) -
Supplier Spotlight: SilkFred.com and Collectif Jemima Review
With so many online shopping sites popping up, it’s difficult to know who to trust sometimes. I’d seen SilkFred appear on my social media newsfeed occasionally but I wasn’t really properly aware of them until recently – when I found they now stock Collectif!
SilkFred are an online company based in London which provides a sales platform for a range of boutique, independent, brands. So if you’re looking for something a little different, SilkFred is a pretty good option to start your search! You can find other reproduction vintage brands like Glamour Bunny on there too, accessories from Crown and Glory or maybe some true vintage to add to your wardrobe, like Pop Sick Vintage?
I made a beeline for the Collectif store front (obviously) as I saw they had in stock the Jemima dress I’d been after, in my size! (yes, a chorus of ‘Hallelujah’ did start playing in my head when I saw it). Out of stock everywhere else, it was meant to beeeee! I already have the cream version which I bought back in January when it first launched (see full review of the dress here). Do you ever get buyer’s regret? I’ll be honest, it doesn’t happen to me often (I’m like a good soldier and never leave a pretty dress behind!)…..but as I’d bought quite a lot of new releases, I decided to buy just the one colourway of the Jemima and go with cream, leaving the black behind.
BIG mistake! I couldn’t get her out of my mind, could I?! Typically she was super popular and snapped up by everyone so I thought all was lost. Then SilkFred came to the rescue! I quickly bagged myself a 6 and had spoken to Collectif about the company – it’s all legit and the process is exactly the same as if you order via Collectif direct. It was easy to register, checkout and I received my DPD updates and speedy courier delivery as always. The great thing about SilkFred is there is FREE DELIVERY on orders over £50! so you save money on shipping too. I like that they use their own photos as well, so you can see how it looks styled differently and at diffferent angles, which you may not have previously seen on the main website.
I was super happy with my purchase. I’d signed up for SilkFred updates and they notify me of certain things (you can opt out of this if you prefer). Apparently they send discounts that way too so it’s always worth signing up to a newsletter I think.
Overall, it’s a great format in addition to the main site and gives us another outlet to buy from – which is always a good thing. So if anyone is unsure, go for it!
Obviously I’m over the moon with my black Jemima dress – still available in most sizes on the main site (here) or on SilkFred (here). I found it came up slightly smaller than my cream version (though still true to size), so order up if you’re in between sizes or busty. I’ll be using SilkFred again in future (alongside the main site), as it gets a huge thumbs up from me. And now my wardrobe is complete……until the next dress release!
Collectif Jemima dress in black Outfit details:
Dress: Collectif
Jewellery Set: Collectif
Sunglasses: Collectif
Bangles: Collectif and Bow & Crossbones
Shoes: Lulu Hun
Hair Flower: Miss Bella’s Blooms
Brooch: ErstwilderAll products bought by me and the thoughts expressed are my own.
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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
