• Collectif Pick of the Sale!

    With the January sale still in full swing and payday drawing close, it’s the perfect time to try a few pieces and save so much money! There’s still quite a lot to choose from so if you’re on a budget, or just fancy a bargain, have a look at the sales area to see what you can snag!

    I usually go for dresses but these separates are such a great combo and perfect to brighten up grey days.

    I’d had my eye on this yellow Maya polo top for a while and I’m so glad I have it now as it’s a great little knit and perfect for layering and then going into Spring with its 3/4 length sleeves. The buttons on the front are faux and just for decoration as they don’t open, but it adds interest to the top.  It has plenty of stretch and it fits really well. There’s a v shape to the pattern on the front which you can still see when tucked in and adds a nice extra detail.

    I love a really bright pop of colour (bet you couldn’t tell that!) so I paired it with the Jasmine Rainbow Wave skirt. The skirt has obligatory pockets (yay!) and the coolest of designs with its curvy colours whirling around the skirt. What’s not to love?! I added a petticoat in the photos above as it’s a full swing and has plenty of room for one underneath but in this photo, I removed the underskirt to show you there’s still a nice shape with the Jasmine just on its own.

    I mixed and matched a few pieces to build a small winter sale capsule wardrobe and swapped out the polo top for the warmer Machi Wave jumper.

    I sized up in the jumper but needn’t have, it’s a great fit and true to size. The custom design flows horizontally on the jumper which makes a great clash of colours with the vertical waves of the skirt – I do love a good clash! 

    This is a great buy and the jumper will go well with so many other things in my wardrobe so it’s a new staple!

    Next up is the Atomic Harlequin Caterina Pencil Dress.

    As a pattern, I absolutely adore anything harlequin although I wasn’t sure about the muted colours in this one when I first saw it launch. However, sale time is a great excuse to try things out and I’m so glad I did as the pattern is so pretty! I really love the variety of soft greens and the black and white breaks it up perfectly.

    I’ve always been a fan of the shirt style Caterina and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. The buttons open at the front (no zip on this one) and it comes with a matching notched belt. It’s true to size and has some stretch in the fabric.  To make it winter-friendly, I added the Kimberley Bolero (which is actually a cardigan) and this little number definitely keeps you nice and toasty. It’s super soft too and features delicate domed buttons to the front. I always size up in cardigans and did with this one too which was a perfect snuggly fit. The length is cropped to accentuate the waist and looks great on anything cinched in or high waist jeans.

    All shirt styles need a good v shaped cardigan to go over for added warmth and the Kimberley fits the bill perfectly. I hope these return in more colours as I already have a few, but some brights would be amazing.

    On to a dress I wouldn’t normally choose because it’s a shortie – and yes, I know that sounds odd coming from someone who’s petite! I don’t usually go for shorter lengths but the pattern on this one is super sweet with its stardust stripes and again, I wouldn’t usually go for something in reds and pinks as they clash with my hair – but I’m actually enjoying the clash and whenever I wear red, I’m always reminded I should wear more of it instead of shying away!

    The Gosia Starburst Stripes Dress has a square neck and the cutest puffed and elasticated sleeves.

    The skirt is full and you could fit a petticoat underneath (I’m not wearing one) but it would need to be a shorter one. There’s a zip to the back and I added a belt to cinch my waist in (the belt doesn’t come with the dress, this is from one of my other Collectif frocks). The fit is great and true to size and it even has side pockets. It’s hitting just below my knee but will be shorter on taller girls so bear that in mind.

    I also tried my Kimberley on top and the sleeves fit well under it. Overall, I really like this style and it totally surprised me!

    Now last but by very no means least (as it’s my favourite of them all), it’s the Blanche Chestnut Check pencil dress and I love everything about this dress!

    It has a Dolores style top and the sleeves are elasticated to sit on or off the shoulders and feature signature decorative buttons. The wide belt with a circular buckle is a really nice alternative to the usual shape too.

    The check is a beautiful russet combination of oranges and browns and the accents like the awesome side pockets (yes, pockets!) are edged in a deep brown. The fit is brilliant and has a centre back zip – though be warned, there is zero stretch to this fabric so if you’re in between sizes on the waist, go up a size! I’ll be dressing this one up and down throughout the season and highly recommend it. If you haven’t tried a pencil dress before – try this one! I also popped my Kimberley cardi over it to see how it fits over the sleeves and it works a treat! It looks great with the sweetheart of the Blanche peeking through and most importantly, is keeping me glamorous but WARM! 

    So which were your favourites, or do you have a favourite I didn’t pick? I hope you enjoyed my sale highlights and I’ll see you again soon 🙂 xx

     

    Acknowledgements: 
    All items gifted by Collectif Clothing and the above is my own, honest, review of each item.

    Also wearing (items are my own):
    An array of Splendette and Bow & Crossbones bangles
    Earrings and necklaces by Collectif 
    Shoes by Lulu Hun and E5P

  • Rigel Star Top Review [Collectif Clothing]

    What could be better than rows of rainbow stripes and stars? The Rigel Star jumper is a great little jumper for Spring. It has block coloured, three quarter, sleeves in teal and a small rounded collar in the same colour.

    The stripes continue on the back too which I absolutely love! Such a cool feature to be fun from the front AND the back!

    The stars and stripes combo is so unique, and really eye catching. It fits really well and has lots of stretch. It hits just at the top of my hip and looks great with high waisted bottoms. I wore it with the pink Maddie jeans from a few seasons ago which have a lovely high waist. You can get a little tuck in too if you’d prefer to not see the bottom of the rib.

    I also really like the puffed sleeves which you can see better here on the left. They’re so sweet and how cute are those rainbow stars?!

    The Rigel is a great staple to bright up your wardrobe and is available in sizes 6-22 at £45.00. If the rainbow life isn’t for you, there’s also a darker version [here] in a fabulous red and black combo x

     

    For reference:
    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and wearing the 6 above in the photos. I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels.

    Also wearing:
    Pink Jeans: Maddie from previous Collectif season
    Sunnies: Previous Collectif Season
    Hair flowers: Both from previous Collectif seasons
    Bangles and Earrings: Splendette
    Shoes: E5P

  • 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.

  • Collectif Chrissie Tropical Leaf Top and Alex Pom Pom Capris Review

    As Summer seems to have up and left us for the meantime, light jumpers and capris are perfect for this in between weather.

    I have quite a few Chrissie tops and although I just love the big tropical palm leaves on the shoulders, I was worried that the colour of this one wouldn’t suit my olive skin so I had held back from it. But of course, I am weak and can only hold out so long! I’m so glad I went for it as the colour is really lovely and I don’t mind it against my skin tone at all – I think it would actually work well with most skin tones.

    Such pretty applique!

    The Chrissie styles are a real staple and this one has the applique leaf details on the shoulders which really set it apart and make it a little bit extra special. I find them true to size. If you’re bustier or in between sizes, you may want to size up. They’re also quite slim on the arms if that’s something you need to consider and hit elbow length – which I prefer as they then fit great under Collectif cardis. I like to layer mine up under a cardigan (the Jessie Tropical leaf cardigan would be a perfect match) for a twin set inspired look (I really hope they’ll make Collectif twin sets one day). The top is £37.50 and available in sizes 8-22 on the website.

    I paired my Chrissie top with the Alex Pom Pom Capris in red, which I’ve had for a few months now but haven’t had the chance to wear them. They’re such a fun, new, addition to the collection with their feature pockets to the front that have a patterned strip and hanging, multi coloured, pom poms from them. They are the capris of dreams! 

    Collectif Alex Pom Pom Capri Pocket Details

    They’re made from a red cotton sateen and fasten with a side zip. It makes it a little bulky on the hip and I would have preferred a centre back zip but that’s just my preference. They’re high waisted and have slits in the bottom of the legs which is always such a cute detail and practical too for bending/running around in.

    Side slit details on the legs

    I found them true to size with some stretch. If you’re in between sizes on the waist measurement, you may want to size up as there’s less stretch there. They’re also available in black too in all sizes currently at £42.50.

    My trusty Lorena Heels in red were the perfect shoes to finish off my look, with their colourful ric-rac styling (see review here). They’re so comfortable to run around in during the day as well as to brighten up evening outfits.

    I hope you’re managing to stay out of the rain and will join me in doing a lil’ sun dance to encourage Summer to return! Until then, I look forward to seeing your transitional outfits to see us through this, ‘hmm it’s June but it feels like April’, weather x

     

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    For Reference:

    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing. I’m 4’11” wearing 4 inch heels.

    Also wearing:
    Bangles: Mix of Splendette, Bow & Crossbones, Collectif and Vintage
    Hair Flowers: Miss Bella’s Blooms
    Necklace: Natalie set from Collectif
    Sunglasses: previous season from Collectif
    Belt: Vintage