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Catalina Knitted Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]
Hey there, Autumn! It’s been a while and the chillier weather has now descended with darker evenings drawing in. It’s definitely time to think about cosy knits and keeping warm as glamorously as possible.
The Catalina dress by Collectif is a great option for staying toasty as it has a ribbed fabric and long sleeves.
You can see the material is really substantial and it feels warm to wear. It also comes with a brown, faux leather, buckled belt – though this did crack as soon as I threaded the belt through, so I’ll likely use another with it.
It has a wide, scooped, neckline which is quite open and looks better with a strapless bra than one with straps as it sits so broadly. The waist is semi fitted giving a slightly tailored look, and the skirt is a half swing with plenty to swish about but not enough for a full petticoat (a cotton one for winter would be good). Unfortunately there isn’t any lining so it’ll stick to tights (which I was wearing) but I tend to pop a half slip on to prevent this – a light spritz of hairspray on the underside is a good little trick too, but don’t stand next to any naked flames!
I love that it’s so easy to throw on (no zips or buttons) and you can dress it up or down. I chose to wear it casually with my faithful Lulu Hun western boots (previous review here and you can still find small sizes in the other colour way here) which tied in perfectly with the brown from the belt.
The fit is really good and the fabric is stretchy. I have it in my normal size and the length is just past the knees which is great for vintage looks. It will become an Autumn staple for me and I’ll pair it with small heeled ankle boots as well as heels to change the look.
I adore the knitted styles from Collectif and hope there will be more in further Autumn/Winter ranges. Sadly there aren’t any pockets in this design, so maybe it could return with those next time (fingers crossed!). Currently the Catalina swing is available in a few sizes on the website at £64.99, and for those that prefer a pencil dress, there’s a wine coloured version in sizes 10-22 for £58.99 too. But Black Friday is coming so maybe you’ll get a cheeky discount! x (Edit: Black Friday code is now live. Use BF50 for 50% of this style)
The boring bit, if it helps:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and wearing a 6 in the photos above. My stats are 33:24:33 and I’m 4’11” in height.Also wearing:
Hair Flowers by Miss Bella’s Blooms
Bangles and earrings by Splendette
Kira Necklace by Collectif
Jolene Boots by Lulu Hun
Brooch by Erstwilder -
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 Amber-Lea Pumpkin Dress Review
Happy Halloween lovelies! For today’s post, I thought I’d wear the fabulous Amber-Lea Pumpkin Stripe Dress which I’ve had for a while now but it seemed fitting to share with my spooky friends.
This new style is similar to the Amber pencil dress, with a gathered skirt instead. I have an Amber pencil already so I knew I was going to love this shape – and with the cool pumpkin stripes, it was a definite winner!
The swing skirt has plenty of room for a petticoat (I wore mine with a fluffy black petti underneath) and has huge pockets for stuffing hands or essentials into.
There are half sleeves for colder days and a wide scoop neck (great for larger busted ladies).I found it true to size with a bit of stretch in the fabric (thanks to the spandex) so there’s plenty of room for puddings (marvellous).
This style pretty much sold out immediately on the main site, but there is still plenty of stock available from stockists in all sizes currently (except 6).
I paired my pumpkin dress with a Kimberley Cardigan and picked out the green to compliment it. These are really lovely (I already have other colours) and so soft. The sleeves are very long for petites so tall gals will love them. The cropped length is perfect over swing dresses and gathered skirts and the matching green buttons are very sweet and super easy to do up.
Continuing with the green accessories, I had my Carrie bag which was the perfect match. I love this darling little bag. It’s very reminiscent of vintage purse style handbags with a modern twist. One little clip in the centre opens the entire bag and there’s enough room for all my bits and pieces (lipstick and liner, obviously). I’m grateful for a really easy way to get in and out of this bag as I’m usually forever fumbling with fastenings. It comes with a gold chain if you want to make it into a shoulder bag, but I really like it hand held instead.
I’m also wearing the sweetest addition to the accessories collection this year, which is the Evie Ascot Scarf in black. This is based on an original vintage design and one side cleverly tucks into the other to hold it in place so there’s no knotting, keeping clean lines and the focus on the chic pointed scarf ends. I also bought it in the mustard to brighten up my black outfits. This is such an inexpensive way to make an immediate vintage impact on what you’re wearing.
Hope you like the outfit and enjoy Halloween – don’t get too scared!(unless you like that, obviously).
Watch out guys and ghouls! If you’re looking for a super way to spend a day this weekend, remember the Collectif Outlet Sale is on (details on their events page). I’ve written about what to expect at these events previously and all the bargains I’ve snapped up so it’s definitely worth a visit – enjoy! x
Also wearing:
Necklace and earrings: Natalie Bead Set by Collectif in orange
Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
Belt: Billie by Collectif in green
Shoes: Lulu Hun Susan heels in green
Petticoat: Hell Bunny -
Lulu Hun and Bright & Beautiful SS20 Preview
If you missed the previous Spring Summer 2020 previews, you can click for Collectif and Menswear and see what delights next year holds! Today is all about my favourite picks from Lulu Hun and Bright & Beautiful though, and first up, we’ll take a look at Bright & Beautiful.
To be honest, I don’t buy a great deal from this range as the era isn’t something I wear much of (it has a very 70’s vibe), but occasionally there are some beauts which I just can’t be without!
For instance, the Astrid. I’ve spoken about this style of dress previously here. It’s boat neck and flared skirt design easily lends itself to the 50’s and it’s the main dress from the range which I really look forward to seeing from B&B every season. Next year, we have this gorgeous Deckchair version coming!
Bright & Beautiful Astrid Deckchair Dress It’s a showstopper for sure. I love the rainbow stripes and the addition of the red ric rac trim (it’s often lace that features on the edge instead). If you’re not an Astrid fan, then this print appears in a few other styles too so there’s something to suit everyone.
If you are an Astrid fan, then you may be delighted to hear that it’s also coming in a new pencil style!
Bright & Beautiful Astrid Gingham Pencil This looks like it will be a Summer staple for most with it’s classic gingham check and perfect crossover for work wear, lunch date or a mooch around the shops with friends. I really like how the main best sellers are all getting an upgrade next year to incorporate new versions of a very popular design.
The gingham continues with this gorgeous red checked dress called Iris. It has a shirred top and flared skirt – again, perfectly passable for a fifties style. Just add the picnic.
Bright & Beautiful Iris Gingham Dress The knitwear was a massive hit with me. There are so many cute, short sleeved, jumper styles coming, including this yellow check Sydney.
Bright & Beautiful Sydney Check Jumper and the Bella Harlequin jumper in blue
Bright & Beautiful Bella Harlequin Jumper Both of these have the sweetest details at the back with a row of false buttons. You could probably wear it either way around too.
Next up is Lulu Hun. This range just keeps getting better and better – I just love all the novelty items and the accessories which match perfectly with the designs of the dresses.
The sandals are always a big hit and they have some fabulous styles coming, including these orange, strawberry. monstera leaf Lottie sandals and the Phoebe starfish version.
Lulu Hun novelty sandals galore! True vintage fans will also like this 40’s inspired, mock croc, matching bag and shoes.
Lulu Hun 40’s style mock croc I also really like this wedged sandal which has a removable flower!
Lulu Hun Kellie wedges with removable flowers You can just see underneath where it has a brooch and hair clip attachment. So you could pop it in your hair if you don’t want it on your shoes. Clever!
The bags were so fun and fabulous as always. I particularly liked these bright gingham saddle bag styles with co-ordinating fruits and flowers. There’s also a little padlock feature to the front and lots of room for all your essentials.
Lulu Hun Gingham Bags And lastly, a pastel pink perfection bag with something I happen to say rather a lot.
Lulu Hun heart shaped bag This heart shaped bag sums up the collection rather well I think! Will you be broke next year because there’s so much stuff you want?…..HELL YEAH! (sorry, not sorry) x
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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
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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
