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Collectif Autumn Winter 23 Preview
It’s been a joy to get back down to the Big Smoke and see the folks at Collectif again after such a long time. Although we’ve just started Spring/Summer 2023 and we’re being teased with goodies from that collection every week which I can’t wait to get my hands on, I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some of the new season stock for Autumn/Winter 2023. It will be influenced more by the 1940s instead of the usual 1950s inspiration, but I know a lot of people will be really happy with the increase in 40s items coming to the brand. There will still be some 50s though, so don’t be disheartened if that’s your thing!
So as it’s still pretty chilly here in Old Blighty, let’s have a little sneaky peek at what’s to come later on in the year. I’ll begin with an old favourite which has had a revamp…..the Alexandria!
This 40s inspired shirt dress has had a few reincarnations over the years but is always a firm staple. It’s returning in burgundy with the trademark pin tuck details to the front and shoulders with classic elbow length sleeves, but the skirt is now much less full and hangs beautifully, making it a really versatile piece for every day wear for a modern vintage look. It also has pockets! Pop a little cardi or jacket over the top and you’re good to go.
I also really liked these 1940’s style corduroy trousers with their cute button details on the front and wide, winged, pockets.
They’re wide legged and fasten with a side zip. So comfortable and easy to wear with knitted tops for the weekend or with a blouse for work.
And for those infatuated with 50s vibes and a cute novelty print, I believe the Wild Berry Fields print is coming back in the form of a swing Caterina for AW23!
This woodland design is so sweet and everyone loves a swing Caterina – what’s not to love about a shirt style dress in an autumnal print when the season starts to shift to brown and orange tones.
Also on the mid century scale is the Eloise Acres Check pinafore dress which features a fabulous bib top, full swing skirt and has pockets!
I just love the moss green colour of this check and the buttons go really well with it.
A new design for next season will be the Penelope Wallflower dress.
Delicate peach and cream flowers bud from this pretty green dress and features a shawl collar and sleeves with turned up cuffs. It’s a swing style and has a matching belt which isn’t captured in the photo.
Another new style coming later in the year will be the Diva dress.
Such a great evening piece to attend your autumn/winter events in. The drape is delicious and falls so elegantly. The velvet is different to those previously used and a little lighter for this slinky number which is perfect for this style of dress enabling it to fall effortlessly. There’s a deep v shape to the front and beautiful shoulder details with fixed ties that fall either side and accentuate the freedom of movement that the dress has. I can’t wait to swish about in this one!
I also saw some previews of what’s to come for Spring/Summer 23 and we are in for a treat! I can’t wait for them to launch and for the better weather to be here so we can all prance about in our pretty Collectif prints during Summer before diving into this amazing Autumn/Winter selection! Great things ahead!
I hope you’ve enjoyed having a little look at what’s to come and let me know which are your favourites! x
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Velvet Sweetheart Dress Review [Belle Poque]
Another gorgeous blue on the blog today – but there’s just something about the feel of velvet and in this shade of royal blue it’s absolutely sumptuous.
There’s a beautiful sweetheart neckline which is super flattering and a row of false buttons down the front which draw the eye.
The buttons are just for decoration as there’s a zip at the back. The wide shoulder straps are really comfortable too, though they’re not adjustable. The bodice is tailored which gives a lovely fitted look at the waist before sweeping out into a half swing style skirt with plenty of swoosh!
There’s some spandex in the fabric which provides a lovely stretch. Ideally I would have liked a size down as this is the size S which is listed as a size 8-10 which I would say is totally right. The length is great as it sits mid calf which is a great cut for vintage styles.
It’s a really comfortable, wearable, dress and I was really surprised how nice it feels on. Definitely one I’ll be wearing for events.
This dress is available in sizes S-2XL direct from the Belle Poque website for £24.38 and is also available in a gorgeous emerald green in limited sizes.
Additional Information:
This dress was gifted to me but my views above are all my own. My stats are 33:24:33 and I’m a standard size 6 in clothing, however, I’m wearing a size S (8-10) in the photos above as it’s the smallest size available from Belle Poque. I’m 4’11” and wearing 4” heels.
The belt is not included, this is a custom made piece which I added.Also wearing:
Evening gloves – original vintage
Pearl Necklace – old buy from a costume jewellery store which no longer trades
Crystal belt – old buy from Etsy, you can buy similar here
Crystal headband – old buy from the High StreetYou May Also Like
Vintage Mesh Patchwork Dress Review [Belle Poque]
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Vintage Mesh Patchwork Dress Review [Belle Poque]
Something a little different today on the blog, though not a million miles off my normal style as it’s very cute and vintage inspired.
This Vintage Mesh Patchwork dress is from Belle Poque; a company that sells a range of designs encompassing the 40s-70s. I chose this pretty little a line dress in navy with the sweetest little heart shaped buttons which run down the centre. They’re just for decoration though as there’s a zip closure to the centre back of the dress. It also features a fluted, high neck, collar with ties which I fastened into a bow.
I really love the sweetheart neckline combined with the polka dot design over the sheer top. The flutter sleeves are really cute too and add a lovely detail to the dress. It’s quite a thin material and made from polyester but has some stretch in it due to the added spandex.
The smallest size they have is an S which is too big for me and they do have a size guide for ease of ordering. The guide says it’s an 8-10 and I think this is spot on for the size S. I used an old red belt to cinch in my waist and could get away with it being a bit too big for me.
This navy number is on Amazon in a range of sizes for £28.99 and the black version of this dress is available in all sizes currently for £22.85 on their own site, here. I found the service great and it arrived really fast considering it’s a China based company.
Important info:
This is a gifted item from Belle Poque in exchange for photos. I have given an honest review in my own words. This is a Chinese based company but you can order via Amazon if you prefer instead.Additional info which may be helpful:
I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels in the photos above. My stats are 33:24:33 and I’m normally a standard size 6 (XXS) in clothing. I’m wearing a size S in the photos and it’s more like an 8-10 which is right for their sizing chart. It doesn’t come with the belt, I added that.All bangles: Splendette
Gloves: Original Vintage
Shoes: E5PYou May Also Like
Velvet Sweetheart Dress Review [Belle Poque]
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Linette Mermaid Scallop Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]
As soon as I saw a mermaid design was coming to the collection, I knew I had to have it! Who doesn’t want to cover themselves in the pattern of a sea goddess!
The Linette design isn’t new as it’s been in previous seasons, but it is a new one to me as I haven’t tried it before. It features a gorgeous petrol blue base with an Art Deco inspired scallop pattern made from small dots over the fabric. The Art Deco influence makes it look really classy as well as being reminiscent of a mermaid.
Close up detail of the Art Deco mermaid scallop print I really like the contrasting white trim over the blue which is used around the sweetheart neckline, on the buttons, turn up cuffs and on the matching belt (buckle fastening, hurrah!). The buttons at the front are false fastening as the dress does up at the back with a concealed zip.
The bodice section is fitted but has lots of stretch. It actually comes up a little big on me so I would ideally have sized down in this one. Those with bigger busts will rejoice as there’s plenty of room for the girls! The lower half comprises a full swing skirt and I’ve worn a white petticoat underneath mine to add extra poofiness although it has plenty of volume without and has great swishability!
Best of all (as with most dresses), this one has pockets! I love a good pocket. The length is great for me and is below the knee giving a classic vintage feel. I don’t like swings to look too long or too short and the petticoat fits nicely underneath it without showing.
Overall I really like this style, especially the neckline and contrasting details. I’ll definitely consider another Linette in future. Have you tried one?
The Linette Mermaid is currently available in all sizes from 6-22 for £17.25 which is an absolute steal down from £68.99. However, with code JAN50 until midnight on Monday 31st January it’s another 50% off down to an unbelievable £8.63! Xx
Additional Information:
This was a gifted item in exchange for an honest review and all thoughts are my own.
I’m 4’11” wearing 4 inch heels in these photos. I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and wear a 6 in this design, though a size down would have suited me better. My stats are 33:24:33 for comparison if that helps 🙂Also wearing:
Bangles and Earrings: All Splendette
Necklace: Collectif Clothing (past season)
Shoes: E5P (past season) -
Aleksi Pencil Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]
Hey gorgeous, hope your January has been full of exciting new things and possibilities! January usually drags on forever for me, but this year it’s actually skipped along at a reasonable rate – helped along obviously by adding more things to my wardrobe….I mean, that’s what Januarys are really for, right? The SALES! hehe. The Collectif sale has been in full swing and the fabulous Aleksi is currently down to an amazing £16.50!
The colour of this dress is so lovely. It’s described as ‘petrol’ and is a dark teal blue shade. It has the most beautiful diamond shaped neckline and half sleeves to keep you a little warmer during the colder weather. I really love the pleated panels down on the front of the dress which go down to the waist. There’s a lovely contrast with the deep red used for accents on the dress such as a double row of military style buttons (which sit on the pleats) and the matching belt.
The belt is removable and has a buckle fastening with holes (it’s not one of the old belts which slide about) and there’s a zip at the back for ease of getting in and out of the dress. The material is polyester and I found it quite light for an Autumn/Winter style. It would have benefited from being lined as it is very thin. Having said that, I do still love it and it looks amazing with a short jacket for a forties/fifties inspired look!
I love this cropped Marilyn style jacket over a pencil for some 40s/50s chic Fit wise, I found it came up quite big for my normal size but the fabric doesn’t stretch at all – s0 that may suit us all very well after the delights of Christmas! I know it was quite forgiving for me haha. It felt more like a size up though, being wide on the top and bottom half so it may be something you want to consider when ordering. There’s plenty of room for bustier gals I would say. The length was cut on my lower calf for a nice vintage feel and there’s a small split in the back to get your wiggle in your walk.
The Aleksi is a great style to take us into Spring and there’s also a swing version for £16.25 if pencils aren’t your preferred style (see here), which would look awesome with a deep red petticoat underneath! Both styles are available in all sizes from 6-20 (the pencil goes up to a 22). How would you style yours? x
Additional Information:
This item was gifted to me but all thoughts are my own and the review is my honest opinion.I’m a size 6 in Collectif usually and wearing a 6 in the photos above which feels more like an 8 on me. My stats are 33:24:33 and I’m 4’11” wearing 4 inch heels.
Also wearing:
Monroe Jacket – Collectif Clothing (past season)
Mansfield Earrings – Collectif Clothing
Red gloves – True Vintage
Bangles – Splendette and thrift store
Susan Heels – Lulu Hun (past season) -
Molly Jacket Review [Collectif Loves Top Vintage]
I was lucky enough to bag this beautiful jacket in a competition! I know, so jammy haha. I already have the Collectif Molly in Olive Green (which I featured here) so I knew how it fit and what the style was like. This collab version is just as glamorous and comes in a gorgeous teal colour this year.
It’s such a great choice for the colder months as it’s super warm with the faux fur trim. This is also removable if you prefer to wear it without, or if we catch a warmer day in winter and fur is just a bit too much! It makes a really smart jacket without the fur but I really love it attached.
There’s a matching buckled, wide, belt in the same fabric and substantial buttons to the front which have a really lovely pattern on them.
It has a very 1940s vibe with a slight peplum to the hip and works well with your entire vintage style wardrobe. I’m wearing it with a long pencil skirt but it looks great with trousers and dresses too.
I find the Molly fits perfectly and I don’t need to size up at all – although if you’re busty you definitely should as there’s no stretch, or if you want to wear something thick beneath it. The teal collab version isn’t available in my normal size though so I had to size up in this one. It’s a little roomy on me but gives me options to wear thicker jumpers underneath which is always a bonus as my other one I can only wear with thinner layers.
I love the colour of this one (the truer representation is on the belt photo as it’s like a greeny-blue; really gorgeous. It’s so warm too, you’ll definitely feel snug as a bug in this jacket. It’s currently available in all sizes from 8-22 at £94.99 on the Collectif website and at Top Vintage in sizes 8-18.
Hope you’re all keeping safe and warm! See you next time xx
The boring bit:
In case you need it for reference, my stats are 33:24:33, I’m 4’11” and wear a size 6 in Collectif Clothing. I’m wearing an XS (size 8) in the photos above.Also wearing:
Pencil Skirt: Alexa by Collectif
Bag: Carrie in orange by Collectif
Hair Flower: by Miss Bella’s Blooms -
Green Tave Plain Top Review [Collectif Clothing]
It feels like the recent cold snap has definitely welcomed in Winter this week and here we are in December already! What to wear in Winter while keeping it vintage is always a bit of a conundrum, especially when you’re wanting to stay warm. I love layering during the colder seasons and it works so well when you have a great base like the Collectif Tave Top.
It’s a pretty simple top but all the drama comes from the neckline, with its nautical style ties to the front that drape down over the front. It’s such a great feature and you can easily wear 40s or 50s styles with it and a warm knit over the top to keep you cosy with that extra layer.
Made from 100% cotton, it’s super comfortable to wear and has three quarter length sleeves to keep you warm but show off your fabulous accessories too!
I wore it with the Alexa Valley Check pencil skirt from the Top Vintage collaboration last year, but there’s a very similar check in this season’s Collectif stock called the Alexa Giles if you’re looking to go for this style. It would also look fabulous under a sleeveless dress with just straps, with trousers and with a swing skirt. It’s very versatile and could be worn to work or out for drinks!
It’s a really lovely fit and I have my normal size which was perfect for me. There’s lots of stretch to the top too and it’s long enough in length to tuck into things.
Collectif currently only have a 22 but check stockists, like Cherry Red Vintage and Top Vintage, which have more sizes available. It’s a great price at around £28.99 for such a versatile piece.
Just checking which sizes are available for you… The boring stuff, in case you need to know:
I’m a standard size 6 and wearing a Collectif size 6 in the photos above. My stats are 33:24:33 and I’m 4’11”.Also wearing:
Earrings and Bangles – All from Splendette
Bag – Carrie bag from Collectif
Hair Flower – Miss Bella’s Blooms
Necklace – Kiria from Collectif -
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 -
Makira Shoes Review [Honiara Vintage]
If you’re not aware of Honiara Vintage yet, you’ll be forgiven as it’s a relatively new outlet from the very fabulous Charlie Stone. With a tiki twist for pin up loving, vintage style, gals, Honiara Vintage focus on vegan leather shoes for summer styling.
I chose the Makira heels in white and it took about a week to arrive and I was especially happy to see a compostable bag included for any returns too. As well as being kind to animals, they’re also being kind to the planet 💚
The packaging is really lovely and feels special with a branded box and dust bag, which features a pink ribbon closure. Both shoes are then in individual dust bags too so your shoes arrive perfect and well cared for during transit.
Upon opening the bag, you’ll let out a little squeal with delight as your new pin up shoes emerge. They are absolutely gorgeous! I really love the diamond lattice details on the Makira which really emulates the 50s style of shoe.
Also note the close up of the foot bed in this photo which is super cushioned. It’s honestly the most comfortable summer heel I’ve worn. This is a classic feature in Charlie Stone collections and it’s great that they’ve continued to think about comfort for summer wear too. I could happily wear these all day and night and for anyone that dances, these are the shoes for you! The 2.5 inch heel makes it very easy to wear too. They’re low enough to be practical but high enough to add a little spring in your step and elongate your legs in your outfits for that perfect pin up look.
The strap is a quick release style; lifting it up easily over the hook to get in and out of without having to do the buckle up. This style of closure is great when you’re in the cutest wiggle dress but can’t actually bend down (oh yes, I’ve been there!), or if you have disabilities/arthritis issues it’s super practical too.
Trying them on for the first time, it felt like my foot slipped into Cinderella’s shoes – the perfect fit! They feel really good on, so incredibly comfortable and as I chose white, they’ll go with so many of my outfits. Size wise, be aware that this is a style which comes up large and is suited to regular/wide feet. I have quite a narrow foot so following the guide on the website and with help from Honiara Vintage too, we decided a size down would work well for me, which was absolutely spot on as the fit is really good. To ensure you order the correct size, check the sizing guide or contact Honiara Vintage and they’ll recommend the best size for you.
I love a peep toe sandal and combined with the security of a small strap, they’ll be a staple for my summer outfits. I wore a palm tree playsuit to add some tiki inspired, pinup, vibes and they work so well together.
What I love most is that they’re so practical and comfortable but delicate and daintily styled too. The strap sits just low enough to highlight the curve of your ankle whereas a lot of sandal straps completely cover this area which makes your legs look smaller (especially if you’re of a petite nature).
As well as white, this style is also available in red, gold and black and cost £59 with FREE worldwide shipping! I think I may need every colour haha and look forward to wearing the Makira at every opportunity this summer! x
For reference:
I’m a size 4 (37) in shoes normally but the above are a size 3 (36).Disclaimer:
These shoes were gifted to me as a Brand Ambassador for Honiara Vintage. I only give honest reviews and all thoughts shared about the product are my own.Also wearing:
Mahina Playsuit, Sunnies and Hair Flowers – Collectif Clothing (previous season stock)
Bangles – SplendetteYou May Also Like
[London Edge Feb 2020 Part 4] Charlie Stone Shoes
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Nautical but Nice! Meri Top and Nancy Shorts [Collectif]
A really casual outfit today as the sun’s out, so the legs are out too! I really love nautical looks which work super well with my hair (or any hair to be fair, I just really like when my bonce matches with my outfit hehe). So I’ve combined the Meri Nautical Knitted Top and Nancy Nautical Shorts for that classic sailing-inspired vibe of the 50s.
The Meri top is such a gem of a piece this season! So easy to wear and super comfortable. It’s a light knitted top with red, black and white horizontal stripes and features a gorgeous bateau neckline which is just fabulous.
There are delicately capped sleeves and these can sit on or slightly off the shoulders, however you prefer to wear it. I usually wear one on, one off to a jaunty angle! It has a knitted rib to the bottom so it can sit nicely over clothes to hip level or tucks in well too, which is how I’ve worn it.
The shorts are oozing maritime mid-century style! They’re so fun with rows of white buttons featuring red anchors.
There’s also a matching button at the back. The shorts fasten with a concealed zip at the back and the button fastens over. Such a cute detail!
There are wide, rounded, pockets to the front of the shorts, belt loops (I’ve added a belt to them in keeping with the nautical theme) and turn ups to the hems.
They’re so comfy to wear and I wasn’t sure about sizing so I tried sizing up as sometimes the waistbands on Collectif bottoms don’t stretch at all. Not the case with the Nancy Shorts though! I can get away with the bigger size as I’ve pulled the waist in with my belt, but they’re true to size and you don’t need to size up at all. They’re made from stretch cotton which has plenty of movement in them, so buy your normal size.
I just love this set together, such an easy way to get that classic nautical look with very little effort. The top is available still in all sizes (6-22) and the shorts are available in limited sizes on the Collectif website, both £35 each. There are extra sizes of the shorts available over at Rockamilly too.
For reference:
I’m 4’11” and wearing 3 1/4 inch heels. I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing and wearing a 6 top in the photos and a size up (8) in the shorts.Also wearing:
Hair Flowers: Collectif Lola and previous season too
Earrings and all Bangles: Splendette
Shoes: Joe Browns
Belt: Hell Bunny
