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Lucy Buttercup Playsuit [Bright & Beautiful at Collectif]
This season has seen the return of the romper and I for one have been loving it! For someone that never used to get their legs out, I seem to have made up for it the past few months. Maybe lockdown has unleashed a devil may care attitude in me?! I’m just so enamoured by the Lucy Playsuit by Bright & Beautiful which oozes 60s style.
Bright and Beautiful is one of Collectif’s sister brands, and whereas Collectif usually incorporates the styles of the 40s and 50s, Bright & Beautiful looks to the 60s and 70s for inspiration. There are always a few pieces from the collection which I fall in love with and this season it’s been their flower power influences which have caught my eye.
The Lucy playsuit features a gorgeous bespoke print of yellow and white flowers with green accents and the floral print is so delicate but so summery. There are round, white, buttons to fasten at the front (there’s no zip on this playsuit) and a matching white belt with circular buckle. No holes in the belt though to keep it staying put which is a bit of a shame but I tend to use Velcro dots on these kind of belts which do the trick.
It’s a sleeveless shirt style to the front with a large, pointy, notched collar to the front which finishes in quite a low V on the bust. I don’t usually wear things that low, but heck, it’s so warm, I don’t care anymore! ha. I’ll maybe sew in a popper when I’m feeling more demure but for now, boobs are a go! This is especially handy for those with larger busts as there’s plenty of room and the fabric has stretch to it too.
The shorts part of the playsuit are really comfortable to wear. The playsuit is fitted but the shorts get a little wider to the hem and they’re really flattering. They’re the perfect length for me but will come up a little shorter for taller/average height ladies remember. It’s also true to size I found. There’s stretch in the cotton so it’s a great fit but as it’s a fitted shirt style, bustier ladies may need to size up or those with full waists.
This is the perfect little mod inspired playsuit for Summer and you can pick it up over at SilkFred for £54.00. Limited sizes are now available as it has been super popular (it’s out of stock on the Collectif website). So if you like it, grab it!
I’m also wearing Lulu Hun Lily wedges with this outfit which are a great staple for Summer. They’re so comfortable to wear and I have them in most colours now. This bold yellow pair work great with so much of my summer wardrobe.
I actually size down in this style as I have a narrow foot and find them a little large in my normal size. If you have a wider foot, don’t size down and you may actually need to size up. I love the diamond cut out pattern which is so reminiscent of true vintage styles and the low wedge gives that extra elevation for a more glamorous look even on casual days. They’re available in sizes 3-8 (36-41) and cost £45.00.
Such a perfect combo with the playsuit and I love that they’re pu rather than leather. Are you a playsuit fan? They’re so easy to slip on when the weather is roasting but instantly give that vintage vibe from a bygone era. I hope more appear in Spring/Summer 2022 collections too with lots more colours, fingers crossed! x
For reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and the Bright & Beautiful range and wearing a size 6 in the photos above. I’m 4’11” and wearing 2 3/4 inch heels. My measurements are 33:24:33.Also wearing:
Earrings and Bangles: All Splendette
Shoes: Lulu Hun
Hair Flower: Miss Bella’s Blooms
Necklace: Thrifted -
Annabelle Floral Palm Dress [Bright & Beautiful]
Something a little different from me today. I don’t usually veer too much from my love of the 50s but occasionally something will come along from the Bright & Beautiful range which I just love and need to have! That’s the case for this gorgeous Annabelle Palm Dress which oozes much more of a late 60s/early 70s vibe. I actually had a very similar wallpaper in my bedroom growing up as a little kid so it’s really nostalgic for me.
It’s still a shirt style dress, which I often wear, but instead of either having a voluminous skirt over the knee or a tailored pencil shape, it’s loose and not at all fitted.
Feelin’ that 60s vibe It also features a super cool, pointed collar which match the cuffs on the full length loose sleeves. None of which is too hot to wear as it’s made from a really light fabric that’s perfect for Summer. The bespoke print is great with the large florals and palm frongs all over in greens, white and a dash of blue.
I love how light it is to wear and that the breeze caught the bottom of the skirt a little to give me a little ‘flip’ when I walked
As well as wearing it as intended, I also couldn’t resist cinching my waist in a little and added a white belt from another outfit to change it up a bit and give myself more options. I really like it with the belt too and feel like it works well.
Overall I preferred the option with the collar buttoned up and the belt added and felt the look was still retro, though I’d style my hair in more of a straight bouffant next time and change the glasses to something a little larger to emulate that groovy vibe.
Fit wise, it’s a loose fit and I have it in my normal size which fitted great. If there was a size down (unfortunately sizes don’t go down enough for me) I’d have also tried the size down too but I feel it’s pretty true to size. The length is above my knee which is amazing for me! These dresses are meant to be on the shorter side which was part of the trend at the time.
The Annabelle Floral Palm Dress is available on the Collectif website in most sizes (all except 8 and 18) for £55.00 and sizes 8-16 over at SilkFred with free delivery.
For reference:
I’m 4’11” with 4 inch heels on in the pic and a standard size 6 in Collectif and Bright & Beautiful clothing. I’m wearing a size 6 in the photos above.Also wearing:
Shoes: Lulu Hun Lorena previous season
Hair Flowers: Collectif Aaliyah and High Steet many moons ago
Earrings and Sunnies: Collectif previous season -
Bright & Beautiful Demmi Deckchair Dress Review [Collectif]
As Summer is drawing to a close, I’m making full use of my sale buys and enjoying the last of the sunshine in this very sweet little dress, the Demmi Deckchair, part of the Bright & Beautiful range from Collectif.
It’s super lightweight and made from rayon which is perfect for warm days. I’ve previously spoken about its counterpart with the Astrid in this print, but this shorter version is really lovely too and great to have as a more casual option.
As well as the amazing bright stripes, this dress has a gorgeous, sweetheart, neckline and adjustable straps which are great to ensure a good fit for everyone. The top part is fitted and has pretty wooden buttons running down the centre to the waist. From there, the skirt billows out with darts finishing at hip height. I really like how full the skirt part feels along with the fitted bodice. There’s also an invisible side zip to get in and out which is super handy and discreet.
The fit is great for me. I love that it’s a mini dress version – which actually works as just a normal length dress for me! It’s a wonderful length for petites and sits just above my knee (which to be honest, doesn’t usually get seen much now!). It will obviously sit shorter for those of average height and taller. There’s no stretch in the fabric so if you’re busty, you may want to size up and also if your widest part is on the waist. I found it true to size for me and I’m really happy with how it fits.
As the Collectif sale is coming to an end, this dress is now out of stock on the main site, however, you can still pick it up in selected sizes for just £22 at SilkFred which includes free delivery too – bargain!
Also wearing:
Hair flowers: Miss Bella’s Blooms and Collectif
Sunglasses and Necklace: Collectif
Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
Earrings: Splendette
Shoes: old favourites from E5PFor reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and I’m wearing a size 6 in this Bright & Beautiful range. I’m 4’11” tall wearing 4 inch heels. -
Supplier Spotlight: Mod Shoes [The Angie]
It’s a pleasure today to talk about Mod Shoes, which were established back in 2011 but I only became aware of them over the past couple of years. I followed them intently and lusted after their many gorgeous designs (have a look here, honestly they’re the cutest things ever!). Unfortunately I wasn’t able to buy as most of you know I’m vegan. So much to my delight, this year Mod Shoes have launched their very own range of vegan shoes and they are AMAZING! Could this gal be any happier? I think not.
If you’ve never heard of the brand before, they make their own exclusive designs with factories based in Spain and Portugal, creating ‘smart shoes for smart people’ setting themselves apart from the High Street and bargain buys. Their focus is on quality designs with influences from the 60’s, 70’s and mod era. I love modern shoes with a vintage twist and their range of retro styles have something to suit everyone.
I was gifted The Angie in the gorgeous blue and vanilla colour way which based on an original 1960’s shoe. The royal blue is so striking against the cream – I love it!
I love the little silver ball details to the ends of the laces too. Such a sweet and effective touch!
They’re a patent style (also available as non patent) with a cream toecap and a 5cm heel making them a great choice for work or play. They also have gel cushioned inserts so comfort is definitely key and I can confirm they are really lovely to wear – you could absolutely wear them all night dancing and not feel a thing!
They’re also really soft and flexible, not like some vegan shoes can be where they’ve rushed to get a vegan option out but the quality isn’t up to par. One of the founders of Mod Shoes is vegan and really wanted to produce a vegan range which looks and feels great and compares equally to the rest of their range. I have to say, they didn’t disappoint! They’re hands down the best vegan shoes I own.
The Angie is available in UK sizes 2-9 with other styles available up to size 11. The vegan range also includes the very fabulous Dusty Vee which is a version of the non vegan Dusty from their collection. The turquoise t bar pair are my favourite and it has a slightly higher heel at 8cm with the gel inserts to maintain comfort.
All shoes are available with the option of Clearpay making it easy to pay in instalments if needed, and delivery is fast and free (over £40).
I think it’s important to point out that you don’t need to be vegan to buy vegan shoes – they’re just man made. So by choosing man made instead of leather occasionally, you just happen to be helping the animals too.
Mod Shoes also offer a range of clothing and cool tights, so if you want to add some snazziness to your legs as well as your feet, you can find those here. I love all the delicate patterns and bold prints – especially as the weather has cooled again this week so tights are super handy!
The team are really friendly and helpful too, so if you can’t find the answer to a question on the website (there is so much helpful info on there too), then drop them a line and they’ll be able to help.
I’m utterly enamoured with The Anglie and really enjoyed the change in style frommy usual 50’s to 60’s influences. I’m off to prance around in my gorgeous new shoes now! x
Full disclosure:
I was gifted this pair as I’m now a Brand Ambassador for Mod Shoes (woohoo! lucky ole me). However, I’ve long been a fan of their shoes and only write honest reviews which are my own personal thoughts, not that of the brand. I was recommending this company a long time before I became an ambassador and will continue to do so as their products are fantastic!
