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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) -
Midge Jumpsuit Set Review [Collectif Clothing]
I’ve been waiting for months for this beauty to drop onto the website so as soon as I saw it was finally released, I bagged it immediately! It arrived the very next day and was just as gorgeous as I’d hoped.
The aptly named Midge Jumpsuit Set comprises a black jumpsuit with capri trousers and removable overlay skirt. It is very Midge (from The Marvellous Mrs Maisel – who else was obsessed with that show?!) being both a classic design and super elegant. The design also echoes the chicest of them all, Grace Kelly, in To Catch A Thief.
I love the monochrome palette. I don’t really wear black during summer time but the light skirt really lifts it – though even on its own, the jumpsuit with its sleeveless halterneck style makes it a great option for warmer weather.
The halter-neck fastens at the back with two poppers and there’s a centre back zip on the jumpsuit with a hook and eye above it.The neck and shoulder lines on this jumpsuit give such a chic overall look and there are princess seams to the bodice for a tailored and fitted finish.
As a jumpsuit on its own, it works really well too.
The leg length fits well for me, though I am petite and it’s meant to be a cropped capri length, so it will be shorter on taller gals.
Straight on, it gives a lovely line and the waist sits well for that vintage feel.
The skirt is listed as white but it’s more of an off white. It has a black waistband to match the jumpsuit and ties at the front (or back or side if you prefer) to reveal the jumpsuit underneath. It’s a really versatile piece as you can wear it over lots of other outfits too (I’ll pop it over a playsuit).
I love how you can flash a little jumpsuit and swoosh around in the open skirt.
When the skirt is closed it looks more like this:
The skirt fastens with a tie which I chose to make into a bow at the front.
Size wise, the guidance on the website suggests you size down if you’re in between sizes. I bought my normal size (as there isn’t a size down) and I’m not in between sizes but I definitely would have sized down in this if I could have as it is a little too big around the sides which I’ll run down on the machine. So I would recommend sizing down for this one whether you’re in between sizes or not. There’s some stretch in the fabric too. It has quite a long rise so would be good for average/taller girls as well.
I absolutely love this set. It’s so reminiscent of 50s fashion and I feel like I’ve stepped out of Mrs Maisel’s or Grace Kelly’s set. It’s currently available in all sizes (6-22) and it’s £89 which is really reasonable for a skirt and jumpsuit combo. Until midnight tonight (26th July) you can also use code JULY10 to get £10 off at Collectif Clothing. Fingers crossed for more Maisel and Kelly inspired designs appearing in the coming seasons!
For reference:
I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels in the photos above. I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif clothes and I’m wearing my normal size above (though I recommend sizing down). My measurements are 33:24:33 if that’s helpful.Also wearing:
Sunnies: Old season Collectif
Bangles and Earrings: Splendette
Hair Flowers: High Street many moons ago
Hat: ASOS a couple of years ago
Shoes: E5P a while back -
How Star Will You Go Dress Review [Harkel Clothing]
Something a little different to round the week off – though not too much of a stretch as I’m easily won over by atomic stars!
The How Star Will You Go dress by Harkel Clothing is a really cool little shirt dress with an all over celestial print featuring an array of bright stars and planets. It has a Peter Pan style collar which you can do up to the top if you prefer, but I like to leave shirt styles open.
It comes with its own thin blue belt but I swapped it out for a wide red one to tie in with my hair and accessories instead. You could get away with lots of belt options as there as so many colours you could pick out from the design. It also has round buttons with a moulded star shape on them which I thought was a nice feature.
It has a fitted bodice and full gathered skirt with two seam pockets which is great. Harkel don’t sell my size so I checked the sizing guide and the 8 was more of a 6-8 measurement so I took a punt. It is a little roomy on me but the good thing with shirt dresses is you can pull them in with the belt and nobody would know! It’s pretty bang on a 6-8 rather than a true 8 so I’m really chuffed to get away with it. The individual sizing charts are a really handy feature on each item. It sits just below my knees which is a good length for me. It will obviously be shorter on taller gals and in their description they note it’s aimed to be above the knee, so expect it to be cute and short if you’ve got those extra inches I don’t have hehe.
If you’re looking for some different styles to add to your wardrobe, it’s worth a look. I stay pretty much with 50’s styling but this is such an easy wear with a stand out print so it really caught my eye and I’m glad I went for it. Delivery was pretty quick.
I ordered this last month when it had 50% off and though that ship has now sailed, Harkel are always on sale and currently doing a promo with 40% off (code HAPPY40) so it’s still a good price and available currently in sizes 8-20 (no size 12’s though sorry dolls) x
Further info:
I’m 4’11” wearing 4.5 inch heels and a standard size 6 in clothing and ordered the 8 in the dress above. It’s more like a 6-8 than a true 8, a little roomy to be expected but not too much. Use the size guide on the product page to ensure you order the right size for you.Also wearing:
Splendette bangles
Orchid hairpiece from the high street
True vintage beltYou May Also Like
Collectif Pick of the Sale!
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Mara Garden Stripes Dress Review [Collectif]
Hooray! The Big Sale at Collectif is well underway and we’re all rushing to put orders in – sometimes multiple times as there’s always that extra item you never noticed before but suddenly have to have! Maybe the beautiful Mara is one of those frocks you’ve been eyeballing for a while but weren’t too sure about? Well I can tell you it’s fabulous and you definitely need it! hehe.
I haven’t had a Mara before, though I almost bought the previous checked patterns which came out. The shirt style really appealed to me but it seemed like a lot of dress for my frame. When the green Garden Stripes version was launched, I hovered over the buy button for some time, pondering which size I would need as I’m aware the checked versions were sized smaller.
I took the plunge and decided I needed all those glorious green stripes in my life! The dress is so vibrant and I really love the pattern. I have a petticoat on underneath too for added poof and the fullness of the swing skirt is very swooshy which is excellent!
The dress can button right up to the neck and has a matching waist tie which I’ve worn as you’re meant to at the waist in the photo above, though I left the neck open as I like a more casual look sometimes with a necklace showing. However, I also really liked switching the waist tie to make a bow neck tie instead and adding my own belt too.
With long, cuffed, sleeves and a placket of concealed buttons to the front, this practical dress also has two side pockets which are super handy. I went with my normal size and luckily that was the right choice for me as a size up would have been far too big. There’s slight stretch in the fabric and the length on me is the same as a swing Caterina – which is lower calf and a bit longer than my other dresses, but I don’t really mind that.
So if you’ve been pondering this dress, I can confirm it’s brilliant – a really practical but cute piece which is lots of fun with the dramatic stripes and great sizing wise – get it in your basket! haha. It’s currently half off at £33.75 with code BS50 (which lasts until 11.59pm on the 17th) and it’s available in all sizes.Also wearing:
Lulu Hun Susan High Heels in green (previous season)
Adore Heart belt in red by Collectif Clothing (previous season)
Tiki earrings in green by Collectif ClothingAdditional information:
I’m 4’11” wearing 4 inch heels. I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and that’s the size I’m wearing above.
The dress was bought via the fabulous Cherry Red Vintage -
Carmella Polka Dot Mesh Swing Dress Review [Collectif]
This darling of a dress was launched last year but was rereleased this Summer and I’m so glad it was! I totally missed out last year having thought – do I really need another evening dress?! Well, clearly the answer was a resounding YES! Always buy the dress haha.
It’s such a pretty design with two layers. The overlay is really delicate with a sheer fabric and velvet polka dots scattered over it. It’s fully detachable so you can wear it over other dresses too, which is a great feature.
It has sweet little buttons (with elastic hoops for ease of closure) to the front and one at the neck where it fastens into a keyhole shape. There’s also a belt which goes through belt hoops on the outer layer too for a snatched waist. My belt was a bit long so I folded it over, but would do my usual trick of a Velcro dot when I’m out on the razzle dazzle!
As the buttons stop at the waist, the overlay doesn’t meet at the front, so you always catch glimpses of the under dress, which looks really elegant and flattering as you move. The overlay is unfinished at the hem which I really like as you can see the mesh floating over the dress instead of being drawn to a heavy border.
Underneath, the base of the dress is a strappy bengaline number with a sweetheart neckline. The straps adjust, which is brilliant as it can fit taller and shorter gals in one short tweak of the straps. I always size up once when I buy anything made from bengaline and I made the right choice with the larger size for this one. Aside from that, it’s a perfect fit and I really like the length which is cut on my mid calf as all good vintage dresses should be. I’m thrilled with it! It’s a full swing skirt so I’ll likely wear a petticoat underneath it for a more fancy pants look, but in the summer sun, I couldn’t handle a petti!
Squinty McSquinty in the Summer sun Just look at those gorgeous little sleeves and the shirt style collar! To die for. If you missed out on the Carmella Polka Dot dress too, or overlooked it by any chance, it’s reduced down in the sale to an amazing £27 from £90! The mid range sizes are all still available at the time of writing so I’d bag yourself this bargain (and size up once) – you won’t regret it!
Now, off to a socially distanced, end of summer soirée!
For reference:
I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels in the photos. I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif, but wearing a size 8 in this one which is the size of a 6.Also wearing:
Earrings: Starlet Jewellery
Hair Flower: High Street
Sunnies: Collectif old stock
Shoes: Iron Fist old stock -
Darcie Rainbow Stripe Jumpsuit Review [Collectif x Modcloth]
As you may have seen from my previous post, I have this gorgeous stripe already with the Jill dress (see here) but couldn’t resist the jumpsuit too which I picked up in the 50% off sale. With its fabulous print over wide legged trousers, scoop neck, and those pockets! The pockets are lovely and deep with two curves on either side. I love stuffing my hands in so these are great! It’s so comfortable to wear too.
Shoving a hand in my pockets since 1992 Now, if you’re a taller gal, don’t expect the jumpsuit to look the same on you. It’s actually meant to be a cropped culotte style, but as I’m petite, they fit me like a normal length would – bonus for me and all my other petite gals! I like it either way though, as a cropped length on taller gals, and full length on those with shorter statures.
Even though I’m petite, I fell like a Goliath in this jumpsuit (it’s ok, I know I’m fooling myself!), it does the trick of elongating legs – for which I am very grateful obviously ha.
Ooooo I feel tall! There’s a centre back zip so it’s an easy one to get on and off and has a wide, bright yellow, buckled belt which compliments it perfectly – I love pairing this pattern with yellow and I’ll probably use this belt for the Jill instead of the smaller one it came with.
The neckline is really smooth and fits well and has wide shoulder straps. I might slip my yellow Chrissie jumper on underneath it when it gets a bit cooler to take me into Autumn.
The hips are fitted and the legs then flare out which gives such a retro look, I absolutely love it! I ordered my normal size (Modcloth and Collectif have the same sizing up until size 18 when you should follow the Modcloth specific chart) and it was absolutely true to size for me.
Available in all sizes at the time of writing, the Collectif X Modcloth Darcie Jumpsuit is £77 and such a great addition to any wardrobe. I really hope Darcie returns next year as she’s such a fab style and so fun to wear!
Also wearing:
Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
Hair flower: Miss Bellas Blooms
Shoes: Lulu Hun (also in the sale currently)
Sunnies: CollectifFor reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and 4’11” tall (or short, depending on how you look at things). I’m wearing a wedge heel which has a heel height of 2.75”. -
Demira Gingham Daisy Pencil Dress [Collectif Clothing]
What a great new style for the Spring/Summer 2020 collection! This bloomin’ gorgeous dress is the Demira Gingham Daisy Pencil dress and is a stand out piece – radiating happy vibes wherever you wear it!
I managed to bag it in the sale (still currently on) having ummed and ahhed over it since it launched. I absolutely love the bold, bright, print but I was a bit concerned about the higher neckline and puffed sleeves – not things I would normally go for. I almost bought the pencil skirt instead (which is also very cute) but I’m so glad I took a punt and bought the dress – it’s a triumph!
The puffed sleeves are elasticated and actually add a sweet detail to the top of the dress which is more conservative with a round neck. They’re comfortable on the arms and not tight at all. At the back of the dress, the neckline dips into a lovely v shape and there’s a centre back zip making this easy to get in and out of.
I found this style to be true to size, with limited stretch at the waist, so if your widest part is there, you may want to size up. It falls on my mid calf giving a great vintage feel and accentuating that wiggle when you walk!
I wore the Demira with accents of yellow, picked out from the daisy print. This goes really well but you could pair it with white, blue or black accessories if you preferred to be matchy matchy but not so bold with yellow.
To get your gingham daisy fix, this dress is still currently 50% off at £26.25 (utter bargain!) and available in all sizes. If a pencil isn’t your thing, then have a look at the other items available in this design too (available here). I’m still thinking I may need a few more pieces in this print, but if you prefer spots over gingham, then Collectif have also just launched this new polka dot design! Which will you choose? x
Also wearing:
Pineapple bag and cinch belt: Collectif Clothing
Yellow shoes and Blue shoes: Lulu Hun
Hair flower: Miss Bella’s Blooms
Earrings: Bow & Crossbones
Bangles: Splendette
Necklace: VintageFor reference:
I’m 4’11” and a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing, wearing 4 inch heels in the photos. -
[London Edge Feb 2020 Part 7] Bright & Beautiful, Lulu Hun and Collectif Menswear AW20
In our final instalment of the Autumn/Winter 2020 previews, we’re starting with the awesome new collection from Collectif Menswear.
As well as the amazing Jonathan jacket pictured above (seriously, how cool is that?!), there were some great chunky knits, guaranteed to keep your other half warm (or for yourself as I’ve often said before!).
I love a good moss stitch pattern and this bright yellow cardigan has bags of true vintage style with a modern flair, brightening up even the darkest of wintry days.
I will always be a sucker for an atomic print, so this knitted top also caught my eye:
The starbursts are everything! For a more casual look there are plenty of polo tops too:
As with previous seasons, there will also be a range of novelty prints which are going to be very popular (no previews of those though to keep you in suspense!).
Next we have Bright & Beautiful, which takes its inspiration from the 60’s and 70’s. Adding a contemporary twist to their vintage styling, there are often pieces which crossover from the past and look on trend for the modern day. Like this cropped sequin jumper which will look great with some high waisted jeans or slacks:
The rainbow sequin detail is so pretty! Also this cute ladybird dress which is a classic 60’s mini shape in velvet, but sits a little longer than their daring lengths and has a fabulous gold print:
As with every Bright & Beautiful season, I’m always on the look out for the new Astrid, and this tweedy version didn’t disappoint!
Such a staple style to pair with brown boots for Autumn.
There was also this new trench coat style which has the best tartan detailing to the lining:
I love the turned up cuffs to reveal the tartan pattern. With a wide collar and double breast buttons, it oozes 70’s style but you could easily throw this over something more modern too.
Moving on to Lulu Hun and accessories now and the displays were fantastic as always. Here you can see the bags from the current collection:
Current season stock The leopard bag is particularly splendid, and there’s also a matching mirrored brooch which will be coming to the Collectif Accessories range:
The accessories line will also launch new Natalie necklaces (you know how much I love those), one of which is this superbly pumpkin inspired treat (no tricks):
Featured on the shoe display were these Spring/Summer prickly delights from Lulu Hun:
The cactus wedges and pumps are really fun, and I adore a tropical leaf print!
So what can we look forward to for Autumn from Lulu Hun? Firstly, the wonderful Mara is returning in two new shades:
I have these in black and red already from 2018:
They’re the perfect heel to be running around in and look so dainty with their velvet bow detail to the front, impeccably finishing off your vintage outfit. The plum and green versions will be brilliant additions.
The next stand out pair for me were these spectacular heels:
With faux fur all the way round, these platform heels are so cute and are like the shoe version of the Tatiana boot. I had to try them on to see how they looked of course!
Bit of a weird angle as I was doing a balancing act of holding everything in my hands and trying to point down to my feet, without dropping everything! but, you get the picture. They look super cute on and were a really cosy fit.
And now for the cream of the crop…..
There are no words. These cowboy boots are just magnificent (ok, there were some words). I’m hoping they’re faux leather so I can strut around in the blue and red pair, tip my hat at random people and say, ‘howdy partner’ as I pass by.
Finally the Autumn/Winter bags from Lulu Hun. My favourite picks were this black glitter satchel:
So practical but so fancy! And also this incredibly cute pink heart bag:
Isn’t it adorable?! And with all that love, it’s the perfect way to leave our jaunt around London Edge this year having viewed so many gorgeous things. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing all the previews and do share with me which you liked most by popping a comment below x
Featured brands today can be found here:
Collectif Menswear
Bright & Beautiful
Collectif Accessories
Lulu Hun -
[London Edge Feb 2020 Part 6] Collectif Sneak Peek AW20
We are nearing the finale of our roundabout tour of London Edge this year and in this penultimate edition, we’ll be taking a glimpse at the upcoming Autumn/Winter collection from Collectif. For anyone that missed my highlights of the Summer launch, you can read about them here and check my latest reviews for SS20 lines which are currently out already.
Firstly, there are the beloved Caterinas, which we all love with their classic shirtwaister style. There will be plenty of glorious new updates to this design, but two gorgeous checks at the show were this one with it’s fabulously autumnal yellow and rusty hues:
The colours are so scrummy on this one And this one, which has a lovely red and black check on a cream background and gives me awesome lumberjack chic vibes:
Both with matching belts that have holes in, yay!
I also really liked this cute Mary Grace Swing dress which is an alternative shirt dress style:
This design first appeared as a dress last year (Meow print) and I’m so pleased to see it’s return with this sweet cherry pattern, neck tie and bold red buttons. It’s definitely on my list.
I don’t often go for suits, but this one really struck me. I just love the bold green check and the cut of the jacket:
Adorned with velvet buttons, you could either wear this with the matching items or as a single piece, which is how I think I’ll style it (with black trousers most likely). It’s so incredibly scrummy, I can’t wait for it to launch!
I thought this was the most perfect Autumnal outfit:
Next season’s Babette jumper will appear in a vivid orange and the border print skirt with orange falling leaves is a match made in heaven.
On to the Dolores, which is a super popular design, and this year will be arriving in a gorgeous purple check:
Seriously, how good is that print? 1 of each, please!
Now my ghouly gals, Collectif have you covered whether it’s just for the Halloween period or living spooky every day!
This Elvira style print with its fun Hocus Pocus design will send you batty, I’m sure!And the Peta dress returns in sumptuous velvet with the coolest spooky print in glitter.
There was also a range of Beetlejuice inspired designs at the show which were amazing, including this one:
This Eliana Pencil dress will be a sure hit – it’s insanely good. I need one.
Moving on to coats, we saw the return of the leopard lined Sheena and Hazel cape and coat in a deep wine colour this time:
There will also be a couple of new Pearl coats, one of which was in orange:
Ideal for popping over all those seasonally fabulous outfits!
Lastly, the sought-after Trixie for Autumn Winter period will include this dazzling green version:
It has an array of glittery stars, cascading over luscious velvet. Perfect for all your festive events and celebrations.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this sneaky peek of the exciting things coming to Collectif later in the year. Do you have any favourites so far?
To see what’s ahead for Bright & Beautiful, Lulu Hun and Collectif Menswear, stay tuned for the next (and final) instalment of the AW20 previews x
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Clair Mini Polka Dot Skirt Review [Collectif Clothing]
Polka dots are such a classic pin up/rockabilly look and the Clair skirt has the sweetest mini polka dots in white on black with a matching belt in reverse.
I love the contrasting belt It’s a stretch fabric and has side seam pockets – yay! The length is good, sitting just below my knee. I actually made a mistake and sized up in this one and needn’t have as it’s true to size. However, with the belt to cinch in, I can easily get away with the larger size.
There’s a centre back zip and the belt has a buckle with holes. I popped a black petticoat under mine for extra floofiness which immediately makes you want to swoosh about in it.
I do love my accessories, and these Wicker bangles from Bow & Crossbones and clear, jewelled, bangle from Splendette were the perfect combo for stacking with this outfit.
Bangle close up because they’re gorgeous This skirt is super cute and I love monochrome outfits paired with my red hair (add red accessories to achieve your own pop of colour – or bright pink/yellow work well too). I’ll be wearing it with cropped black jumpers and black tights while I wait for Spring to appear. There are a couple of items in the Clair range which I’ll add on, like the matching top and a pencil dress which I am just dotty about- have you seen the bow detail?! Irresistable!
The skirt is already sold out in larger sizes (currently 6-14 available on the website), but stockists should have some too and it’s priced at £52.50.
Also wearing:
Top: Mahina top in black by Collectif Clothing
Handbag: Carrie in black by Collectif Clothing
Necklace: Natalie black bead set by Collectif Clothing
Petticoat: Hell Bunny
Bangles: Wicker from Bow & Crossbones, Clear jewelled from Splendette
Earrings: SplendetteFor reference, I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing but wearing a size 8 in this article. I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels.
This Elvira style print with its fun Hocus Pocus design will send you batty, I’m sure!
