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Lilla Swing Starfish Dress Review [Collectif]
As soon as I knew this dress was coming, I couldn’t wait to bag it! So the day it dropped on to the website, I bought it and it is just as good as it looks on the website, if not better!
This summery little number has the cutest bespoke, red starfish, print against a dark blue background which adds to its nautical feel. It’s such a clever design, with the full swing skirt to the bottom and a bikini top style which has scarf-like halter neck straps to tie at the back of the neck.
You might think there isn’t much support going on with this dress (which I was concerned about too) but it’s actually really supportive as the back of the dress is all joined together and features a centre back zip to get you in and out easily…..and how sweet are those starfish?!
A normal dress at the back with a zip The top is quite small though. Very small chested girls will be fine with their normal size, but anyone with some boobage will likely need to size up. I bought it in two sizes to see which suited me best. I’m a C cup and I couldn’t get the girls in my normal size, although the waist was perfect for the skirt. I don’t class myself as big chested, but when buying bikini tops I always have to size up twice to fit properly (and my normal size for the bottoms), so I had expected something similar for this style of dress. I’ve kept the size up as my boobs feel much better and aren’t squished, just sitting pretty! The waist is bigger on the size up obviously, but that’s not really an issue with the belt which cinches in – and there’s always room for seaside treats now! haha. I may take it in a smidge at the sides which is easy to do a it’s hidden under the corners of the crop top.
The belt is a lovely wide style with circular buckle, in the same vibrant red as the starfish. I love how I can be matchy-matchy with my hair hehe.
As a woman in my 40s, I was a bit dubious about the cut out triangle below the bust. Questions like, “am I too old for that?” crossed my mind for a nano-second – then I realised, sod it! You only live once and you should wear what you love, regardless of age! So here I am, belly out and strutting it and loving it! ha.
Feelin’ myself ha I’m so glad I bought it, and if you haven’t already, you really should! It’s still in the sale (here) in all sizes, down to an amazing price of £19.25 – what a steal! You won’t regret it. Shoulders back, boobs forward and rock that look!
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For reference:
I’m normally a standard size 6 in Collectif, but I’m wearing the size 8 in the photos above. I’m 4’11” and wearing 4.5 inch heels.Also wearing:
Hairflower: Collectif and high street
Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
Earrings: Splendette
Sunnies: Collectif
Shoes: These are old faves which are no longer available -
Mirtilla Oranges Pencil Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]
We’ve reached the end of another week – a miserable one here in the UK sadly with all the rain (but our gardens are thankful!). Better weather is on its way though and what better way to hold on to hopes of blue skies and endless sunshine than by adorning yourself with a taste of Spain (when I see sweet juicy oranges, I always think of Valencia).
I managed to purchase this one during the 50% off sale and my size happened to appear (it was meant to be!) so I snapped it up immediately. The Mirtilla style is new this season and what a fab little pencil she is! Emblazoned with oranges on a navy cotton sateen, she has a casual feel with the polo style top but still dressy with the tailored wiggle. I absolutely love this new design, especially the bespoke orange print, it’s just delicious.
The collar has a couple of buttons to the front and turn up sleeves on the arms. There is a side zip on this one which, to be honest, I found incredibly difficult to get on with a pencil style. They work much better for swing dresses and I do wish it had a centre back zip instead as I have to ruin my hair to get it on. I much prefer to step into dresses and I felt a bit like I needed to be double jointed to get into it with side zip haha. Once on though, it’s super comfortable to wear and it has just the right amount of stretch.
It falls on my mid calf which is just perfect for a good vintage length. I love that it’s more of a casual style but still in my beloved pencil shape. I really hope to see more of this design returning (but fingers crossed for a centre back zip). There are also swing versions of this design if you’re not a pencil lovin’ kinda gal, but not in the oranges print.
I paired mine with the orange Billie cinch belt and Natalie orange bead necklace from last year’s Collectif accessories, the parasol I picked up at a Collectif outlet sale event a couple of years ago, the Aaliyah orange orchid hair flower from earlier this season at Collectif, shoes from Lulu Hun (featured earlier on the blog, here) and bangles by Splendette and Bow & Crossbones which were a perfect match with this dress. I felt totally tropical! Bring back sunny days x
For reference:
I’m 4’11 and wearing 4″ heels, I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and no alterations have been made. -
VE Day OOTD
Happy VE Day you gorgeous lot! I hope you’re able to celebrate in any small way you can during lockdown – be it bunting in your kitchen, or socially distanced garden parties with neighbours on your street.
Uncharacteristically, I’m not in a dress for a change! Instead, I’ve chosen a land girl inspired look with a modern twist and 50’s details (as stylistically, that’s my preferred era to wear) for my celebrations. In keeping with the red, white and blue theme and a nod towards the brilliant ladies of the Women’s Land Army, I’ve gone with the Voodoo Vixen Jasmine Overalls.
They have the cutest polka dot print over denim blue and sweet details like the sweetheart neckline, handy (and deep) pockets and a flattering cropped length.
The straps are adjustable and can be crossed over at the back. I bought a size 6 and the sizing guide states they’re true to size. Personally, I found they came up a little large on me, but not so much that I can’t work with it. I really love them and they’re super comfortable to wear. They could easily be dressed up or down and I picked out the Maria Hawaiian blouse by RocknRomance to wear underneath.
The blouse is super light and can be worn either tucked in as I have here, or tied at the front (cleverly, the ends are button free so this can be achieved easily). The tiki inspired print is so pretty and the collar can be worn up or down depending on your mood and is also available in other colours and styles. I also have the dress version of this print in a couple of colours, which is just adorable. If you haven’t found yourself browsing their site before, it’s definitely worth having a look. I found their customer service to be really good too – friendly interactions and speedy replies and delivery.
My new Tonya shoes by Lulu Hun were the perfect choice to complete this outfit with its red, white and blue stripes!
The wedge heel is so comfortable to wear and the style is just incredible. I love Lulu Hun for shoes. I bought my usual size but could have sized down. I have narrow feet though, so for those that have a wider foot, don’t size down. The ankle strap is in the contrasting pale shade and has a normal buckle, not the hoop over type. They’re so bright and fun, I adore these shoes and I’m seriously considering buying more colours.
What will you be wearing? I can’t wait to see all the photos of everyone’s events. We may not be together, but we’re united with respect for the fallen and all efforts made which afford us our normal freedoms. Take care, be safe and have fun! xx
Also wearing:
Bangles – Splendette
Necklace and Sunnies – Collectif
Hair Flowers – pink piece by Miss Bella’s Blooms
Pins – Erstwilder
