• 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

  • 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: Splendette

    For 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.

  • Collectif Review: Sasha top and Dakota Skirt

    It may still be dreary outside, but I’m still planning all my summer outfits! And this one is an outfit I really love (together and as separates).

    The Dakota skirt is a beautiful shade of red and a good vintage length on me. She has deep pockets that feature a flap over style and shiny red button affixed for decoration. The swing style is very flattering and it comes with a matching belt that has eyelet holes (woohoo!).

    This is a new style for this season and I bought it when it first launched, but it wasn’t warm enough to wear it until recently! I hadn’t noticed how pretty the pleat detailing is to the front. This is such a lovely design and I really hope it returns in ALL the colours in future seasons as it’s a great alternative to a full gathered skirt. I found her to be a perfect fit and true to size.

    She’s very versatile and easy to dress up or down. I could wear this with a Penny top for evening drinks or with my Arizona tshirt to make it super casual.

    I chose to pair it with a Sasha vintage palm top, (which is another new shape and design for this year), and my goodness, what a star this little top is! The neckline is sweetheart, but can be altered by pulling the ties at the centre either tighter or keeping them looser. I’m not gonna lie, I  pulled them quite hard because I need all the help I can get in that department! It’s great to have the option to be more modest though, and will suit a range of bust sizes.

    The elasticated sleeves will sit just off the shoulders or on them; I quite liked having them on my shoulder a little as pictured. If it was warmer though, I’d likely slip them down.

    Collectif Sasha Palm Top

    The palm tree print is fab and really stands out with the white on black, and the fabric is a jersey so it’s soft and stretchy. It’s true to size but with lots of stretch so buy your normal size and if you’re busty, there’s plenty of room.

    I’m so glad I bought the Sasha – I know they’re going to be a firm staple of my summer wardrobe. I bought the plain colours too and there’s also a cat print available (here).

    I really loved this look and highly recommend both products. Please note I changed the belt to one of my Collectif white ones as I wanted to tie the white in with the palm trees of the top. The skirt comes with a gorgeous matching red belt.

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    For reference:
    I’m a standard Collectif Size 6 (33:24:33) and 4’11” (wearing 4 inch heels here)
    Also wearing Collectif Sunglasses (previous season) and Collectif Natalie earrings from the bead set