• 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

     

     

     

     

  • Astrid Deckchair Stripe Dress [Bright & Beautiful]

    What a treat! I love a rainbow dress and this beautiful Astrid Deckchair dress was kindly gifted to me from Collectif. It’s part of the Bright & Beautiful range which is the 1960’s and 70’s inspired sister label to Collectif Clothing. The Astrid is the perfect Summer dress with it’s array of radiant stripes and lightweight rayon for feeling cool, but staying chic.  And though I don’t have a deckchair, I do have a hammock – and this dress looks amazing while taking in the rays. 

    This is such a fun dress with its striped print, but is also very elegant with a fitted bodice at the top. A trademark of Astrid dresses is they’re usually trimmed with something delicate and this one is no different, using red ric rac this time. It’s a sweet detail and matches the flowy, carefree, nature of the dress. 

    There’s a side zip to get in which is super easy and the dress feels really comfortable to wear. There are pleats on the skirt falling from your natural waistline which give the skirt an extra swooshy feel as you’re moving. I absolutely love it! The only thing it’s possibly missing is what every girl needs – pockets, but it’s such a lovely dress that I don’t even mind forgoing those.

    I find Astrids true to size and though they fall a little longer on me, I actually don’t mind because they’re so floaty. I’ll wear it with some flat summer sandals too and brighten up a (socially distanced) barbeque.

    They’re such a great style and so easy to wear, I feel like everyone needs at least one Astrid in their wardrobe – and for an instant Summer injection, this one is a great choice! There are lots of other prints too in this design if full on stripes isn’t your thang though, see here. Just add sun x

    Let’s be having you, Summer!

    Also wearing:
    Hair flower: Collectif Clothing 
    Shoes: E5P
    Bangles: Splendette
    Earrings: Bow &  Crossbones

    For reference: 
    I’m 4’11” and a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and Bright & Beautiful. I’m wearing 4 inch heels in some of the photos.

    This piece was gifted to me, but all my views are my own and I only ever post honest reviews.

  • 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! 

  • Fakelite and Resin Earrings on the High Street

    Over the last couple of weeks I’ve bought a few bargain earrings from Primark and noticed there’s a trend for tortoiseshell resin/fakelite tiki style earrings flooding the high street at the moment. Here are a few of my top picks:

    Firstly Primark, whose £2 and £3 earrings are fantastic. I snapped up the bottom two sets and was also tempted by the first wooden one too. I’ll be pairing them with sarong dresses and bamboo bangles.

    Primark Resin and Wooden Hoops

     

    Next up is Tesco. Supermarkets have really upped their game and I was pleasantly surprised to find all of these, available at £6 a pair.

    Tesco (F&F) Resin Earrings

     

    New Look also has a few in a similar style, including some influenced by the 60’s geometric trend.

    New Look Resin Earrings

    Brown oval drop earrings currently in the sale: £2.00

    Brown  Faux Tortoiseshell Teardrop, Green resin (also available in red and yellow) and Green Resin Wide Hoops: £4.99

    Brown faux tortoiseshell  hoops and Blue linked resin: £5.99

    Red Square drop earrings (also available in yellow): £6.99

    Brown Tortoiseshell Resin Geometric Drop: £7.99

     

    Have you found any in other high street stores? Pop your finds in the comments section below x