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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 & CrossbonesFor 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.
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Collectif Reviews – Bonnie Trousers, Mona Shirt and Bright & Beautiful Astrid dress
So as well as a trip to London Edge, I also sprinted over to the Camden store – mostly to catch up with the team there whom I adore. They are truly special with so much care taken with every customer, making them feel absolutely beautiful inside and out and giving them a guiding hand if unsure. The service is always provided with a very warm welcome and nothing is ever too much. The customer service is impeccable in store and it’s the reason I travel so far to visit time and time again (as well as the fabulous clothes obviously!), but the friendly staff always make it a very special day for anyone that visits. Looking at that amount of Collectif stock at the Edge had made me need to purchase something though, and there are still plenty of bargains to be had – in store currently has an extra 15% off sale items too! Amazing!
I tried on a few things (I normally take half the shop into the changing room with me) and decided upon these in the end. The first of which I’d been hankering after for a few months because, well look at this awesome check! One of my favourite colours to wear is yellow, and this yellow and blue tartan just screamed for me to buy her since she launched (but I waited as I’d gone completely mad last season, as with all seasons I guess!).
Bright & Beautiful School Check Astrid The School Check Astrid has a full skirt and is lovely and soft. She has flattering boat neck, teal trim to the edges and a side zip. Although she doesn’t have pockets, this can be forgiven for how beautifully vibrant the dress is and it’s total swish-worthiness (yes, I just made up a word). I paired mine with the Lulu Hun Juliette heels in yellow and found it true to size (bought my normal 6) with room to spare around the waist. Plenty of room for puddings!
My next bargain buys were items I’d previously never considered. Being petite, I struggle with high waisted trousers as the rise is often too high for me. However, being a gingham freak (I clearly went gaga over this black and white check as I bought it in every style, including the shoes! see my previous posts), I figured I’d keep everything crossed and give them a try.
To my absolute delight, they fitted really well! The Bonnie Gingham Trousers are a cigarette style, with a fitted top half and slim leg further down. They’re fastened with a side zip and hook and eye and have a pocket at the back. I bought my normal size and found them spot on true to size. There’s no stretch in the waist though so if you’re in between sizes on the chart, you’ll need to order up.
Collectif Bonnie Gingham Trousers and Mona Shirt I tried them on with the Mona shirt, which again, I hadn’t looked at previously (as I don’t wear workwear clothes), however, I soon realised this blouse is just perfect for a classic, pin up, weekend look too. The white works really well with the trousers I think, and I paired red shoes and a cinch belt for a pop of colour. The Mona has a the most gorgeous open v neckline with a lovely collar, three quarter sleeves with cuffs and the fabric has light stretch. I found her true to size and very flattering on the décolletage!
The Astrid was £30.38, Bonnie’s were £12 and the Mona was £11.62 – so two full outfits for £54! The extra 15% off sale items ends on Sunday 10th (in store only), so be quick and remember there’s the Outlet Sale weekend at the end of the month too so if you’re local (or even if you’re not – I’m not and I’ll be there!), pop along for limited edition and sold out styles with dresses from £10! See you there x