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Catalina Knitted Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]
Hey there, Autumn! It’s been a while and the chillier weather has now descended with darker evenings drawing in. It’s definitely time to think about cosy knits and keeping warm as glamorously as possible.
The Catalina dress by Collectif is a great option for staying toasty as it has a ribbed fabric and long sleeves.
You can see the material is really substantial and it feels warm to wear. It also comes with a brown, faux leather, buckled belt – though this did crack as soon as I threaded the belt through, so I’ll likely use another with it.
It has a wide, scooped, neckline which is quite open and looks better with a strapless bra than one with straps as it sits so broadly. The waist is semi fitted giving a slightly tailored look, and the skirt is a half swing with plenty to swish about but not enough for a full petticoat (a cotton one for winter would be good). Unfortunately there isn’t any lining so it’ll stick to tights (which I was wearing) but I tend to pop a half slip on to prevent this – a light spritz of hairspray on the underside is a good little trick too, but don’t stand next to any naked flames!
I love that it’s so easy to throw on (no zips or buttons) and you can dress it up or down. I chose to wear it casually with my faithful Lulu Hun western boots (previous review here and you can still find small sizes in the other colour way here) which tied in perfectly with the brown from the belt.
The fit is really good and the fabric is stretchy. I have it in my normal size and the length is just past the knees which is great for vintage looks. It will become an Autumn staple for me and I’ll pair it with small heeled ankle boots as well as heels to change the look.
I adore the knitted styles from Collectif and hope there will be more in further Autumn/Winter ranges. Sadly there aren’t any pockets in this design, so maybe it could return with those next time (fingers crossed!). Currently the Catalina swing is available in a few sizes on the website at £64.99, and for those that prefer a pencil dress, there’s a wine coloured version in sizes 10-22 for £58.99 too. But Black Friday is coming so maybe you’ll get a cheeky discount! x (Edit: Black Friday code is now live. Use BF50 for 50% of this style)
The boring bit, if it helps:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and wearing a 6 in the photos above. My stats are 33:24:33 and I’m 4’11” in height.Also wearing:
Hair Flowers by Miss Bella’s Blooms
Bangles and earrings by Splendette
Kira Necklace by Collectif
Jolene Boots by Lulu Hun
Brooch by Erstwilder -
Mimi Pumpkin Check Dress by Collectif Clothing
I’ve been meaning to write about this gorgeous little number for about a month now, but never got around to it, so I’m popping it up now while we’re still embracing the beautiful, autumnal, colour palette. Everywhere I go at the moment everything is golden, orange or fiery reds – love it! (though I’m definitely feeling the cold already brrrr!),
The Mimi Pumpkin Check dress is a really lovely shape with its sweetheart neckline (trimmed in black), featuring a little gathering at the bust, and cute, puffy, sleeves. The swing shape isn’t a really full circle skirt but there’s more than enough room for a petticoat underneath if you wish to add one. Sadly, there aren’t any pockets to this one – but maybe we can keep our fingers crossed these will come in time.
The print itself is just divine with those amazing oranges and blacks – it’s a real headturner. The fit is true to size, so if you’re in between sizes on the waist, you should size up as the fabric doesn’t stretch. The length is a little shorter than the Dolores style (which is great for me!), so it cut nicely at my shin.
I’m really pleased with this style and will be buying more Mimi’s. They’re a very comfortable, easy, design to wear and perfect for popping some tights and knitwear on colder days. I would have liked a lining on the skirt part to sav me wearing a slip but that’s just a minor detail. This style comes in a range of other prints too but this one is still available in sizes 8-22 and costs £52.50.
Also wearing:
I paired mine with yet more orange and black (couldn’t resist living my own pumpkin dreams!)Billie Cinch Belt – Collectif Clothing in orange (these are such handy little elasticated belts to have, I bought them in a few different colours).
Bangles – Splendette in Fox
Bangles – Bow & Crossbones in Black Weave
Bangle – Collectif Clothing Carrie in black
Necklace – Collectif Clothing Natalie Bead Set in black
Earrings – Splendette
Boots – Lulu HunFor reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and wearing the 6 above.
