• Hatches and Ribbons with Judy and Tess [Collectif Clothing]

    I’d like to introduce you to a few new gal pals. Judy and Tess. New this season from the Collectif Clothing Spring/Summer 2020 collection, are these gorgeous vintage inspired beauties. They really are truly reminiscent of the period too with their prints and styling. I just adore them.

    So first up we have Tess, which is a pencil style featuring two, large, front pockets, a centre back zip and comes with a matching fabric belt (which I’ve tied at the front in a bow).

    I’m in love with the bespoke hatch check print in navy, gold and white. The print is absolutely spot on for the era. I had earmarked this piece as my ‘must have’ this season and I wasn’t disappointed!

    The neckline is cut straight across which isn’t my usual style but I really like it on this dress. The hip area is quite wide compared to the bust but it’s pretty true to size apart from that, especially on the waist and bust. The length is good, sitting just below midcalf, giving a true vintage feel. I like it when my dresses still cover my knees when I’m sat down, which would have been a necessity for propriety back in the day.

    Next, in the same fabric, is the Judy Hatch Check Dress. She’s a swing style with a fabulously fifties, wide, collar and a great addition to the shirtwaister styles (which I have a particular penchant for).

    There’s a gathered skirt with pockets and buttons to the front. I’ve also added the fabric belt from my Tess to the waist as I felt it needed pulling in (it doesn’t come with a belt). The wide sleeves are typically 50s with their overhangs and turn ups.

    Without belt

    It’s longer than I usually wear but I quite like the length so I won’t be making any alterations. It sits at my lower calf but should be below the knee for those that are average height. I found it came up rather large, so would advise sizing down if you want a fitted look (or if you’re blessed up top, it will be perfect for you in your normal size). I definitely feel like a 50’s housewife in this style, it’s the perfect day dress.

    Finally we have Judy, the Ribbon Check Pencil Dress which is our last member of the vintage girl gang today.

    In the same style as the shirtwaister dress, with buttons to the front and open collar, this Judy is a fitted, pencil option, with a lovely nipped in waist and a very mid century marvellous bespoke print of navy and yellow ribbons over ivory cotton sateen. Another fabulous print which is so in keeping with the true vintage vibes which make me swoon.

    This version is much more true to size. You may even need to size up if you’re particularly busty as the waist and bust don’t stretch much beyond the Collectif size chart so check your measurements. It’s a great cut for me, sitting at my mid calf. The perfect Spring dress for running errands or lunching with your girls.

    I’ll be posting more new season goodies next time (subscribe below to be informed of new posts) but for now, I hope you’ve enjoyed a little look at these mid century marvels. Everything is available in all sizes (6-22) on the website.

    Also wearing:
    Dresses: Collectif Clothing
    Necklace: Collectif Clothing
    Earrings and Bangles: Splendette
    Shoes: E5P from years ago

    For reference, I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif. I’m 4’11 and wearing 4 inch heels.

  • 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 Hun 

    For reference:
    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and wearing the 6 above.

  • Collectif x Modcloth Ayana Rainbow Shorts Review

    Rainbow shorts! Who knew I needed these in my life?! But apparently I do and I believe most of you do too as they’re such a fantastic print. This is the bespoke pastel rainbow fabric from Collectif which they’ve used in a collaboration with Modcloth to create another style to their rainbow range.

    The Ayana shorts are a lovely high waisted piece with full pockets and a white button to the side (along with hidden side zip).

    I love this pattern and the fabric has some stretch in. I could have probably sized down in these but I’m grateful for the extra room to enjoy summer barbeque parties and extra puddings! The Modcloth sizing is the same as Collectif’s until you hit the extended sizes, for those, you need to follow the Modcloth sizing chart only for a true fit.

    I have a few pairs of Ayana’s and they’re a really comfortable pair to wear casually or jazzed up. I’ve paired mine with the white Mahina top from last year which is no longer available but there is now a black to purchase (here) which would also work, along with the Sasha tops (the plain white would work great, previous Sasha review here). Also wearing my clear pastel rainbow bangle stack from Splendette which have coloured stones in them. They’re a perfect match for this outfit, I think, and finish it off nicely with my pastel pink Outlaw jacket from Collectif.

    Full outfit

    These are such happy shorts, they were perfect for the sunshine today and I recommend snagging a pair before they’re gone as there aren’t many available!

    With the Pink Outlaw Jacket from Collectif

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    For reference: I’m 4’11” and a standard size 6 in Collectif, wearing 4 inch heels.

    Also wearing:
    Sunglasses: Collectif (previous season)
    Pins on jacket: Punky Pins and Sass & Belle
    Shoes: Lulu Hun Lorena
    Other bangles: original vintage and Bow & Crossbones