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Collectif Autumn Winter 23 Preview
It’s been a joy to get back down to the Big Smoke and see the folks at Collectif again after such a long time. Although we’ve just started Spring/Summer 2023 and we’re being teased with goodies from that collection every week which I can’t wait to get my hands on, I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some of the new season stock for Autumn/Winter 2023. It will be influenced more by the 1940s instead of the usual 1950s inspiration, but I know a lot of people will be really happy with the increase in 40s items coming to the brand. There will still be some 50s though, so don’t be disheartened if that’s your thing!
So as it’s still pretty chilly here in Old Blighty, let’s have a little sneaky peek at what’s to come later on in the year. I’ll begin with an old favourite which has had a revamp…..the Alexandria!
This 40s inspired shirt dress has had a few reincarnations over the years but is always a firm staple. It’s returning in burgundy with the trademark pin tuck details to the front and shoulders with classic elbow length sleeves, but the skirt is now much less full and hangs beautifully, making it a really versatile piece for every day wear for a modern vintage look. It also has pockets! Pop a little cardi or jacket over the top and you’re good to go.
I also really liked these 1940’s style corduroy trousers with their cute button details on the front and wide, winged, pockets.
They’re wide legged and fasten with a side zip. So comfortable and easy to wear with knitted tops for the weekend or with a blouse for work.
And for those infatuated with 50s vibes and a cute novelty print, I believe the Wild Berry Fields print is coming back in the form of a swing Caterina for AW23!
This woodland design is so sweet and everyone loves a swing Caterina – what’s not to love about a shirt style dress in an autumnal print when the season starts to shift to brown and orange tones.
Also on the mid century scale is the Eloise Acres Check pinafore dress which features a fabulous bib top, full swing skirt and has pockets!
I just love the moss green colour of this check and the buttons go really well with it.
A new design for next season will be the Penelope Wallflower dress.
Delicate peach and cream flowers bud from this pretty green dress and features a shawl collar and sleeves with turned up cuffs. It’s a swing style and has a matching belt which isn’t captured in the photo.
Another new style coming later in the year will be the Diva dress.
Such a great evening piece to attend your autumn/winter events in. The drape is delicious and falls so elegantly. The velvet is different to those previously used and a little lighter for this slinky number which is perfect for this style of dress enabling it to fall effortlessly. There’s a deep v shape to the front and beautiful shoulder details with fixed ties that fall either side and accentuate the freedom of movement that the dress has. I can’t wait to swish about in this one!
I also saw some previews of what’s to come for Spring/Summer 23 and we are in for a treat! I can’t wait for them to launch and for the better weather to be here so we can all prance about in our pretty Collectif prints during Summer before diving into this amazing Autumn/Winter selection! Great things ahead!
I hope you’ve enjoyed having a little look at what’s to come and let me know which are your favourites! x
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Linette Mermaid Scallop Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]
As soon as I saw a mermaid design was coming to the collection, I knew I had to have it! Who doesn’t want to cover themselves in the pattern of a sea goddess!
The Linette design isn’t new as it’s been in previous seasons, but it is a new one to me as I haven’t tried it before. It features a gorgeous petrol blue base with an Art Deco inspired scallop pattern made from small dots over the fabric. The Art Deco influence makes it look really classy as well as being reminiscent of a mermaid.
Close up detail of the Art Deco mermaid scallop print I really like the contrasting white trim over the blue which is used around the sweetheart neckline, on the buttons, turn up cuffs and on the matching belt (buckle fastening, hurrah!). The buttons at the front are false fastening as the dress does up at the back with a concealed zip.
The bodice section is fitted but has lots of stretch. It actually comes up a little big on me so I would ideally have sized down in this one. Those with bigger busts will rejoice as there’s plenty of room for the girls! The lower half comprises a full swing skirt and I’ve worn a white petticoat underneath mine to add extra poofiness although it has plenty of volume without and has great swishability!
Best of all (as with most dresses), this one has pockets! I love a good pocket. The length is great for me and is below the knee giving a classic vintage feel. I don’t like swings to look too long or too short and the petticoat fits nicely underneath it without showing.
Overall I really like this style, especially the neckline and contrasting details. I’ll definitely consider another Linette in future. Have you tried one?
The Linette Mermaid is currently available in all sizes from 6-22 for £17.25 which is an absolute steal down from £68.99. However, with code JAN50 until midnight on Monday 31st January it’s another 50% off down to an unbelievable £8.63! Xx
Additional Information:
This was a gifted item in exchange for an honest review and all thoughts are my own.
I’m 4’11” wearing 4 inch heels in these photos. I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and wear a 6 in this design, though a size down would have suited me better. My stats are 33:24:33 for comparison if that helps 🙂Also wearing:
Bangles and Earrings: All Splendette
Necklace: Collectif Clothing (past season)
Shoes: E5P (past season) -
Aleksi Pencil Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]
Hey gorgeous, hope your January has been full of exciting new things and possibilities! January usually drags on forever for me, but this year it’s actually skipped along at a reasonable rate – helped along obviously by adding more things to my wardrobe….I mean, that’s what Januarys are really for, right? The SALES! hehe. The Collectif sale has been in full swing and the fabulous Aleksi is currently down to an amazing £16.50!
The colour of this dress is so lovely. It’s described as ‘petrol’ and is a dark teal blue shade. It has the most beautiful diamond shaped neckline and half sleeves to keep you a little warmer during the colder weather. I really love the pleated panels down on the front of the dress which go down to the waist. There’s a lovely contrast with the deep red used for accents on the dress such as a double row of military style buttons (which sit on the pleats) and the matching belt.
The belt is removable and has a buckle fastening with holes (it’s not one of the old belts which slide about) and there’s a zip at the back for ease of getting in and out of the dress. The material is polyester and I found it quite light for an Autumn/Winter style. It would have benefited from being lined as it is very thin. Having said that, I do still love it and it looks amazing with a short jacket for a forties/fifties inspired look!
I love this cropped Marilyn style jacket over a pencil for some 40s/50s chic Fit wise, I found it came up quite big for my normal size but the fabric doesn’t stretch at all – s0 that may suit us all very well after the delights of Christmas! I know it was quite forgiving for me haha. It felt more like a size up though, being wide on the top and bottom half so it may be something you want to consider when ordering. There’s plenty of room for bustier gals I would say. The length was cut on my lower calf for a nice vintage feel and there’s a small split in the back to get your wiggle in your walk.
The Aleksi is a great style to take us into Spring and there’s also a swing version for £16.25 if pencils aren’t your preferred style (see here), which would look awesome with a deep red petticoat underneath! Both styles are available in all sizes from 6-20 (the pencil goes up to a 22). How would you style yours? x
Additional Information:
This item was gifted to me but all thoughts are my own and the review is my honest opinion.I’m a size 6 in Collectif usually and wearing a 6 in the photos above which feels more like an 8 on me. My stats are 33:24:33 and I’m 4’11” wearing 4 inch heels.
Also wearing:
Monroe Jacket – Collectif Clothing (past season)
Mansfield Earrings – Collectif Clothing
Red gloves – True Vintage
Bangles – Splendette and thrift store
Susan Heels – Lulu Hun (past season) -
Gemma Western Cactus Shirt [Collectif]
I swear sometimes Collectif read my mind. Lately I’ve been hankering after a good western shirt with long sleeves, and lo and behold – one appears on the website! So obviously I snapped it up and it was delivered the very next day. Superb!
The Gemma Western Cactus Shirt is made from black cotton and features a fabulous embroidered cactus design emblazoned on the front. There’s a dainty collar with piped green edges and a row of red popper style buttons.
The pattern also has western style swirls in green and to add a little sparkle, there’s studs dotted through the design which catch the light beautifully.
It has long sleeves which end with matching green faux winged cuffs and feature two, red, popper buttons. I love how it all ties in together and the green, black and red work really well together.
The shirt is a fitted style with darts for a more tailored finish. The length is great for me – enough to tuck in to high waisted bottoms or you could wear it over if you prefer (I’m a tucker inf’er). It fits perfectly and is true to size for me. The cotton is light enough to wear over Summer and I’ll be adding a cardi for Autumn. It’s one I’ll want to wear from season to season.
I wore it with a black denim mini skirt and cowboy boots to continue the western theme. I’ll also wear it with high waisted jeans, black shorts and red trousers for alternative looks.
The Gemma Shirt is available here in sizes 4-22 and costs £49.00. Are you a fan of the vintage western look?
For Reference:
I’m 4’11” and wearing 2.64” heels. I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and wearing a size 6 in the photos above.Also wearing:
Denim Skirt: PrettyLittleThing
Boots: PU from Zulily
Hair Flower and Sunnies: Collectif previous seasons -
How Star Will You Go Dress Review [Harkel Clothing]
Something a little different to round the week off – though not too much of a stretch as I’m easily won over by atomic stars!
The How Star Will You Go dress by Harkel Clothing is a really cool little shirt dress with an all over celestial print featuring an array of bright stars and planets. It has a Peter Pan style collar which you can do up to the top if you prefer, but I like to leave shirt styles open.
It comes with its own thin blue belt but I swapped it out for a wide red one to tie in with my hair and accessories instead. You could get away with lots of belt options as there as so many colours you could pick out from the design. It also has round buttons with a moulded star shape on them which I thought was a nice feature.
It has a fitted bodice and full gathered skirt with two seam pockets which is great. Harkel don’t sell my size so I checked the sizing guide and the 8 was more of a 6-8 measurement so I took a punt. It is a little roomy on me but the good thing with shirt dresses is you can pull them in with the belt and nobody would know! It’s pretty bang on a 6-8 rather than a true 8 so I’m really chuffed to get away with it. The individual sizing charts are a really handy feature on each item. It sits just below my knees which is a good length for me. It will obviously be shorter on taller gals and in their description they note it’s aimed to be above the knee, so expect it to be cute and short if you’ve got those extra inches I don’t have hehe.
If you’re looking for some different styles to add to your wardrobe, it’s worth a look. I stay pretty much with 50’s styling but this is such an easy wear with a stand out print so it really caught my eye and I’m glad I went for it. Delivery was pretty quick.
I ordered this last month when it had 50% off and though that ship has now sailed, Harkel are always on sale and currently doing a promo with 40% off (code HAPPY40) so it’s still a good price and available currently in sizes 8-20 (no size 12’s though sorry dolls) x
Further info:
I’m 4’11” wearing 4.5 inch heels and a standard size 6 in clothing and ordered the 8 in the dress above. It’s more like a 6-8 than a true 8, a little roomy to be expected but not too much. Use the size guide on the product page to ensure you order the right size for you.Also wearing:
Splendette bangles
Orchid hairpiece from the high street
True vintage beltYou May Also Like
Collectif Pick of the Sale!
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Bright & Beautiful Demmi Deckchair Dress Review [Collectif]
As Summer is drawing to a close, I’m making full use of my sale buys and enjoying the last of the sunshine in this very sweet little dress, the Demmi Deckchair, part of the Bright & Beautiful range from Collectif.
It’s super lightweight and made from rayon which is perfect for warm days. I’ve previously spoken about its counterpart with the Astrid in this print, but this shorter version is really lovely too and great to have as a more casual option.
As well as the amazing bright stripes, this dress has a gorgeous, sweetheart, neckline and adjustable straps which are great to ensure a good fit for everyone. The top part is fitted and has pretty wooden buttons running down the centre to the waist. From there, the skirt billows out with darts finishing at hip height. I really like how full the skirt part feels along with the fitted bodice. There’s also an invisible side zip to get in and out which is super handy and discreet.
The fit is great for me. I love that it’s a mini dress version – which actually works as just a normal length dress for me! It’s a wonderful length for petites and sits just above my knee (which to be honest, doesn’t usually get seen much now!). It will obviously sit shorter for those of average height and taller. There’s no stretch in the fabric so if you’re busty, you may want to size up and also if your widest part is on the waist. I found it true to size for me and I’m really happy with how it fits.
As the Collectif sale is coming to an end, this dress is now out of stock on the main site, however, you can still pick it up in selected sizes for just £22 at SilkFred which includes free delivery too – bargain!
Also wearing:
Hair flowers: Miss Bella’s Blooms and Collectif
Sunglasses and Necklace: Collectif
Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
Earrings: Splendette
Shoes: old favourites from E5PFor reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and I’m wearing a size 6 in this Bright & Beautiful range. I’m 4’11” tall wearing 4 inch heels. -
[London Edge Feb 2020 Part 5] Voodoo Vixen, Hell Bunny & More!
As we take a little tour of the trade floor, I thought I’d show you some more highlights from the show. There were some great displays from so many brands and fab to see so many independent retailers exhibiting.
The featured photo above shows a stunning display by The Seamstress of Bloomsbury. They always have a wonderfully vintage stand combined with Classic Bags in Bloom, whose bags are hand finished in the UK and look absolutely adorable with their vintage styling.
Hell Bunny always have a great centre spot showcasing their existing and upcoming designs.
There were a few favourites I saw hitting the runway.
Hell Bunny Python Rose Dress Hell Bunny Viva Las Vegas Top and Skirt Hell Bunny Pina Colada Dress and Noa Noa Mid Dress I particularly like the tropical Tiki print of the Noa Noa dress above which is full of exotic birds, palm frongs and hibiscus flowers – the perfect summer print!
Hell Bunny also had a range of shoes on display and I’m a sucker for a polka dot peep toe, especially if it has a bow on it. LOVE.
Moving on to Voodoo Vixen with their exciting collaboration for Summer called Unreal Redheads (so I’m aptly drawn to it!). I really loved the cute designs and pastel shades of these two.
This is the Trixie Gingham dress and features a pastel rainbow gingham with love heart pockets and buttons – adorable!
The Hayley prom dress is a real head turner. I have a similar design which was hand made for me about 8 years ago as it’s such a classic vintage evening style and looks amazing on all shapes and sizes. Mine wasn’t resplendent in rainbow tulle though! I love it when straps sit delicately on the shoulders and the detailed pleating on the bust is fantastic.
Beautiful tulle pleats The Jinkx Floral Tropical Print dress also stood out for me with it’s gloriously leafy and floral design.
The sweetheart neckline combined with heart buttons and elasticated sides for a perfect fit make this a great choice for holiday season.
There were also some fun novelty bags from Voodoo Vixen – and I do love a novelty bag! I especially like the camera bags:
It was also exciting to see Daisy Dapper at London Edge which are based in Sweden. Their stand was filled with elegantly styled, vintage inspired, pieces and some were adorned with daisies!
Lastly for today, my favourite piece from Banned Retro, was this Summer Sail Dress with it’s sweet open collar and border print full of bright sailing boats:
I hope you’ve enjoyed the tour around London Edge, look out for the next instalment which will include Collectif Autumn/Winter 2020 range. Subscribe below to be notified when the post goes live x
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Edith Velvet Jewel Dress [Voodoo Vixen]
Something a little different for me today. As a size 6, a lot of the reproduction vintage brands don’t cater for me so I often look longingly, but can’t buy. That was until I happened across this absolute beaut of a dress. I’d seen it on others but hadn’t realised there were size 6’s floating around on the internet. Even better than that, I managed to snap it up in the sale, so this £58.00 dress cost me a mere £18!
Occasionally, Voodoo Vixen include my size on random items but I never seem to be in the right place at the right time for them, so I was absolutely thrilled to bag this beauty.
The Edith gown is a 1930’s inspired, full length gown in sumptuous green ribbed velvet. There are full length sleeves with gorgeous little covered buttons and a daring plunge neckline. The detailing under the bust with gathering and pleats is stunning and adds that typically ‘column’ like silhouette of that era.
Now, for someone that doesn’t really have much going on up top, I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t be able to fill it! To my surprise, I actually look like I have a reasonable bust in this dress. It’s a very deceiving dress ha!
The classic 30’s silhouette was all about long, elongated shapes in a glamorous Old Hollywood style. This dress perfectly encapsulates that and makes little ‘ole me at 4’11” feel like I’ve grown a foot. Obviously I still look short as soon as someone stands next to me…..but for now, I can live out my tall girl fantasies!
The Edith dress is also available in a soft pink and a very flattering grey, and this emerald green version is also still currently on the main site at £58.00 (here).
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Katya Houndstooth Pencil Dress [Collectif Clothing]
Happy Valentine’s you gorgeous lot! This darling of a pencil dress is new for the Spring/Summer season. It has the most gorgeous sweetheart neckline, matching fabric belt (with holes), centre back zip and elbow length sleeves.
The houndstooth print is a classic and in this vintage style it will be the perfect dress to play down at the office with a nice fitted jacket over it, or play up for a dinner date tonight with red accessories and killer heels.
The fabric is quite stiff but stretchy, and true to size. I find most of these styles are a little big on the shoulders for me as I’m petite but I can get away with it. I find it similar to the Helene and Vanessa dresses for fit (both of which I also love). It also really accentuates the bust which, as part of the itty bitty committee, I really appreciate ha
Close up details of neckline and belt (and, oh hey boobs!) My heart will always be with pencil dresses, there’s just something about them making you have to wiggle when you walk that keeps me choosing this style over swings. Although this is a Spring/Summer release, (and it’s certainly light enough to wear for those seasons), this will really work during the coming weeks over Winter too with some layers and tights. I do love a dual purpose dress!
The Katya is still available in all sizes currently and is priced at £55.00. Hope you love it as much as I do xx
Also wearing:
Bag: Collectif Clothing Carrie
Necklace: Collectif Clothing Natalie Bead Set in Black
Earrings: Splendette
Bangles: Bow & CrossbonesFor Reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and 4’11” wearing 4 inch heels
