• Collectif Summer Party Fun!

    I had such an awesome day/night spent with the Collectif crew at their Summer Party on Sunday. I actually missed my train and arrived much later than planned, but there was still time for shopping in the Camden store – where all ticket holders were given a whopping 50% off everything! wowee! So I picked up the red pair of Susan heels (previously reviewed the black pair here which I actually wore that evening) for an absolute steal!

    The shop was bustling with lots of ladies bagging amazing bargains, and the staff were just fantastic as always – literally nothing is too much for these girls! Even though it must have been pretty overwhelming at times with the sheer volume of dolls that turned up, (and very hot upstairs), their welcoming smiles and willingness to help and advise is always impeccable. I love the Camden shop so much.

    While the ladies that booked to have hair and make up done were getting primped and primed at the venue by the fabulous Le Keux team, I grabbed a quick bite to eat before heading back just in time to see the start of the queue forming for the evening event and within 5 minutes we were in Gabeto, the venue for all the night’s fun and frolics.

    I just loved seeing wall to wall Collectif and everyone looked so beautiful in their finery. Some had brought their other halves along and they were resplendent in their waistcoats and tiki tastic shirts too. As with all Collectif events, there’s such a lovely buzz and feel to the place – everyone is so happy to be there and to be involved; it gives off such a great party vibe.

    The gorgeous Kellie from Team Collectif enjoying the show with her hubby

    We were treated to live vocals from vintage lovin’, big band sound, babes, The Sweet-SpotsThe Tootsie Rollers and The Satin Dollz. All of whom were dressed in Collectif and looked (and sounded) utterly fabulous. Swingdance UK were also on the dancefloor and swinging like a dream! I could watch them all night.

    The Sweet-Spots were fun and fabulous
    The Satin Dollz
    The Tootsie Rollers and Swingdance UK

    Musical delights also came in the form of The Cash Cows, whose quirky style got everyone dancing, with numbers you recognise but reworked in a totally unique way.

    The Cash Cows

    The very glamorous and utterly divine House of Burlesque gals served up sophisticated chic on the catwalk later in the evening, cutting their way through the crowds to share the new stock styles. Their cheeky sassiness was infectious and everyone loved the show! It was ingenius to use them as models as it really brought the clothes to life; these girls know how to turn it up on the catwalk!

    The star of the catwalk show was, inevitably, the new Nova pastel rainbow dress which everyone is waiting for (it’s coming soon, woohoo!). It looks absolutely gorgeous in real life!

    We also saw a little sneak peek of the upcoming Menswear collection (previously blogged about here). Again, it makes such a difference seeing them on the guys. They did a fab job and obviously when I’m asked to feel the quality for myself while they’re strutting down the runway, I oblige!

    Ooooo, feel the quality! Photo credit: Rachel O’Toole-Hawkins

    Entertainment by Lolo Brow was also a highlight – she’s always so good! If you get the chance to see her, go!

    Lolo Brow being epic – photo credit @rubycorkscrew

    It was a really great night, catching up with Collectif loving fans near and far and of course, Team Collectif, too.

    With my girls at the party! Photo Credit: Lucy Klinkenberg

    There will be another party soon enough, so if you’re able to, come along and see what you’ve been missing! They’re so much fun and you can dance the night away with like minded lovelies as well as being entertained by awesome acts!

    For fear of turning into a pumpkin at midnight (and missing the last train home), I left at 11pm and got home around 1:15am; a little dishevelled, tired but so very happy! See you at the next one guys and dolls! x

    Home bound on the train after a wonderful day and night with Collectif

    Outfit details:

    Dress: Collectif Watermelon Love Mahina Sarong Dress
    Starburst Brooch: Antique
    Cardigan: Collectif Jessie Tropical Palm Leaf
    Belt: from the Collectif Zoe dress
    Jacket: Collectif Monroe in black
    Hairflowers: Ebay, High Street and 2 x Elsie pink and green hydrangeas from Miss Bella’s Blooms
    Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
    Earrings: Splendette black hoops
    Shoes: Lulu Hun Susan Heels in black

  • Collectif Summer Party Competition & Outlet Sale!

    Over the next couple of weeks there are some very exciting events happening at Collectif! In order not to miss out, here’s all the info you’ll need to make sure you’re ready and raring to go for some early Summer fun and frolics!

    Firstly, on the 1st and 2nd of June, there’s the next Outlet Sale – these are amazing and you can pick up so many bargains for just a few pounds.

    I did a full review of the last one in February, but this one promises to be even bigger and better with twice the stock! This blows my mind as the last one was full to the brim with goodies. Please make sure you take a drink with you as you may need to queue (it’s a very popular event) and try not to all arrive at once – use the Sunday too as they restock all the time.  There is a curtained off changing area in the back of the room if you need to check the fit. I bought £2 necklaces and dresses from £5-£15, consisting of either previous stock (which I’d been lusting after but thought it had gone forever), or there are limited edition and current and new sample stock items too which are little gems scattered through the rails – such a lucky duck if you find one of those! Sizes available are 6-22, there’s something for everyone. If the rails are looking a bit bare after the first deluge of shoppers, hang in there and wait as they get restocked all the time and more will be coming!

    It’s a great day out and right by the Excel, easy enough to find if you catch the DLR to Custom House, then head straight down the concourse as far as it goes, walk down the steps and turn immediately right. You will probably see a queue forming outside Collectif Head Office so it will be obvious which building it is, but if you don’t and you’re one of the first, it has this signage outside and is just past the Fox bar and restaurant. Remember it’s card payments only, gals!

    There are stairs going down into the warehouse as you can see, so if you have mobility issues, or you’re taking a pram, head to the back of the building instead and call Collectif on 07482017812 and a staff member will help you.

    The week after the Outlet Sale, it’s time to put on your glad rags and join me at the Summer Party!

    Held on the 9th June (Sunday), it’s set to be another night of dazzling entertainment, packed full of like minded vintage-lovin’ ladies, filling the space with love and laughter. The last one (for their 18th birthday celebrations) was spectacular and everyone had such an amazing time. You can find all the info about what to expect here as I blogged about it afterwards, but rest assured, you’re in for the most fabulous treat!

    So much fun at the last shindig!

    It costs just £10 for a ticket (purchase here) and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win £300 worth of Collectif vouchers! Eep, exciting huh?! Very best of luck, ladies! All tickets also include a huge 50% discount at the Camden store for that evening! So if there’s something you have your eye on, it’ll be the ideal time to pick it up. Heck, who am I even kidding, I never need an excuse to buy something from the Camden store at the best of times – it’s like an Aladdin’s Cave to me, filled with so many gorgeous things whispering ‘buy me’ every time I go in! The staff at the store are just the loveliest girls too, you will always receive the best customer service there.

    If you fancy a little vintage makeover before the party, you can select from two other types of ticket – the first is £28 and includes taster hair OR make up, and the second costs £39 and includes both taster hair AND make up. The taster hair includes a half pinned up style (like victory rolls, faux bangs, a beehive etc) and the taster make up consists of lips, eyes and brows. It’s such a great deal as you’ll be primped and preened by the wonderful team from Le Keux Vintage who are experts in making pin-up perfection dreams come true. Appointments are available between 2.45 and 6pm and need to be booked via the normal ticket system (Le Keux will contact you to arrange a time after booking). Click on the photo to be redirected to book.

    Get ready to become perfectly coiffed by the Le Keux team!

    Amidst the fabulous entertainment provided by artists such as The Tootsie Rollers, House of BurlesqueLolo Brow and Swing Dance UK, there will also be a catwalk show showcasing the awesome new Menswear line (for sneaky peeks, see my preview here for a glimpse of some of the goodies you’ll see) and a photobooth – and who doesn’t love a photobooth?!

    Please note that this event will be held at Gabeto which is just opposite the Collectif Camden store in the Stables Market. I look forward to seeing you there and dancing the night away with you all again – come say hi if you see me! x