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Rigel Star Top Review [Collectif Clothing]
What could be better than rows of rainbow stripes and stars? The Rigel Star jumper is a great little jumper for Spring. It has block coloured, three quarter, sleeves in teal and a small rounded collar in the same colour.
The stripes continue on the back too which I absolutely love! Such a cool feature to be fun from the front AND the back!
The stars and stripes combo is so unique, and really eye catching. It fits really well and has lots of stretch. It hits just at the top of my hip and looks great with high waisted bottoms. I wore it with the pink Maddie jeans from a few seasons ago which have a lovely high waist. You can get a little tuck in too if you’d prefer to not see the bottom of the rib.
I also really like the puffed sleeves which you can see better here on the left. They’re so sweet and how cute are those rainbow stars?!
The Rigel is a great staple to bright up your wardrobe and is available in sizes 6-22 at £45.00. If the rainbow life isn’t for you, there’s also a darker version [here] in a fabulous red and black combo x
For reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and wearing the 6 above in the photos. I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels.Also wearing:
Pink Jeans: Maddie from previous Collectif season
Sunnies: Previous Collectif Season
Hair flowers: Both from previous Collectif seasons
Bangles and Earrings: Splendette
Shoes: E5P -
Halette College, Brunel Safari and Pacy Velvet Dress Reviews [Collectif Clothing]
Happy new year, beauties! With the BIG SALE fast upon us, I hope you have your wish lists at the ready! Here are a few reviews for you for a couple of items which will be in the sale and that I really recommend. First off though, is a new season dress which won’t be in the sale, but is an absolute must! It’s even better in the flesh and such a cosy dress to wear.
The Halette College dress is a knitted style in navy and beige with a college style C on the chest. This is such a cool feature and I love it! The top is fitted and the skirt is loose, but not even a half circle so don’t expect to swoosh, but there is definitely a lovely movement in it – perfect for dancing around Grease style! And look – pockets!!
It has a button up front with domed navy buttons and a matching buckled navy belt. It’s a really comfortable dress to wear and I bought my normal size which fits perfectly. If you’re quite busty, you may want to size up though with the buttons. The length was also great on me hitting my mid calf. It’s an adorable piece and well worth the investment. It’s currently available in all sizes at £59.00.
So what should you buy in the sale? Well for one, the Brunel Safari dress is unreal! I was so excited to see this almost a year ago and it really doesn’t disappoint. If you’re like me and obsessed with safari dresses – you need this! I don’t usually wear similar colours to my skin tone but I made an exception for this one as it’s such a great design.
The camel coloured pencil dress has concealed buttons to the front, a matching wide buckled belt and has a sharp collar for ultimate retro safari chic. The v neck is quite low for me so I may add a little popper later on but I actually really like it with the addition of a neck scarf. There are flap pockets on the bust and two pockets on the sides of the skirt.
It’s really comfortable to wear and has a little stretch in the material. I bought my normal size and it’s spot on for sizing. The sleeves are a little long on me so I’ve shortened them, but that’s just because I’m petite and to be expected, they’ll be fine if you’re average height. It cuts on my mid calf which is a great length for me. Honestly, everyone needs one of these! It’s currently available in all sizes and doesn’t have a sticker on so should be in the sale. The current pre sale price is £65.00 and it’ll be an absolute steal in the sale!
My next pick is the beautiful Pacy Velvet dress. I have quite a few velvet dresses from Collectif but I never tire of their amazing designs and how they make you feel.
The Pacy is made of a gorgeous green velvet and has adjustable straps and a sweetheart neckline. The top is boned and has silicone strips to keep everything in place and make everything look fantastic! The skirt billows out into a full swing style which is immense and the best thing for swooshing, especially as it has pockets!!
There’s also a zip at the centre back with a hook and eye to feel super secure. The fit was great on the top for me and the waist was a little larger for me as it is part of the velvets – and with the velvets you normally size down. I don’t think sizing down would have worked for my chest though, so I’m happy with my normal size and the waist leaves room for an extra pudding, which is always a good thing!
It’s such a beautiful dress and will suit so many ladies which may have overlooked it for the more traditional velvets like Trixie and Dolores but this one offers lots of support so it’s definitely worth a fling in the sale! It’s available in all sizes except a 22 at the moment and £65.00 pre sale. So I’d recommend you snap this one up!
Hope you all get the pieces you want in the sale, I’ll add a couple more reviews tomorrow which hopefully will help if you have any questions about the look or fit of an item. I’m also looking out for all the new Spring Summer designs which are about to hit the site and I’ll add those on the blog to review too. Have fun in your pretties and stay safe gals xx
Disclaimer: Some items have been gifted. However, I only give honest opinions about the items I wear and receive and would definitely have been happy to buy them myself.
Additional info: I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and I’m 4’11” wearing 4 inch heels.
Also wearing: lots of lovely Splendette jewellery and Miss Bella’s Blooms hair flowers -
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 agoFor reference, I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif. I’m 4’11 and wearing 4 inch heels.
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Supplier Spotlight: ilovethe50s.com and Collectif Fairy Palm Dress Review
Today’s review is of the Collectif Fairy Vintage Palm Dress in green which is such a summery print. I really like the colour of this one, giving off totally tropical safari vibes.
The Fairy dresses are such an easy style to wear, I think I have around 5/6 of these beauties (maybe more – who knows what’s in the depths of my Collectif wardrobes!). They always feel really comfortable with their slight stretch in the fabrics, elasticated shirring panel to the back and adjustable spaghetti straps – making this an ideal choice for everyone to express their summer vintage style.
Showing the elasticated panel to the back The dress is a pull on style (no zips to worry about) and features a full skirt. Those who love a petticoat will find it roomy enough to put one underneath should you wish to. I have it in my normal size and find it a perfect fit. I could probably size down, (as it has that light stretch and the elasticated panel), but I prefer my normal Collectif size as it then allows for comfort after eating. Bigger busted ladies, you’ll find it has ample room and the shirring expands to accommodate the ladies, so I’d buy your normal Collectif size. If you prefer a tighter pin up fit though, you may want to size down one.
I love the detailing to the bust with these styles too – the prettiest of pleats meet at the centre of the bust where there’s a sweetheart neckline and matching green buttons all the way to the waist (which are just for show).
Close up of the front pleat details and buttons The large, white, palm tree print is just fab and really goes so well with the green. Add some bamboo bangles and earrings for a Tiki inspired look or some flat sandals and a cute sun hat for shopping on a summer’s day. It’s a very versatile dress and lends itself to being dressed up or down.
White palm tree print on green, with the Carrie bangle and some Splendette I teamed mine with red (with hints of green), adding the belt from my Dakota skirt and my red Lulu Hun Veronica Heels (previous reviews of both on the blog) to make the green really pop. I’ve also added the Carrie bangles, the red Natalie bead set and an assortment of green styles from Splendette too.
Accessorised with red Basking in the sunshine in my fairy dress To snap this dress up, and others from Collectif, my readers receive a special discount rate from the fabulous Ilovethe50s.com. Use the code ELLE at checkout to receive 20% off Collectif dresses on their site!
They also stock a range of other brands and you’ll find some gorgeous Splendette goodies on there too. The website is run by the very lovely Karen, and all orders include FREE DELIVERY! It’s very easy to use, brands are listed clearly to search by and, once at checkout, you can use Paypal, Amazon Pay or Google Pay for a faster service or choose to pay by card. There are also speedier delivery options – first class is only £1 and there are next day options too if you need it super fast. If you sign up to the newsletter, you’ll also hear news first and receive notice of any further discounts on the site.
The website began last year when Karen decided she wanted to change her work life and offer a range of beautiful vintage clothing and accessories which flatter everyone, regardless of your age or clothes size – something I’m very passionate about too as a 40 something! There’s a great range available so enjoy the discount gorgeous gals!
Please note the discount code will run until the 31st May 2019. If you’ve enjoyed reading the blog and are interested to know more, please click subscribe at the bottom of the page for more reviews, info and discounts as they go live.
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Disclaimer: Gifted ad – this piece was gifted in exchange for an honest review and a discount for my readers. All thoughts are my own and I would happily purchase from this company. Please contact me via my Instagram for collab work or ads.
Stats for reference: I take a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing (33:24:33) and I’m 4’11”, wearing 3 inch heels in the photos.
I’m also wearing:
Bangles: Splendette
Sunglasses: Collectif (previous season)
Hairflower: Ebay a few years ago
Parasol: Collectif (bought from the outlet sale in Feb)
