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Kiana Tutti Fruitti Dress [Collectif Loves Top Vintage]
More rainbows from me today, especially fitting for Pride month! š³ļøāš The Kiana Tutti Fruitti swing dress is an absolute dazzler from the latest Top Vintage collab with its vibrant rainbow stripes. I love how vivid and bright the stripes are as Iām not much of a pastel kinda gal.
It has a beautiful sweetheart neckline to the top which is edged in a contrasting red band and the adjustable straps are red too. The straps can be worn multiple ways with hook fastenings concealed on the inside for various combinations including straight straps, crossed straps in front, crossed straps behind, completely strapless or as Iāve worn it here, with the the straps from the centre chest which is a really pretty option.
It doesnāt come with the belt, I added the red one from another Collectif dress which worked really well as I prefer to have a clearly defined waist.
Thereās also a fitted bodice to the top and gathered swing skirt to the bottom with lovely big pockets. The skirt is full enough to wear with a petticoat as I did here:
If youāre not much of a fan of petticoats, it also looks great without one too!
The length is well over my knee and fit wise itās quite roomy on the bust and has stretch so youāll be able to fit comfortably in it though you may want to size up if youāre really blessed up top as thereās a centre back zip so you are limited with the amount of room you have for boobage. Unlike many of the Collectif dresses, the waistband also stretches so if youāre in between sizes youāll be fine too.
The Kiana Tutti Fruitti is in stock in all sizes (6-22) for Ā£59 and this is one thatās only available to buy online at Top Vintage or Collectif, or in Collectif stores – you wonāt find it at stockists. I think of them as a limited edition range, so if you want it, you need to buy it when you see it as they donāt restock. I really love this cheeky little number – so much fun to wear with so many different ways to wear it, but such an elegant style too. Live your best colourful life! x
Also wearing:
Hair flowers: Collectif Kahula and old high street
Earrings, Belt and Sunnies: previous Collectif seasons
Petticoat: Hell Bunny
Shoes: Lulu Hun Lorena
Bangles: all SplendetteFor reference:
Iām 4ā11ā wearing 4 inch heels and my stats are 33:24:33. Iām a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing and Iām wearing the 6 in this dress above. -
Nautical but Nice! Meri Top and Nancy Shorts [Collectif]
A really casual outfit today as the sunās out, so the legs are out too! I really love nautical looks which work super well with my hair (or any hair to be fair, I just really like when my bonce matches with my outfit hehe). So Iāve combined the Meri Nautical Knitted Top and Nancy Nautical Shorts for that classic sailing-inspired vibe of the 50s.
The Meri top is such a gem of a piece this season! So easy to wear and super comfortable. Itās a light knitted top with red, black and white horizontal stripes and features a gorgeous bateau neckline which is just fabulous.
There are delicately capped sleeves and these can sit on or slightly off the shoulders, however you prefer to wear it. I usually wear one on, one off to a jaunty angle! It has a knitted rib to the bottom so it can sit nicely over clothes to hip level or tucks in well too, which is how Iāve worn it.
The shorts are oozing maritime mid-century style! Theyāre so fun with rows of white buttons featuring red anchors.
Thereās also a matching button at the back. The shorts fasten with a concealed zip at the back and the button fastens over. Such a cute detail!
There are wide, rounded, pockets to the front of the shorts, belt loops (Iāve added a belt to them in keeping with the nautical theme) and turn ups to the hems.
Theyāre so comfy to wear and I wasnāt sure about sizing so I tried sizing up as sometimes the waistbands on Collectif bottoms donāt stretch at all. Not the case with the Nancy Shorts though! I can get away with the bigger size as Iāve pulled the waist in with my belt, but theyāre true to size and you donāt need to size up at all. Theyāre made from stretch cotton which has plenty of movement in them, so buy your normal size.
I just love this set together, such an easy way to get that classic nautical look with very little effort. The top is available still in all sizes (6-22) and the shorts are available in limited sizes on the Collectif website, both Ā£35 each. There are extra sizes of the shorts available over at Rockamilly too.
For reference:
Iām 4ā11ā and wearing 3 1/4 inch heels. Iām a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing and wearing a 6 top in the photos and a size up (8) in the shorts.Also wearing:
Hair Flowers: Collectif Lola and previous season too
Earrings and all Bangles: Splendette
Shoes: Joe Browns
Belt: Hell Bunny -
Annabelle Floral Palm Dress [Bright & Beautiful]
Something a little different from me today. I donāt usually veer too much from my love of the 50s but occasionally something will come along from the Bright & Beautiful range which I just love and need to have! Thatās the case for this gorgeous Annabelle Palm Dress which oozes much more of a late 60s/early 70s vibe. I actually had a very similar wallpaper in my bedroom growing up as a little kid so itās really nostalgic for me.
Itās still a shirt style dress, which I often wear, but instead of either having a voluminous skirt over the knee or a tailored pencil shape, itās loose and not at all fitted.
Feelinā that 60s vibe It also features a super cool, pointed collar which match the cuffs on the full length loose sleeves. None of which is too hot to wear as itās made from a really light fabric thatās perfect for Summer. The bespoke print is great with the large florals and palm frongs all over in greens, white and a dash of blue.
I love how light it is to wear and that the breeze caught the bottom of the skirt a little to give me a little āflipā when I walked
As well as wearing it as intended, I also couldnāt resist cinching my waist in a little and added a white belt from another outfit to change it up a bit and give myself more options. I really like it with the belt too and feel like it works well.
Overall I preferred the option with the collar buttoned up and the belt added and felt the look was still retro, though Iād style my hair in more of a straight bouffant next time and change the glasses to something a little larger to emulate that groovy vibe.
Fit wise, itās a loose fit and I have it in my normal size which fitted great. If there was a size down (unfortunately sizes donāt go down enough for me) Iād have also tried the size down too but I feel itās pretty true to size. The length is above my knee which is amazing for me! These dresses are meant to be on the shorter side which was part of the trend at the time.
The Annabelle Floral Palm Dress is available on the Collectif website in most sizes (all except 8 and 18) for Ā£55.00 and sizes 8-16 over at SilkFred with free delivery.
For reference:
Iām 4ā11ā with 4 inch heels on in the pic and a standard size 6 in Collectif and Bright & Beautiful clothing. Iām wearing a size 6 in the photos above.Also wearing:
Shoes: Lulu Hun Lorena previous season
Hair Flowers: Collectif Aaliyah and High Steet many moons ago
Earrings and Sunnies: Collectif previous season -
Rainbow Stripe Bikini Top & Skirt Bottom [Collectif]
Itās not unusual to see me bedecked in as much rainbow print as possible, but it is massively unusual to see me in a bikini! However, I just couldnāt resist this cute little number. I think the sweet skirt covered bottoms did it for me as I donāt feel totally exposed.
The straps to the bikini top are adjustable (hurrah!) and the cups are moulded with some padding in to keep you decent and supported and covered in light pink fabric. The rainbow stripes run vertically and thereās a tie at the front you can loosen or tighten as much as you need to. The back fastens with a light pink clasp.
I usually go up two sizes in high street bikini tops and I needed to do the same for this one too. Iām wearing one size up (size 8) but itās quite tight on my back so Iāll likely buy the bigger size too at some point. Itās fine for lounging around on my hammock in the meantime though and doesnāt look too small, I can just feel that I needed a bigger size. Iām a C cup so if youāre a C or above, you may want to size up a couple of times too. Thatās the great thing with separates though, you can buy exactly the size you need instead of a blanket size where the top half wonāt fit but the bottoms will!
The bottoms are adorable with a high waisted flippy skirt and integrated full proper briefs underneath. I love the skater style of these and that itās just long enough for me to feel comfortable. The smallest size available to purchase is an 8 so I bought that which was always going to be big on me as itās stretchy fabric too. It is a little loose but not so anyone would notice, and my pants arenāt going to fall off down my ankles as soon as I start walking, promise! Itās true to size so if you were an 8, it would be a perfect 8.
Overall Iām super happy with this set, itās everything I wanted it to be and I canāt wait to wear it more now the sun has returned and Summer days are creeping ever nearer! So if youāre wanting something for your holidays, or even just to brighten a sunny sesh in your garden, have a look at the Rainbow Swimwear Set which is available in all sizes (8-22) and costs Ā£39 for the top and Ā£35 for the brief. You wonāt be disappointed!
For Reference:
Iām a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing, but the swimwear starts at size 8 so Iām wearing both size 8 in the top and bottom. My stats are 33:24:33 and Iām 4ā11ā wearing 4 inch heels in the photos.Also wearing:
Bangles: Splendette
Hair Flowers and Earrings: Collectif old stock
Shoes: E5P old stock -
Jenny Lu Swing Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]
Bringing the sunshine to recent rainy days, this elegant summer dress is lovely and bright with some stunning details. Thereās a sweetheart neckline for that classic 50ās feel and fitted bodice.
Pretty sweetheart neckline It looks like a seemingly simple dress from the front, but all the WOW is at the back which I really love. There are double straps which join the skirt section at the back, but itās backless aside from that which is such a sassy look and will also keep you cool but effortlessly elegant at summer soirĆ©es and garden parties over the coming months.
At the centre back thereās also a gorgeous bow feature which is part of the fastening for this dress. It has a a centre zip with hook and eye at the back of the skirt section and the bow has a popper on one side of the bow which acts like a flap over the zip. All of this is invisible and not seen at all – as you can see on the photo!
The skirt section is a full swing and fits a petticoat underneath just fine. I wore a petticoat underneath it here:
Plenty of petti room! And without a petticoat here:
I think it suits both, it just depends what you feel happy with. I tend to wear a petticoat if Iām going to an event or do but day to day, Iād be super happy wearing it without too as it falls beautifully. It is a teensy bit see through so you may want to wear a half slip. There are also large pockets in the skirt which is a great addition to any dress!
Fit wise, I found it fit fine without sizing down (as the size guidance suggests). Thereās plenty of stretch and the bust section is quite large, so if you have a smaller bust, you may want to size down. However the waist section is still correct as thereās no stretch once the bow is fixed in place so sizing down wouldnāt work for anyone in between sizes on their waist. The length is a little longer than Iād usually wear for a swing dress but works great with the petticoat to lift it a little. Itās at my mid calf without a petticoat and with petticoat itās a couple of inches below my knee.
The straps are not adjustable which is the only down side to this dress. I had to bastardise the straps with my limited sewing skills as they were too long on my petite frame. Itās important to note that the straps sit a little differently at the back on the actual dress vs my bodge-it sewing attempt but I think I did ok?! Thatās the only alteration Iāve made, though I may shorten the dress a little too going forward. Itāll work great for taller or average height gals though!
With brighter days on the horizon, grab this dress while you can! Available at Cherry Red Vintage in sizes 8,10,14 and 16 at Ā£59.00.
Oh look, itās Summer incoming! Also wearing:
Sunnies and Necklace: Old stock Collectif
Shoes: Lulu Hun Kathleen Wedge
Earrings and Bangles: Splendette
Hair Flowers: High Street years agoFor Reference:
Iām 4ā11ā and wearing 3.25 inch wedge heels. My stats for reference are: 33:24:33. Iām a standard size 6 in Collectif and wearing the size 6 in the photos, though Iāve adjusted the straps.Disclaimer:
This dress was gifted to me by Cherry Red Vintage but all my views are my own and I only give honest reviews. -
Emilia Gingham Cherries Top and Dakota Skirt [Collectif Clothing]
This adorable set was a birthday gift from a beautiful friend who knows me VERY well! What could be better than a cute frilly cropped top and swing skirt adorned in a big gingham print with scrummy cherries?! So perfect!
The Emilia Gingham Frill Top is a real darling of a little top with a frilled sweetheart neckline. I ironed down those frills to make them more uniform and set them in place.
Thereās a row of domed black buttons to the front, but these donāt open. Instead itās an elasticated back which is easy to get in and out of and adjustable straps which cross over at the back. Itās so great when adjustable straps are included with elasticated backs as they fit just about everyone. I would say itās true to size. Iām actually wearing a size bigger than I usually wear which feels a little looser but not noticeably, especially with the straps adjusted. As itās cropped it goes more by your bust size and as Iām almost a size 8 bust, I think thatās why it works ok for me. So Iād recommend you buy your normal size but if that isnāt available, a size up will likely work too.
The matching Dakota Gingham Cherries Skirt works so well with the top. I have the Dakota in another colour way already but this is a different fabric and much stretchier so you may be able to size down with it. Thereās a buckled belt included and belt loops around the skirt which is great to keep the skirt from twisting around. There are two side pockets to the front with a fold over detail in the black trim and these are large enough to keep whatever you want (except the kitchen sink – hands usually suffice haha).
Fold over details to the pockets It has a centre back zip and itās pretty gathered, fitting a petticoat underneath just fine. I wore a black one underneath but Iāll wear it without too.
The length is lovely and just past my knee, though bear in mind the petticoat will be lifting it a little so itāll drop a little without one.
I absolutely love the print of kitschy red cherries over black and white gingham, giving it such a classic retro look. I was such a lucky (and spoilt) gal to receive this gorgeous set. Itās going to be super versatile too, not only wearing it as a set but wearing the top with a variety of jeans, skirts and trousers and the skirt with a range of different black, white or red tops. So many options!
The top is Ā£27.00 and currently available in sizes 10-22 and the skirt is Ā£49.00 and available in sizes 6, 18-22 (both available as a set, here) and sizes 8-16 available for the skirt over at SilkFred.
For Reference:
Iām 4ā11ā with 4 inch heels on here. Iām a standard size 6 in Collectif, but Iām wearing a size 8 in the top and a size 6 in the skirt. My measurements are 33:24:33.Also Wearing:
Hair Flowers, Earrings, Necklace and Sunnies: Old stock Collectif
Bangles: Splendette
Shoes: E5P old stock -
Berta Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]
Lovely Berta! I canāt help but feel like Iāve walked into a 50ās diner when I wear this gorgeous little number! Look at the cute styling with itās striking white stripe down the front and shirtwaister pencil shape. It is to die for!!
This dress gives me serious diner vibes I absolutely love yellow so this was always going to be an addition to brighten my summer wardrobe, but I really love the details of this dress; with the sweet puffed sleeves, cinched in waist with matching belt in white (which has holes – hurrah!) and notched collar.
There are functional pockets to this dress too. Theyāre topped with a white trim to match the stripe and arrive closed as with most pockets you find on jackets etc. Just open carefully with a seam ripper et voila! Fabulous pockets which can actually fit your whole hand. What could be better?!
The fit is spot on for me and thereās some stretch in the material should you need it. Iām wearing my normal size and itās perfect. The length is great and hits below my knee, on my upper calf.
Beautiful Berta is currently available in all sizes (6-22) at Ā£59 and includes free delivery at the moment due to an offer running over at Collectif. So go grab this gem of a dress, I canāt recommend it enough!
Also wearing:
Bangles and Earrings: Splendette
Brooch: Erstwilder
Sunglasses: Old Collectif stock
Hair Flowers: High street old stock
Shoes: Faith (before things went wrong at Debenhams)For Reference:
Iām 4ā11ā and wearing 4 inch heels and Iām a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing which Iām wearing in the photos above. My measurements are 33:24:33. -
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 youād 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. Theyāre 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 Ā£45.00. If the rainbow life isnāt for you, thereās also a darker version [here] in a fabulous red and black combo x
For reference:
Iām a standard size 6 in Collectif and wearing the 6 above in the photos. Iām 4ā11ā 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 -
Kelly Playsuit Review [Collectif Clothing]
This is an absolute dream of a pastel pink playsuit and itās based on the original concept by Collectif Design competition winner, Kelly Goulias. All the main elements are there to whisk you away to the 1950s and a few details have been added to give that Collectif twist on a vintage staple.
So letās take a look at this playful little number. It has a stand out crossover feature to the front and ties as a halter neck to the back. This gives such a great flattering silhouette as itās a fitted bodice with princess seams.
There are small wooden buttons to the front, the type we usually see on Caterina styles and they work great on the playsuit too and go great with the pink.
The adjoining shorts are bloomer style and if youāre like me, I kinda had a wobble about the thought of bloomers but when they arrived they were more of a hint to bloomers than the big bulging style that word brings to mind! They have small gathers at the side of each short and itās just enough voluminosity to keep it cute and not overwhelming. I absolutely love them!
The playsuit has a low back and you can just about see how the halter ties at the back of the neck here.
There arenāt any pockets, sadly, but thatās the only downside to this style. Everything else is just perfect. Itās really comfortable to wear too and I know Iām going to get LOTS of use out of it over the Summer – which for me is unheard of really as I rarely get my pins out, but this little number just needs to go places!
Fit wise, Iām wearing my normal Collectif size and itās a lovely fit, if a little roomy. The material has some spandex in it which allows for movement and a little stretch so thereās plenty of room for ample busts or if youāre in between sizes for the waist. I actually prefer the slightly looser fit as it allows me to move around easily while still being pin up perfection in this gorgeous little playsuit! I added a belt in a complimentary colour, but it doesnāt come with one. It doesnāt need one but I always prefer to cinch in my waist, even when relaxing haha.
The Kelly playsuit is available in sizes 6-22 and costs Ā£49.00. In typical 1950ās fashion, there would often be a matching gathered skirt to be worn over the playsuit when youāre meeting friends for lunch etc as shorts would be considered a little too revealing. So you can also compliment the ensemble with the Kelly skirt which is also available at Ā£45.00. It has the same matching buttons which can be left open to reveal the shorts underneath and it has pockets if you were missing those too. Iām not usually a pastel pink kinda gal, but this set has seriously turned my head and I may need to get the skirt at some point to live out my Mrs Maisel fantasies x
For reference:
Iām 4ā11ā and wearing a size 6 in the playsuit above. My measurements are 33:24:33 for assistance with sizing guidance. Iām wearing 4 inch heels.
Also wearing:
Sunnies: Collectif previous season
Shoes: B.A.I.T and High Street
Hair flowers: Collectif previous season and High Street
Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
Earrings: Bow & Crossbones
Belt: High Street
Gloves: original vintage -
Giordana Gingham Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]
You all know by now that I go a bit gaga for gingham and the gorgeous Giordana is no exception! With its large black and white print and bardot neck, I was smitten!
The fabric is the super light and made from viscose making it perfect for all your upcoming Summer soirĆ©es! Donāt expect it to be a heavy fabric as it is very thin – which suits me as I want to wear something as light as possible in the heat of Summer!
The neckline is unique as itās one piece and the shoulders are hand tied into bows. When untied, the top half of the dress is in two pieces. I was a little bewildered by this at first, but then realised itās actually a great feature as you can tie them as tight or as loose as you need to, making it fit for all body types and thereās plenty of room for those blessed up top. Thereās also a side zip for ease of getting in and out.
That neckline is just scrummy! I really love the way you can change the neckline and chose to wore it higher on one side and lower on the other which I felt right for me as itās the way I usually wear things with a wide neck. You can wear it straight across too if you wish.
Thereās a full swing skirt to the bottom, with pockets, woohoo! I did try a petticoat on underneath as thereās plenty of room for one, but prefer it without personally.
Feelinā cute amidst the blossoms It comes with a black belt which has holes (hurrah!) and fits below the knee. Obviously on me itās at my calf but thatās my preferred length for vintage dresses, so it works for me. Size wise, this comes up pretty true to size though roomy in the bust area.
I was delighted to get this dress out on such a sunny day and it was perfect, keeping me cool but glamorous. I canāt wait to wear it more this year!
The Giordana is available in sizes 8-22 at Ā£59.00 from the Collectif website.
For reference:
Iām wearing a size 6 in the photos above, and Iām 4ā11ā with 4.5 inch heels.
Stats:
For size guidance, Iām 33:24:33Also wearing:
Bangles: Splendette
Sunglasses: Collectif (previous season)
Earrings: Collectif (previous season, part of the Natalie set)
Shoes: E5P
Hair flowers: high street many moons ago
Parasol: bridal store but you can find them on eBayDisclaimer:
This item was gifted to me, but all my views are my own and I only ever post honest reviews.
