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Green Tave Plain Top Review [Collectif Clothing]
It feels like the recent cold snap has definitely welcomed in Winter this week and here we are in December already! What to wear in Winter while keeping it vintage is always a bit of a conundrum, especially when you’re wanting to stay warm. I love layering during the colder seasons and it works so well when you have a great base like the Collectif Tave Top.
It’s a pretty simple top but all the drama comes from the neckline, with its nautical style ties to the front that drape down over the front. It’s such a great feature and you can easily wear 40s or 50s styles with it and a warm knit over the top to keep you cosy with that extra layer.
Made from 100% cotton, it’s super comfortable to wear and has three quarter length sleeves to keep you warm but show off your fabulous accessories too!
I wore it with the Alexa Valley Check pencil skirt from the Top Vintage collaboration last year, but there’s a very similar check in this season’s Collectif stock called the Alexa Giles if you’re looking to go for this style. It would also look fabulous under a sleeveless dress with just straps, with trousers and with a swing skirt. It’s very versatile and could be worn to work or out for drinks!
It’s a really lovely fit and I have my normal size which was perfect for me. There’s lots of stretch to the top too and it’s long enough in length to tuck into things.
Collectif currently only have a 22 but check stockists, like Cherry Red Vintage and Top Vintage, which have more sizes available. It’s a great price at around £28.99 for such a versatile piece.
Just checking which sizes are available for you… The boring stuff, in case you need to know:
I’m a standard size 6 and wearing a Collectif size 6 in the photos above. My stats are 33:24:33 and I’m 4’11”.Also wearing:
Earrings and Bangles – All from Splendette
Bag – Carrie bag from Collectif
Hair Flower – Miss Bella’s Blooms
Necklace – Kiria from Collectif -
Catalina Knitted Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]
Hey there, Autumn! It’s been a while and the chillier weather has now descended with darker evenings drawing in. It’s definitely time to think about cosy knits and keeping warm as glamorously as possible.
The Catalina dress by Collectif is a great option for staying toasty as it has a ribbed fabric and long sleeves.
You can see the material is really substantial and it feels warm to wear. It also comes with a brown, faux leather, buckled belt – though this did crack as soon as I threaded the belt through, so I’ll likely use another with it.
It has a wide, scooped, neckline which is quite open and looks better with a strapless bra than one with straps as it sits so broadly. The waist is semi fitted giving a slightly tailored look, and the skirt is a half swing with plenty to swish about but not enough for a full petticoat (a cotton one for winter would be good). Unfortunately there isn’t any lining so it’ll stick to tights (which I was wearing) but I tend to pop a half slip on to prevent this – a light spritz of hairspray on the underside is a good little trick too, but don’t stand next to any naked flames!
I love that it’s so easy to throw on (no zips or buttons) and you can dress it up or down. I chose to wear it casually with my faithful Lulu Hun western boots (previous review here and you can still find small sizes in the other colour way here) which tied in perfectly with the brown from the belt.
The fit is really good and the fabric is stretchy. I have it in my normal size and the length is just past the knees which is great for vintage looks. It will become an Autumn staple for me and I’ll pair it with small heeled ankle boots as well as heels to change the look.
I adore the knitted styles from Collectif and hope there will be more in further Autumn/Winter ranges. Sadly there aren’t any pockets in this design, so maybe it could return with those next time (fingers crossed!). Currently the Catalina swing is available in a few sizes on the website at £64.99, and for those that prefer a pencil dress, there’s a wine coloured version in sizes 10-22 for £58.99 too. But Black Friday is coming so maybe you’ll get a cheeky discount! x (Edit: Black Friday code is now live. Use BF50 for 50% of this style)
The boring bit, if it helps:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and wearing a 6 in the photos above. My stats are 33:24:33 and I’m 4’11” in height.Also wearing:
Hair Flowers by Miss Bella’s Blooms
Bangles and earrings by Splendette
Kira Necklace by Collectif
Jolene Boots by Lulu Hun
Brooch by Erstwilder -
Kiana Tutti Fruitti Dress [Collectif Loves Top Vintage]
More rainbows from me today, especially fitting for Pride month! 🏳️🌈 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 I’m 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 I’ve worn it here, with the the straps from the centre chest which is a really pretty option.
It doesn’t 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.
There’s 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 you’re not much of a fan of petticoats, it also looks great without one too!
The length is well over my knee and fit wise it’s quite roomy on the bust and has stretch so you’ll be able to fit comfortably in it though you may want to size up if you’re really blessed up top as there’s 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 you’re in between sizes you’ll be fine too.
The Kiana Tutti Fruitti is in stock in all sizes (6-22) for £59 and this is one that’s only available to buy online at Top Vintage or Collectif, or in Collectif stores – you won’t 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 don’t 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:
I’m 4’11” wearing 4 inch heels and my stats are 33:24:33. I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing and I’m wearing the 6 in this dress above. -
Rainbow Stripe Bikini Top & Skirt Bottom [Collectif]
It’s 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 couldn’t resist this cute little number. I think the sweet skirt covered bottoms did it for me as I don’t 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 there’s 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. I’m wearing one size up (size 8) but it’s quite tight on my back so I’ll likely buy the bigger size too at some point. It’s fine for lounging around on my hammock in the meantime though and doesn’t look too small, I can just feel that I needed a bigger size. I’m a C cup so if you’re a C or above, you may want to size up a couple of times too. That’s the great thing with separates though, you can buy exactly the size you need instead of a blanket size where the top half won’t 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 it’s 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 it’s stretchy fabric too. It is a little loose but not so anyone would notice, and my pants aren’t going to fall off down my ankles as soon as I start walking, promise! It’s true to size so if you were an 8, it would be a perfect 8.
Overall I’m super happy with this set, it’s everything I wanted it to be and I can’t wait to wear it more now the sun has returned and Summer days are creeping ever nearer! So if you’re 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 £39 for the top and £35 for the brief. You won’t be disappointed!
For Reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing, but the swimwear starts at size 8 so I’m wearing both size 8 in the top and bottom. My stats are 33:24:33 and I’m 4’11” wearing 4 inch heels in the photos.Also wearing:
Bangles: Splendette
Hair Flowers and Earrings: Collectif old stock
Shoes: E5P old stock -
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 soirées! Don’t 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 it’s 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 it’s 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 there’s plenty of room for those blessed up top. There’s 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 it’s the way I usually wear things with a wide neck. You can wear it straight across too if you wish.
There’s a full swing skirt to the bottom, with pockets, woohoo! I did try a petticoat on underneath as there’s plenty of room for one, but prefer it without personally.
Feelin’ cute amidst the blossoms It comes with a black belt which has holes (hurrah!) and fits below the knee. Obviously on me it’s at my calf but that’s 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 can’t wait to wear it more this year!
The Giordana is available in sizes 8-22 at £59.00 from the Collectif website.
For reference:
I’m wearing a size 6 in the photos above, and I’m 4’11” with 4.5 inch heels.
Stats:
For size guidance, I’m 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.
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Caterina Atomic Dress and Annasofia Coat Reviews [Collectif Clothing]
I’ve had this Caterina for a good while now and it’s one of my all time favourites – just look at that cool 50’s print! I love how bright and fun it is and how reminiscent it is of an original 50’s wallpaper design. Anything atomic is always a winner for me, but especially so when it’s pretty authentic and based on actual vintage patterns.
The Caterina is a staple design for Collectif and comes in swing or pencil style. I often lean towards the pencils but I have quite a few swing versions too. You can’t go wrong with a Caterina in your closet. The shirtwaister style is so easy to wear and great to throw tights on and a cardigan over for a classic winter look.
There are small buttons to the front, two patch pockets (both close with a matching small button) and a matching buckled belt with the same patterned fabric (I love it when they do that). The short sleeves are turned up and there’s an open v neck with collar.
I found the fit is true to size. If you’re in between sizes you may need to size up as there isn’t much stretch in the waist. I’m in love with this atomic print and I hope it’s repeated in some other colours and styles. It’s currently available in all sizes at £55 for the pencil and sizes 6-14 in the swing version for £65 but both look to be heading towards the sale so this would be a great one to add to your wish list!
Moving on to the stunning Annasofia Faux Fur Coat with its glorious princess vibes! Made in a dark green with gorgeous brown faux fur details to the collar (which is detachable – handy!) and pockets. I have quite a few Collectif coats including a Pearl which is fabulously trimmed in faux fur. I wanted a coat which was still fancy, but not as full on as the Pearl, and the Annasofia is just perfect to fill that gap in my coat needs. Such a pretty coat but very practical too as I can still move around easily and it’s not as heavy as my Pearl.
Smitten with Annasofia There are a couple of buttons to the waist for fastening and a concealed one behind to make sure it stays put.
Close up details of the faux fur and concealed and front buttons It also has a beautiful green velvet ribbon at the back to tighten or loosen as you wish for the waistline. Though I need to press the ribbon as it literally came out of the bag and straight on to my back haha
It has a flared skirt to the bottom half while keeping everything above quite fitted. I have my normal size in this coat and it fits great for me with room for layering underneath, though the guidance on the website advises to size up for this and I wouldn’t be able to fit great bulky jumpers underneath but I can certainly fit cardigans layered over a dress. So if your layering is like mine, using thin layers, you’ll be fine. If it’s more bulky, size up to fit them all in.
The length is good on me too despite being petite, hitting my lower calf though it looks longer from the angle of my camera here (which it’s not). I’m really happy with the Annasofia, she’s such an elegant coat with a great design and in a gorgeous colour. Unfortunately she’s mostly sold out now with only the smallest and largest sizes available on the website (current pre sale price is £125) but Cherry Red Vintage also has 16 and 18’s at £112.50 and an 8 and a 12 can also be found over at Atom Retro (£87) so it’s worth scouting around the internet to find one if you need an Annasofia in your life, as I did.I’m also wearing the Angelina Faux Fur heels by Lulu Hun in the photos with the Annasofia. You can just see them peeking out at the bottom. I tried these on almost a year ago at a trade show and fell instantly in love.
That Cinderella moment – the shoe fits! They’re a faux suede, closed toe, platform heel with faux fur trim all the way around. How cute! Perfect for jazzing up any wintry outfit. The heel is slim and almost 4 inches so not for the faint hearted ha but I do love a high heel. The guidance given is to size up as they come up small but I actually found they fit me perfectly in my normal size. I don’t have wide feet though so if you do, follow the website guidance and size up. They’re currently available in all sizes at An already reduced price of £33.95 but will likely enter the sale too so I’d recommend you nab a pair of these fun faux fur beauties!
Looking forward to seeing what everyone chooses for the sale and hope the reviews have helped with your wish lists! xx
Additional information:
I’m 4’11” wearing mostly 4 inch heels in the photos and a standard size 6 in Collectif which the dress and coat are.Also wearing: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones bangles. Dress and coat via the wonderful Cherry Red Vintage
