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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.
There’s a row of domed black buttons to the front, but these don’t open. Instead it’s an elasticated back which is easy to get in and out of and adjustable straps which cross over at the back. It’s so great when adjustable straps are included with elasticated backs as they fit just about everyone. I would say it’s true to size. I’m actually wearing a size bigger than I usually wear which feels a little looser but not noticeably, especially with the straps adjusted. As it’s cropped it goes more by your bust size and as I’m almost a size 8 bust, I think that’s why it works ok for me. So I’d recommend you buy your normal size but if that isn’t 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. There’s 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 it’s pretty gathered, fitting a petticoat underneath just fine. I wore a black one underneath but I’ll 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 it’ll 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. It’s 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 £27.00 and currently available in sizes 10-22 and the skirt is £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:
I’m 4’11” with 4 inch heels on here. I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif, but I’m 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 -
Check Please! Gingham Vest Crop Top and Trousers [Primark]
I don’t often shop on the High Street but, along with thousands of others, ended lockdown by mooching about in Primarni. It wasn’t very busy when I went which I was glad about too.
I happened upon this little outfit which is just adorable! Obviously the only one left in my size was on the actual mannequin so I had to ask a friendly store person to wrangle the mannequin out of their clothes (which was also funny as I hadn’t expected her to just rip off the arms in a somewhat brutal fashion – can you tell I haven’t worked in retail?!).
It comprises a mint gingham crop top and matching trousers and has an elasticated fit. I usually buy tops a size bigger to allow for boobage so I did the same here, but could have done with my normal size to be honest because of the stretch in the material. I’m pretty happy with it though and it has the loveliest gathered bust details over a fitted bodice and a sweetheart neckline with straps for support.
At the back, the top is low backed with a fixed bow which I just love! There’s a side zip to get in and out of it if you’re wondering whether you need to be Houdini – you don’t!
Gorgeous bow detail to the back The trousers are slim fitting on the leg with a side zip and have a faux belt detail to the front – don’t think that belt is moving, because it’s going nowhere! I like the feature though and together with the top it’s a really sweet Spring/Summer outfit. I bought my normal size in the trousers but could have sized down if they’d had that size in stock. Again, I’m pretty happy with the size I have though as it means I can eat puddings to my heart’s content haha.
I paired it with pink, adding a pink and white gingham cardigan, fuchsia heels and mint and pink accessories. I love mint, it’s one of my favourite colours and looks amazing with so many others like yellow, purple, red etc. I kept it pastel perfection though and even blended in with my picnic blanket! I wouldn’t normally wear a cropped top but it’s vest style so long enough to just about cover my mid riff and the back is so pretty I just had to have it!
The top costs £8 and the trousers are £10. You can see them here featured on the Primark site. Hope you manage to find them in your local store and continue to stay safe you gorgeous lot x
For reference:
I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels. I’m a size 4 or 6 in Primark usually. Above I’m wearing a size 8 top and size 6 trousers. My measurements for reference are 33:24:33.
Also wearing:
Cardigan: previous Collectif season
Sunnies: previous Collection season
Necklace: previous Collectif season (part of the Natalie set)
Hair flowers: Collectif last year and high street
Shoes: Lulu Hun Lorena in fuchsia
Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
Earrings: Bow & Crossbones -
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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Demira Gingham Daisy Pencil Dress [Collectif Clothing]
What a great new style for the Spring/Summer 2020 collection! This bloomin’ gorgeous dress is the Demira Gingham Daisy Pencil dress and is a stand out piece – radiating happy vibes wherever you wear it!
I managed to bag it in the sale (still currently on) having ummed and ahhed over it since it launched. I absolutely love the bold, bright, print but I was a bit concerned about the higher neckline and puffed sleeves – not things I would normally go for. I almost bought the pencil skirt instead (which is also very cute) but I’m so glad I took a punt and bought the dress – it’s a triumph!
The puffed sleeves are elasticated and actually add a sweet detail to the top of the dress which is more conservative with a round neck. They’re comfortable on the arms and not tight at all. At the back of the dress, the neckline dips into a lovely v shape and there’s a centre back zip making this easy to get in and out of.
I found this style to be true to size, with limited stretch at the waist, so if your widest part is there, you may want to size up. It falls on my mid calf giving a great vintage feel and accentuating that wiggle when you walk!
I wore the Demira with accents of yellow, picked out from the daisy print. This goes really well but you could pair it with white, blue or black accessories if you preferred to be matchy matchy but not so bold with yellow.
To get your gingham daisy fix, this dress is still currently 50% off at £26.25 (utter bargain!) and available in all sizes. If a pencil isn’t your thing, then have a look at the other items available in this design too (available here). I’m still thinking I may need a few more pieces in this print, but if you prefer spots over gingham, then Collectif have also just launched this new polka dot design! Which will you choose? x
Also wearing:
Pineapple bag and cinch belt: Collectif Clothing
Yellow shoes and Blue shoes: Lulu Hun
Hair flower: Miss Bella’s Blooms
Earrings: Bow & Crossbones
Bangles: Splendette
Necklace: VintageFor reference:
I’m 4’11” and a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing, wearing 4 inch heels in the photos. -
Sasha Gingham Fishtail Dress [Collectif Clothing]
This sassy little number is a rerelease from last Summer and, as I missed out on it then, I was super happy to see it again this year.
With a large black and white gingham print, bardot, elasticated, sleeves which sit on the arms or shoulders and gorgeous fishtail to the bottom of the dress, it’s comfortable but sexy.
There’s a bow to the front of the sweetheart neckline, which you can pull tighter to reveal more cleavage (I didn’t as I’d reached my own dare to bare point without adjusting it) or leave looser for a more modest line. It’s true to size with some stretch in the material. I feel like such a senorita in this dress
Perfect for Summer dates with your love or night’s out with your girls. This design also comes in plain black currently but will be available in more colours for the Spring/Summer collection – so look out for those!
Olé! The Sasha is currently available in 8-12 and sizes 18-22 and costs £49.95.
For reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and wearing the 6 above. I’m 4’11” and in 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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Ahoy Accessories! [Collectif Clothing]
A new season brings us more exciting accessories to liven up our outfits. It’s a pretty inexpensive way to add new interest to pieces we already have, or for a whole new outfit. A bunch of cute jewellery arrived and I wanted to share them with you to help with sizing etc (warning: this post is very face heavy, sorry!).
The main photo shows my beloved Natalie Bead set which I’ve previously spoken about in other colours (here) and seen here in white. I love these sets, though the earring size did increase quite a lot from the originals (I preferred them smaller to be honest). White will go with all my nautical looks over the summer and make a nice change to my creamy coloured pearls.
I’ve also worn it with the new Summer Lighthouse Brooch, which is a glittery, acrylic, brooch featuring a lighthouse, waves and a tiny anchor. It’s very cute and I can see it pairing with so many outfits over the Summer.
I really love the next set which is called Cocktail O’Clock and features a coconut cocktail (mock in my case) with umbrella, straw and flower detail. The earrings are a little fiddly as there isn’t much space between the catch and the drop but they’re so fun and just the right size for making a statement in the sun.
The brooch backs are a little on the flimsy side but they’re functional and will only be worn on light summery fabrics so I think they’ll be fine. They’ll also be supe easy to replace if I need to. My favourite vintage brooch pin has recently snapped off and I’m still mourning the loss of that, so these are a great pick me up to brighten up my days.
Brooch back detail Big hoops can really set off a vintage look and I have some plain in gold and silver etc but these Tiki 50s Earrings are so cool and come in a range of colours. I have them in green and red.
I’ve mixed them above with the Natalie Bead necklace in red as they go quite well together and give me a larger earring option. The earrings have a really cool bamboo look to them with ridges and waves, adding tropical vibes to your outfits and the large size is great.
Close up of Tiki Earrings I also managed to bag (ha, see what I did there?!) the new Carrie bag which is available in pink and black this season. I already have it in green (see here) so I’m delighted to have it in black too which will see me through all seasons. The fastening is so easy to use with just one push and a click to close. I’m a simple girl, I need a simple bag.
Unfortunately it looks like everyone else snapped up the option in black as they’re out of stock on the website now but some stockists still have a few so have a scout around if pink isn’t your thing. They’re the perfect size for keeping the essentials in and big enough for a phone too.
I’ve paired the Carrie with some new outfits which I’ll share in my next post so you can see how to style it vintage.
Have a great week xx
Also wearing:
Bangles from Bow & Crossbones and Splendette
Cardigan: Collectif Clothing -
Lulu Hun and Bright & Beautiful SS20 Preview
If you missed the previous Spring Summer 2020 previews, you can click for Collectif and Menswear and see what delights next year holds! Today is all about my favourite picks from Lulu Hun and Bright & Beautiful though, and first up, we’ll take a look at Bright & Beautiful.
To be honest, I don’t buy a great deal from this range as the era isn’t something I wear much of (it has a very 70’s vibe), but occasionally there are some beauts which I just can’t be without!
For instance, the Astrid. I’ve spoken about this style of dress previously here. It’s boat neck and flared skirt design easily lends itself to the 50’s and it’s the main dress from the range which I really look forward to seeing from B&B every season. Next year, we have this gorgeous Deckchair version coming!
Bright & Beautiful Astrid Deckchair Dress It’s a showstopper for sure. I love the rainbow stripes and the addition of the red ric rac trim (it’s often lace that features on the edge instead). If you’re not an Astrid fan, then this print appears in a few other styles too so there’s something to suit everyone.
If you are an Astrid fan, then you may be delighted to hear that it’s also coming in a new pencil style!
Bright & Beautiful Astrid Gingham Pencil This looks like it will be a Summer staple for most with it’s classic gingham check and perfect crossover for work wear, lunch date or a mooch around the shops with friends. I really like how the main best sellers are all getting an upgrade next year to incorporate new versions of a very popular design.
The gingham continues with this gorgeous red checked dress called Iris. It has a shirred top and flared skirt – again, perfectly passable for a fifties style. Just add the picnic.
Bright & Beautiful Iris Gingham Dress The knitwear was a massive hit with me. There are so many cute, short sleeved, jumper styles coming, including this yellow check Sydney.
Bright & Beautiful Sydney Check Jumper and the Bella Harlequin jumper in blue
Bright & Beautiful Bella Harlequin Jumper Both of these have the sweetest details at the back with a row of false buttons. You could probably wear it either way around too.
Next up is Lulu Hun. This range just keeps getting better and better – I just love all the novelty items and the accessories which match perfectly with the designs of the dresses.
The sandals are always a big hit and they have some fabulous styles coming, including these orange, strawberry. monstera leaf Lottie sandals and the Phoebe starfish version.
Lulu Hun novelty sandals galore! True vintage fans will also like this 40’s inspired, mock croc, matching bag and shoes.
Lulu Hun 40’s style mock croc I also really like this wedged sandal which has a removable flower!
Lulu Hun Kellie wedges with removable flowers You can just see underneath where it has a brooch and hair clip attachment. So you could pop it in your hair if you don’t want it on your shoes. Clever!
The bags were so fun and fabulous as always. I particularly liked these bright gingham saddle bag styles with co-ordinating fruits and flowers. There’s also a little padlock feature to the front and lots of room for all your essentials.
Lulu Hun Gingham Bags And lastly, a pastel pink perfection bag with something I happen to say rather a lot.
Lulu Hun heart shaped bag This heart shaped bag sums up the collection rather well I think! Will you be broke next year because there’s so much stuff you want?…..HELL YEAH! (sorry, not sorry) x
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Collectif Review: Anna Capris and Lottie Gingham Top
I’ve been meaning to mention the Anna Capris for a while now as I already had the black pair from last year, see below (back when I used to crop my head out of all my photos ha):
Black Anna Capris The navy version launched this season and they are just as sweet as the black. Made from a stretch cotton, they’re quite roomy in the leg compared to my black pair, and the high waistband is fixed (side zip) with little stretch – so if you’re in between sizes on the waist measurement, you may want to size up. They have the cutest ties at the bottom of the cropped legs; I absolutely love the little details Collectif adds in like this.
The black and the navy are both worth investing in as they’re staples for a pinup look and work well with flats or heels to go from day to night. You could also wear a nice blouse and cropped jacket with them for workwear. The navy costs £35.50 and the black is currently on sale in sizes for £28.40. Both are available in all sizes at the time of writing (6-22).
I paired my navy capris with the Lottie Gingham Top, which is a picnic-perfect darling of a top in a large red and white print. There’s a sweetheart neckline with wide straps, (both trimmed with a pretty daisy lace edge), an elasticated panel at the back making it super stretchy to accommodate all bust sizes, and an invisible side zip.
The princess cut seams are one of my favourites and really elevates this lovely little top. She’s a shorter style, finishing above the hips, so this is an ideal pick for petites (or those that like a shorter top without all the need for tucking in).
Available in sizes 6-22 at £25.50, this is a great price for such a classic rockabilly styled piece. Pop a cropped denim jacket over and a bandana or a very cute hair flower in your hair, and away you go!
Showing the side tie detail of the capris _________________________________________
Also wearing:
Hair Flowers: Beautiful blooms from Miss Bella’s Blooms
Jewellery: Natalie Bead set from Collectif in Red
Bangles: Vintage and Collectif Carrie in Red in main pic, Splendette and Bow and Crossbones in black capri pic
Shoes: Joe Browns in black capri pic; Everything5pounds in main photo -
Collectif x Modcloth Isaboo Suncheck Dress Review
I am obsessed with yellow. Along with turquoise, it’s my joint first place happy colour. Add a dash of yellow to any outfit and you are instantly cheered. So, although I have the beautiful Margherita sun check dress already (see that review here), I love the print so much that I needed to get the Isaboo too when it was released, and, you know, she’s a totally different style obviously, so it had to be done….
Unlike Margherita, (who is on the shorter side), Isaboo has a long, full, gathered skirt (with pockets – yay!), which will really please taller ladies. Though I am obviously just teeny, she is quite long on me, (which I was expecting as the description states her total length is 42 inches) and I was thinking I’d have to hem it up. However, once on and with heels, I think I can get away with this true vintage style length, so I’ll probably leave her as she is.
I love her open collar and sleeveless style, which is so reminiscent of the 50’s. This collaboration is absolutely Mrs Maisel-worthy! (who else wants her entire wardrobe?). There are darts to the bust, a side zip and a matching fabric belt. I found the fit perfectly true to size. If you are lucky to have a larger bust, you may want to size up, but if you’re in between sizes, you’ll probably be ok with your normal size as there’s a little stretch in the fabric and at the waist. I really hope both the Margherita and the Isaboo return in future seasons with equally fabulous prints, as they’re so stylish and classically vintage.
Isaboo open neck and matching belt details I paired my sweet Isaboo (how cute is that name?) with the Jessie Tropical Palm cardigan, which I bought originally to match the skirt (see here), but (as with all Collectif cardi’s), they’re easy to mix and match with other outfits too. I love the greens on the leaves (one is almost turquoise, squee), so I added in black and turquoise accessories to set off the yellow, which works so well together (happy colour heaven).
The Jessie Palm Cardigan and Lorena Heels add black and teal touches I love a Jessie cardi, and have quite a few now as the cropped style suit our vintage inspired frocks so well. The darling pearl, green, buttons are a lovely addition and the fabulous applique leaves in 3 colours are just dreamy. I have a thing about Monstera plants so this design fills me with glee!
Palms in many colours <3 I would size up in this one as it is a little on the smaller side. I have my normal 6, which is fine for me, but a teensy bit tight on the arms with the 3/4 sleeves, so an 8 would have been a better choice. I can’t wait to wear this ensemble again though, as it was so perfect on a sunny day.
Happy’ometer max’ed out! Remember, with any Modcloth collab piece, you can only find them on the website or in store, stockists aren’t allowed to hold these. So if you see an item you love in this collection, make sure you nab it as they’re available in limited numbers.
Also be aware of the sizing difference between Collectif and Modcloth for the plus sizes. Up to size 16, the Collectif sizing chart applies, but from size 18, you then need to refer to the Modcloth sizing chart and go by their measurements. Hope this helps, happy shopping! x
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For reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif (33:24:33) and bought a Collectif x MC size 6 in the Isaboo dress
I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels hereAlso wearing:
Shoes: Lulu Hun Lorena (previous review here)
Jewellery Set: Collectif Natalie in turquoise (previous review here)
Bracelets: Collectif, Bow & Crossbones, Splendette and Vintage
Sunglasses: Collectif previous season
Hair Flowers: High Street many moons ago
