• Velvet Sweetheart Dress Review [Belle Poque]

    Another gorgeous blue on the blog today – but there’s just something about the feel of velvet and in this shade of royal blue it’s absolutely sumptuous.

    There’s a beautiful sweetheart neckline which is super flattering and a row of false buttons down the front which draw the eye. 

    The buttons are just for decoration as there’s a zip at the back. The wide shoulder straps are really comfortable too, though they’re not adjustable. The bodice is tailored which gives a lovely fitted look at the waist before sweeping out into a half swing style skirt with plenty of swoosh!

    There’s some spandex in the fabric which provides a lovely stretch. Ideally I would have liked a size down as this is the size S which is listed as a size 8-10 which I would say is totally right. The length is great as it sits mid calf which is a great cut for vintage styles.

    It’s a really comfortable, wearable, dress and I was really surprised how nice it feels on. Definitely one I’ll be wearing for events.

    This dress is available in sizes S-2XL direct from the Belle Poque website for £24.38 and is also available in a gorgeous emerald green in limited sizes. 

    Additional Information:
    This dress was gifted to me but my views above are all my own. My stats are 33:24:33 and I’m a standard size 6 in clothing, however, I’m wearing a size S (8-10) in the photos above as it’s the smallest size available from Belle Poque. I’m 4’11” and wearing 4” heels. 
    The belt is not included, this is a custom made piece which I added.

    Also wearing:
    Evening gloves – original vintage
    Pearl Necklace – old buy from a costume jewellery store which no longer trades
    Crystal belt – old buy from Etsy, you can buy similar here
    Crystal headband – old buy from the High Street

     

  • Edith Velvet Jewel Dress [Voodoo Vixen]

    Something a little different for me today. As a size 6, a lot of the reproduction vintage brands don’t cater for me so I often look longingly, but can’t buy. That was until I happened across this absolute beaut of a dress. I’d seen it on others but hadn’t realised there were size 6’s floating around on the internet. Even better than that, I managed to snap it up in the sale, so this £58.00 dress cost me a mere £18! 

    Occasionally, Voodoo Vixen include my size on random items but I never seem to be in the right place at the right time for them, so I was absolutely thrilled to bag this beauty.

    The Edith gown is a 1930’s inspired, full length gown in sumptuous green ribbed velvet. There are full length sleeves with gorgeous little covered buttons and a daring plunge neckline. The detailing under the bust with gathering and pleats is stunning and adds that typically ‘column’ like silhouette of that era.

    Now, for someone that doesn’t really have much going on up top, I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t be able to fill it! To my surprise, I actually look like I have a reasonable bust in this dress. It’s a very deceiving dress ha! 

    The classic 30’s silhouette was all about long, elongated shapes in a glamorous Old Hollywood style. This dress perfectly encapsulates that and makes little ‘ole me at 4’11” feel like I’ve grown a foot. Obviously I still look short as soon as someone stands next to me…..but for now, I can live out my tall girl fantasies!

    The Edith dress is also available in a soft pink and a very flattering grey, and this emerald green version is also still currently on the main site at £58.00 (here).

  • Party Time! Collectif Florence Dress Review

    With Halloween now behind us, my thoughts spring forward to festive events and all the upcoming parties we’ll be attending. With that in mind, I had to share the beautiful Florence Occasion Swing Dress from Collectif, which is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in a long time!

    The sweetheart neckline is divine and the bodice is boned for a great fit. The trim is all in black velvet (yummy) and the straps (also velvet) are adjustable – woohoo! I do love an adjustable strap.

    Adjustable straps + boning = winning!

    The velvet adornment continues at the front with a cute bow detail and the swing style skirt is hemmed with a velvet edge too. It’s extra pouffy from a netted underskirt, followed by a black satin overlay, and finished with the most amazing tulle layer covered in glittery polka dots which graduate with an ombre effect. This is a total head turner of a dress and you will bedazzle everyone! I can’t tell you how in love I am with it (though you’re clearly getting the gist). 

    Beauiful ombre detail on the glitter drops and velvet bow to the front.
    Satin layer with glitter drops tulle overlay, and velvet hem trim details

    The fit is bang on true to size, so if you’re in between sizes, you should size up as the waist doesn’t stretch.

    I’ll be donning this fabulous beauty of a vintage inspired gown at the next Collectif Party, and I can’t wait to see where you all wear yours too! For more occasionwear inspo, I’ll be adding a few more posts soon with more options to look the belle of the ball this year. Bring on the fairy lights and champagne coupes!

    Ready to party!

    UPDATE: By happy coincidence, the Collectif x Modcloth version of this dress has also just launched today. You can find it here. It’s a little cheaper and doesn’t have the velvet edged hem but is just as pretty.

    Also wearing:
    Gloves – Original vintage evening gloves from an antiques fair a long time ago 
    Shoes – Lulu Hun Susan Heels in black
    Earrings – Collectif Clothing Mansfield Hoops
    Dress – from Cherry Red Vintage