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London Edge September 2019
London Edge is always guaranteed to be an amazing day, filled to the (rather impressive) rafters of the Business Design Centre, with awesome alternative brands, showcasing their new lines and trading to buyers (it’s not open to the public guys!).
London Edge Exhibitors It’s always abuzz with excitement as the doors open, we all start to mingle amidst those we admire and new brands we’re inspired to follow. The vibe is always super friendly and you meet so many like minded people all striving to offer the industry the best alternative products.
Obviously my favourite when I visit is always Collectif. Their space always stands out and looks great – like an alternative and vintage haven! With a constant stream of lovely buyers, it’s always great to see them doing so well. So I made a beeline for them first and caught up with the team and their goals for the forthcoming seasons.
Collectif Clothing Stand Collectif Clothing Autumn Winter 2019 My previous posts about AW19 (and here) and SS20 previews (use the category search at the top of the site for SS20 and you’ll find all of them) will fill you in on what’s to come, but there were a few additions which are absolutely worthy of a mention.
I’m so happy to see some more seasonal bits coming in for this Halloween (along with what’s already been launched), so this is a great opportunity for anyone that loves to be a casual member of the ghoul gang to pick up a few pieces for Halloween, or indeed, any other day!
I really love this bright pink and green check too on the new Rochelle skater dress which is will also be available in a trouser. Tartan is awesome; super bright tartan is even better!
Continuing with the checks, this red and black dolores will be a good staple for most this season.
And this Arwen Woodland Pine Check Swing Dress feels so lovely and soft, it’s definitely been added to my list as I hadn’t realised what a lovely fabric it was and feel it’s been overlooked previously. I’d highly recommend this one as an Autumn staple.
We had the pleasure of viewing some of the new Autumn/Winter 2019 collection strut down the catwalk, courtesy of the beautiful Miss Deadly Red looking as gorgeous and sassy as ever.
Wearing the Mimi Pumpkin Check Dress, Lulu Hun Maria heels and carrying the Carrie bag
Wearing Barbara Pom Pom Jumper, Alexa Rainbow Star Skirt and other model wearing Matilde in Wonderland Skirt
More gorgeous gals modelling the Silva Geek Check Dress (left) and the Clemence Meadow Check Dress (right) As well as the Autumn Winter stock, we also had another glimpse of the Spring Summer 2020 collection. I blogged previously about this but a couple of extra key pieces caught my eye.
These are, the night sky Dolores with super sparkly stars for night’s out. It has those lovely velvet buttons too <3
And the stunning Faye Starlight Swing Dress which has the prettiest navy ribbon trim and sheer top with gorgeous twinkling stars. This is a real headturner and will be so perfect for all of next year’s summer events.
Look at that beautiful ribboned hem! Clear stars on a night’s sky, with sweetheart neckline Additions to the Lulu Hun brand include this fruity and fabulous Alexandria Watermelon bag – I mean, come on! we all need this!
Winner! Also the Rock and Roll heart shaped bag in red which will match perfectly with the Charlene Rock and Roll cardigan – and many more outfits your little rebel heart desires!
I was super happy to find pockets in nearly all the dresses and skirts – something I know which is important to us all. Fingers crossed lining is next and that would be the icing on the cake!
Also hitting the runway was the popular brand Sheen and I particularly liked this vintage styled dress from them.
As well as Hearts & Roses, whose poppy inspired frock was very pretty. I like the higher neckline and matching belt too.
Over at Banned Apparel (Banned Retro) I was surprised to see a print which was inspired (and approved) from a popular Michael Miller fabric I bought a couple of year’s ago. Here I am wearing my custom Candy Cane Cocktails skirt by Violets in May back at Christmas in 2017 (which is, consequently, a great place to buy off the peg or have something custom made).
The Banned version is now available as a range of Christmas/New Year items, called Christmas Cocktails! I’m going to snap up a cardi to go with my skirt.
Banned Cocktails Skirt They also have a very cute range of foxy numbers. This skirt with it’s fox pockets was adorable <3
How cute are those pockets?! And speaking of foxy things, it leads me to my final favourite trader of the event. I have followed Oh So Flamingo for some time now and love the range of handmade, laser cut, acrylic jewellery that this creative gal dreams up. It always seems to fit what I have in my mind as a perfect piece to finish an outfit.
This was Rachel’s first time exhibiting at London Edge and her stand was full of current and brand new pieces which was very exciting to see.
Here are a few I think you’ll love:
When I popped over to say hi, I was very kindly gifted these beautiful black hoop earrings with silver glitter studs and atomic star design. They are immense! I can’t tell you how in love I am with these. Obviously, I had to get home and try them on straight away with something semi glam.
And the adorable heart sweet <3 Aren’t they just the best?! Meeting Rachel in person (and her lovely Mumma) was one of my personal highlights from the show. Please go and have a look at her site and show her some love on Instagram. Her pieces were also worn by the Collectif models as they came down the catwalk (see if you can spot them on one of the catwalk pics above), which was a really special moment to watch Rachel experience. I was so excited for her!
I had the best time as always at London Edge and was very lucky to receive some goodies from the Kat Von D stand (mini lipstick and tattoo liner) along with the guide and bag which I always keep as they’re super useful (all hail reusing your bags!). I’m really looking forward to being at the next one – if you see me, come say hi! I hope you’ve enjoyed my tour around and have found a few ‘oh my gawd, I need that!’ items, because…. ya know, I can’t be the only one throwing all my cash at them this season, we all need to be skint ha x
Making like a Boss at the Business Booth -
Collectif AW19 Collection
The awesome new Lookbook is now live at Collectif for this season (see here) so I thought I’d drop a few real life photos in for you to see what they look like close up and personal, which can sometimes show a little more detail than the editorial pics. I already previewed some of the collection back in January (see here) but I’ll include the rest of the photos you can see in the Lookbook now they’re live which I’ve been dying to share with you!
So, firstly is the Alice in Wonderland inspired collection. This is just so cute. I love a good toadstool!
Claudia In Wonderland Cape Coat Reverse side is the Cheshire Cat smile! Peta in Wonderland Dress This matching Wonderland Cardigan will also be coming soon, On to the Blackwatch tartan which is just dreamy. I have this myself and will review it fully shortly. Blackwatch tartan IS winter. The Dolores dress has velvet buttons added this year too which is a really lovely addition.
Caterina Blackwatch Dress Next up is the gorgeous Caroline Cape. This was a staple in a lot of our wardrobes last year as it came in black and red previously, and I love the addition of this beautiful green.
There are some very sweet cardigan and scarf sets coming, including the Allie Woodland version which was included in the lookbook. I only photographed the geek check though so I’m including that here. They come with a matching scarf – how cool is that! And more velvet buttons <3
On to the Monet Woodland Pine Check trouser which is a lovely autumnal wide leg with a fab check and matching belt.
Next is the Courtney Polka dot occasion dress which is just fab! I love its frothy layers of tulle
Closely followed by Giselle, which is perfect for any pink princesses and guaranteed to brighten up any occasion!
The Caterina Sunset Stripes is a really lovely design. The colours are fantastic on this one.
The beautiful Bernice Plain Faux Fur Coat follows in a lovely burgundy. I really like the wide brown belt which is included too.
On to the fluffy Cara cardigan, which will be available in a few colour ways.
The we have the showstopper Sheena Leopard Cape which has a hood. It’s super cosy and fleecy with a velvet feel on the black.
The Byna Pencil Dress in black is shown next, which is a lovely stretchy bengaline and features a pretty strap detail to the front.
The Caterina Geek check dress is just fab. I love the bright yellow running through the monochrome check and anything geeky, I’m in!
The Blackwatch Pearl Coat has been seen quite a lot due to spoilers this Summer, but I’ll include it again anyway as it is a thing of beauty!
The very whimsical Aurora Occasion Swing is next which features a black chiffon overlay with balloon sleeves, pink floral embroidered roses to the neck and sleeves and pink sash belt at the waist.
The Dolores Half Sleeve Midnight Floral Swing Dress is another perfect Autumnal staple. It has those gorgeous velvet buttons again too!
I don’t have a clear photo of the June Apple Swing Dress, but you can see the design either side here (and a sneaky peek at another dress coming soon)
The matching cardigan looks like this. Will you be brave enough to take a bite? With those cute red buttons, I think you will!
The very fabulous Heather Hooded Swing Coat returns in this glorious burnt orange for Autumn.
Along with the signature style Bonnie trousers in a Pumpkin Check – the bright orange check is just amazing!
And this print is also available in a Mimi dress
I don’t have photos of the Lila Magic Mesh Skater dress, but I can tell you the spooky theme continues on other dresses, so those of you that are Halloween all year long won’t be disappointed!
The Trixie is such a popular dress and every year everyone waits to see which new designs will drop. This year, we already have the Golden Polka Dot version (available to buy here) as well as a few others to come, but the Midnight Moon appears in the Lookbook with its soft velvet and sparkly moons and stars.
The Jessie Rainbow star cardi follows, along with the Alexa Rainbow Star Swing Skirt. The multi coloured stars are so sweet on these.
I hope you’ve enjoyed browsing through the real life pics and look forward to hearing about all your AW19 purchases! I’ll share mine soon too. Feel free to add your comments about this season to the bottom ↓
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Collectif Previews at London Edge (Part 3 AW19)
Welcome to the final instalment of the London Edge Previews! Today we’re taking a little glimpse at what this year’s Autumn Winter collection has in store for us – and with the current climate, it feels super cosy to be looking at warm woollens and sumptuous velvets!
I’ll do a proper round up of this collection much nearer launch, but for now here are a few sneak peeks to satisfy your curiosities.
As many have already seen on social media, the magnificent Pearl returns in the most gorgeous blackwatch tartan (the same one as the dress I wore to London Edge so I was perfectly matching!) with a splendid black fur trim.
Blackwatch tartan Pearl There were other pearls too, but the most striking outerwear for me was actually this beautiful full length black, velvet, cape. It has the most fabulously soft, leopard fur, lining – glamour and warmth are my favourite things combined! I love that it’s rather unassuming at first glance, but with a swish of your cape, the striking leopard print would be revealed. All the drama!
Leopard lined velvet cape There are some great themed lines coming too. Indeed, it seems like Team Collectif have heard the callings of all those Halloween babes! I know for some of you, Halloween is all year round, not just October, so you will be able to fill your boots with all the goodies to come! I love this cute tee!
Spooky Babe Tee There were lots of moons, stars, cats and black – including this dress with flocked detail and so many other amazing designs you gals are going to adore!
Flocked dress Another awesome theme coming in the Autumn will be…… Alice in Wonderland! This range is amazing and you will be all over these, I’m sure. Just look at the Claudia cape coat with the Cheshire Cat grin on the back! The toadstools are everything <3
Alice In Wonderland Claudia Cape Coat Cheshire Cat grin As well as the themed collections, we have staples coming in many more prints and shades – the knitwear is amazing and so thick and warm! This fun star print swing dress was a winner for me too. Who doesn’t love being showered with rainbow stars? Yes, please!
Star Print However, Autumn Winter usually means only one thing for me, evening dresses! Bring on the glitz and glamour! I was absolutely bowled over by the variety of occasion wear we have to look forward to (including our beloved new Trixies) – though the biggest delight for me, came from seeing the rerelease of this stunning gown, the Ingrid (seen here in Jade).
Ingrid Jade Dress This has the most beautiful draping and is such an elegant dress with a classic 30’s shape. Cut on the bias, this is very flattering for lots of ladies and I’m sure it will be just as popular again.
Ingrid Front. Photo by Collectif Clothing Ingrid – back detail (photo by Collectif Clothing) The Bright & Beautiful range didn’t disappoint with the new Astrids (which are fast becoming a favourite of mine), especially this one with flashes of electric blue on deep maroon
Bright & Beautiful Astrid And Lulu Hun also excelled – these boots will be in everyone’s baskets, I’m sure! Glittery, leopard print flocked, DM style boots. What else do you need?!
Lulu Hun Winter Boots I hope you’ve enjoyed a quick twirl around next winter’s fashions and the previous two parts of the London Edge series (here and here). While I was at the show, I asked about events, (which had been mentioned previously at the 18th birthday party), and was told that we have an awesome Summer one to look forward to (though this will be earlier rather than later), so I hope to see you all there in your new season stock for more fun and frolics!
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Collectif Previews at London Edge (Part 2 Menswear)
Hi lovelies, hope you enjoyed Part 1 of the previews which showcased some very lovely things coming this season (spring/summer 19). Today it’s time to talk about Menswear! Yes, you heard right, the Collectif team have worked their magic and summoned up an awesome array of menswear for the men in our vintage lives (and the ladies, some pieces will crossover well).
Vintage styled menswear is sadly lacking currently so this whole collection is really going to fill that gap in the market, and it’s very reasonably priced too. I was so impressed with the range, here’s a few snippets for your viewing pleasure (there will be many more coming).
Knitwear & Plaid Shirts Everyone loves a checked shirt! There were lots of lovely plaids to choose from and some atomic, argyle and mod themed knitwear.
Cardis & Polo necks For a more relaxed look, I loved the tshirt range featuring the Collectif ‘C’ embroidered logo. Great under a blazer with turned up jeans.
Tshirts Formal and fun shirts were available too. The wing tipped collar is a really nice detail
Wing tip shirts A selection of casual jackets to match was also included in the collection. The linings were really nice (each one a little different) and some had matching scarves!
Light Jackets I particularly liked these checked blazers too and short trench style coats.
Blazers & Coats We will have to wait a little longer for the launch of this range which will be due in the summer, but there should be pieces starting to trickle in by Easter. I can’t wait, it’ll be the perfect one-stop shop for you guys and dolls! No more partners sitting in the shoe area at Camden while their gals try on pretties – he can be browsing the rails for himself while he waits instead! What a great summer we have to look forward to.
Part 3 of the London Edge previews will be coming shortly, with a glimpse at some Autumn/Winter wear. Subscribe to the blog below and you’ll be notified of the new post and see it all first!
EDIT: Part 3 is now live! you can read it here
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Collectif Previews at London Edge January 2019 Part 1
Hello lovelies, it’s that time again! I had the pleasure of attending London Edge at the weekend and ogling all the new pretties heading our way – my goodness, wall to wall fabulousness!
Collectif at London Edge 2019 It was so great to see everyone there and catch up with all the staff, models and stockists. I wore my Winona Slither dress with the Carmella coat I bought in the sale – she is divine! With black Lulu Hun Mara shoes upon my feet, I was head to toe in Collectif!
La Petite Pinup at London Edge 2019! So, what have we got to look forward to? Well, everything! Basically, we will all be broke for the next year because we’ll be buying all the new Spring/Summer pieces and the amazing Autumn/Winter collection. I’d already seen SS19 at last year’s London Edge and have a few pieces already (see here), so I was really looking forward to previewing AW19 and the brand new Menswear range – and oh happy days, it didn’t disappoint! There’s so much I want to share with you that I’ll have to break this up into three parts (SS19, Menswear and AW19).
There are some amazing summer prints heading our way, with pretty pastels as well as bold primary colours too. Faithful staples like the Dolores and Caterinas return in new colourways as well as a whole new range of exciting tops and dresses…and the all important swimwear!
Swimwear launched very recently at Collectif with the Playful Promises collaboration. It’s great to see two independent brands teaming up to produce such a pinup perfect collection! My favourites are the leopard print swimsuit and bikini and the green palm bikini. In a couple of months, more of the collection will be available, including these gorgeous items:
Parrot bikini Flamingo swimsuit Watermelon bikini The Watermelon bikini is awesome! I love the cupped styles and some also have light padding in too for extra support. They’re perfect for lounging around a pool with a cocktail in hand at your next beach holiday! I am also considering pairing the leopard swimsuit with slacks to wear for an evening look.
Moving on to separates, there are a dazzling array of new tops coming this spring, including all of these:
Bardot and slash neck style tops The bardot and slash neck tops are such a great addition as they’re such a staple for a retro gal’s wardrobe. You can pair them with anything and instantly feel a little rockabilly. I like wearing mine with capris or wide leg trousers, circle or pencil skirts or under dungarees (check my instagram for styling ideas as I wear these a lot).
There’s also a return to the light sweater tops which are so perfect for spring. These Wendy tops are so reminiscent of the era. I really hope a matching cardigan will come in the future too as twin sets are a personal favourite of mine.
Lovely light sweaters for spring An alternative to the Dolores tops which I know you are all big fans of, is this lovely gypsy style top with elasticated sleeves and button front will be available in a lovely light cotton in black or white. This is going to be great to slip on with anything.
Pretty elasticated sleeve tops I love broderie anglaise for summer and so I was delighted to see it on a Sammy shirt. Sammy shirts go so well with denim, light trousers or shorts. The tie detail at the front is great for a pinup feel with a bandana in your hair, and I also like to tuck the waist ties into trousers for a slightly tailored look. This one is available on the site to buy now.
Sammy blouse The Amanda top was very popular last year and it’s returning in a beautiful, vibrant, red this year! I know this will make a lot of you very happy. I have this in last year’s navy and the button feature at the shoulder is just darling.
Amanda top The biggest new addition was the range of tshirts which are coming! Yes, you heard it right, tshirts! Such cute retro themed designs which you’ll be able to tuck in or over cute denim on casual days. I adore these and will need the whole set.
Retro tshirts Speaking of denim, these sweetheart dungaree shorts and button feature jeans really stood out for me. I love the detailing with the brown buttons at the top.
Denim Dungaree Shorts Button denims Moving on to skirts, I loved this new red style which has deep front pockets with a covered button and is begging to be paired with the slash neck stripey tops or a bardot.
Red swing skirt The Jasmines are a style I’ve always really liked as they suit so many of us, whatever the size or shape and a full gathered skirt is a perfect 50’s pick. The fruity fun of recent years continues with limes. There’s also a Jade dress in this print and a matching cardigan (we all love a matching cardi!).
Jasmine Lime Skirt Jessie Lime Cardi The fabulous knitwear continues with the ever gorgeous Chrissie jumpers. This season features the amazing palm print detail to the shoulders in a muted green.
Chrissie Palm Sweater Now, it’s time for the dresses! The Cecilia Lemon print from last year (I have the pencil version of this and it’s beautiful!) has been added to the Dolores collection and as a full swing Cecilia. These look so pretty and the fabric is lovely. Definitely one (or two) to add to your wish list! As you can see from the photo, there’s also a matching lemon cardigan coming too which pairs exquisitely.
Dolores Lemon Dress Cecilia Lemon Dress & Lemon Cardi Following on from my previous post about the new Jemima dress, the mini polka dots are being extended to the Dolores range! So if Jemima isn’t quite right for you, grab this print in the Dolores.
Mini Polka Dot Dolores This red palm tree print is stunning and will be available as the Dolores shown here, but also in other styles too and in a range of colours. It’s a perfect summer print!
Dolores in red palm print For the Caterina fans, there are new shades like this beautiful pale grey, , a large blue check and a pink and blue check too which are so 50’s!
Grey Caterina Blue check Caterina Pink/Blue Check Caterina There’s some radiant sunshine yellow pieces this season too, including the Aria shirt dress with a fresh new look. I love everything yellow – it brightens up even the coolest of summer days!
Aria in Yellow The Ocean Map wrap dress is very cool (there are a few other styles in this print available online here), teamed with the matching mermaid cardigan.
Ocean Map Dress Mermaid Cardigan I also really like this light cotton cactus dress and the totally bananas Lorena (so fun!).
Cactus Dress Lorena Bananas Dress One of my all time faves from last year , the Wanda (I have it in green and the black/white polka dot version already), returns in pastel pink, woohoo!
Wanda in Pink I’m also a big Outlaw jacket fan and have 3 of the previous styles, but I know this shell pink version will really appeal to the pastel princesses out there!
Outlaw Shell Pink Jacket The accessories and shoes this season are also off the scale! They’ve really outdone themselves! So many colourful jewellery sets, belts, bags, hair pieces and fantastic summer sandals!
Accessories for days! I mean, look at these iridescent mermaid shoes and matching bag!!
Accessories for a Modern Mermaid Shell detail I particularly love the cute cactus bag, which is also coming in a natural shade.
Wicker Cactus bag And I am always a fan of a novelty sandal and a gingham ballet shoe for summer outfits
Novelty sandals in every colour Crab sandals & bag to match my Josie skirt! Gingham summer flats The gingham continues with these sweet wedges and matching bag. I think the bag would match the black and white Suzanne and June dresses I bought last year too.
Gingham wedge and matching bag As always, this is only a snippet of my own picks, and there will be so much more coming, so if we don’t have the same tastes, rest assured, there will be something coming which will totally grab you!
So many choices! There’s something for everyone <3 I hope you’ve enjoyed the little preview of the new collection and parts 2 and 3 will be coming up shortly with menswear and autumn/winter, so subscribe below to be notified of the new posts going live x
Edit: Part 2 is now live and available to read here and Part 3 can now be found here.
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London Edge
I was lucky enough to go to London Edge last month and catch a glimpse of all the Spring/Summer collections from the top leading brands in the alternative fashion industry.
Having been an avid fan of Collectif for years, I obviously made a beeline for their stand and set up camp for quite some time admiring all the new prints and pieces! Dolls, you are going to love what’s coming!
From their classic staples, like polka dots and ginghams, to pastel border prints and holographic jackets – there is truly something for everyone.
Ice Cream Dress and Pastel Rainbow Skirt The ice cream dress has just launched I’m happy to say! Go grab one while you can (I have one winging its way to me).
Collectif Holographic Jacket, gingham shirt and pastel blue Maddie trousers A little note about all the gorgeous new prints which you’ll notice as you start to receive them is they all have the Collectif brand logo on them now. Hidden pretty well in a complimentary colour, when I asked about this (as I don’t normally like having the brand on my clothing), I was told it’s to prevent copies being made using their prints, which I completely understood and support.
Along with the SS18 collection, there was a good selection of the Autumn/Winter season to preview and the pic above is from that. Full of vibrant reds, greens and blacks, along with some really gorgeous autumnal and cool novelty prints. Lots of new coats which I am a huge fan of (already owning quite a few) in maroon, black and red, a red Anjelica velvet dress (this is a must have dress which I adore and have in the black already), a black velvet caped coat with stars on (to match the velvet star printed full length dress they’ll be launching). We will be truly spoilt!AW18 goodies Autumnal prints with woodland scenes Velvet Star Cape Coat Matching dress Also on display were the accessories by Lulu Hun and Collectif. My favourites included a palm and lobster bag, novelty sandals and the cute watermelon umbrella.
Here are a few more pics from the day with the SS18 collection on the rails – enjoy!
