• Collectif Autumn Winter 23 Preview

    It’s been a joy to get back down to the Big Smoke and see the folks at Collectif again after such a long time. Although we’ve just started Spring/Summer 2023 and we’re being teased with goodies from that collection every week which I can’t wait to get my hands on, I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some of the new season stock for Autumn/Winter 2023. It will be influenced more by the 1940s instead of the usual 1950s inspiration, but I know a lot of people will be really happy with the increase in 40s items coming to the brand. There will still be some 50s though, so don’t be disheartened if that’s your thing!

    So as it’s still pretty chilly here in Old Blighty, let’s have a little sneaky peek at what’s to come later on in the year. I’ll begin with an old favourite which has had a revamp…..the Alexandria!

    This 40s inspired shirt dress has had a few reincarnations over the years but is always a firm staple. It’s returning in burgundy with the trademark pin tuck details to the front and shoulders with classic elbow length sleeves, but the skirt is now much less full and hangs beautifully, making it a really versatile piece for every day wear for a modern vintage look. It also has pockets! Pop a little cardi or jacket over the top and you’re good to go.

    I also really liked these 1940’s style corduroy trousers with their cute button details on the front and wide, winged, pockets.

    They’re wide legged and fasten with a side zip. So comfortable and easy to wear with knitted tops for the weekend or with a blouse for work. 

    And for those infatuated with 50s vibes and a cute novelty print, I believe the Wild Berry Fields print is coming back in the form of a swing Caterina for AW23!

    This woodland design is so sweet and everyone loves a swing Caterina – what’s not to love about a shirt style dress in an autumnal print when the season starts to shift to brown and orange tones.

    Also on the mid century scale is the Eloise Acres Check pinafore dress which features a fabulous bib top, full swing skirt and has pockets!

    I just love the moss green colour of this check and the buttons go really well with it.

    A new design for next season will be the Penelope Wallflower dress.

    Delicate peach and cream flowers bud from this pretty green dress and features a shawl collar and sleeves with turned up cuffs. It’s a swing style and has a matching belt which isn’t captured in the photo.

    Another new style coming later in the year will be the Diva dress.

    Such a great evening piece to attend your autumn/winter events in. The drape is delicious and falls so elegantly. The velvet is different to those previously used and a little lighter for this slinky number which is perfect for this style of dress enabling it to fall effortlessly. There’s a deep v shape to the front and beautiful shoulder details with fixed ties that fall either side and accentuate the freedom of movement that the dress has.  I can’t wait to swish about in this one!

    I also saw some previews of what’s to come for Spring/Summer 23 and we are in for a treat! I can’t wait for them to launch and for the better weather to be here so we can all prance about in our pretty Collectif prints during Summer before diving into this amazing Autumn/Winter selection! Great things ahead!

    I hope you’ve enjoyed having a little look at what’s to come and let me know which are your favourites! x

     

     

  • Collectif Summer Party Competition & Outlet Sale!

    Over the next couple of weeks there are some very exciting events happening at Collectif! In order not to miss out, here’s all the info you’ll need to make sure you’re ready and raring to go for some early Summer fun and frolics!

    Firstly, on the 1st and 2nd of June, there’s the next Outlet Sale – these are amazing and you can pick up so many bargains for just a few pounds.

    I did a full review of the last one in February, but this one promises to be even bigger and better with twice the stock! This blows my mind as the last one was full to the brim with goodies. Please make sure you take a drink with you as you may need to queue (it’s a very popular event) and try not to all arrive at once – use the Sunday too as they restock all the time.  There is a curtained off changing area in the back of the room if you need to check the fit. I bought £2 necklaces and dresses from £5-£15, consisting of either previous stock (which I’d been lusting after but thought it had gone forever), or there are limited edition and current and new sample stock items too which are little gems scattered through the rails – such a lucky duck if you find one of those! Sizes available are 6-22, there’s something for everyone. If the rails are looking a bit bare after the first deluge of shoppers, hang in there and wait as they get restocked all the time and more will be coming!

    It’s a great day out and right by the Excel, easy enough to find if you catch the DLR to Custom House, then head straight down the concourse as far as it goes, walk down the steps and turn immediately right. You will probably see a queue forming outside Collectif Head Office so it will be obvious which building it is, but if you don’t and you’re one of the first, it has this signage outside and is just past the Fox bar and restaurant. Remember it’s card payments only, gals!

    There are stairs going down into the warehouse as you can see, so if you have mobility issues, or you’re taking a pram, head to the back of the building instead and call Collectif on 07482017812 and a staff member will help you.

    The week after the Outlet Sale, it’s time to put on your glad rags and join me at the Summer Party!

    Held on the 9th June (Sunday), it’s set to be another night of dazzling entertainment, packed full of like minded vintage-lovin’ ladies, filling the space with love and laughter. The last one (for their 18th birthday celebrations) was spectacular and everyone had such an amazing time. You can find all the info about what to expect here as I blogged about it afterwards, but rest assured, you’re in for the most fabulous treat!

    So much fun at the last shindig!

    It costs just £10 for a ticket (purchase here) and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win £300 worth of Collectif vouchers! Eep, exciting huh?! Very best of luck, ladies! All tickets also include a huge 50% discount at the Camden store for that evening! So if there’s something you have your eye on, it’ll be the ideal time to pick it up. Heck, who am I even kidding, I never need an excuse to buy something from the Camden store at the best of times – it’s like an Aladdin’s Cave to me, filled with so many gorgeous things whispering ‘buy me’ every time I go in! The staff at the store are just the loveliest girls too, you will always receive the best customer service there.

    If you fancy a little vintage makeover before the party, you can select from two other types of ticket – the first is £28 and includes taster hair OR make up, and the second costs £39 and includes both taster hair AND make up. The taster hair includes a half pinned up style (like victory rolls, faux bangs, a beehive etc) and the taster make up consists of lips, eyes and brows. It’s such a great deal as you’ll be primped and preened by the wonderful team from Le Keux Vintage who are experts in making pin-up perfection dreams come true. Appointments are available between 2.45 and 6pm and need to be booked via the normal ticket system (Le Keux will contact you to arrange a time after booking). Click on the photo to be redirected to book.

    Get ready to become perfectly coiffed by the Le Keux team!

    Amidst the fabulous entertainment provided by artists such as The Tootsie Rollers, House of BurlesqueLolo Brow and Swing Dance UK, there will also be a catwalk show showcasing the awesome new Menswear line (for sneaky peeks, see my preview here for a glimpse of some of the goodies you’ll see) and a photobooth – and who doesn’t love a photobooth?!

    Please note that this event will be held at Gabeto which is just opposite the Collectif Camden store in the Stables Market. I look forward to seeing you there and dancing the night away with you all again – come say hi if you see me! x