• Lucy Buttercup Playsuit [Bright & Beautiful at Collectif]

    This season has seen the return of the romper and I for one have been loving it! For someone that never used to get their legs out, I seem to have made up for it the past few months. Maybe lockdown has unleashed a devil may care attitude in me?! I’m just so enamoured by the Lucy Playsuit by Bright & Beautiful which oozes 60s style.

    Bright and Beautiful is one of Collectif’s sister brands, and whereas Collectif usually incorporates the styles of the 40s and 50s, Bright & Beautiful looks to the 60s and 70s for inspiration. There are always a few pieces from the collection which I fall in love with and this season it’s been their flower power influences which have caught my eye.

    The Lucy playsuit features a gorgeous bespoke print of yellow and white flowers with green accents and the floral print is so delicate but so summery.  There are round, white, buttons to fasten at the front (there’s no zip on this playsuit) and a matching white belt with circular buckle. No holes in the belt though to keep it staying put which is a bit of a shame but I tend to use Velcro dots on these kind of belts which do the trick.

    It’s a sleeveless shirt style to the front with a large, pointy, notched collar to the front which finishes in quite a low V on the bust. I don’t usually wear things that low, but heck, it’s so warm, I don’t care anymore! ha. I’ll maybe sew in a popper when I’m feeling more demure but for now, boobs are a go! This is especially handy for those with larger busts as there’s plenty of room and the fabric has stretch to it too.

    The shorts part of the playsuit are really comfortable to wear. The playsuit is fitted but the shorts get a little wider to the hem and they’re really flattering. They’re the perfect length for me but will come up a little shorter for taller/average height ladies remember. It’s also true to size I found. There’s stretch in the cotton so it’s a great fit but as it’s a fitted shirt style, bustier ladies may need to size up or those with full waists. 

    This is the perfect little mod inspired playsuit for Summer and you can pick it up over at SilkFred for £54.00. Limited sizes are now available as it has been super popular (it’s out of stock on the Collectif website). So if you like it, grab it!

    I’m also wearing Lulu Hun Lily wedges with this outfit which are a great staple for Summer. They’re so comfortable to wear and I have them in most colours now. This bold yellow pair work great with so much of my summer wardrobe.

    I actually size down in this style as I have a narrow foot and find them a little large in my normal size. If you have a wider foot, don’t size down and you may actually need to size up. I love the diamond cut out pattern which is so reminiscent of true vintage styles and the low wedge gives that extra elevation for a more glamorous look even on casual days. They’re available in sizes 3-8 (36-41) and cost £45.00.

    Such a perfect combo with the playsuit and I love that they’re pu rather than leather. Are you a playsuit fan? They’re so easy to slip on when the weather is roasting but instantly give that vintage vibe from a bygone era. I hope more appear in Spring/Summer 2022 collections too with lots more colours, fingers crossed! x

     

    For reference:
    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and the Bright & Beautiful range and wearing a size 6 in the photos above. I’m 4’11” and wearing 2 3/4 inch heels. My measurements are 33:24:33.

    Also wearing: 
    Earrings and Bangles: All Splendette
    Shoes: Lulu Hun
    Hair Flower: Miss Bella’s Blooms
    Necklace: Thrifted

     

     

     

     

  • Collectif Menswear Preview SS20

    The fabulous new Menswear collection is still to launch at Collectif as of yet (coming very soon though), and if you want to see what’s in store this season, have a look at my previous post here from way back in January.

    Today we’ll be looking at what’s to come next year with a sneaky preview of their Spring and Summer 2020 designs! Very exciting. I was blown away by the new line and the cool prints and fab co-ords don’t stop this year!

    First up we have this awesome array of tiki inspired shirts with short sleeves – who doesn’t love a Hawaiian shirt?!

    In a range of colours and tropical prints, these shirts feature wide collars and a pocket to the front. They ooze 50’s summer tiki vibes. Perfect for casually lounging by a pool or summer barbeques back in old Blighty.

     

    Next up are these raglan baseball tops which come in a few different colours (same print). I love a good raglan top and wish they came in my size too! Definitely unisex if you fancy one for yourself gals! it’s not all about the boys 😉

     Moving on to knitwear, I just died when I saw this! There are a couple of utterly fantastic light knits with the best novelty designs ever!

    A cowboy passing a giant cactus, with a sky filled with atomic stars and a spaceship? Yes please! Just the coolest thing ever.

    The last piece I have to show you is this nifty denim shirt. I love the winged stitching, the buttoned pockets and the wide collar. Perfect to throw on over any tee with some black workwear boots.

    On to accessories now, and they really have excelled in this too, offering a wide variety of co-ordinated fifties/sixties fashion forward styles. This man bag ties the look together well and is big enough to pop all of your other half’s lipstick, phone and accoutrements in as well 😉

    I really like the design of this – how it looks a little like a flight bag/suitcase with it’s faux wrap around straps. This is coming in a couple of colour options and I believe it’s leather (not for the vegan among us).

    Finally, I really liked this style of wallet too. Again, it is leather so hopefully they’ll do a faux version in seasons to come.

    Rivets and chains add some nice details to this. 

    So guys, next time you’re dragged into a Collectif store by your gal, you don’t have to make a beeline for the nearest coffee shop or stand waiting outside the changing room endlessly…..you can be browsing your very own collection! Lucky boys, enjoy!

    Look out for the next instalment of the previews for Spring/Summer 2020 which will be Lulu Hun and Bright & Beautiful. Subscribe below to be notified of new posts first and feel free to leave a little comment on the blog below too about what your thoughts are for the upcoming designs x

  • 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