• VE Day OOTD

    Happy VE Day you gorgeous lot! I hope you’re able to celebrate in any small way you can during lockdown – be it bunting in your kitchen, or socially distanced garden parties with neighbours on your street. 

    Uncharacteristically, I’m not in a dress for a change! Instead, I’ve chosen a land girl inspired look with a modern twist and 50’s details (as stylistically, that’s my preferred era to wear) for my celebrations. In keeping with the red, white and blue theme and a nod towards the brilliant ladies of the Women’s Land Army, I’ve gone with the Voodoo Vixen Jasmine Overalls. 

    They have the cutest polka dot print over denim blue and sweet details like the sweetheart neckline, handy (and deep) pockets and a flattering cropped length. 

    The straps are adjustable and can be crossed over at the back. I bought a size 6 and the sizing guide states they’re true to size. Personally, I found they came up a little large on me, but not so much that I can’t work with it. I really love them and they’re super comfortable to wear. They could easily be dressed up or down and I picked out the Maria Hawaiian blouse by RocknRomance to wear underneath.

    The blouse is super light  and can be worn either tucked in as I have here, or tied at the front (cleverly, the ends are button free so this can be achieved easily). The tiki inspired print is so pretty and the collar can be worn up or down depending on your mood and is also available in other colours and styles. I also have the dress version of this print in a couple of colours, which is just adorable. If you haven’t found yourself browsing their site before, it’s definitely worth having a look. I found their customer service to be really good too – friendly interactions and speedy replies and delivery.

    My new Tonya shoes by Lulu Hun were the perfect choice to complete this outfit with its red, white and blue stripes!

    The wedge heel is so comfortable to wear and the style is just incredible. I love Lulu Hun for shoes. I bought my usual size but could have sized down. I have narrow feet though, so for those that have a wider foot, don’t size down. The ankle strap is in the contrasting pale shade and has a normal buckle, not the hoop over type. They’re so bright and fun, I adore these shoes and I’m seriously considering buying more colours.

    What will you be wearing? I can’t wait to see all the photos of everyone’s events. We may not be together, but we’re united with respect for the fallen and all efforts made which afford us our normal freedoms. Take care, be safe and have fun! xx

    Also wearing:
    Bangles – Splendette
    Necklace and Sunnies – Collectif
    Hair Flowers – pink piece by Miss Bella’s Blooms
    Pins – Erstwilder

  • Collectif is all grown up! 18th Birthday Celebrations

    A couple of weeks ago I had the great pleasure of attending the Collectif 18th birthday party (held on the 25th November). From humble beginnings on a stall at Camden Market, the brand has flourished during those years and now boasts a sucessful online store shipping worldwide, international stockists, and shops in Brighton, Spitalfields, Commercial Street and of course where it all began, Camden. 

    To celebrate this massive achievement, Collectif hosted an extravaganza at their Camden shop and FEST. With tickets snapped up fast including hair and make up at the event, I bagged a silver ticket for £20 which included a free dress (I chose the absolutely gorgeous Maica green velvet dress which fits like a dream!).  What an amazing deal those tickets were! It also included a free drink at the shop (sponsors Sailor Jerry saw to that!) and a pink cocktail at FEST which was particularly yummy.

    I headed to the shop early to have a browse (you can’t go to Collectif without buying something, right?!) and picked up a Jasmine skirt I’d been after which was no longer available on their website (woohoo!), then had a mingle with the staff and ladies starting to trickle in for the celebrations. 

    Serving rum, donuts and cupcakes at the Camden store – delish!

    There was live entertainment outside the shop, with fabulous groups like the Victory Sisters, the Tootsie Rollers and Britain’s Got Talent finalists, the D-Day Darlings bringing cheer to the crowds in the crisp night air. I went over to FEST to be met by the delightful Collectif team (all looking fabulous in their Collectif finery), and joined the ladies that had been coiffed to perfection while we waited for the evening events to start, chatting amidst exquisitely dressed stables and everyone dazzling in their Collectif frocks (honestly, everyone looked stunning!).

    Fest Stables hair and make up stations

    It wasn’t long until the doors opened to the main stage and everyone gathered on the dancefloor to listen to the launch of the birthday party. The live music started and we were treated to The Danny Mcvey Trio, more Tootsie Rollers, D-Day Darlings and Victory Sisters.  It was a delight to see the SwingDancers burning up the floor with their awesome moves! I really must learn how to dance one day.

    The Swingdancers in full swing with live music from the Danny McVey Trio

    The evening was peppered with talented acts in between the fabulous musical numbers, featuring burlesque and drag performers Lolo Brow, Meth and Tigress.

    Lolo Brow’s Burlesque performance

    The Mythical Menagerie team were there too, sprinkling us all with a friendly dusting of unicorn sparkles.

    Bedazzled with my bestie by some unicorn friends

    There were some truly moving moments too – just looking out over the hundreds of guests and feeling the love and warmth in the room, the sheer joy of everyone being who they are (most apparant when the song ‘This is Me’ came on), lifting each other up in confidence and enjoying each other’s company – things this brand stands for and prides themselves on. It was a very magical evening.

    The dancefloor was filled with revelry. So many gorgeous ladies (and gents!)
    Fest fabulousness!
    Myself (far right) with the beautiful Bella from Collectif (second left) and our friends

    Later on the MD made a rousing speech and commended his wonderful team of staff that help make the brand what it is. I had spoken to the MD a few times that evening and he wanted guests to know how grateful he was to have such a brilliant team, and that they really are what makes the company. I have to say I agree, as the Collectif team go all out for their customers and it was lovely to hear an MD recognise the efforts of all members of his workforce – be it customer facing or behind the scenes. If you’ve ever been to a store you’ll know how awesome the staff make you feel when you’re trying something on; if you buy online, they’ll try to get it to you as quickly as possible and work extra hours to make this happen, and if you’ve ever had an unfortuate issue with something not working, the customer service team just want to make you happy and rectify it as soon as possible. As well as the many others like the creative teams and office staff that all make up the amazing Collectif family.

    It was also very exciting to hear him promise more events going forward and a pop up shop near the Head Office was the start of these last week. Keep an eye on the facebook page Events section for the latest updates, can’t wait for more of these types of things next year!

    I was also given a little insight into how the company decides what to make and who we are as customers. I absolutely loved this as I have a Marketing background so I found it incredibly fascinating. Customer engagement and listening to feedback was clearly evident here and hugely impressive.

    It was such a well organised and fun night and I had an incredible time, as did everyone I spoke to (it was great to meet so many of you!). I’m thankful to Collectif for building such a fantastic community, caring about their customers so much and continuing to design the most fabulous clothes which suit everyone, regardless of age, gender, size etc. We all looked and felt amazing, and that’s what it’s all about. 

    See you next year!

    ps for my outfit info click here and for further photos from that night, follow Collectif’s instagram tag #collectif18