• Collectif Pick of the Sale!

    With the January sale still in full swing and payday drawing close, it’s the perfect time to try a few pieces and save so much money! There’s still quite a lot to choose from so if you’re on a budget, or just fancy a bargain, have a look at the sales area to see what you can snag!

    I usually go for dresses but these separates are such a great combo and perfect to brighten up grey days.

    I’d had my eye on this yellow Maya polo top for a while and I’m so glad I have it now as it’s a great little knit and perfect for layering and then going into Spring with its 3/4 length sleeves. The buttons on the front are faux and just for decoration as they don’t open, but it adds interest to the top.  It has plenty of stretch and it fits really well. There’s a v shape to the pattern on the front which you can still see when tucked in and adds a nice extra detail.

    I love a really bright pop of colour (bet you couldn’t tell that!) so I paired it with the Jasmine Rainbow Wave skirt. The skirt has obligatory pockets (yay!) and the coolest of designs with its curvy colours whirling around the skirt. What’s not to love?! I added a petticoat in the photos above as it’s a full swing and has plenty of room for one underneath but in this photo, I removed the underskirt to show you there’s still a nice shape with the Jasmine just on its own.

    I mixed and matched a few pieces to build a small winter sale capsule wardrobe and swapped out the polo top for the warmer Machi Wave jumper.

    I sized up in the jumper but needn’t have, it’s a great fit and true to size. The custom design flows horizontally on the jumper which makes a great clash of colours with the vertical waves of the skirt – I do love a good clash! 

    This is a great buy and the jumper will go well with so many other things in my wardrobe so it’s a new staple!

    Next up is the Atomic Harlequin Caterina Pencil Dress.

    As a pattern, I absolutely adore anything harlequin although I wasn’t sure about the muted colours in this one when I first saw it launch. However, sale time is a great excuse to try things out and I’m so glad I did as the pattern is so pretty! I really love the variety of soft greens and the black and white breaks it up perfectly.

    I’ve always been a fan of the shirt style Caterina and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. The buttons open at the front (no zip on this one) and it comes with a matching notched belt. It’s true to size and has some stretch in the fabric.  To make it winter-friendly, I added the Kimberley Bolero (which is actually a cardigan) and this little number definitely keeps you nice and toasty. It’s super soft too and features delicate domed buttons to the front. I always size up in cardigans and did with this one too which was a perfect snuggly fit. The length is cropped to accentuate the waist and looks great on anything cinched in or high waist jeans.

    All shirt styles need a good v shaped cardigan to go over for added warmth and the Kimberley fits the bill perfectly. I hope these return in more colours as I already have a few, but some brights would be amazing.

    On to a dress I wouldn’t normally choose because it’s a shortie – and yes, I know that sounds odd coming from someone who’s petite! I don’t usually go for shorter lengths but the pattern on this one is super sweet with its stardust stripes and again, I wouldn’t usually go for something in reds and pinks as they clash with my hair – but I’m actually enjoying the clash and whenever I wear red, I’m always reminded I should wear more of it instead of shying away!

    The Gosia Starburst Stripes Dress has a square neck and the cutest puffed and elasticated sleeves.

    The skirt is full and you could fit a petticoat underneath (I’m not wearing one) but it would need to be a shorter one. There’s a zip to the back and I added a belt to cinch my waist in (the belt doesn’t come with the dress, this is from one of my other Collectif frocks). The fit is great and true to size and it even has side pockets. It’s hitting just below my knee but will be shorter on taller girls so bear that in mind.

    I also tried my Kimberley on top and the sleeves fit well under it. Overall, I really like this style and it totally surprised me!

    Now last but by very no means least (as it’s my favourite of them all), it’s the Blanche Chestnut Check pencil dress and I love everything about this dress!

    It has a Dolores style top and the sleeves are elasticated to sit on or off the shoulders and feature signature decorative buttons. The wide belt with a circular buckle is a really nice alternative to the usual shape too.

    The check is a beautiful russet combination of oranges and browns and the accents like the awesome side pockets (yes, pockets!) are edged in a deep brown. The fit is brilliant and has a centre back zip – though be warned, there is zero stretch to this fabric so if you’re in between sizes on the waist, go up a size! I’ll be dressing this one up and down throughout the season and highly recommend it. If you haven’t tried a pencil dress before – try this one! I also popped my Kimberley cardi over it to see how it fits over the sleeves and it works a treat! It looks great with the sweetheart of the Blanche peeking through and most importantly, is keeping me glamorous but WARM! 

    So which were your favourites, or do you have a favourite I didn’t pick? I hope you enjoyed my sale highlights and I’ll see you again soon 🙂 xx

     

    Acknowledgements: 
    All items gifted by Collectif Clothing and the above is my own, honest, review of each item.

    Also wearing (items are my own):
    An array of Splendette and Bow & Crossbones bangles
    Earrings and necklaces by Collectif 
    Shoes by Lulu Hun and E5P

  • Aleksi Pencil Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]

    Hey gorgeous, hope your January has been full of exciting new things and possibilities! January usually drags on forever for me, but this year it’s actually skipped along at a reasonable rate – helped along obviously by adding more things to my wardrobe….I mean, that’s what Januarys are really for, right? The SALES! hehe. The Collectif sale has been in full swing and the fabulous Aleksi is currently down to an amazing £16.50! 

    The colour of this dress is so lovely. It’s described as ‘petrol’ and is a dark teal blue shade. It has the most beautiful diamond shaped neckline and half sleeves to keep you a little warmer during the colder weather. I really love the pleated panels down on the front of the dress which go down to the waist. There’s a lovely contrast with the deep red used for accents on the dress such as a double row of military style buttons (which sit on the pleats) and the matching belt. 

    The belt is removable and has a buckle fastening with holes (it’s not one of the old belts which slide about) and there’s a zip at the back for ease of getting in and out of the dress. The material is polyester and I found it quite light for an Autumn/Winter style. It would have benefited from being lined as it is very thin. Having said that, I do still love it and it looks amazing with a short jacket for a forties/fifties inspired look!

    I love this cropped Marilyn style jacket over a pencil for some 40s/50s chic

    Fit wise, I found it came up quite big for my normal size but the fabric doesn’t stretch at all – s0 that may suit us all very well after the delights of Christmas! I know it was quite forgiving for me haha. It felt more like a size up though, being wide on the top and bottom half so it may be something you want to consider when ordering. There’s plenty of room for bustier gals I would say. The length was cut on my lower calf for a nice vintage feel and there’s a small split in the back to get your wiggle in your walk.

    The Aleksi is a great style to take us into Spring and there’s also a swing version for £16.25 if pencils aren’t your preferred style (see here), which would look awesome with a deep red petticoat underneath! Both styles are available in all sizes from 6-20 (the pencil goes up to a 22). How would you style yours? x

    Additional Information:
    This item was gifted to me but all thoughts are my own and the review is my honest opinion.

    I’m a size 6 in Collectif usually and wearing a 6 in the photos above which feels more like an 8 on me. My stats are 33:24:33 and I’m 4’11” wearing 4 inch heels. 

     

    Also wearing:
    Monroe Jacket – Collectif Clothing (past season)
    Mansfield Earrings – Collectif Clothing
    Red gloves – True Vintage
    Bangles – Splendette and thrift store
    Susan Heels – Lulu Hun (past season)

  • Berta Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]

    Lovely Berta! I can’t help but feel like I’ve walked into a 50’s diner when I wear this gorgeous little number! Look at the cute styling with it’s striking white stripe down the front and shirtwaister pencil shape. It is to die for!!

    This dress gives me serious diner vibes

    I absolutely love yellow so this was always going to be an addition to brighten my summer wardrobe, but I really love the details of this dress; with the sweet puffed sleeves, cinched in waist with matching belt in white (which has holes – hurrah!) and notched collar.

    There are functional pockets to this dress too. They’re topped with a white trim to match the stripe and arrive closed as with most pockets you find on jackets etc. Just open carefully with a seam ripper et voila! Fabulous pockets which can actually fit your whole hand. What could be better?!

    The fit is spot on for me and there’s some stretch in the material should you need it. I’m wearing my normal size and it’s perfect. The length is great and hits below my knee,  on my upper calf. 

    Beautiful Berta is currently available in all sizes (6-22) at £59 and includes free delivery at the moment due to an offer running over at Collectif. So go grab this gem of a dress, I can’t recommend it enough! 

    Also wearing: 
    Bangles and Earrings: Splendette
    Brooch: Erstwilder
    Sunglasses: Old Collectif stock
    Hair Flowers: High street old stock
    Shoes: Faith (before things went wrong at Debenhams)

    For Reference:
    I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels and I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing which I’m wearing in the photos above. My measurements are 33:24:33.

  • Check, Please! Amber and Suzanne Valley Reviews [Collectif]

    So I didn’t realise just how many checks I’d ordered in the sales until they arrived ha. I guess it turns out, I really do like checks! I’m so happy with my choices though, they’re all unique in their own way and such great dresses.

    First up is the Amber Holiday Romance Pencil dress in a glorious red and white pattern.

    Lady in red!

    I have an Amber Evergreen pencil dress already from a few years ago so I sort of knew the fit to expect with this, though obviously it’s a completely different fabric so I did kinda hope for the best. As it turns out, the fabric is actually much thicker and quite firm. It’s such a great choice for the colder months and I really like it. I dream of days when all pencils will be lined but I feel like my tights will actually have more chance of not sticking to my dress with this fabric. 

    It has a wide scoop neck and half sleeves, a fitted bodice and a classic wiggle cut for added va va voom!

    It’s a lovely modest length below my knee and has a zip at the back with a hook and eye fastening. Fit wise, I’m glad I bought my normal size as it’s a good fit for me. There is some stretch in the fabric, but if you’re in between sizes you may need to size up as the waistband seam doesn’t move much. It’s a really comfortable fit for a wiggle dress. I also added a belt too to pull the waist in further and true vintage gloves to complete the look. It’s available in all sizes currently and only £15.75 with code BS50 until Sunday night!

    As well as a pencil style, there are also swing versions of this dress. I have Amber-Lea’s which have a gathered full skirt to the bottom with the same top half, but I don’t have the Amber swing so this is a new style for me and when I saw the bold print of the Amber Scholar Check Swing Dress, I just knew I had to have it! I mean, look at these colours!

    This one is a Modcloth collaboration and has the most fantastic, stand out, black, green/blue, yellow and pink check print. The style is the same as the pencil above the waistline with the wide neckline and half sleeves, but includes a full swing skirt to swoosh about in. It’s a really flattering fit and an amazing colour combination.  

    I wore it with a complimentary yellow belt and shoes with a smaller heel and it still sits nicely just below my knee so a great length for me. I bought my normal size and again that was the right choice for me. If you’re a size 18 or over make sure you check the sizing chart for the dress as Modcloth have their own sizing for these sizes. Anything under an 18 is the standard Collectif sizing. Waistbands usually have a little more stretch in the seam for the swings, I’ve found, and this is no exception. So if you’re in between sizes, you’ll be fine with your normal size for the swing version. It’s currently available in all sizes and down to £27.19 in the sale with the code. I’m absolutely delighted the collabs are included in the sale.

    Another collab I had to have but waited patiently for was the Suzanne Valley Check dress from the Top Vintage collection. It has the most glorious print in green, orange, yellow and black which brightens up any dull day! I’m a bit in love with the Suzanne dresses and admittedly already have two – the black white check, here, and I was treated to the beautiful Berry Check this Christmas from a good friend, here, but you can never have too much of a good thing! 

    It’s such a classic style with a gorgeous bateau neckline, tailored princess seams and a fitted waist. Three quarter length notched sleeves and a really full swing skirt also add to that fabulous 50’s feel.  There’s also a matching fabric belt which is one that sadly doesn’t have a buckle but I use Velcro dots to fasten it in place which is a handy tip if you struggle with these kind of belts!

    There’s a centre back zip and two lovely pockets to the side seams. I have my normal size in my other two Suzannes and they’re perfect fits so I did the same with this TopVintage collab and hit the jackpot. The length is great for me too, hitting my mid calf. Though the fabric has a small amount of stretch, there’s no stretch in the waist, so if you’re in between sizes and/or if you’re busty, you will need to size up in this one. The fabric is great for winter too, being thicker than normal – though not as thick as the Amber. A great winter staple for every vintage lovin’ gal!

    This is one of those dresses which is even better than you’d imagined and I’m so glad I managed to get my mitts on it. It’s only available in sizes 6, 8, 12 and 18 now for the sale price of £33.75, so if you can snag one, do it! Remember the sale ends midnight on Sunday and works on these TopVintage and Modcloth collab beauties x

     

    Additional info:
    I’m 4’11” and wearing 3-4 inch heels in the photos above (Susans are 4 and the yellow Juliette is 3).  I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and bought that size in all of the dresses above.

    Also wearing:
    With Amber Holiday Romance:
    Susan red heels by Lulu Hun (previous season)
    Natalie Red Necklace by Collectif
    Adore Heart Belt by Collectif (previous season)
    True vintage red gloves
    Starburst bangles by Splendette

    With Amber Scholar Check:
    Juliette shoes by Lulu Hun (previous season)
    Thrifted necklace
    High Street belt from moons ago
    Flamingo Carved Earrings in pink by Splendette 
    Bangles by Splendette and Bows & Crossbones

    With TopVintage Suzanne Valley Check:
    Susan green heels by Lulu Hun (previous season)
    Carrie Orange bag by Collectif 
    Kirin Necklace by Collectif 
    Wide Carved Bangle Set by Splendette 

  • Halette College, Brunel Safari and Pacy Velvet Dress Reviews [Collectif Clothing]

    Happy new year, beauties! With the BIG SALE fast upon us, I hope you have your wish lists at the ready! Here are a few reviews for you for a couple of items which will be in the sale and that I really recommend. First off though, is a new season dress which won’t be in the sale, but is an absolute must! It’s even better in the flesh and such a cosy dress to wear.

    The Halette College dress is a knitted style in navy and beige with a college style C on the chest. This is such a cool feature and I love it! The top is fitted and the skirt is loose, but not even a half circle so don’t expect to swoosh, but there is definitely a lovely movement in it – perfect for dancing around Grease style! And look – pockets!!

     

    It has a button up front with domed navy buttons and a matching buckled navy belt. It’s a really comfortable dress to wear and I bought my normal size which fits perfectly. If you’re quite busty, you may want to size up though with the buttons. The length was also great on me hitting my mid calf. It’s an adorable piece and well worth the investment. It’s currently available in all sizes at £59.00.

    So what should you buy in the sale? Well for one, the Brunel Safari dress is unreal! I was so excited to see this almost a year ago and it really doesn’t disappoint. If you’re like me and obsessed with safari dresses – you need this! I don’t usually wear similar colours to my skin tone but I made an exception for this one as it’s such a great design.

    The camel coloured pencil dress has concealed buttons to the front, a matching wide buckled belt and has a sharp collar for ultimate retro safari chic. The v neck is quite low for me so I may add a little popper later on but I actually really like it with the addition of a neck scarf. There are flap pockets on the bust and two pockets on the sides of the skirt.

    It’s really comfortable to wear and has a little stretch in the material. I bought my normal size and it’s spot on for sizing. The sleeves are a little long on me so I’ve shortened them, but that’s just because I’m petite and to be expected, they’ll be fine if you’re average height. It cuts on my mid calf which is a great length for me. Honestly, everyone needs one of these! It’s currently available in all sizes and doesn’t have a sticker on so should be in the sale. The current pre sale price is £65.00 and it’ll be an absolute steal in the sale!

    My next pick is the beautiful Pacy Velvet dress. I have quite a few velvet dresses from Collectif but I never tire of their amazing designs and how they make you feel.

    The Pacy is made of a gorgeous green velvet and has adjustable straps and a sweetheart neckline. The top is boned and has silicone strips to keep everything in place and make everything look fantastic! The skirt billows out into a full swing style which is immense and the best thing for swooshing, especially as it has pockets!!

    There’s also a zip at the centre back with a hook and eye to feel super secure. The fit was great on the top for me and the waist was a little larger for me as it is part of the velvets – and with the velvets you normally size down. I don’t think sizing down would have worked for my chest though, so I’m happy with my normal size and the waist leaves room for an extra pudding, which is always a good thing!

    It’s such a beautiful dress and will suit so many ladies which may have overlooked it for the more traditional velvets like Trixie and Dolores but this one offers lots of support so it’s definitely worth a fling in the sale! It’s available in all sizes except a 22 at the moment and £65.00 pre sale. So I’d recommend you snap this one up!

    Hope you all get the pieces you want in the sale, I’ll add a couple more reviews tomorrow which hopefully will help if you have any questions about the look or fit of an item. I’m also looking out for all the new Spring Summer designs which are about to hit the site and I’ll add those on the blog to review too. Have fun in your pretties and stay safe gals xx

     

    Disclaimer: Some items have been gifted. However, I only give honest opinions about the items I wear and receive and would definitely have been happy to buy them myself.

    Additional info: I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and I’m 4’11” wearing 4 inch heels.
    Also wearing: lots of lovely Splendette jewellery and Miss Bella’s Blooms hair flowers

  • Demira Gingham Daisy Pencil Dress [Collectif Clothing]

    What a great new style for the Spring/Summer 2020 collection! This bloomin’ gorgeous dress is the Demira Gingham Daisy Pencil dress and is a stand out piece – radiating happy vibes wherever you wear it!

    I managed to bag it in the sale (still currently on) having ummed and ahhed over it since it launched. I absolutely love the bold, bright, print but I was a bit concerned about the higher neckline and puffed sleeves – not things I would normally go for. I almost bought the pencil skirt instead (which is also very cute) but I’m so glad I took a punt and bought the dress – it’s a triumph!

    The puffed sleeves are elasticated and actually add a sweet detail to the top of the dress which is more conservative with a round neck. They’re comfortable on the arms and not tight at all. At the back of the dress, the neckline dips into a lovely v shape and there’s a centre back zip making this easy to get in and out of.

    I found this style to be true to size, with limited stretch at the waist, so if your widest part is there, you may want to size up. It falls on my mid calf giving a great vintage feel and accentuating that wiggle when you walk!

    I wore the Demira with accents of yellow, picked out from the daisy print. This goes really well but you could pair it with white, blue or black accessories if you preferred to be matchy matchy but not so bold with yellow. 

    To get your gingham daisy fix, this dress is still currently 50% off at £26.25 (utter bargain!) and available in all sizes. If a pencil isn’t your thing, then have a look at the other items available in this design too (available here). I’m still thinking I may need a few more pieces in this print, but if you prefer spots over gingham, then Collectif have also just launched this new polka dot design! Which will you choose? x

     

    Also wearing:

    Pineapple bag and cinch belt: Collectif Clothing
    Yellow shoes and Blue shoes: Lulu Hun
    Hair flower: Miss Bella’s Blooms
    Earrings: Bow & Crossbones
    Bangles: Splendette
    Necklace: Vintage

    For reference:
    I’m 4’11” and a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing, wearing 4 inch heels in the photos.

     

  • Pinup picnic, for one [Collectif x Top Vintage Collaboration Caterina Review]

    This year we’ve been treated to another gorgeous collaboration between Top Vintage and Collectif Clothing (you can view the full Collectif Loves Top Vintage range here). There are some very cute circus prints as well as a very fabulous harlequin (which I am eyeing up but I don’t suit pale colours so I’m hoping it’ll return in a bolder colour, fingers crossed!).  Also included in the collection is this sweet little Caterina.

    The Caterina is a very popular style (you know I already have quite a few!), but this one is super special because she’s sleeveless! It’s the stuff of dreams – a sleeveless pencil Caterina. No more trying to figure out how to bunch sleeves up under fitted cardigans just smooth, smooth, lines!

    No more bumpy sleeves!

    I find I’m being drawn more and more to red clothes again. They used to be my staple as a brunette, but since I became a redhead (almost a decade ago), I always avoid red clothes thinking they’ll clash too much. Well I’m truly over that now. Maybe current world events are encouraging me to stop getting hung up on the minutiae as they don’t matter. So, I’m embracing red, clash or no clash. It’s my favourite shade – that bright pop of lipstick red.

    The fabric is cotton with a little stretch but it has a linen look and is lovely and light to wear for Summer too. As a classic 50’s shirtwaister dress, it has sweet wooden buttons running down the front (to the hip line) and these feature on the front pockets too. It has a matching belt with holes as well which is a great addition and I found it true to size for me, if a little bit generous on the hips. I’ve found a couple of the pencils are similarly sized this year. I may run it in a fraction but it gives me room for Covid essential pudding eating, so I’m not all that fussed.

    Close up details of the beautiful neckline and buttons

    I paired it with mint, but it will go well with so many other colour combinations too, I just adore anything on the turquoise scale with red. I’m currently knitting something in these shades and hadn’t realised that when I look around my home and clothes, I tend to put them together A LOT! ha

    Stay safe and I hope you can enjoy a little pinup picnic of your own in your garden or even a floor picnic in your lounge while the sun is shining. We may not be able to get together, but we can carry on looking fabulous until we do! Have a great Easter, until next time cuties x

    The Collectif Loves Top Vintage Caterina is priced at £55.00 and is available in all sizes from 6-22 on the website.  

    For Reference:

    Also Wearing:
    Cardigan: Collectif Lucy Strawberry Cardigan from a previous season (but Abigail would go so well too).
    Sunglasses, Bags and Necklace: All Collectif
    Bangles: Some vintage, mostly Bow & Crossbones
    Peep Toe Shoes: New Look (many moons ago)
    Brooch: Made by me
    Everything else – vintage/ retro bits and bobs from my house

    Stats:
    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif clothes and I’m wearing 4 inch heels in the photos. The dress sits on my mid calf which is a perfect cut for a vintage look. You can cinch in the waist with the belt for a classic 50’s silhouette.

  • Supplier Spotlight: Ilovethe50s.com featuring Collectif Maura

    Hope you’re all doing well in isolation and coping ok. It’s so important to be supporting small businesses during these hard times (if we can), and if you fancy a little lift to brighten your day, then I have a gem of a dress for you to consider!

    This is the Collectif Maura dress which is a fabulous rockabilly styled shirt dress. It’s a lovely dark indigo denim with lots of stretch and features retro style square red buttons all the way down the front.

    The red accents are continued on the stitching and the wide circular belt. The pencil shape is really easy to wear with lots of stretch and it’s super comfortable too. I did a lot of stretching, bending and all sorts while I was wearing it and it just moved with me, despite being a pencil it’s not restrictive at all.

    I found it true to size, and it sits on my mid calf which is a perfect vintage length for me. For the taller among you, it should sit nicely just below your knee. If you’re particularly blessed up top you may wish to size up. There’s a handy popper detail below the first button at the bust area to avoid any gaping issues too.

    How cute are those buttons?! I love them so much

    It’s such a versatile dress – everyone needs a faithful denim dress to carry them through from Spring to Summer and this fits the bill perfectly with its classic 50s styling. I loved wearing it for a little walk in the sunshine and I’ll also be wearing it to pick up my essential groceries in a couple of days. As the days grow warmer, you’d best believe I’ll be wrapping my hair in a bandana to add those rockabilly feels!

    You can find this fab little dress fully stocked in all sizes from 8 to 22 at Ilovethe50s.com which is an awesome independent online retailer, run by the very lovely Karen. Selling a range of vintage styles and brands, the Maura dress is amongst many others in the online store’s 20% off sale, so it’s the perfect time to snap it up. I don’t know about you, but I’m all about the little treats right now to get me through the isolation, and this offer will definitely brighten everyone’s day.

    There’s also the option to use Clearpay or Klarna if you need to spread the cost and pay in instalments, and not only that, it’s all free delivery within the UK! You can purchase Maura directly here.

    Stay safe, stay well, and treat yourself through the tough times xx

     

    For Reference:

    Also wearing:
    Shoes: Lulu Hun Susan 
    Bangles: Bow and Crossbones, vintage and Splendette. You can find lots of lovely new Splendette stock at Ilovethe50s.com too!
    Handbag: Banned Retro previous season
    Earrings & Necklace: Collectif Clothing Tiki and Natalie

    Stats for reference: I take a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing (33:24:33) and  I’m 4’11”, wearing 4 inch heels.

    Disclaimer: Gifted ad – this piece was gifted in exchange for an honest review and a discount for my readers. All thoughts are my own and I would happily purchase from this company. Please contact me via my Instagram or at info@lapetitepinup.co.uk for collab work or ads.

  • Sasha Gingham Fishtail Dress [Collectif Clothing]

    This sassy little number is a rerelease from last Summer and, as I missed out on it then, I was super happy to see it again this year. 

    With a large black and white gingham print, bardot, elasticated, sleeves which sit on the arms or shoulders and gorgeous fishtail to the bottom of the dress, it’s comfortable but sexy.

    There’s a bow to the front of the sweetheart neckline, which you can pull tighter to reveal more cleavage (I didn’t as I’d reached my own dare to bare point without adjusting it) or leave looser for a more modest line. It’s true to size with some stretch in the material. I feel like such a senorita in this dress

    Perfect for Summer dates with your love or night’s out with your girls. This design also comes in plain black currently but will be available in more colours for the Spring/Summer collection – so look out for those!

    Olé!

    The Sasha is currently available in 8-12 and sizes 18-22 and costs £49.95. 

    For reference:
    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and wearing the 6 above. I’m 4’11” and in 4 inch heels.

  • [London Edge Feb 2020 Part 2] Sheen Clothing

    With a range of vintage and modern styles, I was delighted to meet the lovely team at Sheen on my visit to London Edge. I mentioned them on the blog at my last visit (see here) as I really liked the Helena dress which was showcased on the catwalk that day.

    Helena Dress

    With it’s beautiful neckline, long sleeves and full skirt, this was a stand out winter dress for me. More recently, I fell in love with the aptly named Heart dress which is so insanely pretty, it truly captures hearts.

    Photo Credit: Sheen Clothing

    This year, the stand was bursting with colour and unique prints, featuring their Spring/Summer looks.

    So many styles!
    In every colour and print

    There is something for everyone, from fun and flirty playsuits to casual day dresses, all the way to evening wear. My favourites from the current line are these playsuits which have the sweetest details:

    Arlene Playsuit
    Jana Playsuit

    The charming Summer prints, daisy buttons and lace detailing at the sweetheart neckline make these a perfect choice for lazy Summer days or exploring on your holidays. The Jana went down the runway and looked gorgeous. Just add a wide brimmed straw hat, sunglasses and some wedges and you’re set!

    Jana Playsuit

    From the new collection, my favourite picks were from the Capsule Collection. These nautical fancies are just spectacular!

    Ahoy there! Sailor Trousers
    Sailor Skirt

    I adore a novelty print and these cute little crabs on a blue and white stripe really make a statement. The waistbands with their double covered buttons are a really nice feature too. They’ll be available as cropped trousers or a swing skirt, both with pockets (yay!).

    Then I spotted this dress and I couldn’t contain my excitement:

    With a little nod to the super hero in all of us, this elegantly styled dress has beautiful detailing to the shoulders and neckline. And with a border of cheery crabs scuttling around the hem (I couldn’t fit it all on one photo sorry!), this fun design is bound to be a big hit.

    You may also be able to pick these two out of the stand photos which I really liked:

    Photo Credit: Sheen

    A casual shirt dress with a fun print is my ideal sunny shopping day attire. For cooler days I’d throw on a cardigan and tights with brown boots. This style of dress is very versatile so the Morgan Shirt Dress appealed to me.

    Bette Dress Photo Credit: Sheen

    And then there’s Bette, with her fabulously bright toucan print, combining my favourite colours (turquoise and yellow). This halterneck pencil dress ties at the neck and features a sweetheart neckline wth bow tie to the front. It’s the perfect cocktail dress for a tiki bar or summer barbecue party.

    There are many more styles coming too, and while the brand is usually only available via stockists, Sheen has exciting things planned. In around a month’s time, a new ecommerce store will be available on the website, meaning we can buy direct! And everything is available in sizes 8 to 22 which provides a good range.

    You may also have noticed on the stand that the brand name will be changing – from Sheen to Timeless. There’s a definite shift happening within the company and while most items are available in cotton currently (some polyester), they’re becoming a more environmentally conscious brand. To that end, the textiles they plan to use going forward will be sustainable which is a great step forward for those of us that enjoy fashion but want to think about our footprints on the planet too.

    I’m looking forward to exploring the new website when it launches!

    Look out for Part 3 of the London Edge previews, or subscribe below to be notified of the next publication x