• 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

  • 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.

  • Chrissie Lobster and Cactus Jumper [Collectif Clothing]

    I’m a long time fan of the Chrissie jumpers, with their cute puffed shoulders, round neck and cropped length, they’re always perfect for pairing with trousers and skirts or popping under a cardigan for a twin set feel. However, Collectif have really knocked it out of the park with the novelty style Chrissie jumpers which are new this season! I absolutely love a novelty print, so these made my heart smile.

    Crazy for Cacti

    The cactus version has a vivid green pattern on black and is a really stand out print.

    I tucked mine into my Frankie swing trousers (oh how I wish Collectif would remake this style!) and added a bangle stack and green and black jewellery to accessorise. The fit is true to size but a little looser than the next I found.

    The lobster print is amazing! Who doesn’t love a lobster design? The bright red lobsters on navy make a real statement with its chevron pattern.

    Lobster love

    I wore it with my Trouble Maker jeans from last year and red and blue accessories.

    As mentioned earlier, the lobster fits slightly more snug than the Cactus version on me, both still true to size though.

    They’re 100% cotton and easy to wash and wear, they keep really well. I have Chrissie jumpers from years ago that have worn really well.

    The Cactus version is currently available in all sizes except 10 at the time of writing, and the Lobster is available from sizes 8-22. Both priced at £37.50.

     

    Also wearing: 
    Necklace and Earrings: Natalie Bead Set and Tiki Earrings both by Collectif Clothing
    Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
    Trousers and Jeans: both Collectif Clothing (old season stock)

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

  • [London Edge Feb 2020 Part 7] Bright & Beautiful, Lulu Hun and Collectif Menswear AW20

    In our final instalment of the Autumn/Winter 2020 previews, we’re starting with the awesome new collection from Collectif Menswear. 

    As well as the amazing Jonathan jacket pictured above (seriously, how cool is that?!), there were some great chunky knits, guaranteed to keep your other half warm (or for yourself as I’ve often said before!).

    I love a good moss stitch pattern and this bright yellow cardigan has bags of true vintage style with a modern flair, brightening up even the darkest of wintry days.

    I will always be a sucker for an atomic print, so this knitted top also caught my eye:

    The starbursts are everything! For a more casual look there are plenty of polo tops too:

    As with previous seasons, there will also be a range of novelty prints which are going to be very popular (no previews of those though to keep you in suspense!).

    Next we have Bright & Beautiful, which takes its inspiration from the 60’s and 70’s. Adding a contemporary twist to their vintage styling, there are often pieces which crossover from the past and look on trend for the modern day. Like this cropped sequin jumper which will look great with some high waisted jeans or slacks:

    The rainbow sequin detail is so pretty! Also this cute ladybird dress which is a classic 60’s mini shape in velvet, but sits a little longer than their daring lengths and has a fabulous gold print:

    As with every Bright & Beautiful season, I’m always on the look out for the new Astrid, and this tweedy version didn’t disappoint!

    Such a staple style to pair with brown boots for Autumn.

    There was also this new trench coat style which has the best tartan detailing to the lining:

    I love the turned up cuffs to reveal the tartan pattern. With a wide collar and double breast buttons, it oozes 70’s style but you could easily throw this over something more modern too. 

    Moving on to Lulu Hun and accessories now and the displays were fantastic as always. Here you can see the bags from the current collection: 

    Current season stock

    The leopard bag is particularly splendid, and there’s also a matching mirrored brooch which will be coming to the Collectif Accessories range:

    The accessories line will also launch new Natalie necklaces (you know how much I love those), one of which is this superbly pumpkin inspired treat (no tricks):

    Featured on the shoe display were these Spring/Summer prickly delights from Lulu Hun:

    The cactus wedges and pumps are really fun, and I adore a tropical leaf print!

    So what can we look forward to for Autumn from Lulu Hun? Firstly, the wonderful Mara is returning in two new shades:

    I have these in black and red already from 2018:

    They’re the perfect heel to be running around in and look so dainty with their velvet bow detail to the front, impeccably finishing off your vintage outfit. The plum and green versions will be brilliant additions.

    The next stand out pair for me were these spectacular heels:

    With faux fur all the way round, these platform heels are so cute and are like the shoe version of the Tatiana boot. I had to try them on to see how they looked of course!

    Bit of a weird angle as I was doing a balancing act of holding everything in my hands and trying to point down to my feet, without dropping everything! but, you get the picture. They look super cute on and were a really cosy fit.

    And now for the cream of the crop…..

    There are no words. These cowboy boots are just magnificent (ok, there were some words). I’m hoping they’re faux leather so I can strut around in the blue and red pair, tip my hat at random people and say, ‘howdy partner’ as I pass by.

    Finally the Autumn/Winter bags from Lulu Hun. My favourite picks were this black glitter satchel:

    So practical but so fancy! And also this incredibly cute pink heart bag:

    Isn’t it adorable?! And with all that love, it’s the perfect way to leave our jaunt around London Edge this year having viewed so many gorgeous things. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing all the previews and do share with me which you liked most by popping a comment below x

     

    Featured brands today can be found here:
    Collectif Menswear
    Bright & Beautiful
    Collectif Accessories
    Lulu Hun

  • [London Edge Feb 2020 Part 6] Collectif Sneak Peek AW20

    We are nearing the finale of our roundabout tour of London Edge this year and in this penultimate edition, we’ll be taking a glimpse at the upcoming Autumn/Winter collection from Collectif. For anyone that missed my highlights of the Summer launch, you can read about them here and check my latest reviews for SS20 lines which are currently out already.

    Firstly, there are the beloved Caterinas, which we all love with their classic shirtwaister style. There will be plenty of  glorious new updates to this design, but two gorgeous checks at the show were this one with it’s fabulously autumnal yellow and rusty hues:

    The colours are so scrummy on this one

    And this one, which has a lovely red and black check on a cream background and gives me awesome lumberjack chic vibes:

    Both with matching belts that have holes in, yay! 

    I also really liked this cute Mary Grace Swing dress which is an alternative shirt dress style:

    This design first appeared as a dress last year (Meow print) and I’m so pleased to see it’s return with this sweet cherry pattern, neck tie and bold red buttons. It’s definitely on my list.

    I don’t often go for suits, but this one really struck me. I just love the bold green check and the cut of the jacket:

    Adorned with velvet buttons, you could either wear this with the matching items or as a single piece, which is how I think I’ll style it (with black trousers most likely). It’s so incredibly scrummy, I can’t wait for it to launch!

    I thought this was the most perfect Autumnal outfit:

    Next season’s Babette jumper will appear in a vivid orange and the border print skirt with orange falling leaves is a match made in heaven.

    On to the Dolores, which is a super popular design, and this year will be arriving in a gorgeous purple check:

    Seriously, how good is that print? 1 of each, please!

    Now my ghouly gals, Collectif have you covered whether it’s just for the Halloween period or living spooky every day!

    This Elvira style print with its fun Hocus Pocus design will send you batty, I’m sure!

    And the Peta dress returns in sumptuous velvet with the coolest spooky print in glitter.

    There was also a range of Beetlejuice inspired designs at the show which were amazing, including this one:

    This Eliana Pencil dress will be a sure hit – it’s insanely good. I need one.

    Moving on to coats, we saw the return of the leopard lined Sheena and Hazel cape and coat in a deep wine colour this time:

    There will also be a couple of new Pearl coats, one of which was in orange:

    Ideal for popping over all those seasonally fabulous outfits!

    Lastly, the sought-after Trixie for Autumn Winter period will include this dazzling green version:

    It has an array of glittery stars, cascading over luscious velvet. Perfect for all your festive events and celebrations.

    I hope you’ve enjoyed this sneaky peek of the exciting things coming to Collectif later in the year. Do you have any favourites so far?

    To see what’s ahead for Bright & Beautiful, Lulu Hun and Collectif Menswear, stay tuned for the next (and final) instalment of the AW20 previews x

  • [London Edge Feb 2020 Part 5] Voodoo Vixen, Hell Bunny & More!

    As we take a little tour of the trade floor, I thought I’d show you some more highlights from the show. There were some great displays from so many brands and fab to see so many independent retailers exhibiting.

    The featured photo above shows a stunning display by The Seamstress of Bloomsbury. They always have a wonderfully vintage stand combined with Classic Bags in Bloom, whose bags are hand finished in the UK and look absolutely adorable with their vintage styling. 

    Hell Bunny always have a great centre spot showcasing their existing and upcoming designs.

    There were a few favourites I saw hitting the runway.

    Hell Bunny Python Rose Dress
    Hell Bunny Viva Las Vegas Top and Skirt
    Hell Bunny Pina Colada Dress and Noa Noa Mid Dress

    I particularly like the tropical Tiki print of the Noa Noa dress above which is full of exotic birds, palm frongs and hibiscus flowers – the perfect summer print! 

    Hell Bunny also had a range of shoes on display and I’m a sucker for a polka dot peep toe, especially if it has a bow on it. LOVE.

    Moving on to Voodoo Vixen with their exciting collaboration for Summer called Unreal Redheads (so I’m aptly drawn to it!). I really loved the cute designs and pastel shades of these two.

    This is the Trixie Gingham dress and features a pastel rainbow gingham with love heart pockets and buttons – adorable!

    The Hayley prom dress is a real head turner. I have a similar design which was hand made for me about 8 years ago as it’s such a classic vintage evening style and looks amazing on all shapes and sizes. Mine wasn’t resplendent in rainbow tulle though! I love it when straps sit delicately on the shoulders and the detailed pleating on the bust is fantastic.

    Beautiful tulle pleats

    The Jinkx Floral Tropical Print dress also stood out for me with it’s gloriously leafy and floral design. 

    The sweetheart neckline combined with heart buttons and elasticated sides for a perfect fit make this a great choice for holiday season.

    There were also some fun novelty bags from Voodoo Vixen – and I do love a novelty bag! I especially like the camera bags:

    It was also exciting to see Daisy Dapper at London Edge which are based in Sweden.  Their stand was filled with elegantly styled, vintage inspired, pieces and some were adorned with daisies!

    Lastly for today, my favourite piece from Banned Retro, was this Summer Sail Dress with it’s sweet open collar and border print full of bright sailing boats:

    I hope you’ve enjoyed the tour around London Edge, look out for the next instalment which will include Collectif Autumn/Winter 2020 range. Subscribe below to be notified when the post goes live x