• Rainbow Stripe Bikini Top & Skirt Bottom [Collectif]

    It’s not unusual to see me bedecked in as much rainbow print as possible, but it is massively unusual to see me in a bikini! However, I just couldn’t resist this cute little number. I think the sweet skirt covered bottoms did it for me as I don’t feel totally exposed.

    The straps to the bikini top are adjustable (hurrah!) and the cups are moulded with some padding in to keep you decent and supported and covered in light pink fabric. The rainbow stripes run vertically and there’s a tie at the front you can loosen or tighten as much as you need to. The back fastens with a light pink clasp.

    I usually go up two sizes in high street bikini tops and I needed to do the same for this one too. I’m wearing one size up (size 8) but it’s quite tight on my back so I’ll likely buy the bigger size too at some point. It’s fine for lounging around on my hammock in the meantime though and doesn’t look too small, I can just feel that I needed a bigger size. I’m a C cup so if you’re a C or above, you may want to size up a couple of times too. That’s the great thing with separates though, you can buy exactly the size you need instead of a blanket size where the top half won’t fit but the bottoms will!

    The bottoms are adorable with a high waisted flippy skirt and integrated full proper briefs underneath. I love the skater style of these and that it’s just long enough for me to feel comfortable. The smallest size available to purchase is an 8 so I bought that which was always going to be big on me as it’s stretchy fabric too. It is a little loose but not so anyone would notice, and my pants aren’t going to fall off down my ankles as soon as I start walking, promise!  It’s true to size so if you were an 8, it would be a perfect 8.

    Overall I’m super happy with this set, it’s everything I wanted it to be and I can’t wait to wear it more now the sun has returned and Summer days are creeping ever nearer! So if you’re wanting something for your holidays, or even just to brighten a sunny sesh in your garden, have a look at the Rainbow Swimwear Set which is available in all sizes (8-22) and costs £39 for the top and £35 for the brief. You won’t be disappointed!

    For Reference: 
    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing, but the swimwear starts at size 8 so I’m wearing both size 8 in the top and bottom. My stats are 33:24:33 and I’m 4’11” wearing 4 inch heels in the photos.

    Also wearing:
    Bangles: Splendette 
    Hair Flowers and Earrings: Collectif old stock
    Shoes: E5P old stock

  • Rigel Star Top Review [Collectif Clothing]

    What could be better than rows of rainbow stripes and stars? The Rigel Star jumper is a great little jumper for Spring. It has block coloured, three quarter, sleeves in teal and a small rounded collar in the same colour.

    The stripes continue on the back too which I absolutely love! Such a cool feature to be fun from the front AND the back!

    The stars and stripes combo is so unique, and really eye catching. It fits really well and has lots of stretch. It hits just at the top of my hip and looks great with high waisted bottoms. I wore it with the pink Maddie jeans from a few seasons ago which have a lovely high waist. You can get a little tuck in too if you’d prefer to not see the bottom of the rib.

    I also really like the puffed sleeves which you can see better here on the left. They’re so sweet and how cute are those rainbow stars?!

    The Rigel is a great staple to bright up your wardrobe and is available in sizes 6-22 at £45.00. If the rainbow life isn’t for you, there’s also a darker version [here] in a fabulous red and black combo x

     

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

    Also wearing:
    Pink Jeans: Maddie from previous Collectif season
    Sunnies: Previous Collectif Season
    Hair flowers: Both from previous Collectif seasons
    Bangles and Earrings: Splendette
    Shoes: E5P

  • Dorothy Rainbow Chevron Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]

    I was always a fan of a rainbow dress (you probably know I have quite a few in my wardrobe already), but with everything that’s happened over the past year, they’ve come to mean more to everyone and project hope and better times ahead. It was a done deal as soon as I saw Dorothy from the new Spring/Summer 2021 collection – she needed to brighten my days. If you’re umming and ahhing over whether you need ‘another’ rainbow dress, let me tell you that you do haha.

    The Dorothy is similar in style to the Nova designs, but features a fabulous 50’s inspired fold over trim to the bust and wide, adjustable straps in pastel pink. There’s also a matching, heart-shaped, belt in the pink which is super cute and a lovely touch.

    Now let’s just take a minute to appreciate that fabulous chevron rainbow print! I absolutely love bold, bright colours, and the addition of the ric-rac style chevrons definitely makes you stand out and spread joy wherever you go! 

    That fold over detail is just darling

    The neckline is v shaped and there’s a centre back zip to fasten. As always, we love some pockets and this dress has two deep, side seam, pockets to plunge your hands into…..perfect! 

    Pockets suitably plunged

    The swing skirt is pleated at the top but has plenty of fullness for a petticoat still. I tried it with and without (shown with in the main photo). My preference for dresses is usually without a petticoat but some days I do like that extra poof. It works well both ways.

    With petticoat on the left, sans petticoat on the right

    It falls just below the knee on me which is a good vintage length. It’ll be shorter and on the knee for the taller amongst you. The fit is great and I actually prefer the fit of this design to the Nova. I found it true to size with a bit of room on the waistband.

    This dress has been really popular already so if you can get your hands on one, do! Currently available in sizes 6-14 on the website and £65, though if you use code VIP20 it will get you 20% off full priced items until midnight on the 15th March. If you’re in love with the print but it’s out of stock in your size, there’s also the Dolores top and Marilu skirt combo which would work well together as a set and both are available in all sizes (see here). 

    Dorothy deserves to return home with you <3

     

    Also wearing:
    Cardigan: previous Collectif Jessie design
    Parasol: old Collectif stock
    Bangles and Earrings: all Splendette
    Hair flowers: a selection including Miss Bella’s Blooms and Collectif
    Shoes: E5P
    Necklace: Kreepsville 666

    For sizing info:
    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing (my measurements are 33:24:33) and 4’11” tall with 4.5” heels on in the photos. I’m wearing a size 6 Dorothy dress.

     

  • Darcie Rainbow Stripe Jumpsuit Review [Collectif x Modcloth]

    As you may have seen from my previous post, I have this gorgeous stripe already with the Jill dress (see here) but couldn’t resist the jumpsuit too which I picked up in the 50% off sale. With its fabulous print over wide legged trousers, scoop neck, and those pockets! The pockets are lovely and deep with two curves on either side. I love stuffing my hands in so these are great! It’s so comfortable to wear too.

    Shoving a hand in my pockets since 1992

    Now, if you’re a taller gal, don’t expect the jumpsuit to look the same on you. It’s actually meant to be a cropped culotte style, but as I’m petite, they fit me like a normal length would – bonus for me and all my other petite gals! I like it either way though, as a cropped length on taller gals, and full length on those with shorter statures. 

    Even though I’m petite, I fell like a Goliath in this jumpsuit (it’s ok, I know I’m fooling myself!), it does the trick of elongating legs – for which I am very grateful obviously ha.

    Ooooo I feel tall!

    There’s a centre back zip so it’s an easy one to get on and off and has a wide, bright yellow, buckled belt which compliments it perfectly – I love pairing this pattern with yellow and I’ll probably use this belt for the Jill instead of the smaller one it came with. 

    The neckline is really smooth and fits well and has wide shoulder straps. I might slip my yellow Chrissie jumper on underneath it when it gets a bit cooler to take me into Autumn. 

    The hips are fitted and the legs then flare out which gives such a retro look, I absolutely love it! I ordered my normal size (Modcloth and Collectif have the same sizing up until size 18 when you should follow the Modcloth specific chart) and it was absolutely true to size for me.

    Available in all sizes at the time of writing, the Collectif X Modcloth Darcie Jumpsuit is £77 and such a great addition to any wardrobe. I really hope Darcie returns next year as she’s such a fab style and so fun to wear!

     

    Also wearing:
    Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
    Hair flower: Miss Bellas Blooms
    Shoes: Lulu Hun (also in the sale currently)
    Sunnies: Collectif

    For reference:
    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and 4’11” tall (or short, depending on how you look at things). I’m wearing a wedge heel which has a heel height of 2.75”.

  • Collectif x Modcloth Ayana Rainbow Shorts Review

    Rainbow shorts! Who knew I needed these in my life?! But apparently I do and I believe most of you do too as they’re such a fantastic print. This is the bespoke pastel rainbow fabric from Collectif which they’ve used in a collaboration with Modcloth to create another style to their rainbow range.

    The Ayana shorts are a lovely high waisted piece with full pockets and a white button to the side (along with hidden side zip).

    I love this pattern and the fabric has some stretch in. I could have probably sized down in these but I’m grateful for the extra room to enjoy summer barbeque parties and extra puddings! The Modcloth sizing is the same as Collectif’s until you hit the extended sizes, for those, you need to follow the Modcloth sizing chart only for a true fit.

    I have a few pairs of Ayana’s and they’re a really comfortable pair to wear casually or jazzed up. I’ve paired mine with the white Mahina top from last year which is no longer available but there is now a black to purchase (here) which would also work, along with the Sasha tops (the plain white would work great, previous Sasha review here). Also wearing my clear pastel rainbow bangle stack from Splendette which have coloured stones in them. They’re a perfect match for this outfit, I think, and finish it off nicely with my pastel pink Outlaw jacket from Collectif.

    Full outfit

    These are such happy shorts, they were perfect for the sunshine today and I recommend snagging a pair before they’re gone as there aren’t many available!

    With the Pink Outlaw Jacket from Collectif

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

    Also wearing:
    Sunglasses: Collectif (previous season)
    Pins on jacket: Punky Pins and Sass & Belle
    Shoes: Lulu Hun Lorena
    Other bangles: original vintage and Bow & Crossbones