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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. -
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 -
Check Please! Gingham Vest Crop Top and Trousers [Primark]
I don’t often shop on the High Street but, along with thousands of others, ended lockdown by mooching about in Primarni. It wasn’t very busy when I went which I was glad about too.
I happened upon this little outfit which is just adorable! Obviously the only one left in my size was on the actual mannequin so I had to ask a friendly store person to wrangle the mannequin out of their clothes (which was also funny as I hadn’t expected her to just rip off the arms in a somewhat brutal fashion – can you tell I haven’t worked in retail?!).
It comprises a mint gingham crop top and matching trousers and has an elasticated fit. I usually buy tops a size bigger to allow for boobage so I did the same here, but could have done with my normal size to be honest because of the stretch in the material. I’m pretty happy with it though and it has the loveliest gathered bust details over a fitted bodice and a sweetheart neckline with straps for support.
At the back, the top is low backed with a fixed bow which I just love! There’s a side zip to get in and out of it if you’re wondering whether you need to be Houdini – you don’t!
Gorgeous bow detail to the back The trousers are slim fitting on the leg with a side zip and have a faux belt detail to the front – don’t think that belt is moving, because it’s going nowhere! I like the feature though and together with the top it’s a really sweet Spring/Summer outfit. I bought my normal size in the trousers but could have sized down if they’d had that size in stock. Again, I’m pretty happy with the size I have though as it means I can eat puddings to my heart’s content haha.
I paired it with pink, adding a pink and white gingham cardigan, fuchsia heels and mint and pink accessories. I love mint, it’s one of my favourite colours and looks amazing with so many others like yellow, purple, red etc. I kept it pastel perfection though and even blended in with my picnic blanket! I wouldn’t normally wear a cropped top but it’s vest style so long enough to just about cover my mid riff and the back is so pretty I just had to have it!
The top costs £8 and the trousers are £10. You can see them here featured on the Primark site. Hope you manage to find them in your local store and continue to stay safe you gorgeous lot x
For reference:
I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels. I’m a size 4 or 6 in Primark usually. Above I’m wearing a size 8 top and size 6 trousers. My measurements for reference are 33:24:33.
Also wearing:
Cardigan: previous Collectif season
Sunnies: previous Collection season
Necklace: previous Collectif season (part of the Natalie set)
Hair flowers: Collectif last year and high street
Shoes: Lulu Hun Lorena in fuchsia
Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
Earrings: Bow & Crossbones -
Kelly Playsuit Review [Collectif Clothing]
This is an absolute dream of a pastel pink playsuit and it’s based on the original concept by Collectif Design competition winner, Kelly Goulias. All the main elements are there to whisk you away to the 1950s and a few details have been added to give that Collectif twist on a vintage staple.
So let’s take a look at this playful little number. It has a stand out crossover feature to the front and ties as a halter neck to the back. This gives such a great flattering silhouette as it’s a fitted bodice with princess seams.
There are small wooden buttons to the front, the type we usually see on Caterina styles and they work great on the playsuit too and go great with the pink.
The adjoining shorts are bloomer style and if you’re like me, I kinda had a wobble about the thought of bloomers but when they arrived they were more of a hint to bloomers than the big bulging style that word brings to mind! They have small gathers at the side of each short and it’s just enough voluminosity to keep it cute and not overwhelming. I absolutely love them!
The playsuit has a low back and you can just about see how the halter ties at the back of the neck here.
There aren’t any pockets, sadly, but that’s the only downside to this style. Everything else is just perfect. It’s really comfortable to wear too and I know I’m going to get LOTS of use out of it over the Summer – which for me is unheard of really as I rarely get my pins out, but this little number just needs to go places!
Fit wise, I’m wearing my normal Collectif size and it’s a lovely fit, if a little roomy. The material has some spandex in it which allows for movement and a little stretch so there’s plenty of room for ample busts or if you’re in between sizes for the waist. I actually prefer the slightly looser fit as it allows me to move around easily while still being pin up perfection in this gorgeous little playsuit! I added a belt in a complimentary colour, but it doesn’t come with one. It doesn’t need one but I always prefer to cinch in my waist, even when relaxing haha.
The Kelly playsuit is available in sizes 6-22 and costs £49.00. In typical 1950’s fashion, there would often be a matching gathered skirt to be worn over the playsuit when you’re meeting friends for lunch etc as shorts would be considered a little too revealing. So you can also compliment the ensemble with the Kelly skirt which is also available at £45.00. It has the same matching buttons which can be left open to reveal the shorts underneath and it has pockets if you were missing those too. I’m not usually a pastel pink kinda gal, but this set has seriously turned my head and I may need to get the skirt at some point to live out my Mrs Maisel fantasies x
For reference:
I’m 4’11” and wearing a size 6 in the playsuit above. My measurements are 33:24:33 for assistance with sizing guidance. I’m wearing 4 inch heels.
Also wearing:
Sunnies: Collectif previous season
Shoes: B.A.I.T and High Street
Hair flowers: Collectif previous season and High Street
Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
Earrings: Bow & Crossbones
Belt: High Street
Gloves: original vintage -
Giordana Gingham Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]
You all know by now that I go a bit gaga for gingham and the gorgeous Giordana is no exception! With its large black and white print and bardot neck, I was smitten!
The fabric is the super light and made from viscose making it perfect for all your upcoming Summer soirées! Don’t expect it to be a heavy fabric as it is very thin – which suits me as I want to wear something as light as possible in the heat of Summer!
The neckline is unique as it’s one piece and the shoulders are hand tied into bows. When untied, the top half of the dress is in two pieces. I was a little bewildered by this at first, but then realised it’s actually a great feature as you can tie them as tight or as loose as you need to, making it fit for all body types and there’s plenty of room for those blessed up top. There’s also a side zip for ease of getting in and out.
That neckline is just scrummy! I really love the way you can change the neckline and chose to wore it higher on one side and lower on the other which I felt right for me as it’s the way I usually wear things with a wide neck. You can wear it straight across too if you wish.
There’s a full swing skirt to the bottom, with pockets, woohoo! I did try a petticoat on underneath as there’s plenty of room for one, but prefer it without personally.
Feelin’ cute amidst the blossoms It comes with a black belt which has holes (hurrah!) and fits below the knee. Obviously on me it’s at my calf but that’s my preferred length for vintage dresses, so it works for me. Size wise, this comes up pretty true to size though roomy in the bust area.
I was delighted to get this dress out on such a sunny day and it was perfect, keeping me cool but glamorous. I can’t wait to wear it more this year!
The Giordana is available in sizes 8-22 at £59.00 from the Collectif website.
For reference:
I’m wearing a size 6 in the photos above, and I’m 4’11” with 4.5 inch heels.
Stats:
For size guidance, I’m 33:24:33Also wearing:
Bangles: Splendette
Sunglasses: Collectif (previous season)
Earrings: Collectif (previous season, part of the Natalie set)
Shoes: E5P
Hair flowers: high street many moons ago
Parasol: bridal store but you can find them on eBayDisclaimer:
This item was gifted to me, but all my views are my own and I only ever post honest reviews.
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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 666For 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. -
Bag it up! Sammy Bag Review [Lulu Hun]
Over on the Lulu Hun website there are occasionally more shoes, bags and accessories which appear but don’t make it over to the Collectif site. A couple of these are the sweet Sammy bags.
I’d eyed them as soon as they launched and couldn’t decide which colour to get, so I waited. Then I kinda forgot for a little while, then remembered and talked myself out of it – I probably don’t need two more bags during lockdown. However, the sale hit a couple of weeks ago and these beauties went down from £32 each to just £9.99! Well, I obviously needed both at that insane price didn’t I?!
They’re really cute box style bags with a raffia/wicker look and bright woven pattern. The lighter one is on a natural coloured base and the darker one is on black. They have a magnetic fastening with two large brown clips to twist open. They’re a circular shape but have a flat bottom so they don’t tip over when you’re rooting around for your essentials.
Speaking of essentials, there’s enough room inside for my phone, a mirror and some make up items. It’s pretty roomy though a slim design and features a little internal pocket too.
There’s a detachable gold chain and I have to say I’m not a fan of that style of strap, so I will replace it with something more in line with the vintage style, but they’re handy all the same. I really love the vibrant colours and the tiki feel they have, they’ll both go with so many new Summer outfits this year!
Ooooo look at that fab colour combo! The Sammy bags are currently available at Lulu Hun for £9.99 each in the sale – which will you choose?! x
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How Star Will You Go Dress Review [Harkel Clothing]
Something a little different to round the week off – though not too much of a stretch as I’m easily won over by atomic stars!
The How Star Will You Go dress by Harkel Clothing is a really cool little shirt dress with an all over celestial print featuring an array of bright stars and planets. It has a Peter Pan style collar which you can do up to the top if you prefer, but I like to leave shirt styles open.
It comes with its own thin blue belt but I swapped it out for a wide red one to tie in with my hair and accessories instead. You could get away with lots of belt options as there as so many colours you could pick out from the design. It also has round buttons with a moulded star shape on them which I thought was a nice feature.
It has a fitted bodice and full gathered skirt with two seam pockets which is great. Harkel don’t sell my size so I checked the sizing guide and the 8 was more of a 6-8 measurement so I took a punt. It is a little roomy on me but the good thing with shirt dresses is you can pull them in with the belt and nobody would know! It’s pretty bang on a 6-8 rather than a true 8 so I’m really chuffed to get away with it. The individual sizing charts are a really handy feature on each item. It sits just below my knees which is a good length for me. It will obviously be shorter on taller gals and in their description they note it’s aimed to be above the knee, so expect it to be cute and short if you’ve got those extra inches I don’t have hehe.
If you’re looking for some different styles to add to your wardrobe, it’s worth a look. I stay pretty much with 50’s styling but this is such an easy wear with a stand out print so it really caught my eye and I’m glad I went for it. Delivery was pretty quick.
I ordered this last month when it had 50% off and though that ship has now sailed, Harkel are always on sale and currently doing a promo with 40% off (code HAPPY40) so it’s still a good price and available currently in sizes 8-20 (no size 12’s though sorry dolls) x
Further info:
I’m 4’11” wearing 4.5 inch heels and a standard size 6 in clothing and ordered the 8 in the dress above. It’s more like a 6-8 than a true 8, a little roomy to be expected but not too much. Use the size guide on the product page to ensure you order the right size for you.Also wearing:
Splendette bangles
Orchid hairpiece from the high street
True vintage beltYou May Also Like
Collectif Pick of the Sale!
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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 SplendetteWith 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 & CrossbonesWith 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 -
Moxy Holiday Check Trousers Review [Collectif Clothing]
What did you manage to grab in the sale? There’s always that one item you order that you’re not sure about but think, “well, I can always send it back!”. Then it turns out to be the best thing you bought and wonder why you didn’t just go for it sooner!
For me, that’s the Moxy Holiday Check Trousers. I coveted these for ages but I just wasn’t sure because of obvious height issues for me as well as sizing concerns. They’re a brand new style so I had no point of reference about how they sized up.
They’re a wide legged trouser with an amazing large checked pattern in dark green and red with a light green background. I don’t know why, but they seemed yellow on my screen before I ordered and when they arrived, they are indeed a gorgeous soft green with no yellow whatsoever (I wouldn’t mind them in yellow though – maybe next time!). Here’s a close up of the fabric.
The fabric is actually quite stiff and thick which make them perfect for winter. There are two large pockets to the front and the thick fabric does make them stick out a little at the sides with the cut but I don’t mind this so much – especially as I love a big pocket for hand stuffing and they’re incredibly comfy!
It has a super high waistband which is fitted and fastens with a zip to the front of the trousers as well as a concealed hook and eye above it to keep them secure. You also do up two, black, covered buttons above the zip so these babies are staying put! The waistline is pointed where it meets the cute matching fabric straps and these crossover at the back. There are matching black buttons on the braces both front and back and a buckled matching belt. I’m loving these little details!
The straps have double buttons to fix them in place and, as I’m petite, I’ve used the highest button hole only to fix them and shorten the straps for my frame. I’ll hop on the sewing machine and add another button hole to the braces so I can have them both in place as they should be, but it’s not too bad without that effort. I’ll also slightly shorten them but to be honest, I was super surprised that they weren’t longer as Collectif trousers do tend to be super long. Maybe not one for the really tall gals among you but average and shorter girls will be rejoicing!
I bought my normal size and they fit great. There’s some stretch in this fun fabric which is good as I often find the waistbands are sewn in tight and don’t stretch. That’s not the case with these so if you’re in between sizes or have a big lunch, you’ll be fine!
I really like these vintage style trousers, which surprises me as I didn’t think they’d suit me at all! So if you’re like me and were wavering, I fully recommend taking the leap! They’re currently still available in all sizes from 6-22 at just £19.50 with the discount code BS50. The full price should be £55 – total bargain! x
Additional information:
I’m 4’11” wearing 4.5 inch heels and I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif.Also wearing:
Morgana top by Collectif (previous season)
Tiki earrings and Natalie necklace in green both by Collectif (last season)
Splendette bangles
