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Kiana Tutti Fruitti Dress [Collectif Loves Top Vintage]
More rainbows from me today, especially fitting for Pride month! š³ļøāš The Kiana Tutti Fruitti swing dress is an absolute dazzler from the latest Top Vintage collab with its vibrant rainbow stripes. I love how vivid and bright the stripes are as Iām not much of a pastel kinda gal.
It has a beautiful sweetheart neckline to the top which is edged in a contrasting red band and the adjustable straps are red too. The straps can be worn multiple ways with hook fastenings concealed on the inside for various combinations including straight straps, crossed straps in front, crossed straps behind, completely strapless or as Iāve worn it here, with the the straps from the centre chest which is a really pretty option.
It doesnāt come with the belt, I added the red one from another Collectif dress which worked really well as I prefer to have a clearly defined waist.
Thereās also a fitted bodice to the top and gathered swing skirt to the bottom with lovely big pockets. The skirt is full enough to wear with a petticoat as I did here:
If youāre not much of a fan of petticoats, it also looks great without one too!
The length is well over my knee and fit wise itās quite roomy on the bust and has stretch so youāll be able to fit comfortably in it though you may want to size up if youāre really blessed up top as thereās a centre back zip so you are limited with the amount of room you have for boobage. Unlike many of the Collectif dresses, the waistband also stretches so if youāre in between sizes youāll be fine too.
The Kiana Tutti Fruitti is in stock in all sizes (6-22) for Ā£59 and this is one thatās only available to buy online at Top Vintage or Collectif, or in Collectif stores – you wonāt find it at stockists. I think of them as a limited edition range, so if you want it, you need to buy it when you see it as they donāt restock. I really love this cheeky little number – so much fun to wear with so many different ways to wear it, but such an elegant style too. Live your best colourful life! x
Also wearing:
Hair flowers: Collectif Kahula and old high street
Earrings, Belt and Sunnies: previous Collectif seasons
Petticoat: Hell Bunny
Shoes: Lulu Hun Lorena
Bangles: all SplendetteFor reference:
Iām 4ā11ā wearing 4 inch heels and my stats are 33:24:33. Iām a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing and Iām wearing the 6 in this dress above. -
Nautical but Nice! Meri Top and Nancy Shorts [Collectif]
A really casual outfit today as the sunās out, so the legs are out too! I really love nautical looks which work super well with my hair (or any hair to be fair, I just really like when my bonce matches with my outfit hehe). So Iāve combined the Meri Nautical Knitted Top and Nancy Nautical Shorts for that classic sailing-inspired vibe of the 50s.
The Meri top is such a gem of a piece this season! So easy to wear and super comfortable. Itās a light knitted top with red, black and white horizontal stripes and features a gorgeous bateau neckline which is just fabulous.
There are delicately capped sleeves and these can sit on or slightly off the shoulders, however you prefer to wear it. I usually wear one on, one off to a jaunty angle! It has a knitted rib to the bottom so it can sit nicely over clothes to hip level or tucks in well too, which is how Iāve worn it.
The shorts are oozing maritime mid-century style! Theyāre so fun with rows of white buttons featuring red anchors.
Thereās also a matching button at the back. The shorts fasten with a concealed zip at the back and the button fastens over. Such a cute detail!
There are wide, rounded, pockets to the front of the shorts, belt loops (Iāve added a belt to them in keeping with the nautical theme) and turn ups to the hems.
Theyāre so comfy to wear and I wasnāt sure about sizing so I tried sizing up as sometimes the waistbands on Collectif bottoms donāt stretch at all. Not the case with the Nancy Shorts though! I can get away with the bigger size as Iāve pulled the waist in with my belt, but theyāre true to size and you donāt need to size up at all. Theyāre made from stretch cotton which has plenty of movement in them, so buy your normal size.
I just love this set together, such an easy way to get that classic nautical look with very little effort. The top is available still in all sizes (6-22) and the shorts are available in limited sizes on the Collectif website, both Ā£35 each. There are extra sizes of the shorts available over at Rockamilly too.
For reference:
Iām 4ā11ā and wearing 3 1/4 inch heels. Iām a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing and wearing a 6 top in the photos and a size up (8) in the shorts.Also wearing:
Hair Flowers: Collectif Lola and previous season too
Earrings and all Bangles: Splendette
Shoes: Joe Browns
Belt: Hell Bunny -
Supplier Spotlight: Sass and Steel [inc DISCOUNT CODE]
Iāve long been an admirer of the very talented Hannah from Sass and Steel. Everything is carefully hand made and she offers a range of limited edition retro style pieces with a super edgy feel. If you have your own ideas of what you want, sheāll also commission something for you – how cool is that?!
The piece Iām wearing today is the gorgeous Rockabilly Crop Top in the āCandy Carnivalā print which is so much fun with itās bright pink highlights including amazing pom pom trim and pink glitter buttons.
When it arrived, it was beautifully packaged and adorned with the classic Sass and Steel logo and glittery tissue paper – a great start!
You can see the pretty glitter button detailing here I really love the dolman style sleeves on this top and sweetheart neckline. The collar is super clever too as it folds to meet itself at the back so thereās no big collar flaps catching in your hair and feels really light to wear – genius!
Very clever detailing to the back of the neck! The other little detail I love on this top is the flash of fabric on the ties. It matches the upper section and I have a flash of blue in mine which is frikkin awesome.
Iām blown away with the quality of this item – it fits like a glove! Which, let me tell you, when youāre petite is no mean feat! Thereās a fab customisation option on Hannahās orders where you can tweak things a little if you wish. I added a couple of requests and it is an absolute dream to wear!
The patio top is such a classic 50ās look and as itās a retro twist on this with the cropped length and cute pom pom feature, I really wanted to play up on cowgirl influences too. So I wore it with a frayed black denim skirt and black, vegan leather, western boots and accessorised with black and pink bangles.
I think it works really well but Iāll also be buying the skirt from Sass and Steel which goes with it to be all matchy matchy. Itāll also go with so many things I have in my wardrobe too and Iāll be able to wear both as separates or together which is super exciting.
Iām absolutely delighted to be able to offer an exclusive 10% off code for my readers if you quote LAPETITE10 or you can click on the link HERE to be sent straight to the shop and it already incorporates my code – clever, huh?! As a small business brand, this company doesnāt offer discount codes so this is your chance to get something with a cheeky 10% off!
There are so many other styles to choose from in sizes XXS-3XL so itās really inclusive; some ready to ship now and others which are made to order and take around 2 weeks (incorporating any bespoke customisations you may have made too – such a great service!). Whether youāre more into the goth scene, punk, or like me, lean toward pin up vintage – thereās something to suit everyoneās style, or you can make your own!
The brand name definitely reflects Hannah to a tee – she creates really cool vintage inspired clothes which make you feel sassy and steely – I sure felt both sauntering around in my new top, I couldnāt love it more! If you use the code, Iād love to see what you buy, so comment below x
For reference:
Iām 4ā11ā and my measurements are 33:24:33. Iām wearing the XXS in the top above. Thereās a full sizing guide on each listing and you can add your own custom requirements if needed. Use the link included above for the discount to be valid or use the code LAPETITE10.Also wearing:
Hair flowers: Blue is Collectif Lola, Pink is Miss Bellaās Blooms and Black is old high street
Sunnies: Old Collectif stock
Bangles: All Splendette
Earrings: Oh So Flamingo
Skirt: Pretty Little Thing
Boots: Zulily -
Rainbow Stripe Bikini Top & Skirt Bottom [Collectif]
Itās 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 couldnāt resist this cute little number. I think the sweet skirt covered bottoms did it for me as I donāt 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 thereās 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. Iām wearing one size up (size 8) but itās quite tight on my back so Iāll likely buy the bigger size too at some point. Itās fine for lounging around on my hammock in the meantime though and doesnāt look too small, I can just feel that I needed a bigger size. Iām a C cup so if youāre a C or above, you may want to size up a couple of times too. Thatās the great thing with separates though, you can buy exactly the size you need instead of a blanket size where the top half wonāt 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 itās 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 itās stretchy fabric too. It is a little loose but not so anyone would notice, and my pants arenāt going to fall off down my ankles as soon as I start walking, promise! Itās true to size so if you were an 8, it would be a perfect 8.
Overall Iām super happy with this set, itās everything I wanted it to be and I canāt wait to wear it more now the sun has returned and Summer days are creeping ever nearer! So if youāre 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 Ā£39 for the top and Ā£35 for the brief. You wonāt be disappointed!
For Reference:
Iām a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing, but the swimwear starts at size 8 so Iām wearing both size 8 in the top and bottom. My stats are 33:24:33 and Iām 4ā11ā wearing 4 inch heels in the photos.Also wearing:
Bangles: Splendette
Hair Flowers and Earrings: Collectif old stock
Shoes: E5P old stock -
Jenny Lu Swing Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]
Bringing the sunshine to recent rainy days, this elegant summer dress is lovely and bright with some stunning details. Thereās a sweetheart neckline for that classic 50ās feel and fitted bodice.
Pretty sweetheart neckline It looks like a seemingly simple dress from the front, but all the WOW is at the back which I really love. There are double straps which join the skirt section at the back, but itās backless aside from that which is such a sassy look and will also keep you cool but effortlessly elegant at summer soirĆ©es and garden parties over the coming months.
At the centre back thereās also a gorgeous bow feature which is part of the fastening for this dress. It has a a centre zip with hook and eye at the back of the skirt section and the bow has a popper on one side of the bow which acts like a flap over the zip. All of this is invisible and not seen at all – as you can see on the photo!
The skirt section is a full swing and fits a petticoat underneath just fine. I wore a petticoat underneath it here:
Plenty of petti room! And without a petticoat here:
I think it suits both, it just depends what you feel happy with. I tend to wear a petticoat if Iām going to an event or do but day to day, Iād be super happy wearing it without too as it falls beautifully. It is a teensy bit see through so you may want to wear a half slip. There are also large pockets in the skirt which is a great addition to any dress!
Fit wise, I found it fit fine without sizing down (as the size guidance suggests). Thereās plenty of stretch and the bust section is quite large, so if you have a smaller bust, you may want to size down. However the waist section is still correct as thereās no stretch once the bow is fixed in place so sizing down wouldnāt work for anyone in between sizes on their waist. The length is a little longer than Iād usually wear for a swing dress but works great with the petticoat to lift it a little. Itās at my mid calf without a petticoat and with petticoat itās a couple of inches below my knee.
The straps are not adjustable which is the only down side to this dress. I had to bastardise the straps with my limited sewing skills as they were too long on my petite frame. Itās important to note that the straps sit a little differently at the back on the actual dress vs my bodge-it sewing attempt but I think I did ok?! Thatās the only alteration Iāve made, though I may shorten the dress a little too going forward. Itāll work great for taller or average height gals though!
With brighter days on the horizon, grab this dress while you can! Available at Cherry Red Vintage in sizes 8,10,14 and 16 at Ā£59.00.
Oh look, itās Summer incoming! Also wearing:
Sunnies and Necklace: Old stock Collectif
Shoes: Lulu Hun Kathleen Wedge
Earrings and Bangles: Splendette
Hair Flowers: High Street years agoFor Reference:
Iām 4ā11ā and wearing 3.25 inch wedge heels. My stats for reference are: 33:24:33. Iām a standard size 6 in Collectif and wearing the size 6 in the photos, though Iāve adjusted the straps.Disclaimer:
This dress was gifted to me by Cherry Red Vintage but all my views are my own and I only give honest reviews. -
Emilia Gingham Cherries Top and Dakota Skirt [Collectif Clothing]
This adorable set was a birthday gift from a beautiful friend who knows me VERY well! What could be better than a cute frilly cropped top and swing skirt adorned in a big gingham print with scrummy cherries?! So perfect!
The Emilia Gingham Frill Top is a real darling of a little top with a frilled sweetheart neckline. I ironed down those frills to make them more uniform and set them in place.
Thereās a row of domed black buttons to the front, but these donāt open. Instead itās an elasticated back which is easy to get in and out of and adjustable straps which cross over at the back. Itās so great when adjustable straps are included with elasticated backs as they fit just about everyone. I would say itās true to size. Iām actually wearing a size bigger than I usually wear which feels a little looser but not noticeably, especially with the straps adjusted. As itās cropped it goes more by your bust size and as Iām almost a size 8 bust, I think thatās why it works ok for me. So Iād recommend you buy your normal size but if that isnāt available, a size up will likely work too.
The matching Dakota Gingham Cherries Skirt works so well with the top. I have the Dakota in another colour way already but this is a different fabric and much stretchier so you may be able to size down with it. Thereās a buckled belt included and belt loops around the skirt which is great to keep the skirt from twisting around. There are two side pockets to the front with a fold over detail in the black trim and these are large enough to keep whatever you want (except the kitchen sink – hands usually suffice haha).
Fold over details to the pockets It has a centre back zip and itās pretty gathered, fitting a petticoat underneath just fine. I wore a black one underneath but Iāll wear it without too.
The length is lovely and just past my knee, though bear in mind the petticoat will be lifting it a little so itāll drop a little without one.
I absolutely love the print of kitschy red cherries over black and white gingham, giving it such a classic retro look. I was such a lucky (and spoilt) gal to receive this gorgeous set. Itās going to be super versatile too, not only wearing it as a set but wearing the top with a variety of jeans, skirts and trousers and the skirt with a range of different black, white or red tops. So many options!
The top is Ā£27.00 and currently available in sizes 10-22 and the skirt is Ā£49.00 and available in sizes 6, 18-22 (both available as a set, here) and sizes 8-16 available for the skirt over at SilkFred.
For Reference:
Iām 4ā11ā with 4 inch heels on here. Iām a standard size 6 in Collectif, but Iām wearing a size 8 in the top and a size 6 in the skirt. My measurements are 33:24:33.Also Wearing:
Hair Flowers, Earrings, Necklace and Sunnies: Old stock Collectif
Bangles: Splendette
Shoes: E5P old stock -
Berta Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]
Lovely Berta! I canāt help but feel like Iāve walked into a 50ās diner when I wear this gorgeous little number! Look at the cute styling with itās 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. Theyāre 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 thereās some stretch in the material should you need it. Iām wearing my normal size and itās 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 Ā£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 canāt 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:
Iām 4ā11ā and wearing 4 inch heels and Iām a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing which Iām 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 youād 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. Theyāre 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 Ā£45.00. If the rainbow life isnāt for you, thereās also a darker version [here] in a fabulous red and black combo x
For reference:
Iām a standard size 6 in Collectif and wearing the 6 above in the photos. Iām 4ā11ā 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 donāt often shop on the High Street but, along with thousands of others, ended lockdown by mooching about in Primarni. It wasnāt 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 hadnāt expected her to just rip off the arms in a somewhat brutal fashion – can you tell I havenāt 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. Iām 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! Thereās a side zip to get in and out of it if youāre wondering whether you need to be Houdini – you donāt!
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 – donāt think that belt is moving, because itās going nowhere! I like the feature though and together with the top itās a really sweet Spring/Summer outfit. I bought my normal size in the trousers but could have sized down if theyād had that size in stock. Again, Iām pretty happy with the size I have though as it means I can eat puddings to my heartās content haha.
I paired it with pink, adding a pink and white gingham cardigan, fuchsia heels and mint and pink accessories. I love mint, itās 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 wouldnāt normally wear a cropped top but itās 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 Ā£8 and the trousers are Ā£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:
Iām 4ā11ā and wearing 4 inch heels. Iām a size 4 or 6 in Primark usually. Above Iām 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 itās 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 letās 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 itās 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 youāre 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 itās 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 arenāt any pockets, sadly, but thatās the only downside to this style. Everything else is just perfect. Itās really comfortable to wear too and I know Iām 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, Iām wearing my normal Collectif size and itās a lovely fit, if a little roomy. The material has some spandex in it which allows for movement and a little stretch so thereās plenty of room for ample busts or if youāre 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 doesnāt come with one. It doesnāt 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 Ā£49.00. In typical 1950ās fashion, there would often be a matching gathered skirt to be worn over the playsuit when youāre 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 Ā£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. Iām 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:
Iām 4ā11ā and wearing a size 6 in the playsuit above. My measurements are 33:24:33 for assistance with sizing guidance. Iām 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
