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Layered to the max! Warming up for winter with Collectif
Feeling the chill in the air the past week or so, I decided to layer up with a few Collectif pieces including the Caterina Blackwatch and the matching scarf.
The Blackwatch pencil dress is a rerelease and comes in a variety of other styles too this year, including the swing version and the fabulous scarf which I obviously needed to play matchy-matchy with.
It’s a gorgeously classic green, black and navy check in the popular Caterina shirt style design. There are patch pockets and a matching belt (no holes sadly). I really love the Caterina’s and have quite a collection of them now. They work so well to dress up or down and feel smart but not too formal. I always buy my normal size in a Caterina pencil which fit really well and I size down in the swing versions.
I really love that there’s a matching scarf (and gloves too, might need those!), to co-ordinate your look and it has the sweetest tasselled fringing. I picked out the green of the dress and wore it with my Molly jacket, which is another rerelease this year but there’s an amazing orange version in the Top Vintage collab too which I am sorely tempted by.
Molly jackets are the perfect short jacket for cooler weather days, when it’s not cold enough to warrant a full length coat but too cold to wear something thinner. The 40’s tailored style is really flattering, nipping in at the waist with a wide buckled belt and the floral linings are so pretty! I also really like that you can remove the faux fur collar should you wish to which make it suitable for warmer Spring days ahead, or as a paired down suit jacket for work.
Sans scarf The Molly’s are cut quite small, so if you’re busty or you want to wear thick layers underneath, definitely size up one. I have it in my normal size and it’s a perfect fit for me with a jumper over my dress too (but not a super thick one – no cable sweater numbers!).
I decided to style my tartan scarf on my Molly coat with my own little nod to the highlands, wrapping it around like a shawl and tucking the corners into my belt. It was actually a really cold day when I wore this and I felt so snuggly and warm with the scarf like a shawl. Definitely going to wear it like that again!
With shawl scarf I added some thick black tights (we all need tights right now – gotta protect those pins!) and my Lulu Hun Selma boots which I bought last year but are also available to buy online now. The range has been expanded to include the most fabulous green and red pairs this season (here) and I can’t tell you how comfortable these ankle boots are with their small block heel.
They really suit vintage styles perfectly with their dainty round toes, scallop edge details and ribbon laces. Such delicate features which compliment 40s and 50s style dresses, skirts and wide legged trousers and look really cute peeking out at the bottom of a long winter coat too.
I have them in my normal size which fit really comfortably for me. If you have a wide foot, you may want to size up but they’re true to size.
I love a good check so I‘m really enjoying seeing the new collections launch and more matching accessories which have really won my heart this season! Which have been your favourites? x
Additional info:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and 4’11 with 2.75 inch heels on.Full outfit details:
Caterina Blackwatch pencil dress
Blackwatch scarf
Natalie bead necklace in green
Tiki earrings in green
Molly jacket in olive green
Selma boots in black
All Collectif/Lulu HunHair flowers: high street
Bangles: Splendette -
Mimi Pumpkin Check Dress by Collectif Clothing
I’ve been meaning to write about this gorgeous little number for about a month now, but never got around to it, so I’m popping it up now while we’re still embracing the beautiful, autumnal, colour palette. Everywhere I go at the moment everything is golden, orange or fiery reds – love it! (though I’m definitely feeling the cold already brrrr!),
The Mimi Pumpkin Check dress is a really lovely shape with its sweetheart neckline (trimmed in black), featuring a little gathering at the bust, and cute, puffy, sleeves. The swing shape isn’t a really full circle skirt but there’s more than enough room for a petticoat underneath if you wish to add one. Sadly, there aren’t any pockets to this one – but maybe we can keep our fingers crossed these will come in time.
The print itself is just divine with those amazing oranges and blacks – it’s a real headturner. The fit is true to size, so if you’re in between sizes on the waist, you should size up as the fabric doesn’t stretch. The length is a little shorter than the Dolores style (which is great for me!), so it cut nicely at my shin.
I’m really pleased with this style and will be buying more Mimi’s. They’re a very comfortable, easy, design to wear and perfect for popping some tights and knitwear on colder days. I would have liked a lining on the skirt part to sav me wearing a slip but that’s just a minor detail. This style comes in a range of other prints too but this one is still available in sizes 8-22 and costs £52.50.
Also wearing:
I paired mine with yet more orange and black (couldn’t resist living my own pumpkin dreams!)Billie Cinch Belt – Collectif Clothing in orange (these are such handy little elasticated belts to have, I bought them in a few different colours).
Bangles – Splendette in Fox
Bangles – Bow & Crossbones in Black Weave
Bangle – Collectif Clothing Carrie in black
Necklace – Collectif Clothing Natalie Bead Set in black
Earrings – Splendette
Boots – Lulu HunFor reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and wearing the 6 above. -
Collectif AW19 Collection
The awesome new Lookbook is now live at Collectif for this season (see here) so I thought I’d drop a few real life photos in for you to see what they look like close up and personal, which can sometimes show a little more detail than the editorial pics. I already previewed some of the collection back in January (see here) but I’ll include the rest of the photos you can see in the Lookbook now they’re live which I’ve been dying to share with you!
So, firstly is the Alice in Wonderland inspired collection. This is just so cute. I love a good toadstool!
Claudia In Wonderland Cape Coat Reverse side is the Cheshire Cat smile! Peta in Wonderland Dress This matching Wonderland Cardigan will also be coming soon, On to the Blackwatch tartan which is just dreamy. I have this myself and will review it fully shortly. Blackwatch tartan IS winter. The Dolores dress has velvet buttons added this year too which is a really lovely addition.
Caterina Blackwatch Dress Next up is the gorgeous Caroline Cape. This was a staple in a lot of our wardrobes last year as it came in black and red previously, and I love the addition of this beautiful green.
There are some very sweet cardigan and scarf sets coming, including the Allie Woodland version which was included in the lookbook. I only photographed the geek check though so I’m including that here. They come with a matching scarf – how cool is that! And more velvet buttons <3
On to the Monet Woodland Pine Check trouser which is a lovely autumnal wide leg with a fab check and matching belt.
Next is the Courtney Polka dot occasion dress which is just fab! I love its frothy layers of tulle
Closely followed by Giselle, which is perfect for any pink princesses and guaranteed to brighten up any occasion!
The Caterina Sunset Stripes is a really lovely design. The colours are fantastic on this one.
The beautiful Bernice Plain Faux Fur Coat follows in a lovely burgundy. I really like the wide brown belt which is included too.
On to the fluffy Cara cardigan, which will be available in a few colour ways.
The we have the showstopper Sheena Leopard Cape which has a hood. It’s super cosy and fleecy with a velvet feel on the black.
The Byna Pencil Dress in black is shown next, which is a lovely stretchy bengaline and features a pretty strap detail to the front.
The Caterina Geek check dress is just fab. I love the bright yellow running through the monochrome check and anything geeky, I’m in!
The Blackwatch Pearl Coat has been seen quite a lot due to spoilers this Summer, but I’ll include it again anyway as it is a thing of beauty!
The very whimsical Aurora Occasion Swing is next which features a black chiffon overlay with balloon sleeves, pink floral embroidered roses to the neck and sleeves and pink sash belt at the waist.
The Dolores Half Sleeve Midnight Floral Swing Dress is another perfect Autumnal staple. It has those gorgeous velvet buttons again too!
I don’t have a clear photo of the June Apple Swing Dress, but you can see the design either side here (and a sneaky peek at another dress coming soon)
The matching cardigan looks like this. Will you be brave enough to take a bite? With those cute red buttons, I think you will!
The very fabulous Heather Hooded Swing Coat returns in this glorious burnt orange for Autumn.
Along with the signature style Bonnie trousers in a Pumpkin Check – the bright orange check is just amazing!
And this print is also available in a Mimi dress
I don’t have photos of the Lila Magic Mesh Skater dress, but I can tell you the spooky theme continues on other dresses, so those of you that are Halloween all year long won’t be disappointed!
The Trixie is such a popular dress and every year everyone waits to see which new designs will drop. This year, we already have the Golden Polka Dot version (available to buy here) as well as a few others to come, but the Midnight Moon appears in the Lookbook with its soft velvet and sparkly moons and stars.
The Jessie Rainbow star cardi follows, along with the Alexa Rainbow Star Swing Skirt. The multi coloured stars are so sweet on these.
I hope you’ve enjoyed browsing through the real life pics and look forward to hearing about all your AW19 purchases! I’ll share mine soon too. Feel free to add your comments about this season to the bottom ↓
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Collectif Reviews – Bonnie Trousers, Mona Shirt and Bright & Beautiful Astrid dress
So as well as a trip to London Edge, I also sprinted over to the Camden store – mostly to catch up with the team there whom I adore. They are truly special with so much care taken with every customer, making them feel absolutely beautiful inside and out and giving them a guiding hand if unsure. The service is always provided with a very warm welcome and nothing is ever too much. The customer service is impeccable in store and it’s the reason I travel so far to visit time and time again (as well as the fabulous clothes obviously!), but the friendly staff always make it a very special day for anyone that visits. Looking at that amount of Collectif stock at the Edge had made me need to purchase something though, and there are still plenty of bargains to be had – in store currently has an extra 15% off sale items too! Amazing!
I tried on a few things (I normally take half the shop into the changing room with me) and decided upon these in the end. The first of which I’d been hankering after for a few months because, well look at this awesome check! One of my favourite colours to wear is yellow, and this yellow and blue tartan just screamed for me to buy her since she launched (but I waited as I’d gone completely mad last season, as with all seasons I guess!).
Bright & Beautiful School Check Astrid The School Check Astrid has a full skirt and is lovely and soft. She has flattering boat neck, teal trim to the edges and a side zip. Although she doesn’t have pockets, this can be forgiven for how beautifully vibrant the dress is and it’s total swish-worthiness (yes, I just made up a word). I paired mine with the Lulu Hun Juliette heels in yellow and found it true to size (bought my normal 6) with room to spare around the waist. Plenty of room for puddings!
My next bargain buys were items I’d previously never considered. Being petite, I struggle with high waisted trousers as the rise is often too high for me. However, being a gingham freak (I clearly went gaga over this black and white check as I bought it in every style, including the shoes! see my previous posts), I figured I’d keep everything crossed and give them a try.
To my absolute delight, they fitted really well! The Bonnie Gingham Trousers are a cigarette style, with a fitted top half and slim leg further down. They’re fastened with a side zip and hook and eye and have a pocket at the back. I bought my normal size and found them spot on true to size. There’s no stretch in the waist though so if you’re in between sizes on the chart, you’ll need to order up.
Collectif Bonnie Gingham Trousers and Mona Shirt I tried them on with the Mona shirt, which again, I hadn’t looked at previously (as I don’t wear workwear clothes), however, I soon realised this blouse is just perfect for a classic, pin up, weekend look too. The white works really well with the trousers I think, and I paired red shoes and a cinch belt for a pop of colour. The Mona has a the most gorgeous open v neckline with a lovely collar, three quarter sleeves with cuffs and the fabric has light stretch. I found her true to size and very flattering on the décolletage!
The Astrid was £30.38, Bonnie’s were £12 and the Mona was £11.62 – so two full outfits for £54! The extra 15% off sale items ends on Sunday 10th (in store only), so be quick and remember there’s the Outlet Sale weekend at the end of the month too so if you’re local (or even if you’re not – I’m not and I’ll be there!), pop along for limited edition and sold out styles with dresses from £10! See you there x
