• 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

     

     

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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 4] Charlie Stone Shoes

    In the fourth segment of my tour around this year’s London Edge, I was absolutely delighted to meet Samantha Capello of Charlie Stone Shoes. What a charming, elegant, lady with real passion for what she does – she very much personifies her brand, which offers beautiful vintage styling with the modern practicality of flat/low heel designs.

    As someone that travels to events and then runs around them all day, I often wear something flat or low heeled for the journey, then swap to my heels once I’m there. I did this at London Edge as you can see from previous photos; I’m wearing a low heeled boot in one, (which I travelled in), and then my platform peep toes for the rest of the show. I would love to be able to wear just one pair all day but the trouble has always been finding something that’s still in keeping with the rest of my vintage styled outfit and comfortable enough to whizz from one end of the City to another. In warmer weather I usually resort to a modern ballet flat but they’re quite bland, offer little to zero support, and don’t add to the overal aesthetic I’m going for with my dresses.

    Samantha has created a range of luxurious, handcrafted, shoes which have taken influences from the 1920’s to the 1950’s – they’re incredibly pretty but comfort is also key with their cushioned insoles and hidden arch support.

    I’ve been a fan of the brand for a long time and adored their style but, as I’m vegan, the leather items weren’t an option for me. I was delighted to see a thoughtful selection of vegan products (I particularly love Roma and Firenze from the current collection), have been added to the upcoming season releases, using a high quality, breathable, microfibre PU, which I’m thrilled about.

    These stunning rose gold and white, shell shaped, flats are called Moorea, both vegan and will be launching in April. I love the shape of these with their open toes, exuding elegance and so easy to wear with a dress on balmy summer nights or paired with capris and a light jacket for a day of exploring a Parisian city break.

    I also noted they have the handy quick release buckles which I believe all collections will have going forward. They’re so much easier than having to do the buckle up each time, you just lift the strap into a hook and you’re done! I have a few shoes with this style already and they’re so much faster to put on and hold firmly in place without fuss.

    Also new to the vegan range this year are these low t bar heels:

    Modelling the black pair on the day, they looked great on Samantha and were clearly comfortable as she’d been on her feet all day by that point! They went really well with the dress Samantha was wearing and seemed to be a versatile shoe – something you could wear to the office or out for dinner.

    The rose gold pair have the design detail of a Manhattan flat to the front, but with the addition of a small heel. They’re super sparkly and guaranteed to make your outfit shine! It felt like a really good quality glitter too, not the type which rubs off or leaves a trail everywhere you go, you can tell they’re exceptionally well made.

    As well as the dazzling array of shoes, I spotted these glorious rattan bags which were launched at the start of the year.

    Inspired by Grecian Summers, these sweet little bags are named Kythira and come in white (above) and natural (below) with gold fixings.

    My favourite is the natural version as it sets off my Tiki inclinations. The dimensions are 20 x 13 x 6.5 cm, small enough to be demure, but big enough to hold a mobile phone, (which many vintage styled bags don’t consider), along with your other essentials. Unfortunately these have already sold out on the website (I’m not surprised as they’re undeniably a must have item) but hopefully stockists will have some incoming.

    You can buy the full range directly from Charlie Stone via their website (do remember to factor in customs tax and duties when importing). It’s also important to note that they’ve taken the rather fabulous step of using only 100% compostable, plant based, mail bags for single item orders and use minimal tissue paper for packaging leading to much less waste. In a world of fast fashion, it’s so important for us to be consciously thinking about our own impact and it brings joy to my heart to see a company so proactive and innovative when it concerns our planet – we only have one and need to be kind to it.

    You can also purchase Charlie Stone shoes here in the UK and EU from the following stockists:

    Voluptuous Vintage

    Top Vintage 

    Revival Retro 

    These shops have a good selection to choose from, and some will be stocking the Summer lines, so I look forward to seeing the new styles grace their websites.

    I hope you’ve enjoyed having a look at what’s to come for Charlie Stone, it was a real pleasure to chat to Samantha and learn more about her company and the exciting way it’s evolving.

    The next edition of the London Edge highlights will be going live shortly, subscribe below to be notified x

     

  • [London Edge Feb 2020 Part 3] Bow & Crossbones

    I’d missed the fabulous Bow & Crossbones last time they exhibited at London Edge as I ran out of time, so I wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice! Heading over to their stand, I was greeted with such a friendly welcome from Camilla and Taz. It’s so nice when people you only know via social media turn out to be as lovely in the flesh as they are online.

    Bow & Crossbones make fakelite and 50’s inspired bangles, necklaces and earrings, but also sell true vintage, kitschy cool, items. I love Cam’s work and often wear her pieces which you’ll have seen in previous posts – in fact I was actually wearing some Bow & Crossbones when I met her! You know I love a good accessory.

    Bangle stacking is easy with B&C!

    The Kane Wicker collection (which I’m wearing above in Coco and Black) is just unbelievably good, made better only by the fact that part of the new season pieces are two tone wickers! That’s right, you heard correctly,  TWO-TONE! 

    Spot them on the second row up in all their funky glory

    I have no idea how it’s even possible, but it looks incredible. With earrings to match, these are so ridiculously cool. I think I may have let out an audible yelp when I first saw them. So they’re definitely on the list!

    Offering us another sneak peek of what’s to come, these awesome octagonal bangles were showcased too, look at all the gorgeous carving:

    I love shaped bangles but they never fit my teeny wrists, so when Cam said the new collections going forward will always be available in all 3 sizes (Princess, Queenie and Goddess), I was thrilled! Such great news, right?! whichever size you need, we’re all catered for.

    There were lots of gorgeous earrings to look at too and I’d already spotted the Dot earrings which were released recently. They’re double hoops and super cute.

    Dotty about these! Photo credit: Bow & Crossbones

    To my surprise, when I picked them up, they were so much lighter than I expected! No droopy lobes for us, ladies! I’m going to be bagging a few of those too.

    Hope you’ve enjoyed a little preview of all the goodies coming this year from B&C, in the meantime there are so many pretties available on the website and make sure you drop by on Friday evenings for the market nights which are fab! x

     

    Look out for Part 4 of my London Edge round up which will be coming soon. You can subscribe to the blog below which will notify you when it publishes to be a step ahead 🙂

     

     

     

  • Ahoy Accessories! [Collectif Clothing]

    A new season brings us more exciting accessories to liven up our outfits. It’s a pretty inexpensive way to add new interest to pieces we already have, or for a whole new outfit. A bunch of cute jewellery arrived and I wanted to share them with you to help with sizing etc (warning: this post is very face heavy, sorry!).

    The main photo shows my beloved Natalie Bead set which I’ve previously spoken about in other colours (here) and seen here in white. I love these sets, though the earring size did increase quite a lot from the originals (I preferred them smaller to be honest). White will go with all my nautical looks over the summer and make a nice change to my creamy coloured pearls. 

    I’ve also worn it with the new Summer Lighthouse Brooch, which is a glittery, acrylic, brooch featuring a lighthouse, waves and a tiny anchor. It’s very cute and I can see it pairing with so many outfits over the Summer.

    I really love the next set which is called Cocktail O’Clock and features a coconut cocktail (mock in my case) with umbrella, straw and flower detail. The earrings are a little fiddly as there isn’t much space between the catch and the drop but they’re so fun and just the right size for making a statement in the sun.

    The brooch backs are a little on the flimsy side but they’re functional and will only be worn on light summery fabrics so I think they’ll be fine. They’ll also be supe easy to replace if I need to. My favourite vintage brooch pin has recently snapped off and I’m still mourning the loss of that, so these are a great pick me up to brighten up my days.

    Brooch back detail

    Big hoops can really set off a vintage look and I have some plain in gold and silver etc but these Tiki 50s Earrings are so cool and come in a range of colours. I have them in green and red.

    I’ve mixed them above with the Natalie Bead necklace in red as they go quite well together and give me a larger earring option. The earrings have a really cool bamboo look to them with ridges and waves, adding tropical vibes to your outfits and the large size is great.

    Close up of Tiki Earrings

    I also managed to bag (ha, see what I did there?!) the new Carrie bag which is available in pink and black this season. I already have it in green (see here) so I’m delighted to have it in black too which will see me through all seasons. The fastening is so easy to use with just one push and a click to close. I’m a simple girl, I need a simple bag.

    Unfortunately it looks like everyone else snapped up the option in black as they’re out of stock on the website now but some stockists still have a few so have a scout around if pink isn’t your thing. They’re the perfect size for keeping the essentials in and big enough for a phone too.

    I’ve paired the Carrie with some new outfits which I’ll share in my next post so you can see how to style it vintage.

    Have a great week xx

     

    Also wearing:
    Bangles from Bow & Crossbones and Splendette
    Cardigan: Collectif Clothing