• Unreal Redheads Jinkx Floral Tropical Dress [Voodoo Vixen]

    I first set eyes on this gorgeous frock back in February at London Edge (I mentioned it here) and ever since, my heart has pined away. Randomly waltzing through the streets of Nottingham last week, I stumbled upon one of the Blue Banana stores and decided to take a peek. I usually buy via Blue Banana online, so it was a nice to change to see everything in the shop instead.

    Well lo and behold, as it if was meant to be, this beauty of a dress was on a rail, the last one which happens to be my size, reduced from full price (£66.50) to a mere £15! You’d best believe that was coming home with me! The summer madness continues in store, so if you can get to one, have a good browse, there are lots of bargains to be had in a range of sizes and the staff are really lovely.

    Now, the dress! This one is called Jinkx and is a collaboration with Fuller Figure Fuller Bust and Curves & Curls. While it’s available in plus sizes, it was also made in the standard sizes too and they’ve done such a great job with it. It really suits all figures. 

    There’s a bright, tropical print with vibrant palm leaves and exotic flowers (including one of my favourites, the bird of paradise), a sweet heart neckline complimented with pink, heart shaped, buttons to the front. Everything is piped in dark green to compliment the botanical theme. 

    I really love the adjustable straps on these which are actually a couple of buttons which you can choose to shorten or lengthen as needed, hidden away at the back. Elasticated panels at the sides make for a perfect fit and the piece de résistance….pockets!

    It’s a really lovely vintage length, cutting just on my mid calf and encompasses a full swing skirt, cinched in at the waist with a glorious green buckled belt. I found the belt too long for me so I’ve trimmed it back a little. I’ve also added a white petticoat underneath to accentuate the volume in the skirt. I love how it moves while I’m spinning!

    Size wise, I found it true to size, if a little roomy, as I do with all Voodoo Vixen, but it’s easy enough to pull things in with a belt it’s not that far off fitting me perfectly. If you’re busty, this range was made for you. I‘m not particularly busty but found it fine for me too.

    You can still find some of these at full price (plus sizes only sorry gals) on the Voodoo Vixen website, and my goodness are they worth it! 

     

    Endlessly seeking out a bargain

    What was your greatest bargain over the Summer? Share yours in the comments below ⬇️

     

    Also wearing:
    Bangles and Earrings: Splendette
    Hair flowers: Miss Bella’s BloomsNecklace and Sunnies: Collectif
    Shoes: E5P years ago

    For reference: 
    I’m a standard size 6 and 4’11”, wearing 4 inch heels in the photos. All views are my own.

  • Supplier Spotlight: ilovethe50s.com and Collectif Fairy Palm Dress Review

    Today’s review is of the Collectif Fairy Vintage Palm Dress in green which is such a summery print. I really like the colour of this one, giving off totally tropical safari vibes.

    The Fairy dresses are such an easy style to wear, I think I have around 5/6 of these beauties (maybe more – who knows what’s in the depths of my Collectif wardrobes!). They always feel really comfortable with their slight stretch in the fabrics, elasticated shirring panel to the back and adjustable spaghetti straps – making this an ideal choice for everyone to express their summer vintage style.

    Showing the elasticated panel to the back

    The dress is a pull on style (no zips to worry about) and features a full skirt. Those who love a petticoat will find it roomy enough to put one underneath should you wish to. I have it in my normal size and find it a perfect fit. I could probably size down, (as it has that light stretch and the elasticated panel), but I prefer my normal Collectif size as it then allows for comfort after eating. Bigger busted ladies, you’ll find it has ample room and the shirring expands to accommodate the ladies, so I’d buy your normal Collectif size. If you prefer a tighter pin up fit though, you may want to size down one.

    I love the detailing to the bust with these styles too – the prettiest of pleats meet at the centre of the bust where there’s a sweetheart neckline and matching green buttons all the way to the waist (which are just for show).

    Close up of the front pleat details and buttons

    The large, white, palm tree print is just fab and really goes so well with the green. Add some bamboo bangles and earrings for a Tiki inspired look or some flat sandals and a cute sun hat for  shopping on a summer’s day. It’s a very versatile dress and lends itself to being dressed up or down.

    White palm tree print on green, with the Carrie bangle and some Splendette

    I teamed mine with red (with hints of green), adding the belt from my Dakota skirt and my red Lulu Hun Veronica Heels (previous reviews of both on the blog) to make the green really pop. I’ve also added the Carrie bangles, the red Natalie bead set and an assortment of green styles from Splendette too.

    Accessorised with red
    Basking in the sunshine in my fairy dress

    To snap this dress up, and others from Collectif, my readers receive a special discount rate from the fabulous Ilovethe50s.com. Use the code ELLE at checkout to receive 20% off Collectif dresses on their site!

    They also stock a range of other brands and you’ll find some gorgeous Splendette goodies on there too. The website is run by the very lovely Karen, and all orders include FREE DELIVERY! It’s very easy to use, brands are listed clearly to search by and, once at checkout, you can use Paypal, Amazon Pay or Google Pay for a faster service or choose to pay by card. There are also speedier delivery options – first class is only £1 and there are next day options too if you need it super fast. If you sign up to the newsletter, you’ll also hear news first and receive notice of any further discounts on the site.

    The website began last year when Karen decided she wanted to change her work life and offer a range of beautiful vintage clothing and accessories which flatter everyone, regardless of your age or clothes size – something I’m very passionate about too as a 40 something! There’s a great range available so enjoy the discount gorgeous gals!

    Please note the discount code will run until the 31st May 2019. If you’ve enjoyed reading the blog and are interested to know more, please click subscribe at the bottom of the page for more reviews, info and discounts as they go live.

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    Disclaimer: Gifted ad – this piece was gifted in exchange for an honest review and a discount for my readers. All thoughts are my own and I would happily purchase from this company. Please contact me via my Instagram for collab work or ads.

    Stats for reference: I take a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing (33:24:33) and  I’m 4’11”, wearing 3 inch heels in the photos.

    I’m also wearing:
    Bangles: Splendette
    Sunglasses: Collectif (previous season)
    Hairflower: Ebay a few years ago
    Parasol: Collectif (bought from the outlet sale in Feb)

  • It’s all in the details; accessorise your life!

    Today we’re going to take a look at the fabulous new range of accessories from Collectif. They were showcased last year and I instantly fell in love with all the tropical goodies and fifties inspired sets. Adding accessories can totally change an outfit and breathe new life into it, so here are a few of my favourite picks.

    Nothing makes me happier than matching my jewellery to my clothes. The new Natalie necklace and earring sets are  perfect for instantly making an outfit have more vintage appeal.

    Collectif Natalie Necklace and Earring Bead Sets

    The bead sets come in red, yellow, orange, turquoise and olive. I bought all of them except olive (I love the colour, but personally don’t wear that much which would go with it, although I am reconsidering as it is so pretty!).  Important to note the orange is more of a peachy coral rather than a bright orange, it is gorgeous and I hope a bright comes out too at some point (and every other colour of the rainbow to be honest!). The stud earrings are pierced and a really nice size. The necklace beads are graduated in size, growing larger to the centre, which is a style I really love. The sets are priced at £15 each.

    Moving now on to bangles – and who doesn’t love a good bangle?!  Oh my goodness, have they pulled it out of the bag with this set of Carrie bangles. Each one has its own design – the red has strawberries, the green has leaves and the yellow also has leaves but in a different pattern. Obviously, I had to have them all. One is never enough, especially when they’re this good. They’re plastic resin and £11.50 each with an inner diameter of 67mm.  The tropical designs are just dreamy.

    Collectif Carrie bangles. Pattern details

    They look great with the Natalie necklace which I’m wearing here. I’m also wearing the Mansfield silver earrings which are great for an instant pin up look:

    Wearing Collectif Carrie Bangles, Mansfield earrings and Natalie bead necklace

    All the colours!! I wish I could wear all the necklace sets all at once haha

    Collectif Carrie Bangles & Natalie Bead Sets

    Next up is the Sunny hair flower. This beautiful hydrangea comes in blue, pink, green or purple. I have thus far managed to resist the other colours but I doubt that will be for long! I bought the blue as one of my favourite flowers is a blue hydrangea. She is quite a large piece, but I prefer larger flower sets over small ones (if you’re going to do it, do it big!). There is a clip at the back to hold it in place. Little tip from me, I always place two bobby pins criss crossed over each other then pop the flower clip through that to make it firm and stay put all day. The Sunny hair flowers are £12.50 each

    Here’s my fully ensemble, sporting the Sunny hydrangea, Natalie bead set in red (wearing both the necklace and earrings) and Carrie bangle in red. They work so well together, I already know they’re going to become a staple part of my outfits. Hope you’ve enjoyed a little look at the selection I’ve chosen. 

    Collectif Sunny Hair Flower, Carrie Bangle and Natalie necklace and earring set