• Jemima Cool Palm Swing Dress Review [Collectif]

    I bought this gorgeous dress prior to the sale when it first launched and totally forgot to write about it, so forgive my much belated review…oops. I have previously posted about Jemimas (here and here) as the polka dot versions stole my heart and although I have a couple already in my wardrobe this cool palm print was everything and I had to have it!

    Just look at that totally tropical design! What’s not to love?! It screams sun-filled paradise, and let’s be honest, we’re all dreaming of days like that at the moment.

    The palm design looks fantastic against the navy background. I have a thing for gigantic leaves (my house is full of them) so walking around like one is always my first option!

    The Jemima has a sweetheart neckline with wide shoulder straps (still not adjustable unfortunately, the only downside to the Jemima), a fitted bodice and full, gathered, swing skirt. Running down the centre is a row of the red buttons used on a few other designs. I don’t mind the red as it always co-ordinates with my hair, but I think brown wooden buttons would have worked better on this one (like those on the previous Kimberly) as there aren’t any other red elements to it. There isn’t a zip so this is how you get in and out, using the buttons at the front.

    There’s a matching buckled belt in the same fabric which can cinch in that waist. I really love that the Jemima’s always have belts in the same fabric as the dress. They also have side seam pockets! Which is obviously a must – where would we be without pockets?! And I much prefer side seam pockets to patch, so hurrah!

    I teamed it with the Collectif Jessie Palm Cardigan which works really well together as the day got cooler. The cropped cardigans from Collectif are great for these styles as they sit just above the waistline, not covering the belt so you can clearly see where your waist is defined (but stay warm).

    I also paired it with green shoes and turquoise, blue and green jewellery which matched the colours in the print perfectly. Picking out the colours featured in whatever you’re wearing always makes the best accents. 

    Size wise, I’m wearing my usual size and again, it’s true to size for me. However, if you’re a D cup or above, you’ll likely need to size up. There isn’t any stretch to the bust so those bestowed with bounteous boobage would struggle in your normal size. It sits at the top of my calf which is a lovely length for this style of dress (it’ll obviously be shorter on taller gals).

    It’s 100% cotton and feels so nice on. The sale has been raided so unfortunately you won’t find any on the Collectif site anymore but at the time of writing, there are quite a few sizes over at Succubus (a reliable Netherlands based company) if you need it as much as I did.

     

    For reference:
    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and wearing a size 6 in the Jemima above. I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels in the photos.

    Also wearing:
    Cardigan: Collectif Jessie Palm (old stock)
    Necklace: Collectif Natalie (old stock)
    Bangles: Bow & Crossbones and Splendette
    Earrings: Splendette
    Shoes: E5P (old stock)
    Brooch: Erstwilder
    Hair flower: Collectif Lili (old stock), high street and eBay.

  • Collectif Chrissie Tropical Leaf Top and Alex Pom Pom Capris Review

    As Summer seems to have up and left us for the meantime, light jumpers and capris are perfect for this in between weather.

    I have quite a few Chrissie tops and although I just love the big tropical palm leaves on the shoulders, I was worried that the colour of this one wouldn’t suit my olive skin so I had held back from it. But of course, I am weak and can only hold out so long! I’m so glad I went for it as the colour is really lovely and I don’t mind it against my skin tone at all – I think it would actually work well with most skin tones.

    Such pretty applique!

    The Chrissie styles are a real staple and this one has the applique leaf details on the shoulders which really set it apart and make it a little bit extra special. I find them true to size. If you’re bustier or in between sizes, you may want to size up. They’re also quite slim on the arms if that’s something you need to consider and hit elbow length – which I prefer as they then fit great under Collectif cardis. I like to layer mine up under a cardigan (the Jessie Tropical leaf cardigan would be a perfect match) for a twin set inspired look (I really hope they’ll make Collectif twin sets one day). The top is £37.50 and available in sizes 8-22 on the website.

    I paired my Chrissie top with the Alex Pom Pom Capris in red, which I’ve had for a few months now but haven’t had the chance to wear them. They’re such a fun, new, addition to the collection with their feature pockets to the front that have a patterned strip and hanging, multi coloured, pom poms from them. They are the capris of dreams! 

    Collectif Alex Pom Pom Capri Pocket Details

    They’re made from a red cotton sateen and fasten with a side zip. It makes it a little bulky on the hip and I would have preferred a centre back zip but that’s just my preference. They’re high waisted and have slits in the bottom of the legs which is always such a cute detail and practical too for bending/running around in.

    Side slit details on the legs

    I found them true to size with some stretch. If you’re in between sizes on the waist measurement, you may want to size up as there’s less stretch there. They’re also available in black too in all sizes currently at £42.50.

    My trusty Lorena Heels in red were the perfect shoes to finish off my look, with their colourful ric-rac styling (see review here). They’re so comfortable to run around in during the day as well as to brighten up evening outfits.

    I hope you’re managing to stay out of the rain and will join me in doing a lil’ sun dance to encourage Summer to return! Until then, I look forward to seeing your transitional outfits to see us through this, ‘hmm it’s June but it feels like April’, weather x

     

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    For Reference:

    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing. I’m 4’11” wearing 4 inch heels.

    Also wearing:
    Bangles: Mix of Splendette, Bow & Crossbones, Collectif and Vintage
    Hair Flowers: Miss Bella’s Blooms
    Necklace: Natalie set from Collectif
    Sunglasses: previous season from Collectif
    Belt: Vintage