• Velvet Sweetheart Dress Review [Belle Poque]

    Another gorgeous blue on the blog today – but there’s just something about the feel of velvet and in this shade of royal blue it’s absolutely sumptuous.

    There’s a beautiful sweetheart neckline which is super flattering and a row of false buttons down the front which draw the eye. 

    The buttons are just for decoration as there’s a zip at the back. The wide shoulder straps are really comfortable too, though they’re not adjustable. The bodice is tailored which gives a lovely fitted look at the waist before sweeping out into a half swing style skirt with plenty of swoosh!

    There’s some spandex in the fabric which provides a lovely stretch. Ideally I would have liked a size down as this is the size S which is listed as a size 8-10 which I would say is totally right. The length is great as it sits mid calf which is a great cut for vintage styles.

    It’s a really comfortable, wearable, dress and I was really surprised how nice it feels on. Definitely one I’ll be wearing for events.

    This dress is available in sizes S-2XL direct from the Belle Poque website for £24.38 and is also available in a gorgeous emerald green in limited sizes. 

    Additional Information:
    This dress was gifted to me but my views above are all my own. My stats are 33:24:33 and I’m a standard size 6 in clothing, however, I’m wearing a size S (8-10) in the photos above as it’s the smallest size available from Belle Poque. I’m 4’11” and wearing 4” heels. 
    The belt is not included, this is a custom made piece which I added.

    Also wearing:
    Evening gloves – original vintage
    Pearl Necklace – old buy from a costume jewellery store which no longer trades
    Crystal belt – old buy from Etsy, you can buy similar here
    Crystal headband – old buy from the High Street

     

  • Collectif Previews at London Edge (Part 3 AW19)

    Welcome to the final instalment of the London Edge Previews! Today we’re taking a little glimpse at what this year’s Autumn Winter collection has in store for us – and with the current climate, it feels super cosy to be looking at warm woollens and sumptuous velvets! 

    I’ll do a proper round up of this collection much nearer launch, but for now here are a few sneak peeks to satisfy your curiosities.

    As many have already seen on social media, the magnificent Pearl returns in the most gorgeous blackwatch tartan (the same one as the dress I wore to London Edge so I was perfectly matching!) with a splendid black fur trim.

    Blackwatch tartan Pearl

    There were other pearls too, but the most striking outerwear for me was actually this beautiful full length black, velvet, cape. It has the most fabulously soft, leopard fur, lining – glamour and warmth are my favourite things combined! I love that it’s rather unassuming at first glance, but with a swish of your cape, the striking leopard print would be revealed. All the drama!

    Leopard lined velvet cape

    There are some great themed lines coming too. Indeed, it seems like Team Collectif have heard the callings of all those Halloween babes! I know for some of you, Halloween is all year round, not just October, so you will be able to fill your boots with all the goodies to come!  I love this cute tee!

    Spooky Babe Tee

    There were lots of moons, stars, cats and black – including this dress with flocked detail and so many other amazing designs you gals are going to adore!

    Flocked dress

    Another awesome theme coming in the Autumn will be…… Alice in Wonderland! This range is amazing and you will be all over these, I’m sure. Just look at the Claudia cape coat with the Cheshire Cat grin on the back! The toadstools are everything <3 

    Alice In Wonderland Claudia Cape Coat
    Cheshire Cat grin

    As well as the themed collections, we have staples coming in many more prints and shades – the knitwear is amazing and so thick and warm! This fun star print swing dress was a winner for me too. Who doesn’t love being showered with rainbow stars? Yes, please!

    Star Print

    However, Autumn Winter usually means only one thing for me, evening dresses! Bring on the glitz and glamour! I was absolutely bowled over by the variety of occasion wear we have to look forward to (including our beloved new Trixies) – though the biggest delight for me, came from seeing the rerelease of this stunning gown, the Ingrid (seen here in Jade).

    Ingrid Jade Dress

    This has the most beautiful draping and is such an elegant dress with a classic 30’s shape. Cut on the bias, this is very flattering for lots of ladies and I’m sure it will be just as popular again.

    Ingrid Front. Photo by Collectif Clothing
    Ingrid – back detail (photo by Collectif Clothing)

    The Bright & Beautiful range didn’t disappoint with the new Astrids (which are fast becoming a favourite of mine), especially this one with flashes of electric blue on deep maroon

    Bright & Beautiful Astrid

    And Lulu Hun also excelled – these boots will be in everyone’s baskets, I’m sure! Glittery, leopard print flocked, DM style boots. What else do you need?!

    Lulu Hun Winter Boots

    I hope you’ve enjoyed a quick twirl around next winter’s fashions and the previous two parts of the London Edge series (here and here). While I was at the show, I asked about events, (which had been mentioned previously at the 18th birthday party), and was told that we have an awesome Summer one to look forward to (though this will be earlier rather than later), so I hope to see you all there in your new season stock for more fun and frolics!