• Jenny Lu Swing Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]

    Bringing the sunshine to recent rainy days, this elegant summer dress is lovely and bright with some stunning details. There’s a sweetheart neckline for that classic 50’s feel and fitted bodice.

    Pretty sweetheart neckline

    It looks like a seemingly simple dress from the front, but all the WOW is at the back which I really love. There are double straps which join the skirt section at the back, but it’s backless aside from that which is such a sassy look and will also keep you cool but effortlessly elegant at summer soirées and garden parties over the coming months.

    At the centre back there’s also a gorgeous bow feature which is part of the fastening for this dress. It has a a centre zip with hook and eye at the back of the skirt section and the bow has a popper on one side of the bow which acts like a flap over the zip. All of this is invisible and not seen at all – as you can see on the photo!

    The skirt section is a full swing and fits a petticoat underneath just fine. I wore a petticoat underneath it here:

    Plenty of petti room!

    And without a petticoat here:

    I think it suits both, it just depends what you feel happy with. I tend to wear a petticoat if I’m going to an event or do but day to day, I’d be super happy wearing it without too as it falls beautifully. It is a teensy bit see through so you may want to wear a half slip. There are also large pockets in the skirt which is a great addition to any dress!

    Fit wise, I found it fit fine without sizing down (as the size guidance suggests). There’s plenty of stretch and the bust section is quite large, so if you have a smaller bust, you may want to size down. However the waist section is still correct as there’s no stretch once the bow is fixed in place so sizing down wouldn’t work for anyone in between sizes on their waist. The length is a little longer than I’d usually wear for a swing dress but works great with the petticoat to lift it a little. It’s at my mid calf without a petticoat and with petticoat it’s a couple of inches below my knee.

    The straps are not adjustable which is the only down side to this dress. I had to bastardise the straps with my limited sewing skills as they were too long on my petite frame. It’s important to note that the straps sit a little differently at the back on the actual dress vs my bodge-it sewing attempt but I think I did ok?! That’s the only alteration I’ve made, though I may shorten the dress a little too going forward. It’ll work great for taller or average height gals though!

    With brighter days on the horizon, grab this dress while you can! Available at Cherry Red Vintage in sizes 8,10,14 and 16 at £59.00.

    Oh look, it’s Summer incoming!

     

    Also wearing:
    Sunnies and Necklace: Old stock Collectif
    Shoes: Lulu Hun Kathleen Wedge
    Earrings and Bangles: Splendette
    Hair Flowers: High Street years ago

    For Reference: 
    I’m 4’11” and wearing 3.25 inch wedge heels. My stats for reference are: 33:24:33. I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and wearing the size 6 in the photos, though I’ve adjusted the straps.

    Disclaimer:
    This dress was gifted to me by Cherry Red Vintage but all my views are my own and I only give honest reviews.

  • Emilia Gingham Cherries Top and Dakota Skirt [Collectif Clothing]

    This adorable set was a birthday gift from a beautiful friend who knows me VERY well! What could be better than a cute frilly cropped top and swing skirt adorned in a big gingham print with scrummy cherries?! So perfect!

    The Emilia Gingham Frill Top is a real darling of a little top with a frilled sweetheart neckline. I ironed down those frills to make them more uniform and set them in place.

    There’s a row of domed black buttons to the front, but these don’t open. Instead it’s an elasticated back which is easy to get in and out of and adjustable straps which cross over at the back. It’s so great when adjustable straps are included with elasticated backs as they fit just about everyone. I would say it’s true to size. I’m actually wearing a size bigger than I usually wear which feels a little looser but not noticeably, especially with the straps adjusted. As it’s cropped it goes more by your bust size and as I’m almost a size 8 bust, I think that’s why it works ok for me. So I’d recommend you buy your normal size but if that isn’t available, a size up will likely work too.

    The matching Dakota Gingham Cherries Skirt works so well with the top. I have the Dakota in another colour way already but this is a different fabric and much stretchier so you may be able to size down with it. There’s a buckled belt included and belt loops around the skirt which is great to keep the skirt from twisting around. There are two side pockets to the front with a fold over detail in the black trim and these are large enough to keep whatever you want (except the kitchen sink – hands usually suffice haha). 

    Fold over details to the pockets

    It has a centre back zip and it’s pretty gathered, fitting a petticoat underneath just fine. I wore a black one underneath but I’ll wear it without too.

    The length is lovely and just past my knee, though bear in mind the petticoat will be lifting it a little so it’ll drop a little without one.

    I absolutely love the print of kitschy red cherries over black and white gingham, giving it such a classic retro look. I was such a lucky (and spoilt) gal to receive this gorgeous set. It’s going to be super versatile too, not only wearing it as a set but wearing the top with a variety of jeans, skirts and trousers and the skirt with a range of different black, white or red tops. So many options!

     The top is £27.00 and currently available in sizes 10-22 and the skirt is £49.00  and available in sizes 6, 18-22 (both available as a set, here) and sizes 8-16 available for the skirt over at SilkFred.

    For Reference:
    I’m 4’11” with 4 inch heels on here. I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif, but I’m wearing a size 8 in the top and a size 6 in the skirt. My measurements are 33:24:33.

    Also Wearing:
    Hair Flowers, Earrings, Necklace and Sunnies: Old stock Collectif
    Bangles: Splendette
    Shoes: E5P old stock

  • Berta Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]

    Lovely Berta! I can’t help but feel like I’ve walked into a 50’s diner when I wear this gorgeous little number! Look at the cute styling with it’s striking white stripe down the front and shirtwaister pencil shape. It is to die for!!

    This dress gives me serious diner vibes

    I absolutely love yellow so this was always going to be an addition to brighten my summer wardrobe, but I really love the details of this dress; with the sweet puffed sleeves, cinched in waist with matching belt in white (which has holes – hurrah!) and notched collar.

    There are functional pockets to this dress too. They’re topped with a white trim to match the stripe and arrive closed as with most pockets you find on jackets etc. Just open carefully with a seam ripper et voila! Fabulous pockets which can actually fit your whole hand. What could be better?!

    The fit is spot on for me and there’s some stretch in the material should you need it. I’m wearing my normal size and it’s perfect. The length is great and hits below my knee,  on my upper calf. 

    Beautiful Berta is currently available in all sizes (6-22) at £59 and includes free delivery at the moment due to an offer running over at Collectif. So go grab this gem of a dress, I can’t recommend it enough! 

    Also wearing: 
    Bangles and Earrings: Splendette
    Brooch: Erstwilder
    Sunglasses: Old Collectif stock
    Hair Flowers: High street old stock
    Shoes: Faith (before things went wrong at Debenhams)

    For Reference:
    I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels and I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing which I’m wearing in the photos above. My measurements are 33:24:33.

  • Check Please! Gingham Vest Crop Top and Trousers [Primark]

    I don’t often shop on the High Street but, along with thousands of others, ended lockdown by mooching about in Primarni. It wasn’t very busy when I went which I was glad about too.

    I happened upon this little outfit which is just adorable! Obviously the only one left in my size was on the actual mannequin so I had to ask a friendly store person to wrangle the mannequin out of their clothes (which was also funny as I hadn’t expected her to just rip off the arms in a somewhat brutal fashion – can you tell I haven’t worked in retail?!).

    It comprises a mint gingham crop top and matching trousers and has an elasticated fit. I usually buy tops a size bigger to allow for boobage so I did the same here, but could have done with my normal size to be honest because of the stretch in the material. I’m pretty happy with it though and it has the loveliest gathered bust details over a fitted bodice and a sweetheart neckline with straps for support. 

    At the back, the top is low backed with a fixed bow which I just love! There’s a side zip to get in and out of it if you’re wondering whether you need to be Houdini – you don’t! 

    Gorgeous bow detail to the back

    The trousers are slim fitting on the leg  with a side zip and have a faux belt detail to the front – don’t think that belt is moving, because it’s going nowhere! I like the feature though and together with the top it’s a really sweet Spring/Summer outfit. I bought my normal size in the trousers but could have sized down if they’d had that size in stock. Again, I’m pretty happy with the size I have though as it means I can eat puddings to my heart’s content haha.

    I paired it with pink, adding a pink and white gingham cardigan, fuchsia heels and mint and pink accessories. I love mint, it’s one of my favourite colours and looks amazing with so many others like yellow, purple, red etc. I kept it pastel perfection though and even blended in with my picnic blanket! I wouldn’t normally wear a cropped top but it’s vest style so long enough to just about cover my mid riff and the back is so pretty I just had to have it!

    The top costs £8 and the trousers are £10. You can see them here featured on the Primark site. Hope you manage to find them in your local store and continue to stay safe you gorgeous lot x

    For reference:

    I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels. I’m a size 4 or 6 in Primark usually. Above I’m wearing a size 8 top and size 6 trousers. My measurements for reference are 33:24:33.

    Also wearing:
    Cardigan: previous Collectif season
    Sunnies: previous Collection season
    Necklace: previous Collectif season (part of the Natalie set)
    Hair flowers: Collectif last year and high street
    Shoes: Lulu Hun Lorena in fuchsia 
    Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
    Earrings: Bow & Crossbones

  • 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

     

     

  • Dorothy Rainbow Chevron Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]

    I was always a fan of a rainbow dress (you probably know I have quite a few in my wardrobe already), but with everything that’s happened over the past year, they’ve come to mean more to everyone and project hope and better times ahead. It was a done deal as soon as I saw Dorothy from the new Spring/Summer 2021 collection – she needed to brighten my days. If you’re umming and ahhing over whether you need ‘another’ rainbow dress, let me tell you that you do haha.

    The Dorothy is similar in style to the Nova designs, but features a fabulous 50’s inspired fold over trim to the bust and wide, adjustable straps in pastel pink. There’s also a matching, heart-shaped, belt in the pink which is super cute and a lovely touch.

    Now let’s just take a minute to appreciate that fabulous chevron rainbow print! I absolutely love bold, bright colours, and the addition of the ric-rac style chevrons definitely makes you stand out and spread joy wherever you go! 

    That fold over detail is just darling

    The neckline is v shaped and there’s a centre back zip to fasten. As always, we love some pockets and this dress has two deep, side seam, pockets to plunge your hands into…..perfect! 

    Pockets suitably plunged

    The swing skirt is pleated at the top but has plenty of fullness for a petticoat still. I tried it with and without (shown with in the main photo). My preference for dresses is usually without a petticoat but some days I do like that extra poof. It works well both ways.

    With petticoat on the left, sans petticoat on the right

    It falls just below the knee on me which is a good vintage length. It’ll be shorter and on the knee for the taller amongst you. The fit is great and I actually prefer the fit of this design to the Nova. I found it true to size with a bit of room on the waistband.

    This dress has been really popular already so if you can get your hands on one, do! Currently available in sizes 6-14 on the website and £65, though if you use code VIP20 it will get you 20% off full priced items until midnight on the 15th March. If you’re in love with the print but it’s out of stock in your size, there’s also the Dolores top and Marilu skirt combo which would work well together as a set and both are available in all sizes (see here). 

    Dorothy deserves to return home with you <3

     

    Also wearing:
    Cardigan: previous Collectif Jessie design
    Parasol: old Collectif stock
    Bangles and Earrings: all Splendette
    Hair flowers: a selection including Miss Bella’s Blooms and Collectif
    Shoes: E5P
    Necklace: Kreepsville 666

    For sizing info:
    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing (my measurements are 33:24:33) and 4’11” tall with 4.5” heels on in the photos. I’m wearing a size 6 Dorothy dress.

     

  • Check, Please! Amber and Suzanne Valley Reviews [Collectif]

    So I didn’t realise just how many checks I’d ordered in the sales until they arrived ha. I guess it turns out, I really do like checks! I’m so happy with my choices though, they’re all unique in their own way and such great dresses.

    First up is the Amber Holiday Romance Pencil dress in a glorious red and white pattern.

    Lady in red!

    I have an Amber Evergreen pencil dress already from a few years ago so I sort of knew the fit to expect with this, though obviously it’s a completely different fabric so I did kinda hope for the best. As it turns out, the fabric is actually much thicker and quite firm. It’s such a great choice for the colder months and I really like it. I dream of days when all pencils will be lined but I feel like my tights will actually have more chance of not sticking to my dress with this fabric. 

    It has a wide scoop neck and half sleeves, a fitted bodice and a classic wiggle cut for added va va voom!

    It’s a lovely modest length below my knee and has a zip at the back with a hook and eye fastening. Fit wise, I’m glad I bought my normal size as it’s a good fit for me. There is some stretch in the fabric, but if you’re in between sizes you may need to size up as the waistband seam doesn’t move much. It’s a really comfortable fit for a wiggle dress. I also added a belt too to pull the waist in further and true vintage gloves to complete the look. It’s available in all sizes currently and only £15.75 with code BS50 until Sunday night!

    As well as a pencil style, there are also swing versions of this dress. I have Amber-Lea’s which have a gathered full skirt to the bottom with the same top half, but I don’t have the Amber swing so this is a new style for me and when I saw the bold print of the Amber Scholar Check Swing Dress, I just knew I had to have it! I mean, look at these colours!

    This one is a Modcloth collaboration and has the most fantastic, stand out, black, green/blue, yellow and pink check print. The style is the same as the pencil above the waistline with the wide neckline and half sleeves, but includes a full swing skirt to swoosh about in. It’s a really flattering fit and an amazing colour combination.  

    I wore it with a complimentary yellow belt and shoes with a smaller heel and it still sits nicely just below my knee so a great length for me. I bought my normal size and again that was the right choice for me. If you’re a size 18 or over make sure you check the sizing chart for the dress as Modcloth have their own sizing for these sizes. Anything under an 18 is the standard Collectif sizing. Waistbands usually have a little more stretch in the seam for the swings, I’ve found, and this is no exception. So if you’re in between sizes, you’ll be fine with your normal size for the swing version. It’s currently available in all sizes and down to £27.19 in the sale with the code. I’m absolutely delighted the collabs are included in the sale.

    Another collab I had to have but waited patiently for was the Suzanne Valley Check dress from the Top Vintage collection. It has the most glorious print in green, orange, yellow and black which brightens up any dull day! I’m a bit in love with the Suzanne dresses and admittedly already have two – the black white check, here, and I was treated to the beautiful Berry Check this Christmas from a good friend, here, but you can never have too much of a good thing! 

    It’s such a classic style with a gorgeous bateau neckline, tailored princess seams and a fitted waist. Three quarter length notched sleeves and a really full swing skirt also add to that fabulous 50’s feel.  There’s also a matching fabric belt which is one that sadly doesn’t have a buckle but I use Velcro dots to fasten it in place which is a handy tip if you struggle with these kind of belts!

    There’s a centre back zip and two lovely pockets to the side seams. I have my normal size in my other two Suzannes and they’re perfect fits so I did the same with this TopVintage collab and hit the jackpot. The length is great for me too, hitting my mid calf. Though the fabric has a small amount of stretch, there’s no stretch in the waist, so if you’re in between sizes and/or if you’re busty, you will need to size up in this one. The fabric is great for winter too, being thicker than normal – though not as thick as the Amber. A great winter staple for every vintage lovin’ gal!

    This is one of those dresses which is even better than you’d imagined and I’m so glad I managed to get my mitts on it. It’s only available in sizes 6, 8, 12 and 18 now for the sale price of £33.75, so if you can snag one, do it! Remember the sale ends midnight on Sunday and works on these TopVintage and Modcloth collab beauties x

     

    Additional info:
    I’m 4’11” and wearing 3-4 inch heels in the photos above (Susans are 4 and the yellow Juliette is 3).  I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and bought that size in all of the dresses above.

    Also wearing:
    With Amber Holiday Romance:
    Susan red heels by Lulu Hun (previous season)
    Natalie Red Necklace by Collectif
    Adore Heart Belt by Collectif (previous season)
    True vintage red gloves
    Starburst bangles by Splendette

    With Amber Scholar Check:
    Juliette shoes by Lulu Hun (previous season)
    Thrifted necklace
    High Street belt from moons ago
    Flamingo Carved Earrings in pink by Splendette 
    Bangles by Splendette and Bows & Crossbones

    With TopVintage Suzanne Valley Check:
    Susan green heels by Lulu Hun (previous season)
    Carrie Orange bag by Collectif 
    Kirin Necklace by Collectif 
    Wide Carved Bangle Set by Splendette 

  • 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 Hun

    Hair flowers: high street
    Bangles: Splendette

  • Jolene Cowboy Boots Review [Lulu Hun by Collectif]

    What can I say about these boots?! They’re just ruddy AMAZING! I’ve been in love with them since I first saw them back in February. Back then, the pair I had my eye on was the red/blue/white combo but unfortunately due to covid, they haven’t been released this year. This may have been a blessing for me though as I bought the tan pair which I can wear with so much more (though if they ever release the red/blue/white pair, you’d better believe they’ll be straight in my cart haha). The black and pink version on the left is also available to buy.

    Back at the start of the year, I also mistakenly thought they were leather and had planned to lust after them from afar as I can’t wear leather. But much to my delight (and believe me, there were squeals!), they’re PU so it was all systems GO!

    They’re so comfortable to wear with a small heel in true western style and fit me true to size, with a little room. I like to wear thick socks in winter to keep my tootsies warm so there’s room for these. The pointed toe looks great and isn’t too narrow (though if you have a wide foot, you may need to size up obviously as with most standard shoes).  They sit on my calf and are the perfect length for me and not too wide (some boots are too baggy on the calf for me but these fit great).The stitching is a really nice feature which is very subtle on the tan pair but still distinct.

    I wore my Erin jumpsuit with mine and the Evie Ascot scarf in mustard for a casual daytime look, paired with yellow and brown jewellery from Splendette. I’ll also be wearing these beauties with skirts and dresses as they work with everything! They’re going to be a staple for my autumn/winter looks this year. I honestly love them so much!

    They’re available here in sizes 3 to 8 and cost £114.40. The black and pink stars are £112.45 and can be viewed here. There’s currently a promotion by Collectif which includes free delivery over £50 so shipping is free (UK) and over £75 worldwide (purchase from the international website if you’re outside the UK). They’re well worth the investment – I’ve already worn them SO much! 

    They’re the perfect Autumn/Winter boots for co-ordinating with your vintage wardrobe, and mine x

    Western boots in the wild!

     

    For reference:
    I’m 4’11” and a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing (wearing the Erin jumpsuit in a 6). My shoe size is a 4/37 and that’s what I’m wearing in the boots above. 

    Also wearing:
    Scarf: Evie Ascot by Collectif
    Jumpsuit: Erin by Collectif (old stock)
    Jewellery: Earrings and bangles by Splendette
    Hair Flower: Miss Bella’s Blooms 

  • 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.