• Collectif x Modcloth Ayana Rainbow Shorts Review

    Rainbow shorts! Who knew I needed these in my life?! But apparently I do and I believe most of you do too as they’re such a fantastic print. This is the bespoke pastel rainbow fabric from Collectif which they’ve used in a collaboration with Modcloth to create another style to their rainbow range.

    The Ayana shorts are a lovely high waisted piece with full pockets and a white button to the side (along with hidden side zip).

    I love this pattern and the fabric has some stretch in. I could have probably sized down in these but I’m grateful for the extra room to enjoy summer barbeque parties and extra puddings! The Modcloth sizing is the same as Collectif’s until you hit the extended sizes, for those, you need to follow the Modcloth sizing chart only for a true fit.

    I have a few pairs of Ayana’s and they’re a really comfortable pair to wear casually or jazzed up. I’ve paired mine with the white Mahina top from last year which is no longer available but there is now a black to purchase (here) which would also work, along with the Sasha tops (the plain white would work great, previous Sasha review here). Also wearing my clear pastel rainbow bangle stack from Splendette which have coloured stones in them. They’re a perfect match for this outfit, I think, and finish it off nicely with my pastel pink Outlaw jacket from Collectif.

    Full outfit

    These are such happy shorts, they were perfect for the sunshine today and I recommend snagging a pair before they’re gone as there aren’t many available!

    With the Pink Outlaw Jacket from Collectif

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

    Also wearing:
    Sunglasses: Collectif (previous season)
    Pins on jacket: Punky Pins and Sass & Belle
    Shoes: Lulu Hun Lorena
    Other bangles: original vintage and Bow & Crossbones

  • ASOS Design Straw Hat Review

    Despite the April showers we’ve been experiencing, I managed to sport this gorgeous new straw hat from the ASOS Design Summer collection on the 1st, while bathing in the glorious sunshine we had for a minute.

    Soaking up the sunshine in my new hat

    It’s a steal at £18.00 and the has two interchangeable ribbons – one is plain black  as above (which is very elegant) and the other is more of a casual, nautical blue stripe.

    Alternative nautical ribbon
    Alternative ribbon insitu

     

    What I love most about this hat is there are adjusters hidden in the band! As I’m petite, I have a rather small head which never fits standard sized hats. So I can fawn over all the beautiful hats but know they will never normally fit my teeny tiny bonce. This feature is ingenious! By pulling the elasticated strings together, it will fit any sized head as well as those with a standard fit that don’t need them (just leave them loose).

    Internal elastic adjustment
    Elastic tied to fit

    It has a curved, wide, brim and is made from 100% straw. 

    Side View

    The perfect accessory to keep you cool in the coming months and looking chic in your vintage outfits. I am so thrilled to have finally found a hat that is a perfect fit for me.There are a range of other choices too from ASOS (see here); I particularly love the boaters which work well with our vintage style too. Have fun choosing something for your own summer collection!

    See you in St Tropez!
  • 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