• 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.

     

  • 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.