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Supplier Spotlight: Lady K Loves [Polly Jeans Review]
It’s been about a year since I first saw these jeans and started swooning over them. I’d followed the company for a good while before as they suit so many of my vintage lovin’ gals, especially the fabulous ‘Hug me Baby‘ style which makes all pear shaped beaut’s dreams come true!
But alas, being a bit vertically challenged, I rarely do well in trousers or jeans without alterations and they’re especially problematic if they’re high waisted as I just don’t have the extra torso space. So I almost fell off my chair when the awesome Lady K Loves designed the amazing Polly jeans – with a shorter rise and perfect for us petites!
If you’re not petite, but you prefer a mid or low rise jean, then this style would also be a great choice for you. I’m thrilled to finally own a pair of Polly’s in indigo which are now my wardrobe staple. I love the beautiful stitching with the sweetheart yoke on the back.
The fit is really good too. The rise is just where it should sit on my frame – instead of a few inches higher where other high waisted jeans normally sit on me (which is practically directly under my boobs – not a good look for anyone). They’re really comfortable, and I love the feel of the denim. Speaking of which, not only does LKL cater for all shapes and sizes with their range of jeans, they’re also very consious about ethical sourcing, fair trade, and providing a fabulous but sustainable, quality product. They’ve definitely hit the nail on the head with these jeans, and it feels great to support a company with such high ethical standards. You can read more about this process on their website (here).
The little details like the new label and iron on patch (which is definitely going to be added to my pair) are fab too:
An ethical label for an ethical brand <3 Can’t wait for this patch to go on! With the leg length, I bought the 27″, but when measuring them, they’re actually 28″ so were always going to be too long on me anyway as I’m a teeny 4’11” as most of you know. I’ve rolled up twice but will likely just alter them so the roll ups sit better – nothing I wouldn’t normally do for jeans/trousers, though I think I can get away with them as they are, which never happens!
The ordering process was super easy and I emailed Boss Babe, Kessie, for sizing guidance prior to ordering (there’s a great size guide on the website but I needed a little extra help). She was so lovely and helpful and made the purchase a real pleasure. Based in Bristol, she’s still hard at work sending out happy parcels from her home office to us during these weird times, which I was really thankful for. These jeans have come at the perfect time for me as I want to incorporate a more casual look to my vintage style wardrobe. I normally wear dresses, so these have become a really cool alternative for my 50’s aesthetic when I don’t feel like putting on a frock. They ooze vintage style but with the modern fit, feel great and enable me to do whatever my little heart desires.
As well a range of jeans to suit all, LKL makes limited edition tops, skirts and accessories and offers a variety of ways to pay, including Clear Pay, so you can spread the payments if needed. There are also some cheeky sale bargains in the Last Chance section which has some great offers and is worth checking out – I picked up a cute yellow top from a previous sale and was so glad I snapped it up as it didn’t come back (it really was the last chance) – so if you see something you like, grab it! Enjoy x
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[London Edge Feb 2020 Part 5] Voodoo Vixen, Hell Bunny & More!
As we take a little tour of the trade floor, I thought I’d show you some more highlights from the show. There were some great displays from so many brands and fab to see so many independent retailers exhibiting.
The featured photo above shows a stunning display by The Seamstress of Bloomsbury. They always have a wonderfully vintage stand combined with Classic Bags in Bloom, whose bags are hand finished in the UK and look absolutely adorable with their vintage styling.
Hell Bunny always have a great centre spot showcasing their existing and upcoming designs.
There were a few favourites I saw hitting the runway.
Hell Bunny Python Rose Dress Hell Bunny Viva Las Vegas Top and Skirt Hell Bunny Pina Colada Dress and Noa Noa Mid Dress I particularly like the tropical Tiki print of the Noa Noa dress above which is full of exotic birds, palm frongs and hibiscus flowers – the perfect summer print!
Hell Bunny also had a range of shoes on display and I’m a sucker for a polka dot peep toe, especially if it has a bow on it. LOVE.
Moving on to Voodoo Vixen with their exciting collaboration for Summer called Unreal Redheads (so I’m aptly drawn to it!). I really loved the cute designs and pastel shades of these two.
This is the Trixie Gingham dress and features a pastel rainbow gingham with love heart pockets and buttons – adorable!
The Hayley prom dress is a real head turner. I have a similar design which was hand made for me about 8 years ago as it’s such a classic vintage evening style and looks amazing on all shapes and sizes. Mine wasn’t resplendent in rainbow tulle though! I love it when straps sit delicately on the shoulders and the detailed pleating on the bust is fantastic.
Beautiful tulle pleats The Jinkx Floral Tropical Print dress also stood out for me with it’s gloriously leafy and floral design.
The sweetheart neckline combined with heart buttons and elasticated sides for a perfect fit make this a great choice for holiday season.
There were also some fun novelty bags from Voodoo Vixen – and I do love a novelty bag! I especially like the camera bags:
It was also exciting to see Daisy Dapper at London Edge which are based in Sweden. Their stand was filled with elegantly styled, vintage inspired, pieces and some were adorned with daisies!
Lastly for today, my favourite piece from Banned Retro, was this Summer Sail Dress with it’s sweet open collar and border print full of bright sailing boats:
I hope you’ve enjoyed the tour around London Edge, look out for the next instalment which will include Collectif Autumn/Winter 2020 range. Subscribe below to be notified when the post goes live x
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[London Edge Feb 2020 Part 4] Charlie Stone Shoes
In the fourth segment of my tour around this year’s London Edge, I was absolutely delighted to meet Samantha Capello of Charlie Stone Shoes. What a charming, elegant, lady with real passion for what she does – she very much personifies her brand, which offers beautiful vintage styling with the modern practicality of flat/low heel designs.
As someone that travels to events and then runs around them all day, I often wear something flat or low heeled for the journey, then swap to my heels once I’m there. I did this at London Edge as you can see from previous photos; I’m wearing a low heeled boot in one, (which I travelled in), and then my platform peep toes for the rest of the show. I would love to be able to wear just one pair all day but the trouble has always been finding something that’s still in keeping with the rest of my vintage styled outfit and comfortable enough to whizz from one end of the City to another. In warmer weather I usually resort to a modern ballet flat but they’re quite bland, offer little to zero support, and don’t add to the overal aesthetic I’m going for with my dresses.
Samantha has created a range of luxurious, handcrafted, shoes which have taken influences from the 1920’s to the 1950’s – they’re incredibly pretty but comfort is also key with their cushioned insoles and hidden arch support.
I’ve been a fan of the brand for a long time and adored their style but, as I’m vegan, the leather items weren’t an option for me. I was delighted to see a thoughtful selection of vegan products (I particularly love Roma and Firenze from the current collection), have been added to the upcoming season releases, using a high quality, breathable, microfibre PU, which I’m thrilled about.
These stunning rose gold and white, shell shaped, flats are called Moorea, both vegan and will be launching in April. I love the shape of these with their open toes, exuding elegance and so easy to wear with a dress on balmy summer nights or paired with capris and a light jacket for a day of exploring a Parisian city break.
I also noted they have the handy quick release buckles which I believe all collections will have going forward. They’re so much easier than having to do the buckle up each time, you just lift the strap into a hook and you’re done! I have a few shoes with this style already and they’re so much faster to put on and hold firmly in place without fuss.
Also new to the vegan range this year are these low t bar heels:
Modelling the black pair on the day, they looked great on Samantha and were clearly comfortable as she’d been on her feet all day by that point! They went really well with the dress Samantha was wearing and seemed to be a versatile shoe – something you could wear to the office or out for dinner.
The rose gold pair have the design detail of a Manhattan flat to the front, but with the addition of a small heel. They’re super sparkly and guaranteed to make your outfit shine! It felt like a really good quality glitter too, not the type which rubs off or leaves a trail everywhere you go, you can tell they’re exceptionally well made.
As well as the dazzling array of shoes, I spotted these glorious rattan bags which were launched at the start of the year.
Inspired by Grecian Summers, these sweet little bags are named Kythira and come in white (above) and natural (below) with gold fixings.
My favourite is the natural version as it sets off my Tiki inclinations. The dimensions are 20 x 13 x 6.5 cm, small enough to be demure, but big enough to hold a mobile phone, (which many vintage styled bags don’t consider), along with your other essentials. Unfortunately these have already sold out on the website (I’m not surprised as they’re undeniably a must have item) but hopefully stockists will have some incoming.
You can buy the full range directly from Charlie Stone via their website (do remember to factor in customs tax and duties when importing). It’s also important to note that they’ve taken the rather fabulous step of using only 100% compostable, plant based, mail bags for single item orders and use minimal tissue paper for packaging leading to much less waste. In a world of fast fashion, it’s so important for us to be consciously thinking about our own impact and it brings joy to my heart to see a company so proactive and innovative when it concerns our planet – we only have one and need to be kind to it.
You can also purchase Charlie Stone shoes here in the UK and EU from the following stockists:
These shops have a good selection to choose from, and some will be stocking the Summer lines, so I look forward to seeing the new styles grace their websites.
I hope you’ve enjoyed having a look at what’s to come for Charlie Stone, it was a real pleasure to chat to Samantha and learn more about her company and the exciting way it’s evolving.
The next edition of the London Edge highlights will be going live shortly, subscribe below to be notified x
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Makira Shoes Review [Honiara Vintage]
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[London Edge Feb 2020 Part 2] Sheen Clothing
With a range of vintage and modern styles, I was delighted to meet the lovely team at Sheen on my visit to London Edge. I mentioned them on the blog at my last visit (see here) as I really liked the Helena dress which was showcased on the catwalk that day.
Helena Dress With it’s beautiful neckline, long sleeves and full skirt, this was a stand out winter dress for me. More recently, I fell in love with the aptly named Heart dress which is so insanely pretty, it truly captures hearts.
Photo Credit: Sheen Clothing This year, the stand was bursting with colour and unique prints, featuring their Spring/Summer looks.
So many styles! In every colour and print There is something for everyone, from fun and flirty playsuits to casual day dresses, all the way to evening wear. My favourites from the current line are these playsuits which have the sweetest details:
Arlene Playsuit Jana Playsuit The charming Summer prints, daisy buttons and lace detailing at the sweetheart neckline make these a perfect choice for lazy Summer days or exploring on your holidays. The Jana went down the runway and looked gorgeous. Just add a wide brimmed straw hat, sunglasses and some wedges and you’re set!
Jana Playsuit From the new collection, my favourite picks were from the Capsule Collection. These nautical fancies are just spectacular!
Ahoy there! Sailor Trousers Sailor Skirt I adore a novelty print and these cute little crabs on a blue and white stripe really make a statement. The waistbands with their double covered buttons are a really nice feature too. They’ll be available as cropped trousers or a swing skirt, both with pockets (yay!).
Then I spotted this dress and I couldn’t contain my excitement:
With a little nod to the super hero in all of us, this elegantly styled dress has beautiful detailing to the shoulders and neckline. And with a border of cheery crabs scuttling around the hem (I couldn’t fit it all on one photo sorry!), this fun design is bound to be a big hit.
You may also be able to pick these two out of the stand photos which I really liked:
Photo Credit: Sheen A casual shirt dress with a fun print is my ideal sunny shopping day attire. For cooler days I’d throw on a cardigan and tights with brown boots. This style of dress is very versatile so the Morgan Shirt Dress appealed to me.
Bette Dress Photo Credit: Sheen And then there’s Bette, with her fabulously bright toucan print, combining my favourite colours (turquoise and yellow). This halterneck pencil dress ties at the neck and features a sweetheart neckline wth bow tie to the front. It’s the perfect cocktail dress for a tiki bar or summer barbecue party.
There are many more styles coming too, and while the brand is usually only available via stockists, Sheen has exciting things planned. In around a month’s time, a new ecommerce store will be available on the website, meaning we can buy direct! And everything is available in sizes 8 to 22 which provides a good range.
You may also have noticed on the stand that the brand name will be changing – from Sheen to Timeless. There’s a definite shift happening within the company and while most items are available in cotton currently (some polyester), they’re becoming a more environmentally conscious brand. To that end, the textiles they plan to use going forward will be sustainable which is a great step forward for those of us that enjoy fashion but want to think about our footprints on the planet too.
I’m looking forward to exploring the new website when it launches!
Look out for Part 3 of the London Edge previews, or subscribe below to be notified of the next publication x
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Making Blue Monday, Red! [Collectif Clothing Bella Dress]
So apparently we should all be tired of January about now. If you’re feeling it, I hope the rest of Jan passes quickly for you. I’m certainly looking forward to Spring as I always do – I’m definitely more of a sunshine baby than a winter one!
Banishing those winter blues has been helped a lot by an unexpected sale buy for me. I’d seen this dress almost a year ago and it was love at first sight, naturally. What’s not to love with its gorgeous Poison Ivy vibes?! However, I never wear red as I feel it clashes with my hair too much. I used to wear red a lot as a natural brunette so that took some adjusting to almost a decade ago when I became an unnatural redhead.
A few weeks ago, maybe around Christmas time, I’d noticed ASOS Marketplace were stocking Collectif as a boutique. I’d browsed and seen my normal size wasn’t well catered for on there so thought nothing of it. Then the Bella pencil dress, (which was sold out in most sizes on the Collectif main website), was hollering at me from the screen, begging me to click on her, despite knowing a 6 didn’t show up in my search.
So I succumbed, as you do, because obviously if I click there may be a 6 which was hidden and wasn’t on the search, right?! Wrong. But lo and behold, an 8 was available. The ASOS Marketplace was reduced half price, just as the main website, but it also includes free delivery. So, I took a punt and figured I’d just return it if it was too big.
It was shipped super fast but wasn’t by the normal DPD delivery from Collectif, I think ASOS must hold stock and it was delivered by Royal Mail (order placed on a Thursday evening, delivered Saturday morning). The return shipping is to Collectif direct, so you don’t have to worry about using the Marketplace as a platform to buy from, it’s all very easy and legit.
It was just as I remembered, so beautiful with it’s delicate leaf and rose strap detailing on the shoulders, boned bodice, silicone tabs and lightly padded bust (to allow you to go braless if you wish) with a matching, wide, velvet belt.
The prettiest straps I tentatively put it on and all my concerns were gone. It was a lovely fit! A 6 would have been perfect but I could definitely get away with the 8. The fabric has stretch in it but the bodice is quite fitted. Best of all, there’s room for puddings, so I’m very happy with that! So if your size isn’t available (limited sizes left), you could try a size up as I have. I love cinched in styles like this, but which are roomy enough to eat your own bodyweight and still feel comfortable. I felt instantly sexy when I put it on.
Red hair (and dress), don’t care. So I’m no longer going to rule out reds anymore and embrace the clash with my hair. It’s taken me a while to get there but this was definitely the dress to do it!
My new SS20 stock has also arrived so it really will be goodbye sale, hello Summer next time on the blog. See you then! x
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Lulu Hun and Bright & Beautiful SS20 Preview
If you missed the previous Spring Summer 2020 previews, you can click for Collectif and Menswear and see what delights next year holds! Today is all about my favourite picks from Lulu Hun and Bright & Beautiful though, and first up, we’ll take a look at Bright & Beautiful.
To be honest, I don’t buy a great deal from this range as the era isn’t something I wear much of (it has a very 70’s vibe), but occasionally there are some beauts which I just can’t be without!
For instance, the Astrid. I’ve spoken about this style of dress previously here. It’s boat neck and flared skirt design easily lends itself to the 50’s and it’s the main dress from the range which I really look forward to seeing from B&B every season. Next year, we have this gorgeous Deckchair version coming!
Bright & Beautiful Astrid Deckchair Dress It’s a showstopper for sure. I love the rainbow stripes and the addition of the red ric rac trim (it’s often lace that features on the edge instead). If you’re not an Astrid fan, then this print appears in a few other styles too so there’s something to suit everyone.
If you are an Astrid fan, then you may be delighted to hear that it’s also coming in a new pencil style!
Bright & Beautiful Astrid Gingham Pencil This looks like it will be a Summer staple for most with it’s classic gingham check and perfect crossover for work wear, lunch date or a mooch around the shops with friends. I really like how the main best sellers are all getting an upgrade next year to incorporate new versions of a very popular design.
The gingham continues with this gorgeous red checked dress called Iris. It has a shirred top and flared skirt – again, perfectly passable for a fifties style. Just add the picnic.
Bright & Beautiful Iris Gingham Dress The knitwear was a massive hit with me. There are so many cute, short sleeved, jumper styles coming, including this yellow check Sydney.
Bright & Beautiful Sydney Check Jumper and the Bella Harlequin jumper in blue
Bright & Beautiful Bella Harlequin Jumper Both of these have the sweetest details at the back with a row of false buttons. You could probably wear it either way around too.
Next up is Lulu Hun. This range just keeps getting better and better – I just love all the novelty items and the accessories which match perfectly with the designs of the dresses.
The sandals are always a big hit and they have some fabulous styles coming, including these orange, strawberry. monstera leaf Lottie sandals and the Phoebe starfish version.
Lulu Hun novelty sandals galore! True vintage fans will also like this 40’s inspired, mock croc, matching bag and shoes.
Lulu Hun 40’s style mock croc I also really like this wedged sandal which has a removable flower!
Lulu Hun Kellie wedges with removable flowers You can just see underneath where it has a brooch and hair clip attachment. So you could pop it in your hair if you don’t want it on your shoes. Clever!
The bags were so fun and fabulous as always. I particularly liked these bright gingham saddle bag styles with co-ordinating fruits and flowers. There’s also a little padlock feature to the front and lots of room for all your essentials.
Lulu Hun Gingham Bags And lastly, a pastel pink perfection bag with something I happen to say rather a lot.
Lulu Hun heart shaped bag This heart shaped bag sums up the collection rather well I think! Will you be broke next year because there’s so much stuff you want?…..HELL YEAH! (sorry, not sorry) x
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Supplier Spotlight: ilovethe50s.com and Collectif Fairy Palm Dress Review
Today’s review is of the Collectif Fairy Vintage Palm Dress in green which is such a summery print. I really like the colour of this one, giving off totally tropical safari vibes.
The Fairy dresses are such an easy style to wear, I think I have around 5/6 of these beauties (maybe more – who knows what’s in the depths of my Collectif wardrobes!). They always feel really comfortable with their slight stretch in the fabrics, elasticated shirring panel to the back and adjustable spaghetti straps – making this an ideal choice for everyone to express their summer vintage style.
Showing the elasticated panel to the back The dress is a pull on style (no zips to worry about) and features a full skirt. Those who love a petticoat will find it roomy enough to put one underneath should you wish to. I have it in my normal size and find it a perfect fit. I could probably size down, (as it has that light stretch and the elasticated panel), but I prefer my normal Collectif size as it then allows for comfort after eating. Bigger busted ladies, you’ll find it has ample room and the shirring expands to accommodate the ladies, so I’d buy your normal Collectif size. If you prefer a tighter pin up fit though, you may want to size down one.
I love the detailing to the bust with these styles too – the prettiest of pleats meet at the centre of the bust where there’s a sweetheart neckline and matching green buttons all the way to the waist (which are just for show).
Close up of the front pleat details and buttons The large, white, palm tree print is just fab and really goes so well with the green. Add some bamboo bangles and earrings for a Tiki inspired look or some flat sandals and a cute sun hat for shopping on a summer’s day. It’s a very versatile dress and lends itself to being dressed up or down.
White palm tree print on green, with the Carrie bangle and some Splendette I teamed mine with red (with hints of green), adding the belt from my Dakota skirt and my red Lulu Hun Veronica Heels (previous reviews of both on the blog) to make the green really pop. I’ve also added the Carrie bangles, the red Natalie bead set and an assortment of green styles from Splendette too.
Accessorised with red Basking in the sunshine in my fairy dress To snap this dress up, and others from Collectif, my readers receive a special discount rate from the fabulous Ilovethe50s.com. Use the code ELLE at checkout to receive 20% off Collectif dresses on their site!
They also stock a range of other brands and you’ll find some gorgeous Splendette goodies on there too. The website is run by the very lovely Karen, and all orders include FREE DELIVERY! It’s very easy to use, brands are listed clearly to search by and, once at checkout, you can use Paypal, Amazon Pay or Google Pay for a faster service or choose to pay by card. There are also speedier delivery options – first class is only £1 and there are next day options too if you need it super fast. If you sign up to the newsletter, you’ll also hear news first and receive notice of any further discounts on the site.
The website began last year when Karen decided she wanted to change her work life and offer a range of beautiful vintage clothing and accessories which flatter everyone, regardless of your age or clothes size – something I’m very passionate about too as a 40 something! There’s a great range available so enjoy the discount gorgeous gals!
Please note the discount code will run until the 31st May 2019. If you’ve enjoyed reading the blog and are interested to know more, please click subscribe at the bottom of the page for more reviews, info and discounts as they go live.
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Disclaimer: Gifted ad – this piece was gifted in exchange for an honest review and a discount for my readers. All thoughts are my own and I would happily purchase from this company. Please contact me via my Instagram for collab work or ads.
Stats for reference: I take a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing (33:24:33) and I’m 4’11”, wearing 3 inch heels in the photos.
I’m also wearing:
Bangles: Splendette
Sunglasses: Collectif (previous season)
Hairflower: Ebay a few years ago
Parasol: Collectif (bought from the outlet sale in Feb)
