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How Star Will You Go Dress Review [Harkel Clothing]
Something a little different to round the week off – though not too much of a stretch as I’m easily won over by atomic stars!
The How Star Will You Go dress by Harkel Clothing is a really cool little shirt dress with an all over celestial print featuring an array of bright stars and planets. It has a Peter Pan style collar which you can do up to the top if you prefer, but I like to leave shirt styles open.
It comes with its own thin blue belt but I swapped it out for a wide red one to tie in with my hair and accessories instead. You could get away with lots of belt options as there as so many colours you could pick out from the design. It also has round buttons with a moulded star shape on them which I thought was a nice feature.
It has a fitted bodice and full gathered skirt with two seam pockets which is great. Harkel don’t sell my size so I checked the sizing guide and the 8 was more of a 6-8 measurement so I took a punt. It is a little roomy on me but the good thing with shirt dresses is you can pull them in with the belt and nobody would know! It’s pretty bang on a 6-8 rather than a true 8 so I’m really chuffed to get away with it. The individual sizing charts are a really handy feature on each item. It sits just below my knees which is a good length for me. It will obviously be shorter on taller gals and in their description they note it’s aimed to be above the knee, so expect it to be cute and short if you’ve got those extra inches I don’t have hehe.
If you’re looking for some different styles to add to your wardrobe, it’s worth a look. I stay pretty much with 50’s styling but this is such an easy wear with a stand out print so it really caught my eye and I’m glad I went for it. Delivery was pretty quick.
I ordered this last month when it had 50% off and though that ship has now sailed, Harkel are always on sale and currently doing a promo with 40% off (code HAPPY40) so it’s still a good price and available currently in sizes 8-20 (no size 12’s though sorry dolls) x
Further info:
I’m 4’11” wearing 4.5 inch heels and a standard size 6 in clothing and ordered the 8 in the dress above. It’s more like a 6-8 than a true 8, a little roomy to be expected but not too much. Use the size guide on the product page to ensure you order the right size for you.Also wearing:
Splendette bangles
Orchid hairpiece from the high street
True vintage belt -
Supplier Spotlight: Ilovethe50s.com featuring Collectif Maura
Hope you’re all doing well in isolation and coping ok. It’s so important to be supporting small businesses during these hard times (if we can), and if you fancy a little lift to brighten your day, then I have a gem of a dress for you to consider!
This is the Collectif Maura dress which is a fabulous rockabilly styled shirt dress. It’s a lovely dark indigo denim with lots of stretch and features retro style square red buttons all the way down the front.
The red accents are continued on the stitching and the wide circular belt. The pencil shape is really easy to wear with lots of stretch and it’s super comfortable too. I did a lot of stretching, bending and all sorts while I was wearing it and it just moved with me, despite being a pencil it’s not restrictive at all.
I found it true to size, and it sits on my mid calf which is a perfect vintage length for me. For the taller among you, it should sit nicely just below your knee. If you’re particularly blessed up top you may wish to size up. There’s a handy popper detail below the first button at the bust area to avoid any gaping issues too.
It’s such a versatile dress – everyone needs a faithful denim dress to carry them through from Spring to Summer and this fits the bill perfectly with its classic 50s styling. I loved wearing it for a little walk in the sunshine and I’ll also be wearing it to pick up my essential groceries in a couple of days. As the days grow warmer, you’d best believe I’ll be wrapping my hair in a bandana to add those rockabilly feels!
You can find this fab little dress fully stocked in all sizes from 8 to 22 at Ilovethe50s.com which is an awesome independent online retailer, run by the very lovely Karen. Selling a range of vintage styles and brands, the Maura dress is amongst many others in the online store’s 20% off sale, so it’s the perfect time to snap it up. I don’t know about you, but I’m all about the little treats right now to get me through the isolation, and this offer will definitely brighten everyone’s day.
There’s also the option to use Clearpay or Klarna if you need to spread the cost and pay in instalments, and not only that, it’s all free delivery within the UK! You can purchase Maura directly here.
Stay safe, stay well, and treat yourself through the tough times xx
For Reference:
Also wearing:
Shoes: Lulu Hun Susan
Bangles: Bow and Crossbones, vintage and Splendette. You can find lots of lovely new Splendette stock at Ilovethe50s.com too!
Handbag: Banned Retro previous season
Earrings & Necklace: Collectif Clothing Tiki and NatalieStats for reference: I take a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing (33:24:33) and I’m 4’11”, wearing 4 inch heels.
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 or at info@lapetitepinup.co.uk for collab work or ads.
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Collectif Summer Party Competition & Outlet Sale!
Over the next couple of weeks there are some very exciting events happening at Collectif! In order not to miss out, here’s all the info you’ll need to make sure you’re ready and raring to go for some early Summer fun and frolics!
Firstly, on the 1st and 2nd of June, there’s the next Outlet Sale – these are amazing and you can pick up so many bargains for just a few pounds.
I did a full review of the last one in February, but this one promises to be even bigger and better with twice the stock! This blows my mind as the last one was full to the brim with goodies. Please make sure you take a drink with you as you may need to queue (it’s a very popular event) and try not to all arrive at once – use the Sunday too as they restock all the time. There is a curtained off changing area in the back of the room if you need to check the fit. I bought £2 necklaces and dresses from £5-£15, consisting of either previous stock (which I’d been lusting after but thought it had gone forever), or there are limited edition and current and new sample stock items too which are little gems scattered through the rails – such a lucky duck if you find one of those! Sizes available are 6-22, there’s something for everyone. If the rails are looking a bit bare after the first deluge of shoppers, hang in there and wait as they get restocked all the time and more will be coming!
It’s a great day out and right by the Excel, easy enough to find if you catch the DLR to Custom House, then head straight down the concourse as far as it goes, walk down the steps and turn immediately right. You will probably see a queue forming outside Collectif Head Office so it will be obvious which building it is, but if you don’t and you’re one of the first, it has this signage outside and is just past the Fox bar and restaurant. Remember it’s card payments only, gals!
There are stairs going down into the warehouse as you can see, so if you have mobility issues, or you’re taking a pram, head to the back of the building instead and call Collectif on 07482017812 and a staff member will help you.
The week after the Outlet Sale, it’s time to put on your glad rags and join me at the Summer Party!
Held on the 9th June (Sunday), it’s set to be another night of dazzling entertainment, packed full of like minded vintage-lovin’ ladies, filling the space with love and laughter. The last one (for their 18th birthday celebrations) was spectacular and everyone had such an amazing time. You can find all the info about what to expect here as I blogged about it afterwards, but rest assured, you’re in for the most fabulous treat!
It costs just £10 for a ticket (purchase here) and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win £300 worth of Collectif vouchers! Eep, exciting huh?! Very best of luck, ladies! All tickets also include a huge 50% discount at the Camden store for that evening! So if there’s something you have your eye on, it’ll be the ideal time to pick it up. Heck, who am I even kidding, I never need an excuse to buy something from the Camden store at the best of times – it’s like an Aladdin’s Cave to me, filled with so many gorgeous things whispering ‘buy me’ every time I go in! The staff at the store are just the loveliest girls too, you will always receive the best customer service there.
If you fancy a little vintage makeover before the party, you can select from two other types of ticket – the first is £28 and includes taster hair OR make up, and the second costs £39 and includes both taster hair AND make up. The taster hair includes a half pinned up style (like victory rolls, faux bangs, a beehive etc) and the taster make up consists of lips, eyes and brows. It’s such a great deal as you’ll be primped and preened by the wonderful team from Le Keux Vintage who are experts in making pin-up perfection dreams come true. Appointments are available between 2.45 and 6pm and need to be booked via the normal ticket system (Le Keux will contact you to arrange a time after booking). Click on the photo to be redirected to book.
Amidst the fabulous entertainment provided by artists such as The Tootsie Rollers, House of Burlesque, Lolo Brow and Swing Dance UK, there will also be a catwalk show showcasing the awesome new Menswear line (for sneaky peeks, see my preview here for a glimpse of some of the goodies you’ll see) and a photobooth – and who doesn’t love a photobooth?!
Please note that this event will be held at Gabeto which is just opposite the Collectif Camden store in the Stables Market. I look forward to seeing you there and dancing the night away with you all again – come say hi if you see me! x