• Collectif x Modcloth Isaboo Suncheck Dress Review

    I am obsessed with yellow. Along with turquoise, it’s my joint first place happy colour. Add a dash of yellow to any outfit and you are instantly cheered. So, although I have the beautiful Margherita sun check dress already (see that review here), I love the print so much that I needed to get the Isaboo too when it was released, and, you know, she’s a totally different style obviously, so it had to be done….

    Unlike Margherita, (who is on the shorter side), Isaboo has a long, full, gathered skirt (with pockets – yay!), which will really please taller ladies. Though I am obviously just teeny, she is quite long on me, (which I was expecting as the description states her total length is 42 inches) and I was thinking I’d have to hem it up. However, once on and with heels, I think I can get away with this true vintage style length, so I’ll probably leave her as she is.

    I love her open collar and sleeveless style, which is so reminiscent of the 50’s. This collaboration is absolutely Mrs Maisel-worthy! (who else wants her entire wardrobe?). There are darts to the bust, a side zip and a matching fabric belt. I found the fit perfectly true to size. If you are lucky to have a larger bust, you may want to size up, but if you’re in between sizes, you’ll probably be ok with your normal size as there’s a little stretch in the fabric and at the waist. I really hope both the Margherita and the Isaboo return in future seasons with equally fabulous prints, as they’re so stylish and classically vintage.

    Isaboo open neck and matching belt details

    I paired my sweet Isaboo (how cute is that name?) with the Jessie Tropical Palm cardigan, which I bought originally to match the skirt (see here), but (as with all Collectif cardi’s), they’re easy to mix and match with other outfits too. I love the greens on the leaves (one is almost turquoise, squee), so I added in black and turquoise accessories to set off the yellow, which works so well together (happy colour heaven).

    The Jessie Palm Cardigan and Lorena Heels add black and teal touches

    I love a Jessie cardi, and have quite a few now as the cropped style suit our vintage inspired frocks so well. The darling pearl, green, buttons are a lovely addition and the fabulous applique leaves in 3 colours are just dreamy. I have a thing about Monstera plants so this design fills me with glee!

    Palms in many colours <3

    I would size up in this one as it is a little on the smaller side. I have my normal 6, which is fine for me, but a teensy bit tight on the arms with the 3/4 sleeves, so an 8 would have been a better choice.  I can’t wait to wear this ensemble again though, as it was so perfect on a sunny day.

    Happy’ometer max’ed out!

    Remember, with any Modcloth collab piece, you can only find them on the website or in store, stockists aren’t allowed to hold these. So if you see an item you love in this collection, make sure you nab it as they’re available in limited numbers.

    Also be aware of the sizing difference between Collectif and Modcloth for the plus sizes. Up to size 16, the Collectif sizing chart applies, but from size 18, you then need to refer to the Modcloth sizing chart and go by their measurements. Hope this helps, happy shopping! x

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    For reference:

    I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif (33:24:33) and bought a Collectif x MC size 6 in the Isaboo dress
    I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels here

    Also wearing:
    Shoes: Lulu Hun Lorena (previous review here)
    Jewellery Set: Collectif Natalie in turquoise (previous review here)
    Bracelets: Collectif, Bow & Crossbones, Splendette and Vintage
    Sunglasses: Collectif previous season
    Hair Flowers: High Street many moons ago

     

  • Collectif Margherita Sun Check Dress Review

    Happy bank holiday everyone! I think we were spoilt with the last one where we were all basking in the sunshine – this is definitely more like a British bank holiday! Hope you’re not too chilly and able to enjoy it in your pretties none the less.

    I was lucky enough to be treated to this absolutely gorgeous dress for my birthday at the end of last month. This beauty just screams Spring is here and brightens up any dull day. I first saw her at a trade show last year and ever since then, I’ve waited patiently for her to drop on to the website.

    Collectif Margherita at Trade Show

    The Margherita Sun Check Swing Dress is a wonderfully bright yellow shirt dress with 3/4 sleeves and a large gingham print (bright yellow and a pale yellow on white). She has a belt similar to those of the previous Aida Zak collections which I’ve been harping on about recently – they look so fitting for the era (it’s a matching yellow belt with pale yellow plastic slider which stay put without the use of holes).

    Of course, this awesome dress has pockets to keep us all happy as well as really cute details on the sleeves (which are turned up) and the collar (which is a little wider than a Caterina, for instance). Both of these features are reminiscent of the 50’s. I also really like the circular, yellow, buttons they’ve chosen too.

    Collectif Margherita close up details

    Margherita doesn’t have a full circle skirt but it’s not a-line either – she’s somewhere in between and I definitely prefer this flared style. There’s enough fullness without the need for a petticoat which can get very hot in the summer.

    It’s also worth noting that this new style is a little shorter – which is perfect for us petites! I was absolutely delighted to find her sitting just below my knee. This literally never happens with dresses! The skirt length is 23 inches, so those on the taller side may not find it suitable, but it’s a dream for any of us that are vertically challenged.

    Fit wise, I find this truly spot on and fitted me perfectly. If you have a large bust, I’d size up to accommodate the button closure, or if you have wide arms, again, you may want to size up for the sleeves.

    This dress is so perfect and even better than I’d hoped for – when you fall in love with a dress you’ve only seen in a different size, you hope she’s going to be right for your own body shape….and this one felt made for me.

    Collectif Margherita, Erstwilder and Miss Bella’s Blooms

    I’ve paired her with red here but she looks great with so many other colours too – like green, turquoise, navy, pink, lilac etc, so whether you want to mute it a little with a complimentary pastel or turn up the brights even more (as I have), you can as it lends itself well to both.

    If you fancy a slice of Margherita (see what I did there? cheesy, I know – oh, there’s no stopping her!) she’s on the site now for £75 with free delivery (free delivery only lasts until the end of today – Monday 6th May 11:59 GMT) and is available in all sizes from 6-22. She’s a must for your wardrobe but there are alternatives if she’s not quite right for you – check out this beautiful print in all the other styles here.

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    For reference, I’m 4’11” wearing 3 1/4 inch heels and I’m 33:24:33

    Photo details (what I’m wearing):

    Sunglasses: Collectif (previous season)
    Bangles: Collectif Carrie and Bow & Crossbones
    Necklace and Earring Set: Collectif Natalie in red
    Shoes: Lulu Hun Juliette (last season)
    Brooch: Erstwilder
    Hair Flowers: Miss Bella’s Blooms