Tuesday, 29 October 2013

Collectif Gretel Gingham Swing Dress Review

When it comes to Vintage dresses there are various styles and prints that will ALWAYS be in style! Polka dots, cherries, swallows and gingham fabrics. 

As you all know when I see something I like the look of I will push and push and push to get hold of it! I first saw this dress modelled by the beautiful Georgina Horne AKA Fuller Figure Fuller Bust. Not only did she give the dress a fantastic review, she was used as the model on the Collectif website. After reading her post on this gorgeous number I knew I had to try and get hold of my own dress. 

I ran down to the Camden store to see what vintage treats I might find and of course scope out the dress! Unfortunately the dress that was in store was a size too small for me as I needed something to accommodate my large bust. I wasn't put off however, my main purpose for this shopping trip was to see if the dress suited me and felt comfortable on. 

To my luck when I was ready to order the dress, Collectif were having a fantastic online sale which I took full advantage of! I ordered this dress in a size 22 Which for me fits really comfortably with plenty of space across my curves and just enough boob room for the cute heart shape buttons not to gape. I already knew that I would wear this dress the same way I wear my others with a bolero and cinch belt. I like to colour coordinate my clothes and so depending on my mood I work from the colours in the dress. White or red accessories and boleros would work with this dress or if you want something a little more striking you could of course add some black hints. 


This is one that I have worn both with and without a petticoat. The photo above was taken as soon as I got the dress out of the packet and tried it on! I love the light weight feel of the fabric and the cute trim. I'll be honest with you; depending on the look you want to achieve and on your body shape you may need to go up a size. This dress is available in UK sizes 6-22 but the fabric doesn't allow for much stretch. If you hold a curvier frame or slightly larger bust I would recommend trying this in a larger size. 


I have to say every time I have worn this dress I have gotten the most amazing compliments from people. It really is a show stopper and you can't help but feel dainty and feminine in this number!

I personally would only wear this dress on warmer days as the fabric is so light but I think there is a lot you could do with this one. If you are trying to get more of a pin-up look then heels or patent flats would be a great addition with maybe a hair flower, and jewellery. You could take this one in another direction and wear it with a denim jacket and brown boots, this would give you more of a country or cowgirl look and would take the style to another dimension. 

As you know I love the clothes from Collectif for their style, versatility and quality so it really is worth giving them a try. Trust me you won't regret it! This dress is still available on their website and in stores.
www.collectif.co.uk


Stock Image Courtesy Of Collectif

2 comments:

  1. Can I ask where you sourced the cinch belt from? I am a 38 inch waist and I constantly struggle to find comfy belts!

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  2. Hi Vorlina thanks for the message. I too have a 38 inch waist and I have managed to collect several cinch belts. I have 2 metallic rose ones from Collectif. They have a one size fits all range for their belts but I have never had problems and theirs are extremely comfortable. Collectif have quite a wide range of styles and options for their belts so it's worth checking out the website.

    Vivien Of Holloway is another brand I have used for belts, they have regular size belts and extra wide ones in a variety of colours. You can pick up theirs in a small medium or larger size range.

    I have also been known to pick up some in Primark at fantastic price. Other sites are Asos, Evans, Ebay and Amazon. I am always on the hunt for new places to try out so I'll be sure to everyone posted on my findings x

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