A Sailor's Sweetheart - A Collectif Review

*This dress was a gifted item

One of the best things for me is to get dressed up. When you're a bigger girl living in London the way you view yourself and fashion may be slightly different to the view of the average person. For years we have been limited with our options and it's only been the past few years that has brought new changes and opportunities to the forefront. The fashion industry as a whole has started to embrace the bigger girls and with it we have been awarded the chance to freely express ourselves. 

What I love about Collectif is that they create their dresses in sizes 6-22. I have to say I love that the brand has the same set of clothes available for standard and plus size women. So many brands have a separate range of clothing for us bigger girls and, more often than not the choices aren't as edgy or experimental. The good news is that the options that are coming from brands all over the place are becoming more stylish, edgy and generally more fun to wear.

Collectif recently contacted me and gave me the chance to review a dress. When I saw the Ginger Sailor Wing Bust Dress, I knew I instantly wanted to try it. My Sindy Doll sailor dress is one of my favourites and I absolutely love wearing it. As the shape of this dress is very similar, I knew it was one I could have fun with. I've selected this dress in a size 22. 

I love nothing more than slipping on a fun vintage dress, putting on a petticoat and really going all in with my look. When I was styling this dress I imagined being back in the 1950s. I pictured myself as the wife of a sailor in the Navy on my way to meet my husband whilst he came back from his tour. Funny I know but it's fun to play a character sometimes lol. 

I say it all the time, I love blue, any shade of blue and so this dress was one I was determined to have fun with. A great feature is the adjustable straps. These can be worn in a criss-cross fashion, in a halter style or the dress can be worn as a strapless number. In these pictures you'll see that I have taken pictures in both the criss-cross and halter-neck style. 

I should note that the belt of the dress has no loop holes for you to have a fixed closure. I found that from time to time when walking or moving the clasp would slip open. This to me was the only flaw in the dress but can easily be resolved by using another belt if you really want to wear the added accessory.

Hanna and I were taking full advantage of the hot London sun and so we decided to spend the day taking a ton of outfit pictures this previous Saturday. Whilst I was getting my dress together the lovely Diana was really sweet and borrowed me a few things to try with the dress. This gorgeous fascinator by Pearls And Swine was something I fell in love with at first sight. I love the gorgeous collection of white roses and the net detail attached. At first we weren't sure how this would look but I thought it completed the outfit beautifully. A simple white bolero was added and in some of my pictures a necklace of a ship was worn. Definitely in keeping with my sailor theme!

I of course selected my Michelle shoes from Hotter as my given footwear! It's no secret how much I love to spin and swirl in my pinup dresses and so I needed shoes that were perfect vintage styling and pain free. If you love to swing or jive dance I cannot stress enough how incredible these heels are! 

In keeping with usual style I wore my small hoop earrings for added jewellery. Applied some deep red lipstick to my usual vintage style makeup and I was ready and set to go! I always say it, have fun with your clothes. If something makes you feel amazing, wear it! Don't apologise for expressing yourself through fashion, that's exactly what fashion is all about! 

Good news ladies this amazing dress is currently on sale! The price has been slashed in half so if you want to try this one out for yourself be sure to pick one up now! Also any of you who do get this one I'd love to see your pics and how you styled it!

Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and wear it with a smile!