Woodland Creature

While we are stuck in the middle of a heatwave in Melbourne, my heart is across the sea dreaming of cooler climates and autumn and winter fashion. Luckily Collectif have recently released their Autumn/Winter '15 lookbook and all my winter fabric dreams have come true! My husband and I are heading to the UK in 2016 for a year, so I'm already adding amazing garments into my collection with our that location in mind. 

This season Collectif have created new style winter florals and tartans that make my heart sing and I've captured my stand out favourite styles with the help of Brooke Orchard. 

Dolores Tai Tartan Doll Dress -  £50.00

Bordello TEEZE-11 Black Velvet Shoes - $113.00

This is the third Dolores I've had the pleasure of slipping into and it's absolutely amazing. A short while ago I reviewed the Atomic Flamingo print in this style and I found the fit to be really, really roomy. I own this in a size 16 in a plain black fabric and find that to be a super close fit but both this fabric and the previous flamingo version are super roomy. That roomy that I could go down to a size 14 or even a 12 as they are super stretchy. But this roomy fit issue is easily fixed with a waist belt in a complementing colour. 

Can we take a moment to swoon over this stunning tartan print? A beautiful mixture of red, blue and black that works for both warm and cool months. This print inspires me to accessories, layer and pair this dress with stockings, maroon and black knee high boots, fur collared cardigans and woolly winter coats. 

If you are looking for a figure flattering swing style dress that compliments all shapes and sizes, the Dolores is the dress for you, and Collectif have both pencil and swing style versions of this dress. There are also a selection of Dolores style tops and a new 3/4 sleeve version of both of the dresses. I must warn you though, when you buy one of this style, you'll be hooked and won't stop until you have them all.

Beau Cherry Pointelle Jumper - £39.50

Tammy Tai Tartan Swing Skirt - £30.00

As you can see, my love for the Tammy Tai Tartan is so strong I could not stop at one item. I've worn a good variety of Collectif skirts, and this style is hands down my absolute favourite. From the hourglass complimenting swing style to the pleats and the flattering knee length, this skirt sits right on your waist and flows beautifully. I'm wearing the Swing Skirt in a size 16 and it's very comfortable on my waist with an extra inch or so to move. 

Keeping with the winter theme, I chose my second knit from the Collectif collection and I'm sold on this super snuggly and adorably designed jumper. This ruby red jumper features a cherry pointelle pattern and a super cute keyhole bust detail with a bow tie. The fabric is think yet stretchy and I'm wearing this in a size 16. I could size down to a 14 if I was wanting a super tight and firm fit but I fear the cherry print would stretch on the bust.

It's taken me a long time to love pinup knitwear as I've always feared that it will make my chest look bulky or bigger than it already is, but this jumper is perfection and I can't wait to pair it with pencil skirts and high waisted jeans and pants in the cooler months. 

 Trixie Pencil Dress - £40.00

Stop your searching for the perfect little black dress because I've finally found the most vavavoom style for girls with curves to kill! The Trixie Doll is a figure huging, curve creating, low cut and super flattering wiggle dress that will make you feel like an absolute bombshell. Made from a stretch bengaline, this dress hugs you in all of the right places and shows off all my favourite features. 

I adore the cross over gathered bust bust as it makes boobies look full and amazing, plus the 3/4 sleeve hides my problem areas. Fitted through the waist and to the knee, this style accentuates my hour glass figure. I'm wearing my Steel-Boned Longline Underbust Satin Corset (CS-426) from Orchard Corset beneath this dress and a simple bodysuit from Bella Bodies. This creates a really smooth base for a super tight wiggle dress.

I'm really smitten with the length of each item featured in this post. When purchasing vintage repo or inspired items, I find that some can be a little long and give you a more frumpy feel. The Trixe Pencil dress is the perfect mixture of chest, legs and packs lots of sex appeal. 

Available in black and red, this is a must have all year round. You can also find a swing style version of this frock named the Trixie Doll Dress. This style is sold out at the moment but I'm crossing my fingers and toes in the hopes that it will return and be fully stocked in black, red and teal as I need one of each in my wardrobe.

Trixie Pencil Dress worn as a top - £40.00

Jasmine Woodland Bloom Swing Skirt - £45.00 

Inspired by Miss Victory Violet's brilliant outfit conversions (dresses to tops, cardigans tucked into belts etc) so I turned my Trixie into a top. Why hunt high and low for a top to match this amazing skirt when I have the perfect dress to wear beneath? I also love the fact that both Ella and I fell for this amazing print within weeks of each other. Great minds think alike! 

The Woodland Bloom floral print instantly won my heart when I viewed the current season look book. I'm a huge fan of feminine floral prints but I find all too often they are all focused on the warmer months and never really include my favourite colours. A dark navy base with soft pinks, greens, and stunning sky blue flowers this print will be your autumn/winter uniform. 

As with each item reviewed in this post, I'm wearing a 16 and I find this style to be a little more firm and tight at the waist. Size chart wise it will fit up to a 33 or 34 inch waist.If you are worried about fit I highly suggest you size up as there is little room to budge.  The full skirt style and pleats give this skirt so much volume that no petticoat is needed which absolutely brilliant.

I'm so excited to have this wintery print in my wardrobe and I can't wait to go crazy once the weather cools down with sweaters, brown and black leather gloves, heels or boots and some rich maroon stockings. This skirt needs lots of rich colours and lots of layers. Love the skirt but want a little more coverage? Well luckily there is a Dolores Pencil Dress and Maria Swing Dress in this stunning fabric. The Maria is definitely next on my list as I love the short sleeve a cross over bustline.

How amazing does the Trixie look as a top? I think this is definitely a style Collectif should consider in a more structured cotton fabric as it's so versatile and would look amazing with jeans or skirts.  

Thank you to my amazing friend Brooke Orchard for shooting these images with me and for all the fun and giggles we have had this year and over the last few years shooting together. Brooke is moving to South Australia and I'm going to miss her and her work like crazy! So I best start saving my pennies and plan a few trips over for catch ups and play dates. Be sure to check out Brooke's amazing work and book a shoot with her asap. No one in Australia does Pinup like she does and her eye for vintage fashion photography is amazing. Gonna miss you girl!!!!