Fruity Flare - Collectif

This season Collectif have created magic with fruity prints, plaid and the most stunning selection of colours. A spring/summer collection filled with prints that inspire bold accessories, bright coloured cardigans and all of the hair flowers I can fit on one hair do!

So armed with fruit, flowers and all the bright colours I headed to Geelong to shoot my two favourite pieces with my beloved Brooke Orchard.

Collectif Mainline Kimberly Polka Fruit Swing Dress - £57.50

Yemak Light Orange Cropped Sweater - $36.00

There is something so absolutely perfect about a fruit print. The multitude of colours, the shapes and if cut correctly the amazing fit. The Kimberly swing dress is exactly that - PERFECT!

A super lightweight cotton summer swing style covered in cherries, pineapples, bananas and watermelons. The navy blue base and every so tiny white polka dots make this print pop and I'm 100% in love with this dress.

As I'm never sure of fit on non stretchy cotton fabrics I tend to always order a size 18 so that my bust will fit perfectly. The 18 fits like a dream with a elastic shirring panel at the back to shape to your bust and waist creating that perfect curve. This style features a faux button up front, full skirt, gathered waist, pockets and a size zip. The shirring at the back means I don't even have to worry about using the zip though, it can be slipped on and off without any issues.

I've paired the Kimberly dress with a soft orange MAK cropped cardigan which pairs perfectly with all of the colours featured in the print and our location. I've owned MAK cardis in the past but size wise they have been way too large so for this and the next shown in this post I'm wearing a size XL which fits in such an amazing way.

Collectif Mainline Bridget Vintage Gingham Swing Dress - £59.50

Yemak Teal Cropped Sweater  - $36.00

The next piece I could not live without is the Bridget Vingtage Gingham Swing dress. A style that seems to be created just for my body shape as it hugs me in all the right places.

Gingham will forever have my heart and this amazing dress was inspired by the traditional Dirndl dresses from Germany that you may see if lots of German events etc. I've always wanted to get one of these classic styles but I worried that I'd look like I was attending Octoberfest all year round if I wore it.

Well Collectif made that fear disappear wit the Bridget in vintage gingham  featuring a scooped front neckline, trimmed with black ribbon that laces at the centre front in a criss-crossing style and a bow at the waist. Under this area is a section of pretty broderie anglais, elasticated at the top of the neckline to mimic the traditional blouse style of the Dirndl.

This stunning swing dress is perfect for anyone super busty as you can move the section of broderie anglais to cover as much of your cleavage as possible. The lacing at the front can also be made looser or tighter depending on exactly how you'd like the style to fit.

What I love most about this dress other than the flattering style is the fabric. It's a stretchy cotton spandex combination that fits to your shape. The large straps also give lots of stunning pop on the neckline and hide your bra straps with ease.

For this style I was not sure what cardigan would pair perfectly at first but after finding the perfect home to pose in front of we picked the teal MAK cardigan and they look amazing together. Each cardigan has 3 matching buttons, 3/4 sleeves and a cropped length. The stretch makes these super soft and amazingly comfortable. After all they are known for being the best cropped cardigans in the world.

Now lets chat accessories! For these looks I ordered a custom piece from Miz Smitten Kitten and gave her full creative control. After showing her the print of Kimberly dress she created this absolutely magical tropical fruit and flora hair piece with matching tiki lounge style earrings.  The price on these pieces will be worked out when you make a custom order.

For the second piece I actually ordered a premade Katie Cluster of flowers via her website at only $26.00 which was an absolute steal.  I also added the Doris Domes in Yellow to the look and I just adore how light and cute these are. I think I need to by all the colours available and wear them every day.

Von of Miz Smitten Kitten never fails to create the perfect accessories to pair with my looks and I'm always inspired to order more and more items from her.