Collectif Phyllis Velvet Pencil Dress 20

For several years, I have been a huge fan of vintage brand Collectif. I love their 40s and 50s style clothing and own a number of their items, including coats, tops, and dresses.

Shortly before Christmas, I was contacted by the Collectif team to ask if I would like to review something from their range and of course I jumped at the chance. My first thought was to go for a Dolores Doll dress, but I have already reviewed a number of these so I wanted to go for something a little different. I ended up picking the Phyllis Velvet Pencil Dress (was £60.00, now £30.00; UK sizes 6-22):

Image courtesy of Collectif

Collectif Dolores Doll White/Black Polka Dot Dress 12

Like many women, I am a huge fan of polka dots, so any time I see a piece of clothing with a polka dot print I am sorely tempted to buy it.

I've already reviewed the Collectif Dolores Doll Red Polka Dress here, and have had the Black Polka in my wardrobe for quite some time. I was absolutely gutted that I missed out on the version with a blue background and red spots a few years ago, but last summer I was excited to see that Collectif had brought out a new colourway: the Dolores Doll White Polka Dress (£50, UK size 6-22).

Image courtesy of Collectif

Collectif Dolores Doll Yellow Summer Bouquet Print Dress 12 Medium

I was so excited to see last year that Collectif had brought out a few new prints in their fabulous Dolores Doll dress. I hear there are many more lovely prints to come this year, but for the time being I am pleased to show you one of the designs I picked up last year.

It's the gorgeous Dolores Doll Yellow Summer Bouquet Print Dress (£65, UK sizes 6-22).

Image courtesy of Collectif

Collectif Dolores Sweetheart Gingham Doll Dress 14 Large

Last year I managed to snap up a few new Dolores Doll dresses from vintage repro retailer Collectif. I love the cut of the Dolores Doll as it suits my hourglass figure very well indeed.

Gingham has always been a favourite print of mine so you can imagine my excitement when Collectif brought out the Dolores Sweetheart Gingham Doll Dress (£65, UK sizes 6-24):

Image courtesy of Collectif

Collectif Dietrich Check Swing Trench Coat 18

As the weather turned cooler last autumn, my thoughts turned to outerwear. I usually wear my beloved Ben De Lisi raincoat when I feel I need a light extra layer, and of course I have my Collectif Ashley coats for days when it is very chilly. However, I didn't have anything for those 'in between' days when a light mac is not enough but the weather is not cold enough for a heavy duty winter coat.

Thank goodness for Collectif - they released their gorgeous Dietrich swing trench coat in a thicker fabric for exactly this sort of weather.

Image courtesy of Collectif

Collectif Dolores Doll Feral Leopard Print Dress 10 Small

A while ago I managed to get my hands on yet another Collectif Dolores Doll dress - this time in the Feral print!

Image courtesy of Collectif

Collectif Dolores Rose Print Wiggle Dress 18 XXL

You may have read my recent review of the Collectif Dolores Wiggle Jersey Vintage Crepe Dress 16/XL.  In that post I mentioned that I had previously tried the Dolores wiggle dress made from regular material, as opposed to the crepe used on that one.  I hadn't got around to reviewing it...until now!

Earlier in the year I made the most of one of Collectif's amazing special offers and ordered the Collectif Wiggle Rose Print Dress.

Image courtesy of Collectif

Collectif Dolores Wiggle Jersey Vintage Crepe Dress Teal 16 XL

I have always wanted to own one of Collectif's wiggle dresses.  Sadly for me, the cut simply does not work and no matter what size I try there are seemingly insurmountable problems with fit.

I wear a size 10 or 12 in the Dolores Doll flared dresses but in the past I have found trying these sizes in the regular Dolores wiggle cut was a joke as I could barely get them over my head.  I even tried sizing up to an 18 but even then the hips were very tight, despite the back gaping dreadfully, there being surplus boob room and of course the waist being very baggy on me.

Now, I know my 46-30-47 figure is notoriously difficult to clothe, but having recently discovered the joys of faux vintage wiggle dresses thanks to Fuller Figure Fuller Bust and Pinup Girl Clothing, I decided to give Collectif another try.

Collectif Dolores Doll Red Polka

If you're a regular reader of my blog you will be well aware of my love of Collectif's Dolores Doll dresses. I have accumulated quite a collection over the past few months and currently have more than 12 in my wardrobe.  The fit of the dress is almost perfect for me and I adore the feminine shape it gives.

I've previously written about the Dolores Doll in Navy Polka; today I will show you the dress in Red Polka.

Trying It On With Fuller Figure Fuller Bust's Pinup Girl Clothing Collection

Have you ever wanted to try on your friends' clothes?  I often see my pals looking uber-glamorous and can get some serious dress envy...so anytime I get the chance to try things on for myself I leap at the chance! 

Back in March I had the pleasure of spending the evening with the beautiful Georgina of Fuller Figure Fuller Bust and her boyfriend, Robbie.  George made us a yummy dinner and then we talked for a while before I could resist no longer and proceeded to raid her wardrobe!

Collectif Dolores Doll Red Riding Hood Print Dress

I have been meaning to write a review of this dress for several weeks but other commitments have meant that I've had to put it to one side.  Now I am delighted to be able to tell you about my latest Dolores Doll dress from the amazing Collectif.

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to the Dolores Doll Red Riding Hood Print Dress.

Image courtesy of Collectif

The Official British Plus-Size Fashion Weekend 2013: The All-Comers Event (Day Two)

This weekend I attended the inaugural Official British Plus-Size Fashion Weekend (BPSFW).

The event comprised two days of activities: a press event on Friday afternoon, which you can read about here, and an 'all-comers' event on Saturday that was open to anyone who wished to attend.  

The Dollydagger VIP Shopping Experience

Last week, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a very special evening.  A handful of bloggers were specially selected to taste the Dollydagger VIP Shopping Experience at their Brighton boutique so I headed coastbound just as fast as my car would carry me!

Collectif Dolores Doll 'English Rose' Dress

In Autumn 2012 I tried my first Collectif Dolores Doll Dress - the polka dot in navy.  I absolutely adored it and was instantly hooked!

Collectif Ashley Coat

I have been on the lookout for a winter coat for the past few years.  It's something I find incredibly difficult to get - a coat that is warm (so must have some wool content), stylish, feminine and practical.

Over the years I've had a range of different coats, from double-breasted to parkas, but I've never found anything I absolutely adore.

Evans Flexisoles Low Wedge Mary Jane Shoes 5EEE

I've posted a few times lately about various shoes I've tried in my attempt to expand my footwear options.

This time I am focusing on the high street and online plus size brand Evans.

I have long been a fan of Evans footwear - most styles are available in wide and extra wide fittings, meaning that those of us blessed with broad feet have a wide range of choices to cover our tootsies.

Around this time last year, Evans launched a new footwear line called Flexisoles.

Image courtesy of Evans

Collectif Dolores Doll Leo Red Velvet Dress

I will always be thankful to my lovely friend Georgina at Fuller Figure Fuller Bust for taking me to the Collectif store at Covent Garden a month or so ago.  That's where I discovered dress heaven...and the beautiful Dolores Doll Polka Dot Dress.

Since then, I have been searching the internet regularly to try to get my hands on more Dolores Doll dresses - it has undoubtedly become an addiction of mine - and recently posted a review of the very delicate and feminine Dolores Doll Ivory Hibiscus Dress.

During my search, I happened upon the Dolores Doll Leo Red Velvet.  

Image courtesy of Collectif

Collectif Dolores Doll Ivory Hibiscus Dress

Ever since I bought my beloved Collectif Dolores Doll Polka Dot Dress I have been itching to try more.  The fit, style and look of the Dolores Doll dress is so wonderful and made me feel so special that I wanted to get it in every possible colourway and pattern.

There are not many Dolores Doll dresses currently available on the Collectif website but I have been trawling the internet to see if I could find any offerings from previous collections.  Luckily I am very dogged with these sorts of searches so persevered when I didn't initially find a great deal of options...and was thrilled when my hard work eventually came up trumps.

My first purchase was the Collectif Dolores Doll Ivory Hibiscus dress.

Image courtesy of Collectif

Principles by Ben de Lisi at Debenhams Mac

I have always struggled to find a raincoat that works for me.  Either the waist is enormous but the bust fits well, or the bust area is too small but fits on the waist.  And what about the hip area?  Just as troublesome - either the buttons pull it too tight or there is a ridiculous amount of surplus fabric.

I have tried many different brands of macs over the years but had yet to find anything that worked for me, or that I really wanted to buy.

That is, until February this year when I attended Plus London Two and met the gorgeous Lorna.  She was wearing the most breathtaking coat I had ever seen - a Principles by Ben de Lisi mac.

Image courtesy of The Ginger Peardrop

Collectif Dolores Doll Navy Blue Polka Dot Dress

For some time now, I have been wondering if I should invest in a circle/swing dress.  I have been wearing bodycon-type dresses which follow my curves and show the shape of my figure, but I have always been drawn to the feminine and fun look of a circle/swing dress.

Back in April this year, I was lucky enough to try on some of Georgina's Pin Up Girl Clothing Heidi dresses.