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The Collectif Collective: What We Wore to Pinup Picnic in the Park



The last Saturday in June was absolutely gorgeous, so I was super pleased to be spending it with a bunch of pin ups in Hyde Park. Hosted by the British Belles, Pinup Picnic in the Park was a riot of vintage fashion, hair flowers and parasols, and seeing some of the magnificent outfits on show was like all my fashion Christmases coming at once. I also met up with some wonderful plus size blogger babes, and three of us were rocking Collectif beauties so I figured I would give you a little peak at their outfits too!

Before the picnic I just couldn't decide between two Dolores Doll dresses - the Red Gingham and the Yellow Summer Bouquet Print. After asking for some help on social media (thanks to everyone who helped me out with my major first world problems!) I decided on the Red Gingham - it's such a traditional picnic choice, and I while I wore the Yellow Floral Bouquet to Ascot last year this was my first outing in the Gingham.


Selection of hair flowers - Collectif and Accesorize
White cropped cardigan - Primark (last summer)
Black cut out pumps - Primark
Black wide belt - old, unknown


Those of you who have been following me for a while will know that Collectif's Dolores Doll dresses are an integral part of my wardrobe. I have six different Dolores Doll colourways and I am constantly browsing for new prints. I love the Dolores because it is a brilliant shape for a curvy figure, and is so easy to dress up or down. The Dolores Doll dress was my first ever vintage reproduction purchase. If you are plus size and thinking of investing in a swing dress this would be my suggestion.





Dolores is really easy to wear and super flattering. Dolores is fitted over the bust, pulling in to the waist and then flaring out over the tummy and hips. I always add a belt to my Dolores to further cinch the waist in. I don't have the biggest bust for my size but because the neckline and cut of the Dolores accentuates the bust, and in turn it makes my waist look smaller. The sweetheart cut, ruched at the cleavage, with the sweet double button detail (heart shaped on the gingham - adorable!) draws attention away from areas I am not so keen. The skirt is a full circle - here I am wearing it with a petticoat underneath to really show off that fullness and give me a proper fifties silhouette. If I could I would wear a petticoat every day, but alas I have to keep them for special occasions.




The sleeves (which you can't see here due to my cardigan - bad blogger!) are really cute - elasticated and gathered so they can be worn on or off the shoulder. My only problem with them is that in all my Dolores dresses they are just a bit too tight. I do have pretty chunky arms, but then most plus sized women do, so it would be great if Collectif could just make the sleeves a little looser.

Dolores is available in a wide variety of colour ways, but important to note that while most Dolores Dolls are in stretch cotton (my preference) the Gingham version does not have any stretch, which of course effects the fit. Below you can see my favourite blogger honey, Caroline of Curvy Wordy, wearing Dolores in the Yellow Floral Bouquet print and showing of her truly marvelous proportions. I have this dress and just love the bright cheerful print, which screams summer, and looks particularly gorgeous with Caroline's blonde curls and tanned skin. This dress is just perfect for a wedding, a day at the races or a picnic in the park. Caroline kept her accessories simple with a plain white belt accentuating her enviable waist, and some white pumps. Perfect picnicking gear.


Yellow Floral Bouquet Dolores Doll - Collectif (currently out of stock)

And my Gingham twin for the day was the luscious Mayah from Beautiful Youniverse, wearing the Gretel Gingham Swing dress. Featuring a halter neck and four heart shaped buttons down the bodice, the Gretel has a full skirt just like Dolores and is a lovely alternative if you are wanting to change up the straps. Mayah chose to go with red accessories which worked fab - she reminds me of fabulously curvy Little Red Riding Hood. I think I might need to add a Gretel to my collection now - oh dear Mayah, you're a dreadful influence!



So, as you can see the plus size blogger babes were representing Collectif in full force at the picnic. What a ravishing array of beauties - I am already looking forward to next year. 

Have you got any summery faves from Collectif? What would you wear to a pinup picnic? 

7 comments

  1. I am so in love with Collectif! They do the best dresses - I have two of the Dolores dresses in my closet and I'm yet to try a Dolores Doll dress but I think that might have to be my next purchase! You all look like utter babes at the picnic, I might have to come to the next one! Lottie xxx

    www.lottielamour.co.uk

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    1. You should Little, it was a really great day out. Gorgeous clothes, gorgeous ladies, amazing weather!

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  2. Love this! You Caroline and Mayah all look phenomenal - I absolutely love Collectif and the Delores Doll dress, you totally rock it lady! xx

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    1. Thank honey! We had a great day, and yes who doesn't love a bit of Collectif!

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  3. Such a great post! I loved spending the day with you, and you and Mayah both looked perfect in your dresses. It's so great to have plus size blogger buddies who also love vintage style xxxx

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  4. I know! Love our little vintage gang!

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  5. Thank you so much for sharing this great blog.Very inspiring and helpful too.Hope you continue to share more of your ideas.I will definitely love to read. Bring Collective conscious to peace and harmony

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