Super speedy outfit post! I wore this outfit to work the other day and felt super pin-up and retro all day, then Charley popped round in the evening and told me we HAD to take photos of it, so here you go! I love wearing these kind of outfits because they’re super easy to put together (especially when you stick to a navy, red and white colour palette) but also look slightly more smart than the average day to day work outfit I wear. Our office is a casual one, but being a creative agency, I can get away with wearing anything from jeans and a hoodie (not that this often happens) to a full skirted dress with petticoat (again, not that this often happens, but I technically could do). So this outfit sits somewhere in the middle of that scale, more towards the smart end, something I might wear to meet clients but still show off my personal style. In fact, I actually wore this top with a pair of high waist black trousers to meet a fashion client in London one time – that was an anxiety filled day, as they know I’m a style blogger so I felt like I needed to look like I actually know about fashion (which I kind of don’t) as well as looking smart.
As I’m sure you’ve figured out by now, I’m a big Collectif fan. Their clothes are the perfect balance between retro and pin up inspired and daily wear, so you can get away with mixing and matching them with modern high street pieces as well as going all out to match a vintage style in them. In fact, these are just a few outfits that I’ve worn with one or more Collectif pieces:
1. Marianne & Caroline | 2. Retro | 3. Collectif Fairy Dress
4. Collectif Outfit | 5. Collectif Olive Knitted Dress Outfit | 6. Birthday Dress
1. Peak District Take Two | 2. Flares & Florals | 3. Apple Mountain, Georgia
4. Peak District Outfit | 5. Casual Pin Up
Did someone say obsessed?!
The Dolores shape is one I’m definitely obsessed with, but strangely it’s only featured a few times on the blog – I’ll have to sort that out. I’ve also got a couple more Dolores dresses (one fitted, one full skirt). But the gingham top is probably my favourite of all of them. To be honest, I feel a bit weird wearing it in winter as I find gingham to be more of a spring/summer thing, but I like it, okay?!
The skirt was a sale purchase with one of Collectif’s super amazing 50% off codes that they release every so often. I had such a hassle getting my basket checked out with this order as the site was so packed with other people trying to do the same thing. It kept emptying itself when I was almost done and it was very stressful as I had to remember the things I’d chosen, re-find them and add them again every time. But don’t worry, as I finally got it checked out! The pencil skirt is definitely a staple in a pin up wardrobe, and this is a pretty good version of it – the fabric is a fairly stretchy one that’s more flimsy than my other Collectif pencil skirt, which means it’s slightly more casual and comfortable.
Sadly, this was my last wear of these tights (I would pretend I’m proper pin up/retro with seamed stockings, but sadly I don’t leave myself enough time to sort out garter belts and stockings before work!). You can see where the ladders have started in the toes of these tights (mostly due to my fall that morning which we CAUGHT ON CAMERA!!), but I also massively laddered the inside of the thighs of them too, so they went in the bin that evening, booo!
And the title of this post – imperfect pin up? It’s kind of in reference to this post I read earlier today by Retro Chick all about the different vintage “tribes”. I’d say I fit the High Street Hannah category best – I love the retro and vintage style, but I’m not entirely committed to it and love finding vintage inspired pieces anywhere I can to mix in with true vintage pieces and repro brands. Plus, I can’t do the whole pin up hair and make up thing – I’ve tried, and I’m no good. So I’m happy with a mix of modern, vintage, retro and repro – an imperfect pin up I’d say!
Outfit Details
Red “Paloma” Cardigan: Hell Bunny via Tiger Milly | Gingham “Dolores” Top: Collectif | Navy “Fiona” Pencil Skirt: Collectif | Black Heels: New Look
I love that Dolores Doll top, I have the full skirted dress in the same gingham print, can’t wait for warmer days so I can wear it!
And I’m laughing at your Imperfect Pin Up! You look perfect to me!
Author
I’ve got the full skirted white polka dot one – Dolores is a gorgeous shape and fit!
Haha, if only I could manage the hair and make up to go with the classic pin up look – but alas, I’m happy with the imperfect look ;D
I am totally a high street Hannah too, but I am quite happy with that! Proper pin curls I can neither do, nor would look right on me, and I think there’s some fab stuff to be found in modern shops if you know where to look. Collectif steal all of my money, but I forgive them because they are my one true clothes love 😉 you are rocking winter gingham!
Author
Definitely agree on the amazing stuff you can find in modern stores – I’m loving that some of the retro styles I love are on trends at the moment so they’re easier to get hold of. Ah, that Collectif – they steal all our money!
Gorgeous outfit! I love Collectif! I don’t have too many pieces by them but what I do have I love and I love looking through all their things on their website! I almost always end up missing their massive 50% off sales! I hope one day I will catch it when I have money to spend and score big! I totally know what you mean about hair and makeup! I love vintage style but I often just don’t try hard enough when it comes to hair and makeup. I’m a little hopeless on that end. Also… I LOVE your collectif teal suit! That ensemble is AMAZING! <3
Author
Thank you! Their wesbite is so addictive – I end up checking it out every few days, so when the sale hits, I grab what I can right then!
Haha I’m glad it’s not just me with the hair and make up – I’d love to be able to manage it, but I’m not so great with styling either of them to any standard, let alone pin up 😀
I saw Retro Chick’s post and also categorised myself fairly and squarely as a High Street Hannah. I admire those who carry off authentic vintage and I love their blogs and photos -I find them inspiring – but like you my own strong preference is to mix it up. Speaking of inspiring, this outfit is amazing – I cannot believe you thought of it as ordinary everyday workwear because it’s so classy but the gingham makes it light and fun too. I agree about the tights/stockings choice – stockings, including fully-fashioned, for special occasions when there’s plenty of time to get dolled up, but seamed tights to get the look for everyday! I hope you’ve got some back-ups now this pair on in the bin! Kx
Author
It sounds like there are a quite a few of us High Street Hannahs – must be an awesome group to be part of!
Sadly, I’m not sure I do have another pair of seamed tights as back up :O I used to have 3 or 4, but I think this may have been my last pair, which has reminded me I need to get some more ordered now!