Thursday, February 2, 2017

Review: Collectif Delphine Swing Dress

With every collection Collectif releases, I fall a little more in love with them. As soon as I saw the Autumn/Winter lookbook last fall, I knew I had to have the Delphine swing dress in mulled floral. I debated ordering it during Collectif's free shipping a few months back, but balked at paying full retail. When Collectif's massive Boxing Day/New Year's/clearance sale hit and the dress was suddenly half off, though, I finally went for it.

collectif delphine swing dress mulled floral
After trying on the Delphine, I'm hoping they release it in tons of other prints. It's a lovely work-appropriate style in a bright, beautiful floral print. (In fact, it's tied with my beloved Hepburn dress for most work-friendly neckline/print in my closet!) I'm also a huge fan of the pockets and the slightly-less-than-full-circle skirt. Gathered skirts are glorious, of course, but nothing twirls quite like a circle skirt!

After road-testing this dress during a very long, chilly, and snowy day, I'm happy to report that it's quite comfortable for all-day wear, excellent for twirling, and suitable for a large meal. The pockets (!!!) are perfect for my phone, and my red Malco Modes Jennifer petticoat is the perfect length to give this skirt a dose of fluff. I ordered my usual size 12UK and it fit true to size, with a little bit of give.

collectif delphine swing dress red malco modes jennifer

However, while the fit and design are superb, I'm not quite as impressed by the construction on this dress. My beloved Collectif Dolores wiggle is quite well made, as is my Janie dress from last spring, and the two other pieces I ordered with this dress. This dress has some thread/sewing issues, though, and I'm not confident enough in my sewing ability to attempt fixing them. The worst bit is on the seam of the left cuff, which looks like this:


While I'm not thrilled about this, the alternative is shipping it back to England, which would negate the benefit of buying it on sale in the first place. At least I didn't pay full price! I like the print and style enough to wear this to work, and I'll post any updates if the seams start to unravel or something. (*Crosses fingers that this doesn't happen!*)

My hair makes a good snow-catcher


I wasn't quite as pleased with this dress as my previous Collectif orders, but I'm not ready to write them off yet, especially with the adorable designs they have on the way for Spring/Summer 2017.

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32 comments:

  1. SaraLilyFebruary 2, 2017 at 6:41 AM

    What the whaaaaatt? So weird about the cuff. How frustrating! I bet you could clip off that weird nest of thread though and be fine. Other than that, what a lovely dress on you! When you can find a dress like this that fits well and the sleeves don't make you want to die, I say it's a success!!

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    1. EmilyFebruary 2, 2017 at 7:16 PM

      I might try snipping the thread, but it looks like a tangled mess of 'could potentially unravel everything and leave me stark naked in the middle of downtown Chicago if I try.' (Meaning: I'm a chicken!)

      I'm definitely glad I ordered this. If I'd paid $100ish for it, though...

      Delete
  2. sophieannetaylorFebruary 2, 2017 at 9:05 AM

    Aw that's so annoying I'm sorry :( I really love this dress though ~ I have different style & taste to you but I actually would love to wear this one ~ since its from England I guess it's easier for me to get hold of too!

    Thanks for sharing though! Especially the whole room for food <3 xx

    sophieannetaylor.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. EmilyFebruary 2, 2017 at 7:21 PM

      It was a little disappointing to see that gnarly sleeve issue and the other little threads dangling here and there, but this print and silhouette definitely makes up for it. I absolutely love Collectif, and they have loads of different-style clothes, not just my usual 'very loud print and fluffy skirt' picks!

      Delete
  3. lindsaymurrellFebruary 2, 2017 at 9:09 AM

    Nothing annoys me more than when you buy something and the thread pulls! The dress looks beautiful on you though :)!

    L xo
    www.lindsaymurrell.co.uk

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    1. EmilyFebruary 2, 2017 at 7:22 PM

      Yeah, I was a little peeved when I finally got my order, opened it, and saw that sleeve. At least the print is even better in person, though! Thank you <3!

      Delete
  4. UnknownFebruary 2, 2017 at 9:09 AM

    You look darling, as always. This dress is quite charming. The style is nice, but that's so lame that it's not put together as well as it could be. At least you got it half off! xoxo

    Breanna Catharina
    toocuteforlife.com

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    1. EmilyFebruary 2, 2017 at 7:23 PM

      Awww, thank you! I really like the style and print, but that quality-control issue was a bit of a surprise. Everything else I've ordered from them has been lovely! I'm glad I waited for the sale ;).

      Delete
  5. charlottelizFebruary 2, 2017 at 9:13 AM

    That's so annoying about the cuff! But it looks like excess thread that you should just be able to snip off without making everything fall apart. I love the dress though, and it's super flattering on you! I'd be twirling for days in this. Thanks for sharing!xx

    theassortedwriter.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. EmilyFebruary 2, 2017 at 7:48 PM

      Here's hoping it's an easy fix! I'm hopeless with needle and thread, so if my at-home repair goes south, I'll be out of luck.

      Collectif makes such lovely dresses, and this one is definitely lovely for twirling in!

      Delete
  6. UnknownFebruary 2, 2017 at 9:24 AM

    That must be so annoying! I know how you feel by it tends to be me catching and putting the pull in my clothes rather then buying them with one. It looks really lovely on you

    Tasha x

    http://itsatashathing.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/itsatashathing-labour-story.html?m=1

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    1. EmilyFebruary 2, 2017 at 7:50 PM

      Aw, getting a pull in your clothes is such an upsetting thing for me! I think small ones can be fixed with a safety pin somehow, though...

      I love the print and the shape of the dress enough to overlook this problem. Worst case scenario: I'll wear a sweater!

      Delete
  7. lucymaycairnsFebruary 2, 2017 at 9:27 AM

    That's so disappointing that the construction of the dress isn't quite there, it looks gorgeous though! xx

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    1. EmilyFebruary 2, 2017 at 7:50 PM

      Thank you! I was really surprised that this dress had a problem, since all my Collectif before now has been wonderful!

      Delete
  8. Lizzie BeeFebruary 2, 2017 at 9:29 AM

    Gosh that's such a shame about the seams as the print is absolutely gorgeous! And a very work-friendly shape too... I think my friend would love this dress as she has a thing about bold prints.

    Lizzie Bee // hello lizzie bee

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    1. EmilyFebruary 2, 2017 at 7:59 PM

      I was really surprised to see that cuff, as I've never had any issues with Collectif before! I'll be wearing this dress to work quite often, I think, but perhaps I'll throw on a cardigan over it, to hide the weird thread ;).

      Delete
  9. UnknownFebruary 2, 2017 at 9:33 AM

    Yet again I have fallen in love with a dress you have bought. I honestly wish that I could find dresses here that were this cute and actually fit me haha!

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    1. EmilyFebruary 2, 2017 at 8:00 PM

      Awww thank you! Honestly, it's a lot of trial and error for me. Once I find a brand that makes clothes that work on my proportions, I stick with that brand forever! Collectif is one of my trusty go-to brands. I hope you can find some cute dresses that you love!

      Delete
  10. Kim K PhotographyFebruary 2, 2017 at 9:33 AM

    I can't imagine how annoying it was for the cuff to pull like that! The dress looks amazing on you though as always 💖

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    1. EmilyFebruary 2, 2017 at 8:01 PM

      It was such a bummer. As soon as I tried it on, I noticed the snag. Oh well! The print is too perfect to return it.

      Delete
  11. Cora - Tea Party PrincessFebruary 2, 2017 at 10:17 AM

    What a beautiful dress! That print is stunning.

    Such a shame about the stitching :( Perhaps a seamstress will be able to offer some advice?

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    1. EmilyFebruary 2, 2017 at 8:02 PM

      Thank you! The print is definitely brighter and prettier in real life than it looked on my computer screen, so I'm quite happy with that part. I might have to take it in for a professional opinion about the cuff...

      Delete
  12. Kirsty MilwardFebruary 2, 2017 at 11:11 AM

    Oh no, shame about the cuff! but the dress looks lovely and it really suits you :) x

    www.astoldbykirsty.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. EmilyFebruary 2, 2017 at 8:06 PM

      Thank you so much! I absolutely love full, swishy, twirly skirts! Hopefully the cuff will hold up as I wear it...

      Delete
  13. Colur Me BristolFebruary 2, 2017 at 1:39 PM

    What a gorgeous print! Can't beat a good flower print, or a pretty red dress!
    That's awesome you got it half off too, but annoying about the stitching!

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    1. EmilyFebruary 2, 2017 at 8:09 PM

      Thanks, Bristol! I've been on a major floral kick lately, and now I want another Pretty Dress Company dress. Collectif have an extra 30% off all their sale, so I'm tempted to go back and find a few more things.

      Delete
  14. EvettFebruary 2, 2017 at 7:38 PM

    OMGerd - yes to this dress!!
    Funny, I wrote of Lindy Bop years ago. Just so happened that I ordered the ONE DRESS that I didn't like. We are on speaking terms again. Maybe Collectif and you just had a small argument lol.
    I LOOOOVE Collectif and in my eyes, they can do no wrong lol

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    1. EmilyFebruary 2, 2017 at 8:10 PM

      Thank you <3! Your comments always brighten my day. How are you doing??

      Lindy Bop has been absolutely KILLING it lately -- I love my San Francisco dress! It's so comfy and feels really well made. And I'm still Team Collectif, because I don't think this will happen again.

      Delete
    2. EvettFebruary 2, 2017 at 8:46 PM

      Every day is just a little bit better - so I can't complain :)

      I've been SUPER impressed with Lindy Bop!! Got a few fun nuggets during their winter sale <3

      Delete
  15. Roisin HFebruary 4, 2017 at 11:33 AM

    This is so stunning,and looks fantastic on you - and that petticoat girl!! It's a huge shame about the loose threads, it's gorgeous otherwise!

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  16. UnknownFebruary 5, 2017 at 11:56 AM

    Lovely dress! Suits you! Xx

    http://louiselovesbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/

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  17. Silver Cat Tea PartyFebruary 6, 2017 at 11:17 AM

    That's so great you were able to grab this during their sale. Lucky timing that you waited on getting it <3 Sorry to hear about the quality issues :( That's a bummer :(

    ReplyDelete

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