Look, I know here in the UK we’re currently experiencing a heatwave–again–which might make it seem like this autumn-themed post is a poor idea, but I posit the opposite. Picture this; chilly mornings with a slight crunch to the grass, the browning of the trees, the here-again-wonder of that first time you can see your breath when you exhale out of doors, the first time in so long that you’re reminded of your childhood belief that perhaps, just perhaps, you might be a dragon. Acorns. Chestnuts. Rain.

Now, don’t you feel just a bit cooler? No? Okay well at the very least maybe we can agree on wistful? Because that’s what I’m feeling right now, as I pick uncomfortably at the seams of the lightest dress I own which still isn’t quite cool enough. I want autumn and I want it ASAP, not just because I’m fed up of summer but because I want to get back to wearing outfits like this.

Dress: Caterina Geek Check dress gifted by Collectif
Boots: Tatiana Brown Boots gifted by Collectif/Lulu Hun
Cardigan: Dusty Orange Waffle knit cardigan by MAK Sweater [Affiliate code yemak-amymay for 40% off]
Tights: Bottle Green tights by Snag Tights
Bangles: Splendette
Belt: Old New Look

Can’t you see why I was so excited to capture this autumnal outfit? It’s everything I’m dying to be able to wear, with check and faux fur combined to make my heart sing.

The Caterina dress, which you will surely know if you’re even remotely familiar with Collectif, is one of their staple dress shapes which returns each season in new prints and colours. Their checks and plaids each winter are some of my favourites, and this new Geek Check print is no exception. It’s versatile check with thin mustard lines criss-crossing thicker white checks on a black background. I love the yellow in the print but as it’s represented in such fine lines it can actually read as gold to the eye, making it possible to pair it with practically any colour you want to layer up for fall and create a hundred different looks. Cardigans, clearly, layer beautifully over it, thanks to the open face collar and short turn-up sleeves, but you could also wear cropped sweaters over the top, chic vintage jackets, or even go for something totally different and add a short sleeved turtleneck underneath. Basically, be ready to get as creative as you want in your outfit pairings, because Caterina can take it.

It comes with a matching PU backed slide belt, giving you the option literally to mix or match. The dress opens and closes solely by functioning buttons that run the full centre panel of the dress, while the pockets will prove–forgive me–super handy. Yes, I did it, I made a pun. No, I’m not sorry. The skirt is full and can take a medium petticoat well, but isn’t a full circle so sits with less volume at the waist, ideal for those of you who hate gathers and puffiness. It can be worn in a modern or casual manner just as easily as it can be styled to 1950s perfection.

Regarding sizing, I asked for the Caterina dress in a 20 for two reasons: one, I knew the non-stretch fabric combined with the buttons would require me to size up for my 46 inch bust, and two, because I have chubby upper arms which tend to get pinched by turn-up cuff sleeves. Sizing up was the right choice because the 20 fit perfectly in both of those areas. The bust flat measures 46 inches with no stretch, while the waist flat measures 39 inches. The sleeve cuffs flat measure 15 inches in circumference, with no stretch. The skirt is 27 inches long.

And now, onto these darling boots!

The Tatiana boots made their debut last Autumn/Winter in black. At the time I was suffering with a foot issue that meant even flat shoes were agony, let alone heeled, but these boots so entirely fulfilled a boot wish I had been harboring for a couple of winters that I bought them anyway, just in the hopes I would one day be able to wear them. I’m thrilled that my foot pain is so rare and minor these days that heels are back on the table for me, not least because it means I can rock these Tatiana beauties constantly the second it gets even remotely cool out.

The bulk of the shoe is made from a gorgeous tan suedette, with faux fur trim around the ankle and two sweet little suedette bows featured in the front centre of the upper. The cuban heel is sturdy without relinquishing all claims to sexiness, and only medium height at 7cm tall. They fasten with a size zip on the inner ankle. Available in black, this newly released tan brown, and a second new colour of khaki green, I can picture them so flawlessly finishing off most of my winter outfits that I desperately want the green too, and am praying Lulu Hun release them next winter in a burgundy as well.

I asked for a size 8, since a size 7 in Lulu Hun can sometimes feel a bit snug in the toes for me, especially on my temperamental left foot. I generally size up in heeled ankle boots in most brands anyway, as sometimes my feet don’t seem able to flex into the narrow, sharply angled way necessary to get these kind of styles on. The size 8 was perfect, easy to get on and had enough room that I can add a pair of snuggly socks in winter when my feet need a little extra help staying warm.

The Caterina swing dress in Geek Check is available in UK sizes 6-22, or in the same size range in a variety of other colours and prints. The Tatiana boots come in UK sizes 3-8, in khaki green, tan brown, and black. Collectif have stores in London and Brighton in the UK, including Lulu Hun sections, as well as having stockists around the world. 

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[Disclaimer: The dress and boots featured in this review were gifted to me by Collectif/Lulu Hun in exchange for an honest review. The discount code provided for MAK Sweater earns me a small commission when used. All opinions expressed by me in all my reviews are my own and wholly truthful, with no input from any companies or any other individuals.]