As someone who long ago gave up attempting to buy true vintage for a variety of reasons, I was thrilled last year when Joanie Clothing teamed up with Horrockses Fashions to release some of Horrockses most beloved prints on staple Joanie dress styles. I loved the Margaret dress and kept meaning to buy myself the Vada, but by the time I went back for it it was sold out in my size. Missing out has haunted me ever since–so imagine my delight upon discovering that there is now a Joanie and Horrockses round 2, with last year’s releases back again and a couple new styles along for the ride. Finally, Vada and I have our second chance!

Dress: Vada Paolozzi print sundress gifted by Joanie Clothing x Horrockses Fashions
Cardigan: Black cropped cardigan by MAK Sweater (Affiliate code yemak-amymay for 40% off)
Bangles: Black bangles by Splendette
Sunglasses: Old 
Belt: Old

The great thing about the Horrockses x Joanie collaboration is not just that it allows those of us priced- or sized-out of vintage pieces to get our hands on some classic Horrockses prints, but that the intention behind the project is to create pieces that will hopefully be passed down as modern heirlooms, just as original Horrockses pieces were. 

This Vada dress features a print based upon a 1953 painting by Eduardo Paolozzi, an abstract print crafted in black and white atop a chatreuse yellow background. It’s a striking and unique piece, but somehow it’s not overwhelming despite the bold colour palette. In reality, I always think of chartreuse as being slightly more lime than this actually dress is. In most lighting situations I’ve found it reads as yellow, with the green undertones shining through best in poorer lighting, so be aware of that if the mere mention of the word chartreuse gives you pause. 

Sleeveless, the Vada dress is made from organic cotton and boasts a scooped neckline, as well as a gently gathered knee-length skirt, making it a great sundress for hot summer days. It opens and closes with functional buttons that run the full length of the dress’s front, with an extra button hidden at the waistline under the placket to make sure there won’t be able gaping as you move about. I love that dresses with buttons stretching the full length of the skirt allow you to pop a few of the buttons from the hem up if you wanna flash a bit of leg–you can even open all the skirt buttons to layer shorts or capris underneath in a matching colour to achieve the look of a playsuit set. Bonus versatility!

Oh, and because you’re all wondering it, yes, of course there are pockets. 

As Vada is made from organic cotton barkcloth this dress has only a little stretch. As such, in the size 20 I’m wearing here the bust measures 46.5 inches flat with an inch of stretch while the waist measures 41 inches flat, also with an inch of stretch. The skirt is 25.5 inches long and can only accommodate a slim volume petticoat. It is machine washable 

The Vada Paolozzi print sundress is available in UK sizes 8-22. Joanie Clothing ship worldwide and offer a discount code to newsletter subscribers. 

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Disclaimer: The dress featured in this review was gifted to me by Joanie Clothing with no obligation to review. The use of my MAK affiliate code will generate me a small commission from your order.  All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals.

COVID-19 NOTE: These pictures were taken alone and safely in a secluded outdoors area with no other individuals present, practising responsible social distancing to help limit the spread of Covid-19.