I’ve been blogging for 9 years now, so I think I’ve reached the point where I’ve wrung as many jokes and intros out of the famous ‘Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking’ line from The Devil Wears Prada. Like florals (according to Miranda Priestly, that is,) there’s only so many ways you can work it in before it gets tired and expected. But despite that, you know, I still really like florals. I think it’s one of the loveliest parts of spring–not just watching the actual flowers begin to bloom out in the world, but going into my clothing storage to bring my florals back out into my closet, packing away my tweeds and wools and tartans for six months in return.

By February, just as I’m getting truly sick of rain and cold and greys skies, the daffodils start to peek out, leading into my absolute favourite stretch; the hawthorn, then the bluebells, then the fruit blossoms. Those weeks of nature waking, petals unfurling, colour returning, revitalises my winter-wearied spirit, and echoing that process by bringing colour and florals back into my wardrobe to greet the brightening world feels refreshing and exciting every time. So, sorry not sorry, but yes, I like florals, I like wearing them in spring when I feel most hopeful and happy about the world around me. And I like this floral in particular, the Shana dress by Collectif, and how it feels wearing it among blossoms. 

Dress: Shana dress by Collectif*
Belt: Old
Hat: Old bell hat previously gifted by Unique Vintage
Bag: Old bamboo bag from eBay

The pretty roses print of this Shana dress is aptly named, because damn, it’s such a lovely print of blue roses and green leaves scattered across a white background. I’ve often been told I look good in blue and yet somehow I don’t have a lot of it in my wardrobe, so when I saw this dress and immediately fell in love with it I knew I had to snap one up. The blue makes it more unusual for a floral print than the expected pinks and reds, but you can still add in those tones in your accessories as they’ll pop beautifully against the cool tones of the print.

I think the Shana dress might be a new style as I don’t recognise it. With a v-neckline, short cuffed sleeves, and functional buttons that run the full length of the dress, it’s a simple cut that works perfectly for daily wear. There isn’t a hidden zip anywhere, so those buttons are your only access point for getting in and out of this piece, making it a great breastfeeding-friendly option. It’s made from a stretch cotton so it’s comfortable for a full day’s wear, and the flared swing skirt allows for a medium-full petticoat to achieve that vintage shape we so love. Graceful twirls, here we come!

Weirdly, there are belt loops but no belt, so I can only assume minds where changed somewhere along the way in the production process. Personally I don’t like belt loops, as they’re often set a little too high for my slightly-longer-than-average-torso, so I’ll likely be snipping these off, but I thought this was worth noting lest you unpackage your dress and wonder, as I did, whether you’re missing a belt. Nope. The loops are just a fun little bonus for you, apparently.

I ordered this dress in the size 20, which is my standard for Collectif these days. The waist measures 40 inches flat with stretch to 43 before gaping noticeably between the buttons. The bust is 46 inches flat with stretch to almost 50, but if your bust maxes out that measurement I imagine you might want to put a hidden button or popper between the buttons on the bust to prevent gaping there. The cuffs on the sleeves measure 16 inches flat in circumference and have stretch up to 18 inches, so they’re comfortable on my large upper arms. The skirt is 30 inches long but doesn’t have pockets, sadly, which I have come to expect from my Collectif dresses. This dress is machine washable.

The Shana dress comes in UK sizes 6-22 and is currently on sale at 30% off. Collectif have a handful of UK stores, but ship worldwide from their website and have stockists around the globe.

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Disclaimer: Items marked with an asterix* are items I bought myself from companies that have previously gifted me other items for review. 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, thus practising strict social distancing measures in an effort to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.