Notes 02
Victoria Beckham x Mango, some really really nice fine jewellery (read: good rocks).
On April 23, Victoria Beckham x Mango launched. If you weren’t already tempted by the ethereal videos of models swimming in delicate, long crepe gowns, you’re in for a treat. I made the pilgrimage to Yorkdale to try on and photograph as much as I could of the collection in order to report back. And here is the honest review:
It’s a good collection. Did I love every single piece? No. There’s a lot of key VB elements here: dramatic proportions, slinky and sultry gowns, sheer and satiny textures, a neutral (though not boring) colour palette. It’s sexy suiting, it’s a Lake Como wedding. The dresses and skirts: absolutely beautiful, though I expected nothing less. Some of the shirting? More questionable in my opinion, particularly this cropped blue-stripe button down, which I think I saw at Urban Outfitters when I was 13.
I highly recommend that you try the pieces on to know sizing. In Toronto, the collection will be available exclusively at the Mango store at Yorkdale. While you’ll have to forgive the abominable store lighting, here’s what I tried on:
THE pink dress. Yes, that one. I posted it. It’s similar to recent VB runway collections, but this one is for us plebeians.
The fit: Overall, a size US4 fit me best. In terms of length, I’m 5’6 and the length draped in high heels, so it would require minor alterations. My only issue (and this is an issue with most slip dresses) is with the length of the straps on the bust. I have a shorter torso than average, and very long legs. SO slinky straps tend to go a little too low for comfort (read: nip slip). This is an easy/inexpensive tailoring fix, so if you’re into something sheer and delicate and angel-esque, this is a good buy. The seams and overall look are exquisite.
The colour: This one is true to the website. The store lighting isn’t great (overhead lighting…when will retail learn?), so it looks more orchid in photos. It is a pale wash of pink.
The price: it is CAD$380. Regular VB dresses retail for $1500, so I’d say this is a better deal. If you get it, it’s still worth taking it to a tailor - I find this always makes it look more expensive. So overall you’re looking at dropping about $500-600, depending on alterations. It’s sold out online, so I recommend going to a store to try find it.
The twirly peach dress: the pink dress’s little sister. Sadly, I didn’t love this one as much , but I think I didn’t try on the right size.
Size: size UP for this one. I nearly got stuck in it, and frankly the size 4 wasn’t made for anyone with boobs bigger than a AA cup. I love the twisted shoulder detail on this piece, and the shorter length makes it slightly more casual (a mediterranean dinner, perchance?).
The colour: I think this will suit someone with a darker skin tone really well - peach tones tend to wash out anyone paler.
The price: doesn’t entirely make sense to me as it’s more expensive than the pink slip (this one is CAD$430), but I guess the shoulder detail and asymmetrical silhouette require more labour. This one is still available online.
The white crochet dress: a hot beach cover up with a LOW BACK. Read: subtle hot.
Size: this one is TTS and fits more snug on me. Length is long - the bottom was grazing the floor event when wearing high heels. Not sure how easy it is to alter this type of fabric but it is a stunningggg dress. Perhaps for a bachelorette? Honeymoon?
Colour: it’s really white.
Price: it’s CAD$230. Be careful if you’re buying in store - this one snags easily.
The black gown: Honestly a hidden gem. I don’t think this dress garnered the same attention because, well, we all have black dresses. But it’s just so FUN and so sexy. The bottom is sheer and you can really flash someone easily. And because of the bodice you have limited underwear opportunities (thongs). But how fun for flying solo to a wedding! What a fun meet-cute story! “He saw the side of my [Victoria Beckham-adorned] butt on the dance floor and knew I was the one!”
Size: while I think this might be the hottest dress of the entire collection, it does require the most alterations. On me at least. All are simple - I think it’s safe to order TTS (I wore size 4). The straps need shortening on me (again, short torso problem), and the bodice could be tacked in just the tiniest bit to make it more form fitting. Otherwise, this is secretly the best dress in the collection.
Colour: It’s black with a semi-transparent bottom. Store lighting does not do it justice
Price: It’s CAD$500 BUT before you freak out tooo much, you’re paying for a 96% silk bodice. However, the skirt is still viscose.
The cropped linen trench: ok wait this is the best piece in the collection. The e-com photos simply did it dirty.
Size: TTS.
Colour/composition: it’s like an oaty, more cream linen. It’s thick. It’s hardy.
Price: it’s a whopping $400. But hey, you’ve probably paid more than that for a coat.
Other noteworthy mentions:
This crochet black skirt is gorgeous and I should have gotten it.
I loveddd this oversized raffia bag!
Let’s move on to a much higher price point!
I love the world of high jewellery. I had the privilege of viewing the Chanel high jewellery collection in person last year - there’s something about sparkle that is simply impossible to capture in photographs.
Contemporary fine jewellery is something I peruse every now and then. I appreciate the newfound approach that there doesn’t necessarily have to be an engagement at play in order to purchase a new ring; colourful stones and playful settings suggest otherwise. Stores such as Noah Noah Noah Shop and designers like Seb Brown inspire me to source special statement pieces that spark conversation and intrigue. I always say that if you have enough jewellery, you don’t need many clothes. Whether I abide by this mantra is a whole other story.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to visit Anne Sportun jewellery, a shop located just by Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto. They’ve been around for over twenty years, yet have only recently revived a collection of high jewellery pieces that I adore. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, unique in composition, and beautifully stackable. Definitely something I’ll be saving up for. If you’re in the neighbourhood, I highly recommend visiting Anne Sportun and playing dress up! Each piece is also made on site in the store itself. Disregard the lack of hand cream apparent in this photo - how adorable and playful are these gems? And the mix of matte gold with shine! Divine!
While all these rings together might be enough for 25% of a property down payment, there’s just something so delicious and juicy about these jewels and I can’t resist them. I never knew I needed multicoloured gemstones until now.
Anyway. I just booked a trip to Mallorca and am in the process of shopping/packing/preparing outfits for that, more to come in a summer holiday edit!