Have you heard of Slow Fashion Season (July, August, September)?
Everyone can do their part without it being complicated or difficult. Every little bit makes a difference. Being in fashion, I’ll be the first to admit that temptation is always all around me. It’s difficult to say no to fast fashion- I so get that! I’m crazy about new styles, trends, beauty, fashion transformations…you name it. But honestly- we can no longer turn a blind eye. There’s actually so much we can do…even if it’s just one small thing at a time.
CONSIDER:
– Re-fashioning what you already own (if you can’t sew, mend or craft- rather than pay for new; pay for a seamstress).
– swap parties
– thrifting
– borrowing
– selling it
– giving it away
– buying local
–buying quality that lasts! In other words; Consider giving it thought…Yes: Thought. Meaning, if you really must buy new- then go into it with logic. Check for great quality and durability- things must last! Ask yourself how many times you plan on wearing the item (if it’s just for one time…give it up). Yes, that may mean spending a bit more (or even maybe a lot more)- but look at it as an investment. If you know this will be worn a lot- and that you don’t intend ever ridding yourself of it…then isn’t that worth the money?
All this is possible without saying good-bye to great styling and fashionable looks. Trust me! All you need is some creativity. And, today no one can get away with saying they have no ideas…who are we kidding?! Social media is FILLED with ideas. We can do this. The time is now.
Will you join Slow Fashion Season? There’s still time😊
#Confessionoftheday: When I buy new, I really do buy quality that lasts, and that is locally made (whatever the country I’m in)- and that can include high end designer. That does mean I end up paying a pretty penny for it- but I’ve never regretted any of those pieces. For me, that’s another side of sustainability.
It would be impossible for me to speak about Fashion as my Muse without any reference to historical attire. As we all know, everything in fashion repeats itself; or comes back in some form or another.
Designers are always referring to the past when they create- And what a rich source of inspiration that can be! Alexander McQueen was notorious for doing this! He loved Victorian and Gothic fashion and it can be seen in his own designs.
How does this even relate to us?? These designs are at the very top of creativity. These are a springboard for all other creatives to base themselves on and to produce garments that have a nuance or taste of these beauties. Consequently, they create tones or patterns or cuts that we can actually wear and keep looking trendy.
Hard to imagine? Not really-You already own some of these ‘historical fashion’ items! Let’s see; do you own…
Flair sleeve tops?
Bell sleeve tops?
Ruffled blouses?
Hoop skirts?
Long dresses or skirts?
Velvet pants or jacket?
Chunky gold accessories?
Platform shoes?
Ankle booties?
Ballerinas?
Button-down vests or jackets?
Turtlenecks?
High-collar shirts?
Gloves?
Lace (something or other)?
This list can go on and on!!
So it’s no wonder that designers need to rehash what has already been done and bring back with a twist of their own. From there, the rest of us will end up buying (or thrifting!) diluted forms of these creations. So why not take some of those incredible elements and bring them into our own styling?
Here are more designers getting inspired by history:
Dior’s Rococo
The genius, Galliano and his take:
Givenchy:
And- I could not write about this without making note of fashion’s all-time bad boy- who also plucked his creativity straight from the past…Here are some of Jean Paul Gauthier’s creations.
When his Exhibit came to Montreal, I just had to go! Here’s a mini clip of one magnificent ‘caged’ creation taken right out of the ‘pallier’ times.
And as for myself, I can’t really pinpoint which part of the history inspired my own two dresses (for when my daughters got married both in the same year- 3 months apart). But I know that the inspiration and idea of these two designs (I helped co-create) were definitely a spin-off from the past. What do you think?
STAY TUNED for the last part of this Fashion is My Muse Edition, for next week when I highlight my Historical Muses…You’re gonna love them!
Here’s a glimpse:
#Confessionoftheday: My go-to inspiration will forever be a fantastically dramatic sleeve…and I wonder where I got that inspiration from…past life for sure lol!
What drives your styling inspiration? Where do you turn to quench that thirst for creativity? What sparks your next look- or purchase?
Just like an artist’s muse is the inspiration for his canvas, my muse for styling is fashion. Yes, Fashion is my Muse. Of course, there are faces behind those looks that inspire me so. I have scrapbooks and Mood boards filled from the years of collecting. This exercise has helped me during my career, my teaching, my art, and personally as well.
Not only are Mood boards great tools for collecting creative info, but they are especially useful as springboards for future projects. You can add or transform as you go along or evolve. And- this doesn’t always have to be with paper and glue (although that process can be incredibly satisfying!). There are great online platforms to help you plan your boards. You know what I’m gonna say: Pinterest, of course!
Today I’m sharing with you one of my Fashion Boards from Pinterest: Fashion is My Muse This board is filled with my very Favourite Fashion Icons. For me, there’s nothing ‘ordinary’ about these Muses; they are all Extraordinary.
I’m inspired primarily by their look and style, the patterns and forms, colors and accessories- the stories their appearance unfolds. Flamboyance and over-the-top creations help bring us out of our comfort zone. We may not go to these extremes…but certainly edge us on a bit. And that’s a good thing- moving forward and accepting change!
Here are my Muses, in no particular order:
Definitely starts off : Carrie Bradshaw, Twiggy, and Brigitte Bardot.
Definitely my David Bowie, and there’s Harry Stiles (My daughter’s love of her life)…
More Twiggy, Harry and Bowie…
Crazy about Vanessa Paradis, Marilyn Monroe, Lady Gaga, Cher and Rachel Zoe (who I happen to think is Bardot’s doppelganger- don’t you find?)
And, of course everything and everyone that has to do with Ru Paul!
There’s more… I keep on adding to this list. Stay tuned for Part 2; where I disclose my historical fashion muses!
Do you create Moodboards? Who are your Fashion Muses?
#Confessionoftheday:I secretly dream of recreating each and every one of these looks! I’m thinking of maybe doing a challenge on this! Would you join me??
(An unusual summer taking place elsewhere this year; definitely different than last year- Even for the Fashion Runway…)
Paris Digital Couture Week was on…not your usual Runway – this season everything took place online. Paris cancelled live shows due to the Pandemic- at least for one season.
So the shows were almost like music videos. For the most part designers kept the clips quite simple; running one minute for most (except for Dior; 10 minutes). Let’s just say…way less exciting (for me at least!)
Women’s fashion ran from Monday to Wednesday and Men’s from Thursday on. Did you get to watch?
Here are some great photos of three of my favourite designer collections.
Dior and dolls this time! Almost reminded me of the Pandora times- when these kind of dolls were the fashion plates of back then…
So Monday’s show began with Dior:
Just unbelievably precious AND…just wondering who gets these afterwards? Ideas???
Next up on Tuesday: CHANEL. More of a Rococo meets punk… I found the line more upbeat and much younger focused. Refreshing and edgy!
Wednesday was for my other favourite: Maison Margiela- by the genius Galliano. So much sheer goodness! I’m crazy for sheer and there was some everywhere in this show!
And how are we on making steps towards Sustainability in the Fashion world? Well, I was especially delighted to learn that both St-Laurent and Gucci (my favourite!!) will opt out of doing 4 shows a year. And, it appears that Mugler has agreed upon this as well. This will reduce so much waste in many ways- so that is definitely a step in the right direction!
Starting off the week with a different type of styling tip! Why not re-cycle or re-fashion something you love by somehow ‘crafting’ it? That’s exactly what I did with this little bustier!
First of all, it became too tight! But- I didn’t want to get rid of it- I find it was such a good layering piece. This is what it looked like before:
First I created a border for the length (needed more coverage and it was no longer good where it ended in my middle section). Then, I decided to open up one side (the other has a zipper so that’s too complicated). And I crocheted an extension! Then, in order to balance out the two sides, I crocheted two separate pieces and sewed them along the zipper sides. This created a more balanced illusion. By also stitching on a crochet border to the shoulder straps- my look became complete!
Et Voila!
Soaking up all them 70’s vibes…
My daughter says she’ll borrow it too (that’s always a good sign…or is it?). She, though, will wear it like a tank- nothing under- bless her cute little bod😊
If I have to be quite honest here- the crochet part was the easiest. I did have to use quite a bit of imagination to recreate and ‘make fit’ the idea I had in mind. But in the end, it all worked out!
You can watch my clip here:
If you’d like to see someone who is a real pro at this? Check out my goddaughter on Instagram: @CROCHETKAT27 She inspires me so much- hope I’m making her proud😊
As for my Styling Students; I’m challenging you this week with this! Remember our motto to Refashion and Rewear!
#Confessionoftheweek: Haven’t been confessing a great deal have I? Well, I’m back to say that as good as this may look…it wasn’t easy or quick at all. But I WILL attempt another such DIY for sure. I’m such a self-torturer!
There’s a saying here in Montreal; We have two seasons: July and Winter. Not quite true- but close enough! It can take forever to get us into warm weather- but when it hits, it’s scorching. It doesn’t last though as our fall arrives quite fast. And our summers can be so temperamental! So how does a Montreal girl shop or plan her wardrobe to meet the fussy weather?
DON’TS
Avoid shoppingtoo early for summer wear. We are so eager to see sunshine that some of us begin shopping for summer as soon as the very tricky warm rays appear in early spring. But our weather is tricky! Hold back.
Over shopping (because of over-positivity) is another downfall. Again, hold back.
Avoid too trendy. We can get carried away when we find the perfect summer dress- and overspend. Consider how many wears you will get out of it?
Instagram and advertising is not always geared to your country’s weather. Some little summer dresses can be divine in Florida…but don’t quite work for long in Montreal. Same can be said for the colours and patterns in vogue from a tropical place to a northern climate.
Shopping while away on vacation (where it’s usually way hotter than back home), can be very tempting- but I don’t recommend it. Unless you are shopping for vacation only!
It’s best to give all these some serious consideration, if you don’t want tooverfill your closets with things that will just hang there…for you to maybe wear next summer (if you even get a chance). And remember that trends change!
DO’S
Transitional is wise. Invest in pieces that will carry you from fall to spring – and the occasional cool days of summer. One good trick is to opt for florals or patterns that go for all seasons.
The advantages of color. Keeping several light colored pieces, even if the fabric is a little heavier, will work for summer; as will lighter fabric clothing in darker colors work year round as well.
Layering is key! Invest in pieces that can be layered, or, that are the layering pieces.
Scarves! I can’t say enough about this incredible accessory! Easily turns into a mini top for summer, or a cover up for cooler temps.
Blazers: An absolute must for all seasons- yes, summer too! You can wear your halters no problem and be all set when the chilly wind pops in (coz it will!).
If you need change, and shop you must, then why not give thrifting or vintage shopping a try? This will be an all-around win-win situation for your pocket, your taste, and the environment.
This is not everything- but it’s a good start. We adore summer, but for us Northern girls, let’s be honest with ourselves…it really is our shortest season (so sad!!).
Here are a few looks that can work for more than just one season, while still being perfect for northern weather (like in Montreal or New York). We all know there are days like this- where the sun has turned its back to warm some other place!:
Wore this mid June. This mixed print outfit is in a very light cotton blend- but because the colours are darker, it also would work for fall (with booties!)
Here’s the same outfit worn with a jean jacket and a scarf. This pic was taken same day as above (mid June!! ) It was still cold! The straw bag brings in the element of summer- it helps make the outfit work. As you can see, this outfit can easily be transitional for fall. And what about the scarf? Like I mentioned, you can wear them on chillier days like I did with this look.
Light breezy fabric once again- in this case no matter that the skirt is sheer, it’s animal print and it works all year round (again picture this look with booties!) The little black vest also works all year-round. For this particular day I wore the bright yellow top with the vest to give it an accent. On very warm days I can wear this same look: Vest, no blouse. Perfect!
Now how can this look be transitional you ask? First of all the plaid shorts are of heavier material (wool blend – good for both summer and winter), and I’m wearing a leatherette jacket. The color white gives it its summer look. Yet if I were to recopy this look with thick tights and boots, it would be perfect for fall!
Like I said, blazers are always a good idea. See how this works for both summer and even all year round. Because they’re shorts, it still works that this is a thicker kind of material.
Again, using all-year-round material like leather, and long sleeves in a warm tone -even if in a light fabric, can be worn all year-round (think tights for fall and winter).
And so here you have it. Note: these outfits you probably saw me style before. And for good reason, they are timeless- fashionable always. My way of shopping my closet and re-inventing as I go along!
Don’t think of this as limiting! In fact think of this as creative, and money well-spent! Your wardrobe will get you through for longer periods of time while being good for your pocket as well as the environment. Stretching clothing use, wear and re-wear is where fashion is at right now. Do your part and look the part, smart and gorgeous.
Take care my lovely Fashion Divas xx
#Confessionoftheday: These tips are tried and tested- not only in my professional styling opinion…but I have been known to shop for the cutest summer dresses (and in different colours!) to never wear them more than once…sad, I know. But true.
If you enjoyed this topic and would like to learn more, please email me at: lucy_bertoldi.com or shoot me a DM on Insta!
And- for all you wonderful bloggers out there- please come link up your posts with me every Friday for my Fabulous Friday’s Link up Party (there’s still time this week too!
Have a great week!
Here’s where I link up:
I love this blogging community so much! (Click on the Links below to see where I go read, comment and link up every week!)
For anyone who loves fashion, nothing can be more delicious to the eye than viewing a runway filled with an array of colors, patterns and styles. We just love it! But when it comes to wearing anything that’s a bit out of our comfort zone- particularly mixed prints…well that’s another story!
I’m here to help out if I may- with a few tips on how to get started and how to make you more comfortable in this area if you want to dabble in this exciting form of expression.
You probably do love prints, patterns and colors- but you’re not sure if you could pull off the look. Sometimes it feels too daring and there’s also risk associated wit feeling “too out there”. Too often the risks- especially for us past the middle point (age-wise) are all of the ‘social’ kind.
Here’s the list of risks that too often stop us from expressing ourselves:
I’m tooold to wear something that outrageous.
Prints make me look older than my age…frumpish (age- related)
The colors are too loud for me (age related again)
I don’t suit patterns or too much color (they make me look fat; I’m too short; too tall; they make me look bulky; make my bones stand out…oh dear, just fill in your own blanks.)
I only suit black.
The list goes on.
News Flash: Yes, You’re here. Yes, You’re aging. Yes, You’re still alive. Your life is not over!! How old are you really in your heart and head? Life’s too short, start having fun (it’s only clothes…fashion comes and goes- style it up hun!)
Now- let’s get onto Print and pattern mixing!
READY?? I’ll give you the easiest and quickest way to SAFELY dabble into print mixing… Here it comes: Stay within the same Color Family. How easy is that??
3 Different patterns- SAME color family.
Beginner EXERCISE for you:
Go to your closet and pick the one print you absolutely love (top, pants, dress, scarf…)
With the garment in hand move along your racks to see if at least ONE of the colors in the garment can be found in another piece
Once you’ve found that piece, start matching it up!
I started by picking this amazing slip on skirt…which according to the norm could technically only be worn with black…Note how I picked another animal print to pair it with! The trick was to keep the base color (dusty rose) to tie up the look.
Intermediate Exercise for you:
Repeat the above exercise using different garments, OR, from those two pieces you previously put together, find one more item that has, either the dominant color -OR- a complimentary color (of the dominant one) and style it up! See color charts for examples- you can easily find this on the Internet😊
I started by picking a Bright red jacket that I love. Then I paired it with my tie-dye dress. Third, I added the dominant color Red within a different print and pattern scarf. Lastly, the polka dot and red, sandals were just the right notch for me to love this outfit!
Advanced Exercise for you:
Try it with 3 different garments or just add a third piece to the original mix you created previously- this one MUST be another print! This could mean that your accessory should also be a print! Then add an extra layer (jacket for example). Let this one also should have the dominant color or a bold complimentary!
This one actually has two different prints- however, because the top is sheer, it adds a third dimension. The belt is a too bright orange, so I fastened a scarf around it. I initially wanted to wear the scarf in a more traditional way around my neck…but I thought this was way better! What do you think?
Expert Exercise for you:
Try styling up more than 2 patterns and prints. Color does not matter at this point. In fact, you can have the same color but different patterns. A good example of this would be two different garments with two different patterns but both are black and white. From this add a third pattern that is of a completely different color for a splash of contrast.
Working with black an white (thought I’d keep it safe for you in terms of color!! BUT- I decided to style totally different patterns. To the mix I added the splash of color with the scarf worn as a top- and then another scarf as a belt. In total: 4 different patterns!
FINAL TIP: Who made up these rules anyway? Honestly- this is just a guideline. Sometimes items that are not even color, print or pattern related just go together so well!
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING OF ALL IS GREAT FIT!!
And there you have it! You’re on your way to print-mixing! Now, all you have to do is style it up!
Watch this clip for a detailed look on how I styled up my prints and patterns.
An now Here’s to my Favourite Fashion Diva of the Week:
How gorgeous is this Diva? Loving this slip dress so much- and the animal print is soooo good!
I love this blogging community and the interesting weekly blog posts. (Click on the Links below to see where I go read, comment and link up every week!)
I believe so. As if I weren’t already obsessed enough with transformations, here I go with even more of an excuse: Time.
Time- that luxury we crave. The obsession of never having enough of it. Well, now that we are forced to making some…we start packing it all in. I’ve mentioned before how we gotta be careful with this feeling of always needing to be busy- READ that Article here.
This time however, I won’t be blaming myself for induging in compulsive behaviour, I’m just gonna blame it all on Covid. Or rather…my personal cure to stop-obsessing about Covid! How do I do that? I re-style, re-purpose, re-love, re-wear, re-fashion my clothes!
I’m getting a clearer vision of what it is I want to wear; what I need to wear; what I feel happy wearing- and then: Out come the scissors!
This time I’ve changed up an animal print, turtle-neck dress…into a Cardi! But there’s more! I’ve incorporated a scarf (just in case I want that option), and a turban (or headband) as well!
This dress is cute…but a bit limiting (I’m too warm in it- it suffocates me!) So, layering is the last thing I want to do with this one…So: A-Chopping-it-will-go!
What a difference! And so many possibilities…
Can you see that the scarf is an integral part of it…
I linked the scarf through the two openings I slit…
Oh…and also made use of this turban…
Wanna see how I worked this DIY and styled the whole look? You can watch the process here:
What have you been DIYing?
#Confessionoftheday: My compulsion is real. But it’s healthy, right?
I love reading other great blog posts- so I thought to include some really good ones for you to check out! They have linkup parties where you can link your own posts. Go check them out and show some love. Have a good one!
How creative are you with your style? If you’re finding that your wardrobe is lacking a bit of spunk or that it’s always same old, same old- then now’s the time to do something different!
Diy’s are always fun to do, especially when we really can’t wear the piece anymore (example: it doesn’t fit). But there are some diy’s that require No Change at all! It’s called: Creative Styling.
Creative styling just requires you to use your imagination to start wearing an item in a completely different way than it was originally intended- WITHOUT altering the piece.
The possibilities are endless. Today, I’m gonna do Number 7! See how I turned 3 short dresses into midi looks- just with one skirt!
Here are two of the dresses I creatively styled-up.
This is the way the dress is originally intended to be worn
All you need is one long SHEER skirt….
Wear the dress over the long sheer skirt, plus a belt: Here is Look No. 1
Same Skirt- different Dress: Look NO. 2
Same Skirt , third dress: Look NO. 3
And there you have it! Seriously…How easy was that?
Wanna see the process? Please watch here:
I strongly encourage you to play in your closet and do some Creative Styling of your own! If and when you do- please share and link back to me! I’d love to see what you come up with and will share in my insta stories as well. Enjoy!
In other news…This week my article was featured in Links a la Mode!
And now…ANOUNCING: Favourite Fashion Styling Diva of the Week!
Once a week I will be featuring and linking a super stylish lady whose outfit made me swoon- and will surely inspire you as well. If you get featured, please spread the love by mentioning it on your own site with a link back to mine.
Go check out her Instagram- I am obsessed with her style!
Linkingtime!
I love reading other great blog posts- so I thought to include some really good ones for you to check out! They have linkup parties where you can link your own posts. Go check them out and show some love. Have a good one!
