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.
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!
Gonna hit you with my question right from the start…Would you guys be interested in me doing a weekly Link Party? I always link my blog to other blogs- and I enjoy this so much. I get to read what other bloggers have to say and I think it’s a great way to open the communication and to get tons of ideas and open up our minds.Plus it gives us all exposure- win/win!
I was thinking of doing a Linksy every Friday. What do you think? Please let me know as I would love to get your feedback on this! Thanks!
Now onto the post! So here we are knocking on Weekend’s door…already?! It’s been pretty busy! So here is what life in this styling diva’s world looked like:
I loved joining another challenge on Instagram: #7daysofprints! It was a lot of fun. This was led by Annette from @vintageplendor and Aubrey of @thedandyliar. Mixing prints can be so liberating if you just go with the flow
Here are some of my print-mixing styles for this challenge (some of these you’ve seen before!) :
Here’s a clip of me styling these up:
And of course, for me there’s nothing more perfect in my styling world…than doing at least one or more diy’s !
What was once a boring white top who’s had its days, that is now-under this striped blouse- a newly cropped top turned dickey
Here’s a clip of the diy and styling (you also get a glimpse of my Mother’s Day Gift!). At the end of the clip I also add the diy of an old filing cabinet we’ve had for centuries lol!…we gave it a facelift!
This was an old ugly filing cabinet that became super cute I find! Don’t you?
What about Mother’s Day though? Memorable that’s for sure, is all I can say. Who would have thought we would be social distancing with our own kids and grand-kids? I found this very difficult- but at least I got to see them! Even if from afar.
Keeping Social distancing away from these loves is so difficult.
A special Zoom Happy Mother’s Day for all the moms of my youngest daughter’s Synchronized Skating Team- Les Supremes
I recieved a beautiful piece of jewelry from my kids- earrings, by Katherine Karambelas!
Then yesterday, I received this beautiful art work from a very talented Montreal artist: Shiny Art. This is my blog post pic- I’m thrilled!
Finally, maybe the warm weather is really here to stay? Have a wonderful weekend, and week to come my Lovelies,
Lucy xx
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!
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!
#Confessionoftheday: I am seriously addicted to clothing, footwear and accessories. In that order.
Now, how do I deal with this. So, a big part of accumulating these loves of mine has to do with shopping. I’ve worked on refraining this part quite a bit. In fact, since before Christmas, I’ve been on a serious shopping hiatus.
The real reason for this though has become deeper than just to keep my shopping addiction at bay. I’m seriously- and have been for awhile- considering the tragic effects that fast fashion is costing our planet. As a fashion teacher, I definitely have to set some sort of example as I am teaching the designers and students of the future how to create more sustainably!
Last week was the anniversary of 2013’s catastrophic industrial and historical event that happened in Bangladesh. To sum it up, I copied this quote from the Take Action page of Fashion Revolution.org link here
“Fashion Revolution Week happens every year in the week surrounding the 24th of April. This date is the anniversary of the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse. Rana Plaza, a building in Bangladesh, housed a number of garment factories, employing around 5,000 people.The people in this building were manufacturing clothing for many of the biggest global fashion brands.Over 1,100 people died in the collapse and another 2,500 were injured, making it the fourth largest industrial disaster in history. The victims were mostly young women. Thats when Fashion Revolution started.”
I participated by choosing my mom’s gorgeous top which was part of the gown she wore as Mother-of the Bride. It has such a special meaning to me- and that’s what Love Story is about. You pick a garment that has sentimental value to you and make a Love Story around it.
This fabric…
And the workmanship…made 34 years ago!
This is how my Beautiful Mamma wore it 34 years ago on my wedding day. It was worn with a beautiful long satin golden-amber skirt.
If you watch my youtube video (scroll down)- I explain the whole story behind this top…as well as my mom’s own contribution and love for fashion and design.
Here is how I styled this beautifully tailor-made- top that means the world to me!
See that you don’t have to wear it all dressed up for a special occasion anymore!
I’ve created my own Love Story video for Fashion Revolution 2020 – and its #haulternative. Watch it here:
If you want to create your own Love Story video, or letter, or haul…Check out Fashion Revolution and download the How-to section and use the hashtag: #haulternative
If you do go to their site, you can download all sorts of guides to be part of the movement to make fashion more sustainable and raise awareness. I encourage you to go check it out. Yes, the event is passed but the movement must never stop!!
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!
Thought this styling exercise might come in handy. Just because at a time when we fashion lovers need to do the most we can to keep clothes out of landfills- it’s a good idea to put good styling habits back into perspective. What’s the purpose?
Well, for starters, when you’re well-styled, feel good and the fit is right- chances are you’ll get more (and longer) use of your outfits- and that’s a step in the right direction. So here are some of the tips for practice that I usually recommend to get the best styling looks while working with what you’ve got!
Let’s do a Getting Styled with Lucy, Exercise.
Part 1: VISUAL
At home: Take a LOVING (and I do mean loving) look at yourself and figure out what your best features are. (And come-on, you Do know what those are). That will be the first thing to focus on when styling: Wear what accentuates those best features.
First, browse through magazines, online runways… what attracts you most? Is it color? Patterns? What speaks to you (forget the negatives of “Oh I could never wear that. Bad vibes)”. This is an exercise so go with it. When you’re ready to go shopping, head for local or sustainable designers, thrift or vintage places, slow fashion movement outlets,Then: look for what inspired you.
Huge Point to work on: Let go of your neutrals if you have already a lot of those; go for colour! (Try it vice versa if you’re a color-go-to gal).
Now…just by eying it does it look like it might accentuate what you wish it will? (Example of this could be: a mini if you’ve got gorgeous long legs; detail in a low cut top that oughta make your girls look even more attractive; mid-calf pants for those pretty ankles of yours; form fitting top that shows off those beautiful straight cut shoulders; for your gorgeous back…a backless dress with detailed attention back there…I could go on and on..).
Part 2: TACTILE
Now that you’ve zoomed in on what you find attractive and gives you that feel good feeling…hone in on the quality. If it’s fast fashion…it won’t be made to last. But if you go with designers that are working on sustainability from fibre and textile selection right down to who’s making your garment; you’re on the right track. Go for quality vs trends!
Once you’ve got that down-packed, feel the texture (after all it will be touching your body, so it may as well feel delightful!). This is a huge one, because sometimes we may go ga-ga on a print and know it’s well made, but then the fabric is not quite what we had in mind in terms of comfort and drape.
Part 3: KINETIC & SENSORY
Before we even get into this- here’s an absolute Must: Make sure you know a great seamstress, or that you know how to sew yourself. Without this, I’m afraid your look will never be A+. Make this a priority.
So now you try on baby! And with that try on comes the determination of if it fits right. Is it pulling too snug- you need a bigger size. With the bigger size there’s no more pulling but at places it looks too big…That’s where you need that seamstress, or your own (even if minor) sewing skills! It’s all about: Adjusting, adjusting, adjusting!
So now that we’re able to make it fit; move around in it. Is it comfortable or do you feel trapped in a concoction? You need to be able to move like you were born in it!
You can move! Are you feeling terrific in it? That’s where you need to be at. The mood it brings is Everything.
If something still feels a bit off- RECHECK how well it’s accentuating your best features!!
Less Is More…
MAJOR TIP here: If something is competing with your best feature; that’s not optimal. What am I saying? Example: Ok- Cleavage looks great, and so do those legs. PICK which you wanna show: Legs or cleavage? Not both. They will compete and somehow the look gets lost. Plus, the outfit may turn into one that you hadn’t planned on at all (it could also distract or attract- not sure which is better. So just don’t). Trust me on this one.
Part 4: THE FUTURE
WHAT OTHER PLANS do you have for this new closet arrival?
Will you only wear it once? You need to seriously think about this. In my styling process, I know that NO outfit comes out only once. You need to be able to wear and re-wear it without it looking old or passe.
To Keep in mind before you decide to Ka-ching, Ka-ching…
Are you willing to keep on making it look new? If so, you gotta have a plan. We already talked about getting chummy with a seamstress- The next are equally important:
ACCESSORIZING: This can make a world of difference in changing it up to keep giving it a fresh and modern look. Think hats, necklaces; long or short or multiple; new makeup- or hair-do; adding jackets; changing shoes can change a look; changing handbags; adding a scarf…Invest your creativity in this area big time.
WASH/CARE Instructions: Read religiously.
TIME FOR A FACE-LIFT Once you’re done with all the aforementioned quick fixes, at some point your outfit may need a face-lift. Think: Upcycling or refashioning it with a good DIY (keep the seamstress buddy on fast-dial- or try your own!). I can personally vouch for this one as I am most well-known for how I diy just about all of my clothes – and those of my clients too!).
A NEW LIFE- A NEW BEGINNING:And then comes a time when you just need to say good-bye. Think of either selling it online; giving it to charity or goodwill; doing a clothes swap; or simply passing it on to a good friend or relative. The time has come.
Ladies, there you have it! Following these steps will ensure that you’re happy with your purchase, how it looks, how it makes you feel and ultimately how good it can be for the planet!
Here’s an example of how this exercise worked for me:
This is NOT a top! I just could not pull it down past my hips!!
1-Visual: Mini dress -Having decided that my legs are a good feature- I love prints in hues of blue and burgundy- colors bring life to my face
2-Tactile: I love the feel of silk- great quality- purchased some 10 years ago in Rome (locally made)
3-Sensory Kinetic: Draped beautifully- felt so fresh on the skin- breathable. Definitely a great dopamine feeling when wearing it.
4-The Future: Done the accessorizing. Kept it new and fresh by observing the care instructions. I’m presently at the FACE-LIFTING STAGE.
So why do I need to give it a face-lift? Well, firstly I’m not yet ready to give it away for its new life! BUT- it no longer fits (blame the Quarantine!).
DIY it is! Here’s the result:
Seriously…How cute is this?!
Watch the Video to see how I did this:
And now…ANOUNCING: Favourite Fashion Styling Diva of the Week
I‘ve decided to add this section to my blog!!
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.
You know I love me some bright color and a good print! How elegantly superb is this look?!
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!
Who would have thought it would come to this? And now we are all in it together- even though we must keep apart. Can it be that this confinement due to Covid-19 can actually bring us back to a newfound quality-time? We shall not be defeated!
Here are some ideas for how this Montreal girl spends her time:
Exercise. It doesn’t have to be something too strenuous (unless you want it to be). I started taking long walks on a more regular basis. This helps with the cabin fever and to refresh my mind. Try taking a different route than usual and start observing the nature around you with more intent- it’s beautiful. Or- my favourite…dance to some 80’s fab music!
Cooking! Oh how cooking releases my stress, I can’t say enough about this! Comfort food and the whole process- I’m loving it. Why not cook up a recipe that you’ve been dying to make?
Check out the Highlights over at my Instgram feed @lucybertoldi under Yummy and Yummy 2 for tasty recipes
Start journaling. This can be in written form, art, or other. I make art. Can anything be more cathartic? The whole creative process keeps you in the moment (which weirdly enough makes time fly!). I do mixed media art on canvas but also a lot of journaling. If you’re interested on seeing more just head on over to my Instagram:@mtl.diva.art
Art heals
Meditate-keep your faith. In the same lines with journaling or making art- try some meditating. For some this could be in form of prayer, yoga, or whatever other form you get into. This helps us refocus, regenerate and ultimately brings us inner strength- leading to hope and positivity!
DIY’s and projects! Why not work on some of the things that always get set aside because of no time- can’t use that excuse right now! Revamp your stuff and feel a self of renewal and accomplishment. This is probably my favourite thing to do lol! But projects can also be cleaning out something (like your closet!) …which btw, can also be cathartic!!
Sit down with a good book you’ve been longing to read! A bit of quiet time to indulge in the topics you want to learn more about. Researching new things can be so much fun to help open your horizon for your present job, career, sport or hobby.
Adorned in Dreams, by Elizabeth Wilson is a fashion historian’s dream for real.
Click on link below to watch a clip of my review of Illustration Now! Fashion by, Julius Wiedermann Taschen
On these same lines, on your own (or with those you’re cooped up with!)- maybe watch a movie (or finish a Netflix series- or start one!) And why not play a game of sorts: cards, monopoly, backgammon…
Pamper yourself. Take the time to finally indulge (without a darn schedule to follow!). I think I will finally start trying those 12 different masks I have piling up in my try and review bin!
Heart-to-heart time with those you love (at home with you- or through Skype, messenger…). What better time to tell those you love how much you care for them? This could be a good time for those talks you’ve been setting aside for ‘the right time’.
Lastly, try to remain positive, thankful and appreciative. So difficult to do- but certainly doable! Look at all the positive things you can actually do within this confinement period. We’ve been geared up to always be on the go-go-go that we’ve forgotten how to stop, be still and appreciate. Maybe a forced situation such as this one, just maybe, can bring light upon the things that are good around us. For once we don’t have to say: I don’t have time.
#Confessionoftheday: Reminding myself that the sun always rises. Working hard on not letting anyone or anything take away my joy. A constant battle well worth the fight.
Turns out that the perfect jacket I was shopping for, was actually the one I was wearing!
I’ve been rooting for the ‘shop your closet’ concept for a while now over on my Instagram account- and for good reason; it’s an-all-around good thing!
And with all that’s happening in the world today…I feel it’s time we take a closer look at how we live our lives, and put things in perspective…even, (if not more) when it comes to fashion.
Shopping your closet will inspire you to not only feed your creativity, but also entice you to become more caring for our environment. And need I mention how soothing this will be for your pocket?
There is a strong movement towards sustainability, and this includes up and coming, as well as, well established Fashion Designers. Slowly everyone is getting on board- and shopping your closet is a way to start! So my very first suggestion would be to check what you have and get creative. First on my list would be to alter your clothes of course! See my article on that here: Fashionable DIY Styling- A Must!
Yet, there are always some additional pieces that we may have to add to our wardrobe, and purchasing is necessary…However, it can still be done conscientiously. Second-hand rentals or consignment shops are constantly sprouting such as The Real Real for example. Still on the higher end, we also have LXR, which is a concession now available online in the larger department stores. Then there are your swap meets, where ladies meet and swap clothing. There are your local non-profit charities that have set up shop to raise funds for a certain cause; for example here in Montreal we have the Nova shops
And of course, there is always the Salvation Army and Village des Valeurs, to name a few.
I personally love Vintage clothes and those can be found in numerous treasure shops on St. Denis Street and Boul. St. Laurent- One such gem is Boutique 1861. Another that comes to mind if you are on the West Island is La Friperie du village (he has gorgeous designer bags!!!). Montreal, like New York, is filled with these gems- all you need is the thrill of the hunt- and you’ll find what you want! Check out: The Ultimate Guide to Vintage Shopping in Montreal.
Bottom line: Create designer looks that you want, but that also fit your budget.
Here’s another idea: Why not set up a closet dress-up day with some friends? You can arrange to have a swap-time. Or, why not have a good friend come over for some ideas? She could show you how she would style up some of your clothes. Sometimes we might need a fresh pair of eyes to open up or view!
Lastly, here’s how this Montreal Diva re-vamps her looks…just by shopping my closet!
Gucci vibes- just right for a special birthday supper.
Prairie dress anyone?
Or maybe a chic velvet moment…just look at those sleeves!
And for when work prescribes black- I’ve had this chain little sweater for years and still loving it.
And here comes another black look…
Probably one of my favourite looks for this winter- especially the arm warmers- love!
Cozy sweaters for a dressed-down Saturday look
Burgundy love for this Saturday one
Speaking of burgundy…My love of jumpsuits had me shopping my daughter’s closet that time!!
Am I the only one crazy for bell-bottoms? Another Saturday look.
Overloaded teacher look
Tough teacher look – ya right.
This one: Just because mixing prints is my passion. How can I not love this?!
There’s just something about a good coat. Statement piece.
Speaking of Statement pieces: This one is the piece de resistance…My mom’s 1950’s coat
And another pic- just because I can’t resist this delicious coat!
These fabulous, and easy styles are all from my closet. Take the time to play dress-up from your wardrobes, Ladies…You never know what you’re gonna find!
#Confessionoftheday: you’re never too old to walk your own runway!
Me: “Wow…do you know in how many ways I could transform this outfit?”
My husband: “Why do you always have to do that? Can’t you just buy the thing and just wear it as is?“
Me: “Why would I do that? It would just look like everybody else’s who’s buying this same outfit. No.”
Husband: “OK but if you don’t like it the way it is now- why buy it in the first place?“
Me: “Well I love the fabric, the color, the fit and all the possibilities! I just don’t like the length, the collar, the sleeves…oh and maybe I’d change the buttons too.“
Husband rolls his eyes: “Here we go again…“
This is typical for me when it comes to shopping or styling! And even if I don’t transform it- I end up wearing the garment in the least imaginable way it was meant to be worn!
You might be wondering why don’t I just go out there and buy some fabric and create from scratch? Well…I really love transforming garments- DIY’s are my thing. Now, there’s a more important aspect to all this madness. I strongly believe that we can all do our part in Sustainability- and if that means conserving, refashioning, re-purposing, recreating, thrifting, swapping and DIY- I’m there!
And this is a definite trend my Darlings! I was especially thrilled with the recent Margiella show for Fall 2020- whose Designer, John Galliano created a new line: Recicla.
He is upcycling and restoring and basically DIYing older collections and also creating from recycled materials, Vintage and second hand! He, and I quote, called it “Restorative”See article and slideshow Here. Fast fashion is getting the boot.
I get it and I’m so on board. Creating is everything, and for me art and fashion are one. So I see styling as the natural consequence of both art and fashion. ‘Styling it My Way’, here I come! Don’t be afraid to try it. You’ll get such a sense of satisfaction knowing that you’ve created something tailor-made and that’s also good for the planet.
Don’t know how to sew? No problem- most stuff you can get away with just cropping- or even better; just glue it! I honestly think that Fabri- Tac glue is the invention of the century lol! Use it for hems, pleats, putting together seams and so much more.
You’re no expert? We all think that. The trick is to just start slowly and watch lots of YouTube videos to get ideas and inspiration. And, you can always contact me as well- I’ll gladly support you and show you what I can. This re-fashioning thing is really earning momentum. In fact, I can say that I’ve converted a good percentage of my clients into letting me re-style, re-fashion or re-purpose their wardrobe. It feels great- looks new and costs so much less than anything they purchase new. I’d probably have them transform it anyway! Oh- and do I mention once again how good it is for the planet to conserve rather than dispose?
In another post I’ll share how thrifting is the other part of this DIY equation. But for now, let me just show you a few of my own fashion DIY’s.
The time I changed the buttons and added leatherette sleeves to my jacket (plus a belt!):
This too short, too tight dress
turned into these two tops:
I added ruffles to these pants which were not long enough:
These sleeves were too tight and so uncomfortable- so I added a strip of leftover black knit fabric:
I removed this skirt’s lining and transformed it into 3 different wearable outfits:
I slit the hems of these pants and added a ruffled fabric right off the collar of a jacket I’m gonna re-purpose later;)
And the Kimono I created! Without sewing- not one stitch!
Check out my two clips below to catch a glimpse of how I did this. You can see more by going to my Instagram feed @lucybertoldi and look at my DIY highlight.
#Confessionoftheday: I’m warning you…this is highly addictive.
