It has been rather quiet on the Online scene this week for this Montreal Diva..
But behind the scenes- I have my share’s worth of assignment corrections! Looks like it’s gonna get busy this way right upto Christmas. Still managed some styling shots though and recommendations for clients and collabs as well. Take a look:
If you know me then you know that I love anything a bit (a lot( over the top – and print mixing heave is what I’m aiming for all the time! How good is this top with all this animal print glory?!!
I’m nuts over this collaboration!! These are all ladies that I admire so much- they have so much style and love thrifting as much as I do! Love this so much! I do hope you’ll follow our thrifting adventures to see what we love to style up!!
Onto my Favourite Fashion Diva of the Linkup Party! I am freaking out over this skirt!!! Look at this look from Gail of: Is This Mutton– how gorgeous does she look in this gem of a skirt?!
Now Lovies… Are you ready for THE LINKUP PARTY?!!! Please come and join the party by LINKING UP!!! AND- Please SPREAD THE WORD! The more the merrier:))
I love this blogging community so much! And I know how much goes into writing every single post, every single week. It’s a dedication thing. And- we wouldn’t do it if we didn’t love it. So we put our everything in it! Please take the time to check out these wonderful bloggers and what they have to say. It’s good for everyone:)
(Click on the Links below to see where I go read, comment and link up every week!)
Did you think I’d let another week go by without a DIY- I’m trying not to! I may not post one every single week…but would you believe me if I told you I have a basket filled to the brim just waiting for me to transform what’s in it? Yes, it’s true.
Oh well, one thing at a time. Today, I’m gonna show you what used to be pants- and how they became a top! Because they were mid-calf, I decided to give some length by adding some black lace. Then I cut the crotch part and turned that into the neckline. Sewed up all hems and flipped my garment bottom- up- and there it was: A brand new top!!
Check out my fun reel.
Next, This week I joined a challenge for ‘trends in your closet’ on Instagram. This one encourages you to shop what you own and find something that’s trending right now. There’s a list. So, I basically ticked off a few boxes with 70’s leather, a vest, and texture! Here’s one look:
I also got to style up a fantastic Joseph Ribkoff top for 1ere Avenue. I’m super crazy about this peacock color!! And- the fit is soo good. It’s part of their Fall collection, but honestly, this one can be worn all year-round (well at least here in Montreal it can!)
Besides that, still trying to finish up reading Jean-Claude Poitras’ book (Montreal designer 60’s-90’s). Note: It’s in French. Looking forward to posting a review if I can ever find time to finish it!!
And, if you’re into horoscope fashion, this week I wrote a post on Libra Fashion! You can read that here:
And now onto my Favourite Fashionista Diva from last week’s Linkup Party is…Andrea from Living on Cloud Nine9 for her exquisite look! How gorgeous is this jumpsuit?!! So feminine and chic- and that colour is so perfect on her! Double whammy for the handbag that pairs that look so stylishly- they were made for each other. Love!!
I love this blogging community so much! And I know how much goes into writing every single post, every single week. It’s a dedication thing. And- we wouldn’t do it if we didn’t love it. So we put our everything in it! Please take the time to check out these wonderful bloggers and what they have to say. It’s good for everyone:)
(Click on the Links below to see where I go read, comment and link up every week!)
Fridays , are for fun and relaxation anticipation- don’t you agree?! Full on-going week days have me begging for Fridays.
It started with some fun photo shoots for my new collaboration with 1ere Avenue– so much to show you about this! Click this link to read the blog post I wrote for them! 1ere Avenue is where you can find the fabulous Joseph Ribkoff collection- I’ve been in love with this line for as long as I can remember. (I still have gorgeous gowns from 30 years ago- vintage at its best!) So needless to say, I’m thrilled to be part of this collab!
If you haven’t seen my OOTD’s on Insta (for those who follow me there @lucybertoldi) here’s a few…
I wore the first outfit to my grandson’s Christening! The other was on a regular day:)
And- have been having so much fun with all the challenges by Audrey (I’m addicted to her challenges). The first look was for Fashion Week- and this week was a Hodgepodgestyle, chanelling Dolly Parton! How did I do?
That was so much fun!
There was also Dr. Ingrid Mida’s book launch: Reading Fashion in Art – given by Ryerson Fashion, with a Giveaway by Bloomsbury. This was such an amazing event! The speakers were extremely interesting- I need this book!I love everything about fashion- especially fashion books.
Speaking of fashion books- how timely that Dr. Ingrid Mida’s book: The Dress Detective arrived as well this week! I’m gonna try to get some good reading time somewhere during the weekend😊
And the week did not go by without another DIY of course!
This was a blouse with long flappy lapels. I cut them right off and created a criss-cross top that I can wear front or back! Wearing it so much more now!
Lastly, I’m part of a new monthly blogger series with 5 other fashion divas: The Thrifty Six! (wrote my first post here). Can’t wait to style up something fun and thrifty next month with them:) these ladies are so fabulous and I’m honoured to be part of this endeavour with them!
I love this blogging community so much! And I know how much goes into writing every single post, every single week. It’s a dedication thing. And- we wouldn’t do it if we didn’t love it. So we put our everything in it! Please take the time to check out these wonderful bloggers and what they have to say. It’s good for everyone:)
(Click on the Links below to see where I go read, comment and link up every week!)
Uhmm, I know I can’t stop September but, back to school already?? I’m still in flip flops (or barefoot) and wanting to hang out. Meanwhile, my two youngest daughters started classes already. They’re taking them online- no choice. But, that in itself required its own prepping and space-making (and time slots to boot!). We’re all adjusting!
The barefoot look.
As for me, I’m preparing! I don’t begin teaching until late next week. And on a very happy and excited note, I’ve begun a fantastic collab with a wonderful company here in Montreal. You’ll be hearing more about this very soon!!
Besides the barefoot look, I’ve been living in jumpsuits and flip flops.
Here’s another jumpsuit fave (I know it looks similar to the top polka dot one- but this one has little darts instead!) Loving my famous (coz I wer them all the time) camelia flip flops. Summer please don’t go!!
Also always fun for me, I’ve done another DIY! The cold shoulder dress that was revamped (maybe you already saw the post or IGTV on my Insta feed?). If not, here’s the pic and a little video clip for your enjoyment😊
I have a bunch of things waiting for me to revamp. So, I’ve pledged to myself to do at least one a week. They aren’t all worthy of Insta or blog posting (as a lot of it is mending lol!!)- but I will share what I think you might like and want to learn to do as well.
This week I was also featured on Michelle’s blog: My Bijou Life Online!!Thanks so much Michelle for featuring me- I love the ladies you placed me with!! How we wore white!
Now- Let me take a moment to THANK ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN LINKING UP!!! Honestly, you don’t know how much it means to me!! And although I may not always comment, I do read every single linked up post- I promise!!!
And from those linked posts, see here which were my picks for this week:
I’m a goner for a great polka-dot!! And this Styling is Superb!! How darling does she look!!!!She added a lime green collier- and that exquisite touch seals the deal for me!
This post was so on point and very real on all levels- It’s a must read for all women. Thanks for writing about this and on your own personal note as well.
I loved reading this so much because I’m such a girl who’s all about her mane (you could never tell, right?!). I love reading this type of info regarding anything that has to do with hair or enhancing it!
Thank you So muchLadies for the wonderful blog posts that you’ve linked up!
Ok! Let’s kick of this weekend thing with a Fabulous Friday Linkup shall we?!!
I love this blogging community so much! And I know how much goes into writing every single post, every single week. It’s a dedication thing. And- we wouldn’t do it if we didn’t love it. So we put our everything in it! Please take the time to check out these wonderful bloggers and what they have to say. It’s good for everyone:)
(Click on the Links below to see where I go read, comment and link up every week!)
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!
