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!)
Hello Lovelies! Welcome to The Thrifty Six. We are a group of international fashion influencers who meet once a month in our little space on the internet to share our thrifty outfits. On the third Monday of every month, we will all share an outfit based on a theme that features preloved wardrobe pieces. Shopping and reselling preloved clothing is so much better for the environment and you can find some of the best fashions in thrift or charity shops. The Thrifty Six are here to inspire you to shop second hand!
For this first installment, we’ve centered our theme on ‘Pre-loved Shoes’ (of course!).
By now you know my love for styling and fashion whether it be old or new- it’s all about creative styling for me: It’s gotta look good! And yet…this girl has got a little penchant for vintage and thrift. Nothing compares to beautiful, divine vintage pieces, and with that comes a good dose of searching and thrifting to find real gems. That is for sure part of the thrill of the thrift that brings me sheer joy.
And, of course, bling is my thing! So when I saw these cute (brand new for $7!) Aldo mule-booties at my local charity store, Nova- I just had to get them!
Then I remembered having a little silver gem of a dress in almost the same shimmer! The dress is vintage late 60’s and super cute. This glitter girl is super thrilled with the combo.
And now onto sharing what my Thrifty-Six friends have found:
I actually bought these boots especially for the kick of of The Thrifty Six! Because I didn’t have any pre loved shoes. I was a bit afraid of wearing them, but these are never worn so that is a bit comforting idea. Haha, yes I am a daredevil! I am actually wearing a pre loved wrap dress and blazer too! These are from Tamaris, my favorite shoe brand. And they are real sitting shoes! And having that said, the circle is round as these series are the third that Shelbee and I host together, and we started of with sitting shoes three years ago!
I bought these shoes in a charity shop for just £1! They’re really good quality and super comfortable. I’m guessing they were quite expensive new so I got a real bargain!
While I’ve never purchased a pair of shoes at an actual thrift store, I do have quite the collection of hand-me-down pairs—which is just another form of thrifting! I was so excited when a good family friend decided to give me these brown peep-toe wedges on a whim. They are the perfect transitional shoe as we start to enter fall!
Cinderella’s Diamond Slippers… I found these beautiful gold and diamond party shoes on eBay and it was love at first sight! A while back, I wore them for a really glitzy night out and I felt like a princess… I stayed at my friend’s house but the next day I had to work and in my rush to get ready, I left one shoe behind. I was devastated when I realized it was missing but all was not lost… My friend’s brother (who I fancied like mad) drove all the way to my house to return the shoe. And guess what – he asked me out on a date! We had a few dates but sadly he wasn’t my prince charming – good Cinderella story though eh! Everything I’m wearing is second hand from the following brands: Hero Shoes – Next (Y2K Vintage) Dress – Global Paris (True 60’s Vintage Piece) Bag – UnbrandedEarrings – eBay (Vintage) Glasses – Vivienne Westwood
I recently found these adorable combat boots at my local Salvation Army Thrift Store. They were $5.99. The brand is Vito Rossi which is an Italian men’s shoe line. But they were my size, the price was right, and they are so darn cute, I couldn’t resist. Other thrifted items in this outfit are my white denim skirt and my snakeskin bag.
Please visit all my lovely friends to see more of their gorgeous outfits and to get to know them better! We will be back next month with another pre loved theme!
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!)
In this new series (at every change of the moon lol!), we will be entering the world of fashion by examining horoscope signs through styling preferences and looks! I’m here to offer curve-ball inspiration in case you’re in a styling rut. So perhaps getting inspired by the styles of famous Zodiacs might be just what you need! Should be fun!
Do you dress for your Sign? I’m by no means a Horoscope expert, but I do love the fun that zodiac associations can bring out! Especially in Fashion. Do you think there’s any relation with how a person dresses, and their zodiac sign?
September is a month of renewal for me, so I’m beginning with this month’s sign: VIRGO.
Here’s what they say about Virgo: Firstly, she’s a down to earth, practical kind of girl. She’s also a Perfectionist- big time. September fashionistas love earth-toned colours and flattering shapes. And (this one’s debatable); chic modest looks. And- although these next particular traits seem to have nothing to do with fashion- they absolutely do: Virgos are determined, persistent and hard-working.
I’ve selected my own personal favourite Virgo fashionistas. See if their style emulates your own. Even if you’re not a Virgo, maybe you’d like to start dressing like one!
Let’s begin with the queen herself: Beyonce! Have you ever seen her look not polished from A to Z? She looks incredible every single time. We’ve seen her wearing a lot of gold (which can be a neutral, warm, earthy kind of colour). Her makeup is never overstated and is perfectly matched. This woman is unstoppable and her style reflects continued determination to pump out original, top chart material. Babe Boss.
My absolute favourite: Rachel Zoe. I find her style is completely chic! Loving the oversized blazers and maxi’s she styles up. Her hair and makeup is perfection. Another staple: Sky-high platforms. Her look can easily go from day to evening. Love her!!! Official Babe Boss.
Ok, who’s never heard of Sofia Loren? Femme Fatale Icon. Her style is definitely sexy, but leaving most to the imagination. Her look is curated and works for highlighting her best features and assets. She is the on-point epitome of glamour. Virgo perfection.
Canadian- born, first digital model: Coco Rocha…who always looks like she has that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’- it’s the Virgo in her. Poised and always looking guarded; which is more like a regal look in the case of this Supermodel. Sleek, chic and intense poise. Virgo.
Omg! Can we talk about MAKING AN ERA EPIC? Twiggy!! She emanated style to the max. Her doll-eyed makeup and a la garconne style is what made her an icon and delivered her 60’s message. Twiggy was the 60’s! Intensity in her style and simplicity- enigmatic to the max.
Grand beauty Super Model: Claudia Schiffer. Doesn’t even look like she tried…and yet looks impeccably perfect. Every strand of her hair (whether the look asks for disheveled or not)- is perfection. Need I say more: Virgo.
Who doesn’t adore Zendaya. She emanates style, fashion and power, doesn’t she? I find her incredibly avant-garde in her styling. So original- but always wearing what flatters her most. Never exaggerated- just rightly one-of a kind. Virgo.
Nothing goes unnoticed with this next fashionista that I adore: Pink. Have you ever seen her go unnoticed. Her songs, her attitude and her style; all depict her beliefs and what she means. Straight to the point. Virgo.
Keeping the best for last: Iris Apfel. Ostentatious to the max…and yet, how is it that she looks so chic, poised and ever-so creative?! There is nothing subdued or modest about her style (unless we’re referring to bodily modesty- because it’s true that she never shows much skin lol!)- other than that, Apfel’s look is a designer’s dream come true. Her look may have lots going on, but true to her zodiac sign, Apfel’s style is curated to perfection…down to the very last accessory. She is a master genius of fashion creation at its best. That type of consistency and flawlessness in detail, is certainly typical of her sunsign. 100 % Virgo.
And now for: Virgo Fashion Designers!
Karl Lagerfeld. Yes. Obviously. And take a good look at his own personal style. And…Chanel; need I say more?
Tom Ford. There you go.
Stella McCartney. Innovator par excellence.
Thomas Burberry. Right?
Olivier Rousteing. Up and coming- and here to stay.
HOW TO DRESS LIKE A VIRGO
1- Stay chic and look laissez-faire.
2. Wear it like you mean it. Stay cool and confident.
3. Be daring- but keep it together.
4. Keep it all in check. Perection and flawlessness is key.
LET’S TRY THIS!
.
For Virgos…Chanel is always a good idea.How did I do?
My Conclusion of Virgo Fashionistas: Breathtaking, in your face, enigmatic, straightforward, unapologetically classy, ruling in their own league. They are top creative leaders in this domain. Effortlessly feminine and always in control. Hard act to follow.
Are you a Virgo? What is your fashion zodiac preference?
Stay tuned for next one up: Libra. See ya next moon!
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!)
For one thing, just look at paintings throughout history- we can easily tell how people lived just by their clothing and surroundings. Politics and world affairs also portrayed through people and what they wore. Everything was depicted through art, and that goes for fashion as well. Fashion is innately creative and therefore artistic as well!
So I like to think as individual styling as an extension of how one makes use of fashion, creatively…like an art form. And, just like artists we depict our styling depending on our mood, or situation. Interpreting and creating daily our own moods and historical moments, through our personal Lookbooks is also creating art; your personal form of expression.
You are not invisible to the world…You’re a walking masterpiece- or, one in process! Everyday is a new day to create- start your art with styling! You are the master of your own creations. So here’s to starting your own canvas collection- or- Lookbook; Look at the palette available right in your closet, and set the mood!
Few tips for starting your Lookbook:
Choose the item that makes you most happy and that you love wearing- or something that inspires you (to get your creative juices going!).
Next, pair that up with a garment, or any accessory (one or many more), that you find complements it – or- find something that is completely on the opposite side of the color wheel!
Third, take a selfie of yourself doing a confident Vogue pose (yes- a Vogue pose. You’re creating an art piece remember?) Making it Vogue adds helps give the look character- and shows you can pull it off…or have a good laugh and stop taking yourself so seriously!
Fourth, start up a fashion folder, or pinterest board, or post on Instagram, or just keep it on your phone for reference- and there you have yourself a lookbook (or moodboard!!) You can do this exercise daily or once a week, or a month- you decide- you’re the creative genius.
Note: Guaranteed you’re gonna get positive responses! Once again: You’re not invisible.
Watch my fast speed clip- it might give you a good chuckle:)
If you do this exercise, please let me know or tag me on your social media: @lucybertoldi so I can see!
#Confessionoftheday: Like all creations, some of them have to get scrapped and brought right back to the drawing board…I honestly think this is the part of the process I enjoy most. Weird, I know.
Is it Friday already! First time in awhile during Covid that I see a week fly by this quickly- must be a good thing! Lots of creativity and so many things happening for the fall- sadly around here we’re already sporting our cardi’s…oh well! I feel like life is on a roll despite the pandemic- Yay!!
This week I wrote a post about styling challenges, which so many of you emailed me about- Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I encourage you to challenge your styling creativity always- it’s totally a wardrobe refresher! If you haven’t read my article, just click on the link: Why Styling Challenges Are Good For You
The week ended with yet another of these challenges: Victorian Core (Modern Victorian Styling)- Again by @affectionatelyaudrey. How do you like it?
Here’s a Clip of me explaining how to capture the modern Victorian style…
Besides that, lots of time spent with my grandson and catching up on all my mending and upcycling and reading…More on that next week!
And- this gal’s been back on track with walk and talk! FINALLY getting my exercise and groove back!
Be Sure to join Andrea from Living on Cloud Nine, and I as we take our daily walk (I skip some though!) and we chat along!! Use hashtag: #walkandtalk and post on your stories and tag us both! @lucybertoldi @livingoncloudnine9
A little outside Canada- US inspo to get me going !!
Spotlight!!!
I’ve also been featured and I’m so happy and proud to stand beside such fabulous Styling Divas!!!
First by the beautiful: Fashion Canvas and Walking in Memphis in High Heels These two blogs are at the healm of trendiness every week- love reading them! Plus look who they paired me with- I adore Iris of La Moumous!
And also featured by the lovely Michelle of My Bijou Life Online (I just adore her so much!) Have you seen all the creativity on her blog- blows me away!! Here I was featured with my blogger friends which I adore!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
And now it’s time for my FAVOURITE LINKUP FASHION DIVA of the Week!!
Styling challenges generally happen on Instagram or Facebook, or other similar social platforms. They consist of a group, or individual, sending out a post which invites others to dress up for themes, trends, colors, patterns, or, to celebrate, or for a cause, or just for pure fun. The themes and reasons why, are endless.
Besides the fact that styling challenges are super fun- Today I’m here to give you my professional opinion as to why these challenges are good for you and why you should absolutely be joining some!
Here are some good enough reasons for you to jump in:
Boosts Creativity: Challenges force you to look for colors, patterns, etc. that are already in your closet. Making you put them together in ways you never thought of before. Gets your creative juices flowing.
Favors Style Evolution: Challenges help push you out of your comfort zone: This is essential if you want to evolve in your styling. We sometimes get stuck in a rut simply because we settle into a particular style.
Makes You More Daring: Enough with the wall-flower attitude! Challenges help break the ice! Pushes you out of the “I could never do or wear that” attitude. This is hard to accomplish on your own…but with a good challenge it’s as good a reason as ever to start!
Boosts Awareness: Challenges can bring out new awareness of styles, trends and more. It can be a learning experience that teaches you how to style up; what you really like; what you want to portray; what you need to add or take out of your closet…
Perfect Opportunity to Play Dress-Up: All it is, is an exercise for you to try on things and have fun and play with what you own. There’s nothing serious about it- it’s just styling up clothes (you’re not applying for a modeling job for Vogue).
Mood Booster: Remember how I’ve drilled you on the benefits of Dopamine dressing? How dressing up can improve your mood? So, this is actually fun which helps boost happiness-and who can’t use a good, no cost picker-upper these days? So why not?
Motivation: Let’s face it- these days we don’t always feel like getting dressed up. Challenges motivate you to get up and style- up!
Inspiration of course! Seeing what others are posting can give you so many ideas that maybe you haven’t thought of before!
It’s all positive! Plus, if you’re still not convinced, just do these challenges without posting online. Just get dressed on your own and see what you come up with- without posting. You’ll still reap the benefits😊
However, I strongly suggest that once you start on your own, at some point do try to get online and post as well. This will give you the affirmation that you did it by giving you that extra push (you got the courage to wear it out there!). As well, if you’re looking for a fun community to be part of- well, challenges can bring you that as well. Who knows how many new friends you’ll make (if you want to that is!).
Here are a few of the many of the challenges I’ve joined – and the benefits I’ve reaped from these:
If you follow me on Instagram you might remember this one from @affectionatelyaudrey’s Hodgepodge Challenge. This Challenge pushed me to see how many prints I could mix while still keeping it stylish.
Here’s another by @affectionatelyaudrey. We had to style a different mix of prints every day for a week: Animal print Print; Florals; Polka Dots and Stripes. Styling up a different look every day sure did challenge me to stay on top of my game! Creativity alert! This was a 5 day challenge but my time-frame only allowed three looks- still! This was perfect motivation!
Here’s another- it was a 7 days of dresses challenge given by @clothesandpizzaThis challenge forced me to wear so many of my dresses! I had been on a jeans and pants rut- so this was so good!
And this! The Diane Keaton Challenge by @annazzon and @imanorbyah This was one of my favourite challenges as I definitely played dress- up here. It forced me to take out clothes I haven’t even looked at in decades. As well, I rediscovered the power of a good suit! Plus this was purely fun (which I needed as a mood changer that particular week). It helped not to take myself so seriously. And- I got so many DM’s of people telling me how they secretly wanted to dress like Keaton and now maybe give it a try. So all worth it!
Maybe you’ll remember this one from my own Wanna-be Kimono Challenge! Creating this challenge was a lot of fun to create. It also helped my styling students come up with so many ideas of their own.
So there you have it! This is my intake for joining styling challenges. Personally, I love them- especially for the inspiration they bring out in me for further looks I create…like this one!
Have you joined any styling challenges yet? If so, which ones? And- if not…Why not?
Note: You can email me or DM me anytime if you need any ideas or where to go for fun challenges.
Hope you’re all ready for the weekend my lovelies! Last Sunday I finally got to celebrate my Bday and cut a cake! And- the weather was the worse!! BUT…just as we were about to sit down inside, the sun came out! So out we went and set it all up – we were given a two hour window and we got it done! Got to cut my cake and open some cute and very thoughtful presents!
Take a look:
Jean Claude Poitras’ book! He is our famous Montreal Designer Legend!! I missed the exhibition at the Museum (thanks Covid)- but now I have his book!!
Y’all know how much I love to cook and entertain- how cute is this personalized cheese platter!! (Love anything with my name on it lol!!)
My husband did the BBQ and I cooked the side dishes- love doing it!
This is how you blow out candles the ‘Social Distancing’ way!
My daughter, her husband and the newborn baby couldn’t make it (again, thanks Covid)- but we still celebrated and had a great time…while the weather lasted.
That same evening there was a horrible thunder storm and we ran out of power! Oh well!
And now- Onto my Favourite Fashion Diva of the 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.
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!
We’re in mid July, for us Montrealers that means half the summer is already gone. For me, summer also means getting away. I love going to Greece, and I’ve shared my thoughts about that on Instagram, and I know I’ve mentioned before how much I also love Florida- even in the summertime! And I especially miss it this year!! That intense Florida heat feels like gold to my bones- and the ocean sound, it’s truly music to my ears. I love that the water is warm and gentle in the summer- and that every place indoors is a cool haven after a beachy day. This year it’s different because of this Pandemic- and for Floridians as well…
All this to say that although I love Greece so much, a fashionista like myself thrives, and prefers, perusing the great stores of the US. I love to see what’s in and not- and how different it might be to the styles and trends back home. I think it’s safe to say that Florida is a shopper’s paradise.But this year…I’m staying in Montreal. Keeping safe and masked up.
Here’s reminiscing to warm nights by the pool and perfect lobby selfies…in a beautiful flowy yellow top I got back in …Greece lol!!
What are you replacing vacays with?
This week’s Favourite Fashion Diva is: Gail from Is This Mutton Isn’t she just fabulous in this print mix?? Classy and edgy all in one! Love me a great black & white print mix with fuschia!
Favourite Blog Post Read of the Week: Grace from Graceful Rags for her post entitled: The Best and Worst Parts of Fashion Blogging.She speaks the truth- and it so resonated with me. Go read this Fashionista’s great post!
