November’s Fashion Review: What Lucy Wore

November is gone! This year, October’s gloomy sister was a cold creepy nag wouldn’t you say?

I personally believe that November is the perfect month to break up the gloomies with a quick getaway. Somewhere that makes you feel like summer wasn’t too far gone; while the holidays are on their way…Welcome American Black Friday! A shopping girl’s ‘almost’ favourite time of year. Doesn’t make November seem so dreary after all!

This November I enjoyed quite a few favourite outfits. Blacks win my heart- that’s just the way it is. So this short cape over a grey turtleneck and tights seemed just right. Most of these pieces are from Le Chateau. Le Chateau offers great style at affordable prices- you never can miss.

Still in black mode- I love to take it up a notch with a bit of a retro look. This outfit was so practical and comfy. H & M short knit skirt; Guess wool sweater, Roberto Cavalli handbag, Givenchy sunglasses; Le Chateau boots.

It was also time to take out my reversible leopard print coat. Animal print makes me feel so glamorous.

I just have to tell you about my new tights obsession!! Have you heard of From Rachel? She is a Quebec designer who makes the most original tights. They are so stylish!! I bought several pairs with different motifs. Here I’m wearing them with my knit green sweater dress from Le Chateau (have you noticed how much I like shopping there?).

Red mood…as I was psyching myself up for the holidays soon approaching. Love these Cowboy boots that I’ve had a few years now. Such a conversation piece!

All geared up for work in black (the only color I’m actually allowed to wear – I’m almost thankful for that!). Totally in my element;) Marciano dress, and From Rachel tights (dressy ones!).

And then it was off to Florida! My November fashion turned into a Summovember mood! Jeans and loose blouses were favourites.

My Trussardi shorts and a pair of ruffled pants by Lucca Couture, that I got at the Black Friday sales, became my go-to’s.I also brought along a short white leather jacket, by Guess- perfect with almost all my outfits.

I could not live without my Mathilde handbag! From the plane, to shopping, to out for dinner- I wore this bag everywhere. In its gorgeous camel beige color; it just fit right in, always! Both my Gucci belt and my vintage Nina Ricci; worn all the time.

Back home- back to black! I love these leopard print booties by Charles David!! I got them for a steal at Saks Off while in Florida.

Last day of November, for a Blogittogether Event here in Montreal, I wore my Miu Miu skirt with boat top and Fiorucci top (and my can’t-live-without Gucci belt of course!) I was tanned enough and the weather mild enough that I wore my over the knee platform boots without tights (Montreal weather!)- but hey…it wasn’t quite December yet!

#confessionoftheday: I could not hold back on that American Black Friday…boots, boots, and- more boots. Le sigh.

Ready for December? Stay tuned!

Animal Print: Purr-fect Yea…or Nay?

There’s no question that animal print can add flare to your look. But is that always true? Flaunting your edgy, fashionable side- let alone being gorgeous, luxurious and stylish,-these faux-furries are all-around complexion lovers! Plain and simple, they just suit everyone. So can there actually be a downside to that adorable leopard look? I’d say, a reluctant, and unfortunate, yes. In my opinion, animal print can sometimes also layer on the years… Age is just a number, but, no one wants to look like an old cat! So, how do we avoid that?

Diva TIPS: Animal print, as the magnificent animal it represents, wants the throne to itself. This kind of pattern needs no help from loud accessories and other over-the-top adornments. It makes a statement all on its own. That’s not to say that you can’t wear any accessories at all though! Just keep in mind that anything you match up with animal print should be way more subdued- or, avoid wearing it altogether. Because, here it is ladies…this is where your glam look can suddenly turn into a dress-up costume…and that is not fashionable; nor, is frumpy. It’s just overkill.

Ok, so what can you wear with, say, leopard? I love a great red lipstick with subtle makeup. Gold, as in a chain, bracelet, earrings or cuff- is also great because it brings a natural glow to the skin – adding warmth to the tone of the look. Of course all other clothing pieces should be one colour. Stick to neutrals, as these compliment best; allowing the print its spotlight. Avoid patterned scarves altogether.

And by the way, animal print is also considered a neutral. So when worn as an accessory rather than the outfit, it can immediately add a touch of luxury and glamour. So go ahead and wear that printed scarf, belt, bracelet cuff or booties to accentuate any plain color outfit! You’ll notice how once again, even such a minor detail will still somehow end up as the conversation piece that will steal the show.

So my darlings, wear your kitties to your heart’s desires, but paw-lease, wear them well!

What I’m wearing:

Hat: Fiorrucci

Reversible coat: Patrizia Pepe

Faux leather pants: Guess

Booties: Syle Design &Co

Red Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Coco: Arthur

Vintage red sunglasses

#confessionoftheday: I have myself done the no-no-overkill look on occasion (this is why I know how off it can look)…But who knows, maybe I was just letting out the eccentric in me! If you’re going for that look- then hey- go for it!

October 30, 2018 0

Quebec Designers- Montreal Fashion You Just Can’t Resist

La Braderie de la mode Québécoise is a yearly showcase and sale of Quebec’s designers. It takes place at Marche Bonsecours in Old Montreal. Here you can find the finest of our home designer’s specialties. The fashion is incredible and the talent, exceptional.

I absolutely LOVE going to this event which takes place every year, right here, in Montreal’s most historic site, by the Old Port. Every year I try so hard to contain myself from buying just about everything and anything. Too hard on myself! Not only is the merchandise fantastic- I’m just so incredibly proud of our home talent.

This year, I was sad that my beloved Ophelia (hats!) was not there (or did I just miss it in all the hustle and bustle- sigh!). But! I fell upon a fabulous handbag discovery! Do you know Mathilde CRIQUI (www.mathildec.com)? Love at first sight!

Mathilde designs all her handbags-the leather is Italian- but they are designed and manufactured here in Montreal. My heart cried out for this mustard/beige backpack/ handbag. To keep it practical and hands-free, use it as a backpack. But then, the belts just slide up and poof! It turns into a shoulder handbag. So practical! With a front pocket that can carry my tablet, and a larger pocket perfect for my Chrome notebook (or Mac notebook), there’s still extra space for all the rest us Divas like to stash in there.

Honestly, I wasn’t shopping for a handbag, but when I saw this gem- I could not resist. It took all of 10 minutes and-sold! It was mine:) It was also a great pleasure for me to meet the designer herself- she’s a sweetheart. You can find Mathilde’s beautiful handbags at most luxury boutiques on Laurier street- or of course, through her website.

I do hope you get a chance to get to the Braderie (you must because it ends this Sunday!)…oh- and I forgot to mention; prices are at least 50% off regular retail price!

If you do go to the Braderie- let me know!

I should also mention that after all that shopping you may want to step out – right next door for some refreshments at Pub Brewskey.

Cheers!

#confessionoftheday: I promised myself I would be good. Would not buy a thing other than a pair of gloves. Could not keep my promise.

October 19, 2018 6

Vintage – Only Gets Better with Age

Due to fast fashion, the Vintage rule has now changed from 50 years to 10. Meaning that if you bought something in, say, 2008, it can now be called one of your vintage collectibles. But let’s be clear here, unless it’s a sentimental piece or a high quality item, we can’t just be calling any old thing, “vintage”. That being said, everything’s relative- because if you’re not planning on reselling, then the value you place on it is your own.

I personally hold on to stuff I really love and that is also dear to me. When it comes to housewares- I’ll keep almost all that’s valuable that was passed on to me through generations. Same goes for jewelry and heirlooms. But-When it comes to clothing, I don’t always care in the same sentimental kind of way. Clothing pieces that I keep are first and foremost quality items that I originally purchased because I loved them. Secondly, they must fit me well while being versatile and adaptable enough for me to re-wear and give it a new beginning.

There are just some things that I cannot part with…jackets are my big, big weakness. (We’ll get into handbags another time;) I prefer my vintage items to be suitable for the times and have an edgy and original look. I don’t really mind if the look is rather quirky and a bit outrageous.

If I can give one bit of advice that I use for myself…just make sure that your ‘oldy’ does not actually date YOU. What do I mean? Well, let’s just say you want to wear a look from the 50’s. For some younger women, a whole entire look may work just fine. However, there’s a good chance that if, for example, I were to wear this, I could be mistaken for being stuck in an era. It can be an automatic ‘ager’. That’s not so cool. Avoid this by making sure you always match up your vintage with something very ‘in’ right now. This will add pizzazz, novelty and trendiness to your look. Basically, don’t unnecessarily bring old age upon yourself- just modernize it!

Remember: Vintage is for fashion, glamour, reminiscence, colour, texture and originality. Vintage should be artsy and FUN!

Jacket by Victoria Kyriakides, bought in Thessaloniki, Greece (about 20 years ago- I swear it’s brand new- I’ve only worn it maybe 5 times!). Maryjanes haven’t graduated to vintage yet…Spring 2018, Isaac Mizrahi.

#confessionoftheday : I’m secretly more excited about re- wearing a good vintage piece, than when I wear something new for the first time. Maybe it’s like that saying about women and wine…I’ll drink to that (wink, wink;)

What’s your favourite vintage piece?

October 11, 2018 0

Honour thy Hairdresser…

What do you look for in a hairdresser? Mine is excellent. No. I’m serious. She just gets me. She’s intuitive, fast, fashion forward and genuinely concerned about the health of my hair- and of course- how I feel:)

I need to look stylish and upbeat- while keeping my mane luscious and healthy. I’ve learned that to get all that, you just need to listen to your stylist and…get ready for it: Trust and Obey. That’s right: especially, Obey. Yep- even us hard types MUST learn to do this. So if Cynthia says ‘it’s time to cut, colour, or treat… well, I now Obey.

I learned the hard way. I almost lost all my hair when I insisted on incessantly bleaching it (against Cynthia’s recommendations). I went from : “Wow, who does your hair?!” To: “Woah..wtf happened to your hair?!!”

Thankfully, she did not let me whither away…yes, my hair was now short, but Cynthia put a halt to my commands and started treating it like mad. She also suggested extensions to make me feel and look better. And, soon enough, my hair started growing back…fully and healthy once again.

Now, I get my hair streaked, cut and treated REGULARLY…as Cynthia dictates. And guess what? She’s right! My hair looks GORGEOUS!

If you are ever in the Montreal area (Laval), check out Concept Elite and ask for Cynthia or, the boss herself, Elvira. Both are Fabulous!

Call for an appointment and tell them I’ve recommended! 450- 936-8877

September 28, 2018 0

“Illustration Now! FASHION”, my Review

Illustration Now! FASHION, by Julius Wiedermann – Taschen

Ok…I am just salivating over this new book…What a celebration to fashion illustration!

I’m not the only one that believes art and fashion are of one essence, that’s for sure. But to find a book that embodies this truth- for me- it doesn’t get much better than this.

Written in English, German and French, and filled to the brim with exceptional designer talent; I swear to you, every single page is like candy!

The book begins with a historical timeline perspective of fashion illustration and its importance throughout time. I found this to be such an enjoyable treat to read. Simple, to the point, while being filled with juicy historical relevance. Just the perfect appetizer for the subsequent immersion into a treasure of the most beautiful fashion art by 90 exceptional illustrators from around the world.

I’ll for sure be using this book as a springboard for inspiration in my own art work. In here, there’s no end to the creativity that can be translated through any of your favourite mediums. Vibrant, exquisite colours that just make fashion that much more fun. There’s also a brief biography of the artist and quotes of interest.

Here, I just CAN’T. Gotta show you NOW.