The Little Summer Dress is for real the easiest Outfit Of The Summer! It also gets A+ for its 3 ‘F’s : Fresh, Free, Fun!
So- start wearing your cute dresses! There’s nothing easier than a simple LSD. When you get your hands on one- don’t let go! You’ll be wearing it summer after summer trust me! If you’re more of a pants girl and think dresses don’t suit you…think again!
Summer heat cries out for flair and a non-conforming fit when it comes to dresses- so how can it not suit you? LSD’s were born to camouflage and set you free! And the plus side? You have to do nothing else than wear it- no layering- no matching, no coordinating, no additions necessary.
This little green striped number needs absolutely no help! I mean, you can obviously change it up with accessories and different sandals and there you go- different looks! That’s why you just can never get rid such gems- ever!
The only thing you need to think of in terms of styling is whether you want to dress it up for day or evening. You do know that you can dress these little darlings up for both, right? Coz you can! Go from laundry room, out to lunch with the girls, to the grocery store and back for supper preps and a nightcap on the porch or off for a nightly walk- without ever having to change!
Slip on and slip out!
Let’s look at a few others that don’t disappoint. I’ve worn these for a few summers already and will keep on doing so😊
Twinning with my daughter here:)
Also…the LSD seems to always be part of the most fun and memorable times- this was taken in Greece last year!
#Confessionoftheday:Come to think of it…Yes- I am completely addicted to the LSD! Super freeing, fresh and fun!
And now drum roll…This Week’s Favourite Fashion Styling Diva on Instagram is:
Her feed and posts will blow you away- such great style always to inspire!
If you would like a chance to be featured, make sure to follow me on Instagram – if I fall in love with your style, I’ll feature you for sure!
And now time to spread some blog love! 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!
Weekend is here! Does that even make any difference these days? We can’t lose track- so we gotta make it fabulous!
This series is all about those things I’ve loved this week (and the one prior since this is my first Fabulous Fridays segment!)- and some maybe a bit less.
I’m missing my hairdresser terribly! But I’ve been lucky to have her ship me my root color. It turned out pretty good (thanks to my daughter who lives with me and is also a hairdresser), and my blow drying wasn’t bad either!
Still on the beauty topic, I learned a nifty hack for applying mascara! Just bend the tip! You can watch here:
First things, I had a blast during my #chic robes challenge- loved how so many participated! Have also been joining a few other challenges on Instagram. The Hodge- Podge Challenge-by Audrey of Affectionately Audrey– was such a hoot!
She’s actually mixing 8 prints here!!
You had to keep adding prints every day to your look. Not easy- but super challenging and fun!
Blame it on the weather! But I did so enjoy watching those who tagged us. If you do walk and talk and want to join our movement just tag me @lucybertoldi and @livingoncloudnine and we’ll put you in our stories.
What else? Correcting last minute and putting together new lesson plans for summer courses beginning net week.
Oh, here’s a quick and hearty recipe of what I made:
In the crockpot: onions, chick peas, boneless chicken thighs, potatoes, tomato coulis. Add olive oil and your favourite spices. Turn on high for 4 hours. Voila!
I have to say that the highlight of this week in fashion for me has been learning about this amazing 91 year-old Georgian Fashionista- MUST WATCH!!
See you next week- Have a Fabulous Weekend my Beautiful Divas , Lucy xx
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!
Seriously, how are we all doing with this new way of living so far? It was all quite chaotic at the beginning, adapting, re-focusing, shifting it around, re-inventing, and now hopefully…settling in? I really hope we are all slowing down and taking a breather.
Are we, though, really taking the time to breathe, to refocus, to take time for ourselves, to soak up our faith, to talk and rekindle with our loved ones, or, are we just trying to keepbusy, busy, busy? Haven’t we been there done that- and complained about that? So why are we trying to re-create that?
Seems to me that although many of us have begun to take a liking to this new pace and newfound ‘getting back to basics’, most of us have not allowed ourselves to do so.
We have been packing in our schedules as though we have to justify something. I’m guilty of this too. Fault of a societal mentality that we must always be busy, busy, busy– always somewhere to go and something to do. Well now we can’t go anywhere.
So, what have many of us started doing? We are getting busy, busy, busy around the house: exercising more, cleaning more, cooking more, planning more, working more (yes- some of us are actually putting more hours into our work from home than we did at the workplace!).
What’s wrong with this picture- especially for us women? NO need to justify ourselves through what we do. How about we plan some true introspective work in all of this? But- by all means if this stay at home is giving you more freedom and time to do what you actually love doing (and that could be: exercising, cooking, planning- and job-related as well)- then by all means, knock yourself out! Do it! For yourself.
But if you’re just feeling like you ‘must or else’ do something, well maybe now is the time for letting go and just ‘being’. Being with your family; being quiet with yourself; reflecting; meditating; being in nature, praying more…Something to just slow you down. We women are guilty of always wanting to do more. How stressful is that? And- do we really need to create more stress for ourselves in these times? Doing does not define us. We are enough.
Ladies, except for the necessary work-relateddeadlines, there really are noother deadlines except for online grocery pick-up times- or the ones we create on our own!
Covid19 Stop Being a Trophy Woman Challenge:
Get up and actually sip and smell the coffee; slowly.
Take off the timer when you exercise- just do it for your body- not the schedule or number of minutes or steps.
Pamper yourself the way you want- when you want- you’re the boss of that (not that beauty guru on youtube).
Laugh with your kids- homeschooling is just that – your family relationship means more than turning into the teacher (reality check: you’re not the teacher…Unless you really are the teacher).
Stop stressing about keeping up with posts on Instagram, Youtube, Facebook…no one is going anywhere special or doing anything sensational…no trips allowed. You’re not missing anything.
On that same note, keep posting if you love it! But if it starts feeling like a job- quit now; the pay is too low (or non-existent)- Plus- no one is that obsessed with what you’re up to. Do it for the fun!
For work: Put in your 9- 5 and then shut the computer.
A word on chores: Stop with the deadlines or to do-lists. You’ve always hated cleaning the chandeliers (that’s why you only do it twice a year) …why does it absolutely have to be done this Tuesday?
Take time to give Thanks. On very few selected times in history have people been given the opportunity to be on ‘hold’- in my parts of the world this type of taking a break only happens on snow days (which usually only lasts one day).
The only mandatory rules that mean anything are: Wash your hands, disinfect all that comes in from the outside, keep social distance, stay home.
We can do this. We are enough. No more unnecessary stress. No one is handing out trophies. Have Faith. Stay Safe!
#Confessionoftheday: For me blogging and taking the time to write to my heart’s content is actually a way of relaxing! Finally getting to write whenever I want.
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!
Jeans and I have a love-hate relationship. Here’s my theory (and many of you are not going to like it):
Not everyone looks good in jeans; but everyone can look good in jeans. This is especially true when it comes to trends. As well, I don’t believe that all jeans are comfortable. Denim, in general is not a draping dream… It’s stiff, and if it weren’t for spandex that has now helped reinvent it- it’s just a rigid, resistant fabric.
So, how do you make jeans work? How can you look good and comfortable at the same time?
You have to find the right fit for you. And that too is not as simple as it sounds. Jeans have to work for you- not the other way around. Here are some of the tricks I’ve given clients throughout the years (and that this Montreal Diva uses for herself as well!).
Loose, or baggy jeans are not just for gardening. These can be so comfy without ditching style. Belt them up and wear some heels- it will change the look completely.
As well, I get that some slouchy jeans can make your back side look less than appealing…so why not top them with a cardi, loose kimono, or long- oversized blouse? This is also great for camouflaging, ladies;)
Another way is to steal the attention away from the jeans, so that you still feel stylish and comfy. Let your top be the star and focus point! Try this for yourself- you’ll thank me later. Notice how my top (and booties) in this next pic, stand out. Another trick is hem design (draws the eye from the boots right to the hem)!
A good sleeve is another big actor in this scene. Sleeves can be theatrical (stealing the show gain!)…starting to see the pattern here? Accentuating with a tight tank or vest also draws the eye to your seemingly smaller waist- and keeps the eyes on the top altogether.
Along those same lines a long top over a pair of skinny or straight jeans can give the appearance of you being a lot slimmer than you actually are (even – even if they’re low waisted). Pair that with some cute booties and let’s just say that those jeans .you only partially see them) look so dang cute!
Speaking of skinny jeans…Pair them with a jacket and immediately you’ve gotten yourself a more complete look! Now the eye goes from top to bottom- it’s cohesive- looks stylish and is super comfy. If you can find a long jean jacket like this one below even better! This length does not cut you off at the waist. Reaching your hips, it takes away any emphasis away from the tummy or behind (or hips- read below).
I can’t rave enough about bell bottoms… and- high waist. Yeah, you read that right. Bell bottoms look great for both curvy and slim shapes. If you’re heavier at the hips, I recommend that you wear (as shown above) a longer jacket if you want to sport your skinnies. But let me just say that if you want a balanced look: a tighter fit from hip to knee and then a flair, balances you out and is way more flattering in every way. Plus, they look absolutely fabulous with platforms (the higher the better!). In this style, you can easily cinch your waist (thick or thin) with a cute belt- and the look will be irresistible; something that can’t be pulled off too well with a low waist pair of jeans. (Key word: muffin).
While I’m on the subject of bell bottoms- or any jean for that matter- a white blouse should be a staple in your wardrobe. It freshens up the look and always seems to make the blue in your jeans pop. I love this contrast so much. As well, white is also the eye-catcher in a jean situation- and as we’ve seen, if you want to wear what you want when it comes to jeans…well then, you always need a show stopper match to help you achieve that!
And then there’s the mono-chromatic look! This is a natural body slimmer. As much as I love me a good print, nothing beats mono-chromatic for making me look put together when I’m in jeans. This look automatically elongates and camouflages all those areas we want kept to ourselves;) Can you imagine an all black jean look? Right?
But if you insist on having your jeans steal the show- then make sure you mean it! You can certainly have fabulous jeans that are the center of your look’s attention- but make sure they are so fabulous that every other part of you that’s not playing, is just an after thought. These jeans are what I’m talking about!
So there you have it. If you don’t want to have a love-hate relationship with your jeans, follow my tips and own your style! Remember: You wear the jeans, don’t let the jeans wear you!
#Confessionoftheday: This love relationship is cyclical; it comes and goes. Like a roller-coaster ride. I guess I’m in it for the excitement. Way to go Levis!
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!
We are all at home now (or at least we should be!). And as petty of a question as this may be, this stylist wants to know…What are we all wearing?
The first few days at home, I get it- we wanted to be comfortable and so, for many of us it was an-all day pajama day…but now that more than a week’s gone by- enough!
I wrote an article not too long ago about the benefits of dressing for our mood: Dopamine dressing (you can read it here). There is so much truth about how clothing can change your whole mood, demeanor and attitude.
Can we all agree that we need to pep ourselves up a bit and try to stay positive during these difficult times? So, let’s start by, at the very least, getting dressed when at home!
And, if you insist on comfort, this may be the time to take out those gorgeous kimonos you’ve been wanting to wear (and what exactly were you saving them for anyway??).
Besides kimonos though, ladies, please wear your clothes! Just because we are staying home does not mean we have to let go of it all- you don’t want to drag yourself into a depression (and yes- therapists will tell patients exactly that: get up, shower and get dressed- every day!). It’s important! It makes you feel like you are ready for your day.
You are not getting dressed to impress- you’re doing it for yourself! Go ahead and dress up; whether it’s in casual wear, evening wear- or whatever wear- just do it: Get up and get dressed!
There is absolutely no specific reason for this type of dressing- cause we’re not going anywhere! This, my friends can make it all the more fun! Wear what you want- now is the time to enjoy even the craziest of outfits. After all, nobody’s visiting! Get up, get dressed and put on your Confinement wear!
Here are some ideas for what some Montreal divas are wearing to dress up while in confinement (and even when not!). One thing that all these looks have in common (besides being so darn cute!), is: Comfort.
Jumpsuits are so versatile- they’re always a good idea! (And always easier to wiggle out of when you’re home rather than out!).
I love me a good loose turtleneck- perfect if dressed up with flocked-motif leggings in the same tones.
If you’re now working from home-but still need to make a presence online , this casual work look is perfect. (I wore this to teach my online class).
Pleather at home? Why not! Also- add a loose chain belt for a little pizzazz. (Hey, it’s your house- wear what you like!)
Have fun in your closet – try a look- take a selfie! Crew necks are my faves; like these worn with leggings or jeans.
Can you tell I have this thing for motif leggings? And for a match made in heaven- I love to add me a sparkly top.
Flair baggy pants with another loose knit look. Comfy but so pretty! (BTW, the cream collar was crocheted by yours truly- just to add that extra touch).
Let’s stay safe for the health of all during this difficult time, while we connect with all things that are truly meaningful to us. And, as we try to distract ourselves from the worry and anxiety- why not indulge in a little dress-up time? There’s no harm in bringing some dopamine back into our lives…Let’s keep this quarantine fashionable shall we?
Don’t lose hope! Dress up and get yourself some good pet therapy- works all the time!
#Confessionoftheday: secretly dreaming of a virtual runway where we all dress for our own runway…Hey- confinement will do that to you!
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.
Don’t want to brag here…but there is some truth to what you’ve probably already heard…Montreal ladies have great style. I honestly don’t think it’s an overworked or overdone thing on our part. What is certain though is that we want to look fabulous…all the time.
People always comment on how they Love Montreal fashion. I hear it all the time; whether it’s while at work (tourists from the rest of Canada or the US- and Europe…). And, when I’m the one traveling in the rest of Canada- I feel the stares! Is it that we are over-dressed? Or do we really look that different (style-wise)? Even on a regular dressed-down day, people visiting me have commented and asked: How is it that women here always look so put together? Uhmm…what?! Well, ok, we’ll take it…but hey, we know when we’re not looking our best (who knew that wasn’t so bad at all to some on the outside loll!).
When I used to work as Fashion Stylist for the largest department store here in Montreal, it was mandatory that I assist all the Product Knowledge sessions with reps from the different clothing lines. It struck me that they would ALL say that the orders shipped out to Montreal were different form the rest of Canada! How so?
Montreal orders were made up of more outlandish colours, patterns and styles. Nothing was standard. We were not so big on neutrals- unless they were staple high quality items (or black!); otherwise for the trendier, evening, cocktail and even work attire: unique colours, patterns and styles came here first and always did better in sales. Montreal women wanted originality in their wardrobes. They wanted to stand out fashionably. And- this was also true for cosmetics, skincare, nails, hair and accessories.
One day I just might do an in-depth study on this. But right now, purely for your interest, I’ll just go with my personal and professional Styling experience to give you an ‘in’ on what, I guess you could say, sets us apart. Here goes!
Fashion Does Not equal Style- We have a very discerning eye for detail. Two women can buy the exact same top or dress and wear it in completely different ways (just because we’re thinking that the last thing we want is to bump into someone who’s wearing the same clothes), so we need to change it up (think accessories, make-up or hairdo). The way we style it will make all the difference. So we don’t care as much for the fashion as we do for the style and in the details.
We don’t buy something just because it’s designer or prestigious. We buy because it looks amazing on us (whether it’s an evening gown or basic underwear!). We are not defined by labels. In fact, we avoid them as much as possible unless it’s a plus factor (ethical, local…) to something that already looks terrific.
We Don’t shop for our age. We shop for the look that best represents how we feel and that we want to portray. We emphasize our assets without hiding what we like least. So, what ends up happening is that, that which we like least, becomes completely unnoticeable.
The outlet we shop from is of no importance to us. The piece of clothing that we fall in love with (coz that’s what usually happens with us- more on that in the next point) So-It can be found in designer boutique, retail chain, second-hand shops, vintage, thrift, passed-me down, while traveling, or sometimes, online. Brand loyalty is not necessarily a thing with us- unless you nail it for us every time. We are a challenge for designers and businesses alike. Heads up: Give us a reason to stay.
When we purchase- it’s because we are completely in love with it- Price is the least of the determining factors. Meaning: if we leave the place without it, we know we will regret it. We will obsess about it. We will go back and get it. (And when price really is the road block, we will hunt for something similar to pull off the look in mind!).
Montreal women actually wear what they shop. Whether this is an outrageous colour or out of the ordinary pattern- if we bought it, means we loved it- so we’re wearing it. We keep our stuff – think quality- think sustainable here.
There’s no such thing as spending too much on hair, skincare, cosmetics, NAILS. Montreal women know that if those aren’t put together, you can wear Chanel and look like hell. Hair is our Number One accessory.
Montreal women don’t wait on each other to start a trend. First one to wear it gets the applause. You wanna be that girl. And from there, we edge our sisters on to go ahead and take the look a step further in their own way! It’s all about originality and that Ahh! effect.
You can never be too overdressed or be wearing too much makeup- or your hair overdone. Why? Well because even if it takes you tons of products to achieve one look, it’s got to turn out looking effortless and on-point. So that could never look overdone (even if your daily look is a dramatic smokey eye with statement black eyeliner). Enjoy!
We mean what we wear. Purpose is key. Styling is intentional. The intention for how we’ll wear the item was set the day we got it, even if things might change along the way. We wear the clothes- they don’t wear us. We own our style and feel comfortable in whatever setting we choose to wear it. I think this last point is key: We just do our own thing! I think you’ll recognize that in our stride😉
So that was the scoop, ladies! So what do you think? Is this stylish Montreal women really a thing? Do you recognize these traits in Montreal Women? How do you approach style? And- if you are a Montreal Woman, how accurate is this for you?
You just know- I gotta know loll!
Here’s a short clip of my look the other evening for a friendly going-away party at a restaurant. If you like the look- you can also follow me on the liketoknow.it app. http://www.liketoknow.it/lucybertoldi
#Confessionoftheday: Montreal women love fashion- in fact we Adore following the trends via runways, magazines- you name it. We’re just Big on adapting and somewhat reinventing it!
A few years ago I stumbled upon this amazing article on Dopamine dressing. But it wasn’t until recently that I was reminded of it after seeing two Instagram bloggers I follow (@alwaysafashionparade and @girlwithbellsandwhistles ) bring up this topic.
So here I am wanting to share this with you ladies as well! Basically, dopamine dressing or styling is all about how clothes make you feel- and in this case- mostly in a happy way. There’s a lot of research on how wearing color can boost your mood and why it is that we choose certain colors over others.
In the case of dopamine dressing, it’s all about how good, lucky, hopeful (you get the gist) you feel when you wear a certain outfit (hence the superstitious wear of the lucky this-or that). But there’s clear evidence that the clothes you wear can have a certain effect on your mood. I wouldn’t limit this happy feeling to only wearing colorful clothing though…as some of us can be flying high just by wearing black!
So it’s really about yourself and the importance you place on particular pieces from your closet. In fact, it may also be the reaction you get from others when seeing you dressed in a certain attire. Take for instance some feisty logo on a tee you love to wear…when you’re walking around you don’t necessarily focus on that logo, right? But it can be the smile that lights up the person who crosses your path that has you smiling right back at them. And, there’s nothing like a smile to change your mood.
Which leads me to asking; who doesn’t want a feel good hormone in their life? If it’s as easy as just getting dressed up for happiness, then why not give this a try? Take a good look at what’s in your closet- guaranteed you’ll find special moment outfits (good or bad); lucky sweaters; first date shoes; promotion dress…
Lastly, when you’re out shopping, let this be a new determining factor for purchase. Ask yourself not only how good you look in it- but also, how does it make you feel? Do you feel comfortable? Does it make you feel glamorous, artistic, young (fill in the blanks for what you aspire)…and ultimately- does it make you feel happy?
Sometimes it’s good not to over-analyze and just go with the feel. It may probably turn out that these are the pieces that will live the longest in your closet (and in your life!).
#Confessionoftheday: Was my all-time dreary mood all of January’s fault? Come to think of it…I did very little dopamine dressing. Hmm, time to change things up for February!
For more outfit ideas and inspiration, be sure to follow me on Instagram: @lucybertoldi
