Are we ready for celebrating?? Note to Covid: We’ve learned to adapt and no matter all the darn rules- Nothing’s bringing this lady down the scaredy lonely hole! Decorating is done- shopping is happening- and baking’s on the agenda!
Making my Christmas Eve dinner list and checking it twice. Except….Our Premier announced that Christmas is off. You can only celebrate with those living under your own roof- must have same address. He’s gonna have that policed. In fact, he’s encouraging people to report on those who break the law. Yes. Imagine that it’s come to that. Feeling a lot like dictatorship…
But this still won’t get me down because I have had a worst Christmas before this one. In fact, last Christmas Eve was the saddest it could ever be…I lost my Dad on Christmas Eve morning of 2019. He lived with us. So Covid’s got nothing on me- in fact I’m thankful my dad didn’t have to live a moment in this awfulness. And- I will be dining with my family and will be toasting with a glass of red wine from my Dad’s bottle of home made wine that he was saving for us all to drink together last Christmas, and obviously that never happened. I figured we’d enjoy it as a family this year and reminisce, not the sadness, but all the goodness he brought to this world.
Missing you, Papa, more than you’ll ever know…Here’s praying that you’ll be celebrating Christmas with the best reservations in heaven together with Mamma- Salute xx
Still, I’m looking forward to Christmas, and preparing for the New Year to come. It wasn’t all bad, I did get one more grandson! We’ve all adapted to the pandemic- even if life has changed in so many ways- we still have much to be thankful for. God has a plan- and that’s always a good thing:)
This week I also started my Fragrance contract work (which I do every year for Christmas time and other special holidays. So I’m enjoying a bit of glitz and glamour and a lot of dressing up in black. It’s very chic I know, but I adore color and prints! Will have to make up for those on my days off. Meanwhile…Here’s to some fun print mixing blouse and vest styled up with some leatherette leggings in aubergine- I love! Dressing up at home- my way!
The little blue velvet booties aren’t bad either. What do you think?
Okay moving right along to My FAVOURITE FASHION DIVA from the Linkup Party: Gail from Is This Mutton!!! Vest or Gilet…Read her post on this to find out!
Have I ever told you that I am a Vest fanatic??? I am absolutely nuts about this pink gorgeous one!!!
And here’s My FAVOURITE READ from the Linkup : 5 Common Style Mistakes, by Style Yourself Confident This was so interesting!
And Now- Are You Ready For the Party??!!
Come and Link up Your Posts with meand have a chance to be featured here on my blog- I love featuring my Fashionista Divas!
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!)
Nearing the end of a dreary, hectic, panicky year…Are we all, still in a casual laid back styling mood? Really? I honestly don’t think so. It’s true that we can’t attend any grand events or celebrations like we used to, that’s for sure; but this confinement is feeling pretty much like a sort of modern times war. Crazy, scary, somber, dangerous and lonely times…
Fashion moves with the times and is a direct representation of what we’re living. For me, I don’t want that to be slouchy indoor dressing forever. Enough already: I’m banning the word ‘lounge’ from my vocab! Delete.
Here’s a bit of history: After WW2 (ok I’ll be quick- don’t wanna bore you here- but the history of fashion teacher in me just can’t help it!)- as I was saying…After the war and even during the last bit of it- women longed for a change! They didn’t want the drab clothing and poverty looks they were forced into by war.
Imagine that women went as far as drawing up their legs because they couldn’t find or afford decorative lacey stockings! I’m not making this up:
And- right out of that war, along came Dior with his New Look- back to the fancy and to hope and dreaming again!
A dress for peace time!
I say that’s what we’re all feeling inside- a longing for glamour, and over-the top. Don’t you feel like dressing up? Even if it’s gonna be comfortable and casual- please- oh please- make it funky, glamourous and a bit on the spicy!! Are you on board?
Enough with the drab- and please LOSE THE SLIPPERS!!
I was excited to style up this gorgeous 2 piece ensemble by Eva Varro because casual (when you’re going nowhere) can feel and look as cool and glam as can be when you’re wearing something this beautiful. I am loving the black with its touch of animal print that adds all the spice I need. Ladies- you need this outfit. Ultimate pick-me-upper:)
#Confessionoftheday: 2020 is on its way out – and I can’t wait. But in the meantime, I’m transitioning out of the loungewear and back into the stuff I actually want to strut in. After all, the festive season is upon us, let’s spice it up!
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!)
That’s right- start counting down the days to Christmas! Is it even possible? I’m just getting over the fact that summer is gone (go ahead and laugh!). And what about the time change without even having to set back your clocks? All done for us. If I hadn’t read it somewhere, the day would have gone by without me even knowing! Not to mention lockdowns… Is this what’s happening? And -lastly- the world is all eyes on the American election. Boy do I need a distratction!
Enough with the gloom and doom- it is Friday after all! And I did have a fabulous week of styling up for Gail’s challenge. And I thought I’d style up Bermuda shorts! Because that too is super weird this hot weather we’re getting up here in Canada!
Fun!
As well- I’m right back into my DiY’s. Got bored with my scarf wall so thought up a way to minimize space and voila!
Hahaha!! Looks like a costume!!!! But such a great space saver!!!
How darling does she look!! I am crazy about this casual chic look! There’s something about light flowy dresses (especially in animal print!!) paired with cowboy boots that just makes my fashion heart throb like crazy!!
I could use a little Ouzo on the rocks just about now- with a side dish of calamar…
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!)
Is it me or did this week also just fly by? It could also be that I’ve had 3 Scorpio birthdays this week…one day after the other- YIKES!! We’ll be cutting cake this weekend. Meanwhile, I’ve been styling up a storm with some great challenges I’ve been part of.
Here’s what I wore for the #wearitwednesday challenge I’m part of; Burgundy or Cranberry was the theme. I still can’t tell those two colours apart. Can you?
I’m part of the Wear it Wednesday Group (every other Wednesday) with these lovely ladies:
I’ve also styled an adorable leatherette Eva Varro skirt this week. I wore it as part of Gail, of Is This Mutton‘ s #7DaySkirtChallenge. (Will be posting a full review of the skirts I wore all week, and do a Linkup with Gail next Tuesday on this!!) But here’s a teaser to what you’ll be seeing in next week’s post…The week kicks off with this adorable Eva Varro skirt:
This skirt is soft, comfy and goes with everything- I’m totally in love!!
And so thankful to have been featured by Oh My Heartsie Girl and by Gail ofIs This Mutton, and also by Michelle of My Bijou Life Online– for my hodgepodge print mixing outfit! I love mixing prints- and it makes me so happy when others appreciate my styling (not everyone does- I’ll leave it at that!) It’s just that this kind of styling just makes me so happy- don’t know what it is!
I’ve actually never been to one and am dying to!! Sounds like so much fun- and you should see the prep behind it all! This is a fancy fun and glam event. I loved this post!
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!)
I’m so thrilled with this blogger collaboration that’s coming to you every 3rd Monday of the month with a fun thrifted or vintage theme!
This month’s theme is PLAID! I have to admit I do have a few pieces of plaid in my beloved closet…but I honestly don’t style them up enough! I don’t know why…maybe squares are not the first things I’m attracted to? Well that’s gonna change! From now on, amma style me up some good loving hodgepodge- you just wait and see!
“The Thrifty Six: “Check” Out Our Preloved Styles in Heritage Prints”
This vintage plaid dress has been hanging quietly for too long. I mean just look at her personality- I just had to take her out for a spin! She’s also super versatile, in that I love styling her up as a coat too! Everything about this (except the reversible Gucci belt) has either been thrifted or bought ages ago (some even decades!).
But that’s not all! This dress not only fits me way better than back in the 80’s (scrawny thing with the hugest shoulder pads thinking I was so cool lol!)- It also doubles as a coat!! OMG I love it this way even more! Not sure if I prefer the patent boots with it or the red cowboys…Your thoughts?
Please visit all my lovely friends to see more of their gorgeous outfits and to get to know them better!
“I found this dress in a charity shop recently for less than £5. Blue and brown is a very on trend colour combination for this season, although that isn’t why I bought it. I love to wear all types of check patterns in Autumn and Winter, and this dress is great for layering over a thin roll neck sweater and tights. It has pockets too…happy days!”
“If I were home right now, I would’ve had plenty of thrifted plaid/check/houndstooth pieces to choose from. But unfortunately, I’m away at college with only 17% of my wardrobe (gasp!), which meant I had to get creative for this month’s collaboration. I made a quick stop by a local thrift store and was largely unsuccessful, so I decided to try out a thrifted man’s flannel instead for the sake of this blog post. I decided it would be fun to turn it into a lil’ style challenge to see if I could make a huge male shirt flattering… How did I do??”
“The traditional to the avant-guard…The Thrifty Six are showcasing Heritage prints this month and here I bring you Royal Stuart Tartan – Highland Heritage in its purest form! It can be traditional or somewhat avant-garde. I go both ways, buttoned-up Victoriana to raw Punk Rock; reminiscent of Vivienne Westwood back in the anarchic 1970’s…I bought the skirt and waistcoat separately (on eBay), they’re from two different brands but the fabric is identical in every way so they make a perfect suit. They’re both vintage and the waistcoat has a very interesting brand label. It says… ‘Susan Barry – the clothes that men admire’ I’m really not kidding – HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED!!!!”
“When I heard that the theme for this month’s collaboration would be check, I thought: ‘Oh boy, have to search for something checked online!’ But instead I searched my closet and there came out my old checked tweed skirt. The funny story about the skirt is that I had bought this one years and years ago in the shop where I used to work. I gave it away at one point and discovered it two years ago on the preloved online shop. And bought it again! Just love the tweed and Chanel-esque feel. Especially with all the pearls!”
“When Emma announced the checkered theme for this month, I used it as an excuse to go thrift shopping. I definitely have plaid and checked preloved items in my wardrobe, but I don’t venture out much these days so it was the perfect excuse. I found this adorable black and white gingham dress (NWT) and these camouflage joggers (NWT) during that trip. I had no intention of wearing them together until I saw them lying in my cart next to each other. It was a match made in print mixing heaven! I added this preloved velvet off the shoulder sweatshirt because the dress is sleeveless and it’s getting cold around here. My furry clutch is also preloved (Poshmark). And the tie in my hair is the belt from the dress. We headed off to the park to capture some of the beautiful fall foliage in my photos.”
We will be back next month with another pre loved theme!
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!)
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!!
I don’t know why it is that every single Friday for as long as I can remember, I get so excited about the weekend (like it’s a special one-time event or something)…why is that?
This week was super fun with plenty of styling challenges (more on that on next week’s post). And, I finally corrected my Fashion Students’ last final! I guess you could say I’m officially off for the summer (although we start again in a few weeks lol!).
So far it’s been a good summer; lots of cuddles with grandbabies, lots of BBQ’s, new upkeeps to the grounds, great weather, fun birthday…and also lots of puppy love- check out our sweet Charlie:)
Here he is with my youngest- pure love!
I’ve also enjoyed so many tete-a-tete dinners with my husband- like dating all over again (except at home!)
And…not sure why I have only one plate setting shown here…but yeah, you’re gonna have to believe me when I say we weren’t quite sitting tete-a-tete, but rather: side by side lollll!!
Oh and we did finally attempt ONE restaurant for a pizza- and they were super Covid-ready in terms of cleanliness and sanitation…so that was a relief! Loved the pizza and Aperol Spritz of course!
Fun times!
I also want to start mentioning my features up here again (I usually put them on my Insta stories- but want to add them here too. It’s just that sometimes my post gets written up before I get to see the feature- it’s not that I forgot someone.
I want to thank Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood for featuring me alongside these Fabulous Divas!
And NOW…MOving onto my FAVOURITE Link-up FASHION DIVA of the WEEK:
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:
If you love fashion, then I’m sure some part of you loves history- am I right? Well, that’s certainly the case for me- period costumes will get me every time; whether it’s at the museum, online, or at the movies (hello Netflix). Jaw-dropping gorgeousness that swifts you back in time…
I’ve grown attached (historically that is😉 to not only the fantastic outfits of the past, but also the ‘fashionistas’ of the time. Creating a style that went hand in hand with their rank, but even moreso with their large personalities, these historical figures have also become my fashion Muses.
Setting the pace as human fashion plates, styling their looks according to their ‘personal stylists’ (more about these in another post!). Ravishing, often decadent and certainly luxurious- the craftmanship of their garments has no such comparison. Clothes definitely made to last!
So- without taking you into a History of Fashion course here (I could though- because that’s one of the courses I do teach!)- Here are some of my favourite historical figures and a bit about them- Check out their style!
Well, you just know I’m gonna start with Marie Antoinette, how could I not?! Reigning queen of fashion, the beautiful and much- maligned queen of the French was hated from the beginning (primarily because she was Austrian) but also because she was thought of as an over-indulging and frivolous queen. If you do drop Hollywood and read the real history- you’ll see that she was wrongly accused in so many ways- But, now onto fashion! Yes- she was the ultimate fashionista with the most superb style (thanks to her stylist- for another post!) Next…
Do you know Diane de Poitiers? She was the gorgeous (and much older) mistress of the French King Henri II. Known for her beauty, brain and style- this fashion icon led the scene even more so than the queen (Catherine de Medici) herself! Her beauty potions to keep her young included washing her skin with pure gold ( and ingesting too…which leads to speculations about her death). Next…
Madame de Pompadour (Louis XV’s mistress) was a breathtaking beauty. Tending and doting on the King was a never ending, all-consuming task (due to his insatiable sexual appetite). Not always upto it, especially since she was becoming ill and very frail- Madame de Pompadour still enjoyed the king’s company as he did hers. But a king needs to be satisfied…What does she do? She selects a group of young, very, very willing seductresses (that weren’t too bright at all). Thus satisfying the king’s lusts without ever wanting to replace his mistress for he loved her mind so much. (BTW, the king was not even aware of de Pompadour’s setting this all up!). Oh did I mention (sorry for going astray there)- she was the best dressed lady in court. Her fashion reputation still stands today. Next…
Veronica Franco the great Venetian courtesan of the 16th c was known (amongst other qualities) for her literary and artistic accomplishments. But- we’re talking fashion- so! Obviously wearing more audacious and seductive attire, courtesans of the day were ornately styled up! Expensive and sought out materials adorned their bodies- and often set trends way before nobility and royalty…Not very difficult to believe if you think that their lovers were mostly men of the highest ranks who could muster up the most exquisite gifts at a whim in exchange for the courtesan’s art. Veronica Franco was also a mistress to King Henry III of France. Let’s just say her wardrobe must have been over the top. Next…
Let’s get into history’s influencer muse…the Countess of Castiglione. This beauty set up her own photo shoots- leaving a lasting legacy that still follows her today. The photo shoots were way ahead of her times, artistically speaking, and she made quite the reputation for herself. She came from a highly aristocratic family. Her beauty was immeasurable and so was her charm. So much so that her uncle sent her to France to butter up Napoleon III to reunify Italy. Suffice it to say that the liaison was short , but worked! In the meantime, she made quite an impression as she became the icon to follow. The French relished in her looks – she became known as the Queen of hearts- again, because of a famous photo-shoot (above left). Next…
Oh dear, have you heard of Marchesa Luisa Caschi? Eccentricity to the max! Muse to several artist of the early 19th c, the Marchesa was an outrageous fashionista. She collected a menagerie of exotic animals- and could be found walking them in the parks. Anyway- her style was incomparable and trend setting as well! Next…
Looking for some good od Renaissance fashion. Look no further than the utterly breathtaking Giulia Farnese (seductress to the Pope)- you may have seen her on the Borgia’s (but that’s Hollywood). In reality, she was forced into that relationship. And- being in a relationship with the most powerful man (probably on the planet back then – there was no higher rank)- Giulia got what Giulia wanted in exchange. And what did Giulia love more than jewels and the latest fashion (not much more really). Being the beauty she was- Giulia was the trend setting Madonna of the Roman hills; with a scandalous painting of her representing the Virgin… Next…
How can we look at historical fashionistas and not talk about Cleopatra! Oh my goodness- this Greek sublimeness (yes she was Greek; from the line of Ptolemy- descendants of Alexander the Great)- No other woman on earth could have been more powerful. She had first pick on everything and gold was her element of choice! Ornate you say? Who would I pick as her doppelganger…Cher of course! What do you think? Next…
Leaving you with my two favourite historical women in fashion. Starting with Alienore (Eleanor) of Aquitaine. Power you ask? Notorious Fashion Queen of the Mideival. She was all about silk, fine wool and gems, gold…lots of gold. Her beauty matched her unharnessed strength. There’s a recounting of her while married to the French King Louis VII on their trip through Palestine during the Crusades, where Alienore rode with her ladies through battle, loose long hair looking like Amazons. There’s so much to her power and strength, every girl and woman should read up on her. Next…
Lastly, Josephine Bonaparte- my all time favourite muse! Impeccable style this Martinique beauty (the Rose of Martinique) was the Viktoria Beckham fashionista of the 18thc. She caught Bonaparte’s fancy and that was it! He made her Empress. She is well-known for the ‘empire’ style dress (more on her stylist as well in a later post!) Empire because she was an empress.
There are more! But I didn’t want this post to be never-ending! If you want to see more, please visit my Historical Fashion Muses Board on Pinterest- can check it out HERE
Here’s just a glimpse:
#Confessionoftheday: There’s a bit of each of these muses in every woman I believe…but I’d rather just pick colorful elements from their fashion sense rather than their lifestyle- oof!
