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!
I truly never thought that a grandmother’s love could be this immense. It feels like my grandchildren (I have two now! 10 months and the other 6 weeks)- are twice my children. Is that weird to say? Because that’s how I feel…My babies had babies, so doesn’t that make me double the mom? Wtv the case- I never knew I could love this deeply!
After a month and a bit, of helping out with the newborn over at my daughter’s, I’m now back home. Have to get back into my styling, because honestly I lived in comfy-sloppies and flip flops for that whole month! But it was so worth it spending time with them- I feel privileged and this will be precious moments I’ll cherish forever.
Before leaving I did cook up a storm so they’d have plenty of meals ready (we all know how there’s no time for anything when you’re a new parent!) Check out what I prepared:
Now time to get into this Fabulous Friday and the Fashion Diva of the Week:
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!
July is finally here- and along with that comes Canada Day! Such a different one for me, (the cover photo was taken last year in Greece for Canada Day) as I’m living with my daughter to help her out- so no partying! But anyway, who can really party with Covid still lurking. But! How fun that on my daughter’s quaint street they had mini parades and neighborly cook outs! See the video clip below…
On June 24th we celebrate La St-Jean Baptiste (also known as La Fete Nationale), here in Quebec! We’re lucky to have back to back holidays with Canada day being next week on July 1st!
Usually what you can expect on a non-Covid year…
That usually means fireworks and cook outs, get together s and fun. This year, La St-Jean was very quiet for me- as you know, I’ve moved in with my daughter who’s had a baby; I’m on Nonna duty! And next week will be the same. (Can’t help but wonder how social distancing will work out though…)
As you may have noticed, I’m a little low on the Insta posting and with good reason: Family comes first. But I do want to tell all my blogger friends that it’s not that I don’t want to drop by and read (I do when I can!), there’s just no time. How is it that these little bundles of joys call all the shots, and rule?
Ok so little time! Let’s jump right into this!
Here’s my Favourite Fashion and Lifestyle Link Up Post of the Week!
Fabulous Friday and a Fabulous new week for me…Coz I became a Grandmother again! My second grandson arrived on Monday- and I couldn’t be more excited- I’m bursting with joy! There is a downside though…due to quarantine, I’m not allowed anywhere near them. My daughter and husband have to do it all on their own. Facetime is there for me to give some comfort…but it’s not the same. A new mom needs help! I can’t wait for this awful pandemic to leave us for good.
Sorry that you can’t see his face! Mommy is not yet ready for the reveal!
In the meantime I did cook up a storm for them…check out this clip!
And another thing that makes me extra happy is that I finally got my hair done!! Some streaks, a trim and a few extensions to freshen up the whole look. Feeling like a million bucks (and anyone who knows me knows…this is honestly the ONLY thing it really takes!). Check out my before and after:
Before…
After…
This week I didn’t exercise or walk…my bad! I have to honestly get into this ASAP! Meanwhile…Here’s my Fabulous Friday List!
