It has been rather quiet on the Online scene this week for this Montreal Diva..
But behind the scenes- I have my share’s worth of assignment corrections! Looks like it’s gonna get busy this way right upto Christmas. Still managed some styling shots though and recommendations for clients and collabs as well. Take a look:
If you know me then you know that I love anything a bit (a lot( over the top – and print mixing heave is what I’m aiming for all the time! How good is this top with all this animal print glory?!!
I’m nuts over this collaboration!! These are all ladies that I admire so much- they have so much style and love thrifting as much as I do! Love this so much! I do hope you’ll follow our thrifting adventures to see what we love to style up!!
Onto my Favourite Fashion Diva of the Linkup Party! I am freaking out over this skirt!!! Look at this look from Gail of: Is This Mutton– how gorgeous does she look in this gem of a skirt?!
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!
Is everyone weekend-ready? It’s going to be Thanksgiving weekend for us here in Canada. But this year will be so different. This pandemic has got us almost on lockdown- well not really, but it sure feels like it since we aren’t allowed anyone in our homes except for those living with us. What are we gonna do?? My husband says he’s still cooking that turkey and I guess the kids will have to do the ‘pick- up- at- Mom & Dad’s- curb’ thing!
So what have I been styling up since last Friday? Well, last Saturday had me posting thesefabulous leopard-hemmed jeansby Joseph Ribkoff from 1ereavenue.com. I am crazy about the fit! And you all know how hard it is for me to style and wear jeans if the fit isn’t perfect and comfy. But just look at these!!
And this week I also styled up this gorgeousness of a dress by Eva Varro – LA Designer. I mean can you believe the motif and colours in this beauty?!! I’ll be styling up more of the Eva Varro Collection and posting it for you to see. It’s mind-blowingly stunning!!
And of course more styling challenges! This one was on Instagram for #trendsinyourcloset by @imanorbyah and @annazzon. I styled up a mix of Leather, vests, and mixing prints.
And my favourite challenge always has to be by @affectionatelyaudreyfor Intimates worn outside! And it was a double- whammy since Anna and Norbyah both had this in their challenge as well! So it worked out perfectly. Loved wearing my nighty-wear out!
I always feel honoured and so blessed to be part of this fabulous community. I love what we all contribute to this platform- but even more than that, I love what you fabulous blogger ladies are all about!!
I‘m crazy about these boots and this whole look!!Isn’t she just adorable!!!
And- My Favourite Linkup Read of the Week was by: Alison of Midlife and Beyond for her post Turning Sixty – No Big Deal! Such a fascinating read that brought me down my own memory lane as well. Such an interesting and fun read that defies ageism and its stereotypes! Loved this!
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!)
Fall is here and it’s time to take a look at what’s trending in the Runways! The fun part of this is not so we can just dream about fashion that we can’t wear! We want to try out styling the trends for ourselves; whether new, or not so new. Even better: Let’s style up with clothes that we already own- straight from our closets!
So, instead of listing the non-ending trends out there (depending which designers you love and follow), I thought I might just pick out the trends that I’m lovingmost. That kind of narrows things down- and- for what that means in terms of styling…it will be so much easier and faster to put looks together!
So here we go: My Favourite Trends for Fall 2020!
Plaid! Let me just start with a print that I’m just dying to style up! Planning to mix plaid with other prints and looking forward to an eclectic look- OH the possibilities!!
2. Faux fur AND Faux Fur Trimmings! Is it just me who finds this whole look completely luxurious- I mean even with the most casual of clothes! Really loving faux fur – I do collect pieces so I have coats, vests and jackets…I’ve already shared a few look s on my blog and Insta. Planning to do more of this styling for sure!
3. Black is back! Ok- you all know me to be a huge print and colour fan…but I cannot pass up a fantastic black look- ever. Make it as chic as possible please- coz that’s the only way this Diva loves her black.
4. Fringe!! Give me all the fringe- because I love a good swaying movement! Don’t you feel like there’s nothing better than having an extension of yourself leaving a flowy trail…just like a soft breeze. Fringe is probably the coolest way to accessorize even the plainest of garments. So happy I have plenty in my closet.
Know what I mean? Bottega Veneta has got this covered A+
5. Intimate Apparel! Wearing your intimates out? Why not! Tastefully done it can be divine! I just finished styling an intimates look for a challenge (show you that on Friday for my week’s recap). So feminine!
6. Sequins and all that blings! Honestly though, does this ever go out of style (who would want that!)? Sequin illuminates the skin and brings out such beauty and light- Give me sequin all year round!
7. Florals!! And this year noone is doing it better than Naeem Khan- absolutely breathtaking!!
So there you have it!
NOTE: Expect this fashionista to be styling up ALL OF THESE TRENDS this Fall. YES- I promise you, and I’ll be showcasing them ALL in a later post 🙂 If you’d like to join me and want to dress in any of these trends, please Tag me and I’ll put you in my Insta stories!
I put up a Video on Youtube as well as Insta stories- but here it is also. It shows what I’ll be styling up!
First Runway Trend of the Season: Florals on Black!
So for this very first look, I’m starting off with Florals! How fun is this look with these funky boots?! (PS: Can you believe I got these brand new- tags on- booties from my local thrift store??)!!
THEN…just for the fun of it and because I can never resist a transformation…I added slip-on sleeves!!
And after the sleeve addition…THIS is what it looks like!
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!)
Did you think I’d let another week go by without a DIY- I’m trying not to! I may not post one every single week…but would you believe me if I told you I have a basket filled to the brim just waiting for me to transform what’s in it? Yes, it’s true.
Oh well, one thing at a time. Today, I’m gonna show you what used to be pants- and how they became a top! Because they were mid-calf, I decided to give some length by adding some black lace. Then I cut the crotch part and turned that into the neckline. Sewed up all hems and flipped my garment bottom- up- and there it was: A brand new top!!
Check out my fun reel.
Next, This week I joined a challenge for ‘trends in your closet’ on Instagram. This one encourages you to shop what you own and find something that’s trending right now. There’s a list. So, I basically ticked off a few boxes with 70’s leather, a vest, and texture! Here’s one look:
I also got to style up a fantastic Joseph Ribkoff top for 1ere Avenue. I’m super crazy about this peacock color!! And- the fit is soo good. It’s part of their Fall collection, but honestly, this one can be worn all year-round (well at least here in Montreal it can!)
Besides that, still trying to finish up reading Jean-Claude Poitras’ book (Montreal designer 60’s-90’s). Note: It’s in French. Looking forward to posting a review if I can ever find time to finish it!!
And, if you’re into horoscope fashion, this week I wrote a post on Libra Fashion! You can read that here:
And now onto my Favourite Fashionista Diva from last week’s Linkup Party is…Andrea from Living on Cloud Nine9 for her exquisite look! How gorgeous is this jumpsuit?!! So feminine and chic- and that colour is so perfect on her! Double whammy for the handbag that pairs that look so stylishly- they were made for each other. Love!!
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!)
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!)
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!)
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.
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.
Basically, a wardrobe capsule is a selection of garments that have been chosen from your wardrobe and turned into outfits for a designated time frame. You might be thinking that you are obviously selecting clothing on a daily basis to get dressed, so what’s the point. Ok! Well, I’m here to tell you that if that’s what you think, you’re onto the beginning of something!
Creating capsules can be fun as well as very creative. But let’s talk practicality and efficiency first. Are you having trouble putting outfits together on a daily basis? Or, maybe you’re too pressed for time in the morning (so you basically rotate the same outfits until they become too boring for you). This can be very time consuming, inefficient- and cost you a bundle in the long run (as you keep rushing out to buy new stuff…coz you can’t find anything to wear!).
So you wanna give this a try? My suggestion is that you do this exercise when you have a good hour or two to dedicate to this (like maybe a Sunday afternoon, evening or on a day off).
Let’s start small…say maybe 3 to 4 outfits for the coming week. And- choose if this will be for work, online meetings, even a vacay! Next: Go to your closet and pick out 4 main pieces that will determine the look of the outfit to create (example: top, skirt, dress, suit, pants…). From there, start putting together one outfit at a time. Choose everything from coordinate, jacket or outerwear if needed, as well as accessories and shoes. First outfit- done! Move onto the next!
This can be a very inspiring exercise once you get the hang of it. Not only will you save tons of time getting dressed- but you’ll also really get to know your closet; so those lost loves in there might finally get a chance to join the party! Gone the regrets of having bought something you never wear- since tis exercise will also lead you to picking those garments first to start creating your outfit.
Lastly, seeing your outfits pre-planned in front of you is such a stress relief. And the point of this exercise is getting you to plan your whole week ahead- so that you always look sharp and prepared…because let’s face it, there are more important things in life than constantly stressing about what you’re gonna wear. Try it and let me know how it works out for you.
Here’s my Youtube Clip that explains the process- if you prefer watching over reading:
#Confessionoftheday: This can be quite addictive. I’ve been known to spend more than just one afternoon planning some of my dream outfits. It’s a good compulsion;)
I’d love you to also come check out my Instagram and follow me if you wish! There are daily stories and posts that may not always show up here.
