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!
Hello Lovelies! Welcome to The Thrifty Six. We are a group of international fashion influencers who meet once a month in our little space on the internet to share our thrifty outfits. On the third Monday of every month, we will all share an outfit based on a theme that features preloved wardrobe pieces. Shopping and reselling preloved clothing is so much better for the environment and you can find some of the best fashions in thrift or charity shops. The Thrifty Six are here to inspire you to shop second hand!
For this first installment, we’ve centered our theme on ‘Pre-loved Shoes’ (of course!).
By now you know my love for styling and fashion whether it be old or new- it’s all about creative styling for me: It’s gotta look good! And yet…this girl has got a little penchant for vintage and thrift. Nothing compares to beautiful, divine vintage pieces, and with that comes a good dose of searching and thrifting to find real gems. That is for sure part of the thrill of the thrift that brings me sheer joy.
And, of course, bling is my thing! So when I saw these cute (brand new for $7!) Aldo mule-booties at my local charity store, Nova- I just had to get them!
Then I remembered having a little silver gem of a dress in almost the same shimmer! The dress is vintage late 60’s and super cute. This glitter girl is super thrilled with the combo.
And now onto sharing what my Thrifty-Six friends have found:
I actually bought these boots especially for the kick of of The Thrifty Six! Because I didn’t have any pre loved shoes. I was a bit afraid of wearing them, but these are never worn so that is a bit comforting idea. Haha, yes I am a daredevil! I am actually wearing a pre loved wrap dress and blazer too! These are from Tamaris, my favorite shoe brand. And they are real sitting shoes! And having that said, the circle is round as these series are the third that Shelbee and I host together, and we started of with sitting shoes three years ago!
I bought these shoes in a charity shop for just £1! They’re really good quality and super comfortable. I’m guessing they were quite expensive new so I got a real bargain!
While I’ve never purchased a pair of shoes at an actual thrift store, I do have quite the collection of hand-me-down pairs—which is just another form of thrifting! I was so excited when a good family friend decided to give me these brown peep-toe wedges on a whim. They are the perfect transitional shoe as we start to enter fall!
Cinderella’s Diamond Slippers… I found these beautiful gold and diamond party shoes on eBay and it was love at first sight! A while back, I wore them for a really glitzy night out and I felt like a princess… I stayed at my friend’s house but the next day I had to work and in my rush to get ready, I left one shoe behind. I was devastated when I realized it was missing but all was not lost… My friend’s brother (who I fancied like mad) drove all the way to my house to return the shoe. And guess what – he asked me out on a date! We had a few dates but sadly he wasn’t my prince charming – good Cinderella story though eh! Everything I’m wearing is second hand from the following brands: Hero Shoes – Next (Y2K Vintage) Dress – Global Paris (True 60’s Vintage Piece) Bag – UnbrandedEarrings – eBay (Vintage) Glasses – Vivienne Westwood
I recently found these adorable combat boots at my local Salvation Army Thrift Store. They were $5.99. The brand is Vito Rossi which is an Italian men’s shoe line. But they were my size, the price was right, and they are so darn cute, I couldn’t resist. Other thrifted items in this outfit are my white denim skirt and my snakeskin bag.
Please visit all my lovely friends to see more of their gorgeous outfits and to get to know them better! We will be back next month with another pre loved theme!
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!)
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.
Have you heard of Slow Fashion Season (July, August, September)?
Everyone can do their part without it being complicated or difficult. Every little bit makes a difference. Being in fashion, I’ll be the first to admit that temptation is always all around me. It’s difficult to say no to fast fashion- I so get that! I’m crazy about new styles, trends, beauty, fashion transformations…you name it. But honestly- we can no longer turn a blind eye. There’s actually so much we can do…even if it’s just one small thing at a time.
CONSIDER:
– Re-fashioning what you already own (if you can’t sew, mend or craft- rather than pay for new; pay for a seamstress).
– swap parties
– thrifting
– borrowing
– selling it
– giving it away
– buying local
–buying quality that lasts! In other words; Consider giving it thought…Yes: Thought. Meaning, if you really must buy new- then go into it with logic. Check for great quality and durability- things must last! Ask yourself how many times you plan on wearing the item (if it’s just for one time…give it up). Yes, that may mean spending a bit more (or even maybe a lot more)- but look at it as an investment. If you know this will be worn a lot- and that you don’t intend ever ridding yourself of it…then isn’t that worth the money?
All this is possible without saying good-bye to great styling and fashionable looks. Trust me! All you need is some creativity. And, today no one can get away with saying they have no ideas…who are we kidding?! Social media is FILLED with ideas. We can do this. The time is now.
Will you join Slow Fashion Season? There’s still time😊
#Confessionoftheday: When I buy new, I really do buy quality that lasts, and that is locally made (whatever the country I’m in)- and that can include high end designer. That does mean I end up paying a pretty penny for it- but I’ve never regretted any of those pieces. For me, that’s another side of sustainability.
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…
There’s a saying here in Montreal; We have two seasons: July and Winter. Not quite true- but close enough! It can take forever to get us into warm weather- but when it hits, it’s scorching. It doesn’t last though as our fall arrives quite fast. And our summers can be so temperamental! So how does a Montreal girl shop or plan her wardrobe to meet the fussy weather?
DON’TS
Avoid shoppingtoo early for summer wear. We are so eager to see sunshine that some of us begin shopping for summer as soon as the very tricky warm rays appear in early spring. But our weather is tricky! Hold back.
Over shopping (because of over-positivity) is another downfall. Again, hold back.
Avoid too trendy. We can get carried away when we find the perfect summer dress- and overspend. Consider how many wears you will get out of it?
Instagram and advertising is not always geared to your country’s weather. Some little summer dresses can be divine in Florida…but don’t quite work for long in Montreal. Same can be said for the colours and patterns in vogue from a tropical place to a northern climate.
Shopping while away on vacation (where it’s usually way hotter than back home), can be very tempting- but I don’t recommend it. Unless you are shopping for vacation only!
It’s best to give all these some serious consideration, if you don’t want tooverfill your closets with things that will just hang there…for you to maybe wear next summer (if you even get a chance). And remember that trends change!
DO’S
Transitional is wise. Invest in pieces that will carry you from fall to spring – and the occasional cool days of summer. One good trick is to opt for florals or patterns that go for all seasons.
The advantages of color. Keeping several light colored pieces, even if the fabric is a little heavier, will work for summer; as will lighter fabric clothing in darker colors work year round as well.
Layering is key! Invest in pieces that can be layered, or, that are the layering pieces.
Scarves! I can’t say enough about this incredible accessory! Easily turns into a mini top for summer, or a cover up for cooler temps.
Blazers: An absolute must for all seasons- yes, summer too! You can wear your halters no problem and be all set when the chilly wind pops in (coz it will!).
If you need change, and shop you must, then why not give thrifting or vintage shopping a try? This will be an all-around win-win situation for your pocket, your taste, and the environment.
This is not everything- but it’s a good start. We adore summer, but for us Northern girls, let’s be honest with ourselves…it really is our shortest season (so sad!!).
Here are a few looks that can work for more than just one season, while still being perfect for northern weather (like in Montreal or New York). We all know there are days like this- where the sun has turned its back to warm some other place!:
Wore this mid June. This mixed print outfit is in a very light cotton blend- but because the colours are darker, it also would work for fall (with booties!)
Here’s the same outfit worn with a jean jacket and a scarf. This pic was taken same day as above (mid June!! ) It was still cold! The straw bag brings in the element of summer- it helps make the outfit work. As you can see, this outfit can easily be transitional for fall. And what about the scarf? Like I mentioned, you can wear them on chillier days like I did with this look.
Light breezy fabric once again- in this case no matter that the skirt is sheer, it’s animal print and it works all year round (again picture this look with booties!) The little black vest also works all year-round. For this particular day I wore the bright yellow top with the vest to give it an accent. On very warm days I can wear this same look: Vest, no blouse. Perfect!
Now how can this look be transitional you ask? First of all the plaid shorts are of heavier material (wool blend – good for both summer and winter), and I’m wearing a leatherette jacket. The color white gives it its summer look. Yet if I were to recopy this look with thick tights and boots, it would be perfect for fall!
Like I said, blazers are always a good idea. See how this works for both summer and even all year round. Because they’re shorts, it still works that this is a thicker kind of material.
Again, using all-year-round material like leather, and long sleeves in a warm tone -even if in a light fabric, can be worn all year-round (think tights for fall and winter).
And so here you have it. Note: these outfits you probably saw me style before. And for good reason, they are timeless- fashionable always. My way of shopping my closet and re-inventing as I go along!
Don’t think of this as limiting! In fact think of this as creative, and money well-spent! Your wardrobe will get you through for longer periods of time while being good for your pocket as well as the environment. Stretching clothing use, wear and re-wear is where fashion is at right now. Do your part and look the part, smart and gorgeous.
Take care my lovely Fashion Divas xx
#Confessionoftheday: These tips are tried and tested- not only in my professional styling opinion…but I have been known to shop for the cutest summer dresses (and in different colours!) to never wear them more than once…sad, I know. But true.
If you enjoyed this topic and would like to learn more, please email me at: lucy_bertoldi.com or shoot me a DM on Insta!
And- for all you wonderful bloggers out there- please come link up your posts with me every Friday for my Fabulous Friday’s Link up Party (there’s still time this week too!
Have a great week!
Here’s where I link up:
I love this blogging community so much! (Click on the Links below to see where I go read, comment and link up every week!)
How creative are you with your style? If you’re finding that your wardrobe is lacking a bit of spunk or that it’s always same old, same old- then now’s the time to do something different!
Diy’s are always fun to do, especially when we really can’t wear the piece anymore (example: it doesn’t fit). But there are some diy’s that require No Change at all! It’s called: Creative Styling.
Creative styling just requires you to use your imagination to start wearing an item in a completely different way than it was originally intended- WITHOUT altering the piece.
The possibilities are endless. Today, I’m gonna do Number 7! See how I turned 3 short dresses into midi looks- just with one skirt!
Here are two of the dresses I creatively styled-up.
This is the way the dress is originally intended to be worn
All you need is one long SHEER skirt….
Wear the dress over the long sheer skirt, plus a belt: Here is Look No. 1
Same Skirt- different Dress: Look NO. 2
Same Skirt , third dress: Look NO. 3
And there you have it! Seriously…How easy was that?
Wanna see the process? Please watch here:
I strongly encourage you to play in your closet and do some Creative Styling of your own! If and when you do- please share and link back to me! I’d love to see what you come up with and will share in my insta stories as well. Enjoy!
In other news…This week my article was featured in Links a la Mode!
And now…ANOUNCING: Favourite Fashion Styling Diva of the Week!
Once a week I will be featuring and linking a super stylish lady whose outfit made me swoon- and will surely inspire you as well. If you get featured, please spread the love by mentioning it on your own site with a link back to mine.
Go check out her Instagram- I am obsessed with her style!
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!
Even if this holy holiday will be celebrated and spent in a completely different way than what we are used to, it doesn’t mean that we can’t dress up in super duper stylish and fun outfits!
I’ve spent some time perusing some of my favourite blogs and Insta feeds (what else can a girl do with so much time on her hands?!)- and found some amazingly stylish looks that I’m obsessed with. Take a look – see if these inspire you as well!
Let’s begin with a gorgeous jumpsuit! Honestly I’ve never seen a more adorable look or perfect fit. The colours sing to me. Check out this gorgeous ray of sunshine, Andrea, on Instagram at: instagram.com/livingoncloudnine9- or her blog: Living on Cloud Nine
The beautiful and ever-so sweet, Jill can be found at her pretty Instagram feed instagram.com/jmary_likes, where all things pink are loved. Here we see her in an adorable jeans look. She’s dressed it up so perfectly that I think this would make such a glam-casual look for Easter. What do you think?
You want beauty, originality and swag- look no forward than to this creative beauty! Find her on Instagram at: instagram.com/ladysoswag Look at the way she owns her looks. This splash of colour is so inspiring!
I am always in awe at how chic and stylish Suzanne makes everything look- even in her casual ootd’s! How sensational is this dress? Effortless beauty. See more of Suzanne’s gorgeous looks over at her blog Crazy Blonde Life or on instagram.com/crazyblondelife
Beauty plus ecclectic for a look to inspire? Then you must visit this gorgeousness over at: instagram.com/the_refashionista (where old is the new new as she puts it!). You cannot imagine the looks she upcycles and puts together- and what a beauty! Check her out and see how she can inspire your look! A mix of patterns for the holiday- perfect!
Elizabeth is truly a sweetheart and a beauty in every sense of the word. If effervescence is your aim- then go check her site- Fashion thrifting-vintage at its best! Fashionable and wholesome and stylish all the way! /For more inspo see: instagram.con/staygoldengirl
Always something new with Morag- and she makes it so fun! How about a splash of red this Easter (red is so in for spring!). If pants are your thing- how cute is this outfit she styled?! Check out this amazing and creative lady over at: instagram.com/mogzee_m
Love me a great vintage find- and that’s what you’ll get with Annette- she’s totally the expert. Her finds are incredible and you should see how she styles them up. How gorgeous is this dress?? Find more incredible looks over at: A Vintage Splendor and at: instagram.com/vintagesplendor
Ok…so you want original, totally unconventional and incredible looks? Then zoom over to instagram.com/affectionatelyaudrey– where Audrey will mesmorize you! How talented is this young soul? Upcycling and making outfits and jewelry in unimaginable ways; reminiscing the past. Such pretty colours for Easter- just look at these outfits!
Caroline, the brilliant Making it in Manhattan Author, is the meaning of true inspiration itself. This girl can put together magical outfits- honestly this is like right out of fashion fantasy paradise. Outfits in the most delicious palettes you can only dream about- that’s what you’ll be guaranteed on her site Making it in Manhttan and on instagram.com/cvazzana. Who would have thought of this delicious sandals and outfit combination- to die for!!
And then, this adorable fashionista; Samantha of The New York Blonde blog, and at: instagram.com/thenyblonde . This cutie has superb taste and such finesse and poise that she makes any outfit look sparkly and glamorous- stuff fairy-tales are made of. Superbly stylish and always ahead of her game- this girl will always inspire you. I love these looks she’s styling, which I think would be so perfectly pretty for Easter!
The beautiful Kelly dresses up with such flair and ease, you’ll certainly get inspiration from all that she wears. You can find more inspiration by follwing her at 50 Shades of Style, also at: instagram.com/50shadesofstylebykelley– I adore this dress on her! It’s one of my favourites- love it for Easter!
How inspired are you after seeing all these fabulous looks?! These ladies are rocking their style- and I encourage you to find yours! Who says you can’t dress up during Quarantine?
Which was your favourite look?
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!
Turns out that the perfect jacket I was shopping for, was actually the one I was wearing!
I’ve been rooting for the ‘shop your closet’ concept for a while now over on my Instagram account- and for good reason; it’s an-all-around good thing!
And with all that’s happening in the world today…I feel it’s time we take a closer look at how we live our lives, and put things in perspective…even, (if not more) when it comes to fashion.
Shopping your closet will inspire you to not only feed your creativity, but also entice you to become more caring for our environment. And need I mention how soothing this will be for your pocket?
There is a strong movement towards sustainability, and this includes up and coming, as well as, well established Fashion Designers. Slowly everyone is getting on board- and shopping your closet is a way to start! So my very first suggestion would be to check what you have and get creative. First on my list would be to alter your clothes of course! See my article on that here: Fashionable DIY Styling- A Must!
Yet, there are always some additional pieces that we may have to add to our wardrobe, and purchasing is necessary…However, it can still be done conscientiously. Second-hand rentals or consignment shops are constantly sprouting such as The Real Real for example. Still on the higher end, we also have LXR, which is a concession now available online in the larger department stores. Then there are your swap meets, where ladies meet and swap clothing. There are your local non-profit charities that have set up shop to raise funds for a certain cause; for example here in Montreal we have the Nova shops
And of course, there is always the Salvation Army and Village des Valeurs, to name a few.
I personally love Vintage clothes and those can be found in numerous treasure shops on St. Denis Street and Boul. St. Laurent- One such gem is Boutique 1861. Another that comes to mind if you are on the West Island is La Friperie du village (he has gorgeous designer bags!!!). Montreal, like New York, is filled with these gems- all you need is the thrill of the hunt- and you’ll find what you want! Check out: The Ultimate Guide to Vintage Shopping in Montreal.
Bottom line: Create designer looks that you want, but that also fit your budget.
Here’s another idea: Why not set up a closet dress-up day with some friends? You can arrange to have a swap-time. Or, why not have a good friend come over for some ideas? She could show you how she would style up some of your clothes. Sometimes we might need a fresh pair of eyes to open up or view!
Lastly, here’s how this Montreal Diva re-vamps her looks…just by shopping my closet!
Gucci vibes- just right for a special birthday supper.
Prairie dress anyone?
Or maybe a chic velvet moment…just look at those sleeves!
And for when work prescribes black- I’ve had this chain little sweater for years and still loving it.
And here comes another black look…
Probably one of my favourite looks for this winter- especially the arm warmers- love!
Cozy sweaters for a dressed-down Saturday look
Burgundy love for this Saturday one
Speaking of burgundy…My love of jumpsuits had me shopping my daughter’s closet that time!!
Am I the only one crazy for bell-bottoms? Another Saturday look.
Overloaded teacher look
Tough teacher look – ya right.
This one: Just because mixing prints is my passion. How can I not love this?!
There’s just something about a good coat. Statement piece.
Speaking of Statement pieces: This one is the piece de resistance…My mom’s 1950’s coat
And another pic- just because I can’t resist this delicious coat!
These fabulous, and easy styles are all from my closet. Take the time to play dress-up from your wardrobes, Ladies…You never know what you’re gonna find!
#Confessionoftheday: you’re never too old to walk your own runway!
