Category: vintage

How to Wear Your Vintage Hats

Hats give the special finishing touch to outerwear.  But I’m talking especially about the vintage ones living somewhere in our closet.  Do you have a favorite hat that you swear next winter you’ll wear for sure…and then you never do?

There’s a good chance that something’s holding you back. There was a time when hats were de rigueur…now, unless it’s on the Runway, we often feel reluctant. Maybe there’s the glamour aspect that makes it feel like it’s a bit too much- it feels too elegant.

For me, it’s always been a question of practicality.  Like if I’m gonna wear a hat, it better keep me warm, and, it better look good.  And then there’s the whole fur ordeal and my new outlook on this (I’ll never buy real fur again).  But what do you do with all the fur vintage hats you have stashed in your closet?

Mine have real sentimental value, since they mostly all belonged to my mom, grandmother, or another close relative.  I don’t want to throw them out…So I do want to wear them- if only for the ode of respect for the animal as well as the environment (don’t want them in a landfill).  So now that I’ve made my peace with that, what do you do when because of the fashion back in the day, these hats are not in the least bit practical?  Meaning, yes, they’re made to keep you warm; yet they don’t even cover your ears?!

Hat collage

If you’re one of those ladies who’s bought a few winter hats because of how cute they are- but can’t figure out how to wear them with purpose…Then, take a look at my video clip for some practical styling tips.  Try these out and see if you can revamp those beauties you’ve got hidden in some pretty hat box at the far end of your closet.  And…do let me know- send me a pic- I love seeing women styling hats!

Watch my Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErCxVULXYzU

#confessionoftheday: I secretly long for those days when, as a little girl, my mom used to take me to Eaton’s (remember that department store in the 60’s- 70’s?)- all the customers were elegantly dressed.  The women wore fancy hats, gloves and marvelous coats. Shopping was a chic and very big ordeal (well at least that’s what I thought!)  I used to love taking the elevator just because it was operated by the ladies in uniform.  Do you guys remember that?  I guess that’s wear my love of hats…and styling of course, began.

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Why (not ‘What’) Are You Wearing…?

Doors are symbolic to me.  Whether it’s in real life or in dreams, I always get some sort of message or feeling when I see doors.  I took this photo several weeks ago and yet it only speaks to me today.  New beginnings, new things, are coming my way.  Like we’ve heard before; when one door closes- another one opens.

So today, this is still a styling post, but with much more meaning to it.  I’m to let what has passed, be at rest and in peace…and look ahead to what more, life has to offer.  I’m to not look behind in grief, but rather be graciously thankful for that past that is now allowing me to go forward.

I wasn’t thinking such thoughts when I took this picture; it’s only now that I was browsing through which pics to post, that it spoke to me this way.  Grieving is a personal process, but when you feel you get a strong message that you alone can interpret, then it’s something real that you can’t just set aside.

My message came in strong for me and I just love the way this pic has such a ready-to-go feel.  It’s a happy and ready photo.  Styling is a passion and so is fashion- but it is way for me.  There’s always something behind what you choose to wear and what pics you choose to post.  I really believe styling up is a creative outlet and a form of expression.

Today I encourage you to look back at some of your photos and see what you can read from them just by how you styled up your outfit- or where the pic was taken.  Everything is pre-conceived; even when you just throw on ‘any old thing’.  It has meaning- and basically, by wearing; you’re expressing.

Which outfit styling photos of yours speak out to you?

#confessionoftheday: My dad (95), who recently passed away during the holidays this year, would not want me to put my life on hold.  He would want me to move forward and lunge…after all, it’s from him that I’ve inherited my strong will and perseverance.  Thanks Papa.

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I support sustainable fashion and wearing and re-styling what’s already in your closet;  Thrifted vintage Givenchy.

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November’s Fashion Review: What Lucy Wore

November is gone! This year, October’s gloomy sister was a cold creepy nag wouldn’t you say?

I personally believe that November is the perfect month to break up the gloomies with a quick getaway. Somewhere that makes you feel like summer wasn’t too far gone; while the holidays are on their way…Welcome American Black Friday! A shopping girl’s ‘almost’ favourite time of year. Doesn’t make November seem so dreary after all!

This November I enjoyed quite a few favourite outfits. Blacks win my heart- that’s just the way it is. So this short cape over a grey turtleneck and tights seemed just right. Most of these pieces are from Le Chateau. Le Chateau offers great style at affordable prices- you never can miss.

Still in black mode- I love to take it up a notch with a bit of a retro look. This outfit was so practical and comfy. H & M short knit skirt; Guess wool sweater, Roberto Cavalli handbag, Givenchy sunglasses; Le Chateau boots.

It was also time to take out my reversible leopard print coat. Animal print makes me feel so glamorous.

I just have to tell you about my new tights obsession!! Have you heard of From Rachel? She is a Quebec designer who makes the most original tights. They are so stylish!! I bought several pairs with different motifs. Here I’m wearing them with my knit green sweater dress from Le Chateau (have you noticed how much I like shopping there?).

Red mood…as I was psyching myself up for the holidays soon approaching. Love these Cowboy boots that I’ve had a few years now. Such a conversation piece!

All geared up for work in black (the only color I’m actually allowed to wear – I’m almost thankful for that!). Totally in my element;) Marciano dress, and From Rachel tights (dressy ones!).

And then it was off to Florida! My November fashion turned into a Summovember mood! Jeans and loose blouses were favourites.

My Trussardi shorts and a pair of ruffled pants by Lucca Couture, that I got at the Black Friday sales, became my go-to’s.I also brought along a short white leather jacket, by Guess- perfect with almost all my outfits.

I could not live without my Mathilde handbag! From the plane, to shopping, to out for dinner- I wore this bag everywhere. In its gorgeous camel beige color; it just fit right in, always! Both my Gucci belt and my vintage Nina Ricci; worn all the time.

Back home- back to black! I love these leopard print booties by Charles David!! I got them for a steal at Saks Off while in Florida.

Last day of November, for a Blogittogether Event here in Montreal, I wore my Miu Miu skirt with boat top and Fiorucci top (and my can’t-live-without Gucci belt of course!) I was tanned enough and the weather mild enough that I wore my over the knee platform boots without tights (Montreal weather!)- but hey…it wasn’t quite December yet!

#confessionoftheday: I could not hold back on that American Black Friday…boots, boots, and- more boots. Le sigh.

Ready for December?  Stay tuned!

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Vintage – Only Gets Better with Age

Due to fast fashion, the Vintage rule has now changed from 50 years to 10. Meaning that if you bought something in, say, 2008, it can now be called one of your vintage collectibles. But let’s be clear here, unless it’s a sentimental piece or a high quality item, we can’t just be calling any old thing, “vintage”. That being said, everything’s relative- because if you’re not planning on reselling, then the value you place on it is your own.

I personally hold on to stuff I really love and that is also dear to me. When it comes to housewares- I’ll keep almost all that’s valuable that was passed on to me through generations. Same goes for jewelry and heirlooms. But-When it comes to clothing, I don’t always care in the same sentimental kind of way. Clothing pieces that I keep are first and foremost quality items that I originally purchased because I loved them. Secondly, they must fit me well while being versatile and adaptable enough for me to re-wear and give it a new beginning.

There are just some things that I cannot part with…jackets are my big, big weakness. (We’ll get into handbags another time;) I prefer my vintage items to be suitable for the times and have an edgy and original look. I don’t really mind if the look is rather quirky and a bit outrageous.

If I can give one bit of advice that I use for myself…just make sure that your ‘oldy’ does not actually date YOU. What do I mean? Well, let’s just say you want to wear a look from the 50’s. For some younger women, a whole entire look may work just fine. However, there’s a good chance that if, for example, I were to wear this, I could be mistaken for being stuck in an era. It can be an automatic ‘ager’. That’s not so cool. Avoid this by making sure you always match up your vintage with something very ‘in’ right now. This will add pizzazz, novelty and trendiness to your look. Basically, don’t unnecessarily bring old age upon yourself- just modernize it!

Remember: Vintage is for fashion, glamour, reminiscence, colour, texture and originality. Vintage should be artsy and FUN!

Jacket by Victoria Kyriakides, bought in Thessaloniki, Greece (about 20 years ago- I swear it’s brand new- I’ve only worn it maybe 5 times!). Maryjanes haven’t graduated to vintage yet…Spring 2018, Isaac Mizrahi.

#confessionoftheday : I’m secretly more excited about re- wearing a good vintage piece, than when I wear something new for the first time. Maybe it’s like that saying about women and wine…I’ll drink to that (wink, wink;)

What’s your favourite vintage piece?

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