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!)
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!)
Thought this styling exercise might come in handy. Just because at a time when we fashion lovers need to do the most we can to keep clothes out of landfills- it’s a good idea to put good styling habits back into perspective. What’s the purpose?
Well, for starters, when you’re well-styled, feel good and the fit is right- chances are you’ll get more (and longer) use of your outfits- and that’s a step in the right direction. So here are some of the tips for practice that I usually recommend to get the best styling looks while working with what you’ve got!
Let’s do a Getting Styled with Lucy, Exercise.
Part 1: VISUAL
At home: Take a LOVING (and I do mean loving) look at yourself and figure out what your best features are. (And come-on, you Do know what those are). That will be the first thing to focus on when styling: Wear what accentuates those best features.
First, browse through magazines, online runways… what attracts you most? Is it color? Patterns? What speaks to you (forget the negatives of “Oh I could never wear that. Bad vibes)”. This is an exercise so go with it. When you’re ready to go shopping, head for local or sustainable designers, thrift or vintage places, slow fashion movement outlets,Then: look for what inspired you.
Huge Point to work on: Let go of your neutrals if you have already a lot of those; go for colour! (Try it vice versa if you’re a color-go-to gal).
Now…just by eying it does it look like it might accentuate what you wish it will? (Example of this could be: a mini if you’ve got gorgeous long legs; detail in a low cut top that oughta make your girls look even more attractive; mid-calf pants for those pretty ankles of yours; form fitting top that shows off those beautiful straight cut shoulders; for your gorgeous back…a backless dress with detailed attention back there…I could go on and on..).
Part 2: TACTILE
Now that you’ve zoomed in on what you find attractive and gives you that feel good feeling…hone in on the quality. If it’s fast fashion…it won’t be made to last. But if you go with designers that are working on sustainability from fibre and textile selection right down to who’s making your garment; you’re on the right track. Go for quality vs trends!
Once you’ve got that down-packed, feel the texture (after all it will be touching your body, so it may as well feel delightful!). This is a huge one, because sometimes we may go ga-ga on a print and know it’s well made, but then the fabric is not quite what we had in mind in terms of comfort and drape.
Part 3: KINETIC & SENSORY
Before we even get into this- here’s an absolute Must: Make sure you know a great seamstress, or that you know how to sew yourself. Without this, I’m afraid your look will never be A+. Make this a priority.
So now you try on baby! And with that try on comes the determination of if it fits right. Is it pulling too snug- you need a bigger size. With the bigger size there’s no more pulling but at places it looks too big…That’s where you need that seamstress, or your own (even if minor) sewing skills! It’s all about: Adjusting, adjusting, adjusting!
So now that we’re able to make it fit; move around in it. Is it comfortable or do you feel trapped in a concoction? You need to be able to move like you were born in it!
You can move! Are you feeling terrific in it? That’s where you need to be at. The mood it brings is Everything.
If something still feels a bit off- RECHECK how well it’s accentuating your best features!!
Less Is More…
MAJOR TIP here: If something is competing with your best feature; that’s not optimal. What am I saying? Example: Ok- Cleavage looks great, and so do those legs. PICK which you wanna show: Legs or cleavage? Not both. They will compete and somehow the look gets lost. Plus, the outfit may turn into one that you hadn’t planned on at all (it could also distract or attract- not sure which is better. So just don’t). Trust me on this one.
Part 4: THE FUTURE
WHAT OTHER PLANS do you have for this new closet arrival?
Will you only wear it once? You need to seriously think about this. In my styling process, I know that NO outfit comes out only once. You need to be able to wear and re-wear it without it looking old or passe.
To Keep in mind before you decide to Ka-ching, Ka-ching…
Are you willing to keep on making it look new? If so, you gotta have a plan. We already talked about getting chummy with a seamstress- The next are equally important:
ACCESSORIZING: This can make a world of difference in changing it up to keep giving it a fresh and modern look. Think hats, necklaces; long or short or multiple; new makeup- or hair-do; adding jackets; changing shoes can change a look; changing handbags; adding a scarf…Invest your creativity in this area big time.
WASH/CARE Instructions: Read religiously.
TIME FOR A FACE-LIFT Once you’re done with all the aforementioned quick fixes, at some point your outfit may need a face-lift. Think: Upcycling or refashioning it with a good DIY (keep the seamstress buddy on fast-dial- or try your own!). I can personally vouch for this one as I am most well-known for how I diy just about all of my clothes – and those of my clients too!).
A NEW LIFE- A NEW BEGINNING:And then comes a time when you just need to say good-bye. Think of either selling it online; giving it to charity or goodwill; doing a clothes swap; or simply passing it on to a good friend or relative. The time has come.
Ladies, there you have it! Following these steps will ensure that you’re happy with your purchase, how it looks, how it makes you feel and ultimately how good it can be for the planet!
Here’s an example of how this exercise worked for me:
This is NOT a top! I just could not pull it down past my hips!!
1-Visual: Mini dress -Having decided that my legs are a good feature- I love prints in hues of blue and burgundy- colors bring life to my face
2-Tactile: I love the feel of silk- great quality- purchased some 10 years ago in Rome (locally made)
3-Sensory Kinetic: Draped beautifully- felt so fresh on the skin- breathable. Definitely a great dopamine feeling when wearing it.
4-The Future: Done the accessorizing. Kept it new and fresh by observing the care instructions. I’m presently at the FACE-LIFTING STAGE.
So why do I need to give it a face-lift? Well, firstly I’m not yet ready to give it away for its new life! BUT- it no longer fits (blame the Quarantine!).
DIY it is! Here’s the result:
Seriously…How cute is this?!
Watch the Video to see how I did this:
And now…ANOUNCING: Favourite Fashion Styling Diva of the Week
I‘ve decided to add this section to my blog!!
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.
You know I love me some bright color and a good print! How elegantly superb is this look?!
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!
