“Chic is no longer synonymous with elegance…The new fashion is unconstrained, bold, solid and realist.” By….
I’ll reveal the author a bit later- and you’ll understand why. But at face value, how relevant is this quote?
All is in the word ‘elegance’. If elegance is a behaviour, reflecting grace, poise and so on- than I think you the statement is false- because you can’t be chic without elegance! Now- if elegance refers to the quality and allure of the clothing you are wearing then I agree: you don’t need elegance to be chic!
For purposes of this quote, I’m pretty sure fashion wanted to rid itself of clothing that were both stuffy, restrictive and referring to class status. BECAUSE the quote was written by Vogue pre -WW2!! ” Chic is no longer synonymous with elegance…The new fashion is unconstrained, bold, solid and realist.” By Vogue 1936
So back then, there was a need to break away from the stuffiness and class distinctions. Fashion was going through so many cultural changes- and – it was also the upcoming of Hollywood.
Today, we can certainly be chic without any stuffiness or class distinctions. You can be chic in a tee-shirt and jeans- style is everything. And that’s what’s key- it’s all about style over fashion. As for elegance- it’s all in the style, poise and mannerism. That my Darlings, never goes out of style!
In today’s LOTD- I find this cute loungewear look quite chic, bold, unconstrained and realistic- just like the quote! Velvet yoga pants and this divine Bellelily Tee Shirt! I love Blondie! It definitely is all about chic style! 😊
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!)
This book is absolutely delicious. True to Iris style, the book is as colourful and entertaining visually as it is to read. Do not confuse this one as a mere coffee table book (I mean it’s gorgeous enough to be that)- but it’s way more. This is a delightful read into Iri’s life with some preciously detailed moments – both of her personal and business life. I honestly couldn’t put this one down. So many passages that had me discovering new things about Iris and I can’t rave enough about the nostalgia it stirred within me. It made me long for glitsy New York times. I love this woman’s spirit and her no-nonsense way of looking at things. Delightful!
I highly recommend this to all unique fashionistas with a flare for originality- and to everyone else out there- because she is incredibly real, fun, pragmatic and ever- so relatable!!!
Could not put this down! Cunningham, the genius force behind the columns! More than a street fashion photographer and fashion reporter, Bill set the trends and pace for fashion. Everyone wanted to be photographed by him! But before that, what was his story? Oh this is so much fun to read!! Hat designer and creator firstly as well as store visual merchandiser- Bill talks about how all that fanned out for him. He writes such a humorous memoir filled with incredible details of fun and mischief. So down to earth and ready to take chances out of any situation- his life is so colourful and amazing. He brings in society, politics, disco- he pulls this altogether as we take a ride into his world. More than a fun read, you will adore the sense of history and be drawn right into his life. You will love this!! A real love affair with fashion.
You’ve seen me use a quote from this one last week in my post: Be Unique…Fashion Quotes I Will Fashionably Live By This little gem is not only delightful, but also so enlightening- especially when you consider the eras the quotes were written in. Different perspectives on fashion depending on the times makes these more than just mere quotes. If you dig deeper and put it in context, the meanings can be totally re-interpreted, depending on one’s own perspectives. This is probably why quotes are meant to live forever as they are so adaptable (for the most part..and if not- well how interesting is that?!). Fascinating little book which I’ll not only read for the fun of it- but I actually have a whole series based around it! Anyone who loves fashion will for sure relate to this! Love it!
The next three books are more professional in nature- but no less engaging and interesting for anyone with a flare and love for both history and fashion.
There is so much that can be learned from history through the study of fashion apparel. How people lived, fought and loved, are only a few of the things that can be discovered by looking deeply into what may seem to be but an ordinary dress of the past. Dr. Mida proves how effective minute research in this area can be both beneficial to uncovering a multitude of clues that draw you right to the depths of the most intimate part of a person’s life. True detective work, with all the steps involved in really looking and ‘seeing’, to ultimately discovering. Prior to this book, I had never stopped to think of how such details (or the research method) in pursuit of these, could lead to the vast possibilities of revealing the most incredible discoveries!
This book will be of utmost value to anyone who loves both fashion history and apparel- it brings a different dimension to the way we look and appreciate what people of the past actually wore. It helps bring the human aspect even closer, rendering history all the more fascinating. I’m definitely incorporating parts of this book into my teaching of fashion history. But there’s also pure pleasure in reading and discovering all the goodies in this book, just for the fun and interest of it all.
I’m not sure if fashion junkies are alone in noting that everything in fashion is paralleled by, or submersed into, art? If you have never really pondered on that, I suggest you start observing – And – what better way than doing so than by referring to this magnificent book! Truly an awakening on how to really appreciate works of art and their defining of culture and society through art and fashion. Two realms that seemed independent of each other are truly intertwined. This book’s analogy certainly helps give us clarity and better understanding of people and their lives specifically by reading fashion in art. I truly enjoyed the spark this book lit up for me- from one chapter to the next. Not only is Reading Fashion in Art visually splendid, the way it is analyzed and broken up for us to truly appreciate and understand the contents and the relevance of such a study, is what did it for me. I shall for sure use this one in my History of Fashion Courses. But not only that! I can only imagine how all this info will surely entice many conversations for fashion lovers alike.
Next: For all you fashion up-cyclists out there, here’s a twist on things; why not try some upbeat mending!
Mend! by Kate Sekules is a book like no other. No seriously, I really didn’t know what to expect, other than a guide to get me started on Visual Mending (or VM as she calls it). Instead, I got so much more than that! I learned about the history- of mending and stitching and the people behind it- creators too. This was so insightful, because believe me when I tell you that such historical information is incredibly hard to find – or for the most part- nonexistent. All this detailed info written in such a fun, easy-to-read manner, had me devouring this book in 2 days. Obviously the book will stick around me for more than that, since now I can’t wait to get started with the stitching practice part!
You all know me to be crazy about transforming and DIY’ing all my clothes and that which I thrift- so it’s no lie that this is just feeding my addiction like nothing else these days. My Mom was an Invisible weaver (mender) and through her I learned this almost-lost art. Now I’m thrilled to apply more VM to beautify and personalize my craft. Will also be using this book in the workshops I give at school. I’m so motivated- what a terrific book!
What books have you been reading lately?
#Confessionoftheday:I’m totally addicted to fashion books- of any sort. Seriously I want to own them all. Whether it’s for reading pleasure; teaching source; decorating; cutting up for projects; antique collecting. I always have a reason- and honestly- I’m not looking for a cure!
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!)
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 our theme this time we chose pre-loved “Sparkle”
Well you all know, sparkly is actually something I practically wanna wear on a daily basis- so imagine how thrilled I am for this month’s theme! As a matter of fact this is almost a problem for me…what do I choose?! (I have TOO MUCH sparkly stuff- and I love it all equally lol!! )
So…Without further ..!
For this challenge, I’ve chosen a sequin bustier. Why? Sequin is soo good for the morale- it brings glow to everything you wear- and it makes you smile. Second, a bustier is great over almost anything: a top, a dress, a blouse, a turtleneck, a jumpsuit- find me something it can’t enhance! I honestly think that every woman should have at least one bustier in her closet- at the very least! And if it’s going to be just one- then make sure it’s a sequin one.
What brought me to choose this black sequin little gem of a bustier? Well, I did promise my fashionistas who follow me for tips and trends- that sequin is on all the runways for fall and winter, and that I’d style that up for you- so what better time than now! And the best part? Everything I’ve styled up here today has been thrifted: from the necklace all the way down to the boots. How cool is that for gorgeous finds??
So, I have this darling, colorful Dimora dress that I absolutely love, but on its own…it truly makes me look drabby and matronly 😱. But the colours are just too good and I really wanna wear it! So, here comes a bustier to change it all up while adding a good dose of pizzazz! I jumped for joy when I thrifted this one a few years back. I collect great accessories so I was thrilled with this sequin darling. I do classify bustiers as accessories, as I rarely, if ever wear, them on their own. They are just the right thing to enhance any outfit. Take a look at how I styled up this one and tell me this outfit doesn’t make for great conversation😊
Check out how my Thrifty Six Sistas styling up their Sparkle!
When Jane gave us the theme Sparkle, I immediately thought of my new glitter sweater! Wait….new???? We are The Thrifty Six! Oeps. I almost started to shop for a pre loved sparkly item and then ther light bulb started to glow! Yes, my, new to me, pre loved metallic silver looking skirt! I love this skirt. It’s so stretchy ans easy to wear and yet so cool! Huray for sparkles!
When Jane chose sparkles as the theme this month, I used it as an opportunity to use my limited time 50% off coupon at my local Thrifty Shopper. That is where I found most of this outfit! The sequined chambray jacket might be my favorite thrifted item ever. I love the style, the color, and the fun sparkles! The little black skirt and my graphic tee shirt are both bedazzled with lots of rhinestone sparkles as well. The jacket and tee shirt were both marked $4.99 and the skirt was marked $5.99. With my coupon, I paid $8 for all three pieces! My beaded bag was also a thrift shop find from Salvation Army and I paid $3 for it. Since we were going sparkly, I had to wear sparkle footwear as well. These gray shimmery booties are from Torrid a few years ago. And my Happiness Boutique Necklace and Earrings were the perfect accessories to showcase an outfit that’s all about the sparkle!
When I found out the theme for this month’s Thrifty Six collab was sparkle I knew I had to wear this dress. It is the perfect antidote to the long, dark evenings and depressing news we’re bombarded with daily. When I bought it on eBay I had absolutely no idea when or where I would get to wear it, but I’m not always a practical shopper. Sometimes it’s good to let the heart rule the head!
“I instantly knew I wanted to style this sparkly rust-colored sweater for this month’s collab! Unfortunately, it was raining and very cold on photoshoot day, so I had to adjust my outfit to add a lil’ extra warmth. You can’t really tell in these pics, but I swear the sweater is sparkly! It has the prettiest gold threads throughout—a perfect outfit for Thanksgiving.”
We will be back next month with another pre loved theme!
Another full week of family, styling and fashion in this realm of the woods. We were blessed her in Montreal with summer-like weather and I am so grateful for that! The longer winter stays away, the happier I am!
I kicked off the week in this gorgeous Eva Varro outfit. I adore the eclectic mix of colours in the jacket. Together with the electric blue joggers, this outfit was an automatic cool chic. And- nothing is better than being dressed up and feeling amazing and comfy at the same time. The fabric is everything. From great fit that brings out your best while camouflaging the rest! I love this outfit from the Eva Varro collection! Take a look:
Then, on Wednesday I had fun styling up with a group of amazing ladies up on Insta for our every second week # wearitonwednesday challenge. And this week it was all about vests! Here is a look at my vest:
I love leatherette and pairing this vest with black leggings (also pleather in the front) was a simple but fun match. Giving me all the biker girl vibes! Rocking this mood all Wednesday long!
And now for my FAVOURITE FASHION DIVA from the Linkup Party is… Cheryl of Cheryl Shops ! I love red with animal print and she styled this up so beautifully. In her post she also shows her other gorgeous outfit ideas.
My FAVOURITE READ from the Linkup Party was by: Jill of Doused in Pink for her Holiday Gift Guide for Her. So many new ideas to pick from. I love lists of suggestions- don’t you?
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!)
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!
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!
Reflection is an ongoing process…but of not much use unless you push it forward with some action. I’m pushing myself to learn more and make a difference. It’s a work in progress. But I am hopeful. The key reminder is that we are ALL God’s children.
I’m so happy that this message gets passed along throughout our blogging community – it’s so important!! So I want to thank Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge for featuring it as well!!
As for styling- well it’s been such a fun week of print mixing and color smashing (been keeping my Styling Students on their toes!!). You can read my post here.
Last Week’sLINK UP FAVOURITES:
I picked 4!! INSPIRATION, HISTORY, FASHION, and Most Clicked!
1- For an amazing heart-felt, inspirational and urgently needed read– head on over to Ashley’s Blog: Le Style Rouge
2-Do you know the history of Kimonos?? If you don’t you should head over to High Latitude Style and read Nicole’s post. It is so interesting!!
3- And for my favourite fashion look: Check out Shelbee on the Edge’s post here. Should she really say good-bye to this look…OMG- please keep this and REWEAR, darling, it’s just too good!!
And then… Ialso remembered that I never shared my Lip Plumping Trick with you my fabulous Divas!! How can I forget this. Honestly, it works like a charm (without injections…well at least so far!). Here’s the clip for this.
Weekend is here! Does that even make any difference these days? We can’t lose track- so we gotta make it fabulous!
This series is all about those things I’ve loved this week (and the one prior since this is my first Fabulous Fridays segment!)- and some maybe a bit less.
I’m missing my hairdresser terribly! But I’ve been lucky to have her ship me my root color. It turned out pretty good (thanks to my daughter who lives with me and is also a hairdresser), and my blow drying wasn’t bad either!
Still on the beauty topic, I learned a nifty hack for applying mascara! Just bend the tip! You can watch here:
First things, I had a blast during my #chic robes challenge- loved how so many participated! Have also been joining a few other challenges on Instagram. The Hodge- Podge Challenge-by Audrey of Affectionately Audrey– was such a hoot!
She’s actually mixing 8 prints here!!
You had to keep adding prints every day to your look. Not easy- but super challenging and fun!
Blame it on the weather! But I did so enjoy watching those who tagged us. If you do walk and talk and want to join our movement just tag me @lucybertoldi and @livingoncloudnine and we’ll put you in our stories.
What else? Correcting last minute and putting together new lesson plans for summer courses beginning net week.
Oh, here’s a quick and hearty recipe of what I made:
In the crockpot: onions, chick peas, boneless chicken thighs, potatoes, tomato coulis. Add olive oil and your favourite spices. Turn on high for 4 hours. Voila!
I have to say that the highlight of this week in fashion for me has been learning about this amazing 91 year-old Georgian Fashionista- MUST WATCH!!
See you next week- Have a Fabulous Weekend my Beautiful Divas , Lucy xx
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!
![Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon by [Iris Apfel]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51R87-0jixL.jpg)
