#Confessionoftheday: I am seriously addicted to clothing, footwear and accessories. In that order.
Now, how do I deal with this. So, a big part of accumulating these loves of mine has to do with shopping. I’ve worked on refraining this part quite a bit. In fact, since before Christmas, I’ve been on a serious shopping hiatus.
The real reason for this though has become deeper than just to keep my shopping addiction at bay. I’m seriously- and have been for awhile- considering the tragic effects that fast fashion is costing our planet. As a fashion teacher, I definitely have to set some sort of example as I am teaching the designers and students of the future how to create more sustainably!
Last week was the anniversary of 2013’s catastrophic industrial and historical event that happened in Bangladesh. To sum it up, I copied this quote from the Take Action page of Fashion Revolution.org link here
“Fashion Revolution Week happens every year in the week surrounding the 24th of April. This date is the anniversary of the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse. Rana Plaza, a building in Bangladesh, housed a number of garment factories, employing around 5,000 people.The people in this building were manufacturing clothing for many of the biggest global fashion brands.Over 1,100 people died in the collapse and another 2,500 were injured, making it the fourth largest industrial disaster in history. The victims were mostly young women. Thats when Fashion Revolution started.”
I participated by choosing my mom’s gorgeous top which was part of the gown she wore as Mother-of the Bride. It has such a special meaning to me- and that’s what Love Story is about. You pick a garment that has sentimental value to you and make a Love Story around it.
This fabric…
And the workmanship…made 34 years ago!
This is how my Beautiful Mamma wore it 34 years ago on my wedding day. It was worn with a beautiful long satin golden-amber skirt.
If you watch my youtube video (scroll down)- I explain the whole story behind this top…as well as my mom’s own contribution and love for fashion and design.
Here is how I styled this beautifully tailor-made- top that means the world to me!
See that you don’t have to wear it all dressed up for a special occasion anymore!
I’ve created my own Love Story video for Fashion Revolution 2020 – and its #haulternative. Watch it here:
If you want to create your own Love Story video, or letter, or haul…Check out Fashion Revolution and download the How-to section and use the hashtag: #haulternative
If you do go to their site, you can download all sorts of guides to be part of the movement to make fashion more sustainable and raise awareness. I encourage you to go check it out. Yes, the event is passed but the movement must never stop!!
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!
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!
Fact: Carrie Bradshaw is my fashion muse. I’m completely obsessed with her styling. Where do you think my love for mixing patterns, styles and colors comes from? And that whole thing with her being a writer…another thing we both have in common.
So, as I bring you fashion inspiration here and on my Insta feed, it got me pondering about what Carrie might be wearing if she were in quarantine. Hmm, based on what she wore, it would probably be original, creative, laissez-faire – but most of all, fun!
Let’s look at some of her looks from Sex in the City and see how she can inspire us during this confinement time.
Let’s start by rummaging in our own closets. Ahh we should all look at our wardrobes in such an endearing way- just look at her whole demeanour!
And trying on some of your clothes and just dress up for the fun of it!
And maybe doing some unboxing of things you haven’t had a chance to wear yet!
Choosing the right fresh looks that are both invigorating and yet still laid back- like this cutesy shirt outfit!
Putting your feet up to relax while still upholding a bit a glam…maybe sipping something cool…confinement at its best!
Or maybe a cutesy Tee with motif pants just for hanging out and chit chatting on the phone, catching up with people you miss seeing.
But a girl’s gotta work- and that doesn’t mean staying in your pj’s just because you’re working from home…unless that’s your statement for the day. Check out all these cute looks Carrie wears while hammering away at her laptop…
How chic is this?And this one!Slip dress!Love the KImono look! Every working girl needs a Rolling Stones Tee. Something about pearls and the feeling they give you…ahhh! Adorable little dress… Dresses can be darling as well as super comfy (just look at how she’s sitting!) And…we still have to eat…so for a quick trip to the grocery store- look how cute! And obviously if it really were during this quarantine- betcha Carrie would have the ultimate fashionable mask! Ok…This has got to be my very favourite grocery shopping look! And we can’t forget puppy duty! Isn’t this outfit da bomb?! Just try not to get closer than 2 meters from others! And after all that…just call it a day! Adorable silk top and she’s got her blanky to snuggle…luxury! And it starts all over again in the morning…Back to the closet!
Hope you’ve enjoyed these ‘what would Carrie wear during confinement’ moments! Keeps me dreaming of fun styling whatever the situation. And now…Back to Work!!!!
How are you styling your looks during this quarantine? Please let me know in your comments.
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!
Jeans and I have a love-hate relationship. Here’s my theory (and many of you are not going to like it):
Not everyone looks good in jeans; but everyone can look good in jeans. This is especially true when it comes to trends. As well, I don’t believe that all jeans are comfortable. Denim, in general is not a draping dream… It’s stiff, and if it weren’t for spandex that has now helped reinvent it- it’s just a rigid, resistant fabric.
So, how do you make jeans work? How can you look good and comfortable at the same time?
You have to find the right fit for you. And that too is not as simple as it sounds. Jeans have to work for you- not the other way around. Here are some of the tricks I’ve given clients throughout the years (and that this Montreal Diva uses for herself as well!).
Loose, or baggy jeans are not just for gardening. These can be so comfy without ditching style. Belt them up and wear some heels- it will change the look completely.
As well, I get that some slouchy jeans can make your back side look less than appealing…so why not top them with a cardi, loose kimono, or long- oversized blouse? This is also great for camouflaging, ladies;)
Another way is to steal the attention away from the jeans, so that you still feel stylish and comfy. Let your top be the star and focus point! Try this for yourself- you’ll thank me later. Notice how my top (and booties) in this next pic, stand out. Another trick is hem design (draws the eye from the boots right to the hem)!
A good sleeve is another big actor in this scene. Sleeves can be theatrical (stealing the show gain!)…starting to see the pattern here? Accentuating with a tight tank or vest also draws the eye to your seemingly smaller waist- and keeps the eyes on the top altogether.
Along those same lines a long top over a pair of skinny or straight jeans can give the appearance of you being a lot slimmer than you actually are (even – even if they’re low waisted). Pair that with some cute booties and let’s just say that those jeans .you only partially see them) look so dang cute!
Speaking of skinny jeans…Pair them with a jacket and immediately you’ve gotten yourself a more complete look! Now the eye goes from top to bottom- it’s cohesive- looks stylish and is super comfy. If you can find a long jean jacket like this one below even better! This length does not cut you off at the waist. Reaching your hips, it takes away any emphasis away from the tummy or behind (or hips- read below).
I can’t rave enough about bell bottoms… and- high waist. Yeah, you read that right. Bell bottoms look great for both curvy and slim shapes. If you’re heavier at the hips, I recommend that you wear (as shown above) a longer jacket if you want to sport your skinnies. But let me just say that if you want a balanced look: a tighter fit from hip to knee and then a flair, balances you out and is way more flattering in every way. Plus, they look absolutely fabulous with platforms (the higher the better!). In this style, you can easily cinch your waist (thick or thin) with a cute belt- and the look will be irresistible; something that can’t be pulled off too well with a low waist pair of jeans. (Key word: muffin).
While I’m on the subject of bell bottoms- or any jean for that matter- a white blouse should be a staple in your wardrobe. It freshens up the look and always seems to make the blue in your jeans pop. I love this contrast so much. As well, white is also the eye-catcher in a jean situation- and as we’ve seen, if you want to wear what you want when it comes to jeans…well then, you always need a show stopper match to help you achieve that!
And then there’s the mono-chromatic look! This is a natural body slimmer. As much as I love me a good print, nothing beats mono-chromatic for making me look put together when I’m in jeans. This look automatically elongates and camouflages all those areas we want kept to ourselves;) Can you imagine an all black jean look? Right?
But if you insist on having your jeans steal the show- then make sure you mean it! You can certainly have fabulous jeans that are the center of your look’s attention- but make sure they are so fabulous that every other part of you that’s not playing, is just an after thought. These jeans are what I’m talking about!
So there you have it. If you don’t want to have a love-hate relationship with your jeans, follow my tips and own your style! Remember: You wear the jeans, don’t let the jeans wear you!
#Confessionoftheday: This love relationship is cyclical; it comes and goes. Like a roller-coaster ride. I guess I’m in it for the excitement. Way to go Levis!
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!
