Tag: Mtl Fashion blogger

TUESDAY LINKS:

Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas

Jenerally Informed

WEDNESDAY LINKS:

Jersey Girl Texan Heart

Straight A Style Blog

THURSDAY LINKS:

Thursday Moda by Elegance & Mommyhood

North West Mountain Living

FRIDAY Links:

I also do a Link Party every Friday! Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva

August 4, 2020 6

Fashionphile Focus #7: When Fashion is Your Muse- Part 2

It would be impossible for me to speak about Fashion as my Muse without any reference to historical attire. As we all know, everything in fashion repeats itself; or comes back in some form or another.

Designers are always referring to the past when they create- And what a rich source of inspiration that can be! Alexander McQueen was notorious for doing this! He loved Victorian and Gothic fashion and it can be seen in his own designs.

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How does this even relate to us?? These designs are at the very top of creativity. These are a springboard for all other creatives to base themselves on and to produce garments that have a nuance or taste of these beauties. Consequently, they create tones or patterns or cuts that we can actually wear and keep looking trendy.

Hard to imagine? Not really-You already own some of these ‘historical fashion’ items! Let’s see; do you own…

Flair sleeve tops?

Bell sleeve tops?

Ruffled blouses?

Hoop skirts?

Long dresses or skirts?

Velvet pants or jacket?

Chunky gold accessories?

Platform shoes?

Ankle booties?

Ballerinas?

Button-down vests or jackets?

Turtlenecks?

High-collar shirts?

Gloves?

Lace (something or other)?

This list can go on and on!!

So it’s no wonder that designers need to rehash what has already been done and bring back with a twist of their own. From there, the rest of us will end up buying (or thrifting!) diluted forms of these creations. So why not take some of those incredible elements and bring them into our own styling?

Here are more designers getting inspired by history:

The genius, Galliano and his take:

Givenchy:

And- I could not write about this without making note of fashion’s all-time bad boy- who also plucked his creativity straight from the past…Here are some of Jean Paul Gauthier’s creations.

When his Exhibit came to Montreal, I just had to go! Here’s a mini clip of one magnificent ‘caged’ creation taken right out of the ‘pallier’ times.

And as for myself, I can’t really pinpoint which part of the history inspired my own two dresses (for when my daughters got married both in the same year- 3 months apart). But I know that the inspiration and idea of these two designs (I helped co-create) were definitely a spin-off from the past. What do you think?

STAY TUNED for the last part of this Fashion is My Muse Edition, for next week when I highlight my Historical Muses…You’re gonna love them!

Here’s a glimpse:

#Confessionoftheday: My go-to inspiration will forever be a fantastically dramatic sleeve…and I wonder where I got that inspiration from…past life for sure lol!

1-Source

2-Source

Oh and, So happy that my post: Fabulous Friday’s Linkup and Runway Talk was featured in IFB on Links a la Mode!!

Here are the featured bloggers chosen by IFB:

What is your body shape? by LaMoumous
Fabulous Friday’s Linkup and Runway Talk by Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva, by Lucy Bertoldi
Best Advice for Working from Home by Bombshell Whims

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I love this blogging community so much! (Click on the Links below to see where I go read, comment and link up every week!)

MONDAY LINKS

TUESDAY LINKS:

Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas

Jenerally Informed

WEDNESDAY LINKS:

Jersey Girl Texan Heart

Straight A Style Blog

THURSDAY LINKS:

Thursday Moda by Elegance & Mommyhood

North West Mountain Living

FRIDAY Links:

I also do a Link Party every Friday! Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva

July 21, 2020 27

DIY: How to add Crochet to a Bustier!

Starting off the week with a different type of styling tip! Why not re-cycle or re-fashion something you love by somehow ‘crafting’ it? That’s exactly what I did with this little bustier!

First of all, it became too tight! But- I didn’t want to get rid of it- I find it was such a good layering piece. This is what it looked like before:

First I created a border for the length (needed more coverage and it was no longer good where it ended in my middle section). Then, I decided to open up one side (the other has a zipper so that’s too complicated). And I crocheted an extension! Then, in order to balance out the two sides, I crocheted two separate pieces and sewed them along the zipper sides. This created a more balanced illusion. By also stitching on a crochet border to the shoulder straps- my look became complete!

Et Voila!

My daughter says she’ll borrow it too (that’s always a good sign…or is it?). She, though, will wear it like a tank- nothing under- bless her cute little bod😊

If I have to be quite honest here- the crochet part was the easiest. I did have to use quite a bit of imagination to recreate and ‘make fit’ the idea I had in mind. But in the end, it all worked out!

You can watch my clip here:

If you’d like to see someone who is a real pro at this? Check out my goddaughter on Instagram: @CROCHETKAT27 She inspires me so much- hope I’m making her proud😊

As for my Styling Students; I’m challenging you this week with this! Remember our motto to Refashion and Rewear!

#Confessionoftheweek: Haven’t been confessing a great deal have I? Well, I’m back to say that as good as this may look…it wasn’t easy or quick at all. But I WILL attempt another such DIY for sure. I’m such a self-torturer!

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I love this blogging community so much! (Click on the Links below to see where I go read, comment and link up every week!)

MONDAY LINKS

TUESDAY LINKS:

Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas

Jenerally Informed

WEDNESDAY LINKS:

Jersey Girl Texan Heart

Straight A Style Blog

THURSDAY LINKS:

Thursday Moda by Elegance & Mommyhood

FRIDAY Links:

I also do a Link Party every Friday! Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva

July 7, 2020 18

FABULOUS FRIDAY’S Link Up Party- Canada Day and a Styling Challenge…

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…

First week of July also started with a Styling Tips post for Northern summers, by your very own Montreal Styling Diva here..You can go check that out here: How Does a Montreal Girl Adapt her Styling to the Summer Season

And, just because styling is my very favourite thing, a fun challenge! Norbyah and Anna started the Trends In Your Closet Challenge– which I’m crazy about!

A mix of Style and Sustainability, go check out the looks and go ahead and join too! The challenge is on until July 5^th.

Most Clicked Post of Last Week’s Link Up Party was by Nicole Molders of High Latitude Style’s: How To Look Stunning in Romantic Style

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Favourite Fashion Post of the Week’s Link UP was by Cate of Posh and Pure for: Stylish Swim Looks For The 50+ Year Old Woman

And- I’m so happy to have been featured on these amazing blogs!! Emma from Style Splash AND Michelle from My Bijou Life Online for my St-Jean post last Friday.

AND NOW…Are you ready for the Link Up Party?!!!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!Click here to enter

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I love this blogging community so much! (Click on the Links below to see where I go read, comment and link up every week!)

MONDAY LINKS

TUESDAY LINKS:

Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas

Jenerally Informed

WEDNESDAY LINKS:

Jersey Girl Texan Heart

Straight A Style Blog

THURSDAY LINKS:

Thursday Moda by Elegance & Mommyhood

FRIDAY Links:

I also do a Link Party every Friday! Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva

Have a Great Weekend Everyone!

July 3, 2020 37

How does a Montreal Girl Adapt Her Styling to the Summer Season?

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 shopping too 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 to overfill 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!)

MONDAY LINKS

TUESDAY LINKS:

Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas

Jenerally Informed

WEDNESDAY LINKS:

Jersey Girl Texan Heart

Straight A Style Blog

THURSDAY LINKS:

Thursday Moda by Elegance & Mommyhood

FRIDAY Links:

I also do a Link Party every Friday! Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva

June 29, 2020 19

JEANS: A Love-Hate Relationship

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!

MONDAY LINKS

TUESDAY LINKS:

I Do De Claire

Walking in Memphis in High Heels

The Fashion Canvas