Fashionable DIY Styling- A Must!

Shopping scenario…

Me: “Wow…do you know in how many ways I could transform this outfit?”

My husband: “Why do you always have to do that? Can’t you just buy the thing and just wear it as is?“

Me: “Why would I do that? It would just look like everybody else’s who’s buying this same outfit. No.”

Husband: “OK but if you don’t like it the way it is now- why buy it in the first place?“

Me: “Well I love the fabric, the color, the fit and all the possibilities! I just don’t like the length, the collar, the sleeves…oh and maybe I’d change the buttons too.“

Husband rolls his eyes: “Here we go again…“

This is typical for me when it comes to shopping or styling! And even if I don’t transform it- I end up wearing the garment in the least imaginable way it was meant to be worn!

You might be wondering why don’t I just go out there and buy some fabric and create from scratch? Well…I really love transforming garments- DIY’s are my thing. Now, there’s a more important aspect to all this madness. I strongly believe that we can all do our part in Sustainability- and if that means conserving, refashioning, re-purposing, recreating, thrifting, swapping and DIY- I’m there!

And this is a definite trend my Darlings! I was especially thrilled with the recent Margiella show for Fall 2020- whose Designer, John Galliano created a new line: Recicla.

He is upcycling and restoring and basically DIYing older collections and also creating from recycled materials, Vintage and second hand! He, and I quote, called it “Restorative” See article and slideshow Here. Fast fashion is getting the boot.

I get it and I’m so on board. Creating is everything, and for me art and fashion are one. So I see styling as the natural consequence of both art and fashion. ‘Styling it My Way’, here I come! Don’t be afraid to try it. You’ll get such a sense of satisfaction knowing that you’ve created something tailor-made and that’s also good for the planet.

Don’t know how to sew? No problem- most stuff you can get away with just cropping- or even better; just glue it! I honestly think that Fabri- Tac glue is the invention of the century lol! Use it for hems, pleats, putting together seams and so much more.

You’re no expert? We all think that. The trick is to just start slowly and watch lots of YouTube videos to get ideas and inspiration. And, you can always contact me as well- I’ll gladly support you and show you what I can. This re-fashioning thing is really earning momentum. In fact, I can say that I’ve converted a good percentage of my clients into letting me re-style, re-fashion or re-purpose their wardrobe. It feels great- looks new and costs so much less than anything they purchase new. I’d probably have them transform it anyway! Oh- and do I mention once again how good it is for the planet to conserve rather than dispose?

In another post I’ll share how thrifting is the other part of this DIY equation. But for now, let me just show you a few of my own fashion DIY’s.

The time I changed the buttons and added leatherette sleeves to my jacket (plus a belt!):

This too short, too tight dress

turned into these two tops:

I added ruffles to these pants which were not long enough:

These sleeves were too tight and so uncomfortable- so I added a strip of leftover black knit fabric:

I removed this skirt’s lining and transformed it into 3 different wearable outfits:

I slit the hems of these pants and added a ruffled fabric right off the collar of a jacket I’m gonna re-purpose later;)

And the Kimono I created! Without sewing- not one stitch!

Check out my two clips below to catch a glimpse of how I did this. You can see more by going to my Instagram feed @lucybertoldi and look at my DIY highlight.

#Confessionoftheday: I’m warning you…this is highly addictive.

February 26, 2020 1

Leave a Trail and Make your Mark: A word about Fragrance…

Don’t be a prey…Leave a trace of your scent…not for them to track you down; but for them to follow the leader -Lucy Bertoldi (Did I just write that? I love it! Repeat this and Tag me!)

Nothing can leave more of a lasting impression than a woman’s fragrance. Your signature fragrance is an extension of yourself- as much as the way you carry yourself the tone of your voice, the way you dress, the way you smile or stare. So it’s important to get this right since you only get one chance to make a first (or lasting) impression.

( Me about to start to start my shift- ready to make a good impression lol!)

And when you find that one fragrance that works for you, you’ll notice how those around you will also love the way you smell and will also tell you they know it’s you just by the trace you leave. Scent is a powerful thing. It can bring back memories, transport you and even make you feel a certain way depending on the circumstance. Choose your fragrance well.

Since I am also in the Fragrance world as part of my work, I often hear women tell me they want to try something new because they can’t smell their fragrance anymore. This is normal! When a fragrance suits you, it becomes part of you. Your subconscious registers it and it no longer needs to constantly recognise it! Trust that what you loved still smells wonderful. It’s only when you can actually smell it and you find the scent different and unpleasant that you should reconsider.

But, as women, we are entitled to our choices (and to change our mind as we please) -so I know many of us like to try different perfumes and that’s ok! Since we do feel differently depending on seasons, times of our lives, hormones- name it. Yet, I’m convinced that when you’ve found the One, you always somehow find your way back. It’s a feeling.

Personally, I have my One-go-to, and I stick to the brand but often change it up depending on the seasons or occasions- but they are all from the same Maison. For those who know me, it’s no surprise that I’m a loyal Chanel girl. I find it so much easier to switch it up within the line. After all, the compositions are based on similar notes and florals- so I’m naturally attracted.

If you are on the hunt for your personal signature fragrance, try looking within the same line you already are accustomed to buying, More often than not, you will be sure to find a fragrance that varies while still remaining pleasurable and exciting to you.

What’s your favourite fragrance? How do you switch it up?

#confessionoftheday: I often spray two different Chanel fragrances to create my very own personal signature. (Did you know you can do that with Chanel fragrances? Yes you can!)

March 23, 2019 0

What’s My Fave-Quick-Fix-Getaway?

Where can I get a sunny beach, great food and lots of shopping a few plane hours away from home? Beautiful Florida whispers sweet callings in my ear… It’s my little haven of peace with a good dose of all of the above.

I realise that dream getaways involve a lot of downtime and peace away from the mad race of the city. However, it’s nice to also find all of the commodities you’re used to back home. I thought this especially true when we travelled with young children. It was important to be able to find the same stuff (especially pharmacy products)- and food they were used to (picky eaters!).

So we got all that in Florida plus the huge bonus of it being a short flight from Montreal and of course- the beach!! Imagine that while everyone flies during the winter months, our favourite time to go was in the summer. NO waiting lines at restaurants, assured good weather, quiet beaches and the list goes on. My kids’ best memories were shaped in Florida.

Today, I enjoy Florida at a much more relaxed pace when travelling just the two of us; hubs and me. It’s a lot less stressful and we’re off the clock, doing our own thing. This time around, without even planning it, we were in Florida for American Thanksgiving and Black Friday! We had such a great time that we will be planning the same time next year.

We ate at our usual favourite Greek restaurant, Greek Isles. This place has the best authentic Greek dishes- it also feels like you are eating somewhere in Greece; beach, sun and all. It’s a family-run business and they keep it as Greek as it gets. DELICIOUS. We also went to another close-by Greek restaurant, Thassos- this was again very authentic food, with a slightly more upscale atmosphere- less traditional looking than Greek Isles, but nonetheless exquisite as well.

Greek food is not all we ate. We went for some traditional Floridian burgers- have you tried Jack’s on Federal Highway 1? You gotta go if you want a mean, lean, all natural beef burger with all the American trims. For ribs and pulled pork, or prime rib- and you’re in a hurry- you’ll get your fix at Bones.

As far as the shopping goes, Black Friday did not disappoint. We were super excited to find out that it all began on Thanksgiving Thursday at 4:00 pm to 1:00 am…WHAT?!! We Canadians are not used to that! Yes, we have Black Friday- but I’ve been in the retail business long enough, and I can honestly say, that this was a real sale -that doesn’t run out of stock!!! We were at the Colonades in Sawgrass- WOW!; Designer stuff galore! Oh and if you you need to refuel on food, you can go to the PF Chang right there. I personally love the Mongolian beef and sweet and sour soup.

It definitely was a quick one week vacay, but when it’s just the two of us, the time felt just right. This wasn’t your all-inclusive dream island getaway, but for me it still and always will feel like a bit of paradise not so far away from home. If you’re Canadian, I know you get what I mean. Especially when you’re bundling up at -27 deg C.

#confessionoftheday: sun-worshipping is a hard habit to quit…It’s a 70’s thing

November 26, 2018 2

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What’s your favourite fragrance? How do you switch it up?

#confessionoftheday: I often spray two different Chanel fragrances to create my very own personal signature. (Did you know you can do that with Chanel fragrances? Yes you can!)

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