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

How to Wear Your Vintage Hats

Hats give the special finishing touch to outerwear. But I’m talking especially about the vintage ones living somewhere in our closet. Do you have a favorite hat that you swear next winter you’ll wear for sure…and then you never do?

There’s a good chance that something’s holding you back. There was a time when hats were de rigueur…now, unless it’s on the Runway, we often feel reluctant. Maybe there’s the glamour aspect that makes it feel like it’s a bit too much- it feels too elegant.

For me, it’s always been a question of practicality. Like if I’m gonna wear a hat, it better keep me warm, and, it better look good. And then there’s the whole fur ordeal and my new outlook on this (I’ll never buy real fur again). But what do you do with all the fur vintage hats you have stashed in your closet?

Mine have real sentimental value, since they mostly all belonged to my mom, grandmother, or another close relative. I don’t want to throw them out…So I do want to wear them- if only for the ode of respect for the animal as well as the environment (don’t want them in a landfill). So now that I’ve made my peace with that, what do you do when because of the fashion back in the day, these hats are not in the least bit practical? Meaning, yes, they’re made to keep you warm; yet they don’t even cover your ears?!

If you’re one of those ladies who’s bought a few winter hats because of how cute they are- but can’t figure out how to wear them with purpose…Then, take a look at my video clip for some practical styling tips. Try these out and see if you can revamp those beauties you’ve got hidden in some pretty hat box at the far end of your closet. And…do let me know- send me a pic- I love seeing women styling hats!

Watch my Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErCxVULXYzU

#confessionoftheday: I secretly long for those days when, as a little girl, my mom used to take me to Eaton’s (remember that department store in the 60’s- 70’s?)- all the customers were elegantly dressed. The women wore fancy hats, gloves and marvelous coats. Shopping was a chic and very big ordeal (well at least that’s what I thought!) I used to love taking the elevator just because it was operated by the ladies in uniform. Do you guys remember that? I guess that’s wear my love of hats…and styling of course, began.

January 24, 2020 0

Why (not ‘What’) Are You Wearing…?

Doors are symbolic to me. Whether it’s in real life or in dreams, I always get some sort of message or feeling when I see doors. I took this photo several weeks ago and yet it only speaks to me today. New beginnings, new things, are coming my way. Like we’ve heard before; when one door closes- another one opens.

So today, this is still a styling post, but with much more meaning to it. I’m to let what has passed, be at rest and in peace…and look ahead to what more, life has to offer. I’m to not look behind in grief, but rather be graciously thankful for that past that is now allowing me to go forward.

I wasn’t thinking such thoughts when I took this picture; it’s only now that I was browsing through which pics to post, that it spoke to me this way. Grieving is a personal process, but when you feel you get a strong message that you alone can interpret, then it’s something real that you can’t just set aside.

My message came in strong for me and I just love the way this pic has such a ready-to-go feel. It’s a happy and ready photo. Styling is a passion and so is fashion- but it is way for me. There’s always something behind what you choose to wear and what pics you choose to post. I really believe styling up is a creative outlet and a form of expression.

Today I encourage you to look back at some of your photos and see what you can read from them just by how you styled up your outfit- or where the pic was taken. Everything is pre-conceived; even when you just throw on ‘any old thing’. It has meaning- and basically, by wearing; you’re expressing.

Which outfit styling photos of yours speak out to you?

#confessionoftheday: My dad (95), who recently passed away during the holidays this year, would not want me to put my life on hold. He would want me to move forward and lunge…after all, it’s from him that I’ve inherited my strong will and perseverance. Thanks Papa.

I support sustainable fashion and wearing and re-styling what’s already in your closet; Thrifted vintage Givenchy.

January 6, 2020 8

Quebec Designers- Montreal Fashion You Just Can’t Resist

La Braderie de la mode Québécoise is a yearly showcase and sale of Quebec’s designers. It takes place at Marche Bonsecours in Old Montreal. Here you can find the finest of our home designer’s specialties. The fashion is incredible and the talent, exceptional.

I absolutely LOVE going to this event which takes place every year, right here, in Montreal’s most historic site, by the Old Port. Every year I try so hard to contain myself from buying just about everything and anything. Too hard on myself! Not only is the merchandise fantastic- I’m just so incredibly proud of our home talent.

This year, I was sad that my beloved Ophelia (hats!) was not there (or did I just miss it in all the hustle and bustle- sigh!). But! I fell upon a fabulous handbag discovery! Do you know Mathilde CRIQUI (www.mathildec.com)? Love at first sight!

Mathilde designs all her handbags-the leather is Italian- but they are designed and manufactured here in Montreal. My heart cried out for this mustard/beige backpack/ handbag. To keep it practical and hands-free, use it as a backpack. But then, the belts just slide up and poof! It turns into a shoulder handbag. So practical! With a front pocket that can carry my tablet, and a larger pocket perfect for my Chrome notebook (or Mac notebook), there’s still extra space for all the rest us Divas like to stash in there.

Honestly, I wasn’t shopping for a handbag, but when I saw this gem- I could not resist. It took all of 10 minutes and-sold! It was mine:) It was also a great pleasure for me to meet the designer herself- she’s a sweetheart. You can find Mathilde’s beautiful handbags at most luxury boutiques on Laurier street- or of course, through her website.

I do hope you get a chance to get to the Braderie (you must because it ends this Sunday!)…oh- and I forgot to mention; prices are at least 50% off regular retail price!

If you do go to the Braderie- let me know!

I should also mention that after all that shopping you may want to step out – right next door for some refreshments at Pub Brewskey.

Cheers!