Did you think I’d let another week go by without a DIY- I’m trying not to! I may not post one every single week…but would you believe me if I told you I have a basket filled to the brim just waiting for me to transform what’s in it? Yes, it’s true.
Oh well, one thing at a time. Today, I’m gonna show you what used to be pants- and how they became a top! Because they were mid-calf, I decided to give some length by adding some black lace. Then I cut the crotch part and turned that into the neckline. Sewed up all hems and flipped my garment bottom- up- and there it was: A brand new top!!
Check out my fun reel.
Next, This week I joined a challenge for ‘trends in your closet’ on Instagram. This one encourages you to shop what you own and find something that’s trending right now. There’s a list. So, I basically ticked off a few boxes with 70’s leather, a vest, and texture! Here’s one look:
I also got to style up a fantastic Joseph Ribkoff top for 1ere Avenue. I’m super crazy about this peacock color!! And- the fit is soo good. It’s part of their Fall collection, but honestly, this one can be worn all year-round (well at least here in Montreal it can!)
Besides that, still trying to finish up reading Jean-Claude Poitras’ book (Montreal designer 60’s-90’s). Note: It’s in French. Looking forward to posting a review if I can ever find time to finish it!!
And, if you’re into horoscope fashion, this week I wrote a post on Libra Fashion! You can read that here:
And now onto my Favourite Fashionista Diva from last week’s Linkup Party is…Andrea from Living on Cloud Nine9 for her exquisite look! How gorgeous is this jumpsuit?!! So feminine and chic- and that colour is so perfect on her! Double whammy for the handbag that pairs that look so stylishly- they were made for each other. Love!!
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!)
Have you heard of Slow Fashion Season (July, August, September)?
Everyone can do their part without it being complicated or difficult. Every little bit makes a difference. Being in fashion, I’ll be the first to admit that temptation is always all around me. It’s difficult to say no to fast fashion- I so get that! I’m crazy about new styles, trends, beauty, fashion transformations…you name it. But honestly- we can no longer turn a blind eye. There’s actually so much we can do…even if it’s just one small thing at a time.
CONSIDER:
– Re-fashioning what you already own (if you can’t sew, mend or craft- rather than pay for new; pay for a seamstress).
– swap parties
– thrifting
– borrowing
– selling it
– giving it away
– buying local
–buying quality that lasts! In other words; Consider giving it thought…Yes: Thought. Meaning, if you really must buy new- then go into it with logic. Check for great quality and durability- things must last! Ask yourself how many times you plan on wearing the item (if it’s just for one time…give it up). Yes, that may mean spending a bit more (or even maybe a lot more)- but look at it as an investment. If you know this will be worn a lot- and that you don’t intend ever ridding yourself of it…then isn’t that worth the money?
All this is possible without saying good-bye to great styling and fashionable looks. Trust me! All you need is some creativity. And, today no one can get away with saying they have no ideas…who are we kidding?! Social media is FILLED with ideas. We can do this. The time is now.
Will you join Slow Fashion Season? There’s still time😊
#Confessionoftheday: When I buy new, I really do buy quality that lasts, and that is locally made (whatever the country I’m in)- and that can include high end designer. That does mean I end up paying a pretty penny for it- but I’ve never regretted any of those pieces. For me, that’s another side of sustainability.
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!
Soaking up all them 70’s vibes…
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!
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 shoppingtoo 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 tooverfill 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!)
Did you think you could crack our spirits and paralize us into seclusion just like that? Here here for all of us who will not stand to no such bullying! We are living our lives the best way we can- confinement and all!
This past week has had me styling for clients, students and Instagram all at once! Who said you can’t style a Tee with just about everything? @thriftedkindalife had us up and going looking through our closets and styling up like crazy! My thrift sisters out there did a superb job! You cna check them out at: #thriftedootd365days on Instagram.
Here are some of my Tee Styling Pics (you can see all these posted on my Instagram feed as well- please follow if you’d like at @lucybertoldi
Wasn’t sure about the elephant with a turned down trunk…Thoughts anyone?
Oh and just because this is such a great jacket (I got in Greece last year)- had to show you! Wore it over the Tee and wrap-up animal print pants. Like it?
Here’s another Tee look- more of a rocker vibe- but I just love it with this tee. The socks and sandals too give it more of an edgy look- why not?!
Here’s the Tee from up close. It says Wonderland..but not sure where this is from exactly (the perfect thrifted Tee), colours and all!
In my last post I talked about some staples every Diva needs in her closet- and jumpsuits was one of these. Well, I should have included a good two-piece that acts like a jumpsuit! This one here is just that!
I layered it with a sheer turtleneck (as it was still quite cool here in Montreal). But! the black waist is part of the top- not of the turtleneck! So you could actually tuck it into the pants and it would look more uniform- but I do like it this way too.
My recipes this week were way less elaborate- and so much faster to prepare! Pizza, tortellini, Rapini and sausage- Sadly I didn’t tape everything I cooked this week.- oh well! Also had some Spritz. Do you guys like this drink as much as I do? You can watch here!
I also love a refreshing Vodka and Cranberry with a view- do you?
AND NOW!!! MY VERY FIRST PARTY!!! Will You Link up and join me? I’d love that so much.
Will be doing a Link Party every Friday- Please come and spread the word! Also, if you’d like to leave me a comment, I’d be more than thrilled. Thanks! Now let’s party!
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!
I believe so. As if I weren’t already obsessed enough with transformations, here I go with even more of an excuse: Time.
Time- that luxury we crave. The obsession of never having enough of it. Well, now that we are forced to making some…we start packing it all in. I’ve mentioned before how we gotta be careful with this feeling of always needing to be busy- READ that Article here.
This time however, I won’t be blaming myself for induging in compulsive behaviour, I’m just gonna blame it all on Covid. Or rather…my personal cure to stop-obsessing about Covid! How do I do that? I re-style, re-purpose, re-love, re-wear, re-fashion my clothes!
I’m getting a clearer vision of what it is I want to wear; what I need to wear; what I feel happy wearing- and then: Out come the scissors!
This time I’ve changed up an animal print, turtle-neck dress…into a Cardi! But there’s more! I’ve incorporated a scarf (just in case I want that option), and a turban (or headband) as well!
This dress is cute…but a bit limiting (I’m too warm in it- it suffocates me!) So, layering is the last thing I want to do with this one…So: A-Chopping-it-will-go!
What a difference! And so many possibilities…
Can you see that the scarf is an integral part of it…
I linked the scarf through the two openings I slit…
Oh…and also made use of this turban…
Wanna see how I worked this DIY and styled the whole look? You can watch the process here:
What have you been DIYing?
#Confessionoftheday: My compulsion is real. But it’s healthy, right?
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!
#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!
