Tag: sustainable fashion

TUESDAY LINKS:

Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas

Jenerally Informed

WEDNESDAY LINKS:

Jersey Girl Texan Heart

Straight A Style Blog

My Purple World – Oh My Heartsie Girl

THURSDAY LINKS:

North West Mountain Living

Thursday Moda by Elegance & Mommyhood

My Bijou Life Online 1-Creative Compulsions AND 2-Traffic Jam

FRIDAY Links:

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

The Ageless Style Link Up- The first Monday of every month

September 21, 2020 17

Every Fashionista Should Take Part in Slow Fashion Season…

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😊

Website: www.slowfashionseason.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slowfashionseason/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collactionsfs/

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/3207779055910660/

#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.

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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

August 4, 2020 20

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

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

Styling your LSD is the Easiest OOTS! Slip on- Slip off!

The Little Summer Dress is for real the easiest Outfit Of The Summer! It also gets A+ for its 3 ‘F’s : Fresh, Free, Fun!

So- start wearing your cute dresses! There’s nothing easier than a simple LSD. When you get your hands on one- don’t let go! You’ll be wearing it summer after summer trust me! If you’re more of a pants girl and think dresses don’t suit you…think again!

Summer heat cries out for flair and a non-conforming fit when it comes to dresses- so how can it not suit you? LSD’s were born to camouflage and set you free! And the plus side? You have to do nothing else than wear it- no layering- no matching, no coordinating, no additions necessary.

This little green striped number needs absolutely no help! I mean, you can obviously change it up with accessories and different sandals and there you go- different looks! That’s why you just can never get rid such gems- ever!

The only thing you need to think of in terms of styling is whether you want to dress it up for day or evening. You do know that you can dress these little darlings up for both, right? Coz you can! Go from laundry room, out to lunch with the girls, to the grocery store and back for supper preps and a nightcap on the porch or off for a nightly walk- without ever having to change!

Slip on and slip out!

Let’s look at a few others that don’t disappoint. I’ve worn these for a few summers already and will keep on doing so😊

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_4326_facetune_31-07-2019-15-16-05.jpg — Twinning with my daughter here:)

Also…the LSD seems to always be part of the most fun and memorable times- this was taken in Greece last year!

#Confessionoftheday: Come to think of it…Yes- I am completely addicted to the LSD! Super freeing, fresh and fun!

And now drum roll…This Week’s Favourite Fashion Styling Diva on Instagram is:

Raquel of Beauty For The Queens!

Her feed and posts will blow you away- such great style always to inspire!

If you would like a chance to be featured, make sure to follow me on Instagram – if I fall in love with your style, I’ll feature you for sure!

And now time to spread some blog love! 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

Ask Suzanne Bell

TUESDAY LINKS:

Links a la Mode

I Do De Claire

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

May 27, 2020 22

Fabulous Fridays…Fashion Challenges, Good Food and a LINK UP PARTY!

Dear Covid,

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!

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

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

Ask Suzanne Bell

TUESDAY LINKS:

Links a la Mode

I Do De Claire

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:

My Bijou Life Online (Fridays)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_1336.jpg

Have a great weekend!

Lucy xx

May 22, 2020 31

Is Covid Responsible for my Ever-Growing DIY Compulsion?

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?

This Week’s Favourite Fashion Styling Diva is: Maddy! Check her out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mady_robinson/

**No but Seriously…all her looks are this COOL!!**

Linking time!

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:

Walking in Memphis in High Heels

The Fashion Canvas

Myriad Musings

Fashion Fairydust

WEDNESDAY LINKS:

Jersey Girl Texan Heart

Straight A Style Blog

THURSDAY LINKS:

Doused in Pink & Curly Crafty Mom

Thursday Moda by Elegance & Mommyhood

FRIDAY Links:

Remember on my last post how I changed the above dress into a top?

May 13, 2020 15

CREATIVE STYLING: Once Upon a Time…3 Dresses, 1 Skirt

How creative are you with your style? If you’re finding that your wardrobe is lacking a bit of spunk or that it’s always same old, same old- then now’s the time to do something different!

Diy’s are always fun to do, especially when we really can’t wear the piece anymore (example: it doesn’t fit). But there are some diy’s that require No Change at all! It’s called: Creative Styling.

Creative styling just requires you to use your imagination to start wearing an item in a completely different way than it was originally intended- WITHOUT altering the piece.

Here are some examples of creative styling:

using a scarf as a belt
Wearing tops front to back
Wearing a jacket as a top
Wearing a cardigan as a wrap-around top
Wearing a dress as a top
Wearing a house duster as an evening top or dress (You’ve seen lots of this happening on this post)
Turning a short dress into a long dress…

The possibilities are endless. Today, I’m gonna do Number 7! See how I turned 3 short dresses into midi looks- just with one skirt!

Here are two of the dresses I creatively styled-up.

This is the way the dress is originally intended to be worn

Wear the dress over the long sheer skirt, plus a belt: Here is Look No. 1

And there you have it! Seriously…How easy was that?

Wanna see the process? Please watch here:

I strongly encourage you to play in your closet and do some Creative Styling of your own! If and when you do- please share and link back to me! I’d love to see what you come up with and will share in my insta stories as well. Enjoy!

In other news…This week my article was featured in Links a la Mode!

Wanna Kick-up Your Style a Notch? Start Wearing your Wanna- be- Kimonos.

This post was featured on Links à la Mode fashion roundup by Independent Fashion Bloggers.

FF#4: Shop-Free Styling Diet: Who am I really doing this for?

FRIDAY FASHIONPHILE #4

#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 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!!

Linking time!

MONDAY LINKS

TUESDAY LINKS:

Links a la Mode

I Do De Claire

Walking in Memphis in High Heels

The Fashion Canvas

WEDNESDAY LINKS:

Jersey Girl Texan Heart

Straight A Style Blog

THURSDAY LINKS:

Doused in Pink

FRIDAY Links: