When Fashion and Nature Collide – June Issue

Published by 3C Style

Scientific journalist, author and fashion blogger from Montreal - Journaliste scientifique, auteure et blogueuse mode de Montréal View all posts by 3C Style

As the summer months come into focus, feelings of warmth and life should arise as well. This is the time for good food, good company and great parties! And because Summer = Garden Party the team thought of co-hosting one big virtual one for our June Issue of When Fashion and Nature Collide. Of course, everyone is invited! 💗

Note: In case you’ve not seen these capsules before the When Fashion and Nature Collide project is a monthly collaboration with three of my WP friends: Roda from Growing Self, Lisa from Lismore Paper, and Darren from The Arty Plantsman.

We are The Fabulous Four!

Artwork by Lisa ©Lismore Paper

The third wednesday of each month you can see outfits styled by me, and art from Lisa, that were inspired by Roda’s critter pictures and Darren’s flower pictures. With the spirit of protecting nature I pull together my outfits with clothing already available in my wardrobe. If purchases are to be made, these come from vintage shops and thrift stores or from socio-eco-friendly brands.

Without any further ado, let’s take a look at these inspiring flower and critter pictures that have been hitting the spot for me this month. I am sure they will unearth some passion and ideas that you can put into your party outfits as well. Party on!

The Bumble Bee, Zinnia & Bee orchid

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Nature Photography by Growing Self & Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman – T-Shirt art copyright Lisa Lawrence & design copyright Dominique Nancy – 3C Style, 2018.

Welcome to my little city garden. Before I show you some outfit ideas for your outdoor party I want to talk to you about the bees and the flowers… Real bees.😊 Bees play a vital role in our lives. Without these little critters there wouldn’t be much food on our plate. And that’s not all they do for us. But nowadays the bee populations are declining due to pesticides, parasites, disease and habitat loss. We all need to do our share to make sure the beehives are abuzz. Here are four ways you can help:

• Plant a garden or grow flowers from a window box;
• Don’t use pesticides… or if you have to go for no-bug toxic spray;
• Buy local to help support beekeepers in your area;
• Donate to a non profit organization dedicated to helping protect pollinators like bees.

Lisa and I came up with this BEE CUZ t-shirt to help spread awareness about protecting the bees. See Lisa’s post on Lismore Paper to learn more about her lovely bee artwork. I will soon share with you the story about the making of this t-shirt. It is actually a nice opportunity to tell you how the bees have linked the four members of this team.

Stay tuned for an update on how you can purchase this T-shirt and other great products.

The Bee & the Fritillaria tuntasia

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Bee Photography by Growing Self & Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman

Let go of your creativity and DIY your old rain boots. Make these with acrylic art paint. Allow at least three to four hours to dry then apply a sealer. Spray some clear spray paint into a cup and use it like regular paint as a sealer. Wait 24 hours before you wear the boots.

Of course you want to make a great impression at the garden parties that you attend this summer. The easiest way to do this is to be yourself in real time! Summer is for expression. You can’t necessarily call ahead to coordinate colors with the landscaping. However, if you have a look that showcases your best qualities, you can easily become a part of the landscape itself! Here I am in my own garden making sure everything is tidy for our event on June 20th. I know it is not a common gardening outfit, but hey! I’m a rebel fashionista at heart and I follow my own trends.

The Bumble Bee & the Hesperantha vaginata

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Nature Photography by Growing Self & Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman

Usually garden party attire refers to a dressy casual look and the sundress is the most common choice. But if the invitation is sent by an artist you may bend the dress code a little… I am feeling like a wild and free Bumble bee right now with my striped flared pants paired with a bold ‘hairy’ bustier and a sheer dress. Definitely not something you should wear to a formal garden party, especially if your mother in law or your boss is hosting it. However if you feel up to it this outfit could work for a Hollywood evening party around the pool. The sheer dress could be used as a bikini cover-up (it wouldn’t cover much though). The important thing to remember is always have in mind the person who is hosting the event. That should give you a clue on what to wear.

‘Hairy’ bustier and Sheer dress – Era Vintage Wear / Handbag, Necklace & Flared pants – Private collection of Elena B.

The Bee & Dandelion

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of shoes by 3C Style – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Nature Photography by Growing Self 

This picture of a bee on a dandelion have inspired me to embellish my yellow vintage shoes. I will soon show you the tutorial so you can DIY yourself a pair too if you feel like putting some sunshine on your footwear… For your next tea party.

Did you know that in addition to granting wishes dandelions are a great source of food for bees? For us, every part of the dandelion has a unique use. Their flowers, leaves, and roots have been used for food, medicine, and even dye. So we should think twice before spraying pesticides on them. I can’t wait for those near my place to turn to white globes of exposed seeds so I can grab a bunch of “puffballs” and blow their seeds into the air. And of course make wishes. I don’t know if what I desire will be granted, but the one thing that is for sure, scientifically, is that by doing so there will be new dandelions in the future.

The Blue Morpho Butterfly & Fritillaria stenanthera

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Butterfly Photography by Growing Self & Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman

OK now it’s time to show you what you can really wear for your backyard party. Pastels, whites and floral prints are always a good option. A dark slip dress is also welcome if you want a cool, traditional outcome, as a backdrop for some modern accessories. Just make sure these are in lighter hues. You can get away with a lot more if you come from a base that everyone recognizes! Don’t hesitate to expand, but don’t be afraid to just sit back and relax with the classics if that’s what you feel. With its neutral ground earthy tone, a chocolate brown dress will make you feel comfortable and relaxed, which will play a big role making your party successful. This color pairs well with yellow, pink, peach and coconut milk hues.

Remember that like the Blue Morpho butterfly which can change its appearance by opening or closing wings -see here the blue Morpho with wings open-, you can transform yourself just by wearing reading glasses, sunglasses or simply a new color of lipstick.

Vintage Chiffon and Velvet Slip Dress & Bag – Era Vintage Wear / Good Soul Blush Floral Print Scarf – C/O Tobi / Sunglasses – Derek Lam (thrift) / Bracelet – Private collection of Elena B. / Earrings – Eugenie Bee

Tip: The hoop trend is still in this Summer. You don’t have to brake the bank to get the new Chanel bag, just use a bracelet to create an instant new look for your small handbag. Hide the chain strap inside your bag.

See the shoe design that Lisa has created with the rich brown pattern of this butterfly in mind. If this print was use by shoe brands it would become an instant hit among fashionistas. It’s the new leopard print!

The Ant & Daffodil 

Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Nature Photography by Growing Self

Every time that you host a garden party, you have the ability to add to the lore of the summer with your ensembles. Just keep in mind you’re out in nature. You want to be at ease, so don’t over do it (Read: think twice before dressing like a Bumble Bee with a ‘hairy’ bustier.) 😄 A little white dress is a classic summer trend. Just add some block heel sandals for an easygoing look that works well with modern accessories such as floral earrings – you’ll fit right in with the flora! So well indeed that some friendly critters may even think you are a flower yourself.

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Nature Photography by Growing Self Lonchamp cross body and ring – Private collection of Elena B. / Earrings – Les Boucles d’Alice

Tip: If you want to add some texture or color to your handbag, use a necklace or a scarf as a strap. For this outfit I matched my pearl necklace to this Lonchamp cross body.

The Eranthis pinnatifida + Viola cenisia

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman

Do wear your wrap dress over white jeans. It is a great combo for a brunch or a summer party. Comfy yet very stylish. See here other looks that I’ve created with this versatile dress.

Darren noticed the Pansy in Mont Cenis violet closely resembles the earrings I am wearing with the Eranthis pinnatifida outfit. So we decided to include it here. Accessories are vital to complete a look.

The Splendid Moraea Villosa 

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman

It’s a BBQ party among friends? You may go with palazzo styled with a denim jacket for a very relaxed look. This outfit will suit outdoor parties where the dress code is more casual. It may be simple but because it is created with complementary colors it has high impact. Blue shades mixed with orange naturally draw the eye. To learn more about the natural harmony of color read my post: The six basic techniques for creating color schemes.

Necklace – Eugenie Bee

Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Geneviève Lacelle MUA – Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman

Blouse – Mexx / Skirt – Zara / Scarf – Massimo Dutti / Boots – Italian made / Clutch – Samsara / Earrings – Private collection of Elena B. / Watch – Michael Kors

For more formal occasions this lady look is nice. Just ditch the spring boots and put on some gold strap heels instead if you are invited to a business slash get together outdoor cocktail. You’re up to go to your event straight from the office… Because even if it’s summer some of us still have to work.

The Chinese Praying Mantis & Gladiolus orchidiflorus

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Mantis Photography by Growing Self & Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman

Flowy skirts and dresses are perfect for this occasion… And lighter colors will keep you cool during outdoor events. Gold is bold and beautiful! When it’s mixed with nile green, which represents renewal, it gives the metallic hue a fresh twist. Go for simple and polished designs, but don’t hesitate to make a statement with your sunnies.

“Do you see the resemblance in the pose between the mantis and this flower?” Lisa asked me. “Oh my, that’s true! This is so cool.” I replied to her. That’s why we have decided to pair these two species together.

Tip: If you plan to wear heels to a garden party bring your Solemates high heelers. These are  removable heel covers that allow you to walk in the grass and prevent you from sinking into it. You don’t want to damage your Jimmy Choos, right? This product is every fashionista’s best friend.

Top, skirt and scarf – Era Vintage Wear / Handbag and Earrings – Vintage / Sunglasses – X ADAM SELMAN Le Specs / Sandals – Zara

The Peony suffruticosa

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman

Handbag – Tory Burch / Shoes –  Zara / Earrings – Les Boucles d’Alice

Wide-leg white trousers are a good option for an elegant look. Match it with a simple cami and a handbag in a playful color. Complete your look with a scarf. It adds sophistication to any outfit and will have you shining.

From these pictures Lisa over at Lismore Paper has created once again beautiful artworks. Please, go visit her site as well as Roda and Darren‘s blogs to get an overall view of When Fashion and Nature Collide.

The team: Darren Sleep, Dominique Nancy, Roda Shope and Lisa Lawrence.

Next edition of When Fashion and Nature Collide: July 18th. 😀

Stay strong, stay stylish! 

Let’s stay connected: Bloglovin – Instagram @3cstyle_fashion

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