When Fashion and Nature Collide – Making Waves, August 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

Hello!

Welcome to our August edition of When Fashion and Nature Collide. This issue is about celebrating the beauty of the ocean. I’ll never forget the first time I saw the ocean. I was seven years old. My mother took my older brother and I to Florida during Christmas Holiday. The Atlantic Ocean ––its blue-green water with white swirls that went away from the beach to infinity and the sound of the waves called my name. I had only one desire: swim in this immensity. Nobody had warned me of the strength of the waves and quickly I found myself under water. I was trying to find the surface, to breathe before being dragged unwillingly back under water by another wave. Thankfully, my older brother grabbed my arm and got me out of there. I was scared, but I burst out laughing to his surprise. That’s where my taste for adventure comes from, I think.

Today, I feel the same emotions (a mixture of fear and desire) by presenting you this edition in which I dare to expose myself in a bathing suit. Despite my assurance, I have butterflies in my stomach. Is it necessary to specify that I am no longer 20 years old? I’m a 51-year-old mom…

“It creases a little here and there, it’s less firm everywhere. Should I sacrifice my passion for diving and just lounge on my balcony to avoid eyes when I’m in a bikini? Niet. Nada. Nope. I feel good in my body and I refuse diktats rhyming with eternal youth. So, yes, I throw myself in the water ––once again!”

The shooting was done while I was on vacation in Mexico with my family. My daughter took the majority of the pictures. I talked with my friend Lisa a few weeks back and was captivated not just by the fact that she  loves diving (she is in fact an even more experienced diver than I am) but also by her interest in protecting the ocean. This cause has a deep meaning and importance for all the members of our team. Then and there we came up with the concept of the shoot (and the lovely mermaid picture, below, being one of my favourites). I mean, which woman wouldn’t want to be a mermaid once in her life?

Speaking of amazing species, there’s nothing more beautiful than flowers and our animal friends. You will see some beauties from Roda and Darren’s nature pics.

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.

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. When purchases are to be made, these come from vintage shops and thrift stores or from socio-eco-friendly brands.

Enjoy the issue!

At the beach, it’s not simply a question of style: it’s a priority. You just shouldn’t leave the house without sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Keeping up with the beach lifestyle in 2018 is all about following the right trends. Pay attention to the tips below for a better trip this year.

Living A Blue Lifestyle

The Tecophilaea cyanocrocus

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Emmanuelle F. (my daughter) – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman – Fish photography by the Scuba Diving Centre at Grand Sirenis Resort

Environmentalists always say they want to live a “green” lifestyle. Those of us who love the beach can live an even better blue lifestyle to preserve the beach as well as our image! Stay plastic free on your next trip to the coastline. That way, even if you forget a few pieces of trash, that trash won’t stick around for hundreds of years after you leave. Plastic also causes unnecessary deaths in the marine environment because it gets stuck in the digestive systems of animals. It is up to you to help solve this problem, and it is easy to do!

Check out this article for more tips on how you can protect the ocean. Honestly, you do not really have to do anything special. An awareness of what and what not to do is the best advice. Protecting the coastline is not as difficult as you think, and you can look good doing it!

Necklace – Eugenie Bee

A bright monochromatic look is an easy way to make a fashion statement. I’m loving cobalt blue. Sometimes, I add a turquoise accessory for a Breakfast at Tiffany’s vibe. By the way, this combo looks great with both silver and gold jewelry.

Making Waves with your Accessories

The Turtles

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Emmanuelle F. – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Nature Photography by Growing Self – Turtle artwork by Lismore Paper

At the beach, less is more. But I take my beaching seriously! This year’s preeminent must-have accessory is the fish net bag, and you can get it for less than $20 here. Or if you prefer, stick with a classic and opt for a straw bag. Keep your accessories at a minimum. Same goes for your makeup. Go simply with a tinted moisturizer, lip balm and waterproof mascara. You don’t need more then that. But do wear bright colours on your toes (pink and turquoise are currently trending).

Roda’s photo collage –– Nature Photography by Growing Self – T-Shirt artwork copyright Lisa Lawrence, Lismore Paper & design copyright Dominique Nancy – 3C Style, 2018. 

Lisa and I came up with this fabulous T-shirt design to help raise awareness about the need to protect the ocean habitats and marine wildlife. Our futur as well of animals depend on it.

Safety Tips

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

No matter what accessories you buy, your number one accessory is your body. This is the summer time, after all, and you want to be in the best shape that you can be. The first thing you have to do is protect your skin with an appropriately strong solar cream. The fairer your skin, the more powerful your PDF. Please do not skip that step. Pick a great looking hat for the look and to protect the angles that your solar cream may miss. Sunglasses are a must too – sunlight does not have to be direct in order to damage your eyes.

This picture of a sea turtle is as picturesque as a fabulous sunset on the beach.

Swimsuit – Change La Mer / Wide-Brim Hat – Vintage / Earrings – Open House projects

Give Your Denim a Twist

Landscape & Calochortus albus var rubellus

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Emmanuelle F. – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Nature photography by Growing Self – Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman

The name of this flower may sound like a complicated magic formula but it’s no mystery that a denim piece is a must-have for Summer. Look for unusual details such as ribbons, an exaggerated collar or a two-tones design. And remember ––denim doesn’t necessarily have to be blue. Accessorize your denim with fun accents, including pom pom, lovely pouch or turtle design earrings for a casual look as powerful as the waves of the ocean. For Fall, I will be giving my denim a cowboy twist…

Be Sweet 

The Hibiscus & Mermaid 

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Emmanuelle F. – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Flower photography by Darren’s wife (Susan) – Mermaid artwork by Lismore Paper

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this cute combination of colors. Peach + Yellow + Red generates a sense of calm but it’s guaranteed to infuse a dose of sweetness to your look… Without the sugar rush (forgive the pun). For tips on how to mix colors, see this post The six basic techniques for creating color schemes.

The making of a mermaid is an art. See Lisa’s blog post to learn more about it.

Strike with Stripes

Landscape & Anigozanthos (kangaroo paw)

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Emmanuelle F. – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Nature photography by Growing Self – Flower photography by The Arty PlantsmanEarrings – Rebecca De Ravenel at M’ODA ‘Operandi

This print never goes out of style. There’s a reason why: It’s neutral and versatile. This must-have staple truly goes with everything. I like to match stripes with floral, khaki, pastels or leopard prints. Then I add my tortoiseshell sunnies to top off the look effortlessly.

The Butterfly

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Ocean Photo – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Nature photography by Growing SelfEarrings – Rebecca De Ravenel at M’ODA ‘Operandi

I have exactly 21 pieces with stripes in my wardrobe. A magic number according to J. Crew. 21 is the “number of stripes on the Breton shirts worn by sailors in the French navy, signifying Napoleon’s 21 victories against the British”. I assure you that my love for stripes has nothing to do with historical events.

J. Crew – Getty images

Dive Girl!

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Emmanuelle F. – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – T-Shirt artwork & design copyright Lisa Lawrence, Lismore Paper, 2018. 

Lisa came up with this awesome artwork and design. I had it made into a T-shirt so I could wear it when diving. It was a huge hit. Every female diver wanted to get one too. See Lisa’s blog post to learn more about her lovely artwork.

Plunge Headfirst into Bold Shades 

The Beautiful Hesperantha 

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Emmanuelle F. – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman

Did you know? Fuchsia is named after the color of the flower of the fuchsia plant, which was discover by the german botanist Leonhart Fuchs in the 16th century. Deeper than cotton candy, this rich hue pairs wonderfully with red, white and light blue.

Crochet Vintage Dress – Era Vintage Wear / Earrings – Tobi Don’t drop the ball hot pink earrings / Sunglasses – Burberry

The Swan & Landscape

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Emmanuelle F. – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Nature photography by Growing Self

According to the Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report, orange is one of the paintbox brights for Fall. Vivid, like traffic cones, it’s a dazzling and optimistic hue. I especially like burnt orange with its rusty tones. Pairing orange with white and black works beautifully. However, let’s be careful with black. Too much of it might make you look like a Halloween decoration. Go gorgeous as a swan with simply a small splash of black.

Vintage Dress – Era Vintage Wear / Bag – M0851 / Hat – Old / Necklace – Mexican Artisana Jewelry Gifts With Humanity

Put some colour in your dots

The Ranunailus asiaticus 

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Ocean Photo – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Flower photography by The Arty Plantsman

The origin of this playful print comes from a Polish dance, the Polka. The interest for it grew with the European immigration towards the US in the beginning of the 19th century. Since then, interest has not stopped. From Marilyn Monroe to Kate Middleton and Julia Roberts in the film Pretty Woman or Lady Diana in the 80’s, polka dot clothes are a real craze. The growing popularity of vintage clothing contributes to maintain this success. But polka dots will always be trendy, just like stripes.

This summer, wear your dots with colour. Easy way to double the fun! Pair your feminine Polka dots dress with lovely leather sandals or pumps. If you want to break the classic line, just add a leather jacket, a boyfriend blazer or a big fun belt. Want more ideas on how to wear this fun print? See this post: 7 Cool ways to wear Polka dots.

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

Next edition of When Fashion and Nature Collide: September 19th. 

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

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