When Fashion and Nature Collide – September 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 September edition of When Fashion and Nature Collide. In September, as the weather cools down and the leafs start to change colour, our minds turn to Fall. Well, I’m just going to come out with it: I love autumn. It’s my favourite season. I’m hardly unusual ––I think we, fashionistas, all do. Love to see the new collections and to style outfits inspired by the catwalks’ coolest looks. For this Issue, I had an idea. From my love for trench (there must be some Brits in me) I suggested we do a special featuring casual outfits for wet days and weekends inspired by the runway 2018 trends. Lisa and I have created a trendy T-Shirt featuring some of our WP friends’ dogs so it was a perfect opportunity to show it. My fantasy was that Darren would be the model as I knew he was going to be in Montreal at the time. I still had to convince him and I really thought he wouldn’t like the idea. Well, his reaction was quite the opposite of what I expected. “That’s cool, Dominique. I’m in!” Was his reply. But then the idea became a full-on fun epidemic as our friends Linda (Mainepaperpusher) and Dee-Dee (Invisible no more) decided to come to Montreal as well. Plus, Darren and I wanted to shoot some pictures together. So, into a creative wormhole we went, and you can see some of these photos on this edition. To say this issue was a joy is an understatement ––It was just both amazing and super special. I mean, who doesn’t want to be with friends and dogs? Or maybe that’s just me. At any rate, providing even a hint of the happiness they’ve given me by their visit is my absolute privilege.

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 of Growing Self / now at Indigo Acres Apiary, Lisa of Lismore Paper / @lismorepaperco and Darren of The Arty Plantsman / @artyplantsman.

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!

Fall back in love with the mix of leather and lace

The Passion Flower

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

 

Looking to fast-track your style? The mix of leather and lace should do the trick. A vintage leather jacket gives an edgy vibe to a romantic lace dress. Artsy shoes bring a touch of fun and anchor the look into the modern era.

From Catwalks to Dog Walks 

The Spiloxene capensis

Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola –– Stylist: Dominique Nancy –– Flower Photography by The Arty Plantsman ––Pug art by Lismore Paper –– Roda’s photo collage

Since the presentation of the Chanel’s S/S 2018 ready to wear collection, the craze for transparent plastic accessories such as bags and waterproof trenches is in full swing. I am amazed at this popularity considering the interest and the need to preserve the environment. We all know the consequences of the use of plastic on fauna and flora. This trend is all the more strange as nowadays single-use plastic bags are even banned in some countries. But while we wonder about the ways to counter global warming, the pollution generated by the fashion industry and the culture of fast fashion, lacite, vinyl and other plastic materials have a growing popularity. Ironic.

I admit it, I like the aesthetic effect of transparency. This material makes it easy to layer clothing, to add color and texture to our outfits. Just play with the length of your clothes. Plastic is playful too. It allows to break the serious side of a garment. It’s a bit like a return to our childhood. Do you remember the yellow raincoat of your youth? Nevertheless, this trend seems to me problematic. I borrowed this trench from a friend coz it gave me the opportunity to talk about this sensitive subject. Of course, it will be argued that fashion accessories are not disposable products. They are made to last. At least they should be. But, symbolically, the message is contradictory. And encourages consumers to ignore the impact of their purchases on the environment. Plastic accessories are unfortunately rarely made from bottles that have been recycled. Not yet anyway. Note that plastic is also found in many materials and fabrics –– for example, in polyester, nylon and rayon. Even vegan leather is a product derived from plastic. However one of the biggest problem of plastic pollution in fashion comes from the supply chain, as most retailers and designers send every single item protected within plastic. Let’s hope that the craze for the plastic trend opens a dialogue on the need for innovative eco-fashion and that the reprocessing of materials and textiles becomes the norm. I look forward to a real development of a fashion designed with the concern for sustainability and respect for the environment.

I love when Lisa’s artwork become part of the picture. This little pug is just adorable. 

Every dog has its Day!

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

2018 is the year of the dog according to the Chinese zodiac. Lisa and I came up with this fun T-Shirt design featuring 9 dogs of some of our friends on WordPress. Thank you to Linda, Ortensia, Paula, Roda and Darren for letting us use their furry animals for our tee. Lisa worked really hard on this T-Shirt. She used watercolor, acrylic paints, digital scanning and graphics. We are presently working on other projects featuring dogs and cats, including a DIY and another T-Shirt. Darren kindly agreed to model for the Every dog has its Day! T-Shirt while on his trip to Montreal. I had great fun behind the camera and obviously both of my friend’s doggie had an instant crush for Darren. He really has a way with animals, including the lizards and snakes. There is still work to be done with the ostriches though, but that’s another story that I will let him talk about.

Take your bag for a walk

For those of us who can’t have furry animals in the house…

I have rounded up some fun accessories featuring cats and dogs you can buy at Floryday.

Field of dreams

The Miscanthus sinensis

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

All you need to elevate a pair of skinny jeans is a cool top. A vintage lace blouse in a soft hue livens up a dark base. A sculptural leather coat and fun accessories doesn’t hurt either (mask is optional).

Runway your way

The road to happiness

Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola –– Stylist: Dominique Nancy –– Nature photography and collage by Roda Shope

Coat – Vintage, DIY Jeans – Era Vintage Wear, Necklace – Eugenie Bee

A detour makes us open up to the world. It is a track of opportunities and we should try to enjoy the journey even when there are a few bumps in the road. There will be sweetness ahead eventually. Feel fresh with Fall / Winter’s go-to-hues, pastel blue and yellow. For a comfy road trip, just wear a pastel coat over your tee. A chic street style mix.

Spotted on the Runway

The Flicker 

Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola –– Stylist: Dominique Nancy –– Nature photography and collage by Roda Shope

Black and white Polka dots were very popular over the Spring 2018 runways ––from Carolina Herrera and Johanna Ortiz to Jacquemus and Jason Wu. Good news for Polka dots fan this timeless print is still very much trending for fall. Don’t be scare to pair your dots with stripes, plaid, leopard or florals this season.

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 blog to get an overall view of When Fashion and Nature Collide. You can now follow Roda’s journey at Indigo Acres Apiary.

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

Hope I’ll see you back here soon!

Next edition of When Fashion and Nature Collide: October 17th. 

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

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When fashion and Nature Collide 

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