Yvoire, Evian & 70s coat

1970s coat: Etsy
Second-hand granny boots: Etsy
Vintage French Lancel handbag: Annecy thrift shop
Fuzzy wool beret: Annecy consignment shop
Vintage fur mitts: Etsy
Sweater underneath: thrifted in Canada
Levis: new.

I'm wearing my latest and greatest vintage coat endlessly these days, having christened it on last week's trip to the small medieval town of Yvoire, and the nearby spa town of Evian. It's made of super thick wool and has this darling faux fur effect and shawl collar, the latter of which I've wrapped around my neck in this pic.

Yvoire, on Lake Leman. The ferry booth was closed when we were there at 5 p.m. but it runs often and connects all of the towns, on the French and Swiss sides, on the lake.

A 14th century medieval town, Yvoire is one of the most beautiful places on the French side of Lake Leman (much prettier than its neighbouring Evian, in my opin). The old town comprises the village proper, which is surrounded entirely by the old medieval walls.

I was here in the summertime and the patios and quaint shops were packed. Last week, and for the entire off-season, the place was shut up pretty tightly, with only a few shops open and one or two deserted restos.

The stillness added to the place's charm even more. Living in Annecy, I know how tiring and oppressive the summer tourist crowds can be.

Evian looking out to Lake Leman and the Swiss side.

We also popped into Evian further along the lake, which was rather ghost-townish too. We were lucky enough to find a restaurant open near the lake for lunch, thankfully. After lunch, we strolled along the lake and soaked up the sun.

Like the few spa towns I've visited, Evian's local population seems to be made up of a lot of old people. Nothing against old people, but having a kid does make you appreicate demographics all the more. France, and much of Europe, I suspect, has a high birth rate. In places like Annecy, you can't spit without seeing a  pregnant woman or a woman with a stroller.

Mr. Happy Pants.

That's boded well for us, living where we do. I've recently joined an Annecy Moms and Tots meetup group and am wondering why I didn't do it before. The group meets often and is made up of women much like myself, whose husbands work during the day and who may be struggling to fit in with a new culture and language.

There are a few French women in the group, which is great, but there are also people from Denmark, Spain, Czechoslovakia, the UK, the US, and even my native Canada. We all speak English, which doesn't help my French skills any, but let me tell you, it's so nice to chat with other expats who share similar feelings and experiences.

Last look at Yvoire.

It also allows Adam to interact with babies his age and older, and gives us a nice little support group of ladies and their tots. It's kind of ironic how a group of foreigners can make you feel more at home than ever before, but that's what this group is doing for me.

Hope you're all well and happy. And to those of you who commented on my new blog header, yes, those pics were of my apartment in Toronto. I sold/gave away most of the decorative items when I moved, but rest assured, the old brass bed is in my parent's basement, and the antique Persian rug is with us here in France.

Lining up with Patti and her brood of stylish gals at Visible Monday.

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Latest greatest second-hand accessory

Thrifted Thierry Mugler blazer: four euros, Annecy thrift shop
Bally bag: 25 euros, consignment shop
Turtleneck: thrifted in Canada
Levis: new/retail (of so worth it).

Nope. It's not my Baby Bjorn carrier for Adam. I love buying the little guy used clothing, but I tend towards new stuff for the big-ticket baby items.

Spotlight today is on my (slightly fuzzy) used leather and brocade bag by Bally, acquired at my local consignment shop for a mere 25 euros.

EVERYTHING SECOND-HAND except for brolly:
1990s Capezio granny boots: Ebay
Distressed jeans: Annecy second-hand depot
Wool sweater: a euro, Annecy vide grenier
J. Crew wool blazer: thrifted in Canada
Huge crepe and chenille Anne Klein scarf: 10 buck sale in Canada.

As you may know, in the midst of my post-pregnancy style crises, I've been consigning half of my wardrobe at my local shop. What this means: when I go into the shop to drop off another stash and pick up my cheque, I sometimes, but not always, walk out with something. I've gotten rid of many a vintage bag via this method, which no longer suit my life, so I didn't feel the least bit guilty snapping up a bag that does.

Vintage Etienne Aigner granny boots: Ebay
Turtlenck: new/retail bought years ago
1970s velvet patchwork blazer: thrifted in Canada
Levis: new/retail.

The bag ticks all the boxes, satisfying my need for space with my ongoing obsession for fabric and brocade. Plus I like that I can indulge in a bit of pattern mixing when I wear it. Of course, Bally, a Swiss maker, does lovely high-quality bags that aren't cheap. Since all my outfits are looking the same these days, I'm putting special emphasis on quality accessories that I love.

I'm wearing my "new" vintage Etienne Aigner granny booties found on Ebay, which, judging by the square toe (I can't believe I'm doing a square toe!), must be 1990s, what do you think? These days I'm groovin' on the Victorian-steampunk look and the blazer and booties sort of fit the bill.

Lanvin necklace, 10 euro at Annecy brocante market
Ray Ban shades: Annecy brocante market.

I've had this 1970s velvet patchwork blazer for years and don't think I've ever featured it here. I found it for a few bucks at a Canadian thrift shop, and I just love it. Now that I've put on a few pounds, I fill it out much better than I used to when I was a skinny-Minny. Just look at those mammoth buttons!

How much do I love it? So much so that when I recently found the matching long a-line skirt on Ebay (maker: Marks and Spencer - mine doesn't have a tag), I almost bought it - wouldn't I have looked crazy with the entire ensemble on? But the 27-inch waist, my pre-preggo waist size, deterred me. Sigh. I ended up consoling myself with a vintage velvet Laura Ashley skirt, with a more realistic waist size, which will rock with the Etienne Aigner granny boots and jibe with my growing Victorian-esque style aesthetic.

Adam, meanwhile, continues to rock the second-hand orange look.

Hairbrushes are so fascinating.:)

Linking up, after a long absence, to the stylish gals over at Patti's Visible Monday.

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My fall style obsessions

Second-hand granny boots: Ebay
90s dress: thrifted in Annecy, France
Vintage Bergdorf Goodman brocade jacket: 50% off sale at Toronto vintage shop
Bag: handmade in Montreal, Canada
Scarf: new and purchased years ago
Second-hand Ray Ban shades: Annecy brocante market
Second-hand Scooter Paris necklace: Annecy vide grenier
Vintage mood ring: Ebay.

Great vintage costume jewellery. Anything that's vintage tapestry, be it a handbag or a coat. A good pair (or five, LOL) of vintage boots. Some things will always be style obsessions.

But, in truth, my wardrobe wants lately aren't radically different from the pieces that have appealed to me in the last year or so, just perhaps more refined. In general, I love the 90s, semi-steampunk vibe of this outfit. Specifically, I'm grooving majorly on granny boots these days, especially the Victorian-esque look of these. (Yes, I could have worn black boots to match this outfit, but these babies arrived at my door the other day and I was too excited not to wear them. I think it's refreshing to forgo the matchy-matchy thing).

Having recently purchased three used pair of granny boots from Ebay, I can't deny that my penchant for lace-up booties has taken a rather strong hold of late. They're comfy (even these three-inch brown leather/fabric ones as the heel is chunky) and go with literally everything. And of course, I just love the granny boot look. I had a pair in the mid-1980s when I was a teen. Funny how the style options we gravitate towards are often ones we've worn and loved in the past, isn't it?

1990s? Capezio black granny boots: Ebay
Second-hand bubble-gum pink leather Alfani jacket: 50% off thrift sale in Toronto
Anthropologie scarf: new and crazily $$$ when I bought it a few years ago
Levis jeans: new and also crazily $$$ (and the only jeans that look good on my post-baby bod).

I'm wearing these black low-heel vintage granny boots by Capezio ALL the time. They're the most comfy boots I've ever owned. I have one more pair of higher-heeled Etienne Aigner boots coming in the post very soon. Then I stop buying boots, promise!

Outfit deets, repeats of above, except for gifted sweater and ...
Scarf: quilted Sonia Rykiel animal-print found at Annecy thrift shop for a song!

I've even been cuffing my new jeans to show them off.

Other fall style obsessions (this one derives from my tapestry love):

Oversize second-hand woven sweater jacket by Sugar Street Weavers: Ebay
(company still exists and according to the website this Angel of Love model is discontinued).
Vintage leather bag: Toronto vintage shop.

Tapestry-inspired woven sweater jackets like this one found on Etsy. It's really huge on me and made by Sugar Street Weavers in the U.S., which appears to cater to a larger client. Their sweaters don't appear to be made for hipsters by any stretch, but this one was was borderline ugly-cool and made my heart wump.

Because it's so big, I have to style it perfectly with skinnies and, natch, booties. Better pic coming soon.

Vintage scarf: gift
Sweater: gift
Second-hand cord jacket: a euro at an Annecy vide grenier
Second-hand skinny jeans: Toronto thrift shop
Vintage leather purse: Toronto vintage shop.

As always, great scarves, like this silk French-inspired one given to me for my B-day. I'm also a sucker for a good blazer. Normally I go for statement-piece blazers with great fabrics and patterns. This frayed navy-blue cord one is a slight deviation on the theme.

Vintage mood rings: Etsy and gifted.

I've always loved 1970s mood rings, but for some reason lately I've gone on a bender researching and buying them on Ebay and Etsy. I look for ones that seem to have a good weight as there are a lot of cheapie lightweight ones out there. It's hard to know buying online what the weight and stone colour will be like, but so far, I've fared well. I'm still looking for the PERFECT mood ring to replace one I gave to an undeserving (ex) friend years ago. I found it at the Sally Ann for $3.99 CAD. Still kicking myself for giving it away, sigh.

Galeries Layfayatte label sweater: Annecy vide grenier
Rest of outfit found at Annecy thrift shop.

Of course, I'm shopping at the vide greniers more for the wee one than I am for myself, and, since the well-heeled femmes of Annecy dress their kiddies in sweaters that cost 70 euros new, I've been rather committed, shall we say?, to obtaining some stylish used duds for Adam before the vide grenier season dissipates. I've bought a hoard of much-needed fall and winter stuff for 1-2 euros a piece!

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Farewell, 1970s frocks; we had a good ride

I've had this post in my drafts folder since April, LOL. Long-time readers may remember my wearing some of my fave thrifted 1970s goodies. This post is dedicated to saying a final goodbye to the items that I have outgrown emotionally, not to mention physically!

Kinda hard to believe I was this wee. Boy, did I love this psychedelic wide-leg nylon pants. This pic was snapped by my hubby-to-be in 2010, on his first trip to see me in Canada after we met in the United States a few weeks before. This was in Niagara Falls, Canadian side.

I consigned these pants at my local shop this summer. The owner recently told me that an 80-year old woman bought them. Rock on, lady!

A friend, who isn't a friend any more, gave me this nylon dress when I left Toronto two years ago to move to the UK. I wasn't that emotional about getting rid of it. It also sold at my local shop.

But I did hang onto the wacky 1970s faceted shades.

I thrifted this pretty prom-like frock in Canada years ago and never wore it, save for this UK back yard photo shoot before I moved to France. Off it went to the consignment shop, where it also found a new home. Vintage is scarce in Annecy so my pieces have sold well.

Again, never wore this slinky 1970s dress I bought off Etsy when I first moved to the UK. My life and style was already in transition then, and I didn't even know it. Bye bye, baby. Oh, the thrifted 1970s necklace went too. And the thrifted Nat and Matt handbag. I kept the amazing vintage bracelet.

I also said goodbye to this fun striped cowl-neck number. I kept the vintage belt and thrifted Stuart Weitzman shoes.

I just dropped off a swack of fall items at the shop, and discovered, to my surprise, that this 1970s scarf dress, and contemporary shoes that are so high I'd surely topple wearing them in Annecy's cobblestone streets, are the only two items from my hoard that didn't sell.

The seller told me the waist was too small. Ok, now I believe it didn't sell. It's pretty small.

I may never wear this again, but I'm glad I still have it. I wore this in Niagara Falls that wonderful weekend with hubby-to-be, so it's drenched in sexy memories.

This is one vintage frock I couldn't consign, though I have little hope of fitting into it again.

Hubby bought it for me in West Palm Beach, the place where we met, a year or so after initially hooking up there. I jetted in to meet him for a weekend when he was on layover, and we found this dress in a wonderful vintage shop. Ah, the romance. I bought the vintage Trifari necklace at the Portobello Road market with him the year before I married him. Natch, I've kept that one too. I'm wearing both here at a goodbye party thrown in my honour when I left the newspaper I used to work for in TO.

I'm not sad to say goodbye to my once-beloved outfits. They served me well when I was a skinny, single big-city shopping columnist and editor. Now it's time to move on to a new style. I think the reason I love to shop continually is that my style is always evolving. Now, sans job, and with a new baby, my look is changing by the day - and hopefully refining itself. We'll see where it ends up. Oh, and I'm still bringing stuff to the consignment shop!

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Lakeside romps and letting go - almost! - of nylon

There aren't heaps of lakeside restos or bars on Lac Annecy, so discovering the precious few - which inevitably are outside of Annecy proper - is like unearthing a mountain of precious gemstones, especially if the places are relatively unoccupied by tourists, as was the case with this charming restaurant on the south-west side of the lake that we had the pleasure of dining at a few weeks ago. Family has been visiting pretty much non-stop since Adam was born, so we've been busy doing a combo of day trips and just hanging out at various points along the lake.

Hubby and I found this lakeside beach bum hangout last weekend on the other side of the lake. It's populated by local hippie 20-somethings mostly, but we had no probs infiltrating it with our little guy. A great afternoon was spent lapping up rose and chilling. It was a mini vacay of sorts and it reminded us that we need to spend at least one day not running around doing the endless amount of errands that seem to crop up with a little one. After the hustle and bustle of the last few months, we really needed it.

At three months, our little guy continues to grow and amaze. He apparently has some kind of gene that makes him cuter and cuter every day, LOL - I know, I'm the dazed-in-love Mommie!

Style-wise, I've been living in a selection of pretty boho sundresses, some second-hand, some new. Comfort, ease-of-wear (read: no ironing) and a breezy style have been my major criteria for summer togs these days. Here's me with Adam in a fave, a blue and white Ikat sundress found in an import shop in the old town.

Here's an over-exposed shot of me in it, at the annual Fete du Lac event we attended with my sis and her fam. Best fireworks display ever.

Most of my style shots, you won't be surprised to learn, are with Adam. I need to do a separate post on this, but let me say that I've been jazzing up basic summer dresses (like this cotton nightie-inspired sundress found at the market last summer for three euro) with awesome vintage jewellery found online.

France is not the place to find vintage bling, and most of the labels I'm looking for are from the States, so Etsy and Ebay have become close friends of late. I've become quite the collector, eking out certain makers, which means that, eventually, I'll have to thin out my tickle trunk of vintage costume baubles that I've dug up in Canadian thrift shops over the years.

Aside from bling and a decent handbag (the ethnic one pictured here was found at a vide grenier last fall for 3 euro), baby Adam has proved to be the best accessory. No, I dare not hold him on my hip as I strut around wearing four-inch spike heels (she looks great, but how does Victoria Beckham manage it?). On the lap or in the pram is just fine for public appearances.

I have, however, managed to channel my inner Victoria Beckham with these second-hand Rayban sunnies found at the local brocante market. Oddly enough, I recently consigned three pair of huge vintage oversize shades to my local shop. And here I go again, buying the same style. My only defense is they seem to suit my pixie face. Now I just need to manage the Beckham look by sucking in my cheeks and not smiling.

Oops, a wee smile escaped in spite of myself. I should be grinning ear to ear as I'm pictured here wearing pre-preggo jeans, yay! So what if they're super stretchy? I'm going with it. Everything but the purse and shoes are second-hand. I just love the Juicy Couture super soft cotton tie-dye tank I thrifted in Canada (even if my belly hangs out a little in it).

Here's one of the few full-length shots I've managed to request, snapped last week on the way to the beach bum bar. Easy peasy sundress: check. Shades: check. Vintage bling: check (more on this haute hippie maker, Cadoro, at another time). Golden espadrille wedgies and cross-body purse: check and check. Now bring on the vino!

On another wardrobe note, I've consigned the majority of my vintage 1960s-70s frocks, mostly because they're the size that would fit a Barbie Doll, and I doubt my 27-inch waist will return. Also because, well, loud patterns and nylon just don't fit my life anymore, just as those vintage oversize sunglasses don't seem to fit. That funky retro chick that started this blog four-plus years ago has changed. It's ok, I've mourned it and moved on, as leaving behind my retro style has coincided with amazing changes in my life (but please note, I may still do the goodbye post that features all the dresses, which has been in my Drafts folder for ages). I've held onto this black floral number, though, as I love it and it makes my post-preggo bod look ok.

I'll leave you with a shot of the wee one snapped at the beachy bar last weekend, wearing gifted items from overseas pals and fam. Hope you're all having a fab summer!

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Thrifty little guy

Six days old: wee little man

I've read every one of your lovely comments and I thank you so much for your kind words and congratulations. It's so heart-warming to hear from longtime readers across the globe, from the UK to Australia to Toronto, Canada - some of whom have never commented before. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your well-wishes, and I welcome some new followers who have come into the fold of late. I hope you are all happy and enjoying your summer!

Six days old, wearing gifted Ottawa Sens hockey bib - from a Canadian friend, EH!

Our little man turned five weeks old this week. I'm already feeling sentimental about his time as a newborn as he was so wee and has sadly outgrown some fave (thrifted) outfits. But Adam continues to fill our days with endless wonder and joy. We are truly blessed.

I'll return to regular thrifty style programming just as soon as I can stop snapping pics of my son long enough to direct the camera lens towards me, so please indulge me a while longer as I inundate you with baby pics. Besides, wouldn't I be remiss if I didn't show you some thrifty duds we've picked out for the little guy? He's worn this second-hand red and white outfit for weeks now and is growing into it well. I picked it up in a consignment shop in a nearby village.

He's already mastered hi-low dressing: shorts, new and gifted.
Alligator body suit: gift, found in a UK charity shop

Friends who visited the UK a while back returned with this adorable alligator bodysuit that they charity shopped. He looks like a little body-builder in it and it's saved the day many times in the past two weeks as it's been so warm weather-wise in Annecy.

Four weeks old

We found this overall and tee set in my local thrift shop. Oh yes, Adam has made a grand total of two visits to my local thrift shop already. Mommy and Daddy took introduced him to the concept in his second week of life. We breezed in and power shopped like never before, picking up 15 pieces for a grand total of 15 Euros!

Twelve days old and he's already in the thrift shop. 

Here's the photo to prove it.

Playing dress-up in a hat that came all the way from Canada

That's not to say he's against wearing new outfits from time to time. Grandma came for a nice long visit (she left yesterday; Adam and I are so sad) sporting almost an entire suitcase of clothes given by friends of the family from back home.

We found him some newborn sunglasses so he doesn't have to steal Daddy's pair

Sometimes the dress-up game can go too far. :)

Bath-time is perfect  for  trying out new and adorable facial expressions

Sometimes he just likes to hang out **sans** clothing.

Shot of Mommy a week after birth wearing a vintage chiffon blouse found in the local Annecy thrift shop;
a vintage Lanvin necklace, 10 Euro at Annecy antique market;
vintage 1980s tapestry bag, Etsy.

All right, here's a shot of me post-baby, just to let you know that I'm trying to be as stylish as possible even though I have a wee belly and I don't recognize my thighs anymore. So far I can fit only into my maternity jeans and my "fat" skinny jeans, sigh.

I found this handmade 1970s dress at the local weekly market and paired it with a UK charity-shopped Kelly bag and used Ugg wedgies found at my local consignment shop. Snapped while on our way to lunch in a local village a few weeks ago.

Ikat dress, Birthday pressie and found in Aix Les Bains last week

I turned 43 last week and bought this dress with some Bday money as breastfeeding and a bit of pregnancy weight has rendered all my wee summer frocks slightly tight on me. This empire-waisted, A-line style is a fave of mine and universally flattering - also good for hiding a slight pooch of a tummy.

Wanna count em?

I found this used frock at the market too and wear it only around the house as it's a bit too revealing up top.

Alas, hubby was away for my Bday but a gorg bouquet of long-stemmed red roses (with a wondrous smell) arrived at the door right around the time I was born so many years ago. What an absolute romantic sweetie pie. And the number of roses match my age - was torn between being impressed and horrified at the size of the bouquet!

One last look at the little guy. All is well. We have an all-terrain stroller and take him out every day. He falls asleep as we rattle him over the cobblestones.

Hope this super long post will suffice for a while as life is pretty busy now and it's taken me two days to get this up. :) When I can catch my breath I look forward to catching up with all of you. xo

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