Second-hand Kenzo & Tom Ford

OUTFIT ENTIRELY THRIFTED/SECOND-HAND (Ok, tights were new):
Kenzo skirt: a euro at an Annecy vide grenier
Etienne Aigner boots: Ebay
Bally bag: consignment shop swap
J. Crew wool blazer: thrifted in Canada
Black sweater: thrifted in Canada
Vintage scarf: gift
Vintage Cadoro necklaces: bought online
Tom Ford sunglasses: consignment shop swap.

I don't really think of myself as a label slut - ie: I don't buy items for the sake of their being "by" someone - and I quite abhor the idea of picking up a lower-tier collection of a designer at a mass market retailer like H&M or Target - though if that's other people's bag, go for it. But that's not to say that I don't appreciate good quality labels, and labels with a neat history or story. And having lived in France for over a year, I've found many a French designer to love.

I've been a Kenzo fan ever since my twis sis thrifted a gorg red floral velvet jacket in Toronto a few years ago. Vintage Kenzo pieces have great colour and texture. Take this lined, wool a-line mustard yellow Kenzo skirt I found at a summer vide grenier for A EURO. LOVE! I never thought the yellow and black bumblebee look would work, but I'm groovin on this outfit (snapped outside the grocery store - yes, us ladies of leisure live exciting lives!).

Then last week, when I took more bling to my consignment shop, I spied these Tom Ford sunglasses. I know Tom Ford more for the fab flick he directed, A Single Man, than for his fashions and famed business sense. But I loved the way these looked on me. They were rather beat up - scratched on the lenses and the frames - so the owner knocked 20 euros off. Since I had sold a few items in her shop recently, I essentially got them for free rather than pocketing the cash I made.

I've mentioned Cadoro jewellery before, but haven't explained my obsession with it. Cadoro was a high-end jewellery company founded in the 1950s in Manhattan. It's known for its handmade haute hippie pieces made out of unusual materials. The jewellery is quite collectible now as the company ceased to exist in the 1980s. Cadoro pieces are so arty that some can be found in New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art and Museum of Modern Art.

I'm now a happy Cadoro addict (some of their tassel necklaces rock). I found these two yellow corded necklaces with sliding gold bits online. They're really more summer pieces but as you can see I've managed to work them into my fall look. I have many more Cadoro pieces to share with you! I've stopped buying them but have a nice little collection - my first really meaningful vintage jewellery collection (which explains why there's been a mass exodus of my lower tier vintage costume jewellery to the consignment shop). Guess that means I'm a grown-up now!

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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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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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I am like the lilacs

My take on Spring: thrifted over-dyed '90s grunge dress accessorized with deep lilac and plummy tones
Entirely thrifted outfit (except for tights)
(End of 37 weeks).

A 20-minute power shop in the local thrift shop before our OB appointment Friday yielded this amazing 1990s dress that I practically lunged at when I saw its deep purply hues.

Not only does it remind me of the over-dyed dresses I used to buy in the 1990s, but it is also the perfect complement to the deep-coloured lilacs that have sprouted all over Annecy.

Bought at the market today and now reposing in front of our huge living room windows.

I am sentimentally attached to lilacs. Some may find their smell cloying, but their sweet scent reminds me of growing up in the country, where two huge lilac bushes decorated our front and back yards. My sis and I would cut a bunch of branches and place the biggest bouquet possible in an oversize rose bowl right in front of an open window. The breeze would blow in, and the room would fill with the most heady of perfumes.

A welcome respite from my black leggings, this dress is perfect in so many ways, and not just because of the wonderful colours and simple style. The corset drawstring detail in the back, a popular '90s motif, means I can wear the dress now and then cinch it tighter post-baby (presumably when my 27-inch waist will return). :)

With the exception of the tights, the outfit is entirely thrifted:

Dress, 5 Euros at Annecy thrift shop
Chiffon made-in-Italy scarf, 1.50 Euros and found during the same power shop as the dress
Gap Limited Edition denim jacket, found at a UK charity shop a year ago
Plummy-blue Italian-made suede boots, $14.99 CAD in Toronto 
Deep pink straw purse, thrifted long ago in Toronto for a few bucks
Gold-plated Edwardian style necklace with pink glass, 50% off in a Toronto Value Village
Art deco style ring with pink glass, 5 Euros at Annecy brocante market.

The ring and pendant kinda match the lovely tree we took a pic of yesterday along the canal.

I love it when nature inspires an outfit, don't you?

I don't think this picture does justice to the reality I saw on the cobblestone streets after the market today. All those little bits you see between the mossy crevices are multi-hued sparkles that someone must have sprinkled there while partying the night before.

On that note, I'm linking up to all the sparkly style gems at Patti's Visible Monday.

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Two 'new' tapestry coats - quelle indulgence!

Col des Araviz, La Clusaz.

Jeepers, it's been a busy time. With four or five weeks ago, we're in the final stages of baby prep: the crib is set up, the baby clothes are clean and ready, and the hospital bag is packed. We've also gone out for dinner with friends almost every night for the past week and a bit - gotta get our social ya-yas out while we can, right? The other day we drove up to the mountains and sunned ourselves on a huge patio, admiring Mont Blanc in the distance (not the mountain pictured above), while eating crepes and quaffing chocolat chaud. The weather has ranged from 24 degrees C and sunny to cooler rainy days, but the flowers and trees have exploded with popping blossoms and leaves - it is truly beautiful spring in Haute Savoie!

Last week: 35 weeks

For cooler days, I've upgraded my standard black maternity tights and generic black top look by adding a second-hand tapestry coat I picked up at the local consignment shop where I've left some of my 1970s frocks. I LOVE this baby. It's contemporary and likely only a few seasons old, made by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti. I've seen a few listings for this exact coat online and apparently it sold for over $1,400 US new. Yeeps. The price tag on my coat was 75 Euro, a little under $100 USD.

I'm wearing it with green suede slouchy booties bought new in Canada and a humongous vintage 1980s carpet bag by UK maker Carpet Bags, bought on Etsy. I can't get the buttons on the coat closed at the mo, but no matter: that will come. I'll say it again: I just love this coat! It's sleek and stylish and will rock my neutrals, everything from jeans and wedge booties to dresses and wideleg pants.

Last week: 35 weeks

This blue beaut is a definite vintage 1970s find, stalked several months ago on Etsy by moi before I finally broke down and hit the "buy" button. I'm wearing it with thrifted Italian-made blue suede boots and a new wool dress that has served my expanding girth very well of late. It's slightly less fitted than the other coat but no less amazing, in my humble opin.

When I can fit back into my denim, I can see myself wearing this with a simple white tee, slightly flared blue jeans, strappy sandals and ethnic silver bling. Ironically I find both of these coats incredibly versatile - you wouldn't think so with the patterns, but I guess the key is not going overboard with stripes and polka dots underneath.

The silver filigre flower ring is slightly blurry but I wanted to show you the bling I accessorized the coat with - I was thinking Morocco for some reason, and this ring, found in a Toronto thrift shop and given to me by the owner, seemed to fit the bill. The silver tone and Lucite necklace is a fave Goodwill find from Toronto - I think it was $6 CAD.

I'll leave you with a shot from the patio that we were having dinner at the other night in the old town. The street looks deserted but don't be fooled: tourists were thronging that night but we managed to find a resto on a quiet side of the canal. Soon Annecy will be absolutely teeming with people and it will be impossible to push a stroller down our cobblestone street. I'm not looking forward to it!

I've been oh so slowly catching up with your blogs, leaving the odd comment here and there and sometimes just enjoying reading your posts sans commenting. I really hope to stay connected with you all but can already feel myself slipping away from blogging, as exhaustion takes over and I become increasingly preoccupied with our imminent arrival! Hope you're all well. xoxo

Just realized I've missed this fabulous link up for the last little bit, so I'm popping in to minglewith my fave style pals at Patti's Visible Monday.

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Vide Grenier Haul, part one

Wool-mohair blend coat with Paris label and great buttons, 2 Euros at a Vide Grenier

Cripes, talk about baby prep. Sleepless nights characterized by frequent bathroom trips and tossing and turning to find a comfy position, topped off by hubby snoring and cat crying at all hours, has pretty much set the tone this last week for an overwhelming tetchiness that makes me want to hip-check every dawdle-poke or generally annoying person who gets in my way.

Good thing a master haul at my local thrift shop's spring vide grenier (rummage sale, basically) this past Saturday is helping my zzzz-deprived brain manufacture some happy hormones when I think of all the great stuff I found there - two (huge) bags full of clothing for between 1-2 Euros each - including this wool-mohair blend coat from Paris (2 Euros).

The lining is thin so it was the perfect coat to don earlier this week, when temps soared to the teens.

Wool-blend sweater: a Euro at the same sale

I'm not great at this style of vide grenier - basically a big table with stuff tossed on it for all to fight over - but surprisingly there weren't too many pushy peeps. I was able to dig up this red wool-blend floppy turtleneck sweater, again with a Paris label, without any major incident (and for a Euro). I don't wear red often but I can do this shade, and I just loved the dart-like detailing on the sides.

Thyme maternity skirt, thrifted in Canada; Benetton patent leather brogues, thrifted in Annecy;
Scarf, Annecy market; Vintage bracelet, UK auction house;
leather purse, new and handmade by Montreal, Canada artisan.

30 weeks: POP!

As you can see, I've really popped out in the last week. I'm still going strong with the support hose, and comfy shoes that highlight my flipper feet ... funny how I'm trying my best to be stylish but won't compromise when it comes to sensible - and safe - footwear. I wouldn't want to topple over wearing heels, now would I?

I have heaps more to show you from the vide grenier. Must snap some pics one of these mornings, when I have more oomph. Now if you'll excuse me, but I'm off to beddie-by.

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Second-hand dress love affair

Consignment store dress; thrifted carpet bag and Kenneth Cole booties - all found in Toronto;
ring, a gift from Hubby from eastern Europe;
necklace, found in a France thrift shop
(29 weeks)

I have such a love affair with this dress. I bought it in Toronto, Canada a few years ago for about $35 in a consignment shop. It was a bit steep for what it was, I thought, but I loved it so natch, I bought it.

Single gal when I bought it: Sept. 2010, with consignment store shoes, thrifted earrings and lacy tights.

At the time, it was fall 2010, and I was getting ready to fly overseas to the UK to visit my then beau, now my hubby. I bought this dress especially for that trip.

It took me through the courting phase, haha. (EDIT: Had to crop hubby out on request).

During that trip, hubby-to-be took me to the lovely Inn at Whitewell on the edge of the Lake District. Here we are getting smashed at dinner. I wore the dress with black tights and pewter-toned heels. Great memories!

Single gal to wife-to Mom-to-be dress!

I almost got rid of it while doing my closet-cleanout before moving overseas - and I'm so glad I didn't. At this stage in the game, it makes a perfect pregnancy dress. I just tied the removable belt under my boobs for comfort, and to give me the illusion of a waist.

(You can see in the background that I've been reunited with one of my long-lost vintage bags left in Canada - a gorg and great-sized satin-lined carpet bag in boo-tiful colours - that a friend brought over for me - YAY!).

I don't think I'll ever get rid of this dress - it holds too much meaning now. I tend to be like that with clothing.

Do you have many love affairs with clothing or accessories, for sentimental reasons?

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Mountains, ethnic bags & babies

Hotel Kilimandjaro, Courchevel. 27 weeks.

Gosh, it's been such a busy almost-two weeks with so much news that I don't know whether to inundate you with a super meaty post or spread it all out over a few posts - but if I do the latter, then the news will be old so I'll try my best to condense it all into readable chunks!

That's hubby and I posing in one of several cosy seating areas in this uber-luxe hotel, the Hotel Kilimandjaro in the alpine town of Courchevel, 1850 (meaning 1850 metres above sea level). We drove up (way up, like over 6,000 feet) to meet friends last week, had lunch, then popped into the swank hotel for coffees (to the tune of 50 Euros for four!). Boy oh boy, this is how the other half lives.

I didn't get many pics, but let me tell you, it was a beautiful winter wonderland of snow-covered peaks, not to mention more luxury hotels than you can shake a stick at. The Courchevel ski resort area is one of the most prestigious in the world. Needless to say, I wasn't skiing at 27 weeks.

We had lunch in a chalet overlooking the airport, or the Altiport, which is higher than Courchevel 1850. There were lots of fancy-shmancy helicopters there that day.

Obsession these days: ethnic bags.
Vintage Indian-made carpet bag, under 10 Euros on Etsy - steal!
(27 weeks).

All's well on the baby front. I'm starting my third trimester (28 weeks this week) and am getting bigger. Though peeps say I look wee, I'm amazed to know I've gained 14 pounds! My OB spotted a vein on my leg the other day and prescribed compression tights - yes, I officially feel like an old lady! I tried to assure her that vein had been there forever, but she gave me the 'script anyway.

Know what? They're actually super comfy, though I could post the most hilarious YouTube vid of me trying to get the suckers on (gloves are required). But hey, if they prevent varicose veins, what's the biggie? This is me last week after having lunch with hubby and a couple friend ... with my 'new' used Indian-made carpet bag I picked up on Etsy. I figure it'll make a great throw-all-diaper bag in a few months.

NEW: Fab but expensive.

On the thrift front, I've found some great baby stuff second-hand, but to offset those victories I had the most disappointing thrift shop expedition of my life last week in Geneva, when I visited three Red Cross shops. I found nothing but a silk button-down PJ top (that'll be perfect for breast-feeding) at the Red Cross by-the-pound shop, for 2 Euros.

Remember this fur hat? We bought it new - not telling you how much, but it was trop cher, even on sale.

USED: Less than 2 Euros!

Literally a few days after that purchase, I dug up this fur hat at my local thrift shop ... for 3 Euros less 50 percent! Yes, 1.50 Euros!!! It's less chic than the studded one, but still falls within the style dictates of alpine chic, oui?

As I've said before, Anything new can do, thrift can do better!!

Thrifted outfit with new handmade scarf (Etsy), at 28 weeks.

Yesterday I got all boho-ed out to do lunch with pals and then pop into Geneva for an Ikea change-table and nursing chair reconnaissance with hubby. I'm wearing my 'new' second-hand MEXX navy booties that I picked up in a consignment shop the other day. As you may know, I'm a boot fiend and it could be argued I don't really need these guys, but the low heels are  practical for my life right now (blame it on the baby and who can argue?).

Almost everything here is thrifted, save for the glittery knit cap I bought in Toronto years ago (I call it my Oliver cap) and the gorg hand-loomed multi-stripe on black cotton scarf I found on Etsy the other week (to replace one I gave away when I moved overseas - notice how good I am at justifying these small purchases?).

BTW, I'm starting to state my pregnancy in weeks on this blog so I don't forget. I'm too disorganized to categorize my pregnancy pics!

Do I look like a crazy, bag-obsessed hippie? Yup.

I mentioned an ethnic bag obsession that's taken hold of late. There's a really expensive Indian quilt bag online that I've been lusting after for almost a year, and, to avoid spending over 200 Euros on it, lately I've been snapping up any inexpensive ethnic bag that turns my fancy, in an effort to quell the ethnic bag urge - do you ever do this? My fear is I'll end up spending more than 200 Euros on all these bags, and then end up breaking down and getting the original one I wanted!

I found this cheapie one (made in China: don't hate me) in the Old Town yesterday on sale for 20 Euros. It's a patchwork fabric design and is now my new (in all senses of the word) fave bag.

Have a happy weekend! My best friend had her baby the other day, and my really good friend here is about to have hers, hopefully this weekend! Happiness abounds ....

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