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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I think he's a-coming

This could be the last time you see me for a while. I haven't had a chance to respond to your many kind comments and questions of late, nor to comment on your blogs. If I have a nice drawn-out labour (hah), I will most certainly endeavor to distract myself by catching up with life in the blogosphere.

This is me Friday night about to go out for dins with a group of friends. True to my maternity style ethic these days, I tarted up black leggings and a top with my latest vintage accessory finds, courtesy of Etsy.

The (1980s) tribal-esque jacquard scarf is huge, sporting a luxury label I am just learning about - Vakko, a Turkish company that's been around since the 1930s. I loved the colours and it's in superb shape.

It also goes with my 'new' vintage tribal handbag that I found on Etsy for a song.

Look familiar? I loved the pink one so much that when I saw the teal one with gold flecks, I had to expand my collection.

And now, I think I really have to go ....

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Bionic woman & Danskin memories

Last week: 38 weeks

Thanks for all your comments last post re: The Reader Changeover - I think I've managed to change everything that needs to be changed. You can find me on Google + and Bloglovin. Assuming the techno dumb-bunny in me hasn't hopelessley muddled things, it looks as though I've managed to successfully transfer all the blogs I follow to Bloglovin ... but if it looks like I've neglected to follow you there or on Google +, give me a little nudge, ok? Any omissions on my part are not deliberate but rather the product of confusion!

As you can see, da bump is really coming along. I'm getting increasingly tired and uncomfortable, but natch, I'm happy to see baby growing the way he should be. Needless to say, we're getting really jazzed about meeting him!

It's also somewhat gratifying to know that one of my pre-preggo dresses left over from my Skinny Toronto Days serviced me well last week.

The label is Bionic, made by Mark Foreman of Toronto, and his wrap dresses remind me a wee bit of the Karina Dresses that so many of us admire and wear in the blogosphere as they're made with amazing microfibre fabrics in beautiful patterns. Though I've bought Bionic new, on sale (they range from $150-200 CAD if memory serves), I found this wrap during a Toronto Goodwill rummage for about $6.99 CAD.

I decided to jazz mine up with my H&M leggings worn the way I used to wear leggings when I was dancing - over my feet, with the ballet slippers overtop. It was a little trick of elongating the leg even more. :) My gams, which have puffed out the last few weeks with water, need all the elongating they can get!

Excuse the overexposed shot but I had to brighten it up a little. Plus bump looks pretty good when shown against the dark of the piano! I'm wearing Kenneth Cole Reaction ballet flats, found at the Two Dollar Sale in Toronto.

Here's a close-up of the makeshift vintage necklace I'm wearing, which I love but don't wear much. I attached the vintage Coro pendant I found in a thrift shop to a set of fake pearls I thrifted way back in university days - in fact they may have been the first costume bling I ever bought second-hand. That's the extent of my handy-dandyness, I'm afraid.

Me in my skinny Toronto days a few years back, sporting the same dress with a 1970s gold belt, vintage bling, and 1980s shades with thrifted white heels and a fake tan. I was a working girl back then and a shopping columnist to boot so I always dressed up to go to work. Funny how radically things change, eh? Glad I could adapt this dress for a more casual look that suits my lifestyle. Hopefully I'll one day be able to tie the belt all the way around to the front, as I did here, instead of tying it at the back as I now do!

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Vintage accessory-obsessed

38 weeks

Maybe it's because I'm living in the same pair of black maternity leggings and a small selection of tops that cover my expanding butt and thighs, but I'm particularly obsessed with the details of outfits these days. And I've found some real vintage gems of late to help me jazz up my maternity uniform.

This 1980s? tapestry handbag, found on Etsy, is a fave. Normally I wear it cross-body as the strap is long and not adjustable. It's large enough to house the array of necessary stuff that accumulates in my daily bag of choice, plus I should be able to squish in some baby essentials like diapers and wipes in the coming months. The bonus to boot: it goes with practically everything.

I stalked this Sarah Coventry "Cleopatra" cuff bracelet with purply stone-like ovals for a while before finding one that was a screaming deal, also on Etsy. It's not an easy-to-find cuff and most were more than I wanted to pay, but I dug and dug and entered different search terms and up popped this one for a song. Love!

I'm particularly proud of this navy and multi-hued cotton Italian-made mega scarf by Rodier, snapped up at my local thrift shop for 1.50 Euros. I adore large scarves - so dramatic. Well, I love scarves, period, and I don't believe that you should give up wearing them in the summer. There are heaps of summer-weight options out there! This baby can double as a shawl and even a boob-cover when breast-feeding.

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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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Boho brown & last bad hair pic

Last week: 36 weeks, behind the Clinic where I'll be giving birth.

I'm becoming a master in the art of jazzing up mass-bought leggings with second-hand and thrifted goodies.

Last Friday, when we went out to dins with pals, I decided to go slightly upscale. Over my H&M leggings and stretchy C'est Moi tank bought new in Toronto years ago (best tanks EVER), I wore a French-label statement piece blazer I picked up last summer in the consignment shop I frequent in Annecy. This was its first outing. The pattern is comprised of brown, bronze, taupe and silver sparkly threads. You can't see it here as I have no waist, but it has two amazing carved wood buttons. Very 1980s-90s chic. I have a definite thing for statement piece blazers but haven't worn them much since leaving Toronto.

As is usually the case with me, the accessories are second-hand. I bought the vintage 1970s Trifari necklace for way too much money on London's Portobello Road. The 1980s Kelly-style bag was a few pounds in a Beaconsfield, UK charity shop. The oh-so-comfy cork-wedge and suede Ugg sandals are another local consignment shop find.

This is the last you'll see of my mop-like hair for a while, hopefully, as I'm getting it thinned out tonight. I've been torn between growing and chopping of late: I don't want uber short hair like I used to have, but once it gets to this shapeless stage that overpowers my features, I cave, and try yet another local hairdresser. (I have high hopes for tonight's stylist, contender number three for my undying hair loyalty and affection, as he cut a friend's hair and it looks amazing).

This week: 37 weeks.

I fear I'm lapsing into predictability. Another legging shot with another second-hand brown top, boho in style, dug up for a few Euro at the local Sunday market where I chanced upon an actual second-hand dealer a couple months ago. It's not a maternity top per se, but it's the perfect preggo top as it's roomy and hides my upper thighs. :)

The boots were bought new in Canada; the denim was charity shopped, as was the 1970s paua shell necklace. The bracelet was 5 Euros in my local thrift shop, and the Indian bag was an Etsy find for 10 Euros.

I'm taking a break as we walked home with groceries earlier this week. We whipped up a Tex-Mex dinner extravaganza for friends that night, also fellow expats. We often get sick of the French fare here, which consists mainly of potatoes, melted cheese, and sausage, so we indulge in non-local foodie fare with peeps who will enjoy it with us whenever we can (this includes having brunch at a semi-trashy local Chinese buffet and lunch at a Thai resto in a nearby town - ethnic food isn't so easy to find here).

Not such a flattering pic. I feel rather whale-like these days, though I know I shouldn't complain as I've gained under 20 pounds so far. :)

Hope you're all having a great and very spring-like week. It's been so lovely to see those of you in this hemisphere in your spring togs. It seems like it's been a long time coming, non?

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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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Ethnic pink accessories jazz up boring black mat outfit

Vintage ikat bag, Etsy; new Moroccan-made flats; thrifted denim jacket; vintage 1970s necklace.
Leggings and top, H&M maternity.
(end of week 34).

A flu last week has quelled my energy and nesting instinct somewhat, but I'm on the mend - just in time for gloriously sunny skies and 20-plus C temps in Annecy this week, double yay!

All of my thoughtful maternity style solutions have devolved into a standard uni of late: H&M tights and some generic top to go with them. My style solution, to pep things up a bit: accessories, natch. And given my penchant for all bits and bobs ethnic these days, it's not surprising I tarted up this outfit with my latest acquisitions: one, a gorg pink, white and black vintage ikat tote found on Etsy.

Two, leather ballerina flats from Morocco, bought from the willowy hippy-dippy gal who owns a shop just a few doors over from where I live, most of it comprising amazing Moroccan wares. These were on sale as they were last season.

Aren't they pretty? They make my size 10 feet look like flippers, but, after the initial-wear blisters fade away and the leather gives a wee bit, they'll be comfy as as a pair of old slippers.

Speaking of great accessories, I have to show off my latest 1970s necklace, purchased* at a local second-hand shop where I recently consigned some of my beloved 1970s frocks (goodbye tribute coming soon). It's 70s-chic, but with those dangly bits, it has a semi-tribal feel to it, methinks.

*I actually bought it with the proceeds of two pieces that have already sold!

It perfectly matches the style of the ring I bought in the same shop on Christmas Eve. Love!

I was still feeling a bit tired on Sunday, when this pic was snapped, but it was so beautiful out that hubby and I met friends around the lake. Needless to say, the place was thronging with peeps. This pic was snapped at 8pm, when everyone had gone home to dinner. I love the lake **sans** humans!

Linking up with Bella at Citizen Rosebud's Shoe Shine series, which starts its second installment tomorrow!

EDIT: Crazy pregnant lady got it wrong - no Shoe Shine series today, my bad (see Bella's comment below). But still linking to the fabulous Bella 'cos she shines every day!

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