My "posh" thrifting outfit

Last week's thrifting outfit
(37 weeks)

I had to chuckle at hubby's comment last Saturday when I was about to depart for a wee thrift dig at my local thrift shop. Like most thrift stores I know, this particular shop isn't in the trendiest of areas. Rather, it's located on a slightly ramshackle street in a suburb of Annecy, with lots of warehouses and a railway track to boot. I think it's the heartbreaking story I once relayed to hubs about having a three-year old kid ask me for money in that area that sparked his comment that I looked "too posh" to walk through that 'hood to the thrift shop. 

First, wild horses couldn't have kept me from thrifting that day: I was really in the mood and had the energy. Second, his comment, though utterly sweet, struck me as slightly ironic, considering that, with the exception of the leggings, the entire outfit was thrifted, with the standout pieces coming from that exact thrift shop which I was hellbent on visiting that day!

The 1990s boots you've seen before, a product of a Toronto vintage shop dig. The empire-waisted turtleneck sweater, a staple in my maternity wardrobe when the weather is cool (as it has been, rather uncharacteristically, in Annecy considering the pools and beaches normally open May 1!), was thrifted in Toronto as well.

Meanwhile, the fabulous Native-inspired leather purse was dug up at the local thrift shop's vide grenier (literally translates to "empty attic") for one Euro. I found the vintage Made-in-France brushed cotton and wool cape inside the boutique portion of the shop for 5 Euros. Isn't it cute? (Or maybe it's posh?).

I won't treat you to the extra-large version of my un-makeuped, sleep-deprived and pre-haircut self snapped about a week ago as I stuck my tongue out at hubby for taking my pic on a patio, but that look perfectly encapsulates how I'm feeling about figuring out the blog ramifications of Google Reader going the way of the Dodo bird in July.

I must admit that, aside from knowing I should transfer all my followers over to another reader and invite you all to come follow me there, I'm a little bewildered as to how to do all that. But the Bloglovin peeps have directed me to cut and paste this into my blog post so you'll all follow me, so please do, if you're so inclined, as it would be a shame to loose you now that I have you!

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Blue, blue & blue - yet I'm not blue!

I am back in the land of living after being away from home for almost three weeks! Thanks for all your kind comments and well-wishes re: the move to France. There is much to be done and I am feeling more than overwhelmed, but the excitement is palpable!

It's been so hot lately (yay!) that I'm back to my simple pull-the-dress-over-my-head dressing style - I hope this isn't too boring for you. I shall try to accessorize with great bling since I have limited footwear and handbags with me.

I don't buy new a lot, but sometimes if the price is right I do: this huge reversible canvas designer bag was 50 percent off at a sample sale, and the blue necklace, a definite splurge item, was bought new in an emotional moment directly after leaving my now hubby at the airport to fly overseas, back when we were doing the long-distance thing. I figure the cost was justified.

The blue patterned cotton dress: bought for a few pounds at a charity shop. The silver cuff bracelet was found in a Canadian thrift shop, as were the Italian sandals (one of the few that I kept when I moved to the UK so you may be seeing quite a bit of them). The sunnies you've seen before and were plucked out of the window display of an ancient hardware store in Toronto.

Have a great day!

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Too small blazer & "replacement" bag

Ever bought a blazer that's too small, on purpose? I did. It's a petite size, and kinda sheeny/1990s, but I love the colour. I kindda like it fitted. With my second pair of skinny jeans bought for two pounds, and a simple tee, I think it looks pretty good.

I'm also showing off my "new" handbag found at an Oxfam shop for five pounds. It's a leather Kelly bag style, with this amazing hardware as you can see, and in really great shape (1980s, I'm guessing?). It will replace my vintage bags that have gone MIA (see posts below)! I'm also wearing my 2-pound vintage bracelet and vintage flower choker. Have a great day!

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My purple 1970s sunnies, on request, and thrifted New York look

I'm posting a close-up of the 70s sunnies I featured the other day, found in a Canadian hardware store for three dollars, on the request of Joni from Walking Colors - whose 1970s style, and sense of colour, I totally admire.

This photo was taken two years ago exactly, when I helped do the PR for the Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club's semi-annual show & sale. The 1950s necklace belonged to a seller, but the rest of the look was created by me comprising some of my vintage thrifty finds.

At the time I called this my New York look. The crowning achievement is the hot pink vintage brocade jacket I found at Goodwill for $6.99, if memory serves. I'm wearing it over a thrifted Teenflo little black dress, accessorized with a 1970s gold belt and my beloved Paragon of Toronto vintage handbag that I found for just a few bucks in a thrift shop and stupidly gave away when I moved overseas. The shoes were new, but inexpensive.

The necklace was a beaut too, 1950s glass or crystals. The earrings were borrowed from the same owner as the necklace, 1980s I'm guessing. I had fun playing model for the show and we took some great snaps, which I featured here two years ago.

Head on over to Visible Monday and check out other fab thrifty stylistas.

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My auction adventure

It began outside the sliding doors of Gerrard's Auction House.

I had found a vintage bracelet in the open market area there a week before for a mere pound ninety-nine, so I went back to scout for more cheap goodies.

The place was pretty quiet downstairs as there was an auction in progress on the second level.

Then a blur of vintage purses on a counter caught my eye. I asked at the front desk and turns out they were part of the auction upstairs. I had never been to an auction before (save one at a charity shop that I failed miserably at). Before I knew what was happening, I was registering at the desk and climbing the stairs to the auction. I had taken a closer look at those purses, and there was one in particular that I wanted.

This is THE purse that caught my eye. I LOVE the green. It's obviously handmade, but I have no idea how old it is. No stinkiness whatsoever. Just exquisite.

I stood waiting for the lot of my purses (I was already thinking of them as MINE) with an ever-quickening heartbeat. It wasn't very busy upstairs so most of the lots weren't being bid on and could have gone for ten pounds. I was hoping the same would happen for me. By the time the lot came up, I was so pumped I felt like I was about to have a heart attack. The auctioneer started talking and up shot my arm - we were off to the bidding races. There was no way those purses were getting away.

Alas, there was an online bidder and we went back and to for a bit. But I won, paying just $2 under my cut-off figure.

Here's the inside of the green purse, an obviously handmade job. MY insides were pretty jelly-like as I waited at the counter to pay and claim my purses.

This was the second purse in the lot, not as special as the first but still an interesting - and obviously handmade - piece. I like that, like the green one (which is admittedly a bit squished and will look better when I flatten it out to reshape it), it's a wee asymmetrical. Beautiful, imperfect. That's my cup of tea!

And so went my second ever real live auction adventure. Maybe auctioning will soon become old hat -- or old purses again??

Sharing my finds for Ta-dah Tuesday!

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Thrifted Clements Ribeiro dress with vintage bling

Wohoo, check out my thrifted Clements Ribeiro Portobello wrap dress in this crazy circus print - found at my local charity shop! Isn't it fun, fun, fun???

I decided to stay true to the fun spirit of the frock, pairing it with some green suede shoes, found at the same charity shop. I've added a bit more sass with nude-tone fishnets (the most comfy nylon on the planet, as far as I'm concerned).

I rarely wear this vintage (Art Deco?) green glass and brass choker (stamped "Regina" - I can't find ANY info on it) that I picked up at a vintage shop in Toronto, Canada - but I thought it was perfect with the outfit.

Other vintage accessories: crazy 1970s green "marble" ring and vintage suede purse.

I didn't know anything about the London-based husband-and-wife designing duo before moving to the UK, but a peep on the internet reveals their frocks sell for hundreds of pounds. Not sure if this Portobello label is a collection they've done that a bit more mass - any one know? - but I love it any way. Fun, wearable and feminine - the perfect frock!!

Linking up for Thursdays Are For Thrifters. Have a super fab day, my fellow thrifty style mavens!

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Easter hats in the window, for only a pound

I love this: a local shop selling contemporary clothing has been having its retirement sale for weeks now, and the owner is hauling out all her old, unused and unsold stock and samples, along with her own personal vintage collection, as the sale winds down. Spotted in the window last week: a collection of hats worthy of an Easter Parade!

And most of them were a pound. Crazy eh? Alas, I had no plans for church or a fancy tea event, so most of the styles didn't really suit my life.

And the one I really wanted - the forest green wide-brimmed hat in the back, with the studs on it for three pounds - looked like a sombrero on me. Too bad. I did find one blue one (not pictured) that's sort of 70s-esque. If I ever wear it with an outfit I'll show you.

I really admired this beaded and fringed Art Deco purse in the window. These babies aren't cheap online or at vintage markets. It was in great condition and I really liked the faded Easter-like colours. Do you think I bought it?

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