Winter attire & 5-Euros-and-under finds

YET ANOTHER PAIR OF LACE-UP BOOTS?
(is she off her rocker?)
Second-hand Michael Kors suede lace-up wedge booties with rubber sole: Etsy.

I haven't quite gotten around to snapping what I wear under my winter togs - not surprisingly, most of my blog pics these days are snapped on the run (though I'm still dreaming of a lakeside photo shoot before the snow flies) - so I thought I'd just show you what I wore today on a jaunt to the thrift shop with a friend, followed by lunch and a play date (never in a million years did I ever think I'd be uttering the term, "play date," but here I am uttering it, happily so. :)

The Michael Kors booties were a stellar and not expensive Etsy find and so casz-chic - the lifestyle I'm aspiring to at the mo. Does the girl have a problem with lace-up booties? Hell yah. But when I find such great deals online, how can I help it? Plus, all the booties look the same in Annecy - slouchy and bling-encrusted - and, like every thing here, they're not inexpensive.

Hooded coat: retail, a few years ago
Vintage fur gloves: Ebay
Leather 1990s bucket bag: Annecy thrift shop
Fur hat: Annecy thrift shop
Vintage scarf: Etsy
Fur-lined skirt peeing out: Annecy consignment shop.

You'll recognize the fur hat from last year - my jaw-dropping 1 Euro thrift shop find. I occasionally wore vintage fur in Toronto, and I must admit to having mixed feelings about it. I have no desire to enter into a political discussion on the merits and downfalls of vintage fur, but I do find it interesting that, in a place where fur is everywhere (and most emphatically NOT vintage; I have seen many women in their 50s and 60s wearing full-length contemporary fur coats), it can sometimes be an easier decision to wear it - especially when it costs a Euro and it keeps my head really, really warm in the not-so-cold but damp winters here. Ditto for the vintage Dents England fur gloves I'm wearing here, found on Ebay.

Vintage hammered brass and coloured cab necklace found at my local thrift shop - for under 5 Euros!

On another front, I routinely ooh and ahh over my thrifty vintage blogging buddies' finds in the UK, Canada and Australia. Such raging deals they find: a few pence; a few bucks. I heave a huge sigh of self-pity over the fact that I rarely dig up such inexpensive items in my local thrift shop (Annecy is land of the affluent, and the higher costs even trickle down to second-hand goods), and I often find myself dreaming of the day when I can go crazy in some grimy Toronto thrift shop. (When I visit, I am SO bringing an empty suitcase!).

So I'm going to feature a few recent 5-Euros-and-under thrift shop finds, like the necklace, above (4.50). I liked its arty groove: tribal boho. Of course, about 80 percent of Adam's wardrobe, comprised of 1-3 Euro deals, could be included in this entry but I think you'll get more excited about bling and handbags.

Don't let the crappy pic fool you: this bag is humongous. Found for 5 Euros at my local thrift shop.

How about this utterly huge leather handbag with amazing buckle, 10 Euros but mysteriously marked down to 5 (is it possessed? Only time will tell)? The detail here does not do it justice; I will show it to you accessorized some day soon so you can see it in all its glory. A true French-style handbag, it doesn't really fit into my life (how does a French woman with a stroller hold the bloody thing? I must observe better), but let's just say that wild horses couldn't have stopped me from taking this baby home. Great shape (as in structural: I love the odd scuff and dent); great hardware; great price. It ticked all the boxes.

Whoohee I'm on a roll: 4 Euros!

Today's find: a luscious burgundy suede and leather handbag, with unknown logo and amazing hardware on the side (not pictured). One of the grommets on the side was missing but who cares? For 4 Euros, it's my new bag-crush.

It's so lovely to read all your comments. I do visit your blogs, believe me, but I don't often leave comments these days. Forgive me, but it's a simpler pleasure for me lately to read a handful of posts in my down time. Hope you understand. I always intend to return and comment but then time slips me by. Trust that I am with you on your style and life journeys! xoxo

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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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What I'm wearing: second-hand Annecy style

Comptoir des Cotonniers dress: Annecy consignment shop
1990s? grannt booties: Ebay
1980s? necklace: Annecy consignment shop
Ray Ban sunnies: Annecy brocante market
1990s leather bucket bag: Annecy thrift shop
Tights: bought new (but they last forever!).

I've been meaning to post outfits for over a week now with no luck, so rather than backlog my outfits for future posts I figure I'll give them to you en masse. I am still ever so slowly redefining my style and gradually getting to a place where I'm starting to feel comfortable. We're not there yet, but do we ever really stop when it comes to style evolution?

Meanwhile: The mass exodus of clothing to my local consignment shop continues, and so far I haven't brought any more new, used stuff home.

Hoping you can see the necklace better in this pic?

This entire outfit was cobbled together using second-hand Annecy finds. I bought this wool frock by Comptoir des Cotonniers at a consignment shop in Annecy last year when I was pregnant. It's of the finest wool and is ever so sheer, and I may be really cheeky wearing sexy crochet tights on underneath, but does it really matter? I can haul out the flannel when my butt is sagging down to my knees.

MEXX boots: local consignment shop
Old worn cord blazer: a euro at a vide grenier
Levis jeans: new and bought in Annecy
Turtleneck: new, bought in Toronto
Vintage Laura Ashley scarf: Etsy.

My latest second-hand and vintage crushes: this (mostly) leather 1990s bucket bag I found for 8 Euros at my local thrift shop. It's so big, and I have been rather hankering after a bucket bag style.

I've also been stalking vintage Laura Ashley riding coats on Ebay, but since don't want to shell out the typical $200+ asking price, I've consoled myself with this vintage floral Laura Ashley scarf in a navy blue that I found on Etsy. I just love it. It's a feminine and refreshing alternative to black. And it goes with the navy blazer and boots perfectly. After all, I'm living in France, ie: Land of the Scarves, which is perfect for me as I don't think a gal can have too many. BTW do you know the history of Laura Ashley as a designer? It's kind of interesting. I had no idea that she met such a tragic end.

1980s Brooks Brothers wool coat: Etsy
Skinnies: thrifted in Canada
Granny boots: Ebay
Tahari cashmere sweater/tunic: new and $$$$.
Charm necklace, gifted from a Toronto designer
Vintage Indian carpet bag: Etsy
Brolly: new and I'm hanging onto it - they steal umbrellas here!

A few weeks ago it was rainy and cool, perfect weather to jaunt out in my vintage wool paisley Brooks Brothers coat that I turned up on Etsy. Brooks Brothers coats sell for hundreds of dollars new and this baby is so well made. The style is quite conservative but I funked it out with second-hand skinnies and the most expensive anything I have ever bought in my life (but such a wardrobe staple) - a lovely deep blue cashmere tunic/sweater dress by Elie Tahari (over $400 CAD new and bought years ago).

Brocade coat, contemporary style yet bought second-hand: Annecy consignment shop
Nougat of London skirt: $10 CAD in Toronto consignment shop
Granny boots: guess?
Vintage tapestry bag: Toronto vintage shop
Vintage Dauplaise necklace: Ebay
Sweater: thrifted in Toronto.

Here's a slightly fuzzy pic of me wearing an Italian brocade coat I bought at my local consignment shop when I was pregnant. I'm wearing it with a dreamy skirt I've never worn before, a pink silk slip style with a brown chiffony overlay by Nougat of London, which I bought at a $10-sale at a Toronto consignment shop years ago. I think the granny boots and granny purse work with it? This looked better in the mirror than it does here, methinks. It's a challenging skirt to work with as it's so ... diaphanous.

Saving the best until last: The little guy's outfit is comprised of second-hand French duds as well. (In fact, the jacket would sell for about 70 Euros new in the swanky kids' shops here).

As you can see, it's all about second-hand orange, in this case orange jackets found at the local thrift shop or the fall vide greniers for a couple Euros apiece.

Now I need to find him booties and a winter hat before the winter descends, which will happen soon enough. Meanwhile, it's gorg here. Hearts out to UK folk affected by the storm.

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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!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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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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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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