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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Matchy-matchy double-sided Gemini

I match the lake!

Quelle week: hubby's been away so I've tasked myself with various administrative to-dos, along with washing and organizing all the baby clothes we've been lucky enough to have given to us; buy the remaining baby stuff we needed; organize some clothing for the local consignment shop; socialize a little; and generally do all the running around I won't feel like in the weeks to come! I feel good, but tired. Thankfully I've had some good friends helping me.

I love this outfit - you can see I'm still groovin' on the tribal theme. I found this microfibre ruffle skirt in the old town new and fell in love with the pattern. Remember this style of skirt? I wore them as a teen in the early 80s.

33 Weeks!

The skirt just happens to go remarkably well with the tribal-esque scarf I bought at a December market in Annecy, also new. I threw in a Guatamalan bag I found for 5 Euros in Geneva. The sweater is new and accommodates my growing belly. Only the boots, ring and necklace are second-hand.

Ignore the bad hair and focus on the sparkly gem-like pendant (matched up with a vintage chain found in my box), found for a few Euro at the monthly brocante market here in Annecy. Normally the vintage bling pickings are slim at this market, but I happened upon a vendor this time with a few nifty pieces (one that I'll show you another time).

Check it out: it's two-sided, perfect for the Gemini in me!

Now, who would have thought that, before I even found this necklace, I went back and bought the same skirt as the one above, except in red hues? And who would have ever imagined that I also bought the red version of the above scarf because I loved the blue one so well?

Scarves and skirts, all matchy-matchy

Normally I don't plan things this well, nor am I really the person to buy TWO of one thing in different colours (I thought only men did that!). But these pieces and outfits they comprise seem to have been fated by the Style Gods. Not that I'm into matchy-matchy, as a rule, but I like the way everything has come together, and how the necklace, bought after the scarves and the skirts, just happens to complement their colour schemes! Yes, little things such as this excite me.

You can see I'm experimenting with collaging my finds. Anyone know a free program that doesn't have its name on the photos? I'm all for attribution, but in a caption. :)

The ring, part of the outfit, was found in the thrift shop for a Euro. I love the dome-like structure and green glass.

Thrifted at the same shop: huge handmade (and signed, but can't make it out) brass pendant with figure on it. I need to find a cord or chain worthy of it.

I replace my beat up wallets every season or so, and they're always thrifted, like this cute fabric David Jones one. And I couldn't resist the pink rhinestone brooch. It has such an Art Deco or Nouveau feel to it. It'll look cool on a jean jacket.

Speaking of cool, don't you just love the onsie our good friends, who've just had their baby, customized for us? It's perfect, considering I've found some great baby clothing at the thrift shop. No doubt, the thrift shop will be a place where the little guy will grow up!

Linking up, in advance, to the gorgeous gals over at Patti's Visible Monday.

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Tribal, a la mass market

32 weeks - and running out of pants!

I often feel guilty the odd time I buy mass market clothing; then, when it falls apart, I feel cheated. But desperate needs call for desperate measures. I have only one pair of maternity leggings - my only pair of pants these days - so a quick trip to my local H&M yielded several pair of inexpensive maternity bottoms that`ll hopefully hold together long enough to see me through the next couple months and post-baby.

On the sale (non-maternity rack), I found this cotton tribal-esque oversize cardi for a song. True, its threads catch on everything as I walk by, and it`ll likely unravel off my body one day, but I just thought it was so cute for spring, when the weather is still chill but doesn`t quite warrant a full on winter coat.

I`m wearing it here with the new leggings, along with thrifted boots, turtleneck and pendant necklace. Vintage handbag courtesy of Etsy; hat bought new in Toronto years ago and leather ruched gloves were $5 in a Toronto end-of-the-line retailer.

The cardi would have perfectly matched this ethnic bag I found at a vide grenier in the fall for just a few Euros - but it was almost too perfect a match, if you know what I mean. The outfit was already starting to feel pretty matchy-matchy, and the bag may have created a pattern overload.

I am ever so slowly starting to run out of tops to fit my expanding stomach. Good thing the seasons are changing. I`m now starting to amass a small collection of spring and summer tops that`ll do for the next few months and post-baby. My local second-hand shop, and Etsy, have proved invaluable in helping me find stylish, affordable and practical options comprised of mainly cotton button-down empire waisted blouses or oversize blouses, to hide a post-baby pooch and for easy breast-feeding action.

As for the bottom half, well, I think unimaginative black leggings will have to do as they`re the only comfy options that fit around a non-waist. I`ll be jazzing them up with great accessories though - stay tuned! And Happy Easter to you! I`m a bad girl and haven`t yet responded to your kind comments from my last post, but I will, promise (hopefully someone reads them).

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Thrifted goodies I wouldn't have bought new (partial part deux of vide grenier haul)

Leather jacket: 2 Euros, Annecy vide grenier.
Worn with gifted maternity top, cheapie leggings, new patchwork purse;
Handmade and hand-dyed fringed shawl made from vintage fabric (not by me);
Vintage elasticized velvet and rhinestone belt.

I'm showing off my two-Euros leather jacket, a buttery soft European-label found at the vide grenier from a few weeks ago. Along with a statement-piece shawl and handbag, it jazzes up an otherwise boring black outfit.

Vintage 1990s booties found in Toronto, Canada.
Bracelet snagged for 5 Euros at Annecy thrift shop.
(31 weeks).

It's burgundy, not a colour I'm hugely attracted to and in truth I wouldn't have bought it it were any more than a few Euros. But that's the amazing thing about thrifting: because it can be so inexpensive, it gives you freedom to experiment with new colours and styles that you typically wouldn't if you were to pay full price.

Flashback to 2010, to another thrifted leather jacket find
(to when I had thighs).

Ditto for this slightly sheeny bubble-gum pink cropped leather I found in Toronto in 2010 at a half-off thrift sale. If it were 20-plus bucks, I very likely would have turned my nose up at it. But for about $10 (if memory serves), I snatched it up. The jacket spruces up denim, black or a relatively neutral outfit. And the wacky pink makes me smile. :)

Wearing the same vintage booties, along with a vintage leather bag, thrifted sweater, designer jeans
and purple Coach sunnies.
(Scarf bought new and worth every penny of the exorbitant price I paid for it at Anthropologie).

I kept most of the pieces comprising this outfit when I moved overseas, save for the designer Angel jeans found for a few bucks in a Toronto thrift shop. I was super super teeny back then, as a single girl. Marriage and general happiness (and not eating crackers and cheese for dinner) automatically put a couple pounds on me. But sadly, that meant I had to part ways with these, my favourite, jeans.

A look I've long admired in jewellery but wouldn't necessarily have paid retail for.

I'll quit moaning now. My new and expanding body is a blessing, even though I do sometimes mourn my former uber-svelte self. On another note, check out this bracelet I found at the thrift shop the same day as the vide grenier for 5 Euros. I've always loved this look but never wanted to pay full-price for it. It's got a slightly '90s vibe crossed with a tribal feel. I've been wearing it endlessly.

Does thrifting allow you to try on new or different looks, or acquire pieces you'd never buy new?

Linking up with the lovely ladies at Pattie's Visible Monday - the 90th installment! Thanks to Patti for continuing to host this fun linkup!

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