Bling show-and-tell, on request

If I had my way, I'd show you way more bling-only shots, except that I think people shots are more interesting. So I'm glad Curtise requested a close-up of the necklace shown in yesterday's post as it gives me a chance to show off. This department store necklace was not thrifted, and it WAS a splurge item, but I had just put my Brit Hunk on a jet and wasn't going to see him for two more months at least, so I was so so sad. I love the blue and green faceted pieces of glass. They may have mirrored my blue mood at the time, but generally blue makes me feel calm and serene, a good thing for an excitable chick like me! (Maybe that's why I wear blue so often?).

Meanwhile Ariane expressed an interest in seeing the necklace and bracelet from my May 18 post. This is one of my faves. I bought it in a Toronto vintage shop before I moved back home to Ottawa before getting married in December. I'm guessing it's 1980s. It's a choker style and I just adore the big golden flower. I have to make sure I don't wear the clasp to tightly; otherwise the tip of the flower digs into the hollow of my throat.

You may have already seen this bracelet, picked up for two pounds at an auction house market, so I'll show you a different view from before. It's very, very small and just fits around my wrist. I love it; it's so old world. Wonder if some gent gave it to his betrothed in Victorian times? It would be so romantic if it were a token of love ....

Speaking of the auction house market, I haven't yet shown you this necklace I picked up there for a couple pounds. It's kind of granny chic - smaller than what I normally wear, but I couldn't resist the shiny bits.

Here's a preview of my latest crush and Etsy purchase, a hand-painted boho multi-strand necklace pendant that I want to accessorize for you with just the perfect outfit. Stay tuned!

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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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Thrifted French dress & France

I've been MIA this past week as we've been traveling. I have some pretty big news: after only three months in the UK, I am  moving with the hubby to France!! Major excitement! Fittingly, as we walked through the cobble-stoned streets of the old town in Annecy in the French Alps where we'll be living, I wore a thrifted dress with a Paris label but bought in a UK charity shop. Je love tossing on a simple microfibre dress in the summer - no fuss, no muss and no ironing. I need to start practising mon French toute de suite!

I look a bit rough here - the product of too much good French wine the night before! I'm wearing a 1970s Avon pendant with a faux turquoise stone; a fake Fossil purse found in a charity shop for two pounds; and Italian sandals found in a Canadian thrift shop.

Whew, a chocolate milkshake perked me up a bit. Annecy is the most gorgeous place, as you can see. This picture is taken in the old town, a pedestrian-only area with Medieval castles, cobblestone streets and quaint cafes and shops set against a backdrop of mountains. The city is not big on thrift shops, from what I can tell (doesn't sound like a very French thing to me), but if there are any, you can bet I will suss them out! Bonne journee!!

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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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More missing vintage bags

My blogging pals, we have been traveling this week so I've been unable to snap pics of my outfits. Now that we're home I shall put together some juicy ensembles to show you.

In the meantime, I'll do a part deux of the vintage handbags that have somehow gone MIA during my move from Toronto to Ottawa in Canada, and then overseas to the UK. This was my FAVE carpet bag, Missoni-esque in look, in perfect condition, 1960s or 70s- bought for $60 (not a Grunge Queen price) a few years ago at the Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club's show & sale. It is just such a beaut.

A great 1970s clutch and another member of the missing handbag club. I bought this for less than $20 CAD, if memory serves, in Toronto a few years ago.

I snagged this super soft leather bag last fall at a vintage store in Toronto, and I wore it a lot. It is also in the missing box. I think that's it for the missing handbags, but it's amazing how quickly you forget. Every time I see an old pic on this blog or in my files, I think, "Ahha! That one is missing too!". Hopefully they're residing safely in my Mom's basement. Will keep you posted.

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Vintage purses MIA

This picture, taken in the fall just before I left Toronto for good, is blurry - but it's apt as the vintage carpet bag featured therein is quickly fading from my memory ....

No, it's not one of many given away or sold en masse when I moved overseas. I had just bought it and I specifically remember saying to myself, "I want to keep that" and packing it in a box with other vintage purses. The problem is, I can't find the box. It didn't come overseas so I hope it's hiding in my Mom's basement somewhere. 

This darling little patent number with great hardware is missing too. It was only a few bucks a Goodwill in Toronto. Wah. Wah. Wah.

It's just so ironic that I gave away sooo many vintage handbags, only to have the truly special ones go missing in action. 

This leather one wasn't vintage but it was thrifted for a song and also designer. WHICH designer I can't recall as it's GONE. Hopefully not forever. There are more, but I can't think of them right now. Just come home to mommy.

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What's hanging around my neck these days

I don't have any outfits to show today so I thought I'd take some snaps of recent vintage bling buys that I'm really digging. I found this uber heavy vintage choker on Etsy for a song, and I just love its weight and detail. No marks, but a great clasp, wonderful detail and very substantial.

But bling doesn't always have to be substantial - this pendant isn't substantial at all in that it's extremely light. I found it in a charity shop for a pound and liked its Mod 1960s vibe. It's stamped Peak Stainless England on the back. Don't know much about the maker but it's nice to have a piece of bling made in England.

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