Show and tell: 1990s beaded bling

Did you ever have Show and Tell when you were a kid in school? That's when you could stand up and show something of yours to the class and talk about it. We did this in Kindergarten and it was the highlight of the week, let me tell you!I'm in a 1990s frame of mind these days (case in point; two floral 'ditzy' dresses purchased on Etsy recently, one of which is velvet! Will show you when they arrive). So I thought I'd show you some bling from the...

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Steampunk chic

Plumbing problems this past weekend necessitated, among other things, a rather urgent trip to the **laverie automatique**, so, in keeping with the semi-industrial feel of a laundromat, I channeled my inner steampunk goddess with some recently acquired goodies from a charity shop I recently discovered.The place: Vestiare St. Martin, a donation-based community venture that helps disadvantaged people. It's literally a ten-minute walk from where I live.Like...

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September in Annecy & Vide Greniers

I love Annecy this time of year. The days are warm - warm enough for bikinis on the beach - yet the bulk of the tourists have left, so the old town and lake are blissfully quiet, except on market days or weekends. I plan on coming back to this now-deserted dock now that all the boat renters have left. Maybe drink some vino and watch the sunset with hubby? Ahh sounds dreamy.North Americans may be used to garage sales in the Spring, but in France,...

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1990s looks, thrifted

My eyes are shut here - maybe because I'm dreaming of the perfect thrifted outfit?Not! That's because I'm wearing it! I thrifted this 1990s-esque (possibly 1980s?) jumper dress last year in Toronto for under 10 bucks. It's a deep navy blue with a wee green and yellow paisley-like pattern on it, and  it reminds me of something Phoebe from the TV show **Friends** would have worn. I'm wearing it with a tee I thrifted for 3 Euros at the thrift shop...

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News flash: I found a charity shop in Annecy!

Who would have thought? There may not be 15 charity shops scattered in the main shopping area like there was in St Annes in the UK, but there actually IS the equivalent if a HUGE charity shop right here in Annecy, literally a ten-minute walk from me! I found out about it on an Expat Forum.As the van says, it's called Bazar sans Frontieres. It's a association that provides employment opportunities for socially disadvantaged people, much like the Goodwill...

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