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.

Read More

Latest greatest second-hand accessory

Thrifted Thierry Mugler blazer: four euros, Annecy thrift shop
Bally bag: 25 euros, consignment shop
Turtleneck: thrifted in Canada
Levis: new/retail (of so worth it).

Nope. It's not my Baby Bjorn carrier for Adam. I love buying the little guy used clothing, but I tend towards new stuff for the big-ticket baby items.

Spotlight today is on my (slightly fuzzy) used leather and brocade bag by Bally, acquired at my local consignment shop for a mere 25 euros.

EVERYTHING SECOND-HAND except for brolly:
1990s Capezio granny boots: Ebay
Distressed jeans: Annecy second-hand depot
Wool sweater: a euro, Annecy vide grenier
J. Crew wool blazer: thrifted in Canada
Huge crepe and chenille Anne Klein scarf: 10 buck sale in Canada.

As you may know, in the midst of my post-pregnancy style crises, I've been consigning half of my wardrobe at my local shop. What this means: when I go into the shop to drop off another stash and pick up my cheque, I sometimes, but not always, walk out with something. I've gotten rid of many a vintage bag via this method, which no longer suit my life, so I didn't feel the least bit guilty snapping up a bag that does.

Vintage Etienne Aigner granny boots: Ebay
Turtlenck: new/retail bought years ago
1970s velvet patchwork blazer: thrifted in Canada
Levis: new/retail.

The bag ticks all the boxes, satisfying my need for space with my ongoing obsession for fabric and brocade. Plus I like that I can indulge in a bit of pattern mixing when I wear it. Of course, Bally, a Swiss maker, does lovely high-quality bags that aren't cheap. Since all my outfits are looking the same these days, I'm putting special emphasis on quality accessories that I love.

I'm wearing my "new" vintage Etienne Aigner granny booties found on Ebay, which, judging by the square toe (I can't believe I'm doing a square toe!), must be 1990s, what do you think? These days I'm groovin' on the Victorian-steampunk look and the blazer and booties sort of fit the bill.

Lanvin necklace, 10 euro at Annecy brocante market
Ray Ban shades: Annecy brocante market.

I've had this 1970s velvet patchwork blazer for years and don't think I've ever featured it here. I found it for a few bucks at a Canadian thrift shop, and I just love it. Now that I've put on a few pounds, I fill it out much better than I used to when I was a skinny-Minny. Just look at those mammoth buttons!

How much do I love it? So much so that when I recently found the matching long a-line skirt on Ebay (maker: Marks and Spencer - mine doesn't have a tag), I almost bought it - wouldn't I have looked crazy with the entire ensemble on? But the 27-inch waist, my pre-preggo waist size, deterred me. Sigh. I ended up consoling myself with a vintage velvet Laura Ashley skirt, with a more realistic waist size, which will rock with the Etienne Aigner granny boots and jibe with my growing Victorian-esque style aesthetic.

Adam, meanwhile, continues to rock the second-hand orange look.

Hairbrushes are so fascinating.:)

Linking up, after a long absence, to the stylish gals over at Patti's Visible Monday.

Read More

My fall style obsessions

Second-hand granny boots: Ebay
90s dress: thrifted in Annecy, France
Vintage Bergdorf Goodman brocade jacket: 50% off sale at Toronto vintage shop
Bag: handmade in Montreal, Canada
Scarf: new and purchased years ago
Second-hand Ray Ban shades: Annecy brocante market
Second-hand Scooter Paris necklace: Annecy vide grenier
Vintage mood ring: Ebay.

Great vintage costume jewellery. Anything that's vintage tapestry, be it a handbag or a coat. A good pair (or five, LOL) of vintage boots. Some things will always be style obsessions.

But, in truth, my wardrobe wants lately aren't radically different from the pieces that have appealed to me in the last year or so, just perhaps more refined. In general, I love the 90s, semi-steampunk vibe of this outfit. Specifically, I'm grooving majorly on granny boots these days, especially the Victorian-esque look of these. (Yes, I could have worn black boots to match this outfit, but these babies arrived at my door the other day and I was too excited not to wear them. I think it's refreshing to forgo the matchy-matchy thing).

Having recently purchased three used pair of granny boots from Ebay, I can't deny that my penchant for lace-up booties has taken a rather strong hold of late. They're comfy (even these three-inch brown leather/fabric ones as the heel is chunky) and go with literally everything. And of course, I just love the granny boot look. I had a pair in the mid-1980s when I was a teen. Funny how the style options we gravitate towards are often ones we've worn and loved in the past, isn't it?

1990s? Capezio black granny boots: Ebay
Second-hand bubble-gum pink leather Alfani jacket: 50% off thrift sale in Toronto
Anthropologie scarf: new and crazily $$$ when I bought it a few years ago
Levis jeans: new and also crazily $$$ (and the only jeans that look good on my post-baby bod).

I'm wearing these black low-heel vintage granny boots by Capezio ALL the time. They're the most comfy boots I've ever owned. I have one more pair of higher-heeled Etienne Aigner boots coming in the post very soon. Then I stop buying boots, promise!

Outfit deets, repeats of above, except for gifted sweater and ...
Scarf: quilted Sonia Rykiel animal-print found at Annecy thrift shop for a song!

I've even been cuffing my new jeans to show them off.

Other fall style obsessions (this one derives from my tapestry love):

Oversize second-hand woven sweater jacket by Sugar Street Weavers: Ebay
(company still exists and according to the website this Angel of Love model is discontinued).
Vintage leather bag: Toronto vintage shop.

Tapestry-inspired woven sweater jackets like this one found on Etsy. It's really huge on me and made by Sugar Street Weavers in the U.S., which appears to cater to a larger client. Their sweaters don't appear to be made for hipsters by any stretch, but this one was was borderline ugly-cool and made my heart wump.

Because it's so big, I have to style it perfectly with skinnies and, natch, booties. Better pic coming soon.

Vintage scarf: gift
Sweater: gift
Second-hand cord jacket: a euro at an Annecy vide grenier
Second-hand skinny jeans: Toronto thrift shop
Vintage leather purse: Toronto vintage shop.

As always, great scarves, like this silk French-inspired one given to me for my B-day. I'm also a sucker for a good blazer. Normally I go for statement-piece blazers with great fabrics and patterns. This frayed navy-blue cord one is a slight deviation on the theme.

Vintage mood rings: Etsy and gifted.

I've always loved 1970s mood rings, but for some reason lately I've gone on a bender researching and buying them on Ebay and Etsy. I look for ones that seem to have a good weight as there are a lot of cheapie lightweight ones out there. It's hard to know buying online what the weight and stone colour will be like, but so far, I've fared well. I'm still looking for the PERFECT mood ring to replace one I gave to an undeserving (ex) friend years ago. I found it at the Sally Ann for $3.99 CAD. Still kicking myself for giving it away, sigh.

Galeries Layfayatte label sweater: Annecy vide grenier
Rest of outfit found at Annecy thrift shop.

Of course, I'm shopping at the vide greniers more for the wee one than I am for myself, and, since the well-heeled femmes of Annecy dress their kiddies in sweaters that cost 70 euros new, I've been rather committed, shall we say?, to obtaining some stylish used duds for Adam before the vide grenier season dissipates. I've bought a hoard of much-needed fall and winter stuff for 1-2 euros a piece!

Read More

Lakeside romps and letting go - almost! - of nylon

There aren't heaps of lakeside restos or bars on Lac Annecy, so discovering the precious few - which inevitably are outside of Annecy proper - is like unearthing a mountain of precious gemstones, especially if the places are relatively unoccupied by tourists, as was the case with this charming restaurant on the south-west side of the lake that we had the pleasure of dining at a few weeks ago. Family has been visiting pretty much non-stop since Adam was born, so we've been busy doing a combo of day trips and just hanging out at various points along the lake.

Hubby and I found this lakeside beach bum hangout last weekend on the other side of the lake. It's populated by local hippie 20-somethings mostly, but we had no probs infiltrating it with our little guy. A great afternoon was spent lapping up rose and chilling. It was a mini vacay of sorts and it reminded us that we need to spend at least one day not running around doing the endless amount of errands that seem to crop up with a little one. After the hustle and bustle of the last few months, we really needed it.

At three months, our little guy continues to grow and amaze. He apparently has some kind of gene that makes him cuter and cuter every day, LOL - I know, I'm the dazed-in-love Mommie!

Style-wise, I've been living in a selection of pretty boho sundresses, some second-hand, some new. Comfort, ease-of-wear (read: no ironing) and a breezy style have been my major criteria for summer togs these days. Here's me with Adam in a fave, a blue and white Ikat sundress found in an import shop in the old town.

Here's an over-exposed shot of me in it, at the annual Fete du Lac event we attended with my sis and her fam. Best fireworks display ever.

Most of my style shots, you won't be surprised to learn, are with Adam. I need to do a separate post on this, but let me say that I've been jazzing up basic summer dresses (like this cotton nightie-inspired sundress found at the market last summer for three euro) with awesome vintage jewellery found online.

France is not the place to find vintage bling, and most of the labels I'm looking for are from the States, so Etsy and Ebay have become close friends of late. I've become quite the collector, eking out certain makers, which means that, eventually, I'll have to thin out my tickle trunk of vintage costume baubles that I've dug up in Canadian thrift shops over the years.

Aside from bling and a decent handbag (the ethnic one pictured here was found at a vide grenier last fall for 3 euro), baby Adam has proved to be the best accessory. No, I dare not hold him on my hip as I strut around wearing four-inch spike heels (she looks great, but how does Victoria Beckham manage it?). On the lap or in the pram is just fine for public appearances.

I have, however, managed to channel my inner Victoria Beckham with these second-hand Rayban sunnies found at the local brocante market. Oddly enough, I recently consigned three pair of huge vintage oversize shades to my local shop. And here I go again, buying the same style. My only defense is they seem to suit my pixie face. Now I just need to manage the Beckham look by sucking in my cheeks and not smiling.

Oops, a wee smile escaped in spite of myself. I should be grinning ear to ear as I'm pictured here wearing pre-preggo jeans, yay! So what if they're super stretchy? I'm going with it. Everything but the purse and shoes are second-hand. I just love the Juicy Couture super soft cotton tie-dye tank I thrifted in Canada (even if my belly hangs out a little in it).

Here's one of the few full-length shots I've managed to request, snapped last week on the way to the beach bum bar. Easy peasy sundress: check. Shades: check. Vintage bling: check (more on this haute hippie maker, Cadoro, at another time). Golden espadrille wedgies and cross-body purse: check and check. Now bring on the vino!

On another wardrobe note, I've consigned the majority of my vintage 1960s-70s frocks, mostly because they're the size that would fit a Barbie Doll, and I doubt my 27-inch waist will return. Also because, well, loud patterns and nylon just don't fit my life anymore, just as those vintage oversize sunglasses don't seem to fit. That funky retro chick that started this blog four-plus years ago has changed. It's ok, I've mourned it and moved on, as leaving behind my retro style has coincided with amazing changes in my life (but please note, I may still do the goodbye post that features all the dresses, which has been in my Drafts folder for ages). I've held onto this black floral number, though, as I love it and it makes my post-preggo bod look ok.

I'll leave you with a shot of the wee one snapped at the beachy bar last weekend, wearing gifted items from overseas pals and fam. Hope you're all having a fab summer!

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More