Fashion with a Vintage Vibe ~ French themed books

When I visited Paris in 2015 I met a savvy young stylist named Alois Guinut.

She led a workshop on French fashion and style 

for women on The Ooh La La Tour.

The tour was arranged and led by author Jamie Cat Callan.

You may have read some of her books...

( if you haven't already read her books you may want to!)

French Women Don't Sleep Alone: Pleasurable Secrets to Finding Love 

Bonjour Happiness: Secrets to Finding Your Joie de Vivre

Ooh La La!: French Women's Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Every Day

Parisian Charm School: French Secrets for Cultivating Love, Joy and That Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi

I took notes at the workshop as I was so inspired by this young woman.

When I returned home I decided to add some French flair to my daily outfits.

Not too long after I returned I learned that Alois had written a new book

"Dress Like a Parisian."

 I knew that I had to buy it and read more about this fascinating style.

I have just finished reading 

"Why French Women Wear Vintage and other secrets of sustainable style."

There are lots of great ideas here and as I am a passionate second hand, consignment, and thrift shopper so this fits right into my values of recycling and my current relaxed lifestyle.

My wardrobe is streamlined and minimalist with a colour palette based on black, white and greys that makes it easy to mix and match items.

I have denim jeans and chambray shirts too.

I add a pop of colour with accessories.

Alois shares some fun ways to add fun and flair to the classic basics.

I plan to look for more "unique accessories" when I venture out in the second hand consignment and charity shops

as well as

perusing

 ETSY and EBAY 

for more vintage finds.

Now I want to re-read her first book!

Hope that you are keeping well.

Are you cooking, baking, knitting, crafting or reading to stay safe during Covid?

 'French Exit ' a new fragrant candle from the company Cancelled Plans.

Scented candles add ambiance to our Humble Bungalow.

When the Fall and Winter weather gets gloomy I can't think of anything easier

 than lighting a candle to add a warm glow and a beautiful fragrance.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Hope that you are staying safe, wearing your mask and washing your hands!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

 

Five things Friday

Five things Friday

Gorgeous wee daffodils that were a gift

they are especially cheerful on these rainy grey days.

Colour and flowers can make a big impact in elevating our flagging spirits.

I know I seek out bright pops of colour at this time of year.

Shopping the trends...

I went to the mall to check out the newest straight cut jeans.

I tried on several pairs but don't think they flatter my short frame.

Too heavy and make my legs look like tree trunks!

I much prefer the skinny silhouette which I find makes me look taller and slimmer. I hope that they will continue to be available as mine are all several years old and will need to be replaced at some point.

I don't usually follow the trends as I prefer a classic look 

with a touch of vintage

like this Coach bag 

which has many miles on it and some signs of wear

but it ticks all the boxes for me.

Quality, versatility, classic style and streamlined shape.

Did I mention that Vintage is a big fashion focus in Paris?

OOTD 

Eileen Fisher dark denim jeans

Timberland Tobacco coloured short boots

Large square silk hand rolled scarf

in a leopard pattern

Found at a local thrift shop for under $10

Love a bargain and it is in mint condition.

Citrine earrings made by my darling daughter they pair well with the scarf.

Eileen Fisher black vest.

This weekend we have several casual events planned...

I will make every effort to add a pop of colour and a touch of vintage to my basic outfit.

Do you LOVE vintage?

What is your best thrift shop find?

My best "score" 

 a pair of arts and crafts bookends 

copper with sterling silver inlay birds

($7.99)

I sold them so I could buy a strand of baroque pearls. 

 I literally ran across the street to a dealer who specialized in arts and crafts items 

(He purchased the bookends for $500.00)

then I skipped happily back across the street to snap up the pearls.

Hope that you have a fabulous weekend.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Shopping agenda ~ a cozy top

It's cold and drafty here in this old heritage home.
The Humble Bungalow has single paned windows which let the cool air inside
so I wear several layers to keep warm. It's been snowing for a few days and we have had the furnace going full blast!

My go to outfit for home days is a tee shirt worn under a cashmere sweater, pants or jeans and warm wool socks.

For my walks I wear a puffy down coat, hat, scarf, and gloves.
I look like the Michelin man...but at least I am warm.

Inside the change room at Marshall's.

On my shopping agenda:

Black Yoga pants and a cozy top.

Great long sleeves with a thumb hole to keep the hands warm.

A wrap style on fleece with an asymmetrical hem detail.

You can see my Eddie Bauer Michelin man coat on the left 

and a small peek at my Petrusse scarf from My Stylish French Box on the right.

Fabulous fitting Yoga pants were found as well as the top

both made by the company 90 Degree.

I wore them today on my walk.

Doubling up on pearls...maybe a fashion faux pas...like The Canadian Tuxedo

aka double denim!

Speaking of My Stylish French Box

I use and love all the things that I have received over the years...

if you follow me on Instagram you will notice that I occassionally

 post pictures of what I use from the boxes.

The Petrusse scarf is one I wear throughout the cool weather...

it is made of soft wool which is warm and cozy on the neck.

The boxes are a real splurge and there is an element of surprise.

Speaking of surprises...

Sharon Santoni and her team are hiding a Golden Key in one of the boxes and if you find that key in your box you will receive a generous and luxurious gift 

from one of the partners that supply goods for the boxes.

If you want to learn more click the link here and see for yourself.

Hope you are having a wonderful week.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

J'adore Paris...

What can I say about Paris?
It is a city that holds a very special place in my heart.

I dreamt about going to Paris ever since I was a young girl.

One Christmas I was given
a set of blue bottled fragrances ~ Evening in Paris.

Mom and I watched and loved all of Audrey Hepburn's movies.
(many were set in Paris)

My favourite film was Sabrina...
Let's go to Paris...shall we?

The view from our room.

The Welcome Hotel is a small family run hotel

 situated in a fabulous location on Rue Seine in the 6th arrondissment.

Out in front of the hotel you can sit and enjoy a coffee or just people watch!

The Seine River is full of boats.

We took an amazing dinner cruise aboard this vintage boat.

The food was excellent and the views were breath taking

The Eiffel Tower twinkled as we passed...

The skies were overcast in Paris and rain sprinkled

 our spirits were not dampened at all!

We are in Paris after all.

There is lots to see and do!

Wandering around the Louvre...

We explored The Tuilerise Gardens and listened to the street musicians.

Lots of people were out and about doing the very same things.

We ventured into the iconic Dehillerin Kitchen Shop...

we did not leave empty handed!

We ate lunch at one of Julia Child's favourite spots in Paris.

Au Pied De Cochon.

I enjoyed the delicious French Onion Soup...

Did you know that this restaurant is open 24 hours each day?

We perused Shakespeare and Co.

We had to sit for a bit and rest our wearly legs

savour a coffee and watch the parade of chic styles.

We walked 17 km one day!

(That should allow us to indulge in French butter and cheese.)

Rodin Museum and Gardens 

The Gardens were not busy so we were able to wander at our leisure.

Roses are blooming!

Fountains, lush greenery and statues dot the grounds.

A long stand of trees...

With all our walking we worked up an appetite for lunch.

Bread from Poilane Bakery 

Love the colourful door details in Paris.

Lovely courtyard garden at Ralph Lauren.

The Ralph Lauren Shop 

also has a restaurant...it is very popular.

Sterling Silver in an antique shop.

I think these look like they are made in The Secessionist Era. 

Lots of mustard yellow clothing shown in the windows of the shops.

Lots of beautiful Ittala glass in the BHV department store.

On a mission for darling daughter...

her favourite shop Rouje where she orders clothes online is situated within easy walking distance...

Jean Damas is the owner of the shop.

She has recently opened a restaurant beside the store.

I purchased the scrunchie on the right for Jennifer.

Also a pair of really cute sunglasses.

I bought myself some lipsticks.

Bonpoint 

for stylish kids

Macarons

Louis Vuitton

Sumptuous scarves

Eye catching displays

Le Bon Marche Department Store

and 

The Food Emporium

Julie called this the egg wall.

Exotic Fruit

I hope you have enjoyed the pictures of our travels to Italy and France.

Au revoir Paris...

memories and photos will keep you in my heart

(until next time)

This is the past post from the trip.

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you in the USA who are celebrating today.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~