White Wednesday ~ 4 more sleeps.

It's almost Wednesday and I thought I'd put together a White Wednesday post from Our Humble Bungalow...
something to distract me from watching the clock and counting the days as I prepare / wait for my departure.
I haven't flown in years so I might be a White Knuckle flier...

Antique knife set with silver and Mother of Pearl handles snug in their velvet lined box.

I love the intricate carved details of these pretty knives.

They are perfect for an afternoon tea party when serving scones and jam or a Victoria Sponge cake.

Cuisinart enamelled Dutch oven ~ inside simmering Lidia Bastianich's recipe for meatballs and spaghetti sauce.

I love Jane Cumberbatch's book, her simple approach to home decor is so fresh.

It's so different from how we live here in our bungalow with dark wood walls, beams and floors.

Pepper is back to her usual tricks and is gobbling her food.

She's been super social with us and has been keeping Chester in line.

So grateful to our veterinary team who gave her all the diagnostics she needed and the extra TLC.

The phone has been ringing every couple of days checking in to inquire about her well being.

Primulas are a reliable and hardy perennial in the garden borders.

They are putting on a great showing right now.

Hellebores are another stalwart...and they self seed so you can share them with friends and neighbours.

The Victoria Horticultural Society's motto is Show What You Grow and Share What You Know.

Green thumbs like to mingle together in groups with like minded growers.

Hence the popularity of Garden Clubs.

If you love to garden you will enjoy the club atmosphere with speakers, slides, the lending library, discounts at the local garden centres, the bus trips and the plant sale table.

(with almost free plants)

The lily of the valley is blooming...

the fragrance is heady and intoxicating.

Not sure which scarf / scarves to take with me...

 if I only take one I might have room in may case for a few new ones.

The weather forecast says it will be cooler and rainy next week so I might need to pack a cashmere sweater and swap it for the light mesh one.

I might pack my Barbour jacket instead of the vest and layer it under my rain coat.

Will be fun to observe Chic French Femmes...

I've read so much about how well dressed the women are and that the cut and style of their clothes is perfection.

Over the years I've read hundreds of books on Paris and France

history, fashion, love stories, relocation journals, fiction...

and many wonderful and informative French lifestyle bloggers.

Here are a few for you to enjoy...

Tish Jett

Vicki Archer

Fabulously French

French Word a Day

David Lebovitz

My French Country Home

manger

I'm not sure that I will be "prepared"

for the emotional feeling that will experience by actually "being there."

(Ready or not here I come!)

"Paris is always a good idea."

~ Audrey Hepburn ~

Au revoir!

OOTD....French class

Madame, our French instructor, is a Parisian.
She grew up in the 6th arrondissement of Paris and her father lives in the home where she grew up...
she is planning to go back and visit for several months later this Spring and Summer.

Madame dresses in a style that is very chic. I like to study how she puts things together.
Her accessories are minimal ~ earrings, a watch or perhaps a scarf.
She has a keen eye for fabrics and shapes that flatter and fit...
ballet flats and a pair of leather loafers alternate depending on whether she is wearing a dress or black pants.
Yes indeed black pants...Madame wears lots of black.

Madame smiles a lot...she laughs and winks at her students which are a mixture of middle aged women and men.
She is a gifted teacher and although I am "struggling" to learn the language she is very encouraging and supportive.

I don't fuss too much about what I wear to French class but for fun I thought I'd show you what I wore last week..

Hermes scarf and a cardigan over top a simple black tank top.

Easy Peasy Scarf tie...

I don't like fussing.

Socks with dots...

no one would see these as they were worn inside my Clarks short black leather booties.

I wore Tulip by Fresh Sugar on my lips...

and my diamond studs.

My walking buddy gave me two books to read...

not sure which one I'll start next.

I've never read Elizabeth George but it comes highly recommended.

I read Rachel Joyce's previous novel and found it to be a delightfully entertaining light read...

this might be one to take on the plane.

It's been a drizzly couple of days but then the sun came out and shone down upon us late in the day.

Which made my heart soar...

 then as if I was not happy enough walking along in the peace and quiet

an eagle flew overhead and I could hear the rush of its wings....

Fly like an Eagle.

I am still weighing in over my goal weight but I am determined to keep walking and tracking my points.

Never give up.

Hope things are looking bright in your neck of the woods...

Hostess

XO

Wardobe oxygen ~ Orange you glad you tuned in?

Let's just get one thing straight...I love black, grey and white.
I have considered that there may be some "merit" to inviting a wee bit of colour into my closet.

A bright bold and vibrant shade...
Orange Crush,
my current fave
that may have been influenced by Hermes boxes

or perhaps my need for Vitamin C.

Fasten your seat belts...

Cashmere cardigan

from Lands' End

Ribbed sleeve detail

pockets

a longer length which is cozy with skinny jeans.

Getting "friendly" with the fridge!

The cardigan might be just what I need to grab on a cold rainy day.

I can think of pairings with my classic Lanvin scarf...

or with some beautiful roses!

or a lily

I will be wearing this cashmere cardigan to French class...

I forgot that this Coach scarf had orange in the pattern

it was a lovely Xmas gift from my son and his wife many years ago.

 If you could only see how chic my French instructor is you'd understand why I am studying not only the language but her Parisian style.

She wears simple understated clothing...

tosses a scarf on in a way that one might think she just "threw it on"

wears a minimum of jewelry...

(a wedding band and beautiful pearl or hoop earrings)

she wears flats...and not just the iconic ballerinas...loafers too

her trench coat looks vintage as does her Max Mara wool coat...

she is not reed thin, she has womanly curves

she's a brunette in the style of much younger Catherine Deneuve.

I am most impressed by her haircut...

it reminds me of Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina when she returns from Paris...

it looks like she didn't do a thing other than wash it

but I am sure that cannot be true.

She exudes Parisian Chic...

I am learning a lot in French Class...

much more than I signed up for!

She tells me that our trips to Paris will overlap for a few days and that we should meet up for coffee!

A bientot.

Don't forget about the Humble Bungalow giveaway...

details are in the previous post.

Bonne Chance!

Wardrobing...my love affair with black.

I am not an expert on fashion nor am I the guru of the perfect wardrobe...
but have learned scads since I started reading blogs.

Jennifer L. Scott's Madame Chic book introduced me to the concept of a small chic wardrobe.
Her 10 item basic wardrobe guide has helped me to see the benefits of living with less.

Having a small wardrobe means that pieces need to work with each other so select a neutral colour for most of your clothes. I love black and I never tire of it.
It feels like a blank canvas waiting for a pop of colour, a backdrop for a pretty brooch or a colourful scarf.
You are the artist when putting your outfits together so have some fun and be creative with your accessories.

Janice is a creative and fashion savvy genius, she writes The Vivienne Files.
If you have not discovered her blog rush on over and prepare to be amazed.

I've read numerous books and umpteen blogs on how to cultivate a small but efficient wardrobe that functions optimally allowing for panic free dressing...
I have pared down my wardrobe so I can see it all at one glance and things are not crushing each other in the attempt to find their place in the closet.
Remember most of my clothes are BLACK!
You may be thinking how boring or dull, but once you've organized your wardrobe in black or your chosen neutral, I don't think you'll ever regret the loyalty you'll feel to those great clothes horses and their flexibility.

This is a great read if you are looking for some tips on dressing in the French Chic Style.

Dressing well needn't break the bank...

there are lots of thrift and consignment stores that offer quality clothing.

The secret is that you have so shop often and seriously hunt for those gems.

When you find one examine the garment carefully for rips, holes and stains.

A seamstress or tailor can usually alter the piece to fit if it is in good condition.

I love to shop this way but I know it is not for everyone.

I do enjoy purchasing quality basics on occasion but I seriously consider the CPW factor

(cost per wearing) 

before I plunk down the cash.

Most of you have heard me rave about the 10 item basic wardrobe that Jennifer L. Scott has written and blogged and V-logged about in her You Tube tutorials...

her book is a great introduction into living well with less.

This vintage book is a classic guide to French Chic dressing.

Coco Chanel loved black.

 Her contribution to fashion, with her launch of the LBD, is as popular and alive as it was when she took the fashion world by storm.

I have a lovely LBD in my wardobe by Elie Tahari.

It is THE MOST VERSATILE dress that I have ever had the pleasure of wearing!

Do you like how I have photographed it by the fridge?

What could be a simpler shape and line?

It fits as if it were tailored personally for me.

The fabric has body and a bit of weight to it and the dress is fully lined and top stitched by hand.

The zip is in the side which I like as I am not too good at doing up back zips.

(my husband helps out with back zips when he is at home!)

I wanted to show you a few ways that I style my favourite LBD.

If you have any doubts about buying one I hope that I have shown you the value of owning a great classic.

If you think you look dreadful in black try another neutral shade...navy, tan, white, or grey.

I made this necklace years ago when I took a course and wear it often.

Silver belt with an ethnic vibe at the waist can dress it down when it is worn with a jean jacket and boots.

A armload of bangles...

Gumball sized pearls are a bit more refined.

An interesting bangle worn solo is all you need to add a bit of interest and the silver is a nice shade with black.

Dressier shoes for afternoon and evening.

Flats work too as well as kitten heels.

A vintage small eel skin bag is just the right size for evening and I love that it has a chain strap so that my hands can be free to hold a drink or nibble on canapes.

"Mother approved" outfit for dinner out or an afternoon matinee at the local live theatre.

(maybe a bit Mumsy, I consider it a bit more modern version of a Castlebury Knit!)

If I haven't convinced you of the value of having a LBD perhaps I have not done my job!

Perhaps you prefer a skirt and sweater?

I have those items in my wardrobe too....

A longer skirt to wear with boots and a soft wool blend sweater.

Lisa Campione skirt is made of a firm fabric which gives it staying power and lots of body.

It is a very fun and feminine skirt to wear.

You could wear a white tee and a denim jacket to make this a super casual outfit...perfect for shopping or lunching out with your friends.

I just watched Jennifer L. Scott's Tedx Talk and thought you might like to see it too.

Watch and enjoy...

Now it's your turn to chime in with your thoughts about how you approach dressing.

Are you a minimalist or do you go for the maximum amount of garments?

Are your closets organized by colour, by type of clothing, or are they cluttered?

With a jumble of colours, styles and garments do you feel that you have "nothing to wear?"

I hope that you have a fabulous weekend!

Hostess