My new Vintage bag...

 

Vintage Gently Used Coach Regina bag.

Compact size, supple soft leather

with a zippered small inner compartment 

 an open space for my wallet and keys

&

featuring an exterior pouch for my phone.

Several years ago I had a frozen shoulder.

 which was incredibly painful.

It came on suddenly and scared me with the intensity of the pain.

The specialist that I saw told me to get rid of my big heavy handbags as they may have contributed to the problem.

I immediately bought a smaller bag.

Once my shoulder recovered, the other one froze!

I now carry a minimal amount of things

 just what I need.

Wallet, keys, nail file, lipstick and a mask.

My IPhone is stored in the outer pouch.

Darling daughter happens to have been the influencer on this Coach Bag.

She dropped off that lovely pearl pin that I purchased from her

at my front porch and I spied the bag...

well what can I say.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!

Jennifer was wearing an embroidered mask when she stopped by...

After several disposable masks fell apart after one wearing last week

I decided it was time to get serious and purchase a few decent non disposable masks.

These are from a dressmaker in Halifax Nova Scotia.

Her ETSY shop is Janice's Tailoring

her site has quite a few lovely patterns to choose from 

 hop on over and check them out!

Hope that you are doing well, staying safe and wearing your masks.

Have you had your vaccination yet?

Our supply of vaccines arriving here in Canada has slowed down...

we hope to get the shots as soon as they are available for our age group.

Maybe by Late Spring or Early Summer?

How is your area doing regarding Covid?

Have you seen a recent spike with the new strains?

 Are your numbers of active cases relatively low?

We are all in this together.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD ~ It's all about pearls...

Cashmere V neck sweater by Black Goat overtop a simple denim shirt and jeans.

My "go to" OOTD for cooler winter days.

It has been given a wee bit more "oomph" 

with the acquisition of a vintage baroque pearl pin.

Darling daughter @thingfinder on Instagram 

had this pin ready to list in her ETSY shop 

when I spied it and saw just how exquisite it is

I knew that I wanted it!

The pearl looks like a juicy pear...

The jeweller must have seen it too 

an opportunity to create leaves and accentuate the pear shape.

A work of art.

Lovely nachre...

just a tip to those of you who may not be familiar with genuine pearls

do not spray them with perfume or scent as it destroys the natural lustre.

OOTD

black camisole fringed with lacy edges

Lands' End new cashmere cardigan

Gisel B pearl necklace from a previous My Stylish French Box delivery from France.

Layers in my hair thanks to my recent visit to my hairdresser...

my last visit was in September.

It felt wonderful seeing her and I enjoyed the "pampering."

Camellias are in bloom!

January bud on our Gertrude Jekyll rose 

out in the front garden of The Humble Bungalow.

Have you purchased any new clothes to wear during Covid?

Are you wearing athletic wear and casual cozy clothes?

I mix it up.

Some days I will wear my Yoga pants and go for longer walks.

The problem for me is that they are so forgiving...

so I think they have given me a sense of comfort despite gaining a few pounds...

my jeans tell me to stop eating so much, move more and get in shape!

So jeans are my guide to wellness.

Current Goals:

Walking more, counting my WW points and drinking less alcohol.

Have you embraced new healthy habits?

Wishing you good luck on your fitness journey.

As a small "non food reward" for my efforts...

I've ordered a vintage classic handbag and when it arrives I will share it with you all.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Have some fun in your weekend whatever you do.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

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 ~

 

OOTD ~ September meet up with friends

 Most days since Covid happened I have been wearing casual clothes. I work in the garden, go for walks and clean the house. Life is very quiet and simple around here.

I dressed up much more when I was going to my weekly bridge games, out for dinners and social gatherings with friends. Most of these things have been curtailed due to Covid. When we gather, we are mostly outdoors...walking, having coffee or dining outdoors.

A small group of friends get together regularly for a walk and have coffee or tea and perhaps a treat after we have walked.

This past week a reader mentioned that I had not posted many OOTD posts and it's true! My everyday work clothes are not that exciting to look at...I do put on make up and frequently wear my pearls but there is no one around to see them except the cats!

Here's what I wore on my walk and coffee meet up with friends.

OOTD

The white top, jeans and khaki jacket are by Eileen Fisher.

Scarf from My Stylish French Box

Vintage Bag by Due Fratelli

Hope that you are staying safe and being mindful of your interactions with others.

Masks are mandatory most indoor places here.

I plan to buy some fun ones soon.

                     Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

                            ~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Fab Vintage Clothing Find...Fashion over 60

I love shopping for vintage items...and many times I come home empty handed but on a good day I will find at least one treasure.

Yesterday I stopped in at a local church Thrift Store...
called The Friendly Octopus.

Who came up with that name?

I started in the housewares area and didn't see anything that was exciting so I headed over the the clothing section. It was busy! Lots of people were perusing the racks and I had to exercise patience as I moved carefully and methodically through the crowded room.

 Jacket by Daniel Hechter

(those spots you see are on the mirror not the jacket)

Zips at the sleeve

there are some wear marks and a few scuffs on the jacket

but I think they give it a bit of an edgy vibe.

I am not sure if it is leather or possibly pleather 

(no tags)

 it's super soft and not too heavy.

I'm planning on wearing it with my new jeans and a vintage Beatles tee shirt

with my chelsea boots.

65 

but not too old to have fun with fashion.

Do you shop for vintage clothes and collectibles?

What was your best find?

To leave a comment:

(and I do like reading your thoughts)

Please use a google search engine like Chrome

 Safari no longer works.

Hope your week is ticking along nicely.

It's been a sunny week so far...

 I purchased some beautiful tulips for our main floor bathroom.

Spring is definitely on the way!

~ 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 ~

Festive sparklers...and a trip to Vancouver.

Tis the festive season and I like to add some sparkle to my outfits.

Vintage Rhinestone Pins

Most of my pins are by the Canadian designer Sherman.

Mom loved her Sherman jewelry.

My father used to buy Sherman for her at Christmas.

Beautiful velvet boxes from Birks.

They usually contained a necklace, bracelet and earrings.

She would wear them with a velvet dress that she made for the holidays.

My sister and I had dresses also made by Mom...

she used the leftover fabric from her dress to sew ours.

All three of us had the same colour of velvet for each Christmas season.

(I have pictures of the three of us all dressed up)

This pin is by the designer Boucher of Paris.

He went on to design for the House of Cartier.

Do you add sparkle to your festive outfits?

This tree is in the square behind The Art Gallery in Vancouver.

We were there to attend a meeting and see friends who just moved into their newly built penthouse condominium.

Painted entrance to their parking garage.

Shopping happens when we visit the city!

I love the Eileen Fisher shop on South Granville.

I met a delightful woman in the shop.

She reads my blog!

I loved her outfit...

black vest, sweater and pants.

Very chic black glasses that many women in Paris wore.

Hope she will email me.

It would be fun to meet up for a chat and a coffee next time I am in Vancouver either before or after I shop in Eileen Fisher or we could shop together!

Casual greyish beige top

Very cozy

I'm wearing it with the black Eileen Fisher pants from last season.

I've got to finish this post quickly as I have a dental appointment.

There is so much to get done in the next few weeks...

baking, shopping, wrapping,  decorating the house.

Hope that we can get some of these jobs done this coming weekend.

How are your festive plans coming along?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Flea Market Finds...

I've been spending quite a bit of time "fluffing" the house.

Getting rid of extra stuff that clutters up the tiny space

and rearranging a few pieces.

Our bungalow decor is simple which lends itself towards natural items.

 Opting for colours that look pleasant in a woody arts and crafts heritage home...

almost organic.

"A tisket a tasket"

I spy a vintage basket...

and

some old silver.

An old oar

(before)

painted and cleaned up a wee bit 

then slightly distressed

(after)

Something for the cottage.

Old ironstone compote

Enamel ware

A large vintage Tea tin...

Roses in the small silver jug.

I purchased this Imari jug awhile back

I use it for pens and pencils in the kitchen near the phone.

It's fun to peruse home decor magazines for inspiration.

 Our clever daughter reminded me that I could find many lovely home decor things to "pin" off of the boards on Pinterest.

I started one for the cottage and am having fun getting ideas online.

I sit with my tea and before you know it an hour has evaporated!

It's also fun looking through the shelves of a vintage shop...

I like to think of it as an adventure because you never know what you are going to find.

~ Take care as you go about your day 

and 

Please Be Kind ~