Affordable Classics...(is there such a thing?) time will tell....

I recently went out shopping for some Alfred Sung white towels for the Bungalow bathroom and came home with a pair of Dark Denim skinny jeans by Canadian designer Alfred Sung.
He also has a Euro cut in the Fall Collection which I may go back and try on...I am surprised at how well made these jeans are and the fit is great. They were incredibly affordable...translation CHEAP.

I like to buy pieces that suit me and are classics in multiples

I like this rule of multiples because it is a timesaver and seems a sensible approach to the bare bones of wardrobing.

Have you ever gone shopping and fallen in love with a garment and didn't buy it only to return to the store and find that it has been sold?

Or maybe you've seen two items in different colours and only chosen one and then decide it would be wise to have it in the other colour...and when you return to the store...SOLD OUT!

I found myself at the local mall for an hour this afternoon...
I am still looking for white towels (none came home with me)

I found a new line of Classics from Alfred Sung called MOON...
they are carried at The Bay here in Canada.

There were a large group of well dressed "bigwigs"  walking around the store and making notes on clipboards, blackberries and some were taking photos with their IPhones. The staff were all on their toes, interacting with customers and going the distance to help us find garments...
A very cheerful salesgal recommended the MOON line to me and I had never heard of it before today.
I was carrying a Jones of New York 2 ply cashmere black and grey sweater at $300 and an INC grey cardigan for $175 one of which I thought might be my back to work basic to pair with my white tanks, shirts and Tees.
(they were not flattering on me)

I thought I'd at least try some of the MOON pieces on on....they are all in very classic basic colours and styles that are wardrobe basics. I noticed some of the stitching on the dresses was uneven and wavy so I put those back....too bad because for school they'd really work.
Most of the outer wear was exceptionally well made...I do not need outer wear as I have enough already. I perused the sweaters and found a cardigan in charcoal and one in black. The line reminds me of Club Monaco in it's approach to colour and form but the price point is significantly less....
I got both of these for under $100...they may not outlast my cashmere and only time will tell how they perform...it's an experiment...I am attempting to be frugal.
I've been having a little fun with my camera and my accessories as you will see...a cuppa tea is restoring me as I sit here and bang away on the laptop keyboard.

Basic Black

Elita cotton tank top

(I bought 2!)

I have forgotten the designers name who made this necklace, which I was fortunate enough to win.

I have the earrings as well.

(I never wear them both at the same time...too matchy matchy)

My lovely daughter worked at a local jewelry shop when she was at University and the shop had a fundraiser for The Heart and Stroke Foundation.

I had the winning ticket.

Introducing Charcoal

With Pearls

I also have several strands of natural baroque and freshwater pearls that I could layer on.

with my long scarf

with the necklace I made of pearls and Labradorite

the vintage eelskin clutch

Artisan Debra Kay necklace

Guy Vidal modernist necklace

side one

Guy Vidal modernist necklace

flip side

Modernist Swedish R. Tennesmed designed pin

Tiffany Heart

These two staples are going to be my go to classics for Fall

I can see them with dressy trousers, my black skirt,

black denim jeans, tweed pants and the list goes on...

I haven't even brought out the Hermes scarf collection...they'll work with those as well.

I think the secret to making a less expensive basic look better is to up the ante when it comes to accessorizing...

My new favourite scent

I'll be making a trip to Hermes sometime very soon

I hope they haven't sold out!

Paris...maybe one day...

I dream of going to Paris....

In the meantime I aspire to the French way of cooking...simple fresh and using what is in season.
There are many wondeful books on French cooking and I have my favourites...

Ina Garten and her husband love Paris and have an apartment there,
she has such a passion for food and I adore her enthusiasm for life itself.
I watched her cooking show religiously when it was on the Food Network
her home in the Hamptons was "to die for!"

This book gives insight into the philosophy of French life and cooking

there are a few recipes

but it is more of a how to book.

Aspiring to be stylish here...

A colourful romp through French Markets and Fishmongers

by the creative and talented author Joanne Harris

richly illustrated

with easy to follow directions

some of the ingredients are not found locally

so substitutions are required.

I follow and read many books and blogs on France and the French way of life.

I am adopting some French habits

and dreaming of Paris.

This pursuit has lead to some changes...

I have focused more on my skincare, 

I am indulging in facials more frequently

I do a spa facial every few months and an at home one every month.

I use the exfoliating Bio Gommage by Physiodermie followed by the Burt's Bees Clay Pore Refining Masque and then finish by dabbing on Dr. Hauschka's lavender oil.

This takes about 30 minutes 

 I relax with a cup of herbal tea

when I have finished.

I have rethought the use of makeup too

I now use lightly tinted Dr. H foundation, 

eye liner to draw attention to my eyes

 mascara and 

lipstick or gloss in a berry shade

as I am keeping things on the light side I felt I could add a bit of colour on my lips.

I am dressing simply and as a result acquiring less.

I am paring down the wardrobe 

the local Hospice Thrift shop has been receiving my cast offs!

I am using accessories to add interest and colour;

Hermes scarves

sterling bangles

 layers of pearls

vintage brooches and pins

(but not all at once!)

I now choose garments with a critical eye

I study the construction

the seaming, 

the details

the cut

the fabric

the weight of the cloth

does it flatter?

will it last?

do I love it?

does it reflect the image that I want to convey?

I am by no means "there" yet

I am so enjoying the foray into the French Way...

if you have any fabulous French bloggers or books to assist me in my quest please let me know.

 (The French themed blogs that I follow can be seen on my sidebar at the bottom.)

Merci beaucoup!

Too Much Cleavage? What do you think?

My new Mee Too ballet flats are sooo comfy...but they do reveal a bit of toe cleavage...
is it too much?
What do you think?

I welcome your comments

Here they are with my cargo pants

I have been wearing these pants quite a bit lately

they are perfect active wear

as they have little pockets and compartments

for cell phones, keys, lip gloss and whatever else you might need to take leaving your hands free to carry your water bottle.

a close up

I am pointing my toes as one does in ballet.

I took ballet as a young bride but never quite got the hang of it.

Those were the days when Mr. HB had a Fiat Sport Spider

and I drove across town to attend classes

 I needed to sit on top of a few pillows to drive it!

(Those Italian men must be very tall!)

I am very short at 5 foot 1 inch...

thank goodness my Volvo has adjustable seats

can you imagine my shame if I had to sit on a booster seat

at my age!

anyhow

I do not usually do toe cleavage

do you?

The chest/breast cleavage is something

completely different

what's your feeling on that?

Personally I find it appropriate

in evenings

when dining by candlelight

or sipping a cocktail

Mother and I were out for lunch a few weeks ago and a woman in front of us had on the most shocking outfit.

(Who I might add, was accompanied by a refined elderly lady who was appropriately attired)

She was wearing teensy short shorts

(She did have great legs)

and a skimpy halter top which exposed most of her ample enhanced bosoms

cute Gladiator sandals

(I love shoes)

and a shock of bleached "within and inch of her life" hair

we couldn't help but notice

 as did all the other tea taking crowd

and the sound of whispers

and giggles

ensued...

The beaudacious blonde was smiling and took delight in all the attention!

Any thoughts?

My Blog list is finally updated...

Well who knew that you needed to update the Blog List everytime you started following a new blog?
I didn't and so I have been remiss in keeping up to date...please accept my apologies.
It's all good news now as I have added all the blogs that I am following onto the sidebar.

Have a wonderful evening...lovely daughter is coming over for dinner tonight and I have not seen her for nearly 2 weeks so we are opening some bubbly and there'll be 2 chatty gals on the leather sofa with their feet up "chillaxen" don't know if that's  a word but we use it here in the Bungalow!

Home Sweet Home....

After 2 weeks on the Boat we have cruised home to the Humble Bungalow.
I still have my sea legs...the feeling that I am still bobbing and swaying on the water!

Walking in the front door I felt like I'd been away for much longer than 2 weeks.
I felt happy to be reacquainted with my household and all my bits and bobs.
I threw open the doors and windows wide as the air was stuffy and stale...the weather is hot!
I have unpacked the totes and stowed them for the next trip.

A mountain of dirty laundry has covered the floor and I am sorting, washing and drying...it looks like about 6 loads. I did spend several hours in one of those marina laundromats last week but I've taken off the bedding and all the towels which make up the bulk of the pile.

I had a walkabout in the Garden to familiarize myself with what is blooming and to check on the weeds...they have grown and spread...I'll be out there tomorrow to start to sort them out.

Climbing Royal Sunset

glorious and fragrant

These blooms are full blown and I'll be dead heading them soon

Sweet Peas

I picked a posy full and popped them in water to sweeten the air inside the Bungalow

If memory serves, this is Rosa Pink Fairy

Foxglove 

Alliums

I grow these for fillers in my flower arrangements

they last well into the fall outside

and can be dried inside for months.

I harvested some veggies for dinner

It's a scorcher here today

too hot to sit in the sun

Swiss chard, lettuce, new potatoes and green onions

all scrubbed and ready

I am going to pour myself a cold lemonade

and go and sit for awhile before I prep the dinner.

It's good to be Home

going away is divine 

when I return

I am delighted to be back.

Berry, grape and Coco...maybe.

Berry tinted lip gloss from AVEDA

My new summer shade

it's full of moisture

protection

from the sun with SPF

and easy to apply

affordable

small enough to pop in a pocket

mine goes into my cargo pant leg pocket and I reapply whenever I feel the need

soft smooth lips are mine

My newest read...

I love the luscious looking grapes

This story is about a couple who take up residence in the South of France in an old stone house

my idea of romance and fun!

The lovely Julianne Moore
such a beauty, poised, elegant and sultry.

Lighter reading and some ideas for Fall

it's windy and hot here

I am keeping hydrated with water

hard to concentrate on the Fall Fashion forecast!

Fabulous issue full of inspiration and charming decor

Run out and get a copy if you like the Country look.

This is a keeper!

My new journal

for jotting down notes and observations

Authors who visit our school Library 

recommend this as a valuable tool for writers and budding authors everywhere.

I am hoping to see this movie soon...

What are you doing with your weekend?

Wishing you fun from here.

Hugs from the Hostess

Moments and musings...on the journey of life...

Setting sun

We are still bobbing about in our boat

watching the day turn to night

 sleeping long and deeply

I have been getting 10 hours of slumber

which is really quite remarkable considering that I have not been walking.

Maybe it's the salt air 

or the fact that we are away from it all

no demanding schedules

no chores

no daybook

I have lost track of the days

I would love to live my everyday life in this space

I am not too sure why I can't

what would it take to be in this head space

there must be a secret that I have yet to discover.

I met an interesting fellow at the laundromat

he's retired living aboard his 41 foot sailboat

he sold his home to finance his dream of getting away from the hustle and bustle

He is free to come and go as he pleases

he looked very relaxed

and he highly recommends this way of life!

It sounds like he has made the right choice and it suits him

There is something magical and restorative about holidays

I guess that's why we take them

to nurture our souls

and tend to the messiness that clutters and clogs our minds

I aspire to being joyful and happy wherever I am

because isn't it the moment, the right now, that is important when all things are said and done?

Lots of time to ponder more

I'll leave with this image from many moons ago

Me

newly married

before kids

really just a kid myself!

Smiles all round!

Sitting on the dock of the bay...

Glassy calm water

wind easy

We are snugged up to the dock and sitting aside our boating buddies...

we are a Chris Craft and they are a Monk!

Our days are spent in tandem

we get along so well

all 4 of us

the guys hunt and gather

crab and cod

the gals

we make salads

and spuds

we have our noses firmly planted into our books

the pool and hot tubs call

we beach comb

we kayak

we sleep late

we snore

(some of us!)

Mr HB gets his work emails

he's a partner and needs to keep in the loop

I am a WIFI Queen

(I wonder if they think I am mad!)

I spend at least an hour online

they humour me

"ARE YOU BLOGGING"

no I am reading blogs!

We dined here...very tasty

I live in Hope...

for many things...

as I sit and type

there is a 75 foot Fleming next to us

very large and fine

it's called SILVERHEELS II

we are small and in it's shadow

Mr. HB chatted with the skipper

he's heading to Florida

I am in awe of these large expensive vessels

but am happy to be snug 

our boat is all it needs to be....

the heater is on

the bunk is ready

and I have half a book to read!

Calm Seas and Sweet Dreams

My WIFI signal

is strong tonight!

Blue skies and sunshine today....

The sun is shining down upon us and drying up the remnants of the rain.

The lawns and flowers have soaked their roots and seem very content

the blooms have not faded

they are smiling up at the sun.

I have picked up a new book from my summer read pile

 I am amused by the first few chapters

Sophie Kinsella is taking me away

with her words.

I've toyed with the idea of writing a book 

I was in the enriched English class at High School

I wrote poetry and was published in the School yearbook

My teachers encouraged me

and I blossomed

alas

it has been years

and the niggling thought still has itself firmly lodged in the back of my mind.

Blogger, Jen Lancaster's book "Bitter is the New Black" has awakened that urge

...maybe I'll enroll in a creative writing class at college this fall?

I have been enjoying simple days

uncluttered

unfettered by bustle and demands

eating when hungry

sleeping when weary

keeping the small space tidy

Simple decor

 finds

from beaches near and far

combing the shores for their bounty

searching for treasure in any form

The laze of summer

days of rest

the time to think

unencumbered

and free

to savour the bounty 

of nature

Where do you find the peace and serenity to restore and rejuvenate?

Is it the Yoga studio, a cottage, a garden?