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| Hotel Kilimandjaro, Courchevel. 27 weeks. |
Gosh, it's been such a busy almost-two weeks with so much news that I don't know whether to inundate you with a super meaty post or spread it all out over a few posts - but if I do the latter, then the news will be old so I'll try my best to condense it all into readable chunks!
That's hubby and I posing in one of several cosy seating areas in this uber-luxe hotel, the Hotel Kilimandjaro in the alpine town of Courchevel, 1850 (meaning 1850 metres above sea level). We drove up (way up, like over 6,000 feet) to meet friends last week, had lunch, then popped into the swank hotel for coffees (to the tune of 50 Euros for four!). Boy oh boy, this is how the other half lives.
I didn't get many pics, but let me tell you, it was a beautiful winter wonderland of snow-covered peaks, not to mention more luxury hotels than you can shake a stick at. The Courchevel ski resort area is one of the most prestigious in the world. Needless to say, I wasn't skiing at 27 weeks.
We had lunch in a chalet overlooking the airport, or the Altiport, which is higher than Courchevel 1850. There were lots of fancy-shmancy helicopters there that day.
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| Obsession these days: ethnic bags. Vintage Indian-made carpet bag, under 10 Euros on Etsy - steal! (27 weeks). |
All's well on the baby front. I'm starting my third trimester (28 weeks this week) and am getting bigger. Though peeps say I look wee, I'm amazed to know I've gained 14 pounds! My OB spotted a vein on my leg the other day and prescribed compression tights - yes, I officially feel like an old lady! I tried to assure her that vein had been there forever, but she gave me the 'script anyway.
Know what? They're actually super comfy, though I could post the most hilarious YouTube vid of me trying to get the suckers on (gloves are required). But hey, if they prevent varicose veins, what's the biggie? This is me last week after having lunch with hubby and a couple friend ... with my 'new' used Indian-made carpet bag I picked up on Etsy. I figure it'll make a great throw-all-diaper bag in a few months.
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| NEW: Fab but expensive. |
On the thrift front, I've found some great baby stuff second-hand, but to offset those victories I had the most disappointing thrift shop expedition of my life last week in Geneva, when I visited three Red Cross shops. I found nothing but a silk button-down PJ top (that'll be perfect for breast-feeding) at the Red Cross by-the-pound shop, for 2 Euros.
Remember this fur hat? We bought it new - not telling you how much, but it was trop cher, even on sale.
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| USED: Less than 2 Euros! |
Literally a few days after that purchase, I dug up this fur hat at my local thrift shop ... for 3 Euros less 50 percent! Yes, 1.50 Euros!!! It's less chic than the studded one, but still falls within the style dictates of alpine chic, oui?
As I've said before, Anything new can do, thrift can do better!!
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| Thrifted outfit with new handmade scarf (Etsy), at 28 weeks. |
Yesterday I got all boho-ed out to do lunch with pals and then pop into Geneva for an Ikea change-table and nursing chair reconnaissance with hubby. I'm wearing my 'new' second-hand MEXX navy booties that I picked up in a consignment shop the other day. As you may know, I'm a boot fiend and it could be argued I don't really need these guys, but the low heels are practical for my life right now (blame it on the baby and who can argue?).
Almost everything here is thrifted, save for the glittery knit cap I bought in Toronto years ago (I call it my Oliver cap) and the gorg hand-loomed multi-stripe on black cotton scarf I found on Etsy the other week (to replace one I gave away when I moved overseas - notice how good I am at justifying these small purchases?).
BTW, I'm starting to state my pregnancy in weeks on this blog so I don't forget. I'm too disorganized to categorize my pregnancy pics!
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| Do I look like a crazy, bag-obsessed hippie? Yup. |
I mentioned an ethnic bag obsession that's taken hold of late. There's a really expensive Indian quilt bag online that I've been lusting after for almost a year, and, to avoid spending over 200 Euros on it, lately I've been snapping up any inexpensive ethnic bag that turns my fancy, in an effort to quell the ethnic bag urge - do you ever do this? My fear is I'll end up spending more than 200 Euros on all these bags, and then end up breaking down and getting the original one I wanted!
I found this cheapie one (made in China: don't hate me) in the Old Town yesterday on sale for 20 Euros. It's a patchwork fabric design and is now my new (in all senses of the word) fave bag.
Have a happy weekend! My best friend had her baby the other day, and my really good friend here is about to have hers, hopefully this weekend! Happiness abounds ....
I love the bags, especially that last one! Crazed hippie style and all.
ReplyDeleteAnything new can do, thrift can do better? That's worth remembering. I must spread that around the senior thrift center next week. ;) Maybe even come up with the rest of the song.
Gorgeous hat too, glad you found a more affordable one. I love when things happen like that.
Joni, it would make a good song! We can do it to a rap beat and post it on YouTube like that thrift shop song and vid that's gone global (did you know that rapper is from Seattle, btw?). Then we'll make a million bucks and STILL shop at thrift shops! Xoxo
DeleteI love that long coat - I bet that's really handy in the winter. That lodge looks amazing! Good idea to just go have coffee, although 50 euros seems just a tad expensive, unless it included lunch and entertainment!
ReplyDeleteI just found out one of my nieces is expecting! Seems like there are lots of babies this year!
Congrats, Val! How exciting. Yes, it does seem that everywhere you look, there are babies - but now, of course, I'm super conscious of them. :)
DeleteThat coat was a steal, 17 bucks at a Toronto thrift shop. It's faux suede and has these buttons all the way down. It makes a great spring and fall coat (alas, can't do the buttons up now). :)
The snow and the mountains look beautiful. Skiing - and the expense of deluxe ski resorts - are not for me, but I can appreciate the fabulous scenery!
ReplyDeleteYou look really well, Kelly, radiating health and happiness! Love your coat and the tapestry and patchwork bags. I think you will get tons of use out of them once The Babe has arrived, so the purchases are entirely justified.
Babies, babies everywhere - how lovely! xxxx
Skiing isn't my bag either, Curtise, unless it's cross-country, but it was a fun and excursion peeping into another kind of world. I can't get enough of these patchwork and ethnic bags, but I think I've sated my appetite - must start focusing on clothing our bebe! Xoxo
DeleteThe scenery looks spectacular despite the eye-watering prices!
ReplyDeleteYou look absolutely stunning, you're right about those compression tights, I had to wear them post hip replacement and if you think it's bad enough putting them on imagine what it was like for Jon to do it for me as I wasn't allowed to bend for three months. If that's not a true test of a relationship I don't know what is!
What a shame you didn't discover your love of Indian bags before I went there! Yours are gorgeous! xxx
Yes, so true, Vix - bending over is becoming difficult, so hubby will indeed be helping me with those babies soon enough!
DeleteAh, kind of you, maybe next time you go I'll put an order in. :) the kantha Indian quilt bags are impossible to find here and even online - would make a good import biz, methinks! Xoxo
Hi my dear!! Such a lovely post with wonderful pictures and so pleased to hear you are keeping well and you look so amazingly radiant too! Well done on all those thrifty finds, especially the fur hat-both of them are just gorgeous and I love that saying 'Anything new can do, thrift can do better' that's fabulous!! Take care and have a good weekend xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you! I was thrilled about that hat too, though a little bit grrrr over paying a whopping amount for the new one! Yes, I think that line could spin out into a,nice little thrifting song, lol! Xoxo
DeleteYour bags are my favorite things. I want some like them. I want a bunch like them. And your trip looked wonderful. I'll try not to be jealous.
ReplyDeleteJudy, you are sweet. I have a definite THING with bags. I've been lucky to find many in thrift shops but a few on Etsy too. I search for the lowest price to the highest on Etsy, in true Grunge Queen fashion!
DeleteWonderful place to spend quality time.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that youre baby is growing well. How lucky to come to such warm couple and your caring arms.
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He definitely is growing, Sacramento, I'm getting bigger by the day! Oh, you are so very, very sweet to say that - it brings tears to my eyes! Xoxoxoxo
DeleteGorgeous pics!!! Wear the compression hose! I didn't think I was getting varicose veins and then by the time I noticed them it was too late. I was a server throughout both my pregnancies and you'd think my ob would of insisted I wear them at my age and weight as a deterrent... :(
ReplyDeleteI am also obsessed with ethnic, aztec, kilim all of it!!! I even have two pairs of shoes. I hear what you're saying about trying to decide if something is worth the splurge. If you are going to slowly make purchases that add up to a decent chunk of the 'one', then you ought to consider getting it.
Becky :)
Becky, I am wearing them every day, and boy, do they feel great. I honestly think the OBs here are extremely contentious. I'm really happy with the care I've received to date.
DeleteOoh, I want to see those shoes! My hubby, God bless, actually found some boots online with a Kilim motif - so gorg!! Maybe I'll suggest the bag as a bday pressure pour moi. :)
Fab ethnic bags! I have a bright pink Indian one that I'm a bit obsessed with myself :)
ReplyDeleteOoh, that sounds amazing! I was stalking a bright pink one on Etsy but I think it sold. :(
DeleteI love seeing those gorgeous snow-capped mountains! But 50euros for coffee?? Yikes!! I love your ethnic bags...and yes, I have done what you are avoiding (refusing to spend the big bucks on one lust item and trying to fill the void with other things). It is a tricky business. Have you asked the seller of the lusted bag if she would take less?? : ) (Of course, mind you, you are getting advice from a woman who spent months saving extra change for a fancy camera and ended up spending it on an Hermes scarf and Seiko watch instead, both used!--I am now starting over on my fund). ; )
ReplyDeleteYah, 50 euros for four coffees, crazy. If it were a second-hand Etsy seller or the like I might consider that if the item had been listed for a while, but the seller is a actual artist who makes the bags and I just wouldn't feel right about asking her to reduce her price. Because the bag truly is worth it. I hope your camera fund is doing well - can't say I blame you for going for the Hermes scarf! :)
DeleteI lovely pregnant Lady, gee you look good, i'm amazed everytime is see your posts!
ReplyDeleteI was so fat , ha, ha, ha! you would not believe how fat i was, but you, look at you, smiling and stylish!
Aren't the snow cap mountains out of this world? i had the chance to see them in Switzerland when i lived in Europe with my ex-husband
Do you the sex of the baby?
Take care of yourself Darling and thanks for the birthday wishes
Ariane xxxx
Well Ariane, I am getting bigger, that's for sure! Yes, the mountains are so lovely. I really never get sick of them. We're expecting a boy! Xoxo
DeleteI love your bags they will make a great diaper bag. I always used my large purse as my purse and my diaper bag for my second kid. You look great. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteXoxo,
Carrie
Hey Carrie, thanks so much for the kind worlds and for stopping in! I have popped by yours but didn't have a chance to leave a comment, but I do plan on returning! Xoxo
DeleteThat's always the way. You decide to treat yourself to something, and you instantly find it in a local thrift shop. BUt actually, both versions cover a slightly different angle of Alpine chic...so you're good...
ReplyDeleteThe funny thing is, back in Canada, the thrifting was so good that I'd actually eke out items I needed in the actual thrift shop! And often, I was successful! But it's a different kettle of fish here; that's why this find was such a surprise. :)
DeleteYou look lovely and wee to me! I like both fur hats- you rock 'em both. As for the bag- it is a classic! What a great diaper bag it's gonna be.
ReplyDeleteAw thanks, Bella, but I am getting bigger by the day! I love both hats too but kinda wish I'd found the thrift one before we bought the pricier one ... Ah well, Murphy's Law, as they say. Hopefully the bag won't end up covered in poo and Luke, but for 20 Euros, guess I can't complain! :)
DeleteThe mountains and snow are lovely, but they definitely charge for the view! You look so tiny, can't believe you are 27 weeks. I'm glad to see you looking so well and happy. I think that "Anything new can do, thrift can do better" is going to be my new theme song. I love the patchwork shoulder bag - it will make a cool diaper bag.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shelley! I have a feeling the wee days are now behind me! Yah, I was joking with Joni that we could do lyrics to the phrase, post em on YouTube like that rap thrift song that's gone global, and make a mil, what do you say? :) :)
DeleteYou're really lucky, that's such a beautiful place! That hat is great, perfect for the freezing weather. Definitely treat yourself, because soon you'll be spending all your money on someone else! xxxx
ReplyDeleteHa, true enough, Clare! That philosophy has informed a good many purchases we've made these days, lol! Xoxo
DeleteI guess I missed the big announcement, but let me say CONGRATS on your pregnancy!! It's an exciting time, no doubt about it. You look gorgeous and happy. I love your outfits and of course the bags. The hats are cool too.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jean! It's so easy to miss something in the blogosphere, isn't it? All it takes is one post. We are thrilled, and I am trying to stay stylish! :)
DeleteYour snowy holiday looks fabulous. I love your hats - the furry ones with ears are toasty warm (and are worth the price for that alone!) and a baker boy cap is one of my all time favourites - they suit you!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I never would have considered buying the furry hat style, but they are de rigueur here so hubby and I gave em a try - and we likie! I love the cap too but am never certain that it looks right on me, so thanks for kudos!
DeleteYou are blooming! I like the time check on your blog so that we can all count along with you. How exciting! Lovely clothes and snow pictures, but I've had enough of winter now and am longing for a gentle spring.
ReplyDeleteAw, that is very sweet of you! Yah, I'm kind of with you: it's been super,warm here the last few days, and I want spring too. :)
ReplyDeleteOf course, you know I love all of these bags. The good (or bad) thing about cloth bags is that they wear out, can only be repaired so many times, then have to be replaced. (How's that for my justification)
ReplyDeleteI like that line of reasoning, Jo! :)
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