I've just got back from five days in Le Marais, and I've decided I want become Parisian, s'il vous plait.

[TossDaily]

So there.

EVERYBODY looked fantastic. EVERYBODY. DP and I just sat open-mouthed in fascination. Whatever their age, they looked amazing.

So I'm sitting here on a diet, wearing an Isabel Marant jumper and frantically googling 'How to turn French.'

As far as I can tell, the rules are:

1. Be thin, despite the fact you are walking down the street at 11am gnawing a cheese and ham baguette the length of your forearm.

1. Have your hair the colour and texture of natural hair.

1. Have the most amazing skin, despite the fact you have a permanent Gauloise on the go.

1. Never get pissed and lairy, despite the fact you are having a glass of red wine with your lunch and it's Tuesday.

1. Wear shoes you can walk in.

1. Have an amazing coat.

1. Know how to tie a scarf so it looks like you have slung it on and it's just choosing to snuggle up to you because you are SO FRICKING GORGEOUS.

1. Have a pharmacy on every corner that is just an Aladdin's Cave of miraculous skincare delights for less than a tenner each.

Anyone else have any tips? Joking aside, I loved the style - the shops, ohmigod the shops! It was like I'd walked into my internet shopping history.

I could actually walk around in my biker jacket without feeling like a twat.

I want to be French. Aidez-moi.

Oh and the lawyer in Spiral is the photographer in Witnesses. Both series have female detectives with messy yet chic hair and battered yet nice leather jackets.

I love both those series. Being reasonably proficient in French, I justify watching them as practising listening to spoken French but, TBH, conversations are so fast and colloquial, I read the sub-titles too. And admire the clothing, male and female, but especially the lawyer in Spiral. Her clothes and mine do not overlap in any way though! The detective however, is a big influence on what I wear although j'ai plusiers d'ans de plus.

I'm not surprised banana, leather leggings are to me what skinnies are to other people. You can wear them with absolutely anything without having to think too much about the rest of the outfit, easy to dress up or down, they're lovely and warm, don't really need washing, and unlike actual skinnies they don't sort of look meh but make your bum look better than it actually is and streamlines the legs in a weirdly flattering way. They're such an easy thing to love.

Oh I do love a good hat, Proper, the only problem, well not really problem, is that with one of those lovely hats I look like some Argentinian heiress who lost her ranchhand with all the luggage somewhere along the way but everything should be fine on account of the American Express Black Card in her pocket (no, I don't actually have one of those) and surely Eduardo and the horses will find their way to the hotel It's not a bad look but it's a hard one to pull of in context of modern metropolitan life. It doesn't stop me from really wanting a Eugenia Kim hat like attached. But since I avoid the sun like the plague I do love a good sun hat.

Flea, no not French, a few hundred kilometers north instead. But growing up in the land of the supremely tall as a short arse (probably fairly average height elsewhere) and being taken to France at least twice a year for as long as I remember made me a French devotee instead, but it's not exclusive or anything, we're very French about it One of my earliest memories is actually of getting Pom D'Api shoes fitted somewhere in France, my mother was very fastidious about shoes and those were the only ones that met her approval.

Those series sound very tempting but I do fear this isn't good for the wallet. I'm still yearning for Sarah Lund's sweater and Saga Noren's leather pants and I'll take her car too. I think Witnesses is on Netflix, will have to check and see if Spiral is there too. And I also really need to get back to the second season of Follow the Money. And I bloody miss Borgen

Yes, underwear isn't so much about the comfy stuff. I mean not for all but lingerie is more the norm and not saved for best. The cup sizes are small but they do quite nice frilly and lacy stuff at low prices. Princesse Tam Tam is a very popular place, as is Darjeeling which is a cheaper offspring of Chantelle but both not available outside France. I'm always a bit puzzled about it myself as I've seen people insinuate wearing lingerie regularly or outside of the bedroom practically qualifies as a fetish . My grandmother bought me 7 silk negligees as soon as I turned twelve (she was a bit excessive in some things and they were age appropriate) declaring me a woman now and needing womanly things so my perspective may very well be skewed, I don't own much of the ordinary stuff and it's pretty much reserved for TOM, but it's personal preferences at the end of the day, I do think foundations like underwear are important but more in the sense that it's a good fit that makes clothes sit well rather than being the prettiest thing in the world, that should always be the main priority.

If anyone wants some really nice silk nighties, look for Marjolaine on eBay, beautiful silk with lace and really quite pricey in store (I think Rigby & Peller sell them in the UK) but bargainous on eBay from several French sellers. They also go to quite large sizes, especially in the cotton stuff.

Delurking to say that I've really enjoyed reading this thread.

I'm 10 months post partum and really struggling with clothes. All my 'good' clothes were for work, and being a stay at home Mum I feel like I've lost an awful lot of my identity, so reading through the links have been great. Especially the videos by Justine, so thank you to whoever linked those!

I'm in the market for a red lipstick, I'm a dirty blonde (currently growing out my highlights as 3hrs in a salon just isn't happening at the moment!), Blue eyed and cool undertones, would anyone be able to recommend a lipstick colour?

I'm also thinking of investing in a good quality day bag, I like small shoulder bags rather than giant totes, although love the unstructured rectangular tote that @botempt posted at around 11pm a few days back. Probably no more than £150 in budget.

My shopping wish list is so long now after reading this and watching some of the videos

Oh I like those hats Bo. I would rather look like a rich Argentinian who'd lost her way than a tired Brit trying desperately to keep warm.
Keeping chic-warm in the British DAMP cold is nigh on impossible isn't it?

Hmm, leather leggings- now my interest is piqued. I bet they cost far more than I can afford though.
I have been busy googling gorgeous older french women. What a wonderful choice of older style icons there are.

Still after a good salt spray to give my hair a messier look. I deliberately didn't brush it this morning, just ran my fingers through it. A much better look I think.

The black eye shadow has arrived. I am scared even just looking at the pot. I will try it out later and hope I don't look like I've just been in a fight.

Try putting a bit on with your finger, smudging it on. Also it's a good idea to put your eye make up on before your foundation with dark colours to avoid the inevitable drop down ruining it.

Old Porsches are to die for unsuitable for country roads and dogs. My life is not remotely Parisienne, sadly, but it doesn't stop me aiming for chic; it's about nonchalant but weather-proof, especially today. According to Wainwright: "there's no such thing as the wrong weather; only unsuitable clothing". Which is quite French.

Was it the first pic or second you liked Lesser? They're from Aesther Akme and Givenchy, respectively. Both wouldn't come in under £150 unfortunately, but if it's the first pic you liked than All Saints may work in today's sale. The Kita Crossbody comes in just under budget and has a similar slouchy yet structured feel. The Kepi Shoulder Bag is much more similar but slightly over budget at £173.60. The Paradise North South Tote in mink grey is also very similar and probably my favourite from the lot at £173.60, but suede is perhaps not the best choice with young children. There is also a black version but that one is £208.60. I have no personal experience with AS bags, I've seen them in RL but they're hugely marked up in price in the EU so I find them poor value for money under normal circumstances but with discounted UK prices they make more sense. I'm sure someone on here has one/owned one and can chime in.

However, considering you have a 10mo, is a tote really sensible? Are you not out and about with a changing bag most days, therefore would a small crossbody you can wear alongside it or slip into the changing bag not be more practical?

I still haven't seen it yet but I think the L'Oreal x Balmain in Domination would probably suit you too, in the campaign they used Lara Stone and she's similar in colouring, not so much dirty blonde here but she definitely goes that way sometimes.

Proper, I know it's not a bad thing but at the end of the day I'd just like to look like me. And yes, wet cold is difficult to dress for. Dry, cold and snowey as they have it in Scandinavia is easier I feel.

I like Sachajuan Dark Volume powder as a hair texturiser but I sometimes go months without because I forget to RP in time. Mostly I brush my hair at night with a MP brush and then don't really touch it in the morning, finger combing at most, seems to work best. Also a bit of hairwax in the ends when it's semi-dry. I'm very lazy low maintenance when it comes to hair but I use more expensive shampoo and conditioner so that saves me hassle. Enid, I think I remember you mentioning getting the Bumble & Bumble dryspun spray, how's that been working out for you as it was a bit of a meh product for me but I know it's a great texturiser for some but I always suspect that's those who don't have much texture to begin with.

*meant to add, the black version is leather, not suede.

Thanks for the scarf/hair advice bo and quirky. I'll try putting scarf on before coat too. Maybe I need to find some hair up dos that are easy and quick.

I would love to find some really nice silk and lace bras in a 28FF but they seem to stop at a DD cup or start at 32 backs. Can find nice bras but I'd really like something luxurious feeling.

Thoroughly enjoying this thread and now have red stained hands from trying out so many red lipsticks
I don't feel I've found 'my' red yet. I'm auburn, with brown eyes and freckles. I'm pale but not one of those ethereal redheads. I do tan. Any suggestions folks? Merci

bo The B&B spray is generally a bit meh, yes. But as a hairspray alternative to keep my growing out fringe out of my face and styled looking, it's doing a very good job. It's a soft hold but adds some volume. Plus I can't stand the smell of hairspray and this doesn't smell. I have used it on my roots which worked well. I suppose I'm not really using it as it was intended.

Loving the links.
That green leather jacket is indeed very reasonably priced, Botemps. I just have so little money right now that even that is extravagant.

On that note, while I appreciate they are not HL leather leggings, I have these in black (sorry for link to French site):
www.esprit.fr/femmes-jeans/jean-stretch-enduit-longueur-cheville-107CC1B038_910

I feel really good in them and have had lots of compliments. I wore them for work with a long blazer and long white shirt, and at home with a long top and cardigan.
They are quite short, so now it's colder you need long boots with them if you don't want chilly ankles.
In spring I'd wear them with converse/brogues too.

I'm wondering about the blue ones, but am waiting for an offer (Esprit are good with them; I got 25% off the black ones).

I've been reading the lipstick/eye shadow feedback with interest. I wear no make up, other than a bit of mineral powder and the occasional bit of lip gloss (both Nuxe, both ancient), as I feel I look like a little girl who's borrowed her mother's make up and painted it on at her dressing table in a moment of unflattering mischief.

Thank you so much @Botempt, it was the Aesther Akme. I've had a quick Google and have seen a smaller bag style in Burgundy and it's gorgeous, but twice what I wanted to pay. Sigh!

I do normally have a cross body, I've been using the same black leather one from Banana Republic for about three to four years now, long overdue an update, so may have a look around. But also dream of being able to have a lovely bag free from baby snacks and stuffed toys.

I'm going to try and hunt down the L'ORÉAL colour, at their price point it won't be an absolute disaster if it doesn't suit.

Yes, that's the mini version, Lesser. That one is absolutely lovely too, it sounds like you could use something not entirely wrapped up in the new mom identity. Maybe someone can chip in the other half for Christmas?

Enid a 28 back is almost impossible to find in French brands. I'm oficially a 28 but usually wear a 30, I'm not entirely convinced the bra intervention is that great of a method on the smaller back size/small to medium-sized breasts end of the spectrum. I also have a few 32 that fit smaller as a brand. In comparison to other brands, I find French brands fitting narrower in the band anyhow. It's absolutely fine in terms of fit which is all I care about. Unless we're talking about a sports bra, no bra is going to prevent sagging science tells me. I mostly buy Simone Perele as they seem to have the best fit for me. Aubade and Chantelle are good too.

Real silk is rare though there was a brand Rosy Paris (pic 1) and it was all stunningly beautiful and not insanely priced but I only see bits of it discounted here and there now as if the brand no longer exists. I have found some interesting things on Tictail, the second pic is a silk and velvet kimono from a little French brand and there are a few lovely pieces there too but a bit small boob focused. I've been eyeing the red bodysuit (pic 3) but the price

There's also Sarah Brown London who makes a lot of things in silk but it's the limited size range of 32A-36D but it's all made to custom order so I suppose one could ask for different sizes but these prices are really, really, up there.

Agent Provocateur usually have a few styles in silk too and they do large cups but start at 32 but they fit like a 30 IME but again not the cheapest brand in the world.

Dessus Dessous is a good site for most French brands but do remember EU cup sizes deviate slightly from the UK ones, there's about two sizes difference because EU sizing doesn't do double letters but I find it's about one cup size difference really. There's a chart somewhere, I think I bookmarked it, will see if I can dig it up.

Here's the conversion chart though I still think it's very much off as I'm a 28GG by measurements but no way would I fill a 28K or 30L European size. I'm either a 65G (30'G') or 70F (32'F'), cup sizes can change a bit per brand. Most French brands stop making 'normal' bras at G (so full cup with heavy bands from that cup size on which don't work for me at all) so in Chantelle and Aubade, I tend to be a 70G as I find their cups coming in smaller and bands tighter with less stretch.

Oh, I'm glad we're talking bras. Last year I decided to try the be a intervention method, while the bra in question does provide a lot of lift, it is the only bra that's ever given me back fat (though not too much). I find it a bit uncomfortable and on the tight side. I then read an article about french bra measuring, saying that it erred on the side of a larger band/smaller cup which would not give any bulges and would give you a more natural shape. I'm 46 and without the bra intervention, although not as pert as in my 20s, I'm hardly droopy, I'm going back to the old method, and probably John Lewis for fitting, as the bras I had from there fitted beautifully and we're very comfortable, as well as looked good. I will keep a note of some of those brands, bo.

*bra intervention

My size according to the boob or bust method was terribly uncomfortable despite trying several styles. I really don't think it's worth the pain and most measuring a 28 all say they wear a 30 for comfort. I blamed it on the fact that my ribs are slightly jutted forward I have quite the impressive rib cliffs as a result which a bra fitter in the past has told me makes it difficult to measure. I do think if you're getting French bras it's probably worth measuring in cms too as that will make a difference in the larger cup sizes.

Asit I think your red lipstick would be brick in tone rather than coral. Try chili by Mac.

LesserSpottedLurker try Chanel Pirate. It is rather scarily bright on first application but I have the same colouring as you and it really makes my blue eyes sparkle. A true red.

Excellent bra advice and suggestions thank you. I'll have a google of those now. I do tend to try both 30F and 28FF as styles vary so ones that start at 30 are fine. I was also thinking I might look for some fancy 'slips' (cannot for the life of me remember the right word. Slips sound like something my Nanna would've worn under her dress for warmth. Not quite what I'm aiming for. ) to go over a plain bra to glam it up a bit. I know those crop bralettes are popular again. Perhaps a fancier version of those.

None of that makes sense. I know what I mean.

Measuring in cms for french/European styles makes perfect sense, bo thank you. My bra intervention bra is not that comfy, I actually went back to get it remeasured and they assured me it was right, but I'm not that big/round breasted, so this method doesn't really suit me (I noticed there was a thread about someone complaining of armpit fat with this method). I completely get if you are larger, it may work for you. It is very popular, on here, though.

Enid I know what you mean, but I can't think of the name, either. My morning coffee hasn't taken effect yet!

I meant to add there's a whole article on red lipsticks and how to wear them in Style (Times) magazine, we're ahead of the game, ladies .

Will check Mac chilli out, thanks Squash
I wonder if the Times journo has been following this thread?