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

911 replies

TossDaily · 01/11/2017 09:38

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.

OP posts:
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littlechous · 02/11/2017 22:30

Hermès have an app called ‘silk knots’ that teaches you how to tie a scarf......

Ooh la la

bananafish81 · 02/11/2017 22:52

My capsule wardrobe is very simple classic neutrals, so I wanted to try silk scarves to jazz up plain crew neck Merino wool sweaters - bought a beautiful vintage liberty print silk scarf from etsy, just need to learn how to tie it!

It's cold enough in London to be proper scarf weather (as in warm outdoors scarf to wear with a coat, not silk scarf to wear as an accessory with a top) - my grey 100% wool one is lovely but a bit samey when I wear it everyday, esp with a black coat. Definitely inspired to think about upping my scarf game and adding something else into the mix (especially as most of my wardrobe is black and grey, so a bit of colour injected in with a scarf probably wouldn't go amiss!)

Off to look for scarf inspiration! and pin ones on pinterest as a wish list for indulging in retail therapy

DistanceCall · 02/11/2017 22:59

Littlechocola I think it's less restrictive, more imaginative, and sexier. French style is mostly about fitting in and looking "right", I think.

And Italian women seem to actually eat.

DameDoom · 03/11/2017 00:33

After reading this thread this aft and replying a bit, I went to my hair appointment at 5.00 with a little more confidence than i previously would have done.
At 46 my features are softening and I am not the 'pretty' girl I once was 70 million years ago I have had a cyber bob. For me, it is very striking despite lob, bob transitioning, this is shorter, more edgy and modern - I reiterate for me - could be nafforama for some.

Anyhoos in with a penny and all that- went and bought Chanel Rouge Noir lipstick. Popped to the loo in Fenwicks and put it on... I felt so awkward and embarrassed but went out in public anyway.
Straightaway stopped by a woman in her forties who asked who did my hair and where was my lipstick from. Then, and I cannot get over this, the young lad whose dad owns the local restaurant we always go to said I looked absolutely beautiful.
I don't look remotely beautiful - I have an Iggy Pop thread before where you can't see my face because I can look at best cadaverous but thanks to you lot, I'm experimenting big time and actually enjoying getting older.
Thanks botemp et al for your sage advice and confidence boosting help. A sisterhood of style and beauty really does help us all navigate the less lovely shoite we all have to endure.

JaneJeffer · 03/11/2017 00:39

That's amazing Doom. Gotta get me some of that lipstick!

DameDoom · 03/11/2017 00:59

You should deffo jane. Between my new lippy and finishing Hilary Clinton's latest missive, I feel like a new woman. Mind you, I'm more about the lipstick than the former first lady...

TossDaily · 03/11/2017 02:46

What a lovely post, DameDoom.

Vive la France!

OP posts:
TossDaily · 03/11/2017 02:48

PS - what's a cyber bob?

OP posts:
Littlechocola · 03/11/2017 06:01

That’s lovely Dame

Littlechocola · 03/11/2017 06:01

Distsncecall I love eating

Deathraystare · 03/11/2017 08:54

Well I do not in any way wanna be French! I love the way we are in England. You can wear what you like! Ok there may be a huge number of girls/women with angry bird eyebrows and those hateful tightbun/topknots that never look good but apart from that we are much more individual. I like our kind of don't give a shit attitude.

I am also a non smoker and (Sacre Bleu"!) Fat!!!

The only stylish people I saw when I was there was the very rich or some different nationalities (may have been born there) like Africans and asians. The rest were fucking boring and no make up.

Windowbasket · 03/11/2017 09:08

www.sezane.com/en - a very nice site I have recently found - just browsing scarves at the mo!

littlechous · 03/11/2017 09:54

Loved reading your latest post Doom.

My mum always said never to even answer the front door without lipstick on - she always wore a pillarbox red

Is a cyber bob like Anna Wintour style?

botemp · 03/11/2017 11:09

Dame, that sounds so wonderful. No idea what a cyber bob is either but I can imagine it, you sound striking and in all honesty that's always seemed much more interesting to me than conventional beauty/prettiness as you own it wholly.

Window, I've been signed up with Sezane for years but never bought a thing. Their marketing strategy of dropping everything in short bursts to create a buying frenzy annoys the shit out of me. It was worse in the past though. Returns and delivery are also quite expensive comparatively to my neck of the woods (not in the UK but I think it's better priced or free for UK), as are most of the French online shops unfortunately. I like L'Exception a lot which also has several shops in Paris and Monshowroom.com which is somewhat like a marketplace for smaller French brands but you can buy several items from different brands within one order like any old shop. I also get loads of French bargains through Vente-Exclusive and Showroomprive, both private sales sites based in France or Belgium, not sure whether they deliver to the UK and if signup is still by invite only but otherwise I can easily do the invite/referral thing.

Back to the scarves... I'm a bit of a size queen about them. I like them large so they can double up as an extra layer indoors if you're cold and it looks quite elegant with a good drape. A good weight of fabric is key though and what gives that sculptural look. I've never bought into cashmere on the back of that as they're too flimsy in weight unless you have Loro Piana money. The Canada Scarf (not the narrow version) from Acne Studios is really good but currently, Weekday has very similar looking ones, also in 100% wool for about a quarter of the price, slightly less quality wise but pretty good for the money. Cos is also really good on the high street, they had a very nice 3D woven one in a darker grey that was really sculptural, I'd have to check the site if it's still there. However, my experience has been the more you pay (for the heavier weights of fabric) the better it lasts and retains that stiff sculptural look. Getting the dry cleaned now and then is also a worthwhile endeavour as they pretty much return looking new which I've never been able to replicate with a hand wash or similar.

I'm currently actually contemplating a bit of faux fur, I have a troubled relationship with (faux) fur as it looks really good on me but it can easily veer a bit too vintage or a bit rich bitch on me. I really liked this one (see pic) though, the shop assistant actually gasped and was somewhat incensed I didn't buy it then and there, not so much for losing the sale but that I would leave something so flattering behind and actually dither over it. Am thinking to wear it a bit different, over one shoulder and then belted in as a workaround (see other pic).

Should also add, to the further love of scarves, I like wearing them instead of a coat sometimes too, over a wool blazer with leather gloves (I may have a giant collection of those too Blush) they work quite well on those crisper winter days that are cold but not extremely windy or humid and there's something distinctive about being a bit more fitted in a sea of oversized winter coats.

I've just got back from five days in Le Marais, and I've decided I want become Parisian, s'il vous plait.
I've just got back from five days in Le Marais, and I've decided I want become Parisian, s'il vous plait.
littlechous · 03/11/2017 11:31

I loooove the belted scarf look!

BagelGoesWalking · 03/11/2017 13:04

Main meal at lunch - proper food not processed. Eaten properly not gobbled down at a desk. Lots of mineral water as well as wine. Full of protein and some carbs so you’re not snacking on kit kats by 4pm.

Small meal at dinner, not processed. If you think about French supermarkets, there are no (or very, very few) ready meals as we know them. I’ve been going to France on and off for 30 years and I remember the first time I saw ready made sandwiches on the shelves- shocking!

Having said that, most of the women, in the north Dordogne area we usually go to, are stocky farmers who most definitely don’t follow the Parisian chic rule!

AuntyElle · 03/11/2017 13:13

Love all your advice botemp.
Is the Weekend scarf the Tuva or the Orbit?
shop.weekday.com/gb/Womens_shop/Accessories/Scarves

user1495832265 · 03/11/2017 13:34

Very much enjoying this thread.
I'm in possession of huge hips and a waist so I don't think I can ever pull off the French Chic look, sadly.
However, I do have a beautiful Hermes scarf that I've never worn. It was a gift and until now I've felt a bit stuck how to wear it. Shall download the app and see if I become inspired.

user1495832265 · 03/11/2017 13:35

Just seen the wool scarves on Weekday and have to have one of those to tide me over the next few months!

DameDoom · 03/11/2017 13:51

My new bob is very sharp - bit like the old Sassoon cuts. I honestly have no idea what a cyber bob actually is - my hairdresser called it that and he is cool as so must be right unless he was having me on.

I really do feel quite good at the moment. I am embracing the grey. sacking off the Botox and forcing myself to appreciate my ageing face. That in itself has to be quite French.

Re. scarves - I have stopped wearing them and have spent quite big in the past, particularly from Lily and Lionel but I am not sure they suit me anymore and I was a total scarf slut. Might get them out and have a play/restyle. Anyone got a really good, big pale grey cashmere one they can recommend?

Botemp your fake fur sounds fabulous and if you look like a vintage rich bitch then you are obviously doing something so right Wink. You must, must get it. I got the shearling snood from Me and Em a few years ago and wore it to death. It's still as good as new but it does not flatter anymore.

Have decided I don't want to be Scandinavian, Japanese or French... I want to be Botemp. even though will probably bankrupt self in the process.

DameDoom · 03/11/2017 14:13

MightyMing you might want to try Hourglass Icon - it really does seem to suit all colourings.

I've just got back from five days in Le Marais, and I've decided I want become Parisian, s'il vous plait.
Brillenbar · 03/11/2017 15:43

Damedoom is your lipstick really rouge noir like the nail varnish? Would love that - would feel like I was communing with my 17 yr old goth self but in a sophisticated wY

botemp · 03/11/2017 16:16

It's the Tuva, AuntyElle. The coloured ones are especially nice please resist the sensible black, camel, and grey, please. That bright bottle green one I can imagine looking great on fair redheads, but equally good on brunettes, especially the olive toned. The pink is surprisingly wearable and not sweet at all, works well on black to make it less harsh. The burgundy wasn't the right shade for me with a touch too much black in it but it's always a tricky colour for me anyhow, would suit well to those who don't find it a challenging colour. The yellow is really bright but I can imagine it suiting WOC or someone with an amazing mass of dark curls with a medium skin tone. I think Asos also sell Weekday so if you're just getting the scarf they might do a better deal with codes and shipping if available.

I'm going to schedule in a Google image search tonight, as I don't think the French/Parisian look is exclusive to slim women. I'll toss in a pro ageing search too as many of the French style icons are not young at all. I've been an hourglass shape since the age of twelve and it was chiefly French and Italian clothes that stopped my utter misery and self-loathing in my teens. Yes, the forefront representatives are thin, there's no denying it but they are the elevated few.

user, less French (though they all pretend it is French) but more waspy American, since you mention having a waist, try the scarf as a belt in a pair of jeans too. They pair it with a crisp white shirt tucked in, a bit too Cape Cod/Hamptons to my taste, but it works.

A slinky Sassoon cut was exactly what I had in mind, Dame! Nah, it's very easy for me to look like a lost time traveller or for things to look expensive on me but I don't really enjoy it as a look and assumptions that come with it. Also, it really doesn't suit modern life. Like most hourglasses, I struggle with being casual and relaxed and not looking like a sad sack of potatoes. I always have to balance out the bit of lux with the pedestrian/street style, fitted with relaxed, and so forth, hence my mashup of all cities and styles. It all somehow works though, but I do get mistaken for French the most. I live in an Expat city and I get automatically addressed in English (despite being local) in most shops, and if they speak it, French.

Ha! Luckily I'm a veritable mix of Euro nationalities including Scandi, French, Belgian, Swiss, Dutch, Italian, and Asian and I somehow ended up a very caucasian looking hourglass, so you're pretty well covered but I don't think the world can handle two of me ;)

As mentioned above, I don't really chase cashmere scarfs. I really think they're mostly comfy and otherwise a bit limp or outrageously expensive. But since we're here already worshipping at the altar of all things scarves. Behold the Loro Piana, and I really covet it for the shine it gives, which is pretty unique to premium cashmere (and LP is credited to be one of the best) but needs to be woven in a certain way. That shine is also great come winter if you go a bit shallow in the complexion as it helps illuminate you somewhat. And so help me, I thought they started at over a €1000 but it's 'only' €420 (so 'good' investment coat money) and it therefore passes my divide by half and multiply by two rule (if you struggle to think if the price tag is worth it I always divide the price by half and ask if you can get something of similar quality, design, and material at half the price and if then also ask if you were to put the money away instead and add to it later, doubling it, would you get something of vastly superior quality, design, and material, so one yes is pretty much a fail, and a double no means it's a 'sensible' buy. Only works with RRP though, once you start throwing sales into it, the method is skewed). Anyhow, I best block the credit cards in advance.

I don't know if they've brought out Icon out in other formulations since but I had the liquid lipstick when it first came out and whilst the colour is nice (though a tad too pink to read as a red to my liking) it was an absolute hell to get on right and not have it look like some hellscape had taken residence on your lips, the more you tried to fix it the worse it got. Also, very drying and faded unflatteringly, this was one of the first LL though and I do hope they've improved the formula since. For LL I thoroughly recommend the Armani ones, they are really great reds and comfy to wear.

I've just got back from five days in Le Marais, and I've decided I want become Parisian, s'il vous plait.
DameDoom · 03/11/2017 16:29

Yes - it is Brillenbar. I didn't try before I bought either - that's why the skulking to Fenwick's loo happened.

I don't know what it does but it is like witchcraft - my DH thinks it looks fab and I have to agree. Not at all Robert Smith and has made my snaggle-toothed smile look whiter and more to the point, I feel like smiling.

All the money I have wasted on filler and Botox when I just needed to step out of my comfort zone a bit. I literally feel transformed and there is no way that would have happened if I hadn't been on this thread.

cathyandclare · 03/11/2017 16:42

Ooooh I bought Rouge Noir lippie last year, but never dared step out of the bathroom!

< tousles bob and heads upstairs to be adventurous>