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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:
Thread gallery
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LunaTheCat · 03/11/2017 20:48

Doom, cos have big cashmere scarves for 50 quid - I had one sent immediately to down here in The Antipodes.
Love the haircut and the lippy.

Bloomed · 03/11/2017 20:56

Botemp I'm obsessed with the pale faux fur scarf you posted. Where is it from?

RoseWhiteTips · 03/11/2017 21:21

www.mumsnet.com/uploads/talk/201711/large-543266-155365-gy-1y.jpg

Is the model in the above even human?

prettybird · 03/11/2017 21:34

Inspired by this thread, I've said to dh that I need to should treat myself to a "good" red lipstick. I've always worn more subtle, neutral or coral colours to date.

I've lost 30lbs since end May (32lb to go to target when I will have got within healthy BMI) so I've earned my treat Smile

I'm 56, with red/blonde hair (enhanced - but pretty close to my "real" colour). I suit red clothes - but as long as they are true red or orange reds. Blue reds wash me out.

What lipsticks would you recommend? Don't mind paying a bit.

botemp · 03/11/2017 22:38

Well done pretty, health is wealth! If you want to go cream of the crop with Tom Ford, Wild Ginger is a beautiful orange-red that suits most skin tones but is especially well suited to pale redheads. TF Original Sin is a really intense red, red that goes a touch deep but isn't really blue or red in undertones, really a true red.

ESTEE LAUDER pure color envy in Carnal is a red with warm orange undertones, that might possibly also be a good match?

Someone will correct me if I mess this up (as I'm not the world's biggest MAC fan) but I think Lady Danger is also a much-loved orange-red (otherwise it's Russian Red or Ruby Woo).

Chanel I find overall are more blue-based but the gorgeous Christmas editions in red lacquer packaging have one that isn't blue-based, just wouldn't be able to tell you which one exactly as I've only swatched them on counter.

I'd say have a try with EL first, those who like corals like that one a lot so it's a nice transition. The Dior 999 I mentioned above could also work, it's a 1940s red (and has been in the Dior collection in some form since the founding of the house). I also spotted their new Kohl formulation at the counter (with a really sharp tip that makes for a more precise application) that had a really good red in it too, the formula is very creamy despite looking dry.

Bloomed, it's from Parfois. It's like the French equivalent of Claire's or Accessorize, except for grown-ups. Most of it is a bit tatty throwaway stuff but they have nice hats (really fun berets with fur pompons with surprisingly good fit), scarves and simple costume jewelry. The bags look really fun but they're really flimsy. They recently opened shop here locally not sure if they've expanded to the UK yet but they seem to deliver, UK link here. It's not extremely cheap like the rest of the shop but still pretty affordable. It's of a higher quality for faux fur, it passes like real on me, which was one of the things that made me hesitate somewhat.

botemp · 03/11/2017 22:44

Bugger it, had meant to add my plus size French finds but the laptop battery just crapped out on me. Will save it for tomorrow.

DebiNewberry · 03/11/2017 22:45

We stayed near rue montorgeuil for half term and well I think the main thing is that they are thin and think they are the absolute nuts. Not much visible make up, good coat, good shoes, much attitude. Reminded me of me when I was 19, and that wasn't a bad thing.

DameDoom · 03/11/2017 23:24

Thanks Luna I always forget about Cos - have just ordered the yellow and rose pink scarves. Wool so I can chuck in the wash.

Funny that I've gone for these when I wanted pale grey.

DameDoom · 03/11/2017 23:37

Pretty that is some flippin' achievement - v impressed. Think you have definitely earned a shopping trip entirely devoted to finding your right red.
You do sound like RN would suit you too am now peddler of Chanel and should be on Karl's payroll. Try it when you go.

In fact we should all be trying stuff we may have previously shied away from - the worst that can happen is something looks a bit quelle horreur and the best we find something fabulous and totally unexpected.
We'll enjoy ourselves in the process which is so not French but vv British

Bloomed · 04/11/2017 01:45

Thank you botemp I'll probably get that stole. Hope it's as big and luxurious looking in real life.

Lanaa · 04/11/2017 07:18

Waiting patiently for @botemp ‘s plus size offerings. I’m currently revamped by my wardrobe and I’m contemplating a little shopping trip to France.

NotNowBernard1 · 04/11/2017 07:27

What do Parisian women think of Brigette Nacrin's style?

NotNowBernard1 · 04/11/2017 07:28

Macron!

JingsMahBucket · 04/11/2017 08:33

I love this thread and am blatantly placemarking for more tips. Last week I asked in one of my Facebook groups about facial care and beauty because I've decided I should up my Womanning Skills quite a bit. They gave great recommendations and I plan to raid some Parisian pharmacies when I return in a couple weeks. I already live in a francophone country but I think the same products are actually cheaper in France.

MrsSchadenfreude · 04/11/2017 09:00

When I lived in Paris, the women where I worked used to eat a fat free fromage fraud for lunch, with the occasional packet of seeds to keep them regular. Washed down by un express and a fag.

MrsSchadenfreude · 04/11/2017 09:00

Fromage frais!

bananafish81 · 04/11/2017 09:13

YES to Mac Lady Danger

It's my go-to orange red

Ruby Woo is my go-to bluish red

They are very matte and so your lips need to be well moisturised otherwise any dry skin will show up

I got married in Lady Danger and I always feel hot to trot when I wear it

botemp · 04/11/2017 11:19

I think fat free fromage fraud is possibly the best accidental Freudian autocorrect slip ever Grin

Banana, you should give the EL in Carnal a go, it's like Lady Danger on acid and the formula is super comfy and lasts really well.

Parisians won't be kind about Brigitte Macron, too tan, too blonde, the wrong kind of thin (there is such a thing in France), the obvious plastic surgery, too loud in her clothing, too sexy, etc. etc. Not an opportunity will be passed by to remind her of her age, and just how much older she is than her husband. It has nothing to do with her style or appearance but simply that she is from the wrong place, South of France. French powerstructures are heavily Paris centrist, she simply is not one of their own and her husband has high ambitions to take down that centrist power structure with a lot of outsiders. They'll only attack her on her appearance though, him, solely on his politics, as demonstrated quite neatly with the recent makeup 'scandal' that he reportedly spent €26000 in three months on his makeup. Twas more newsworthy internationally than locally, especially since previous presidents all spent similar amounts on slap.

Ok, off to start the Plus Sized postings, will try to post them per group so the pictures sit with the text and things that don't appeal can easily be skipped over. I have to say the French bloggers are a bit uninteresting as they heavily follow the American & British styles (and shops) but I don't blame them for not embracing French style considering how unwelcome they are made to feel in it. It is a rather ridiculous state though, like most European countries the average BMI is high, 43% of French women over the age of 20 have a BMI of 25 or above. The average size is a FR44 which I believe is a UK16. Most shops don't go beyond a FR42.

I should probably preface that I'm not plus sized, and never have been bigger than a UK12 or possibly a 14 (which at my height was very much overweight). I know it gets increasingly more difficult for manufacturers to cater to plus size women as the more mass you carry the emphasis on fit becomes far more difficult to tackle in universal patterns as everyone carries it differently. I have simply used the following criteria and am aware that it can come across patronising from a thinner person, but if it had that French feel and would be something I'd love to get my hands on in my size it made the cut and have tried to take into account that it would indeed be flattering on someone larger, but that is only by guesswork rather than personal experience.

I've not included www.annapoe.fr/ as it felt very expensive and outside of the French style parameters but the feedback on the clothes and quality is especially positive, so may still be of interest to someone. I should probably also make a case for the Belgians, Xandres Xline and Natan + are well worth a mention. Especially Natan is droolworthy, and pricey, and he dresses a lot of Royalty as a result (small and big). Definitely one to look at if in the market for something special. I've attached some pics, unfortunately their e-shop only seems to sell accessories but I've seen both brands come up repeatedly on Vente-Exclusive.com, sure there must be some other regular online retailers too.

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.
I've just got back from five days in Le Marais, and I've decided I want become Parisian, s'il vous plait.
botemp · 04/11/2017 11:21

jiuly-paris.com/ Shipping appears to be free but haven't really sussed it out proper. I would say mid-range prices.

Pic 1, a French wardrobe staple, the Saharienne. A style popularised by Yves Saint Laurent transforming the men's safari jacket. Often seen in linen and suedes. Styled as here it works great, buttoned low with a dark vest underneath not to place too much attention on the cleavage and perfectly wearable for the everyday. Bonus points, it's made from Lycocell which is of natural origin but treated to become a fabric, so not natural but not synthetic either (Tencel and Modal are similar like that). It's easy to care for, just leave to hang and dry and it has a natural sheen that's quite flattering in these denim styles.

Pic 2 is more of a hunch, but it looks like one of those things that's very deceptively simple but turns out to be amazingly flattering loose-fitting cardi/vest, equally, it may very well be the opposite. Appears to be a best seller though.

Pic 3 is just one of those effortless French dresses and though not as visible in this picture it has a nice play on transparency that stops it from being blocky. It also seems amazingly flattering on the model who doesn't look plus sized at all anymore (but she is visibly so in other pics).

I'm not allowed anymore pics but this basic blouse pretty much exists in every French wardrobe.

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.
I've just got back from five days in Le Marais, and I've decided I want become Parisian, s'il vous plait.
botemp · 04/11/2017 11:22

www.paulineetjulie.com/

I can only share pics, no direct links. I believe you can order by contacting them or there appears to be a shop in Paris. Also do custom sizing, it's also a lovely brand story. Two sisters, one very skinny the other one not, worked at places like Givenchy before starting this venture. It's high on drama and pushing you out of your comfort zone. I wish I had an indication of the prices because it looks all-round promising.

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.
botemp · 04/11/2017 11:28

jeanmarcphilippe.com/fr/ Prices are all over the place from medium priced to very special high priced pieces, but some amazing pieces to be found but also a bit of questionable stuff among it.

Pic 1 A scarficoat! Not sure how warm this would be though. But a good fabric (70% wool 20% polyamide 10% cashmere) for not crazy amounts of money.

Pic 2 There's something really striking about this Issey Miyake inspired pleated ensemble that has a lovely sculptural feel with a play on proportions.

Pic 3 I'm a firm believer everyone needs a bit of red drama in their wardrobe.

Out of pic allowance again, so special mention for this coat. Not super French necessarily, but there's something about the colour blocking and the bomber inspired feel that makes this an interesting outside your comfort zone type coat without it being too alienating.

botemp · 04/11/2017 11:39

Last one, not really French but their entire collection screams French. Violetta by Mango, they've been on my radar for a while as they used to be in my local Mango and I'd come out disappointed that those pieces were only available in plus sizes (though they start at a 14, so accessible to some outiside the standard range). I feel they really cover an underserved market of late 20s and up who don't really want that Forever 21 thing, nor be that floaty swad of fabric, that aren't entirely content to be exclusively in jeans, hoodies, and a t-shirt either.

Pic 1 Example one, this campaign image has Emanuelle Alt, Caroline de Maigret, etc. written all over it.

Pic 2 This coat could pretty much come from Soeur, and the pairing with the burgundy boots is right on point. Not so much a fan of the rest of the outfit, just a tad too busy. I won't have enough pic allowance so will go through the categories with links only, this Navy Classic trench with bows could be from Comptoir des Cottoniers, it's just the right touch to lift an otherwise familiar silhouette with a good deep v to break up the silhouette and not make those with a chest stocky. Less high fashion, but definitely a staple in most French ladies' closets, a ruffled sleeve jacket in a punchy pinky/red. This soft linen blend jacket is sort of a mash-up of the two previous, lovely ease and lived in look styled as on there over an otherwise very casual outfit.

Dresses- This linen blend dress with a pair of tan flat sandals is also pretty much in every French women's holiday wardrobe. Add a straw bag and hat and you're done. This knotted t-shirt dress could be from IRO, but less skin tight for a more flattering fit, great for hourglasses. Add on a leather biker jacket and some chunky ankle boots, a good scarf (the Palistinian kind) and you've got the whole IRO look down. Finally, this open worked dress is such a French staple too, simple silhouette and a variation of Broderie Anglaise in white.

Sweaters- this cotton and cashmere blend sweater looks to have just the right type of slouch, personally am a very big fan of cashmere and cotton blends in fine knits, not as warm as wool or all cashmere but you get much more wear out of it yearround. The obligatory Breton inspiration less enthused about the material mix on that one though and actually much prefer the more boundary-pushing striped combi sweatshirt.

Shirts - This decorative blouse fulfills that elusive tuxedo feel that is so palpable in French style. A tuxedo jacket is such a staple and this worn under it would pair so well, just get rid of that stupid pussy bow though. The slouchy shirt is also such a French staple, worn slightly oversized, this cotton shirt has cleverly engineered a bit of stiffer panelling in the sides so it's a guided drape rather than sack of potatoes drape, wear as styled, tied up around the waist. Similarly, this shirt (Pic 3) has just the right type of fabric for a heavy flattering drape and again looks great tied up (would suggest sizing up one possibly to avoid the bare midriff look). It looks terribly styled with those pants but would work well with black high waisted trousers or even a pair of bootcut jeans as it's such a lovely deep colour already. It would also work great with the leather mini below.

Trousers- Don't think I've ever seen a French mum without these type of trousers, elasticated but still fitted and a geometric pattern of sorts. Worn with a simple linen t-shirt (H&M are great for these) or loose blouse. These linen ones make a great variation on that, also no biggy if not ironed to starched perfection, a line dry would suffice.

Skirts- this leather skirt is an absolute bargain! It will work so well with everyday things, style as seen here in Vinyl (which is also fab and totally worth a try for those who dare) with stripy shirt and trench coat.

Shoes- don't really know what's plus sized about them aside from maybe being wider? Anyhow they have an enviable selection, I can totally see the creative types in Paris in these lace up Oxfords. These white sneakers are a total dead ringer for a pair I have from Carven and they perfectly exemplify French approach to style to me, a familiar icon (Stan Smiths) are stripped back to the essential (it's here where those minimalist Scandis would stop and the Italians would bedazzle the shit out of it) and then one little distinctive detail is added, it's that same contradiction of I'm not doing too much/effortlessness but then with a betraying hint that shows the effort is made and it isn't all accidental. It's also a bit like that Coco Chanel take one accessory away mumbo jumbo, it's a clear show of inten. Fab shoes though, slightly elevates the casual and most definitely not any old trainer, so a piece of interest by itself. Can easily see that working under jeans, formal trousers, leather leggings, with a trench, etc.

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.
I've just got back from five days in Le Marais, and I've decided I want become Parisian, s'il vous plait.
Bloomed · 04/11/2017 14:13

Thanks for all your hard work botemp. I wish mango had more UK stores.

DameDoom · 04/11/2017 17:40

These are brilliant recommendations - thanks so much botemp

Imfinehowareyou · 04/11/2017 21:43

You might enjoy the book 'Lessons from Madame Chic' by Jennifer L. Scott. If you look for it on Amazon you can read absolutely loads of it if you click on the 'look inside' icon!