Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet - Thread part deux

[TossDaily]

New thread for those of us who would like to let a little je ne sais quoi into our lives...

I still shudder slightly at the memory because of course you curiously grab into it, despite knowing what it is and take it out for gross confirmation. Who doesn't get rid of a tissue instantly once it's used!

Think I was more affronted since it was a bit of a snooty vintage 'we only sell designer and still charge you through the nose' shops. I'd assume they'd empty pockets before hanging it on the shop floor surely, but no. Had it been a by the kilo shop I don't think I would have thought as much of it.

That's the thing Flo, they do need to fit the shoulders I think. I had heard not to bother if the shoulders don't fit.
I totally agree that men's clothing is so much better fabric wise- even in cheap stores.

I think the suggestion is that your own tailoring should fit. If it doesn't, the peacoat will look as if it's wearing you.

The men's tailoring look is the more glamorous version of the walk of shame. It's the "I just had to borrow this from his wardrobe look". If you look at the pictures, the style effect is that of the over-sized jumper, but structured and tailored. I have small shoulders and it's not a look that works for me. I look swamped, but I love it as a style.

I agree with the suggestion to go rummaging in the boys/teenage section of the better brands. If you're a size 8-12 and not too booby then the age 13-16 sizes will fit. It's an easy way to get a crisp white shirt.

Jackets too, especially leather jackets are good from the boys section, and I think most boys would rather die than wear things from the department store boys section, especially the tailored stuff and things like pea coats, so there's usually quite a lot of choice in those sizes in the sales. I've had a few funny looks in the changing room though (for as long as I can remember they've been unisex here but certain departments won't see as much variation).

Ok, fellow lovers of pinching men's clothes, considering my continual issue with shorts how mad would it be to wear these fancy chambray boxers as shorts this summer? I think I can live with a more glamorous version of walk of shame.

I wasn't that serious about 12 days of Christmas (one of my dd's is obsessed with the song...).

Floisme I agree charity shops are much cheaper here if you are near a good one. We have a really lovely charity shop here, which has quite a few designer/quality pieces in regularly. I've bought some great bargains from there eg. the Maxmara trousers I mentioned upthread, Eileen Fisher linen jumper, Sandwich navy drapey top, gorgeous cherry Red Italian bag (can't remember the brand) to name a few. As a teen, I used to buy stuff secondhand and alter it, not sure I have the knowhow or sewing machine now.

My favourite charity shop has just closed quirky. Landlord decided they could get more rent from a takeaway. I'm gutted.

bo I won't be joining you in those chambray boxers but I'll be cheering you on

botemp I am a pear and the problem I have with men's underwear is that the hips might be fine but the waist is still baggy or vice versa. My hips steal material from the length so they can cut in at the crotch.

It might work but you'd have to try on a pair.

I too have problems with shorts, I can never get the length right. I have large thighs, great for all day bike rides, not so great for elegant shorts.

I find the most flattering shape is that of a French knicker, tailored at the waist and slightly flared. I've never found ones long enough. Zara had some but they finished mid-thigh at my widest point, not a good look.I needed about an extra 2.5 cm to get them right so they would skim my legs properly.

My most favourite thing ever is an overcoat of my dad's that he had made-to-measure about 50 odd years ago. I was horrified to see it sitting on the top of a charity shop bag one day, and claimed it. The silk lining had given up the ghost, so I had it re-lined, shortened a bit (I'm tall, but Dad is 6'4' even at 85), sleeves taken up and the shoulders slightly re-styled. My dad was horrified that I spent about 50 quid having the alterations done ('that cost more than I paid for it!') but I love it. It's Harris tweed, beautiful colour and drape, and has the added bonus of still slightly smelling of Old Spice aftershave when I snuggle into it :)

Flo, that's what happened in Amsterdam about ten to fifteen years ago. What is now a very popular area with more niche independent off the beaten track looking shops (Rika, Filippa K, Carhartt, Hope Stockholm, Samsoe & Samsoe, independent boutiques, etc) used to be vintage central but higher rents meant they all met their end and left a vacuum. Some moved but without the foot traffic couldn't sustain it. There's a rare random one left but they just buy stuff to sell seemingly cheaply to tourists when it's all tat and another that specialises in vintage bridal wear. I do wonder where the second hand market is heading as I'm seeing high end relatively new pieces sky rocket in prices (going for more than you'd buy it on sale or online outlets for) and seeing it in department stores, either as a temporary pop up shops or in the case of bags permanently. Charity shops here are all chains these days and they sort out the good stuff centrally to sell on with select sellers so not really worth the effort unless you're only shopping on price incentive. Which to be fair is most Dutch shoppers so it fulfills its intended need quit well.

I'm sadly, not that hippie these days, Long. Still an hourglass but more a borderline inverted triangle. It's mostly my bones and behind that would sneak material in the horizontal but as I don't have any boy parts taking up space I figured that would even it out somewhat

I think the London second hand scene's gone the same way as Amsterdam bo. It's not so bad where I am because it's not affluent or fashionable enough to interest the big dealers but the signs aren't promising. Longer term I can't see a great future for second hand simply because high street quality is now so poor that I just can't picture it being desirable in 30 years time. But realistically that probably won't be my problem!

That's sad about the Amsterdam and London secondhand scene . I used to live in Blackheath and the charity shops were amazing, not super cheap but people discarded the most gorgeous, good as new stuff. I used to scour them for work clothes, lots of lovely wool skirts etc. Norwich is still pretty good, but quite a few of our local, independent shops have become fast food/takeaways or estate agents recently, the very lovely individual shops that make it such a lovely area will make it like any other row of pizza/kebab/fish 'n' chip shops.

It may be that the London scene's just moved elsewhere and I've not kept up. Does anyone know? Last time I was there I looked all around Brick Lane etc and was a bit disappointed - loads of shops but I'd say I can get better stuff locally - at least for now.

But yes, even round here, they're gradually being eaten away. The one hopeful thing is that people seem to be beginning to tired of Ebay (which I never liked).

Rellik W10 in London has a good selection and Portabello market which is close by is always worth a browse.

I can't wear DH's stuff as I'm too narrow shouldered so it drowns me. He's 6ft 2 to my 5 6 too. Will say though, and this isn't at all a style tip, men's pyjama pants are far superior to women's. The waistcbands are thicker and comfier and no wedgie risk as there's more length between crotch and waist. Thicker materials for some reason and easier to get 100% cotton ones. Very good for lounging.

Enid dp is 6'2" also, and I'm 5'7", his stuff would be massive on me, I also think I would look like an American Football player! I do like masculine style clothes though, wide-legged trousers, blazers, shirts they look great paired with something more feminine.

I can't wear DH's trousers as they are too big and long for me. I do buy men's stuff quite often though - shirts and jackets. You just need to size down.

I am very much looking forward to having the house move bullshit all done with, not least because it means I will be able to retrieve my belongings from storage! I am also a sewer, although I haven't done anything 'proper' for absolutely ages. I am really anticipating the lovely moment of not just getting my sewing machine back, but also having lots of lovely space to work in!

I quite often adjust clothes so that they fit me better. For example I can't usually wear 7/8 trousers as they will be too narrow in the calf (God bless my rugby player legs!). So I'll buy regular slim fit trousers, take them up and adjust the taper in the leg. Darts in blouses is another common problem for me. Big norks and broad shoulders mean that I have to size up to avoid the dreaded button gape, but that means acres of fabric swimming round the waist. Being able to take it in makes a huge difference.

Enid men's pyjamas - sheer genius right there.

Indeed. I've been looking at men's pyjamas since I read that post.

I'm a bit worried about their potential to fall down embarrassingly, though...

Get ones with a draw strong waist at the front or the thick elastic stretches comfortably if you size down. I think my hips keep them up.

*string

I wear men's PJ bottoms. Principally because I can't stand twee, slogans, fluffy or diamantes on things.

Hmm, my post-2DC hips should do the trick.
Interesting the men's ones are almost invariably 100% cotton, whereas apparently manufacturers think women might be less fussed about having their nethers clad in synthetics overnight.

Am now plotting my Christmas week at home, taking advantage of the lack of witnesses to do some serious slobbing around in men's pyjamas, but with painted fingernails...The cat will be stunned.

DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22

DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22 - DAY 22

Ton Sur Ton

I'm actually quite convinced that Parisian men have been the inspiration to this everlasting trend of matching outfits in tone with a muting contrast. They seem to wear it often and they look a fair bit chic themselves as a result. It looks deceptively simple and is usually breathtaking in a colour that suits you well but it does require a bit of an eye for colour as you're also looking at undertones that match or purposefully contrast.

There needs to be a point of contrast to balance it all, with darker tones like black and navy, showing skin strategically can be all the difference but it can equally be as subtle, yet essential, as a cognac coloured glove with a seductive sheen or a nude ballerina that not only references the contrasting shade of hair but almost makes it appear as if there's no need for shoes at all. A suitable tonal background helps as well