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...

[quirkychick]

*sans enfants, my autocorrect ne parle pas le francais.

[ProperLavs]

That's true BO and in spring I start wearing my -many- jackets, but that green- my eyes. it's all silky and wonderful.

[Hippywannabe]

Just popping by to say Bonjour! I have enjoyed the last thread immensely as I have been off work sick and it was a fab read. On the plus side, I have lost almost a stone in 3 weeks and am now thinking I might actually fit into some of my lovely French clothes soon!

[bananafish81]

Those trenches are lush!

I adore the look of those long slouchy looking trenches, but I just look like a child wearing a dressing gown that's too big for me

I had a French Connection trench that I wore to death for over 10 years, so when it finally came to replacing it, I decided to invest in a spendier one. I went for the most obscene trench option you can imagine (yes, THAT one), but I hope to be still wearing it in 30 years time. For me the trench fills the gap between proper winter (when it's the wool coat) and when it's warm enough just to wear my leather jacket. I like a mid thigh length one - will often wear it with the belt tied quite tight at the back so it's extra fitted if I wear it open. Black, obvs leather jacket, trench and winter coat are all black, maybe when I'm living somewhere with a walk in wardrobe I'll try a variety of different colours, but today is not that day

botemp that's really interesting about the pistols. I have hypermobility syndrome and the biomechanics specialist who measured me up for my custom orthotics said that I had the most hypermobile ankles he'd seen in the last 4 years, so flats are definitely my friend. The ability to wear my plates is definitely a factor in choosing boots - I tried on a few pairs that I couldn't comfortably fit in with my plates. I can wear them with the pistols, but I feel a bit like Bambi. My ankles are a lot worse since I bought them several years ago mind you...

[botemp]

You're a fellow PCOS sufferer IIRC, right, banana? I'm mostly asking because I also have hypermobility but it's in the hips, wrists, and elbows most prominently and I have to be really careful about exercise. Trying out Hot Yoga was a very, very, bad idea but Pilates is manageable and actually seems to help it even. I'm wondering if the two are related.

I have a hankering for satin trenches to come back, usually means they should be coming in a year or so when I'm over it already but they were really great. They were that uber slouchy that's so appealing but the shine and lightweight material sort of made it not look overly voluminous like a dressing gown. I used to have a dark navy one and I really wore it to death and then they there were gone . I saw a brighter green one from Acne last year (I think it's the same model as above) and nearly went for the splurge but thought it would be too impractical on a bike as it was very long with a split (the back pieces would fly into the wheel spikes get dirty and eventually wear away). Kind of regret it now though.

Enid, in my defense, I double cleansed and was convinced I'd gotten it all but apparently there was still a bit left. Anyhow, Carine Roitfeld says it's dead sexy to wake up like that so I'll take her word for it

We have a concession here for Claudie Pierlot, David, it's a bit too girly for my personal tastes but there are nice things among them. I mostly look at the end of sales as they discount heavily and the fit is very small so there's quite a bit of choice. Ba&sh is also nice to look at, similar vibe but more casual. It's all in the same league as Maje, Sandro, Zadig & Voltaire, etc.

Ok, I've got a list of topics to create the Calendrier de l'Avent around so it's on. I'll post at the end of the evening to keep it manageable meaning the night owls will have the impatient first dibs and the morning folk can see it first thing. And I'm just going to pretend the French Country Chic and How to Shop Like Scrooge posts were day 1 and 2, which technically means I'm behind one but oh well.

[EnidButton]

I'll let you off bo

[ProperLavs]

I am learning a lot about which brands to look for thanks- could always do with more though

[ibuiltahomeforyou]

These are the first three days of my 'scintillez pour des fêtes en beauté' - a navy cream eyeshadow, some pressed powder and some pink face gems (I might donate those to my young niece!).

I haven't worn navy shadow for years so I'm going to experiment later!

[Methenyouplus4]

Bo- you answered my questions on the last thread and I'm afraid I dropped off a bit but wanted to come back, catch up and thank you so much. Although I haven't replied, I have really thought about your words.

You helped me think about dressing my shape (tall/slim-ish, very broad shouldered and flat chested). You made me think about the way I dress in order to flatter my silhouette.

I tried to look for the style of trouser you advised (gentle flare, high waist, side zip) but could seem to find anything that fit the bill online.

Based on your advice though, I realised that the high waisted trouser style does suit me best, in particular, the 'paper bag' style trouser. I also have some high waisted pencil skirts that I think I need to make more use of.

For my Christmas work night out, I wore a navy high waisted satin style pencil skirt with a navy chemise top with a tuexedo blazer over the top (which I took off later). I have to say, I felt really glam and, in a sea of glitter/sequin festive dresses, I felt rather chic and sexy in a grown-up way.

I do need a couple of pairs of jeans and am struggling with which style to go for. I think that jeans really need to be tried on which means my beloved ebay is probably be of no helo. I'm not bothered about being fashionable and think I wpuld rather look tres chic. I think I'd like a dark navy flare/boot cut and then a light denim high waisted, loose straight leg style.

Thank you all again for this thread- I love that it's so positive, supportive, informative and chic. Here's to you ladies

[PavlovaPlease]

methen outfit envy. That sounds amazing. I'm also on the hunt for some softly flared dark jeans.
Can't wait to decouvrir le calendrier de bo. Ugh, autocorrect made that bit of franglais hard work!
Looking and feeling very un-parisian, but tomorrow is a new day. And I've ordered a navy faux fur stole for Christmas.

[bananafish81]

I’m currently looking at this guide for 10 ways to tie a blanket scarf to up my scarf game, as the lush Isabel Marant number seems to warrant getting the most mileage out of it. I am seriously uncoordinated (very common for hypermobile people, incidentally) and so will need a LOT of practice. I have to undo any scarf + undo my coat when I get onto the tube so I don’t expire from overheating, so I suspect any fancy schmancy scarf tying is gonna need a few goes to get right without a) instructions and b) a mirror whilst c) standing on the up escalator frantically doing up my coat and scarf before leaving the station so I don’t freeze my tits off

How to tie a blanket scarf

I also have a lovely vintage Liberty print silk scarf I bought on Etsy which I haven’t given a whirl yet, I foresee an early alarm and scarf trying-out-sesh tomorrow!

methen your works do outfit sounds tres swish! I LOVE a tuxedo blazer, it’s timeless chic (as well as having my life filmed in black and white cos everyone looks sexy AF in b/w, I’d like to swan around in a YSL le smoking in the manner of a Helmut Newton portrait

bo yep I am lean PCOS as well as hypermobile. I score pretty highly on the Beighton/Brighton criteria, but I have benign JHS, rather than EDS hypermobile type, because my issues are musculoskeletal, I don’t have the systemic issues like stretchy skin, GI problems or resistance to local anaesthetic, mitral valve prolapse etc. Hot Yoga is a VERY bad idea for most people in general (my physio has SO many patients who’ve injured themselves by over stretching in a poorly supervised Bikram class), but Pilates is very very beneficial. I did an intensive Pilates style programme, and along with my new custom insoles, my hip pain has been substantially reduced. Ankles still shite though. Do you pronate at all (most people do to some degree, some of us more than others). Even a very basic cheapo Scholl insole can work wonders to provide arch support, which can help enormously - strong sore and improved posture has made my hips significantly better. I have a lovely pair of Boden Angelica flats which I can’t wear any insoles with, but I feel tres chic when I wear them with rolled up jeans, so I figure the odd off day won’t make much difference

I actually followed a great tip from Un-Fancy about insole support for summer sandals - it really works! Dr Scholl invisible gel insoles inside my tan gladiator sandals makes them so so comfortable, I can walk around in them all day. And they’re sufficiently invisible that you genuinely can’t see them unless you look really closely. AND they give an otherwise totally flat shoe some arch support. Win-win

Un Fancy - Vote Yes for Comfort

[botemp]

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[botemp]

DAY 4 - DAY 4 - DAY 4 - DAY 4

Tour Double

It seems so simple when you first see it, and you wonder why you haven't thought of this before. The simple undershirt foldover, it's different from the more traditional blouse or shirt cuff folded back once, it's an extra fold or two of both garments that gives more cohesion to the outfit with a bit of contrast and accent to pattern and/or colour contast.

It pulls the shirt underneath just that little bit tauter, improving the appearance of fit without having to wear a size that only just fits. It also accentuates the wrists, one of the slimmest parts of the body, and allows both garments to sit a little higher on the arm which is often more flattering as well as drawing a dynamic line of vision to the natural waist, giving a careful nod to that too.

It works with blazers, cardigans, coats, and similar and is especially effective with more slouchier fabrics or oversized fits to hold in that casual scrunch and thus helps a more formal garment to feel more casual. Et voila, simple, yet so effective.


DAY 4 - DAY 4 - DAY 4 - DAY 4

[HolgerDanske]

Hi all! Just popping in to say hello and placemark on the thread.

I was so disappointed that I didn’t get the shoes, as they really were perfect. I dont have any others quite like them and they would have struck just the right note... I had built my party outfit around them really, so I’m feeling a little stuck now. I have a couple of other options so I’m sure it will be ok. But it’s frustrating. If nothing else I can practise not being obsessive about it, I guess.

I’m ill at the moment which sucks, and

[HolgerDanske]

Oops.

...feeling sorry for myself. Tomorrow I’m going to channel this thread and put on a chic outfit, some great lipstick and go to work hopefully looking a whole lot better than I actually feel!

[botemp]

banana, my hypermobility is very mild, beyond an injury to the hip that required a physio and she's the one that noted it I haven't had many issues with it, yet, probably. I have high arches and do really have to watch my posture as a result, with pilates I have to really hold everything steady quite consciously, thankfully I have an excellent trainer who despite it being a group class (small numbers though) will spot it immediately if I don't to correct it.

Methen, I'm so pleased it's been helpful and you've managed to achieve something which I feel is essential to French/Parisian style and attitude. The ability to be distinctive and comfortable in your own skin without feeling the need to be like everyone else. Well done! The outfit sounds inspired.

I think I did mention you'd struggle to find the clothes that would flatter you most as it's not really 'in fashion' at the moment but the flares are easier to tackle. If you don't mind I'll tackle it tomorrow, for reference you're in pear/hourglass territory of smaller waist and flaring out at the hips?

[botemp]

Hope you're feeling better soon Holger

[Methenyouplus4]

Bo- thank you. I'm sure the outfit was verging onto a cliché but baby steps! The chemise top was matt with only a slither of lace edging and the skirt had two subtle sits at the front so wasn't clingy-I felt this stopped it verging into the realms of 'saucy secretary' fancy dress. I must have read your mind as tux jacket sleeves were rolled up! I'm learning.

I had a good stare in the mirror in my underwear after your last comments. So I'm very broad shouldered, waist is high and small. My hips are actually still reasonably narrow (where hip bones are) and when I looked, the widest point is actually the outer edge of my thighs. I'd say this point aligns with the edge of my shoulders. 12 on the bottom and 10 on top. That can be 10 on the bottom and 8 on top depending on the shop (though 8 on top is often too tight across shoulders if it has sleeves).

No hurry for reply. I appreciate you taking time to respond at all.

Holger- hope you feel better in the morning. That is frustrating about the footwear. Did you post a link to the pair? We could try and find something similar for you.

[Littlehenrylee]

Yay it’s continuing.

[ProperLavs]

methen I have seen it mentioned in a number of blogs/ books about french chic that you need a tuxedo jacket-ysl preferably!
You sounded amazing, very swish.
I need to put tuxedo jacket on my list.

bo thanks for day 4-perfect! Ines DLF has a page in her book on doing the push up sleeves thing. It does add a certain something doesn't it. i'll wait until I am no longer dressed up like a bear going into hibernation!

[ProperLavs]

I did a some hot yoga classes a few years ago- they were torture. The 'teacher' I use that term loosely once kept trying to get my leg to do something it didn't want to. I kept telling her she was hurting me.

[quirkychick]

banana I definitely do the single knot one for the scarves, as they stay put with dcs (my youngest loves pulling/touching fabric). I love her brown boots btw. I really like Caroline from Unfancy, too.

Holger get well soon, I will join you in the infirmerie as I have a chest infection and am rattling with pills . Sorry about your shoes, how disappointing.

Bo great tip, I think I've pinned some of those, but hadn't really analysed the fold over. I might save it for milder weather as it's still chilly here.

Methen you sound very chic. I think I might be a similar shape to you, tall, slimish, quite a straight figure with broadish shoulders. I do wear skinny jeans in winter, but realise that I probably balance them out by tucking them into quite chunky boots, so it makes a similar silhouette to flared trousers. And it's warm.

[schmalex]

So glad I found this thread! We are moving to Paris mid-2018 and I need some serious chicing up before we go. I'm not one for heels as I walk a lot, so I'm going to invest in some beautiful brogues (saw loads of women wearing them on a recent visit to Paris). In general I just want to buy beautiful pieces that last.

[MrsSchadenfreude]

DD1 seems to be a natural Parisienne. She has long, dark hair with a fringe and very pale skin. Yesterday she went out wearing black trousers, a black polo neck, brogues, some black mascara and a slash of red lippy. She plonked a cap on her head, flung a scarf on and that was that. Although, to be fair, she did grow up in the 17th.

[Auldspinster]

Today's look is a navy and striped bardot top with black stretchy drainpipe trews and beaten up old biker boots.

Hair is loose and wavy and make up is pretty full on with golden taupe eyeshadow by kiko and a sheer shimmery red lippy by L'oreal and lashings of mascara and liquid liner.

Luckilly it's quite mild here so i've swapped the maroon anorak for a sleeker black rain coat.