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Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet - Thread part deux

914 replies

TossDaily · 02/12/2017 21:33

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

OP posts:
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LazyDailyMailJournos · 08/12/2017 07:03

BTW I agree re: MAC staff. I don't know why I find them so off-putting -
I'm not a make-up novice by any means. But I've tried their counter a couple of times and more often than not there is an air of superiority that radiates from the staff. At the risk of sounding bitchy I'm not sure why, when many of them are wearing makeup which to my eye looks as if it's been applied in the dark - orange foundations with obvious tide-marks, sharpie eyebrows and contouring which literally looks like gravy browning!

Last time I went there to look at a foundation that had been recommended. The staff serving were completely disinterested. I did enjoy wandering over to the Chanel counter (department store so counters were close by) instead. I derived a certain wry pleasure from them watching me spend a considerable amount of money that they could have had from me, on a quiet weekday. The girls on the Chanel counter were incredibly helpful as well.

AuldAlliance · 08/12/2017 10:01

I obviously love today's advent calendar, botemps

Oddly enough I was looking at oversized tartan shirts yesterday, but couldn't find one in a shade I liked. I do have, back at my parent's home in Edinburgh, a kilt in our clan tartan, which was full size when I was about 7 and which I then wore as a mini skirt in my late teens. I was wondering about asking my mum to post it, but think I'd look a bit daft at my age.

banana I don't know about clothes shopping in the 10e, but there are some amazing Indian restaurants in the Passage Brady if you're near there.

I can't do red lipstick. I look like an extra from a very low budget horror film.

It's raining in Provence. Some stylish ladies at the market this morning, though...

botemp · 08/12/2017 12:30

This has been my best take on the MAC staff attitude by analysing their retail design and thus intended brand experience, it's supposed to look and feel like a photo studio environment and basically, the staff attitude is part of that. They're supposed to appear like busy on-set makeup artists with their giant tool belts strapped to their body, hence ignoring most customers unless they've booked in. It also seems like they prioritise staff doing makeovers like a constant performance (where they're usually quite imposing with their own tastes which can be hit or miss) rather than being behind the register ringing people up. You'll also notice a huge difference in their demeanour if an actual MUA waves their professional card, it's most odd to witness as they suddenly switch to being very helpful and get exactly what's asked for. Anyhow, since the discovery of Kiko I really fail to see the appeal, they have a similar wide range of product, the quality is the same or better and the prices significantly lower and the staff is friendly and helpful.

Ok, I've obviously got the terminology wrong as you all seem to refer what I consider plaid as tartan so perhaps the Scots (or anyone else more knowledgeable) will care to enlighten me? I was always under the impression tartan was a very specific weave in wool that resulted in both a linear pattern with a sort of crosshatch emerging from the process and that it was quite specific to Clans. Plaid being the more container term for the similar pattern but in a variety of materials and colours. Somewhere in the back of my mind I have it stored as not all plaid is tartan but all tartan is plaid? Have I misremembered?

prettybird · 08/12/2017 12:36

As a Scot, I just think of "plaid" as the American word for "tartan".

I don't think I've ever used the word "plaid" in ordinary conversation!

botemp · 08/12/2017 12:51

But the attached pic would be the more stereotypical 'plaid', would you still consider that tartan? In my mind tartan is protected like EU cheeses and other things of cultural heritage and has specific qualities. In Dutch it's just checked fabric or Scottish check if referring to tartan (though the word exists directly, untranslated but I've never heard anyone use it), most confusing.

Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet - Thread part deux
EnidButton · 08/12/2017 12:58

I see what you mean. I always just thought of plaid as the American word for tartan too but I'm not Scottish so could be totally wrong.

It's supposed to snow this weekend and it's literally freezing outside today so my shopping outfit won't involve a leather jacket after all. Long wool coat and woolly hat more suitable.

prettybird · 08/12/2017 13:10

I think more generally, not all plaids are tartan but all tartan is plaid! Confused

I wouldn't consider that shirt tartan, but I would accept that it is plaid (or to my mind, a very large check pattern) and then there's Madras check Wink

Confused? You will be Grin

botemp · 08/12/2017 13:16

Nobody mention Gingham, I'm sure my head will explode [santa]

LazyDailyMailJournos · 08/12/2017 14:18

I'd call that shirt plaid - tartan doesn't tend to be as uniformly two-tone as there are often very multiple and very subtle colours, sometimes just single threads, running through the weave. I love tartan - if you get the right colours a good tartan scarf can really lift an outfit.

Have had a really nice morning; it's ages since I had a day completely to myself. I painted my nails red - they are short anyway as I type a lot for work and can't stand the noise of long nails clattering on a keyboard! I'm on day two hair anyway so did some dry shampoo at the roots and managed to achieve quite a satisfactory 'undone' look. My colour palette tends towards navys, greys and browns anyway so assembled some skinny jeans, a fine knit v neck jumper, a 3/4 sleeve tweed jacket plus blanket scarf over the top.

Went to Kiko - the 114 was lovely but I ended up going for the 113 as the slightly bluer undertone works better for me. I applied it after going for coffee and wowzer it was bright! I feel a bit like it's wearing me rather than me wearing it, IYSWIM? I think I just need to get used to it as I have never worn red before. It's definitely growing on me though.

AuldAlliance · 08/12/2017 15:24

My mistake on the plaid/tartan.

I'm never quite sure what plaid means, since in Scotland it refers to the long length of tartan worn by Highlanders (www.tartansauthority.com/highland-dress/ancient/) but Americans use it to mean both tartan and check.

In France it's a throw for your bed or sofa..

EnidButton · 08/12/2017 17:19

not all plaids are tartan but all tartan is plaid!

That sounds like one of those logic puzzles. Grin I think, then, my scarf is tartan as it has many more colours than a plaid scarf would. I think...🤔

EnidButton · 08/12/2017 17:22

I also have short red nails atm. A nice proper (cool toned) Christmassy red. Glossy and cheerful. Essie Forever Yummy. Terrible name, gorgeous colour.

botemp · 08/12/2017 17:35

No Enid, if it's tartan it's plaid and tartan Halo

It's a home blanket here too AuldA, or a picnic blanket.

I know I promised to no longer tease with lustworthy items but I just had to share these pics of the Dior 2017 holiday collection, the Dior City of Love collection with a moulded Parisian cityscape lippie (do zoom in to see the intricacy). So despite being like a pervy 13yo sharing his porn I think I should be excused as it's a Japanese and Korean exclusive but if anyone wants it I have found it with a reliable seller with free shipping, the colour is 520 which I just need to check out in RL

Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet - Thread part deux
Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet - Thread part deux
LazyDailyMailJournos · 08/12/2017 18:08

That colour looks lovey Bo

I love the red I've got on my nails at the moment. It's a Rimmel colour - I really like their nail varnishes. Cheap, good colours and they go on very easily. My secret weapon is Sally Hansen's insta-dry - makes them fairly chip-proof and gives a nice high-gloss shine that makes them look like gel nails but for a fraction of the cost. I like changing my colours quite regularly so gel nails don't work for me.

Talk to me about French style for footwear. I wear heels very occasionally but it really does need to be a very special occasion, as I favour being able to walk comfortably above most other things! I love brogues, boots and ballet flats and in the summer tend to live in havainas. I tend to buy round toe rather than pointed and I favour leather over cheapy fashion shoes as I like looking after my shoes so that I get long-term wear out of them. I'm a short-arse so should probably wear heels more often but to be honest I CBA!!

florascotianew · 08/12/2017 18:45

Pedant alert - apologies.

In Gaelic, plaid means 'blanket'. Anyone daring to step out of doors in the north of Scotland today - horizontal snow blasting past - knows why that was an essential item of clothing in the past.

Really interesting thread; thank you. Takes me back to teenage years when as an exchange student was was paired up with extremely smart BCBG lawyer's family. The daughters spent ages window-shopping in (to me) eye-wateringly expensive shops and debating at great length the merits of which shoes etc they should buy. This was treated by their very elegant mother as a properly important and serious topic of conversation. My own - social-working - mother would have had a fit had she known. But for me it really was quite educational.

EnidButton · 08/12/2017 18:59

Ha! I've got it now. Grin

EnidButton · 08/12/2017 19:02

Lazy I'm not keen on the upkeep of gels either. Like the look of them but I like to change them like you. Is there a particular range of Rimmel polish that's good or are they all the same?

MikeUniformMike · 08/12/2017 19:08

The shirt is plaid.
I hate is when people refer to a check (e.g. madras check) as tartan.

LazyDailyMailJournos · 08/12/2017 19:11

Enid much of a muchness. I personally like the 60 second range but TBH I tend to just pick up anything I like the look of on the Rimmel shelf. I don't think I have had a bad polish from them - and I have loads. The key is the top coat. If I use the SH top coat I mentioned before, then I usually can get 2-3 days out of the polish before I have to 'top up'. Which is pretty good because my job involves a lot of typing...

LazyDailyMailJournos · 08/12/2017 19:26

I have to say thanks I think to Bo for the style tips - on this thread and the previous one - which have been so useful. I've been really struggling with a resurgence of the depression I've been wrestling with since my teens. Triggered this time by house-buying stress and bullshit. As a consequence (and due to all my stuff being in storage) I've really sunk into a 'can't be bothered' slump. Today I painted my nails, thought about my outfit, put makeup on and wore my red lipstick feeling slightly self-conscious but happy. I bought some jewellery and am wearing it now. It's amazing the difference it makes. Even though I still have weight to lose (2 stone off, 2.5 left to go), today I felt like 'me' for the first time in a very long, long time. Thank you.

botemp · 08/12/2017 19:37

Hmm, so it's the Americans who have somehow redefined the definition of plaid. I think I should have originally gone with checked patterns as not all pictures were tartan. Although what I'm now supposed to call one of those American flannel shirts which are not a blanket will keep me puzzled, checked flannel shirts for now or just plaid shirt and anything else plaid is a blanket. Thank you all for the pedantic input, much appreciated, I most certainly wanted to avoid calling things tartan that weren't as that would bug me too. Much like Gingham whose very name in Malaysian where it's derived from originally means striped, it should not be checked damnit!

flora, there is a lot of mulling over items along with hefty discussions. It's very much a buy once, buy right mentality so there's more time spent on that than anything else.

Lazy, no need for heels really, most footwear is flat because they walk loads but it's seasonal. So trainers less likely to be seen in winter, ditto ballerinas. Winter is boot season, low, ankle, high, and OTK. You see a few more laced styles there than most other places. Derbies are more a spring/autumn thing, and summer you see a lot of tan leather thin strappy Roman type sandals, espadrilles, menorcas, etc.

botemp · 08/12/2017 19:46

Brilliant Lazy, it may seem like vanity to some but taking charge with your appearance, however small it may seem, can make a world of difference to your mood and outlook by simply recognising you're worth caring about. There's also something soothing about partaking in the ritual of getting made up and dressed, and even if you don't feel a 100% yet inside at least the outside world can see where you're headed and often being free of the constant 'how are yous' and 'how are you really' can be like another weight lifted from your shoulders. The opposite path can be such a slippery slope in contrast. I'm glad you're on your way to rediscovering yourself Smile

quirkychick · 08/12/2017 21:05

I agree that grooming and self-care is important, it can be the first step in self-esteem. Not nearly as serious as depression, but I've spent the last 2 weeks fighting off flu and a chest infection. A bit of smudgy eye makeup and some lipstick, has made me feel human (I'm an awful invalid). I disagree that it's superficial to care about your appearance, we all have to get dressed in the mornings, why not do it stylishly? Make up and fashion can bring great joy.

botemp · 08/12/2017 23:01

DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9

Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet - Thread part deux
botemp · 08/12/2017 23:01

DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9 - DAY 9

Le Weekend

For a moment I'd thought I'd gone a bit potty as this was the hardest to find pictures for, but I'm still sure it's a thing in Paris. Maybe I'm the only one that notices but walking around with a weekend bag as your normal bag seems to be a thing, or maybe they really are just about to get on a train somewhere with otherwise empty bags.

Anyhow, it's the perfect excuse to play with scale and it seems to be a rather acceptable way to toss around a large bag without it screaming look at me. The Longchamp Le Pliage (pic 1) is, of course, an excellent example of this trend, though in adult women it's more likely the all leather version than the more affordable nylon ones. Equally the Celine Luggage Tote (left in pic 2), when worn with its flaps to the side, made a nod to the Pliage and the iconic weekend bag. But actual weekend bags are a thing, I have photographic evidence, granted it may not be much but I've also been assured this is called airport style Confused, so I'm definitely not making this up. Look, it's even in ad campaigns...

Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet - Thread part deux
Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet - Thread part deux
Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet - Thread part deux
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