Bonne année, Parisiennes de Mamansnet! C'est Le nouveau thread full of nouveau ideés!

[TossDaily]

Excuse the franglais.

Here it is - the third thread in the series, where we add a little je ne sais quoi to our lives, inspired by the style of our souers across the Channel.

Thanks to our top contributor and style guru Botemp, we are finding ways to lift ourselves out of the style doldrums with a slash of red on the lips, a touch of white where it counts, an insouciant scarf or even an over the knee sock or two for the brave among us.

Take it as far as you dare, Mariannes!

[Accountant222]

Place marking

[ProperLavs]

Today two pairs of vintage Levi's arrived that I for from eBay.. One pair a size 27 501 and the other a size 28 men's student fit 562. I was look to over size and belt. Well the 501's fit snugly round the hips and sit high on the waist, basically apart from the length they fit. The 562's I could wear low without a belt, but they are good with one, sitting higher. They hug the hips and hang straight down as a wide leg fit. I have tried them with heels and think they look good.
What is fascinating though is that my modern 5@1 pairs in a size 24 need a belt or they would fall off. I also have a pair in size 23 which don't need a belt. The size 23 are wider in the hip though than the vintage size 27!
That is some crazy vanity sizing.

[AuldAlliance]

Done!
New thread here

[botemp]

Sorry only popping in quickly, will respond later, but just saw the post count. How has there not been a panic already? Can someone start a new thread before this one runs out? Remember AuldA had offered a good quote that could work as a title but I've forgotten it now . Sorry am on the phone and on the run, otherwise would have done it myself.

[ToElleWithIt]

thegrumpysquirrel I cant see the Céline options, but I’m dying to. I love Céline. Any requirements for how big it needs to be? I would run a mile from The Row bag. The fabric will be so impractical IMO. I know it’s not all about being practical and I’m usually the last to mention it, but cream silk and babies or leaky pens do not mix!!!!

Love the burgundy boots. They’re very special. I need to have a proper think about wide legs / cropped trousers / culottes. I’ve never worn them, but I feel like they might work for me. Don’t know where to start - trying them on I guess! I love reading all your thoughts on them.

Would appreciate any help with accessories on attached pics. Outfits not the most exciting, but my workplace is pretty traditional! I thought the trousers and grey jumper looked okay in real life, but in the photo my torso looks completely rectangular. The white shirt was cotton so maybe providing too much volume and obliterating my waist? Softer shirt? Belt? Different jumper?

[Floisme]

Actually on reflection those Katharine Hepburn trews aren't quite what I had in mind - I just really like that photo. I'm thinking more Annie Lennox in her Eurythmics era, although this pic may be a bit later and the jacket obscures the waist.

[Floisme]

Yes you're right, more than two. It's like whenever there are threads about flares / boot cuts you often end up at cross purposes because people are talking about different shapes.

[botemp]

It's probably more than two even, I think Flo, which makes it all the more difficult. The 40s style doesn't usually work for me, as I already have a waist and it can end up looking like I'm wearing a size too small as you get a billowing effect right underneath it. A Palazzo with a good band at the waist (higher than a standard one) works miracles even though it has far more billowy fabric coming away from it, they need to be long though. Ironically, they look like 40s Hollywood pants on me when they're not.

But there's always exceptions. The proenza schouler bargain trousers I bought recently are a 40s type in a heavy wool but they have the pleating at a diagonal so it moves with my shape rather than away from it so there's none of the unwanted volume. They're also slightly tapered towards the bottom.

[botemp]

My IM Steve trousers I refuse to acknowledge them as culottes are a bit of a unicorn, I think. They look great with my Acne star boots and if I get them cropped with my IM trainers. I've yet to make up my mind how I'll wear them, think I may just hand sew a temporary seam in it for summer.

I'm well of those of you who managed to get those Sartore boots in your size.

Overina, I'm not a fan of the synthetic material on those trousers, think it's one of those cuts that really shouldn't be economised in fabric. Especially a Palazzo, you may end up having all that volume of fabric cling to your legs with static electricity

Grumpy, I'm not a huge fan of the The Row one as it's humongous on me, so may just be my bias. Celine isn't all that exciting in the bag department, did see a nice pochette in navy and green.

I'd been looking at the Wandler brand too (I like the belt bag you wear on your waist). I do worry that it's that stiff hard leather that scratches so easily, very little info on the site.

For slouchy, I've really been quite taken with the new Givenchy Sway bag. Comes in two sizes and three colours (black, tan, off white). Can be worn on the arm/shoulder or crossbody. I like the medium black one and the small tan one (which despite gold hardware does not feel old fashioned).

[Floisme]

I think there are two types of wideleg around at the moment. There are the late 90s/early 00s ones that are fitted around the arse. They're quite loose in the thigh but the real volume comes below the knee when they flare out. Normally low waisted. They look like the ones in our link Overina

And then we've got the 80s/40s-30s shape: high waisted and often the volume begins with pleats just below the waistband. They hang off the end of your arse, bypass thighs completely then straight down, sometimes tapering off towards the ankle. It's a more masculine kind of cut but can also be very glamorous in an old school Hollywood way. Sometimes they're quite exagerated and cartoonish - David Byrne's suits in his Talking Head days. But that's optional!

It's the second type that I really like. It's just a personal preference but they do show off different bits. The 90s ones highlight your arse but I don't think they lengthen your legs unless you wear heels. I also think they're harder to crop because you're cutting them off mid flare so the proportions look odd, although I may just need to adjust to it.

With the 80s shape, you cut arse and thighs out of the equation altogether and move the focus up to your waist. Some people dislike the pleats because they add bulk but what I like is that the volume can make your waist look tiny. Also because they bypass your arse, you can't tell where your legs start so you get the illusion of longer legs. It's a different silhouette and I really like it. My waist is high up so it probably works with my natural shape too. You do need a good fabric that's heavy enough to hang properly without clinging to your arse but not too bulky around the stomach.

I think they look really good with masculine shoes like brogues or loafers. I also like them cropped - again the volume works with your ankles so now you have the illusion of a tiny waist, long legs and thin ankles and no clue of what's going on in between. Love it. But I'm very fussy about where you crop - I like them just at the top of my ankle, not mid calf.

I possibly think about this stuff far too much.

[RosieLig]

For the avoidance of doubt - the middle of picture is the one I like, in the other two the proportions look “off”.

[RosieLig]

I agree about the culottes thing. I’ve had a look at some pictures online and most flattering length looks to be just below the knee-more like a divided skirt. The longer ones can make the proportions look off and the legs very short! One of my stylish colleagues wears culottes and looks amazing -I must pay more attention to the detail!
Properlav- the brogue boots sound gorgeous. I’m big into comfort too as I’m on my feet all day.

[OverinaFlash]

Oh god, culottes I think would make my legs look so stumpy, I am of the long body, shorter legged persuasion, despite being tall. I cannot really wear anything other than wide legged or bootcut trousers, hence why I never really buy trousers at all as I'm not sure if they suit me either! I'm definitely a dresses and skirts person, but then find it hard to find flats, and I have to walk 2-4 miles for my commute, hence living in jeans and trainers for years!

I did go on La Redoute last night and buy loads of stuff in their sale to try on/return anything thats no good.

[TheGrumpySquirrel]

Céline options

[TheGrumpySquirrel]

Have narrowed my pay rise treat down to jewellery or a bag, depending how much I have to spend. Picked the ring I want, but still struggling on the bag.

I have an aubergine Lancel bucket bag which is more casual and a black Céline belt bag which is structured and smart and I love it - but want something possibly slightly slouchier but still smart, for every day. I was looking at this Wandler brand on NAP, not sure what the quality is like?
Wandler www.net-a-porter.com/product/1010336

Otherwise I'm thinking a Fendi peekaboo (not French haha). Haven't seen latest Céline collection so might look that up.

Or this for summer
The Row www.net-a-porter.com/product/847685

What do you think?

Budget 2k max for the bag.

[TheGrumpySquirrel]

Ooh Rosie and bo I might have also added those boots to cart!! Very nice love the pointed toe

[ProperLavs]

rosie if I wore wide leg trousers and trainers I would look like a right muppet. On the models it looks great. I guess it really depends on your age and overall élan really.

[ProperLavs]

I am sadly delightedly to have found another pair of my beloved brogue heeled boots by office on eBay. They aren't in the shops/ everytime I wear them I get asked where they are from.
They have a really block heel and I can walk for miles in them.

This also got my thinking about styling. I used to get so hung up about what shoes went with what, what jumper, et=etc etc that I didn't actually wear anything but a standard uniform that I felt safe with.
Now I have decided to take more of a devil may care attitude, because if I like the look of my outfit what does it matter?

I am looking forward to seeing what happens with the really large ( for me) jeans that are winging their way over.

[RosieLig]

Thanks botemp - I just ordered those boots. They are lovely. The heel is much more me. I do like colour in my boots as I wear a lot of navy and dark colours so it’s good to have some colour on my feet! Quite pricey especially when they added 20 € right at the end for Fedex! I was mentally committed by then 😳 I’ll let you know how I get on with them. How would you style them? I’m thinking skinny jeans in blue or dark/Black. Not really figured out straight jeans and boots yet....

Cactus- I do like the pistols. I will think on....

Overina- honestly I’m not sure. I’ve never really got to grips with wide trousers. I do like the look of culottes though. Really modern and young. I’d wear the longer ones you’ve linked to with trainers. Not sure about boots...Disclaimer- I am rubbish with trousers and boots!!!
sheerluxe.com/2016/10/07/look-we-love-–-wide-leg-pants-and-trainers-%C2%A0

[cactusbutt]

Thanks for the outfit compliments everyone!

My job throws up some unusual sartorial challenges from time to time, this thread is helping me rise to them.

On the Isabel Marant chambray shirt - someone (I think probably bo) recommended IM for chambray a while back. It's the softest, most strokeable material, and falls beautifully without needing ironing. I love it.

Rosie Acne Pistols are great. High enough to be elegant but very comfortable. I cycle in mine as well, they're up for everything.

[OverinaFlash]

Evening all. I've been perusing Uniqlo and found a couple of bits I'm keen on. Also used the John Lewis style thing last night and liked a lot of the outfits.

What are thoughts on these trousers? I was thinking nice ankle boots for work/fun shoes for the evening? I like that they're navy not black.

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/women/phase-eight-beatrix-wide-leg-trousers/d857877.pd#276078798,q=beatrix

[AuldAlliance]

Sorry, Bo, I didn't mean it that way at all. I'm happy to reply. Just that I have been trying not to post too much, as this paper is not coming on very quickly at all.

I am planning a weekend in Paris in June; I might ask you for the addresses of your dépôt-vente and vintage shops...

[botemp]

I love the Philip Lim alien(?) animal print trousers too, Elle. Got lots of appreciative nods from the Parisians when wearing them.

Good luck wedding shopping, tomorrow! Hope you actually do get that hour to yourself.

AuldA, sorry for distracting you I didn't think she meant that though, the tone was far too cheery so I assumed by it was just 'cute', Google have me the more elaborate definition. My initial interpretation just reveals I learnt most of my French from French diplomat boys

Rosie, don't know what budget you're looking at but saw some amazing western style high heeled boots at Sartore today. The photos on their site and my badly lit one really don't do it justice, they're a much nicer deep rich burgundy with lustworthy sheeny leather. I would have bought them but needed a half size smaller which is also sold out online.

www.sartore.fr/eshop/catalog/product/view/id/18177/s/sr3274/category/82/#92=54&137=2387&135=9

[EnidButton]

Thank you Flo

[AuldAlliance]

Bo, "mignonne" can mean a whole range of things, but if sales staff in clothes shops are using it to describe you it probably doesn't mean kittenish or have a sexual connotation. As you suggested, it's more likely to refer to petite proportions, and probably means they think you look young and pretty, too.

I'm lurking, but trying to write a paper for this conference I'm going to, so am trying not to get drawn in. I'm good enough at finding displacement activities as it is...