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!

[ToElleWithIt]

Another lurker crawling out of the woodwork full of new years resolutions.

A big thank to everyone who contributed to previous threads. I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. Special thanks to botemp for the advent calendar. I didn't have a chance to try much in December, but I'm full of enthusiasm to try them in 2017 now that the Christmas rush is over.


I had this thread in mind when I went to the Sales and bought a white shirt with a twist, long-line blazer and grey merino knit. I'm wearing the shirt today with a belt over it (it's long).

One thing I'm struggling with, and would love some pointers on is shoes / boots for winter. I feel like some of my outfits are close to being French, but they're going badly wrong when it gets to my feet and taking a dangerous swerve toward Sloane Ranger! I need something fairly smart for wearing to work. Our office has adopted a mostly casual dress code - though formal for meetings which I only have occasionally. I have Acne Pistols which feel a bit dated and I find tough to wear all day. I also have these which I love, but feel too casual for the office: Chunky Boots There was talk on the previous thread of more delicate footwear. I'd be really grateful for some pointers for something more up-to-date. I'm a little wary of going too delicate as I have a relatively muscular thighs and very small calves and ankles so I prefer to have something that adds a bit of "weight" to my lower leg to balance it out a bit IYKWIM.

Re lingerie - I'm a 30D or 30 DD too and like Simone Perele. They tend to be lightly padded on the underside, not the full cup like a t-shirt bra and have pretty lace trims.

PJs - I have my sister send J crew flannel ones from the US. I don't think they qualify as sylish, but they are so soft and comfortable and long (if you're tall like me).

[Callamia]

I’m joining you.
My maternity clothes are consigned to a vacuum bag, and I NEED some trousers. But what? I usually survive in jeans, but I don’t quite fit into my favourite black jeans, and my blue ones are getting a hole in the knee.

What else can a short size 8/10 wear? Do I need to pack it in with the skinny jeans now? I’m 36, I’d like to resemble an adult.

[explodingkittens]

I've been wearing a red lip today! I found an unused Bourjois lip pencil in Tout Rouge lurking in the back of the makeup drawer, and it's a really good colour for me - a slightly orangey red. It's creamy enough to wear as a lipstick and it really lifts my complexion - exciting! I usually avoid red lippy as it usually feels like too much, but keeping everything else very simple seemed to work.

I've also tried, for the first time ever, the shirt-under-a-sweater thing. Again, have avoided it in the past as thought it was too 'preppy' and not really me, but actually with sleeves pushed up and skinny jeans it looks chic yet casual. Also dug out a pair of tan leather ankle boots that were 'gifted' to me by a work colleague and I've never worn. They look great with dark blue skinnies and my legs look soooo long.

I realise I must sound as if I've been living under a rock . I think I've been avoiding a lot of this stuff because I was worried it would made me look older and frumpy. Actually, I look like a grown-up woman who has thought a bit about her appearance and hasn't got dressed in the dark. Being mistaken for Ines de la Fressange may still be a ridiculous fantasy but I consider this a result nevertheless!

[botemp]

Sorry, meant to reply to ilovecherries too. Since this is essentially a throwaway capsule, I'd have a look at the Mango Outlet. It's cheap due to heavy discounts and being out of season and I quite like their summer stuff. In fact these days I like them a whole lot more than Zara. Dresses will see you through size changes longer than seperates, and shirts that fit now can work as oversized pieces later.

Personally I don't like monochrome because as per the discussion of South of France paint colours showed, lighting can be very different depending on destination. In the harsh Mediterranean light, black cotton can suddenly look dreadfully cheap, whilst perfectly fine at home. Where black linen can look quite dull here but effortlessly chic there. Silk has a bit more life there too. Anything black I bring usually ends up being worn at night because of that. I'd go for a base of white, if that's practical and flattering then supplement with a natural linen/beige colour and then either navy, light blue, or red. Darker linen colours/khaki can work too but then probably with a cream base, and pops of white. Search for the Premium stuff on the Mango outlet, it's quite nice and better materials.

[Pinkpeppermintteaforme]

Totally with you regarding Primark bo
Cyberjammies sell tops separately plus nightshirts -currently on sale

[ilovecherries]

I think it's more what type of thing to look for at this stage, chick. After a long time having next to no interest in how I looked ('is it clean/does it cover me'. Oh ok, it will do), I've lost a lot of confidence and know-how. Plus I'm getting to the age where I feel sales assistants want to steer me to cruise wear and mother-of-the-bride type outfits. Whereas I want to recapture a slight edge, without looking as if I'm trying to look more like my daughter's sister than her mother . I did venture into TK Max for a browse but ended up overwhelmed and panicked because I wasn't sure how to start sorting gems from tat. I could maybe try another personal shopping session but a couple of years ago left the last one in tears after the JL shopper said 'we don't carry that in plus size in store, you'd need to look online' for about the 10th time. (They knew I was fat when I made the appt, yet they had NOTHING for me to try on the day. It was horrific). I swore never again.

[ilovecherries]

Oh, cross-posted. Thanks, Bo.

[botemp]

cherries, bastards, the lot of them .

I'm off to go pjs shopping now (I'm going a little stir crazy at the moment, long story, so can use the distraction even if it is as dull as pjs) but when I get back tonight I'll try and source some Parisienne summer pics, I'm done with winter for a bit anyhow. Time to look forward in the New Year, I say.

Are you long-limbed Elle?

exploding, to sort of muddle the preppy feel with a shirt under sweater I also find it helps not to pull out the shirt collar and just let it lean against jumper's neckline, top button undone or not (done looks a bit more formal, but more in a unisex Scandi architect way rather than preppy).

[MrsPestilence]

Toast pyjamas are nice Bo and last more than a decade.

[MyNewHobbyIsGin]

On the pyjamas front, I tried to find some nice men's ones, but couldn't find any with a small enough waist.

[ProperLavs]

I'm sure stores like Primark will be short changing some one along the production line, however, they won't be the only ones to do so.

There are shops charging a lot more for basically the same products and I'm sure their profits aren't going back into the work force.

[AuldAlliance]

Ilovecherries you need to ask your DH about the humidity level. 25-28 dry heat is nothing like the same temp in humid conditions. (I lived in the tropics for 9 years before moving to Provence, and there is no comparison).
I'd second linen/cotton floaty stuff that doesn't cling.
I looked at La Redoute because they have lots of year round stuff, and they're such a staple here.
Would you wear
a dress like this or trousers like these or these?

Your weight loss is really impressive.

Let us know where the mystery destination is after you've been...

[quirkychick]

exploding snap on the shirt under the jumper (mine 's quite soft cotton, so hopefully not too preppy), navy skinnies and red lip . Mostly hidden under a puffer coat, full on hat, scarf, gloves and navy, short, snow boots as it's very cold today...

ilovecherries I have some La Redoute linen trousers that I've had for years, a real summer staple.

[AgathaMystery]

Right I've just taken the plunge with a gift card & got a navy cashmere v neck jumper. What does one wear under it please?

[Callamia]

My newest pyjamas are from Arket. Plain black jersey - perfect for winter.

[ilovecherries]

Oh, I like that dress, Auld. Plus I've just unearthed three pairs unworn loose white linen trousers from a box in the loft. They must be 25 years old, but they are a size 12 with a functional drawstring waist so I don't think they look horribly dated

[ILoveMrDarcy]

I've been following these threads and love this outfit...is it French enough?

[ILoveMrDarcy]

@AgathaMystery White shirt maybe?

[TossDaily]

I got a lovely parcel of French goodies from DP as one of my Christmas presents.

I'm relying on dashes of Parisian chic to carry me through the inevitable New Year period of weight loss.

That and the three bottles of artisan gin. They know me soooo well.

[Floisme]

cherries My all time favourite summer trews are some 30-year old karate trousers from my ass-kicking days of yore. They're a heavy duty cotton canvass - more structured and forgiving than linen, a really cool shape (straight and wide-ish), ankle length but best of all, they have an adjustable drawstring waist . I get them out every year.
I can't endorse any particular brand and I doubt the fabric is as good these days but these are the kind of thing I mean, although I prefer a cord tie to elasticated.

[TheGrumpySquirrel]

Ooh placemarking! Thanks for the new thread.

Have done a séraphine maternity order... thinking to combine the plain black wrap dress/top with structured jackets like my Saint Laurent (pic) and the new Proenza Schouler I ordered for S/S (second photo)...determined not to look frumpy but a bit scared of the inevitable weight gain (I'm already 15lbs overweight which doesn't help). Plus will be huge in summer which will be a challenge

Wide leg maternity trousers - whale chic right? My short legs are already being challenged in skinnies. Would love shoe suggestions to balance out my chunky legs in a dress.

[singformysupper]

methenyou- I'm a 30D/DD and have also lost volume on top of my breasts post 4 pregnancies/ breast feeding.

I have been wearing cheap t shirt bras from Debenhams which give a bit of uplift (very unsexy and in French though). I used to wear Elle Macpherson intimates which are pretty and lacy. I think I used to wear the balconette style which gave a bit of uplift. They are fairly expensive but not as expensive as the Simone Perele.

[singformysupper]

cherries- congratulations on your weight loss.

I was thinking this sort of style in linen/ cotton might work for you.www.purecollection.com/clearance-sale/sale-tops/laundered_linen_embroidered_blouse_white.htm
or

www.purecollection.com/clearance-sale/sale-tops/soft_jersey_tie_neck_top_white.htm

I would consider making a board on Pinterest and sticking to a very simple colour palette. Also, having a good hair cut, pedicure/ manicure before you go might help you feel good. Good shades too!

[ProperLavs]

30d is supposed to be my size. I have no bust though, which confuses me. I too have no volume on top. I tried an expensive bra from bravissimo but tbh cheap t-shirt bras fit me pretty well.
OMG that jacket- my eyes. I have a seriously bad jacket and coat buying problem.
I bet it is hideously expensive though.

[singformysupper]

Sorry, first link again:

www.purecollection.com/clearance-sale/sale-tops/laundered_linen_embroidered_blouse_white.htm