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!

Sorry you had a bad changing room experience CaraMia.

Changing rooms seem to be designed to be horrible more often than not.

Thanks CatherineMaitland. No, it's not the best is it.

I'm wearing a wine coloured a-line cord skirt, opaques, grey crew neck jumper, wine coloured huge wool scarf and black leather biker. Flat black suede low ankle boots (booties?) Small silver arrow necklace, silver circle studs. Think it looks good. Skirt not very practical for actually moving in, gets too creased for my liking.

Seem to have that problem a bit. Things look great when stood posing in front of the mirror but once actually moving the way they sit or crease annoys me. Possibly being too fussy.

Sounds gorgeous Enid - would love to see a pic?

That sounds lovely Enid!

Ooh not brave enough for pics. Thank you though. It's a skirt I haven't worn yet but bought months ago. The pics up thread helped me throw an outfit together with it.

ship, I'm not sure where the skirt is from but I expect it'll be both from a few years ago and expensive. Suede's not an easy material to do on the cheap and that one definitely doesn't look cheap. Skirts are something to play around with, when I was a 10-12 A-line was less flattering on me but I could still carry it off and a short skirt had to be around mid thigh. Now an A-line looks odd and a straighter fit is best and it needs to be superduper short or very long, there's little in between (I can do over the knee pencil type skirt but it's always very formal looking).

I know what you mean Flo, there's a fine line of shopping with children as a social outing and them reversing roles and suddenly they're the ones dressing the parents.

Elle, I saw a few nice leather skirts at IRO today but they're not straightforward silhouettes (draping, knots, etc.) so not sure if that would be what you're looking for. I do have these on my wishlist over on MF, they're pricey but I like the finish of the leather on them, very different to everything else out there and a good shape (for me anyhow). I'm a tad worried it's too long for me as the model is tall but that shouldn't be as much as an issue for you. They also have a gorgeous version of it in burgundy in the sale. It's a new UK brand, they have some other nice things in the collection too, love the green blanket coat.

Cara, take a deep breath. I think it's good to let go of this notion of perfectionism and getting everything right in one go. When your body changes or fluctuates in weight it's only natural that you're a bit out of sorts, especially if you're not a straightforward shape. I was out of sorts too over the past year or so, it takes a bit of adjustment but also letting go. I became very focused on getting very specific items mostly by necessity that I sort of lost touch with 'fun' items, things that I love rather than need, once I made that switch and just stopped being so sensible about it all it was more enjoyable again and I found that those things I thought I needed urgently really weren't that important and the 'fun' items get far more wear.

Changing rooms are bastards, TKMaxx is the worst I've found, I look ill, older and have frightening cellulite (otherwise only visible by looking very very closely) but just remember that the only place you'll come across unflattering light like that is in changing rooms, where no one ever sees you and it isn't exactly a proper representation anyhow. What are you looking for now, perhaps a bit of trying at home will be good for a change?

The outfit sounds lovely, Enid, you could always do the IG wankery by doing one of those 'effortlessly' folded up and arranged ads pics

Elle , I tried on this skirt in Other Stories and it was lovely - really flattering (and designed in their Paris atelier, so very on brand). The only reason I didn't buy it was I'm tall, and it came up a little short on me.

www.stories.com/nl/Ready-to-wear/Bottoms/High_Waisted_Leather_Skirt/582932-0550601001.2

Cara gorgeous scarf! I can't justify another furry scarf, I already have 3 and it's been too damp and drizzly here to wear them at the moment, sadly.

Sounds lovely, Enid, I do love grey and burgundy together. The silver arrow necklace sounds gorgeous too, I was wearing my new silver horn necklace from hultqvist, yesterday, courtesy of the sales and a gift voucher.

I like your attitude to fun items, bo, wearing stuff you love rather than what you ought to wear.

Thanks for the suggestions mintleaves and botemp. I went into stories after work yesterday hoping to try on this skirt but they didn't have it. Wrap skirts generally aren't good on me. I'm not sure why so it's probably no great loss. They did have a new in black suede A-line though with 6 suede covered buttons down the front. I can't find it online though. I'll photograph later. I was rushing to meet friends so I tried on quickly and bought is, but I need to have a proper try on when I get home tonight and see if it's as nice as I think it is. Before I found this thread I might have kept it if it wasn't quite right, but I'm getting better at returning things and continuing the search if they're not hitting the mark. That Raey skirt is lovely. I think you're right that the length would work for me. Short skirts can easily look too short on me, but then one seems to have an extra couple of inches. I like the look of the Raey jeans and there is a sweater in that gorgeous emerald colour too!

Enid - that outfit sounds really lovely. The colour combination sounds good.

EBay has sold me a perfect little cream jacket from Annette Gortz (I like her clothes but can only afford them in sales and second hand most of the time) which is a grown up alternative to a jean jacket, the same shape but waxy canvas. Now awaiting delivery of a pair of dark slouchy jeans ta da (which I have been cherché-ing for 15 months, ever since I didn't buy the Joseph ones Flo linked last spring). Optimistic that the jacket is going to be infinitely useful.

Can I just give a general warning about the vinyl look (faux) leather skirts like mintleaves linked, I ordered a beautiful red one, pencil over the knee, that was almost a burgundy, not much money (can't remember the brand) and it was great, very flattering, the material made it less formal, I really thought I was onto a winner until I went to sit on the side of the bed to fasten shoes only to fly off it with a frightening speed. Ouch. A similar scary incident when trying it on normal seating, so back it went. So try sitting with it first, please. It may very well have been down to the fact that it was quite an affordable piece and I didn't really dare look at any others as a result. I would think the genuine leather vinyl ones may be different as they tend to be a bit different texture wise and have quite a bit of resistance when running your hand over those.

quirky, I think the current term of the moment is 'investment pieces' but previous incarnations of staples, basics, classics, etc. should sound familiar and I think we do all have these, I just don't think they're universal things (like a stripey top, skinny jeans, etc.). At different times in our life and at different sizes they'll be very different things. I think letting go of that list of things one 'needs' is quite liberating, I always shopped like that but for most of my adult life, I was the same size. To me, the thinking of this foundation of basics you tack onto was flawed, as well as thinking the things that worked best for you at size X will be the same when you're size Y. The things I wear the most aren't these boring foundation pieces, things I love get worn to death because I'll make them work just to wear them again. I need the pieces I love to build everything else around, it'll be different for others. I swear I could have burst into tears when I found that Helmut Lang dress that I mentioned/pictured on the previous thread. It doesn't look like a very wearable everyday dress at all but I wore it as such anyhow, got tons of wear out of it whilst a simple ordinary and sensible cotton dress barely got taken out.

Oh, I like those denim trousers Sock, can you let me know how it comes in size wise, catalog models usually are a 27" waist in most denim so I'm wondering if that comes in a size bigger or that it's just a smaller waisted model. I'd been looking at a leather version of a mini denim jacket in the Comptoir sales but wasn't available in my size. I would like something like a denim jacket but not denim as well, waxed cotton sounds great.

I like the look of a lot of the Raey stuff too Elle, it feels like the grown-up bits from Acne Studios and a bit Joseph but more contemporary. I also like that they have an emphasis on manufacturing in the UK.

Apologies in advance for spreading consumerism fever, but I've just placed another order I thought I was doing so well having returned a load of things yesterday (only things I've kept so far are the Antwerp purchases, a ring and pair of underwear at &Other Stories, and I'm still deciding on the Joseph trench but I'm leaning towards keeping) but DMag has been massively marking down in their sale and sent a 15% off code MMFW18 (expires tonight at midnight). They're one of my favourite stops whenever in Milan, it's a tiny looking tardis of an outlet in one of the most expensive streets with great bargains and they started an online version not too long ago.

The 80% section is particularly of interest, if anyone is a jeans size 28/29 (a 30 could probably get them too as they fit large) lots of Frame denim flares in good solid colours for 30 euros (before discount) and those with tiny trotters could have a field day too. Sizes are annoyingly listed in the designers' default so you have to know whether it's Italian, US, UK, or French by knowing the brand. Also no modeling shots so it's a bit of a gamble. Unless you spend over 200 euros the shipping is quite high (free over 200 and free returns too) but it was rather easy to get there bought a Dries van Noten brocade skirt, 2 pairs of trousers from Philip Lim and Proenza Schouler, a Rick Owens skirt, and a pair of Isabel Marant sandals for 230 euros . May all end up going back as most definitely fall into the potential 'fun' items category.

I'll repent by finally starting on the Parisian summer inspiration I promised, no work obligations today so I have the time to get started on it.

Quick question on hair styling - how do Parisiennes manage very curly hair? I'm guessing there isn't the mass need to straighten, straighten, straighten that there seems to be in the UK?

Thanks, Botemp for your very kind reply. After I posted, I my first thought was that I need to chill and have a bit of a word with myself. And step away from the sales with my hands in the air. Aye, there is such an increasing pressure to be perfect, I find that it can be easy to overlook where I'm making positive changes (I'm six months into doing mat-based pilates every day, and it is absolutely life changing for me).

I'm glad you liked the scarf, Quirky. Yes four furry scarves might be one too many, though a nice problem to have .

@ProperLavs I found a super cheap dupe of Tesoro in Boots, Collection Velvet Kiss lip cream in Mango. It's a bright orange-red, dries matte and lasts just as well as the Stila.

Thanks for the link botemp took a chance on a pair of Frame jeans and a Dries skirt for under EUR 100. There were prada trouseers in my size, but didn't like the sound of the fabric. Bought the Raey skirt too. That is my purchasing done for the month and I think I'll return either the suede or leather skirt depending on which one works better.

I think you're so right about the basics being a showcase for the more interesting pieces. One of my most worn things is a heavily embellished olive green Dries top which I just adore. It needs the classic jeans and shoes to let it shine though.

Lovely lipstick TheLongRider

bo I totally agree that these "classics" might not be universal, so much depends on your style (at that time), what you're doing in your life, clothes size etc. Some so called classics don't work on me, so I'd just bypass them. All those lists of 10 things you need to wear for spring etc.

CaraMia I generally have a scarf problem full stop, I have loads .

Inspired by Enid and her chic outfit, today I wore my new secondhand purchase of grey/black wool skirt, uniqlo cotton cashmere jumper, biker jacket, grey scarf and grey baker boy cap. Quite monochrome but with bright red lips , I bumped into a friend who told me how nice I looked, always a plus! I'm very pleased with this skirt, very heavy knit wool, in a faux wrap with leather edging and above the knee. I think the horizontal stripes in grey/marl/black help balance out narrow hips.

thelongrider that looks fab, thanks for the heads up!

I now have all my lovely new rather pricey buttons to jazz up some jackets and coats with

I can't remember what I linked from Joseph sock but I've got wide leg jeans on my spring/summer summer shopping list and I really like those Me and Em ones.

I don't really believe in classics or investment buys but I do believe in treats and I bloody love these from the Vivienne Westwood sale I have some of her tailored trews which were a present for my 60th and they're a little bit out there in both senses of the word but these I think I'll wear on a day to day basis. They're slightly low in the crotch but not in a comedy way (I don't think) but just enough to be deliciously cool and slouchy,

So I'm not sure I dare look at any more links but will sneak a peek later.

I have wavy rather than curly hair but I haven't straightened it since I was about 17. I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to grooming and I'd rather try and work with what I've got.

Those trousers,flo, drool.

I've got really quite curly hair, I tend to use the curly girl method,which is all about moisturising your hair and working with what you've got.I think I read somewhere that the french favour hair oils, for shiny hair.

Bon soir mes petites choux fleurs!

Have seen some gorgeous sounding outfits on the thread and some cracking hauls and eBay bargains.

I wangled a pair of the Soeur Casablanca trousers in a 36 thanks to your very kind heads up bo - by the time I looked just 5-10 mins after your post the 34 had gone, but I suspect that would be far too snug in any case. So hoping that this one fits and have to see if I can pull them of

Sadly no chance to do any shopping as I arrived in Paris close to 8pm - ended up getting a surprise upgrade to a suite at the hotel, which was fab except I was only there for 12h and it was like an episode of the crystal maze trying to find all the different light switches in the room

I am mightily miffed that the zip on my stompy work style biker boots has gone (as it was on its way out). I am basically living in my pointy flat boots and even they are getting a kicking because I walk so much and they don't sell this style in &otherstories right now, bastards

Am thinking of getting a similar but slightly different pair of pointy-ish ankle boots, because I wear them almost every day and would be best to rotate between a couple of pairs I think. I'd like to replace the stompy boots, as I like to wear something more masculine with a girly skirt or dress. I was inspired by one of the pictures bo posted (girl with a denim shirt worn like a jacket with black skinnies and tough boots) to think about something quite plain and work boot like, although I'm slightly worried about feeling like I'm 13 again and wearing my Doc Martens. Feels like something plainer would be more stylish than another biker boot with silver zips and buckles and what have you. Hmm!

I think I need to try that, quirkychick.

Also think my main problem is that I've managed to get to the age of 38 without having a clue how to style my hair at all. One of my projects for this year, I think!

Great thread.
Yes we use oil in our hair for example huile prodigieuse from Nuxe. But it is lovely for everything!

Having massive issues wearing my usual styles (baggy tops, skinny trousers, minimalist colours) with this extra weight. All my jumpers are too small now so not baggy! Definitely need to adapt but not sure how! And I've never had a tummy in my life, but am massively bloated at the moment. Any tips gratefully received.

I have wavy hair and do a light version of curly girl- I usually have to shampooo or it is too limp. My hair is v fine and not much of it though! Some hair oils work really well with the curl, but huile prodigeuse doesn’t suit my hair- love it for body though and have the perfume too as it smells soooo good!

That was the only French thing about me today though - I dug out a black cord button through a line mini, like in one of bo’s lovely pics, but ended up styling it in a slightly preppy/ outdoorsy way- this thread has made me really want to work in the style I think suits me even if it isn’t “French”- I think k all the advice on body shapes and so on has really helped!