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!

[Floisme]

Have to say I love the idea of having trousers named after me Hope you enjoy them bo - the trip sounds amazing (although I'm worried about these baboons).That's a good point about a vertical crease. A pinstripe works well too.

My Uniqlo U order has arrived. The jumper is spot on. I'm not exactly short of knitwear but this is a shorter, sharper cut and looks great with my VW trews or anything high waisted and wider of leg. The sleeves cover my elbows too. It's shame the other colours don't work for me otherwise I'd be diving back in to try and get a second.

I'm a bit more ho-hum about the trousers I like them but I try and only buy new if it's going to fill a gap in my wardrobe and I'm not sure these do. They're a very similar shape to some I bought in the U autumn range that were in a heavy cotton canvass and I don't think these new ones look as good - not quite sure why but I think it's because it's a thinner, flimsier cotton so not as sharp a silhouette. They also need shortening which is nothing new but I'm irritated at the thought which isn't a good sign. I'll give them a couple of days then try on again before I decide.

grumpy that's definitely a cue for a treat! If it was me I'd go for shoes or jewellery - think they're both good for updating an outfit. I'm not really interested in bags and, although I like scarves, they kind of emphasise my jowls so I only wear them to keep warm these days.

[Swimminguphill]

Grumpy I’m not a French style guru but I bought myself this necklace to thank myself for managing some stressful home renovations and personalised it with a quote that is meaningful to me. It goes with everything and I get so many compliments all the time. In my head it’s a French style...

[botemp]

They're actually called Steve trousers, Flo. Hope I didn't out you there tried on a similar pair to the Gap ones (went into one of those too but the place filled me with despair and price tag trauma) at Sessun to confirm this style really isn't for me under normal circumstances.

My French horoscope (it was French so I had to listen) told me I'd be very emotional and to avoid purchasing things I'd later regret. All the fault of the moon or something . Didn't actually end up purchasing anything did absolutely love a yellow coat at theory but still quite expensive at half off for a fun coat and it has no buttons or anything to close it was very lovely though...

[botemp]

Forgot to attach yellow coat. Also theory skirt I did buy the other day, thinking it will go well with a slouchy jumper as in pic 3

I have to say it does more for me than the models, it suits an hourglass shape like it's made for it. Feels very luxe as it's felted wool/cashmere that you'd usually see in coats only.

[botemp]

Only reason I didn't buy this was because it wasn't my size

Also, merci merci was selling the invisible heels (top right corner). Clearly they're lurking

[botemp]

Sorry forgot to respond to anyone but myself, Grumpy I like a bag to celebrate my successes. In my case it's usually at the end of finishing a big project so I'll always have a memory of it since it's a daily item and I tend to rotate bags rather than switch out daily. I'm too difficult with shoes so buy them when I see them and scarves I buy when I like them enough, they don't rank as special to me.

Elle, I love a safari jacket but not sure about the Raey one. The real thing is a bit of a 70s YSL signature piece and that one one strays away from it too much, I think.

Cactus, well done you pro! Love the sound of your outfit, feeling very bleak in comparison (it's wet and windy today).

[SplatPancake]

Love the yellow coat Bo.

I’ve now binged watched all of Call My Agent – am dreaming about Andréa’s jackets/coats, specifically the it across the shoulders. Just gorgeous.

I’ve now started on La Mante (Preying Mantis?) on Netflix – god, even serial-killing beauty Carole Bouquet’s prison outfit is lovely. Wide leg trousers, nice shirt with sleeves rolled up just so. Sigh.

[RosieLig]

Loving all the outfits and photos. Cactus - your outfit sounds amazing. I would love to try culottes but they’re a bit out of my comfort zone. Look amazing on others though.

Floisme- I got a few things from Uniqlo U too. The ribbed top
www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-uniqlo-u-100pct-cotton-3d-ribbed-balloon-crew-neck-sweater-406762.html

Which is a really pleasing and quite structured shape. Flattering and will be great with skirts/trousers and jeans.

Also the ubiquitous merino crew neck- in charcoal for £14.90. Amazing value. Lovely quality too.

I want to ask about boots . Inspired by this thread I bought the Other Stories pointed ankle boots. They are really lovely.
www.stories.com/gb/Shoes/Boots/Chelsea_Boots/114051287-0352192001.2

But I’m now looking for something with a heel too- mainly for wearing with jeans(straight or skinny) I’m not really into the block heels - I recently returned these as just too blocky.
www.stories.com/gb/Shoes/Boots/Python_Embossed_Leather_Boots/114051287-0448369003.2
Botemp, are those Pistols you’re wearing in your coat photo (nice coat btw!!) ? Do you find them good with skinnies and more boyfriend/straight jeans? I like the shape of them. Any other boot ideas welcome! 😊

Thanks. x

[EnidButton]

What is Uniqlo's fitting like please? True to size? Looking at their knitwear.

[RosieLig]

Hi Enidbutton

I’m a 8/10 and wear a Small for a fitted fit (ie in the ribbed top I linked to the small is perfect). I get a medium in the crew necks because I want them a bit less fitted.

[EnidButton]

Good idea Rosie, thank you. I'm a size 10 and bought a couple of jumpers in a size 12 recently (not from uniqlo) as I preferred the slightly looser fit. I'll keep that in mind.

[ProperLavs]

rosie I love the python boots. I can't walk in a heel unless it's block!

[Floisme]

Who is this Steve and what's he doing wearing my trousers?

I have to add, I'm still not a fan of cropped trews with boots. I thought I just needed to get used to the look but I've been trying very hard all winter and I'm just not feeling it. For me it's the flash of bare skin that makes it work, not a flash of leather. Of course I could change my mind but right now, it feels like a look for milder weather. Because, much as I love my clothes, I am also pragmatic and have no intention of being cold. I've even been back in skinnies this last couple of days. I still think they make my legs look short and stumpy but they're also warm and dry.

Rosie I like that jumper too and looked at it long and hard but I thought the neckline might be to high for me.

Enid If it's a standard range Uniqlo jumper - say a V neck merino - I would also size up as I prefer them a bit slouchy. I find some of the U range hard to fathom size wise (particularly the trousers which seem to run at least one size large). I tried both XS and S in the cotton V neck (I'm 8-10) and I've gone for the Small.

[RosieLig]

Properlavs-I do like them (especially the pointy toe) but I struggled with what to wear them with. How would you wear them?

[botemp]

I love it too Splat, I just don't €600 love it, unfortunately. I recently started on La Mante too, love the premise but never mind fab prison wardrobes, they're putting the Scandis to shame with their converted Château/Prison in the interior porn category. I mean, honestly!

Rosie, they're Acne Star boots, don't know if they still sell them though. They're a smidge higher than Pistols and more round, less almond toe. They make feet look absolutely tiny and they're more fitted around the ankle and don't get that pistol slouch, which makes them a good choice for opaques and skinnies. Also a glossy finish on the leather rather than waxed.

I'm doing too much to get out on a stupid phone keyboard so will save it all up and share my faves on Sunday. Did spend a good time in a few Vente Depots and similar vintage/2nd hand shops, yesterday. Fell head over heels for an Isabel Marant manish blazer style coat which was only €34 it's the perfect French Vogue editor style thing, it's in excellent condition just need to reattach a button. The only thing that's noticeably aged is the label, it's the old etoile label with a star on it which used to be indestructible quality.

Was nice to see all the different brands as they age. Never been my cup of tea but Gerard Darel seems to age exceptionally well. Eric Bompard (IIRC) has some gorgeous Cashmere that holds up remarkably well.

The shop owners have all been lovely too, they all go on how mignon I am. Was a bit when I first heard it. Auld if you can chime in, I always thought it was mostly used for children to mean cute/adorable but on adults it was more a provocative/sexual term, kittenish or thereabouts? I gather it just means delicate/petite.

[botemp]

Just admit you're Stevie Nicks, Flo

Sorry completely forgot to post what I came to post about.

Elle, I know you're in a spend free zone but... Got an eBay alert for a Dries long line blazer that's Saharienne/Military in style. 2nd hand, price around the skirt from DMag but open to offers. Let me know if you want a link, I'll PM you. Also, the buckled &other stories I photographed in Antwerp are now available on the website.

And to the poster whose name I can't remember (apols, too lazy to scroll back) but you were pregnant and had a long list of items you'd like. I also got an eBay alert for a nice Keffiyeh/Palestinian scarf from Isabel Marant, remembered you were looking for one. Just pop on and wave and I'll PM you the link.

[botemp]

Phone keyboard is depriving me of my verbosity, buckled booties that should read, I haven't devolved into coded language.

Also blazer is size 40 but description suggests it's better for a 38.

[ToElleWithIt]

Cactus I love the sound of your outfit.

floisme glad that the Uniqlo jumper was a hit.

ThegrumpySquirrel I've always bought bags or purses to celebrate my work successes. You could also consider a belt or jewellery.

Botemp definitely the same skirt! The yellow coat is fun, but I really love the abstract snake / leopard print trousers! The tan skirt is beautiful too. It wouldn't do much for me I don't think, but I can see how it would be lovely on you. What a bargain blazer! It's lovely.
I'd love the Dries link - it's February now, so it's a new month right? You're very good to keep an eye out for things. It's much appreciated.

The Stories boots are sold out in my size (40), which is good because I think I've probably done enough damage in the boot space. I'm surprised that Stories only seem to go up to a 40 though. A lot of high street shops go up to 41 these days. Maybe the pointy buckled boots would work for you rosieLig

Work outfits are getting a bit better. I might post some pictures later for feedback as I definitely need help with jewellery. I've basically been wearing none because I can't get it right.

I'm over in London tomorrow to go wedding dress shopping with my sister. I will only have an hour or so to myself when I arrive on Friday, but I am going to try to squeeze in a visit to Kiko and Arket.

[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...

[EnidButton]

Thank you Flo

[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

[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...

[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

[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.

[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