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!

Happy New Year !

Bonne Année! My new year's resolution is to wear red lipstick every day. I have been wearing it more and more since reading this thread and it's amazing what a difference it makes. It's so quick, yet I feel instantly more put together.

www.peopletree.co.uk/sale/keira-pencil-skirt-red

www.peopletree.co.uk/sale/reta-maxi-skirt-in-navy

Bought both of the above to try. The striped skirt is to replace a similar one I bought 5 years ago for about £4 (when transitioning to pre-baby weight after pregnancy) but ended up wearing it loads. Mainly I wore it with a loose white linen shirt or linen t-shirt. I'm dubious about the buttons which look pretty cheap but if the rest of the quality seems good, I think I'll just replace them.

The red skirt is like a grey one I own and wear loads both for casual/work/ going out, depending what I wear it with.

I have bought from PT in the past and ethics are sound, quality was good but sizing is a bit random (I go from 8-12).

Thoughts welcome!

Bonne Année! My style resolution is to wear unworn clothes and have a little more sartorial confidence.

Bonne année et bonne santé, everyone!

I've been a proper Parisian and slept the day away, then watched some fashion documentaries I'd been meaning to get to on Dries van Noten and Peter Lindbergh (two separate docs for clarity). Now I want some brocade and to prance about in black and white photography . My inbox is annoying me, as once again, I'm supposed to nurse my non-existant hangover with some retail therapy Day trip planned to Antwerp this Saturday though, although I have to check they don't celebrate the 6th as a national holiday.

Johnstons does seem to continually come out on top it seems, I know they supply a lot of the Fashion houses, much like Loro Piana. I doubt an Asos discount will see me far on a 500 quid scarf though. I did discover that in the men's section of Brandoutlet they have quite a few JoE bits, including some Merino and Cashmere jumpers for not extortionate prices, shoulders are a bit different though, not sure if those would work in my favour or not. Whilst I have this Scottish knowledge at my beck and call, how is Pringle these days (also in Brandoutlet men's section), I remember having some great pieces from them, still have an amazing one but it's a party piece, and also some argyle knee-high socks that seem unwilling to die, but that was when they were doing the high fashion thing that was only briefly successful. Had a great wool jumper from them that lasted forever before it was attacked by moths . I vaguely remember them making a Made in China detour and losing their lustre as a result, or am I making that up?. I see the socks in TKMaxx now and then but they're nothing like my ancient pair.

cactus, sorry, yes I need to get on the summer stuff I promised ilovecherries, I've mostly been focusing on holiday wear and ignoring the Parisian stuff worn in Paris look, as there is quite a distinction between the two which I think most don't make in N. Europe as any bit of sunshine over 15 degrees is declared summer. I'll try to incorporate some, maybe make it easier on myself and spread it out over a few days/weeks.

I've only ever seen People Tree in a local 'all ethical' store, and whilst it was the nicest non-hippy stuff they sold I was somewhat underwhelmed by it. A bit like Uniqlo, the shapes are well chosen, inoffensive, etc. The materials have the right lineage but it's something about how they hang, they lack a certain weight to the fabric and to my eye to be the effortlessly flattering thing they imitate, understandable they have to economise somewhere. It was a very small collection of it though, but most fabrics seemed a bit bog standard and the same across items, would explain the discrepancy in sizes somewhat if they start with the fabric and then design the pieces (less wasteful).

I've worn red chanel Xmas lipstick for the last 10 days (promised myself I would do this over the holidays so I was used to it before I had to front it in a more public space), and today it finally started to feel 'normal' and I stopped obsessively checking for feathering and red marks on teeth. It lifts my entire face, I really do love it.

Okay so my NAP order arrived.

1. Sadly proenza jacket is not as nice IRL 😭 as the fabric is quite flimsy so it's going back (wanted more structured feel) and the sleeve ends are slightly wider than the arms which annoys me (picky ). The search continues for a neutral coloured S/S work jacket that I will be able to wear over a bump (so needs to be boxy or cropped).

1. Jacquedemus wool high waist trousers (straight/wide leg) are very nice but of course too long, even in heels. I am 168cm so not tiny but have short legs long torso problems. BUT they look good and I fit a FR34 👍🏼 (for now!). Keeping and will attempt to wear to work lots to force self out of skinny trousers comfort zone (will have to get them taken up a couple of inches first).

1. Got a lovely APC wool jumper also in the sale however the high round neck and boxy fit make me look fat.. I think.. with these boobs (32E now Jesus). With a shirt under and waist belt might look ok tho? Not sure if will keep or not. Grey wool & comfy though. Argh.

My HL LL are on the way from eBay, expected this week or next...

So far as I know Pringle shifted their manufacturing away from Scotland and nothing is made here any more, not sure where it is made though. It is Scottish only in name now.

Cactus, I am in NZ so keen for some Parisian style too Downunder.
Have you checked out Kowtow? NZ label, organic cotton made ethically in India. The designer can’t find ethical enough zips so always closed with buttons or belts. Minimalistic style. Have a sale on.

Explodingkittens , I love the sound of your outfit! Is the Toast shirt current season. I love Toast but expensive return to UK if fit not tight - am waiting for fine wool knit houndstooth scarf in the post currently and very excited

I am back from two lovely weeks in Australia and ready to think about some Parisienne chic for the new year.

Enjoying the discussions about proportions and how e.g the acne boots bed in and suit a different shape altogether once broken in. Is this why some things look great the first few times you wear them and then not so much after? I don't mean in terms of poor quality fabric/fast fashion- but I am dreadful for buying things (inc expensive quality things) which just no longer look 'right' after a few wears. Does this happen to anyone else?

Love love loving this thread! Thanks so much to everyone and especially botemp for your generosity! ❤️

A question -botemp (and others) how do you wear a denim shirt? I’ve just bought this one but am unsure how to best wear it? I would have previously worn it loose over black skinnies and a T but would love to add some Parisian chic....

I am size 8/10 and a 168cm inverted triangle.

Thanks!!!

Luna I hadn't encountered Kowtow before. Love the slouchy oversized knits, shame the lovely lake green jumpers have sold out. Thanks for the heads up!

Bo, no rush, I've been going over your advent posts and finding ways to incorporate some of the ideas into my summer look. Picked up a pair of JCrew white skinnies in an op-shop for $5 today, I'm going to give the winter whites look a shot this year. Black is practically mandatory in the city I live in, white will help to break up the monochrome monotony.

I think my 2018 S&B resolution will be to get some proper make-up that suits me and learn to apply it properly - I was given a John Lewis voucher for Christmas so I suspect it may be spent on that. I am currently clueless with no idea what works but I would love to try a red lipstick!

Bonne année tout le monde!

Back to work today, urgh so cold and grey

It's a bit of a longrunning joke that because my style is quite androgynous much of the time, that my colleague who I work most closely with and I often come into work wearing unintentionally matching outfits. Today we've managed it yet again - light blue shirt, navy sweater (mine merino, his cotton sweatshirt) and navy jeans. I really tried to go for the artfully rolled up shirt-sleeve-over-jumper, but I had to admit defeat, as it's just not a look I can pull off in winter

• I wear heat tech under my shirt and as much as I tried to scrunch it higher up my arm, it kept poking out the bottom of the rolled up shirt sleeve (not tres chic)

• If it's cold enough to need a jumper over the shirt (and indeed heat tech underneath), it's too cold for bare arms! bo very kindly suggested long sleeved leather gloves (which I do in fact wear anyway) - but actually out and about isn't the problem, as my arms are covered with my coat. It's inside - my office isn't cold, but it's not summer warm. If it was warm enough to have bare arms, it'd be too warm to wear a jumper.

I think it's a bit like the 'looking oh so stylish with wearing a coat artfully left undone'. I see so many awesome looking coats on style blogs / pinterest, but they're almost always worn undone, so I fear would look significantly less stylish when buttoned up

I am afraid I am not willing or able to compromise warmth for style quite enough to achieve the looks I so desire!

I am however in total lust with the Soeur trousers you recommended bo, I feel an order coming on in my future. Am imagining the Casablanca with a slim fit merino or cashmere sweater and white trainers (as they're styled in the photo) or with my patent brogues. I think I prefer them to the Agnes, but will order both to try on and see how I get on

Started looking at bras, and reminded why I loathe trying to shop for them. Of the limited selection available in a 28, most are Freya or Curvy Kate full cup / balconette which just end up flapping around where there's no boob at the top to fill them out. Myhobby thanks for the Rigby and Peller suggestion, I will definitely make an appointment (easy enough as I live in London), would be incredible to find something in a 28 that actually fitted cup wise!

My experience with Bravissimo was exactly the same as yours quirky, I felt utterly garrotted around the back by the bras they said fitted perfectly, and also had back fat & gaping cup. I know I measure 28, but I think I'm probably going to have to go up a back size because there's so much more choice available in a 30.

They're strictly a terrible fit, as they're sold in XS/S/M/L rather than by back/cup size, but I bought a couple of pairs (nude and black) of Uniqlo seamless bras, and they are incredibly comfortable, and give a lovely smooth line. I know a properly fitted underwire will give much more support, and be doubtless much more aesthetically pleasing, but they're jiust sooooo comfortable. As are my seamless black M&S knickers

But not very Parisian! Comfort - non. Style - oui!

Pyjamas

For those looking for something ethical and good quality. Shipping is free at the moment.

www.livingcrafts.de/en/woman/pyjamas

Seem to have some shirts too for those exploring shirts under jumpers.

www.livingcrafts.de/en/woman/blouses-and-tunics

Banana - I've tried the shirt sleeve rolled over the jumper with some shirts of mine that need cuff links, so only the cuff gets turned over the sleeve. It worked well without shortening the sleeve too much essential given our cold house

That's a shame, Grump, know you were excited about the jacket. I'd return the jumper, your first instincts are usually the ones to listen to and if it makes you feel fat it probably means it isn't for you.

The 'doesn't look right' feeling also has to do with changing silhouettes, things can fall out of time (even 'classic' pieces) and then back in again. Sometimes it is just down to fit, Canters, although I suspect it's also how our attitudes to bodies change, at the moment an hourglass shape in a strong body seems to be more desired and what all those nutcases fitspo models seem to push for, very slim and the heroin chic of the 90s is getting more rejected so clothes that once emphasised that feel out of time for those reasons.

Tough one Rosie, the ombre effect makes it less versatile. General rule is light denim, darker on bottom, dark denim lighter on bottom, although a belt colour can challenge that. Black skinnies would be too clashing though, I think. Normally a denim shirt, Parisian style, is worn open very low and a semi tuck in and the sleeves rolled up, dark brown or cognac coloured belt on white or dark denim. But you need a rather solid colour for that (you could do it with this but it just depends on where the demarcation line ends up, but it misses the whole point of the shirt that way) and a slightly stiffer fabric to hold up the sleeves rather than what I assume is a cellulose-based fibre going by the shine, so that will roll down quite a bit under a certain number of folds. As long as there's enough room and give in the shape I'd wear it with buttons slightly lower than normal (you can wear something like a grey camisole underneath if preferred) with the bottom tied up so you still see the different colours but are still wearing it cropped like in pic 2 or open even further over something else like in pic 3. Could also be worn open in the lead up to summer with a grey tee and white or denim shorts underneath.

I like the Casablancas a lot but didn't know how open you'd be to stripes, banana. They're a bit like men's pyjamas but suitable to be worn outside of the house. I think the French sales are starting around the 9th or 10th so if you hold off until then I'm pretty sure they'll be in there, if I get a presale invite I'll post the link on here. As for the bras, if my boobs were smaller (not that they're massive, just a size where I wouldn't be comfortable going braless) I'd totally be buying the seamless, bralette type things. With the exception of sport bras worn during intensive exercise no bra is going to stop sagging, it's a degeneration of tissue that happens with age (or illness) and no bra is really going to stop that.

Definitely what I'm after pretty! I need a bit of a practice with the one-step roll, to stop them unravelling, but definitely what I'm aiming for!

advicefromatwentysomething.com/5-ways-to-roll-sleeves/

Ooh yes, I'll hang on for the Soeur sales - thanks for the heads up bo. Definitely open to stripes - I have a plain grey pair of uniqlo trousers (this photo is of a print pair, but the cut is the same, and they're styled how I generally wear them), so stripe would be something a bit different. The uniqlo are very basic and obv for that price quality and cut are what you'd expect, but was a good way of dipping my toe into wearing a non skinny. I got compliments from a very trendy Scandi colleague when I wore them once, so they can't be that bad! I'd def like to get a couple of decent pairs of 'proper' trousers

These are the Uniqlo wireless and seamless bras - they are wonderfully comfortable and give a really smooth line. The moulded cup works really well for me, as does the plunge - I have the Beauty light. They're function rather than form, but I do love them as a basic t-shirt bra

www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/women/innerwear-and-loungewear/bras-bratops

Oh sorry Banana - I've just checked the R&P website (tab open, no order put through yet, DCs back to school tomorrow...) but they only seem to do 30 back size upward. If it's reasonably handy to get to one I'd still go, I've always found them very helpful.

Meplusyouplus4 I have the dress version of that IM top. It's so strange that they didn't line the top. The dress is lined and even at that the effect in the skirt is quite sheer.

botemp Any recommendations for where to buy a denim shirt with a bit of weight / structure to it? I'm dying to watch Dries. I have a few of the less out-there Dries bits, but I've always loved the full on look. When I am old I may wear head-to-toe Dries van Noten..

bananafish trousers look nice. I'm trying to move away from skinny tooo. Particularly with jeans as I think the way I'm wearing them is starting to look a bit dated. Love some of the stuff on that Soeur site. I'd never even heard of it. This blouse appeals to me. Think is has a sort of Japanese aesthetic? It looks very boxy laid flat so I'm a bit wary.

Can I ask how you all determined what shape you are? I used to be fairly confident that i was a tall pear, but 2 children later my thighs and hips are still there, but my bust is a bit fuller and sadly my waist an inch or two bigger so I feel like my overall shape has shifted a bit. Is there a website to put measurements in? I need to do a bit of a wardrobe overhaul and get rid of some of the very fitted dresses that I can still get in to, but no longer look great or fit my desired aesthetic.

Lastly I would like another silk shirt (or 2). I see Stories have a straight fit and a classic fit The classic fit is described as "regular fit". Does that mean it's more tailored?

bo I do not actually need to wear any bras, it was the same pre children. Pre children they were of course more pert and of course sat higher up. Infact pre dc I never wore bras at all.
Now I feel self conscious about not having any bust to speak of( at the top) and couldn't imagine not wearing a gently padded bra.

I think only the young can get away with no bras.

banana I did the one step roll with the sleeves and had a long sleeved base layer under too. I don't like 3/4 sleeves on me generally, as they tend to cut across my forearms, which aren't big, but I'm medium build and a bit toned/muscly so not flattering. Unless the sleeves are wide enough.

I haven't done much sale stuff yet, I'm waiting till the dcs go back to school armed with some gift vouchers .