Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet

[AuldAlliance]

New thread for those hoping to add a bit of Parisian je ne sais quoi and je m'en fous to their style.

www.desigual.com/en_GB/women/accessories/handbags/prod-capri_aquarelle-69X51P4

Couldn’t find my scarf but I did find this bag in the sale. Damn you MN for making look on there. Please tell me it’s horrid.

It's matronly, does that help?

Thanks, ToElle. I agree about the chunkier shoes, too. I often balance out skinny trousers with chunky boots as I have a similar problem. Nice jumper, though.

Proper my vintage 501s are way smaller than current ones are. In my 20s I was a size 12, now I am a 10/12 and certainly bigger (though not loads) than I was then. Vanity sizing has gone mad and is so variable too.

I'm not good at arranging things artfully...

Thanks for all the style inspiration to date.

I rarely post (still looking for the ultimate blazer after w couple of duff eBay attempts) but really have taken a lot from all the suggestions. I don’t feel
I’ve added lots to my wardrobe- as others have said it’s more changing how I wear what I already have.

Question on layering jewellery. I’ve been trying this lately but always feel like I look like a child that’s raided her nans Jewellery and stuffed it all on at once. Is there a way to avoid that look? And does it look much better with gold. I wear silver- I’m not sure it looks quite the same in silver- but maybe I just haven’t got the nack of it.

And Hair- I have very thick red-brown

Oops-sorry posted too soon.

I have very thick red brown hair- I bobbed it in a relaxed kind of bob (not a stacked or inverted bob) last year but after a couple of bad cuts since I’ve grown it to a long lob. I like very “undone” hairstyles any ideas for inspiration? What do les Parisians do with their hair?

zippyswife I wear silver too, but feel layering bracelets/cuffs is ok, but haven't managed it with necklaces yet. It might be better in warmer weather with thinner, summer clothes, I feel.

GibbonsSleeve lovely scarf.

untold it's an awards ceremony. I know it's a lot of black, but what can I say, I just love black

And I'm desperate to wear the coat more before the weather gets warmer.

Re: thin colured tights. I have a matt grey pair like the photo which I wear with black and love. I think they would also be funeral appropriate. They are from Calvin Klien.

Gibbons- I'm not mad on that bag. It's too 'busy' for my tastes. I do like the sort of watercolour design but think it might look better of a silk scare to make it almost seem more fluid; I'm not sure the design goes with the structured nature of the bag. Also, the bag looks quite big (the type i would use to carry a book, water, sunglasses etc) but the straps very thinand I think would cut into your shoulder. We'll, you did say you wanted someone to put you off (sorry!).

Just to update you all on the 'frumpy' Russell&Bromley £5 ebay shoes. I LOVE them. I do have to consider what I wear them with but it is clear they are really beautifully made. I keep meaning to take photos of how I've styled them but I'm often catching up with this thread in the bath/pj's at the end of the day. Will try harder next week.

I have bought (and welcome opinions on) the Topshop skirt pictured. It was £22 100% cotten but just wanted to have a play at home. In my head, I'd wear it with black shoes/boots and wither a cream silk blouse I have or black cashmere round neck/poloneck. When it arrives I'll take some photos. Being an inverted triangle, I thought it would balance me while still giving me a good waist. Not sure if in reality it will be too short for day to day wear.

Forgot to add with jewellery -you can but bracelets already in sets or necklaces that have one clasp but 2/3 chains at different lengths. You could buy from the likes of H&M just to see if you like this look or just to observe what works well together.

I think Bo did a great post on the advent calendar about mixing textures/tones etc with bracelets with some examples.

gibbon that scarf is lovely, but I think because my coat has a big Mongolian sheepskin collar a scarf would just look too much, and hide the collar which would be a shame.

Metheny those grey tights look good. I have some Falke midnight blue ones somewhere, think I'll dig them out and try them on with the dress today.

At least there is some colour in the embroidery on the dress. So it's softened slightly and not too much Mafia widow-esque.

Madame I love colour and look like crap in black. However if I could wear it, I'd go for it full-on and not try and soften it up. So I say hold your nerve As Methen says, there are some posts from 'bo on earlier threads about breaking it up with different fabrics and textures.

Please excuse the typos- keypad on my phone is on the blink.

Zippywife- I think maybe try messing it up a bit with some product? Get layers cut into it? I’ve just bought Sam McNight Cool Girl (cringe!) which apparently is good for that. So trying like you’re not trying too hard/not looking “done”.

I need some blazer help!
I’m looking for a decent navy blazer. I want it androgynous in style do not at all fitted. But not oversized. Struggling to find one in navy.

I’ve attached a few photos of the look I’m thinking of. Anyone seen anything? Thanks!

Rosie I'm buying more and more second hand menswear and getting it altered, mainly on the shoulders and sleeves. The charity shops round here aren't the best for women but they consistently have designer / high end men's coats and jackets. Find a decent seamstress / tailor and you're away. Much better pockets too

I do exactly the same thing as Flo, Rosie. There are some gorgeous men's tweed jackets in second hand shops. Am sure there is a navy one out there with your name on!

My seamstress is the most amazing woman. She can alter anything and make it wearable in a week. It adds about £15 to each garment but worth it. I am in there most weeks getting something tweaked until it fits just right.

Thanks ladies- great idea!!! I will investigate.

Rosie- love the look of those blazers- that’s the kind of thing I’m after too. Mango can be good for blazers. Not sure if there’s any in navy right now- I’ll have a look.

And you’re right on the messing it up. Mines ultra frizzy so ideally I need to straighten/tame and then mess back up again!

Quirky- you may have something there with layering in the summer- I can see the necklaces working better with lighter clothes. I actually am grand it’s bracelets- bangles- that seem to easily look quite good/effortless.

Methen- I may try that with the H&M necklaces- good idea.

I have an old McQueen scarf in a cashmere/linen mix circa 2002. It's black with a skull motif. Would that work for your afternoon do?

It's kind of dated but I think it's just vintage enough for you to carry it off in a kind of ironic way especially if the people you are with aren't really hot on fashion. I do it all the time but it does depend on the occasion.

The black isn't black black IYSWIM and skulls are ivory rather than white which is a bit kinder to my middle aged pale skin tone. If you had anything like that it might help to break up the black outfit for the afternoon occasion better than berry coloured opaque tights. I think they are a mistake. I'd go for Wolford semi-opaque in black

@Floisme how much are you charged for blazer alterations? I'm tall and long bodied and you've inspired me!

I have a silk mcqueen skull scarf too, from a lifetime ago. I must see if it still works for me.

I think you're right and mine is cashmere/silk instead of cashmere/linen Bloomed. I don't need it any more. I could post it if needed

Wolford tights are a bit pricey but they are worth it