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

999 replies

AuldAlliance · 02/02/2018 13:34

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

OP posts:
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247
Methenyouplus4 · 19/05/2018 16:51

Forgot to ask, any tips for getting coffee stains out of white cotton? There are other colours on (all three-yikes) of the tops so can't bleach. Gutted as not expensive but all often worn and well liked.

Also, finally packing away all true winter stuff this afternoon ( boiled wool skirt/cashmere polo neck etc). I am going to have a try on and bag up the things that haven't fitted for a couple of years. I have also decided to pack away things where i have similar duplicates; I will keep the 'second' item packed away until the other is looking tired and then change it. I am finding (as I only have a small double wardrobe) that the lack of ability to slide things along the rail to view them is really annoying me! Would love to have room for a small clothes rail to put out the clothes for the week but just seems like an extravagance for a fashion blogger/single person/ person with huge home/walk in wardrobe. One day...one day...

botemp · 19/05/2018 21:45

Flowers Methen. Good to hear you've come out stronger on the other side.

For the coffee stain, you could try the hydrogen peroxide stuff from ecover. It's without chlorine so safe to use with colour. You can also whip it up into a paste and leave to sit on the stain for a few hours.

I've got kimonos on my mind. It started with Rosie's fab Zara find and then Matches popped up in my inbox trying to persuade me to buy some vintage inspired ones at ludicrous prices from Elizabeth and James (they're not very nice though).

Anyhow considering my success with transitioning my pointy slides from house slippers into my outdoor wardrobe, I'm now determined to do the same with the vintage bridal kimonos that I picked up whilst traveling Japan and have mainly been using as indoor robes. Tomorrow would be ideal for one weather wise, so I'm giving it a go. I fully expect to look like I left the house in a rush with my robe still on but who knows, they may turn out to be my next slippers revelation. I mean it looks all sorts of great in pictures if people are dashing off to the next fashion show, will keep you all posted how tittaculur I look tomorrow.

Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
Methenyouplus4 · 20/05/2018 07:37

Bo- thank you for the stain tip. Based on the images, I (personally) think they look great when open.

I sorted wardrobe last night and love having everything easy to see/move. Only 1 thing for the charity shop which I was pleased with as shows I love and wear what I have which is great, previous culls have obviously worked. Thing there are a couple of pairs of shoes that nerd to go- I love them but have to accept I am never going to choose to wear shoes that pinch and give blisters.

botemp · 20/05/2018 09:46

Yes, definitely worn open for me. It's too encompassing as a look on someone my height/frame otherwise. I've managed to make it work, I think, turns out the trick of finishing genius is my new Zara hat. Definitely makes it feel more like an intentional outfit rather than early morning oversight. Bag is a bit tricky, it clashes a bit but so does the rest of the outfit so it's not that noticeably off. Will take a pic later to share.

Floisme · 20/05/2018 10:32

Very sorry to hear that Methen. Flowers All the best to you and your family.

Can't wait to hear more about the kimonos bo. I love those pics but have to say my favourite is that dark red one that's fastened up. It's a lot more severe than the others but I like that look at the moment.

botemp · 20/05/2018 11:01

Yes the severe look is very stunning but probably less lazy Sunday appropriate.

It's from the Poiret fashion show which I feel is definitely one to watch (just for inspiration probably, haven't seen the prices yet but I'm expecting it'll be very pricey). It's a relaunch of the old Paul Poiret couture house by a South Korean conglomerate with a female designer at the creative helm and Anne Chapelle on the business end (who does the same for Ann Demeulemeester and Haider Ackerman, Poiret in it's current form definitely feels like a natural fit with those two designers).

The show is really impressive, despite there being the risk that it would all be very decorative, it really shows women as formidable beings without doing that cliché of Amazonian/warrior women thing. Have attached a few of my favourite looks from the show, the kimono inspiration clear to see. All pics of the show here.

Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
peonylover22 · 20/05/2018 14:59

Flowers to Methen.
Looking forward to seeing your kimono outfits Bo.
My capsule wardrobe has worked well this weekend away and I’ve picked up an American vintage t-shirt in an offwhite with fine navy stripes. It was quite expensive (£60) but it is well cut and hangs very nicely. It’s also not too thick but entirely opaque which is often not the case with lighter weight t-shirts.
Saw a By Marlene Birger wool scarf that I also really fancied but it was definitely A/W wear so managed to walk away. Too impatient to spend that sort of money now for delayed gratification of wearing in 5 months time...
In other news, I’ve been utterly binging on the royal wedding coverage on tv / online and on paper Grin

botemp · 20/05/2018 21:45

Ok, kimono day one (which may become the day bo lost her sanity).

I have a picture a little further away somewhere but I'm having trouble finding it again am sleepy and about to nod off. Kimono attracted a lot of attention, don't know if that's good or not, the other ones are a bit more tame so should be less of a concern. I have 5 in total but one really isn't in a state to wear out so realistically 4. Will attempt to carry on the experiment throughout the week (bank holiday tomorrow and working from home the rest of the time), will depend on weather of course but it's looking to be good. The others are a touch less flamboyant, think two of them shouldn't be a challenge the third may be due to the colour.

Oh, and you saw it here first. The leather patriarchy continues forth, leather penises are definitely a thing Shock

Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
peonylover22 · 20/05/2018 22:39

It’s a YES from me! Grin (to the kimono, not the leather penis...)

botemp · 21/05/2018 20:30

Anyhow, here's kimono day two. Think it's technically a men's winter one, it's actually double sided, may try wearing it inside out at some point as the lining is lovely. Photo is a bit shit as the colours are a bit off, kimono is actually a really light blue, not at all grey like my top, so the shoes didn't look that off in RL. It did actually look amazing with a pair of light grey sandals I have but they're very high heeled and I had lots of errands to run all over town so pragmatism prevailed.

I think I would have preferred a white top but I wore the only low scoop one I own yesterday.

In other semi-related news, I've fallen prey to Zara again. Came across this linen-viscose shirt and if you squint and delude yourself enough it could pass for a Jacquemus. I liked how it worked with the skirt I was wearing too which doesn't see much wear usually, and it worked really well under the kimono, but I think better with trousers than skirt at that point, or at least contrast in colour between bottom and top half as it does look a bit nightie and dressing gown otherwise.

Didn't purchase as some heathen with a full face of makeup before me had tried it on and left their marks and it does feel a touch overpriced. Sorely tempted to order it though, it's a neckline that's quite flattering for me and rare to find, despite plunging low it covers everything, even has a little modesty button, so would work both casually and work wise. Argh.

No kimono madness tomorrow, I think, touch of rain predicted.

Methenyouplus4 · 21/05/2018 22:22

Love the blouse, imagine it would work well with a range of trouser styles for a range of silhouettes. Can you buy it on-line?

ChesterBelloc · 21/05/2018 22:23

I like both kimonos, particularly the very sculptural blue/grey one. I reckon a darker - indigo? - denim would make the colours pop better with the red/cream one though.

That Zara shirt has just popped up on another S&B thread - maybe the How to Look Expensive in Summer one..? I like it, again for the structural form, but it's too low for me, sadly.

botemp · 21/05/2018 22:51

The red is quite 'poppy' in RL, the high contrast of dark denim seems to work against it actually.

I can buy it online but I need to get over my whole Zara is evil threshold. Hmm, I wouldn't say it looks very expensive, the fabric is so-so, another reason I'm begrudging it, I don't think it's worth its price point. Then again my idea of what looks expensive is probably different, I've never really gotten the gist of those threads anyhow.

bananafish81 · 21/05/2018 23:39

Been playing catchup and have kimono lust and now an urgent desire for a pair of the coral Sezane sandals!

Bless me Parisiennes for I have sinned let's overlook the fact I'm a Jewish atheist, my new office is tres casual and I've fallen into a very same same and not tres stylish rut of shirts and skinnies - the belted one I didn't realise looks so bloody awful, I swear it doesn't seem that bad in the mirror!

I've been loving the Soeur trousers that bo kindly recommended, it's just a tad too warm for wool trews now, and so all I'm wearing is skinnies (sometimes with a plaid shirt and trainers making me look like a scuzzy student, despite being a 36yo senior professional! I need to get myself out of the style desert and give myself a kick up the arse to up my game

So. Spring trousers that aren't skinnies. Need to comb the thread as I'm sure in the links posted there's will be plenty of recommendations! Any thoughts welcome!

I also went into the Levis store on regent St to look for the 501 CT to try sizing up for a more relaxed fit - except they didn't have ANY in stock. They did however have many many pairs of 'wedgie fit' jeans on the racks Confused

Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
ToElleWithIt · 22/05/2018 08:30

I love the Poiret show and the kimono inspiration. I particularly love your grey one botemp it's really lovely and looks well with the white.

I agree with you that dress codes can get really tricky for women whereas they're more likely to produce uniformity in men's dress. It can be a tricky line to walk for women.

methenyouplus4 I'm sorry to hear about the health struggles. I hope you're holding up. The silk trousers sound magnificent.

Bananafish I love your shoe game- the boots, the t-bar sandals, the brougues! I want them all! The jeans in the top left picture looks slightly less skinny, but maybe that's just an illusion. Either way I think the dark wash with the turn up looks great on you. I've been trying to mix up my jeans silhouette a bit and quite enjoyed the flares the other day. I'm not sure if my colleague referencing Charlie's angles was entirely meant as a compliment, but I'm taking it as one! Curious to see how you get on with the Levis. I'm also getting more used to the higher waisted mom-jeans-lite that I bought, but I've only worn them at home.

Do you think they could be made suitable for work anyone?

I went looking for something in the spare room wardrobe and was a bit horrified to discover 2 drawers of clothes that I packed away when I switch into maternity clothes - 2 years ago! I nearly feel I should get rid of the clothes if I haven't missed them! I may try some on to see if any of them are worth keeping.

I'm distinctly un-Parisian today in a black floral dress. I wore it to the wedding at the weekend and reckoned I could squeeze another wear out of it before sending it for dry cleaning. Black blazer on top to make it more work-y.

Methenyouplus4 · 22/05/2018 20:19

Elle- silk trousers are fab and surprisingly forgiving re: ironing/stains etc due to fabric. Will defo try to take photo next time I wear them. Would never normally pick them up but they were 100% silk and a tenner in Monsoon sale so thought I'd try& now I would actively seek out a similar pair if they were stained/lost etc. Also, other stuff is defo worth a try on.

Banana- love top and bottom right on your photos and t-bars need a special mention.

Am currently continuing the 'best' everyday theory-it makes so much sense. Tomorrow I'll be wearing a lovely pair of black highwaisted Maxmara trousers (one of the most beautifully cut things I'very ever worn) and a striped Vivienne Westwood sleeveless shirt. Not sure on footwear yet. It's an outfit that screams out for a red lip but think it would look too vampy with structured blouse (for a secondary school teacher) so opting for nude lip and getting up two minutes earlier to do a winged eye. Normally blouse has just sat in wardrobe as too 'dressy' for work but then too formal for drinks/meals etc. Loving mixing it up.

Methenyouplus4 · 22/05/2018 20:19

Would still love a link to the Zara blouse!

botemp · 22/05/2018 22:16

Argh lost my entire lengthy post. Will try again in the morning. Zara blouse link here, Methen, hadn't realised you were asking after it before.

I did end up capitulating tonight, had to admit it looked pretty darn good on me in that picture, even if I do say so myself. I think it'll go great with my new Dries van Noten trousers as well, so that pushed it over the edge.

welcome back! Was attempting to address trousers in my lengthy lost post, will attempt again tomorrow but good to see you round these parts again Smile

RosieLig · 22/05/2018 22:17

@botemp - I love that outfit!! Perfect.

AuldAlliance · 23/05/2018 07:53

Bo, will that Zara shirt crease badly, do you think?
Might see if I can try it on in town tomorrow.
Have been doing lots of therapeutic cooking, might try a tiny foray into retail therapy Wink
Those kimonos look great on you.

Have had endless rain and storms in Provence for weeks, but summer due to hit at the weekend, temps around 30°, just in time for DS2's 5-day cycle ride...will need to dust off my hot weather clothes.

OP posts:
botemp · 23/05/2018 09:17

Ok let's try again without losing my post.

Apologies, Chester, reading myself back above I sound mightily defensive. Not meant to and I do appreciate the input. May have to consider throwing my pics through an auto white balance to remove the jaundice filter it always seems to impart to give a more realistic presentation of colour.

Banana, the while wide trousers dominance at the moment would mean a switch up of your usual silhouette. So volume on the bottom, fitted on top. I know you like to keep your wardrobe as small and efficient as possible so was wondering if that would work within your current wardrobe? Or want to even? Maybe something in the middle, slightly relaxed where tops get tucked in?

I actually tried on the wedgie fit jeans as I liked the distressing on one. It has to be one of the most ill fitting pairs of jeans I tried in a long time. They somehow made my waist and hip definition disappear and flatten my arse into nothingness, it made me quite stocky looking. I'm guessing they would be flattering on more straighter body types like an IT.

I've been quite taken by these in pic 2 from Roseanna after spotting them in the Merci Merci private sale, but I'm having a hard time sourcing one in my size. I've personally been drawn to a lot of these sort of bleached washes but they're not that white-ish bleach out. Also becoming a big fan of the reluctant single fold up instead of a full roll over at the hems.

H&M, &Other Stories and Monki actually have really good jeans game this season, though I haven't quite mustered up the energy yet to take giant piles of different sizes into the changing room yet but going by the give in most of my jeans these days I really should probably make it more of a priority.

Auld, I think it's supposed to be worn artfully creased. I'll certainly be hanging it to dry on a hanger and steaming it at most. Like I mentioned it's a linen-viscose mix and the viscose definitely give it a bit of structure that encourages the creasing. Hence why it puzzled me someone would describe it as 'expensive' it feels quite cheap on the skin. They feel more like a synthetic or very cheap linen that's slightly crispy when new and then completely thin and shapeless once you've washed it. It's not that fabric though but I do think the creasing is intended and wouldn't look better ironed. I also think the sleeves are a bit too wide to read as an expensive design, I may try pinning it to give it more of a taper towards the wrists and contemplate getting it altered.

Is therapeutic cooking a legitimate thing or just a way of saying cooking and good eating is, rightfully, bringing you a bit of comfort and peace of mind amidst the chaos. Just wondering as I have a Chinese cookbook somewhere that was marketed as therapeutic food based on ancient Chinese medicine principles.

Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
AuldAlliance · 23/05/2018 10:01

Thanks, Bo. I will see if I can find it in the shop tomorrow. Viscose can get a bit yellowish under the arms, I find (maybe that's just me Blush), but I like the way that shirt hangs. On you. Might not look quite so good on me...

Cooking therapy: it may well be a thing. I'm sure there is probably something to that.
I just meant that I'm using it as a welcome distraction from various sources of stress and tension. I have been known, in the past, to vent anger by kneading dough.
Yesterday, I made a chicken curry (for tonight), pizzas, and pannacotta with raspberry coulis. Not sure any of those have terribly therapeutic ingredients, but the kids are happy and I switched off while in the kitchen.
This morning's plan is broad bean hummus, as friends with veg gardens have started plying me with baskets of produce. Popping the beans from their pods is very soothing. Smile
Bon appétit! Nearly time for that new thread...

OP posts:
AuldAlliance · 23/05/2018 10:07

Done it.
Over here, mesdames...
new thread

OP posts:
ChesterBelloc · 23/05/2018 10:58

No worries, bo - I didn't express myself quite as I would have wished, either Wine

See you all over on le baguette...

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