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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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ToElleWithIt · 08/02/2018 07:44

Also these

Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
ToElleWithIt · 08/02/2018 07:45

I just posted the same shirt twice. Ooops I meant to post this dress which could be cute for summer holidays.

Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
botemp · 08/02/2018 20:37

I know people really love Uniqlo on here but I always feel a tad disappointed in it. The weight of the fabrics is just a touch too frugal in my experience, then I also have issues with their vanity sizing. I do really rate the sportswear though.

Wasn't there some talk previously that the quality of the IdlF collection being of poorer quality than normal Uniqlo stuff. I do like the things you picked for yourself, Elle, IME Uniqlo comes up on the larger side, an XXS is still roomy on me and I need children's sized jeans Hmm but none of it comes in short so it may all fit well at your height. Though I think the IdlF collection always comes in a tad smaller (where the U collection comes in big). J.W. Anderson is also doing another colab with them, curious to see what will come of that as I was excited about the first one but didn't end up buying a thing in the end as the materials really weren't all that nice.

botemp · 08/02/2018 20:44

Celeriacacaca, I see you haven't got a reply yet, I don't know which boots Hilbo bought but the ones previously linked by banana were in the sale, but these are not dissimilar.

For the lipstick, do you know your undertones at all?

ProperLavs · 08/02/2018 21:02

I keep reading it as ‘majestic failure’ for some reason!

botemp · 08/02/2018 21:09

I suppose it's better than majestic fissure Grin

I got lost on the &Other Stories site just now, lured in by a Parisian boudoir mini collection (fun but overpriced, looks like silk but most of it isn't) but stumbled across these Safari Trousers, the thick band at the waist and the pleating sitting lower makes them a good fit for me potentially, as well as the slightly tapered legs at the bottom. Will have to investigate if they're available in store.

Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
Laska5772 · 08/02/2018 21:16

Ooh I like the uniqlo colection.. I dont mind Vanity sizes! ( being tat bit bigger) what should I go for a14/16 in the jackets do you think ? Sz L? or XL?

AuldAlliance · 08/02/2018 21:51

Bo, that's true about Uniqlo fabric; it is often a bit meh. And I can't work out their sizing. I've ordered and sent a lot back from there.

Majestic Filature is a funny name, since in French filature refers to weaving but also to the police tailing a suspect. Majestic Fissure just made me wince.

I've still got my head down working hard. I realise this query is about as Parisian as Tesco's croissants, Wink but if anyone has any tips for dressing on transatlantic flights to chilly northeastern states, I'd be grateful. The last time I flew to the US I was 11 and it was July...
Also (again, this is not a French question), am I right in thinking that the buildings will be overheated there? I'm trying to plan my conference wardrobe, having resigned myself to not wowing anyone with my research...

OP posts:
Mimilondon39 · 08/02/2018 21:55

Oh I've found my people. Loving all these ideas. Wear layers on flights - cashmere wrap/scarf good - it always gets v chilly up there...

ProperLavs · 08/02/2018 22:08

I like the look of those trousers. I am currently loving lynn whatshername- the American ‘accidental icon’. She looks bloody amazing whatever she wears.

AuldAlliance · 08/02/2018 22:16

Thanks Mimi. I've ordered a cashmere/silk wrap to replace the one I lost last time I took a plane, and will plan layers...

I like those trousers too, but would look like a clown in them, sadly.

OP posts:
quirkychick · 09/02/2018 06:54

I've only really bought knitwear and heattech from uniqlo, as we don't have a shop locally. Their cotton cashmere and extra fine merino are very good and I've had mine quite a few years and they get washed regularly. I had some heattech socks which weren't so good, nylon and really didn't last, as well as a merino/synthetic mix jumper dress that bobbled horrendously and just looked awful quickly.

Proper accidental icon is very chic, I agree.

bo lovely trousers, would look rubbish on me as I'm quite straight up and down.

ToElleWithIt · 09/02/2018 08:20

I generally go with layering and comfort for planes especially if I'm planning to get some sleep. So either soft jeans or a pair of gasp tracksuit bottoms (not athletic wear just to be clear - bridge too far). I have a pair of navy petit bateau ones that I think look reasonable when put on with a white t-shirt and merino jumper. That is probably not very French, but it is comfortable for sleeping in. I always bring a giant scarf and a pair of cozy socks for on board too.

North Americans seem to be much better at temperature control than we are in Northern Europe in my experience. They need to be I guess, so I would just dress normally for indoor events and have a warn jacket in the cloakroom!

Thanks for the Uniqlo advice. I will set expectations low, but might try a couple of things. The size chart doesn't show conversion to UK sizes. Would a UK 10 be a S?

botemp like the trousers. Are they a slightly funny length on the model or is it my perception / being out-of-date? I know you're petite so could have them tailored to whatever length you want them.

Laska5772 · 09/02/2018 08:33

Hush Harems for planes (not v french but great). and yes layers big scarf / cashmere wrap and socks great also .. Last time i was in US (Midwest) in summer it was boiling (really hot - 90s ) outside and really icy in malls restaurants etc.. was quite a strange experience but definitely needed a cover up/cardi indoors with me in some places ! .

Floisme · 09/02/2018 09:59

Love those safari trousers. But then I would, wouldn't I?

I've never bought from the Ines range although I normally really like the Uniqlo collaborations. I'll have to think why, especially as Uniqlo are probably my first point of call on the high street at the moment. That's damning with very faint praise but I find that, to consistently get much better, I have to upgrade to the likes of Me and Em and Toast.

But not Uniqlo cashmere - it was possibly the worst I've ever had but because it was 'dry clean only' (like I'm going to dry clean a £50 jumper) I had no recourse. To me that says, 'Yeah we know it's a bit hit and miss but we're not taking any responsibility.' I'll never buy it again.

Sorry I've no advice on flying - I just wear my normal stuff Blush I've been in New York in January and I've never known cold like it but all the buildings were cooking inside. So loads of layers basically.

RosieLig · 09/02/2018 14:34

Hi - looking for a longer wearing lipstick from you red lipstick wearing experts! After reading this thread I bought a red lipstick from Kiko- gorgeous colour 312 a cool toned red. Anyway, wore it out on Saturday night and spent all evening reapplying it! 😬 I need something moisturising but long lasting. I don’t mind how much it costs( within reason 😆)

Thanks!

Pa those red/wine boots have arrived - I will report back!

AuldAlliance · 09/02/2018 19:42

Sorry, Rosie, despite these threads, I've still not started wearing lipstick, so can't help. Blush

Thanks for the advice for travel wear. I'm not planning to buy anything new, just aware that the flight will probably be less of a doddle for my 40-something self than it was when I was 11 or 12.
Actually, typing this, I've just had a flashback and recalled that I wore a pastel blue jumpsuit for that flight.
Probably from Tammy Girl or Clockhouse.
Luckily le ridicule ne tuait pas in 1984ish either...
Jumpsuits were well cool then, first time around.
I remember because it had long, slim pockets and I slipped a packet of Murray Mints in one for take-off, which a security guard claimed looked from a distance suspiciously like a little gun. So he had to frisk me. Hmm

OP posts:
ToElleWithIt · 09/02/2018 20:11

Yikes AuldAlliance all the side eye for handsy security guard. Yuck. I hope the trip goes okay.

On lipstick I bought hourglass Iconic on the basis of a recommendation here and it’s great, but a more drying texture. For a very slightly orange-toned red with a creamier texture I love Tom Ford Dressed to Kill. No real experience with others, but I’m sure there must be something between Kiko and TF.

CatherineMaitland · 09/02/2018 20:29

Speaking of lipsticks, would anyone have a recommendation for a darkish red? I think I am more warm-toned than cool but not dramatically so.

ksb76 · 09/02/2018 21:21

@singformysupper I live in the US so can't comment on the intl shipping / returns costs I'm afraid. One of the few positives at the moment to living in the US.

Liz38 · 09/02/2018 21:29

Elle, I did a macaron making course a couple of weeks ago and one tip we were given (although it's too late for you now) was to freeze them after making for at least two days. They don't take long to defrost and it apparently makes the shells crunchier. I tried it with the ones I made on the course and they certainly didn't suffer although I'm not good enough to know whether it improved them.

Hope yours have worked well!

ToElleWithIt · 10/02/2018 09:58

Sorry * just re-read your post and realize you said cool reds so ignore the colours I mentioned

Macarons came out okay. One batch was a bit under mixed, but the other 2 were better. Photos of the better lot attached. I made them over three days and put first lot in freezer filled. Then froze other shells on Thursday and filled last night so thanks all for the advice.

No what does a Parisienne wear to hen party in a Mexican dive bar? (Macarons for preceding afternoon tea party). Genuine question!

Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
botemp · 10/02/2018 12:08

I guess this is less French and if I have to pinpoint it, South American, but on long haul flights I take an outfit change with me, loungewear-esque on the plane (a sweater dress you can cocoon up in and warm natural fibre tights are actually a good one), good comfy thick socks, YY to a giant scarf and I put my coat in with the luggage at check-in. Also have a small toiletry bag, like a sheet mask for during the flight as I shrivel up at an alarming rate, deodorant (not a spray) and toothbrush + toothpaste just before landing (though remember to keep a water bottle around until then as you can't drink the tap water in the toilet) and change back into normal clothing so I feel less like a boiled in a bag ready meal upon arrival.

For in the US, it really depends, if it's a convention hall and it isn't busy it can be quite chilly, if it's busy, it can be boiling and people happily walk around in short sleeves. I find that most US indoor climates allow for year-round wearing the same clothes regardless of season. If it's a 'smaller' conference in a business hotel I'd expect temps to be comfortable everywhere except maybe in some odd hallways.

Elle, I was wondering about the length too, but I think it's thrown off by the shoes. They're really quite high and we're not really 'used' to seeing that anymore. Normally with the introduction of silhouette changes, heel heights change with it and we haven't really seen that. It probably has more to do with female emancipation becoming such a hot button issue over the last 1.5yrs. Even the diminutive kitten heel isn't really catching on, we only really see heels in boots and they're not neck breaking height and tend to be sturdy.

Rosie, I think in between Kiko and Tom Ford, Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy is a good pick for moisturising and long-lasting. Though, if you're a subconscious lip worrier or licker, very few lipsticks will hold up to that. I think 'Boldface' is their cool red.

Catherine, it's semi-sheer but I tend to prefer that with darker reds as they can be a bit full on, but you can try Lipstick Queen 'Medieval'.

Very impressive feet on the macaron shells there, good shine on them too, Elle. I'd wear a less fancy version of attached, washed silk (or otherwise floaty blouse) worn open a touch low (camisole optional), low rise slim fit jeans, a good belt with a bit of decoration, western style boots, battered old leather jacket or bomber and a scarf with a bit of an ethnic feel. Mishmash jewellery, either stacking a few delicate necklaces or bracelets. Smudgy kohl around the eyes and forget about lipstick as I can't be arsed with reapplying all night. Although I don't think anyone but Brits (the Irish, maybe?) actually do hen nights, so my take is probably useless in that regard.

Le ridicule ne tue pas....les Parisiennes de Mumsnet
quirkychick · 10/02/2018 13:44

Elle the macarons look great! Yum, yum.

That's a lovely outfit, bo. I like that silk blouse/battered jacket/ethnic look.

I've really been people watching recently, especially in the very cold recent weather. One mum see on the way to school (who is french) was wearing a soft, purply burgundy fur hat with a dark camel/caramel wool coat that looked both warm and chic, but somehow not overdressed. Another woman, with stunning long, straight, silver hair had on a beautiful very dark green velvet parka, with grey fur around the hood.

CatherineMaitland · 10/02/2018 13:58

Thanks bo - look forward to trying that!

I am actually in France at the moment but in deepest rural Brittany which doesn't bear much resemblance to Parisian style. I did get mistaken for French on the ferry over though, which was a nice boost to the ego.