This thread is about as French as a Sainsbury's baguette

[AuldAlliance]

But we'll still enjoy it...

They would look incredibles over the new shoes too! But I am turning away, and modelling restraint. Congratulations on your self control in Antwerp, especially on the one shoulder top and the perfect nude Equipment shirt, but as you say tolerating imperfection is good if you already own a piece, but shouldn't extend to new acquisitions.

Love the Rick Owens! But fair enough if you didn't love the pieces enough.

I'm inspired by your silk skirt, bo and in the spirit of not saving for best I have dug out my old, black, silk chiffon skirt for a parents meeting. It looks great with my greek sandals and a charcoal grey t-shirt. It was cool earlier this morning and I had on jeans, but wanted to look less scruffy and be less hot too. I'm definitely sold on silk in the heat .

Wide leg Bellini's, Sock? I was talking about cocktail offerings since you only seemed to be interested in the fruit punch drinks and not the lovely Italian Bellini's (prosecco or spumante with white peach puree and raspberry coulis).

On top of expecting, peony also negotiated a successful pay rise, so lots to congratulate her for, Sophie

Chester, I look for a cowl and drapy necklines for the exact same reasons as there really isn't much there at the top. Its a bit of a barren landscape for a bit and then it's like shelf of boob With a good bra I can do a nice bit of false advertising though

Is everyone congratulating me on my self restraint just a really polite way of saying, you weirdo why did you not buy ALL the things!?

Quirky, I dug out my pleated asymmetrical skirt I mentioned from Cora Kemperman this afternoon thinking of you and your own expedition into your old wardrobe. It's definitely too big but maybe I can get it sized down, I'll try to take a picture of it tomorrow, if I remember.

My bag arrived, only had a brief moment with it so far. Went very well with what I'm wearing as it contrasts nicely with the very casual (the distressed Levi's 501, Soeur grey t-shirt, and the Calvin Klein wedges) which I wasn't expecting to happen so easily. It's a lovely size and quality, not as stiff as I thought but it holds its shape well when worn but it is a shade darker than I anticipated. It's pretty much the same colour as the tan Loewe bags which have a slight cool undertone which works well with the gold hardware to make it feel more contemporary but it does make it slightly less versatile for S/S but works really well for A/W which I hoped it would also transition into. I'll have to have a good try on session with it, would be a shame if the summer bag isn't very summery but I'm hard pressed to part with it for now.

On the practicality front, tough to say at this point as I've only tried it on empty so far. Basically it has to fit into the files which most of my things would but to put it politely, there are far more efficient bags out there.

Not me stalking the punchbowls Bo... really.

Good bag too...

And the restraint compliment was just that. If it had been me in those pictures or noticing the defects, I would walk away too. Some days, everything fits and looks great; on other days, nowt.

It's interesting as I'm also lacking on my top half but because I have prominent collar bones and absolutely no fat on the area above my boobs, any drapy neckline just looks AWFUL on me!! In fact I try to cover it up usually or chose suitable necklines.

Genuine congratulations from me Bo for the restraint. I do try to make sensible purchases. After analysing everything, I always just ask myself "do I love this?" If it's a no then I do make a big effort not to buy! (I think I would have bought the boat neck black top though if the price was good )

Hmm, yes the price was annoyingly good for the Alaia at only €90 (at a consignment shop but it clearly had never been worn and by the picture I sourced it was a pretty recent season). Now where do I go to collect my Self Restraint Olympic Medal?

elle where is the pic of my drug of choice, the wide legged linen trousers? ;)

Congratulations to peony from me too ❤️

Love in particular the Ann Demeulemeester linen top Bo - dunno why but it spoke to me. The inner voice in me who wants to swan about layered in gauzy linen is sometimes strong - must be an ancestor from ancient Egypt struggling to make themself heard ;) interesting to read about your musings on fit. I have similar reasoning, am trying hard not to spend money on items that fit badly just because I love the colour or style. (Ignore my recent trouser purchase plz) You were very restrained, well done. No point in wasting the money.

But I would’ve bought the Alaia 😬

Sounds like a nice outfit quirkychick

I too would have bought the Alaia and the Dries Blazer!). The Rick Owens 2-piece is gorgeous on you, but I agree that it’s so limited. When are the next sample sales in Antwerp?

If that Equipment shirt is French Nude, then I own it and agree the colour is lovely on. Medium would swamp you though especially if it was the signature cut (I have slim). The bag is lovely, the compartments would suit some I’m sure, if you are a person capable of remembering in which compartment you put your keys…..

One thing I would love is another silk – what I would call “shell top”. Basically like the Dries patterned one I posted a while back, but in a plain colour and either drapey or not. I want it for wearing to work with the wide-legged trousers so nothing skimpy or too transparent. If anyone sees anything please let me know.

Banivani if the kids cooperate I’ll try to get some pictures tonight.

I did fill it up the Rokh bag last night and everything bar my Bioderma sunscreen top up spray fits. The large metal 'decoration' is actually detachable so you can put it on one of the files too which is a handy guide thingy as that will be the compartment I'll keep my phone in. Wallet and keys sit in front of the files. Fitted more than I expected but it's not generous to say the least. It actually goes with quite a bit, not everything but it works well enough so it's staying for now.

The exact dates haven't been announced yet, Elle. It's usually the first week of November but it's been late October sometimes as well but it always starts on a Wednesday so I'm guessing it'll be the 7th this year. I'll keep an eye out and let you know as soon as they announce which really should be sometime soon.

Can you repost the Dries top? For whatever reason I've got it stored in my mind that it sort of folds over on itself vertically But basically sleeveless with a higher neckline and a bit of movement to it?

Dries top. It doesn't have a pleat even though it looks like it does. It's an excess of fabric which drapes vertically and is then sort of scooped up into the hem. I don't need something identical, rather just something sleeveless, but work appropriate and ideally with a bit of interesting detail / structure somewhere on it. A lower or wider neckline would be okay, just not a low scoop. I've worn the Dries top a good bit in the hot weather, so I think I'd get good wear out of a similar piece that wouldn't compete as much with "interesting" trousers.

Appreciate that on the dates!

I'll keep an eye out for similar tops with a bit of interest. Was planning a more thorough silk camisole search on the internet anyhow as my luck in shops has been limited so far.

I think they'll announce the dates on the 31st of July going by previous years but sometimes they're a bit slow getting the press release out

There’s a pair of Kavat sandals in the sale for a mere 700 kr. But I’m not loving the fit. My toes can’t reach the front and my heel kind of sticks out at the back? Pics attached, welcome to my patchy tan and mosquito bites.

Ooo elle I’ve definitely seen tops like that but maybe not in nicer brands. I like that drape hut on my it tend to go skewways over my breasts and flop off to one side. I’ll keep the look in mind.

Those sandals look like the straps are too tight and your foot can't forward enough, banivani. I often have that problem as I have a high instep. I find sandals quite tricky.

Nice bag, bo. It looks like lovely quality too.

Thanks, Elle my silk skirt is 20+ yrs old and I usually save it for occasion wear. Although, I wouldn't do the gardening in it, I think it probably has more scope to wear regularly. Lovely Dries top, I like it more each time I see it.

Yeah quirky that’s prob it. Don’t know if my instep is that high but one of my Pilates instructors said it was surprisingly muscular haha so maybe that’s it. It’s a bit of a relief. I felt this pressure to get them because they were on sale but I’m over it now. :)

Agree that the length of the shoes would probably be alright if you could get you foot further forward in them so I think the front strap is too tight too.

Trousers pictures:
At first I thought I might wear them with a heel for work like in pic 1 with the black tee. Now I’m leaning more towards having them taken up slightly and wearing them more casually like in pics 2 and 3. White top is a bit fussy with them I think? Third top option in next post.

Last pic.

botemp I don’t know if you’re still having a bois de rose moment, but I thought of you when I saw these in the sale. Sadly not the nicer style of high heel.

Peony I know you got your bag made, but saw this recently and thought it was nice. Tempted myself to be honest!

I really like the high waist and overall waist shape on those trousers Elle. They look nicest to me with a tucked in top. I like the white top and the neckline but maybe the dangly bit doesn't go (as you suspect). Can it be looped up a bit so it doesn't dangle over the waistline? Even so, I think you look lovely - it's a nice top. I also like them with the black top in your first photo.

I came on to say that my Global Babes sun hat has arrived! And without any import duties or delays.

For the price of the hat, the packaging was very simple and not what I expected: the hat was folded up in a small Jiffy bag. It looked more like a cheap eBay buy from China! I guess it at least proves that the hat really can be scrunched up in one’s bag. I also got a very sweet handwritten note from the CEO of Global Babes apologising for the delay (although the hat arrived when expected) and thanking me for the purchase. She said they plant a tree for every purchase and have planted over 4000 trees now.

The hat itself fits me fine. It’s not floppy at all and is stiff but flexible (if that makes sense) so the wide brim can be moulded into whatever shape or angle you like. It’s also a little heavier that I expected (because it’s not a plain floppy hat) but in no way uncomfortable. I don’t think it’s the kind of hat I would feel comfortable wearing walking around the city because it’s quite large but it’s perfect for the beach or a holiday resort/island. So overall I'm happy with it

Elle gorgeous trousers! I like them with the black top tucked in, too. They do look lovely with trainers. I've forgotten where they were from, but the shape is lovely.

I seem to be having a tucked in moment with tops. Usually, I don't because it accentuates my waist, but have found that looser tops tucked in create more of a defined waist. That or losing a bit of weight and toning up more have meant it looks better on me than before .

Your hat sounds lovely, Sophie.

Elle thank you for feeding my addiction. Very nice trousers. I agree that they’re a bit more amenable to a casual look, but I wouldn’t be averse to the heels. One of the things I like about wide linen trousers though is how they (often) lend themselves to casual styles even though they might be sewn in a fairly formal one, like a suit. I like that mix. I can’t see that the white top doesn’t go? But I’m on my phone so the picture is so small

What brand were the trousers? Can’t remember!

My white Kavat sneakers have arrived - pic attached. They’re the men’s version but fit well. They are a bit squeaky though - the leather is creaking ... I have to pay for returns though so it might not be dealbreaker. Also bought white sneakers for my son who doesn’t like them 🙄. Because there’s a brown bit at the front with “Kavat” - not a cool brand. He wants Converse the little brat.

Today I went for an eye test at a mall so went in to a shop to try on Residus dresses for real. The wrap dress was not good. A very flimsy knitted polyester fabric and too short. The more obviously formal ones in a more substantial viscose-polyester blend (ponte?) were quite good though. I tried on the model Amalia in black, which fit really well but I’d prefer a different colour, and the model is so very ... stuffy? The Lily I tried on in navy and it was surprisingly edgy because the drape doesn’t waterfall drape IRL but instead falls to the side in a very angular fold. So I really like that a little better but the sleeves are a bit tight 😩. Links below. Anyway, they can sit there while I think - going to Sthlm tomorrow with my daughters and who knows, I might come back better dressed? Look forward to a live visit to Arket!

www.johnells.se/kvinna/varumarken/residus/amelia

www.johnells.se/kvinna/senast-inkommet/lily

Love the trainers, banivani (and your floor, very cool). The first dress does look quite formal, the navy one is lovely. I've put a small split inCould you let out the sleeves slightly without spoiling the shape? I've put a small split in a sleeve seam before, which just gives you a bit more room.

I don't know what happened to that post! I lost some of it, retyped and it came back in the middle .

I like the neck of the blue one too, bani, nicely structural. I wouldn't get much wear out of that kind of dress though, (SAHM) - it looks quite corporate to me, and a bit too austere for a wedding-type occasion.

Argh stupid MN made me lose my long post.

In brief, Bani enjoy your day out in Stockholm today!

Elle, trousers are great. I'd take the trainers and the heels with you to the tailor and get an in between length that works for both, it'll be a bit slouchier on the trainers (which tailors get huffy about) but that should work with the casual vibe.

I think the white Dries top doesn't sit as naturally as the others as it's competing with volume so the eye doesn't really know where to settle.

Like the toast bag, think I prefer the mustard. Still all over Bois de Rose moving into terracotta and browns with a bit of orange thrown in. Unfortunately, those low block heels always look awful on me.

Thanks for the hat update, Sophie, will definitely consider one if sunny holiday plans ever emerge. Did they just package it cheaply in hopes that customs don't notice it? Did it have the declared value on it and all that? Also, off topic I can't recall anymore whether you mentioned if the tinted Frezyderm was ok or not for skin on the lighter side. Or maybe you never mentioned it?

Thanks to a Madame Le Figaro article I have some new silk camisole leads and discovered some new French shops along the way. One I'm quite excited by is Mirae Paris which definitely appears to be a French take on Everlane. The fabrics are sourced to have the lowest environmental impact, they've visited all manufacturers and ensure fair labour etc. and other ambitious incentives like offering a semi annual clothes swap for clients. What I do like about them is that they say quite openly that they're learning along the way and that it won't all be perfect from the get go. And their default dark basic colour is navy rather than black. It's the usual basics with a difference in good fabric, though I did sense they pay attention to cut more than others for example by cutting things on the bias. Not sure if their camisole would work for me in terms of versatility but I do really like the look of them.

Also discovered Flo has opened up her own Parisian fashion empire, Flolove Paris and failed to tell us about it. Lovely things in there though

Elle, came across very little for you on my search actually, there doesn't appear to be much between silk camisoles/tanks and shirts/blouses. Did find quite a bit on the outlet sites so I'm guessing it's a fashion thing. I stuck them all on a Shoptagr wishlist which I've been trying to use more consistently and it was actually quite convenient for this. You should just be able to access it but let me know if you can't. I also came across this Sies Marjan piece which doesn't meet your criteria strictly but I did quite like it for you and the skirt they paired it with would look great on you too.

Hmm, not doing all that well on the keeping it brief front