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

[AuldAlliance]

But we'll still enjoy it...

Lovely dresses Auld. I used to buy lots of work clothes from La Redoute pre online shopping.

In the pre-online shopping era, when I lived in an overseas département, La Redoute was a godsend.

And it's Frencher than a Sainsbury's baguette

Somewhere (one of their offshoots) used to be great, too, I had amazing linen dresses from there that were my work uniform. It's overpriced now, like so many other stores...

Yes I was another big La Redoute fan in the 90s/early noughties before internet shopping was really a thing. They had a good spread of price/quality points and sometimes an interesting designer/celeb line. And maybe they still do but they stopped sending me their catalogue and their website was such a mess that I gave up on them. Not heard of Somewhere so thanks, Auld I'll take a look.

I'm surprised to hear that about Agnes b. I don't think I've ever seen the clothes in real life and they look unremarkable (at least to me) online so I'd just assumed it was like a French equivalent of Margaret Howell - understated but amazing quality that you don't fully appreciate until you've worn it all day.

Sorry, I've just realised Somewhere may not deliver outside France.
If anyone wants me to play pony and send anything on, let me know...bit of a pricy procedure though. There are Somewhere shops, including one in Paris, if anyone is there and curious...

Getting the La Redoute catalogue was a big event, back in the day. Their website is tricky, I agree.

I think I have a few La Redoute pieces from those times left, so they must have been good quality. You could often find something different from British high street shops, too. I did look at their website a bit, but they seemed to exclude all the designer collaborations from their discount codes, so I stopped bothering.

I had a couple of Paule Ka jean skirts from La Redoute in days gone by. They were a bit too short but otherwise okay. The black one continues to this day as the waist closing element of my ancient black leather jeans when my waist never quite returned to it's pre-maternity sleekness.

Thank goodness I've found you all again! I'd accidentally hidden this new thread instead of watched. Argh. Thanks for starting the new thread Auld, though is it an idea to ask MNHQ to add our the Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet USP to the title so idiots like me can find it again? or just mention a leather penis, I'm sure I wouldn't have read over the title several times if that was in it

Love reading all the wishlists and thanks for initiating the tradition, peony. Will post mine later. Also love reading everyone's own self analysis of body shapes and how clothes for works for and against you.

In other news it's going to be very hot today and I have the occasion to wear it so the new Isabel Marant pope scandalising dress is getting an outing

Cosmia so good to see you delurk, great to hear you've gotten so much out of these threads!

Welcome the kingfisher, yes both Sezane and Bobbies are quite popular on here.

Elle, you know I love those Everlane editor slingbacks too. Yvonne Kone also has some similar ones, so I can't remember where I saw it, but I really like the idea of those in a mink grey suede.

I put boots away, keep a few ankle boots around that work well colour wise but the bulk of them gets put away because I have a lot of shoes and need the space.

Oh that is disturbing to hear about Eres, I've always hoped it was one of those too good to be true type brands, much as I thought about Sezane once. Hate it when they turn out to be magically amazing and worth the high amount of pennies they're asking.

Peony, don't know if I shared this here before or not but a Spanish jewelry brand has lots of lovely medaillon pieces, as well as other things, quite affordable too. by Lia.

As for dresses for the long beans, this petit pois always stares longingly at the dresses by Uterque. I love this linen one and this poplin one.

Flo, you've gotten me all nostalgic. We used that exact album cover to model my geisha look after for Halloween when I was a child. I even had one of those bamboo parasols to complete look. It was the first time my mother allowed me to wear red lipstick and I was beyond ecstatic.

Latest kimono shot attached, which incidentally I also paired with a bright red lip (that leans slightly magenta). With thanks to Chester whose dark indigo suggestion with the red kimono made me try this one with all deep navy as it was falling a bit flat, I'm still not a 100% happy with this one, but it worked well enough on the day. Also gratuitous shot of my new H&M blazer, really pleased with its versatility and happy I held out for the smaller size online as it's just the right side of oversized for me where the one in store felt a touch to big.

Bob, I think the quality of Agnes B has gone down for quite some time, my mother was a big fan and it all held up really well. It never felt like my style so I ended up selling it on Vestiaire after she passed and was rather amazed at how quick those pieces sold and for far more than I anticipated, so I'm guessing the old quality is still highly sought after.

Catharine, have you had a look at the Majestic Filatures jersey blazers? They're really lovely fabrics and very suitable as that throw on piece if it gets a bit cool at night and they have a very casual vibe still.

Before I forget, I've come across a new ethical brand, UK based. Olive Clothing, very much has a slow fashion vibe, well suited to the conscious capsule wardrobe types. Prices seem decent considering their ambitions, though some pieces feel a bit pricy. Good natural fabrics mostly by the looks of it quite wide/relaxed fitting so will probably work better for some body types than others.

Lovely pictures, bo. Glad we haven't lost you . I hope your pope scandalising dress is perfect for the weather.

I do like blazers, for a spring or summer cover up. I've got a denim one, that I got from a charity shop and a very thin, unlined taupe one from a french brand (unsure which) that my mother bought for me. The taupe is particularly useful this time of year. I also seem to be getting quite a bit of wear out of the charcoal cashmere poncho I bought in the January sales. As someone who walks around most places, I find I need proper coats in the winter, but it's a perfect cover up in the chillier mornings and evenings. Yesterday, it kept me warm once the sun went down at a local music festival after such a hot day.

Olive looks interesting, not got the budget for it at the moment, but I will certainly keep it on my radar as one to watch. I do like a conscious, capsule wardrobe and I can be very patient filling in gaps of things I want.

Taupe is a great colour, quirky I forgot about rediscovered a pair of Hugo Boss t-bar sandals that used to belong to my mother and they're in between a brown and taupe and surprisingly versatile with so many things and helpfully crossed off a 'need' for grey strappy sandals.

Dress was brilliant yesterday in the heat, it inched up to 29° at some point and it was lovely and cool. Somewhat disappointed I failed to scandalise anyone though...

Before I forget, Soeur has free shipping on until end of today CET hadn't seen it before but it's a pretty good deal as their shipping is quite high and it applies to all of Europe as far as I can tell.

As promised my wishlist, I'm trying to keep it small and letting 70s Lauren Hutton (pic 1) be my muse this summer (though she's equally still a fab dresser today but the narrow v necks, hats and kimono nods are right up my alley at the moment).

I discovered some gaps in my wardrobe this spring but I've also found I'm fine without a lot of them so main priority are:

Jeans, preferably in a lighter wash 501 style but in a flattering fit when fitted on me. Unfortunately, so far all that I've tried that met that criteria has all been £££.

Silk camisoles, fitted but still loose appears to be an impossible ask. Am on the fence about lace, I find it a bit bedroom/night out but I've tried on quite a nice one from ba&sh with lace where it was very subtle. Otherwise I've only come across a lot of duds so far. I've spotted a yellow one on the &other stories site and may try some from Sezane as well. Elle, was it you that at some point mentioned being quite disappointed in silk tops from them? Also looking at Grana (a HK based sort of Everlane) as people really seem to like their silk camisoles but I've yet to figure out the import taxes and duties situation and they're delightfully vague about it on their website. Also, said people who like the camisoles are generally quite flat chested.

Don't think I'll have much need for these for quite some time but I really was lacking some thin knits in cotton in early spring. I've seen some at the Arket's boy department which might fit the bill but nice fitted ones seem to be far and few between.

I'm still trouser obsessed, for A/W I'd really like to get some camel ones (pic 2)in (the Dries trousers I bought technically are a bit more khaki than camel). Unfortunately only seen some from Chloe and Stella McCartney and they're frighteningly expensive. Also would like a pair of wool oversized check navy trousers (pic 3).

Now that I have the Jacquemus knock off from Zara I'm also somewhat determined to get the real thing. Though I've attempted it last year too but the sizing is a bit all over the place and I would like a piece that reads signature Jacquemus but is wearable on the regular so we'll see if it's achievable this year. Am considering it a birthday present to self.

A bag. It's still doing my head in, everything I genuinely like is either impractical or just not for the S/S season. Sigh.

Beyond that I should probably keep spending to a minimum. Next Paris trip has been booked for end of July (piggybacking onto a business trip aka days to myself, my idea of heaven). I'm not going to do the full fashion lent again but probably try to stick to the above list only or exceptional bargains in the sale. Will probably also squeeze in a trip to Antwerp somewhere.

I have my husband to thank for introducing me to Sparks many years later. Until he showed me the lyrics on 'Kimono my House' I had no idea how funny they were. Mind you I wasn't the only one - as I recall at the time, they were widely regarded as a novelty kids band and the BBC were happily playing 'Amateur Hour', presumably without realising it's about bad teenage sex

Taupe is a great color - the only shade of beige that suits me.

Aside from new specs (and that's a very big aside) I haven't got a wish list for summer, and now the flimsy 'high summer' stuff is coming out, I doubt I'll even see much to tempt me. And with that, I'm off for a look at Olive Clothing

Glad to remind everyone about taupe . It's the only kind of beige/tan that I can get away with. I had to send back the taupe gladiator sandals from Sorel, as despite good foot coverage and sole, the front strap was too tight. Waiting on a grey pair from Etsy, now.

Dp really likes Sparks, their lyrics are great, so funny and sharp. I hadn't paid them much attention, either. I think Radio 6 has a documentary on them up soon.

Oooh Bo I bought this cami from Sezane. I am very pleased with it. It’s fitted but not too tight, but I think comes up slightly big. This is a 10 on me - obvs wouldn’t wear with these shorts or indeed this bra. And I’m a 32D so not super flat chested but not incredibly well endowed.
I realise that I missed a couple of items off my wish list: a merino boat neck sweater (probably in navy) and a summer weight pale blazer. I’ve been after the sweater for a while but the royal wedding has reignited my lust for all things boat neck. Contemplating a trip to the John Smedley bond st store this week as there looks to be an excellent selection of boat necks there. Have tried on many wrong summer blazers. Bo’s new blazer looks perfect but alas doesn’t seem to be for sale in the UK.
I like the style of the Spanish necklaces but am thinking more treat price territory, although most likely in gold vermeil rather than gold. Thanks for all the dress suggestions.
My tan sandal quest is going very badly. Anything I like is out of sale in my size (8 /41.5-42). Might have to give up for the year and start the hunt again next February.

Bonsoir mes amies.

I have been absent whilst trying to lose weight - plus Parisienne.

I am now losing consistently so can think about buying clothes again (hope this makes sense!) although at the moment I am mainly buying cheap and cheerful as I am hoping to lose lots.

So today I popped into my local Next and bought this dress which isn't very French (et alors?)

also this tan leather bag which is scrumptiously soft and very good value

Lastly these tan sandals

Going to London next week so will pop into Stories and Uniqlo.

Thanks for the ideas on the blazers bo, I will have a look!

(still want a cardigan type thingy as well though)

Joules is good for blazers/cardi type things...

I love that you're all still here!

Thanks peony, I'd been looking at that one. I saw a blazer at Zara quite similar to mine, it's slightly darker and double breasted though. The shoulders are also much more relaxed/slouchy.

They also appear to have a yellow/mustard variation on my white shirt. A wrap shape though so possibly a good choice for other body types and this one is all linen.

I beg to differ, poobum, if the model was a brunette with a deep tan that dress would totally pass as French. Looks like a lovely haul, enjoy it.

Anyone a fan of ruffle skirts? They usually make me really short and dumpy but I decided to try this one on from Acne Studios anyway and was quite surprised at the height it gave me. It does feel a bit special occasion wear, just wondering if there's a bit more scope to it as it's not cheep and cheerful. Ignore the 'tan', it's Vita Liberata Body blur that's a bit darker in the same colour I bought last year

Oh, lovely skirt, bo, love the sandals too.

happypoobum lovely dress, I think those kind of simple dresses are very chic in the hot weather.

Thanks for the Olive Clothing link bo I'm quite taken with it - much more my style than, say People Tree. I will try and hold back for the moment as there really is nothing I need right now, but I'll definitely take another look in the autumn and there are one or two things I may end up stalking in the sales.

AuldAlliance How did you get on with the dresses? Both nice, but I liked the green in particular.

Chester thanks – I’ve worn it lots already. I was a bit hmmm about spending that much on a cotton top, but I think it’s interesting enough to warrant it. There’s some detail on the back collar too. Nice find on the MD top, sounds like a good shape.

botemp Yes I think it was you who flagged the Editor slingbacks. I’ll see how they look. The Yvonne Kone ones are really beautiful. The grey ones seem to have a pinkish cast to them which is really lovely. I’m also admiring the petrol ones.

That Utereque Poplin dress is gorgeous sits on hands. I also love the Zara yellow top and the shape would be better for me I think (thoughts? – sometime I think I’m worst at judging shapes on me). The folded linen reminds me some lovely dresses I tried on Saturday. I had a rare chance to browse in town and out of curiosity tried on two Delpozo dresses reduced to half price. The construction was absolutely lovely. Unfortunately I didn’t take a picture of me in them, but I’ve attached the photo of the red one. It really was beautifully made.

You’re getting lots of wear out of the leather slides. They’re fabulous. I love the blazer too, great find. I definitely recommend visiting Eres. The attached swimsuit (although undeniable “rich bitch” as you’d say) did absolute wonders and certainly made me feel a million dollars! I have my eye on the Asia style as a more practical all-rounder.

I have one silk cami from Sezane and thought it was very thin, but it is white which obviously suffers from transparency issues anyway. It would probably be less obvious in a darker colour. I kept it anyway as I only wanted it for layering under shirts and tops so in that sense it suited. I have 2 silk t-shirt from there and they are nice quality for the price. I’ll try to get a photo of the cami later. The fit sounds like what you’re after. I also see that Sezane do a silk cami bodysuit which struck me as potentially useful for layer as it would keep everything neater when tucking in the shirt etc, but then bodysuits are a total pain.

Olive clothing looks like one to keep an eye on. The simple linen shorts look promising, but it’s annoying that the show very few things on a model. Maybe that’s just me? I do like seeing them on a person.

Also I really like the skirt on you. Do you not think you could wear it during the day pretty much as you have it there? Or with a white / grey tee? It’s a lovely skirt. I find it hard to make ruffles work for me. I don’t like them over my hips as I feel that they add bulk there and I also struggle with them on hems of short skirts as mostly I think it’s a looks that looks super sweet if you’re shorter and somehow (and maybe I’d dead wrong on this) can look massively overgrown-toddler when you’re 5’10” like me. That may be my insecurities speaking though…

quirky - a cashmere poncho sound so cozy.

happypoobum Those are great finds at Next. I must admit it’s a shop I’ve written off in the past few years, but maybe I’ll have to revisit. The black dress definitely has an Etoile by IM feel to it IMO and the leather sandals and bag look great.

All this talk about kimonos has reminded me that I bought a very cool yukata and obi belt on a previous trip to Japan. Unfortunately the yukata doesn’t lend itself to being worn open as it’s very long – ingenious the way that they’re one size only and you adjust to fit. The obi is very modern, a graphic photograph in with neon colours. It might be fun to try it over a black dress.

I’m spilling over into post 2 to fit in my images. Not that they’re especially interesting, but I always love that this thread has lots of images. It’s the better for it IMO.

Dress I bought from B@sh in London. Thought it’s a French brand I’m not sure that it’s especially Parisian, but it is a good colour for me and lovely and comfortable. I think it’s the light making my chest look weirdly cavernous, but I do want to sew a little press stud into the V-neck to lift it up a fraction. The bag contains a gift. I did not buy anything!

I did try on this shirt from V by VB, which I thought was fun. In theory I like the idea of it for work, but I think in practice the men I work with would think that I had got dressed in the dark. Obviously I wouldn't wear it like this, but tucked in or even belted over some very slim trousers.

On the topic of off-centre shirts I thought this was nice too from Christophe Lemaire – again just fantasy shopping, but if I see a cheaper version of either I’d consider it.

Lastly has anyone ever come across Toteme? They keep showing up on my Instagram feed.

Elle that B@sh dress is gorgeous! Having lost myself in the ILoveParis rabbit hole last week, I think those kind of simple, dramatic but chic dresses do seem quite Parisian. I think it depends what you wear them with, simple, neutral accessories and perfect for the hot weather.

Elle, the green Mango dress arrived yesterday.
The sizing is tiny, and it's cut quite neatly anyway, I think, so it doesn't fit me.
I'm not sure I'll bother changing it for a bigger one as I can suspect that there is far too much fabric around the skirt for it to suit me. I have jug-handle hips and really don't need yards of excess material around my bottom half.
The material itself is pretty nice, though, and I think it would be cool and pleasant to wear in summer.
The dress would probably suit someone with a smaller waist and hips.
I have to go and pick up the La Redoute one later, so will let you know.

I don't really need a dress, as I have three of these, which are amazing value and perfect for summer here.

Back to work...

I have the same issues with the usual ruffle skirt as Elle, as my hips and bum are my widest part and quickly look disproportionately large if I'm not careful (used to be a 5'2 hourglass, now definitely a pear thanks to many many years of pregnancy and breastfeeding); however, I think that one works really well, bo, because the ruffles are vertical rather than horizontal, and also inset towards the mid-line of the body rather than on the edges right on the hips - both things that pull the eye in and up rather than across. It looks great on you.

I might try it with quite a sharply cut, architectural top, in white or black, just to ensure there's no vestige of peasant 'prettiness', and to contrast with the softness of the ruffles.

I think that V white shirt* would be wasted on your colleagues, by the sound of it, Elle*!

Sorry, long and probably heat induced rambly...

Agree, Chester, that's why I tried it on as traditional ruffle skirts make me about as wide as I am tall, they're often wrap skirts as well so they just don't work for me. I think they're best suited to those with a long upper body who are pretty much straight from the midriff down and not too wide on the shoulders as it gives them shape and definition where on me it magnifies it. That pretty peasant vibe also isn't one you see with a brand like Acne Studios so it's kind of a rare opportunity in that sense. It would actually go well with Elle's beautiful VB shirt (often unfairly written off as a brand I feel, I like it a lot and it's really well made at the price point). I'll have a think about it, it's been exceptionally good weather this year so I'm more inclined to buy into S/S gear as a result but I'm trying to be mindful that, usually, we have 5 good days of summer weather here and I'm not one for hot holiday destinations so spending big on such pieces isn't the most sensible. I've put it on the sale watch though.

I like the petrol versions too Elle, they'd be versatile and go great with my fantasy Mulberry turquoise Amberley bag. Love the Ba&sh dress on you. May have to put some maxi dresses on my list. Speaking of my list, went to pick up my Zara blouse yesterday (which feels a bit big/sits differently than I remembered will have to try the makeup smeared one in store again to compare) and could have struck the jeans and fine knit jumper off my list with 50% off in one easy swoop but it was just so hot again I couldn't even judge it properly as I just wanted it off me immediately. The jeans (Alexander Wang) are surprisingly flattering on me though for a 100% cotton and I kind of like the weird giant zipper detail on the side, and I do like the cotton jumper (Frissur, a German ethical-ish brand, all made in EU) with the stark white contrast to make it a touch more exciting but maybe it's a bit bulky? In all honesty the heat does seem to be impairing my judgement

Love the Delpozo dress but I'd have the same reserve I have with my ruffle skirt, stunning piece but little opportunity to wear it. I suppose sometimes you need to fill your wardrobe with some of those, just for the sheer joy of it.

I don't have a high priority for swimsuits (my health has been far too unpredictable these last few weeks/months so no holiday plans beyond the surprise Paris trip on the horizon) but I'd like to get one now that it's the season. I actually found two very nice ones from recycled materials (hadn't really considered the environmental impact of swimwear before, has also made me change my mind about not spending much on one for that reason) at Weekday but I would have preferred a somewhat thicker and tighter fitting material around the stomach, but the shapes were surprisingly good. Love the Eres one you've attached, I'll swing by at some point, when it's not boiling preferably…

I've decided to embrace the rich bitch in me a bit, I can fight it in A/W but there's no getting away from it in S/S, as long as I don't pair it with the attitude I think I should be fine.

That's useful info on white silk at Sezane, as that's the colour I'm on the hunt for. Bodysuits work really well for me though, until the bladder intervenes, I'll have a look at those. Thanks.

Think the shape of the Zara blouse in yellow/mustard would look good on you, but I haven't seen it in the flesh so I'm only going by the online pictures.

Speaking of Lemaire, Elle, it's a fairly traditional semi-casual blazer but one popped up on eBay but it's a US based listing (which is less of an issue for you). It's a chambray denim, IIRC it's your size and it's not expensive at all, open to offers, and in a good condition. Not the shirt your were looking for but could potentially be quite versatile in your lifestyle. I can PM you the listing if you're interested?

I'm a big fan of Toteme and have been watching them since they launched and really enjoy how they're developing. She became big through Instagram so that's where the business is grown, I suppose. It's lovely quality and a good cross of Scandinavian relaxed silhouette with a bit of athleisure, though it's definitely heading more into the intimidating Scandinavian conceptual sphere as of recent. I loved their . Unfortunately for me, it all fits a bit big, which can be flattering but it's been more miss and tepid for the things I've ordered and tried on and ended up all returning but I still loved the pieces, just not on me.

Ahem, what the hell do you do when you discover you've sartorially turned into your mother? I did a quick stop at Stradivarius as it was actually quiet for once, and I tried on this jumpsuit as it's something outside my usual comfort zone, good exercise and all that. It was a bit ill fitting around the bust but I was surprised by it, even the cropped wide legs which usually looks shit on me, until I realised it was something my mother would have worn. And I was wearing the inherited sandals... Not that it's a bad thing at all but we were so different stylistically and in personality. I've been a bit bemused and staring suspiciously at the contents of my wardrobe ever since

One last thing, I need to correct my defaming of Vita Liberata Body Blur above, without realising it I ordered a new version of it which is also a fake tanner so using it a few days in a row made me a bit darker than usual because of the fake tan developing, its not the product colour being inconsistent from one year to the next.