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

[AuldAlliance]

But we'll still enjoy it...

Ahhaahaha that bloody dress of Jolie's, yes I remember it! Not the best of hours!

The coat is 100% wool actually. And I DO want a navy winter coat. I have a black one from COS now. Ideally I'd love a deep bottle green one, but such a creature will never be made.

at the leg going to the Oscar's on its own!
Ive actually had that problem before with post big photos from my phone. It used to work fine then just stopped.

Ah Bo, that Smashbox thing would be a good solution. We have Smashbox here too. Thank you! I did try the lip pencil all over the lips but it was quite drying which made me want to put some lip balm on top and voila, no longer matte!
Of course I am now thinking about buying that Dior one anyway as quite liked it.

Hhhmmm Bani, wonder why the coat looked shiny to me in the photo if it's wool. How odd Anyway it looks like a very nice coat.Go for it!

I have a little time a little time now so here's my leather jacket requirements if anyone can help:

1. Black
2. No studs, not too many zips
3. Am happy to consider biker (I never was before) but a soft biker - not too masculine.
4. Ideally for day time and evening (eg could wear over dresses too)
5. No detailing (frills etc) at shoulders or anything that resembles shoulder pads (shoulders are big enough as it is)
6. Hip bone length as opposed to waist
7. Not too girly
8. Would like a collar (already have one without a collar)
9. Full length sleeves

10. I think I would prefer something that's more classic and will last rather than something with a more unusual look

Thank you

I have completely abandoned lipstick in the heat and just gone for a little flick of (navy) liquid eyeliner and waterproof mascara instead, as it seems to stay.

at Angelina Jolie's leg.

Nice coat, banivani. I love navy.

SophieLion someone on a previous thread bought a leather jacket from Muubaa but not sure if that fits your not too unusual remit.

Muubaa did a really good Black Friday sale IIRC, they're nice, a bit Rick Owens inspired. They're not classic 'classic' but I would say they have a timeless style that won't date terribly if it suits you.

For classic 'classic' I'd keep an eye out at Massimo Dutti, they usually have stock coming in around this time of year and sometimes will have things in the sale.

I like what Uterque does leather wise, they currently have a black biker with black hardware which makes it a little less middle age mum uniform territory.

I forgot to mention the Smashbox lip mattifier is in a silicone base (I think it's just suspended powder), so just warning that it's best to try it in store first and wear it a bit because if it were to migrate down to your spot prone chin that might cause further issues there.

bani, totally irrelevant to the thread but I love the way the Swedish say wool (in Swedish), it sounds positively ancient, just like beer which always has led me to believe in ancient times the Swedes were woolly and warm and happy on beer.

Thank you QuirkyChick and Bo. I think I'm definitely looking for a simple biker. I've had a look at:

Muubaa - they didn't have in black at the moment (and then a friend of mine in fashion said she didn't think Muubaa quality was always great).

Massimo Dutti - there was a Leather Biker Jacket and one called Nappa that looked interesting so perhaps I should go to try on.

Uterque - I like that jacket Bo but concerned the arms are a bit short. I have quite long arms. Again I will go to try it on.

Reiss - which someone kindly suggested. I liked the Gia jacket.

All Saints - quite biker-ey but perhaps the Dalby (would remove dangly bits on pocket zips though). There's also the Cargo and the Conroy but think they are more biker-ey and perhaps not as useful if I want the jacket for a smarter evening look. Plus wasn't keen on the back of either of those two. And worried they come up a bit short - I have a long body ( sounds delightful, don't I?! Broad shoulders, long arms and a long body!!! Bit like a scarecrow or a giraffe!! Actually I apparently have a neck on the long side too )

Bo, I've been researching but can't seem to find out the answer and Sam Bunting always seems to not mention it, is primer ok for acne prone skin? Or best to skip it? Was looking at Laura Mercier oil-free primer and wondering if it's good for me. In my younger, spot-free days I used to use LM hydrating or radiance primer and was very happy with it.

I also had a look at the Smashbox product. I'm now confused as it says not to be used with a gloss and the product I have is this which is described as a lip pencil/gloss.... the consistency is nothing like a normal lip gloss though.

Fingers crossed all my links worked!

I was also looking at this Nars Pore & Shine control primer as I know Bunting recommends Nars. It doesn't say it doesn't block pores. I don't have big pores either but none of the other primers seemed suitable for what I want.

(Sorry if I'm de-railing the thread into foreign territory).

And seeing as I've now mastered links (!), I wanted to show you Bo this Red jumpsuit that I found a while ago at Massimo Dutti (if you recall our discussion about jumpsuits).

Oh wow that jumpsuit. 😍

Bo lol at warm and woolly and happy on beer... Ull is also still viable as a first name. Imagine being called Wool in English.

Bani, I have visions of ancient Swedes grunting ull and öl at each other all rosy faced and drunk, leading to epic arguments in grunts, it should end in clobbering each other over the head but they've probably drunk too much by then and just stick their thumb in their mouth as they snooze under their nice wool blankies. I've now added a poor sod named Ull into the mix, this simply cannot end well...

I like a long neck, Sophie. Always think it's very elegant looking, then again I have a thing for the Mannerist painting style that freaks most people out. Long body is challenging with leather jackets, especially biker jackets since they tend to be on the cropped side or massively oversized, the latter not what you're looking for, I think? Rick Owens is good for long bodies and orangutan arms but it's a completely different price point, they're lovely though, narrow on the shoulders though so you'd have to size up.

Don't worry, if there are any complaints of derailment I'll take the blame since I'm AWOL on the skincare thread. It sort of depends on when you're intending to use it. IIRC you're only an occasional base wearer in which case I wouldn't be that concerned with using a primer and the potential effect on your skin health.

Dr. Sam has never said anything about primers in isolation, I think, but she's quite vocal about makeup, and specifically makeup (systems) for long wear being not helpful with acne/clog prone skin. She's very against powder as it's an occlusive veil and I think primer would fit in the same category, especially since so many are in a heavy silicone base. I know your derm tut-tuts about heavy textures for you so in that sense it would possibly be worth seeking out a non-silicon primer, which are quite rare. I think Laura Mercier does a few that aren't silicone based, there's also a mattifying one by Becca (Poreless Perfector) that's a MUA staple that isn't silicone based and there's a relatively new one that's almost like a skincare serum by Ren called Perfect Canvas, that one's quite pricey though and I have no idea how it does as a pore minimiser/shine control. If it is only for the odd night a few times a month, I wouldn't worry too much about it and just be extra diligent with cleansing after.

The red jumpsuit is stunning provided you have a compliant bladder

Eurgh, Viking era wool - everyone must’ve smelled of wet and smokey sheep. 🤢

I can’t buy the coat without taking money from my savings and also going to Sthlm again and hoping it’ll still be there so the coat is out folks. 😭

Thanks Bo and Bani. I LOVE the jumpsuit but actually only worn it once since I bought it (and didn't go to the toilet whilst out ). I actually got it in the sales and it was just under 70 EUR IIRC.

I've just ordered the Reiss leather jacket as I'm in England again next week so it's a good opportunity to try it. I won't be near a Reiss so ordered it in 3 sizes: 10, 12 and 14. Normally I'm a 10 (or 8) as a small waist but the shoulders are an issue. I'm fairly sure the 14 will be massive but returns are free and I want to rule out options! I'll then try the Uterque and Massimo ones when I get back here. Thanks for all the help

That's a new one Bo: orangutan arms!!! Normally I liken them to a scarecrow! Thanks for the skincare advice too. You're right, I don't wear base often; it's for evenings out only so I wonder if I even really need to bother with primer? I didn't realise that Sam Bunting treats primer as part of the long-wear make-up system but I guess that makes sense. Perhaps I won't get any now. I'm quite paranoid about making spots worse as they are finally starting to look a little better (hope I'm not jinxing myself now!!). I have a Chanel foundation and Chanel was on Sam's list of approved products so perhaps will just stick to that. Might have a look at the Nars concealers she recommends (although checked on line and there were sooooo many shades so that increase potential of buying the wrong colour!). I don't use powder as find it drying and ageing on me. Still thinking about that nice Dior Addict tattoo lipstick....

Bani - is the coat available to order online and return if necessary?

Nope, out of stock online unfortunately. Ah sure I have a coat. Sooner or later a navy or green one will come along. All good things.

Long necks are surely very desirable. I’m reminded of Torun Bülow-Hübe who had a long neck and modelled her own jewellery to great effect!

Oh bad luck Bani. No idea as to the desirability of long necks! But surely more desirable than orangutan arms

Meant to ask Bo, if you sorted out your Paris wardrobe and whether you got your phone fixed?

No one notices orangutan arms, I'm sure. Mine are longer than they shoud be but I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who's ever noticed. I'm lucky since I'm on the shorter side so normal length sleeves work for me where on other people my height they'd be far too long.

I'm really not that knowledgeable about makeup beyond colour and how it's used but primer has always been confusing to me as a product. Rightly or wrongly, I have always thought it was a product to mask poor skin/help mask poor skin for longer. It makes more sense to just tackle the skin issues (as much as possible) than entering a vicious cycle of needing more and more makeup as skin gets progressively worse. Mind you, there's no solid evidence that makeup is bad for your skin but that's only because no one has any (financial) interest in funding that kind of research. Dr. Sam is a lot more generous than most derms when it comes to wearing makeup (who will tell you to not wear any, Vichy derma blend if you must) but the products she scarcely recommends are quit specific, she rarely approves an entire brand/range and she only goes by the comedogenic scale which is a questionable one but generally a good guide to go on.

Clothing sorted for Paris, enough outfits plus spares. I actually went back for the Cos trousers (not for Paris) as I did really like them but this time tried them on without stuffing my dress in and it went from a touch roomy to massive

I'm going down to Rotterdam this afternoon to meet with a friend and see the Viktor and Rolf exhibition but I might leave early and stop by Mango and see if they have the white linen dress in the smaller size.

Phone is a bit tricky, I've since found out it's a software issue that occurred when they upgraded the system. It actually made them halt the further rollout of it foe a while but they have yet to fix it The new charger is working better but it's still testy. The company is sending me one of their new chargers now, I'm not convinced that will fix it entirely but at least it's something.

And I'm sorry to continue another neverending saga, but I think I'm going to return the Zara semi linen knot blouse again. It's been another month since I exchanged it for one in the sale and I still haven't wanted or thought about wearing it. I'll have a bit of a try on session with it in a bit but I think I really just need to return it. Soz, I know a lot of you really liked it on here.

I would so love to have a long neck. Then I could swan around in polo necks and pretend I'm Francoise Hardy.

I remember I liked that Zara blouse bo but it's not stayed in my head and it clearly hasn't in yours so returning it sounds right.

Xing been meaning to say, I've seen a couple of second hand Joyce Ridings outfts. Both were too formal for my needs but beautifully made - and in Great Britain - in very heavy linen/cotton. I'll definitely keep a look out for more.

On autumn watch, I keep reading that tweed is going to have another moment. In theory this should make me very happy but instead I feel inexplicably grumpy about it, which probably reveals a side to my character I'd rather not think about.

I would so love to have a long neck. Then I could swan around in polo necks and pretend I'm Francoise Hardy. exactly - if I wear a polo neck now I look like I’m wearing a neck brace (bosom does not help).

Flo, you’re grumpy about tweed coming back because it means high street will be full of polyester tweed with ruffles or something. Not that actual decent tweed will be more available. It’s a normal reaction. ;)

Oh and I meant to say : my new Arket trousers are in the wash THIS IS THE MOMENT OF TRUTH

I know that feeling, Flo, when something you consider intrinsic to your personal style becomes ubiquitous it can sour it completely. I wore ballerina flats from childhood into adulthood and loved them what I believed to be unconditionally but then they became a 'thing'. Horrid plastic made in China 'things' worn under the first incarnation of highly unflattering skinny jeans. Ballerinas have never been the same since

Though I wouldn't put too much stock in the 'coming back' type articles. I read one the other day claiming the 1970s feminist look would be de rigueur this season...

Zara blouse attached for reference.

Yes it's that plus knowing that what comes in will also go out. It's like with brogues and the half tuck - they will pass and I'll be left still wearing them but looking and feeling out of date. I shouldn't care but I'm shallow like that. But as you say, it may not come to pass. If it does, I just hope the likes of the Harris Tweed Company manage to cash in and that they're not blown away by the likes of Zara.

Speaking of Zara, I have to say that still looks like a nice blouse. But if you're not wearing it you're not wearing it.

Fingers crossed with the trousers bani

I found my bag!

I also scored these ballerinas from Jigsaw which look most excellent on for £27 minus 10%.

I had forgotten how much I love Jigsaw.....

AND the shoes are all leather. Bag in sale too.

Today I wore a smoky grey White Company maxi dress with an ivory silk scarf I found in a charity shop for 50p and I felt really good.

Jumpsuit and bag are great.

Just popping in very briefly with a PSA because I know someone was looking for a bikini before and seafolly was recommended. The outnet have a large selection of separates, bottoms about €20 and tops €30 so half price.

Bo, I always thought of primer as a nice base so that make-up goes on smoothly. Perhaps you are right that it is not necessary if one's skin is good. I will ask my make-up artist friend. In any case, I am so paranoid about blocking up my pores and causing spots that I wear very little on my skin. I might look on for the Vichy derma blend just to be nosy. Doubt I'll buy.

I'm glad you got the Paris wardrobe sorted. How was the Victor & Rolf museum? Are they the designers that use (or used to use) Tilda Swinton at their muse? Good luck with the phone.
Re the Zara blouse, I like the left hand side of it (as I look at the photo) but something looks a bit odd on the right hand side around the middle part). It's interesting but I have seen many nicer things on you. I really like the boots you're wearing!

Hope the trousers survived the wash Bani! I may have a long neck but not keen on polo necks as I inevitably get too hot in them and my neck gets itchy

Congrats on the bag and shoes Iwanka!

Ooooo I like Seafolly Elle but have far too many bikinis to justify purchasing more

I still like the Zara blouse botemp, but if you're not feeling it maybe best to return it.

Floisme I sympathise on the tweed and botemp on the ballerinas. I had a pair as my first "work shoes" which was long before they were in fashion.

Utereque is one of those shops that I just never think to check, but when I do I really like their stuff. I just seem to have a blind spot about remembering its name.

Thanks for the advice on the dress. I'm loathe to shorten the jacket sleeves because as a fellow orangutan I find it so hard to get them long enough that it would be sacrilege to chop them. The jewel coloured shoes are an idea and I ordered some bangles. I'll have to remove them at my desk though to avoid clattering as I type!

I used to really like Max & Co too, but agree that the fabrics are not as good. In a similar vein is Sportmax, who used to have really interesting (to me anyway) workwear with interesting twists. I still like the designs, but they've got really expensive combined with a decline in the fabrics too. It's disappointing.

Jacket looks good Sophie