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

[AuldAlliance]

But we'll still enjoy it...

Typos everywhere in that post - apologies. I need to do a better job of checking.

Ahem, I'm also a Pilates fan I'll have you know - I even hopped on the train to be an instructor which now has me panicking because I realise how little I know haha. My current obsession in training and instructing - keep the chest open! My current and recurrent challenge - feeling secure in finding my neutral pelvis. For some reason this is really hard for me.

I think the magic circle is too big for a lot of people "at first" (which can be for a long time). Try a soft inflatable ball which is more flexible and easier to press together. We have a new AMAZING instructor where I train and instruct who had a small and helpful tip: heels together, toes apart, but your ankle bones are attracted to one another like magnets. That's the squeeze. Then your entire inner leg connects and you find your backside and your back. The magic circle I find can keep the legs too far apart which makes it more difficult to find the squeeze, easier with a smaller ball or even a rolled-up towel! My opinion is that props should not be introduced too soon actually haha.

But yes, a good instructor makes A WORLD of difference! Excuse the digression. Perhaps a separate thread somewhere is needed.

Breasts: even if big ones have a moment, they are never ever considered chic are they, not in the French sense. Women have been made to feel bad over big breasts for forever. Source: all the vintage sewing and fashion blogs I used to read ... (Love the white jumper tho!) So in that sense too I can side with all my sisters who try to make big breasts chicer ...

The frambooze dress looks great in person, I must go in and see if it's arrived here. Did you snap a sneaky pic of her? :) Speaking of magic shorts - after putting an extra elastic band in my Arket trousers I think my Thing is going to be inserting hidden elastic into trouser waistbands, from hip to hip. Found tutorials online, so obvious really. I like the earrings, will go in and have a peek actually.

The Vagabond sneakers are nice but all the youngsters wear them here so I'd feel like a sham, but they're def Cool Approved, my shoe-savvy daughter would approve.

ethical clothing: Reduce, reuse, recycle, I suppose. My knowledge of quality comes in part from my mother, who did recognize it but wasn't interested in clothes or fashion at all. I've also worked at a dry-cleaner and picked up a lot there. Working there really brought home that expensive is not the same as quality. And quality is very hard to find these days. So I find myself in a conundrum - I'm not willing to pay through the nose for stuff I see isn't that great yet I can't find quality I want to buy. I'm left with very ordinary high street options but I try to shop second hand and take care of my clothes.

Lost track now, will just post!

Elle, you mean the ones that cover the nips, right? Not the ones that always make you look freezing? It's the Bristol 6 nippies ones, they come in an adhesive and non-adhesive version, think they should be available on Amazon.

I enjoyed reading your take, Elle, especially on the worth factor. I think it's also a lot easier to spend on high priced items when you know what works well for you and you are relatively constant in weight and shape. I'm not a big fan of the 'you're worth it just cause' mantra, or the 'treat yo self' culture. Definitely don't settle and short sell yourself when it's not necessary but don't go down the eat pot noodles for the rest of the month route either. I'd recommend setting up a budget and keeping track of your purchases regardless of income, and it should stand in healthy relation to that. It helps with the restraint as well when you're eating away at a reserve that dwindles down, where unlimited spending on a credit cards or paying in installments encourages the exact opposite.

I do also do the divide by two, multiply by two rule (I have no clue if this is my own invention or I picked it up somewhere/from someone). But say you're unsure about a t-shirt costing £20, then ask yourself will I get a similar quality shirt at half the price, or if you will get a substantially better item by spending that bit more by doubling the price. If the answer to both is no, it's a fair price, if not then it's probably worth pursuing other options unless there's something else, say a pattern, that you like about it and then determine whether it's worth paying a premium for that. At higher numbers in the high end it makes more sense to adjust the multiplication/division to a less drastic factor. I find, especially in the mid-high end high street range, overall the quality isn't all that different, but the prices can be quite far apart. COS is a place that easily passes the test when it comes to quality in fabric and construction, whereas Zara and &Other Stories are more places where a unique feature is the defining decision maker.

I think there are different levels of quality. If you hunt around you can still find stuff in the fast fashion shops that wear and wash well but it's totally random and they're getting harder to find. To get consistency - where you can just buy on the assumption that the quality will be good, then I think you do have to pay more. However higher price alone doesn't guarantee it (Whistles and Hush for example).

And then I think there's a further level where something isn't only hard wearing and forgiving but also keeps it's shape all day and needs fairly minimal care. I've only come across a couple of very high end brands (Margaret Howell and Joseph) that fall into that category. (Think I've said that before so apologies for repetition.)

I think Uniqlo is about the most consistent at the lower priced end. And going up the scale, I would say Cos is pretty decent. I used to be a big cheerleader for H&M quality but it's now so unpredictable I really cannot be arsed with them any more. It's as time consuming as charity shopping but at least there I've a chance of finding something really special.

Another Pilates person! Mat work only because my (excellent) instructor is peripatetic and so we bring our own equipment, which is mostly just weights, though I have a roller and balls at home for practice. There isn't a Reformer machine within 50 miles of here, which is a shame because I'd love to have a go. It's the only programme I've ever stuck with, and that's mostly because it still involves concentrating really hard.

Did you train with STOTT Pilates, Bani? I'm always curious as that's what I started out at with and stuck to and whenever I've sampled other methods (usually on holiday) I always got a bit 'you call this Pilates?', hardly felt like I did a thing.

Definitely a sneaky pic of the frambooze dress but it's not like she's identifiable, think it's ok then even if it does look like I was aiming the view finder at her boobs.

Apparently I am very cool actually, I have a Zara leather biker in a metallic finish that I was wearing yesterday and some young man went out of his way to compliment how cool it was before trying to sell me on a new energy supplier/newspaper/I didn't stick around to find out, and he looked very cool, well today's version of cool which, so I assume I must be very cool.

Cool apparently means incoherent sentences, apols

Oh you're cool alright

I do classical pilates, but my main instructor is trained in Stott I believe and I have experienced it. What I didn't like with Stott is that the instructor didn't walk around correcting us, but lay on the floor doing the movements with us and talking us through them. As in, always, I believe that's their thing. I prefer the classical approach where talking is mixed with showing and also correcting with hands. Also in general, and I admit this is a bit purist, it's annoying that Stott have done this patenting of basic pilates principles as though they are "theirs". But hey, the principles are good and sadly many pilates instructors have allowed them to fall by the wayside. Saw a brilliant video on Pilatesology the other day about doing "pre-pilates" - I'm very inspired. I'm at the point now where I easily see what people are not able to do, but I feel like I lack the tools to help them correct the fault. It's very frustrating. I've done classical for about 8 years but I'm bone idle and don't do it at home, which limits progress. Also the studio where I train has had an uneven set of instructors, but there's potential so I've stuck with it.

That hasn't been my experience of STOTT, it's always very small groups, instructor talks and corrects, very hands on, a little too hands on sometimes will only ever demonstrate a single move when necessary and not expect you to follow at the same time, etc.

I do find that the STOTT mentality tries to push everyone into training with them, and the courses aren't cheap. I have absolutely no ambitions to be a trainer certainly wouldn't make a good one so get a bit annoyed with their constant offering of it. It also seems to me that once you're locked into their instructor training program you constantly need to maintain and keep it up to date with even more courses. It feels a bit like a money swindler to me.

Interesting about the difference in instruction in the Stott world.

Well, in the classical pilates world there is absolutely some muttering about Stott being a bit swindlerish. ;) Could be worth your while shopping around, but then you really get into the "pilates is a cult" thing, as in - Saint Joe founded it, Romana is his first disciple, and there's a hierarchy of saints then depending on who trained with them directly and who learned from the person who trained with them and so on. ;) But Stott instructors are generally well trained IME, so that's a plus with the protected title bit.

I'm terrified of the Pilates cult, but the STOTT is likely one too. I've shopped around before as some will offer unlimited sessions for a monthly fee but I found them to be of crappy quality and it's only ever the mat sessions. Never tried reformer groups larger than 4, as I find they struggle to get it just right with that number. Might just join the Pilates cult to find out how to make a reformer out of a rickety old bed though

Flo, your love of Maragaret Howell is reminding me of an interview that was recently on a popular architecture/design website. I'm not sure if she's a particularly difficult subject to interview or whether the journo just isn't very good as it reads a bit clumsy but there are some interesting bits in there, especially what motivates her approach in designing.

www.dezeen.com/2018/08/09/margaret-howell-interview-fashion-designer/amp/

Thanks bo I rarely see much about her in the media - in fact all I really know about her is that she studied fine art, not fashion design - so I'll enjoy reading that. I imagine she's been strong armed into doing some publicity for he new store and the Tate Modern shop thing so it wouldn't surprise me in the least if she's not easy to interview.

Moving on from utilitarian minimalism (or possibly not), I was browsing the new stuff on the Vivienne Westwood site and this skirt has gone straight to the top of my fantasy autumn wishlist. I bloody love that combo of OTT shape and sober fabric and colour. Way, way out of my price league, and as the model (male) is 6'2 it would probably drown me. But if I was told today I had six months to live I would go straight out and buy it.

She's certainly a utilitarian minimalist with her answers there, Flo. I have to say, I'm always fascinated by successful people (though it's often more of a renown among their peers than the public at large, and often, the Japanese) who refuse to walk the chartered path when it comes to PR, publicising, catering to buyers, commercial interests, etc.

The skirt looks fab, but, shyeah, they're pushing it with the price. I'd probably get annoyed by having strings on my bum though. And I'm all for clothes being unisex/worn by whoever wants to wear them but I think if you're selling a unisex line you need to model it on both sexes, I imagine the dynamics of that skirt may be very different on some hips that actually go out.

From a quick look there are, at last, long (mid-calf) dark good-quality skirts for sale - in the A/W 18 ranges. Margaret Howell has a sun ray pleated black one, and Joseph a simple navy one. And that Vivienne Westwood one.

I love me a swishy long winter skirt, and haven't been able to replace my previous one since it died about 5 years ago. I want a good wool one so it will look good and last for years. The MH one is 50% each wool & polyester presumably to take the creases but her stuff is always such good quality I am sure it is a contender.

Get the skirt Flo. Life is too short for faffing. It is fabulous.

Oh, Lord that skirt is fabulous. I'm just remembering a charcoal grey, long bias cut skirt I had in fine wool when I used to work in London many years ago. Not quite Vivienne Westwood, though.

We went to a formal event yesterday in a country (muddy field) location, I did a lot of people watching, amazed at all those in strappy sandals in a field after the rain. I opted for navy ankle boots with my dress. But mostly drooling over a lot of gorgeous tweed and a fedoras as it had been raining earlier.

You’re right Iwanka, life is short. But my son’s rent is very long and I just can’t. If it ends up in the sale at 60% off then I might think again but that’s the very edge of my comfort zone.
They do model it on a female model somewhere - think it might be the blue version - and it doesn’t look much longer.

Ha! I've read the Margaret Howell interview now and I see what you mean bo. She's as sparing with her word as she is with her embellishments.

I'll be interested to see that collab with Mourne Textiles, even though I doubt I'll be able to afford more than a handkerchief. I know she often uses British manufacturers such as John Smedley and the last time I saw her give an interview it was to do with a factory she was starting up in London - I think the men's shirts are made there. So although things are dizzily expensive, even in the sales, I think there's a reason for it.

She certainly does things her own way. If I recall correctly, her stores all close from Christmas until after the new year and you can order online in that period but it won't be processed. The sales have to wait. Plus she looks her age but always looks cool (though I'm sure any photos are carefully controlled). I definitely have a bit of a crush.

Sorry I'm a bit behind and got a bit confused with the posts as WiFi and connection playing up here. Interesting what you say about Pilates Bani and Bo as I've tried Pilates a few times and never really got it. Didn't feel like much of a workout and always wondered if I was doing it wrong!! I don't think it was STOTT. Never used the reformer (that's the machines isn't it?!) Always much preferred yoga (but sadly am a bit restricted with that now as got a knee problem and not allowed to bend it )

I like the white shorts in the photo Bo (are they the magic ones?) and also the white top . I'm looking for a simple top like that - not too tight. May I ask where you bought it? Also like the Vagabond shoes. I have something similar by Flexx.

That's a lovely skirt Floisme but ££££!!!!

Ps wearing my Global Babe hat. The brim is so big that I can keep my phone under it to avoid the glare of the sun on the screen (almost took someone's eye out earlier too with the brim.... oops)

Oh I know. It's not going to happen

Sophie, a good Pilates studio (read: one intent on bankrupting you) are great if you have an injury, especially on the machines as they keep you in a safe range of motions. Mine even has in-house physical therapists. Though mostly it gets recommended for back injuries.

Yes, white shorts are magic ones from Zara that also come in navy. Haven't bought anything yet since I'm on the fast fashion abstention until September 20th.

T-shirt is also from Zara, it was hanging in the fitting room already. I'm not sure if I'd recommend it as it's cropped, think it wasn't as cropped on me since it was a size M but raising my arms meant flesh on display, it's this one if you really do want it. It was lovely and soft, and IIRC it had two thin layers, and it wasn't noticeably oversized when on. Did see something similar but not cropped on the COS site but that's sleeveless.

Flo, she's definitely cool and I was surprised to learn her age. She has that 'beyond age' vibe. The brand has always felt a little too austere to me, though I'm leaning back a bit into utilitarian, but I like it to have a luxe edge somehow.

Yes it is very austere. I guess that's the mood I'm in at the moment - apart from when I'm lusting after bustle effect skirts.

Been away for the weekend so just catching up!

Thanks so much for taking the time to speak about your motivations for buying "slow' fashion. It's just what I needed to start thinking about investing in some decent quality stuff.

I think I've got a good eye generally for things that don't look cheap, but often I don't know how well something will last until it's been worn a lot. I have a top from Primark that is still good as new after over 15 years, but a Louis Vuitton wallet that started showing regular signs of wear after only a year or so of use. Shrug.

Bo that's interesting about Pilates knitting everything back together. I'm actually a huge hot yoga convert, which helped me sweat out all my baby weight , but hasn't changed the shape of anything! Might be worth investigating Pilates if I still seem "wide" after I stop breastfeeding, when I've been promised everything goes back to normal.

I'm hoping to start off well by buying some good quality staples for my wardrobe: skinny/slim jeans, brogues and a coat. All black. I wonder if anyone has any good recommendations for places in the spirit of this thread for me to look- I'm 100% sure there are posts in the previous threads that I've come across but it's so hard to search through! I vaguely remember Sezane for jeans?

Well i think ”austere bustle skirts” must surely be a thing. ;)

I may need to return to lurking status -I don’t seem to have the energy to participate in the interesting discussions, and it looks like I won’t be putting any of this into practice soon. I went on a 20 min walk the other day and ended up in hospital with severe bleeding...

Just one thought on the “trying hard “ angle, unposted since my coat picture (which I think has arrived, and is sitting around unboxed...) I had the impression that one of the tenets of Parisian dressing is to not look as if you were putting in obvious effort. Kind of casually artful.
I was thinking of what distinguishes Parisian dressing from a certain kind of Japanese style and am curious to hear your thoughts. From a fairly ignorant perspective, it seems to me that the latter is more comfortable with openly conceptual or self conscious dressing.

Danny or someone else, would you be so kind and help me out with how to find the previous threads?