Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet: Orangutans in Paris make for poor gondoliers

[botemp]

The sunshine might be fading from our passion fruit punch but we're looking forward to what autumn will bring.

Un

Deux

Trois

Quatre

Cinq

I might revisit Yoox at some point then Bo. Sounds like it's worth a look again.

Xing, what is your background?

Don't suppose you're looking for some freelance branding work?

Ah well, that sounds plenty like a form of creative writing to me, Xing. MNers in general seem good with words, but some really stand out.

I agreed, as a suit it felt a bit much for me too, they worked better as seperates but AFAIK it only comes in the plummy colour and the jacket, whilst nice, was just nice.

And, yes, the high bar and ease of things flattering me sounds like a stupid luxury problem but it has been giving me thought lately. It's making me have to be even more discerning and holding off buying things until I'm absolutely sure about it. At this rate it'll probably all be sold out by the time I make up my mind. I am glad I did the fast fashion abstention as it's given me insight into what I really find of value there and it isn't the cheap prices, it's the ease of access as they're the only places around here that stock my size or something closely approximating it. I like buying online, but probably more browsing than buying but when it's the only option it feels a lot more limited. In Paris I was spoilt for choice as well but going twice a year as well as the Antwerp sample sales already feels excessive, but perhaps I should venture elsewhere in between or shake it up a bit with different destinations?

Hairy, I'm well out of practice but feel free to ping me a PM as I would love to get my hand back in. Be kind, please, I'm over 60 and I'm told the world has moved on since I last had a job!

Bloody love Patti Smith. I’ve probably said it before but I bought Horses before I’d listened to any of it, just for the cover photo.

And one of my favourite shops in the world is in New York.

@toellewithit where is your gorgeous dress from? The outfit with the white coat looks stunning.
I am in love with the bobbies shoes. I can’t buy anything as I’m post baby with a wardrobe of clothes I need to grow back into but am enjoying reading and lusting.

I suppose it might help if I said which one
Tokyo 7 - vintage shop somewhere near the East Village. Not been for a few years but still remember it fondly.

I'll have a look Flo, I was last in NYC in 78.

Loved NY and everything about it but when I lived there it was the early-mid 80s, when Ed Koch was mayor and petty crime was off any scale. When a person could be mugged for a swatch watch (then DH was). My shopping sprees took place mostly in the Hoboken Salvation Army store. I furnished my apartment and dressed an eight piece band out of that place.

The sad lament is that I had a direct view to the World Trade Center towers in a line from my windows. I can't bear the thought that I could have watched them fall.

about Patti Smith too.

I like the skirt, too, bo, but if you don't love it...

Xing you sound like you've had a very interesting work life, I had to laugh at the comment about becoming a teacher and failing due to politicians. I'm a teacher, and looking to go back (have currently been doing voluntary work - does that class as internship?) maybe I'm mad.

Love this thread too, lots of interesting chat about lots of topics as well as clothes. Couldn't ask for more.

I visited NYC for the first time this summer, and our hotel was right next to the WTC site, now home to two huge memorial pools, engraved with the names of all who were lost that day. A sobering sight - particularly the white rose which is placed on each person's name on their birthday.

LOVED the architecture of New York - so varied. Wish I'd known about your shop when I was there, Flo!

Also love that Mango white skirt - trés elegante - and chunky white jumper, bo. Winter jumpers are the only article of clothing where I'm fine with buying synthetic, as I'd always wear a slim cotton layer underneath next to my skin. I think I'd need slightly more of a scoop to the neck, though.

Hairy I was preparing for a trip to NYC too, we just decided against it when it came time to book but I had earmarked a few addresses in anticipation. I'll gather them up later to share. Mostly food spots and vintage/second hand places.

Lots of vanity architecture projects have been going up in recent years in NYC. For complete narcissistic drivel, Daniel Liebeskind's autobiography where he complains at length about how the developers destroyed his dreams for the WTC site is well... amusing

The New Museum by Sanaa is a rare breath of fresh air from all the other architectural vanity projects though. The high line park is meant to be amazing, though I do wonder how it compares to Central Park. There's something about that, despite being just another park.

Just to avoid confusion, I like and possibly love the white skirt, quirky, it's the suede one I'm not sold on. Would be impractical to wear as well, black opaques wouldn't look good with it and no way am I going bare legged. I was chilled to the bones with teeth chattering for most of last winter and that was with lots of layers.

Chester, my skin reacts to certain synthetics so I always have to be cautious, but I don't find them as warm as wool is either. I don't mind a bit of synthetic in the mix as it usually means the item ages and last better but I do prefer the majority to be of natural origin.

You might like the book of isometric images of Manhattan, Bo, published by the AIA, IIRC, although I imagine you know it already. It's a classic, and has probably required an update since publication.

The High Line would be my must-do now; it was mothballed when I was there and not a park. A return trip would be all about walking around for me, so comfortable shoes and camera to capture and refresh memories.

Thanks for the kind words about writing; I am frequently struck by the eloquence, elegance and wit of MN, so am compelled to do my best!

Yes, very familiar with that book Xing, though as architecture, purely on a form basis NYC isn't all that interesting. Buildings tend to be famous as landmarks rather than because of outstanding quality within architectural canon. The grid structure does make it different but it's not unique. Historically Chicago is much more interesting and NYC is more the history of who can build the biggest phallic symbol. But as a melting pot and first port of immigrants it's hugely interesting in terms of its social fabric. Rem Koolhaas captured it really well in Delirious New York. The Death and Lives of Great American Cities from Jane Jacobs is also excellent.

Yes, I'd be walking around as well. As much as NYC is a shopping destination for many I'm really not into American clothing all that much and the few designers I do really like could easily be found in a quick sweep through the department stores. The only things really peaking my interest would be the consignment and vintage stores.

I meant the suede one, bo, but realise I wasn't at all clear, I might not have had enough coffee at that time in the morning. A complete eloquence failure here . It was too cold for bare legs, here this morning too, brrr.

I haven't been to NYC, but I have been to Chicago, which I loved. I have a Guess leather blazer from there, that probably qualifies as vintage now.

That was meant to be . I think I will give up and try again tomorrow.

@ToElleWithIt your ton sur ton is just lovely, great combination of colours.

@ILikeyourHairyHands adding to the stole love, its a great colour and will go with so much.

@quirkychick love the sound of your wide leg linen pinstripe trousers.

Speaking of which, @botemp, I've had my eye on the Acne Jensen's and think they might be doable with wide legs, although I wouldn't mind something slightly higher in the heel. Think I'll have another browse online.

I'm enjoying all the NYC talk. I'm going later this year and the skyline is on my hit list. Hopefully the weather won't be too inclement to prevent a good exploration.

The trip is going to be more focused on food and museums than shopping, although I do intend to pop into Everlane and Madewell for a browse.

Rosie, I don't find the Jensens particularly good under full length wide legs. The Jensens really were designed with skinnier silhouettes in mind. They do work under cropped styles where they're fully or mostly visible but they stick out too long and narrow under full length trousers. The proportions are just off, they're not high or low enough to work.

Agree that one of the reasons that this thread keeps me coming back is the lovely writing. I came for the style and stayed for the wit, the images, the observations, the personalities and the masks!

Xing you write really well and it sounds like you’ve had a fascinating career. I despair at getting good of good content in favour of being hip. We have a corporate version of Instagram that makes me cringe.

Timeisnotalie Dress is Roland Mouret and is 5/6 years old. I look out for his dresses in the sales as the wool blend ones are a lovely fabric, last well and are a fail-safe work option. I sized up to avoid the sausage skin effect. I think they’re possibly getting a bit passé and I’m not sure I’d buy one right now, but still wear the handful I have a lot to work.

I’m very envious of all the NYC trips, particularly the Patti Smith pilgrimage. I’m hoping to get over next year to see my sister. I have been to Chicago a few things and done various architecture tours which are a great introduction for someone like me who knows nothing about the field. I’m trying to educate myself though. I’ve just signed myself up for some of the events that the Architecture Society is running in our city.

botemp Love the cream skirt. Would the jumper from ninety percent in cream go with it? It looks great with the Mango cream jumper and also with the black top and boots. Funnily enough I was contemplating the attached skirt in this biscuit-y clour, but then I realised it was a lingerie brand and worried that it would be really thin. Love the suede jacket too albeit that the buttons and belt are slightly letting it down if I were being super-picky, but I’m less sold on the skirt.

Right memememe post on the green dresses coming up. Apologies in advance.

Feel free to give frank feedback. I’m not too fragile!

First up Atlien. Pros: fabric is much nicer than expected, a really weighty viscose. Colour is good and I like the skirt. Cons: top is too big, gaping around the arm hole. Combined with the skirt I feel like there’s a bit too much going on and the draping is adding bulk.

Second: Reiss: Pros: nice green and inoffensive Cons: fabric is thin and showing every lump and bump, bit work-y

Third: Pros: nice fabric, feels party Cons: Too short and waistline too high I think

Fourth (I already owned this, but had forgotten about it when I moved stuff out of my wardrobe to make room for maternity clothes) - Pros: Nice fabric, flattering (I think) Cons: long sleeves could be hot. Is it a bit recognisable as Kate’s engagement dress (I had it first)!

Last: The one I was previously contemplating

I think I’ve exhausted all my options so which is best?

Wow, what a lot of green dresses! I think the two that you own are the most flattering on you, Elle. The last dress is lovely, but the black with the gold (?) shoes looks a bit odd. Could you add a gold belt to tie that in a bit or does it not work on that dress?

I really like the first one Elle, mainly for the shade of green, and also I think it gives you a lovely shape.

Love the stole Hairy.

Fabulous coat and outfit Elle - I MUST get some grey shoes... Please sound the klaxon if anyone sees any in a 8 / 42 that are not pointy! Re the green dresses - v hard. When and at what time of day is it? The Issa dress and Reiss are both quite day appropriate, so maybe the Atlein? I like the draping but the tone is quite different to the other options. Would it fit in with your sister’s required colours? Could the top be taken in under the arms?

I like both skirts Bo , especially the plum one - but berry shades are my sweet spot...

I am now in Normandy. It’s so beautiful here, but very rural so I can’t see myself doing any shopping / wearing any interesting outfits for the next fortnight!

I'm hoping they'll work well together, Elle, otherwise I might try revisiting an Aran again. Love the biscuity skirt, what brand is it? I have to say the lingerie departments seem to have the nicest materials these days, so maybe it could possibly work if it's weighty enough. Some brands do seem to be branching out as can be worn in or outside of the house, there's a Swedish brand Deitas that I was looking at in my camisole search, looked nice online, pricey though. One of the camisoles was named after me (Bo) so was somewhat tempted.

Ok dresses, Atlein, I can't see the added bulk you're seeing but at that price, it has to feel fantastically right from the get-go, so if not able to alter or exchange the size I'd say move on, lovely as it is.

The Reiss, not sure what the exact colour is, it doesn't read as emerald on my screen. You sound a bit meh about it, and the cling factor could be remedied with some smoothing undergarments but it does sort of read like a dress that should have been made in a heavier weight fabric to hang nicely. My concern would be about how it looks/moves when you sit down and clammy children's hands grab onto a swathe of it when trying to get your attention.

Third, I agree the proportions are off, a bit like you're wearing something from the petite range by accident.

Fourth is lovely, but I'd want to coordinate that with the other bridesmaids. If they're all in sleeveless party wear this might not blend in as seamlessly despite being in the same colour family?

Fifth, I already commented on previously, it looks better in this picture but I'm still not too sure about the black.

All in all, I like the Atlein best

Hairy (and anyone else heading to NYC), as promised my address list of places I'd intended to visit. Restaurants are mostly pizza and sushi, pizza speaks for itself but supposedly best sushi outside of Japan is now in NYC. Someone will have to let me know if it's really the case:

NYC Google Doc

And promise not to go crazy and save your money for NYC, here's my (mostly) tan 70s boots Shoptagr list that are all wrong for some reason or the other:

Shoptagr Boots AW17/18

Not a very exhaustive list but as you've noticed yourself there's not much out there.