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 love the orangutan in the bucket bag. Very on point (I have no idea if I’m using “on point” correctly, I’m not very down with the kids). As for the jacket, I’m kind of intrigued by the idea of putting it in faux leopard. An orangutan in Leopard’s clothing?

I was bitterly disappointed that this week’s Style magazine was the menswear special. Obviously the ST commandeered a spot in the Magazine instead, which kind of makes a mockery of the whole menswear thing. Nonetheless I’ll have a read later!

I ordered 2 things from the U collection – a teal knit and a red knitted dress, but after the reports from Floisme and botemp I’m not holding my breath. I cannot get my head around the colour of that “cream” jumper!

Nice coat Peony and I love your copper pans. Weirdly the person who sold us our house left a set of 4 copper pots hanging over the range. I think they may have thought that they were decoration?! I don’t think that they cooked or indeed recognised that they were valuable.

The Aeyde shoes are lovely, are they tricky to walk in?

Xing It’s really interesting reading about Xing son’s experience. It certainly will be a baptism of fire for him if it’s his first foray into the working world. Those hours do sound in breach of the working time directive if they continue like that. Hope that the jacket lives up to expectations.

botemp drool at the Aquazzura boots. Speaking of Altuzarra (I know I wasn’t, but I always get them mixed up so I’m ploughing ahead with the segue) the bargain ebay trouser that you kindly pointed me in the direction of, have popped up twice recently being worn by none other than Meghan Markle. Wonder if she got hers on eBay for a song too!

HairyhandS You look really glamorous. How’s NYC treating you?

I didn’t buy the leather trousers. I think that they are too short and probably too big. I didn’t even contemplate trying on the smaller size when I was there though, because the ones I was wearing were a US 6 and the idea of me being an US 4 in trousers is just a bit ridiculous. Obviously vanity sizing has taken hold at Theory. In any case I think you guys are right and they are too short. What’s annoying me right now is that I have a lovely pair of leather leggings and I cannot find them anywhere. I did buy the berry coloured top.

I had a look at the full Sezane Autumn collection, but didn’t buy anything. I may have overdone it there in recent months.

Thanks all for not objecting to the epic adventures of XingJr. He is expected to work variable hours/up to 45 per week, and anything more is OT. He's still enjoying the novelty of adult work and the prospect of payday is quite exciting! And, everyone from head chef down seems to be pleased with him.

Now we can do paragraphs again, I shall confess to buying a pair of boots, from Andia Fora again, via Yoox. I had the last pair in my basket several times and on my wishlist, when they announced a 30% off week so I pounced. They are a putty grey, flat with a concealed internal heel lift and a very sturdy sole so should be great everyday wear. Nothing like as elegant as Bo's choices (especially the Aeyde shoes and the boots) but more relevant in my off-road, all terrain existence. And if they're as comfortable as the basketball style sneakers I bought instead of the first pair I swooned over (but declined to afford at £230), I'll be chuffed.

Delighted that the revival of block mascara failed! The horror....

I never knew I could ever get this excited about paragraphs

Elle, are you insinuating MM is lurking here too? She was wearing the silk Bo camisole which I'm also convinced is named after me from Deitas the other day... I'd quite like it if she was an eBay bargain hunter too. When KM did the high end mixed with high street it was still somewhat novel but I think these days it isn't anything special anymore and we're becoming increasingly more critical of the fast fashion cycle so can feel a bit more like a forced exercise of 'relatability'. So it would be great to see MM take a more sustainable approach to her personal style by mixing in sustainable brands like Everlane, ninety percent, and buying from the secondary market (past seasons, vintage, second hand, etc.) considering how wasteful her wardrobe must be, it's all very occasion specific and anything too recognisable won't be worn again all that quickly.

I have no clue if the Aeyde shoes are comfortable, I've only ever seen them online. I did try on a similar looking pair from Nine West without the angle and those were comfortable, if a bit heavy on the foot.

I always mess up Altuzarra and Aquazzura too, and which one has the double r and which the double z

Aquazzura boots did come in today and they're a lot nicer in RL than on the pictures, no nose issues. They're only slightly too big and slightly too high but not sure if sizing down is sensible on account of my high arches. Sticking my invisible heels in did fix the sizing issue instantly along with the height of the shaft but I'm not sure if that's a proper solution. They livened up a lot of the outfits I had hoped they'd work with but they are a touch rich bitch not birch, stupid autocorrect. I'll compare with the cheapies from Yoox but they'll have a hard time measuring up, I fear.

US designer sizing has definitely gone mad, Elle, I'm usually a 0 and they can still be roomy by the charts I should be a 2.

Ooh now I'm looking forward to XingSon's payday too... What magnificent things is he buying?

The % off offer at Yoox was the motivation for my purchases too, Xing, they were things on my wishlist that I was waiting out a good price for and shipping is free at the moment. I do think the Italian brands can do practical gear with a bit of an elegant edge well, doesn't always work as well for our temps though, like their lovely tailored puffer jackets.

And if I didn't have enough shoes to think about, can I ask a favour I'd never thought I'd ask, if anyone is swinging by M&S can you have a lookout for these shoes and report back how cheap/expensive looking they are? I find suede rarely is done well on a budget and the pictures have me on the fence WRT quality of the suede. I do quite like them and they're the type of shoes I wouldn't want to spend too much on initially although they're not really that cheap in Euros.

Me me me bit - Got itchy fingers to try out some Sezane this week. If they hadn't reset my basket within half an hour yesterday I think I'd have done it already. (grr - why do shops do that? Sometimes I like to just put things in the basket and consider before clicking the button)

Today's outfit - black suede over the knee boots, John Lewis cord khaki pencil skirt, black French Connection roll neck, Kin square pattern scarf from last year, black jacket. Felt good.

I work in event catering so very interested in Xing-son's adventures! Hope the head chef is nice - so many of them can be complete horrors.

I hope the boots live up to expectations xing

botemp not insinuating she’s lurking here, but just marvelling at the coincidence! I agree it would be great to see more mixing and matching of previously-worn pieces from the royals along with sustainable brands, that definitely feels more authentic and less contrived than throwing in the odd Zara dress.

Catherine I think with Sezane if you have it in your basket, then it is effectively reserved for you and no one else can buy it. I have mixed feelings about that. On the one hand it’s nice not to have to rush to the checkout and gives you a few minutes to pause for reflection. On the other hand if you’ve decided you want something it’s annoying seeing that it’s “in someone else’s basket” and then presumably having to refresh to see if it becomes available – I never have the patience.

Returning to the velvet dress, I saw this top and thought it might be a good way to get some more wear out of typically evening pieces. Max Mara have it under a jumpsuit which I thought looked kind of cool too. I also already have a black knit top with a gold thread through it in a very loose gauge that might work under the dress. It sounds horrible, but I promise it’s nice, it’s very fitted just a loose stitch if that makes sense.

@bo I did happen at M&S today but couldn't see the shoes you were after. I wouldn't get your hopes up though, they often have the right intentions, but I find most of the time there's a detail that's wrong, the material, or stitching, or shape, something je ne sais quoi not quite right. On the few occasions that I did end up buying shoes from them though they were the most comfortable shoes and I wore them over and over again....

I was at John Lewis too, they do have a nice new collection of basics, I was tempted by many things (but had toddler in tow, so there was no time to try).

For XingJr enthusiasts only... look away anyone else... The black biker jacket arrived yesterday, fits nicely, but in daylight (he hasn't seen it in daylight) it has an olive cast. It's v plain, with as few zips as we could find. Pictures maybe... at the weekend.

He has also been asked where he'd like to go for three weeks CPD while the hotel is closed as the kitchen is rebuilt in January. Clearly the marketing plan is for an immense PR push on reopening, so this could be outing as it will be covered by all the UK press in their weekend travel and leisure sections . It's very exciting; he's feeling part of it and enjoying the anticipation of the buzz.

He needs some really comfortable shoes for work... less glamour on this point perhaps. But all ideas very welcome.

Do Kickers still exist? They always worked for me as comfy work shoes for long shifts.

Elle I like to have things in my baskets for days or even weeks - sometimes months - so if that's how Sezane works I get why they emptied it. :)

You can buy croc-type shoes from places like Nisbets too, I know some chefs who always wear them in kitchens.

Kickers most certainly do exist! Dd2 has them as they support her ankles (she has hypotonia and related hypermobility). They come in adult sizes too, dd1 has had them before, I think they do them in Schuh.

Jon I know what you mean about M&S shoes, whenever I've looked at their shoes there's something always not quite right about them.

I like the sound of your son's biker jacket Xing.

I think M&S can still sometimes surprise you (in a good way). I should be near one today bo so I'll look out for those shoes but it's a very poxy branch (only got Autograph a year or so ago) so don't hold your breath.

Hhheeelllpppp....

How do I get freshly applied face moisturiser out of a silk shirt that I want to return? 😩 Yes, it seems I really am that stupid.

I have tried baby shampoo and alcoholic vinegar so far (separately), to no avail...

Since Catherine is considering a Sézane purchase, we’ll pretend that this is not a mememe post.

I wasn’t at all tempted by the fall preview, then on the day of release I happened to be online when they sneakily popped the notification in my inbox, I headed over to see if I liked anything new that had not featured in the look book. And next thing I knew my basked was full and worse, I clicked on buy...

Happily for my bank balance, most of it is going back. If you were interested in the Ferdinand trousers, which sold out within an hour I think, there will be a pair in size 10 popping back up one of these Wednesdays. It’s a truly scrumptious chocolate velvet, and beautifully long, but definitely cut smaller than my other size 10s, so no chance in hell of zipping it up even if I regain my shape.

The Thea jacket in 10 is too broad even for my shoulders, and bunches weirdly in the back: I didn’t notice from the website picture but it curves in, as it were, which would be great if it followed the curve of my bum, but I’m too tall for it.

The Jeff jumper is just nothing special. I’d included the Nala shirt because I really want to make use of the current trend to get a nice berry/rose shade top, even though I am not a fan of scalloped designs. Turns out I still don’t like scalloped designs. (Anyone seen these shades in another shop that I could try?!)

By contrast, I threw in the Tina jacket for the heck of it, expecting to return, but it turns out I really like it! It’s a keeper, together with the Pierro shirt in pois ochre, which I’d spotted back in July when it was listed as “coming soon”...

Morale of the experience, it’s generally a brand for shorter people and taller uns may do better with the more masculine cuts.

They also included a magazine of sorts about the “rebirth” of their brand, which makes for the most hilarious reading, especially the English translations which really bring out what a pretentious pile of piffle it is. I’ll have to come back with some choice quotations.

Forgot to include the stock photos of the keepers. Shall grab the opportunity to add that I am enjoying the reporting on XingSon, keep it coming.

And what I actually need now is decent AW footwear - I am thinking lined ankle boots - as I have worn my old snow boots to death, the lining rubbed to nothing at the heel. Rest in peace, ugly but faithful servants.

The only things I found so far that look like they might fit my hobbit feet are some geriatric lines from Gabor, and these Panama Jacks (possibly optimistic re. fit. They have a thick lining!). The brand has some awful online reviews, however, re. quality so I am didhering.

Hm...that's interesting, Peregrane. Glad you liked some of it!

I am considering the Nelson jumper in chocolate and the Dwee (?) in ecru.

Also the Nala shirt you mentioned and a couple of others. And wouldn't mind trying the Christie jacket that isn't actually available yet.

I have a sneaking feeling that Sezane trousers may just not be cut for my shape - still have quite a big bum. So I'm dubious about giving them a try.

With an enabling hat on, Peregrane, may I suggest a quick peek at Yoox and Andia Fora? I saw this year's styles in my local posh frock shop, but have bought two pairs of their past season sturdy well made, leather lined shoes in the last month. If the styles appeal, and they are a bit Marmite, I will say they are beautifully crafted from top to bottom, run true to size, and very comfortable from wear one. At new current season prices, about 230euros, but well under £100 otherwise, especially if you are new (free delivery and returns).

Peregrane H&M Premium line have a few lined boots if you’ll consider suede.

Elle's explanation of the Sezane ordering process that rushes you through the checkout is pretty much the entire reason I've never ordered online from them, it gives me undue stress and anxiety and I'm not someone that's frazzled all that easily. They are pretty up their own arses, so I'm sure that magazine makes for hilarious reading, Peregrane. Do share

I don't like their very brand immersive shops either, it's really annoying actually that I quite like the clothes but hate the narrative of effortlessly living is just one click away they're pushed with. The concession stand at Le Bon Marche is pretty understated in comparison to everything else the branding team has ran through with a fine tooth comb, so it's probably no coincidence that that's the only place I've ever purchased anything from Sezane.

Speaking of brand narratives, there was an interesting piece on how luxury and its lustre of status is influencing perceptions. I do see luxury brands moving back to their origins of a quality narrative, though suspect it may also be regional strategy as Asian and Middle Eastern markets surely will still find appeal in status narratives. And I suppose the status narrative has moved into the street wear circle where limited edition drops make Sezane look like child's play.

www.theatlantic.com/amp/article/571525/

Elle, I like the top and the idea of it, though I'd look at the high street for them as well. There was a lot of it last year around Christmas party season and I'm not sure you'd be getting more bang for your back at the higher end. My only objection to the polka dot one is that it actually might read quite party wear as it's quite reminiscent of the fantasy panty hose worn with cocktail dresses?

Thanks for keep an eye out at M&S, Jon and Flo, I'm not getting my hopes up too high. I suspect it'll be Mango quality at three times the price so I'm hesitant to just order it as returns apparently take 35 working days to process

Xing, I have no work shoe recs but isn't it the case over there too that they have to meet quite specific health and safety guidelines along with some from the EU on top which basically narrows it down to three choices from a restaurant supply shop?

Peregrane, my standby for oil based stains in silk is ox gall soap followed by a vinegar rinse but I'm not sure how easily available that is everywhere. I either order it online or get when I'm in Belgium where they still sell it in the supermarket along with ironing starch in a spray can.

Don't know if they're good or not for hobbit feet but don't Dr Martens do a similar Chelsea boot with a shearling lining. Possibly it's synthetic though?

Jacquemus trousers arrived yesterday, I ordered two sizes as it has pleats on the front and they can sit a bit jutted out forward on me sometimes, I think due to the waist to hip ratio. I do prefer the size up as they sit a little bit more relaxed, which feel more contemporary to me. Dead pleased with them, really should get over my grudges of missed out bargains sooner. Yoox order should arrive later today as well.

Brief update on all the CS issues, ninety percent resolved the issue really quickly when I alerted them to it and had my refund processed within hours. They were absolutely lovely and easy to deal with. H&M took forever to reply with a general soz technical issues both with their payment system and their CS reply system Don't think things are going well at H&M, saw some reports on disappointing profits again as well.

Madame Le Figaro is still going Brit mad, they have a men's editorial now. They all look very French to me again... although it's been a while since I was in the UK feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Sorry forgot MLF link

madame.lefigaro.fr/style/mode-homme-telescopage-des-genres-mix-de-matieres-clash-de-motifs-british-260918-150639?utm_source=app&utm_medium=sms&utm_campaign=com.lefigaro.madamefigaro

Sorry I know it's difficult to read on mobile, app works well for me though.

Thank you for the show rács, wiill get back on them! bo you are an angel, would you happen to recall what ox gall soap is called in Belgium?! I have easy access to Belgian supermarkets...

Ok I’ve got it, savon au fiel de bœuf. DH is at a Delhaize right now and I’ve messaged him!

In gratitude, I attach some prime Parisienne bullshit. If they use the same PR in their London store, the Brits will PTSL...

Show rács = shoe recs...

Peregrane, it's called 'ossengalzeep' or 'savon a la bile de boeuf'. I've attached a pic of my worse for wear one in case your DH is still running all the errands, or for your reference. It comes in a bar soap version as well as the liquid (attached) but I prefer the liquid for silk, as it does need to be removed properly, hence the vinegar rinse (I usually do it twice just in case), the liquid is easier to remove from silk. You need to give it a bit of a rub bacl and forth and the liquid version has more slip so it's less hard on it than the bar. The bar version is good for stiffer fabrics and more persistent stains.

X-post Peregrane, glad you found it already. I think Sezane could do with hiring Xing, that reads like a yoga retreat...