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

995 replies

botemp · 21/08/2018 10:14

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

OP posts:
Thread gallery
467
peonylover22 · 03/09/2018 08:38

Love the Maje jumper, Zara blazer and the ba&sh trousers Bo
I had a look at the Sezane collection. The pale pink shoes that I wanted had gone and I was really tempted by some of the knitwear but fortunately sense prevailed. Sense then departed again as I bid for a Sezane grey wool jacket. Not quite sure what I was thinking as it wasn’t very cheap. Hopefully someone will outbid me, but if not maybe I could wear it open with the (not yet purchased) Brora plaid stole Confused

ToElleWithIt · 03/09/2018 14:46

Falling for Rosie Those trousers are gorgeous.

Xing That’s fabulous news about Xing jr, it sounds like the stars really aligned.

I had a look at Sezane too and did find myself adding a Barry jumper and Margaret blouse to my cart.

I’ve ordered that Atlein top and skirt, but of course it has now been more heavily discounted, so I’m seeing if Yoox will honour the discount otherwise I may order again and return the first order which is a major faff of course. I’ll only be keeping it if it is spectacular as it’s more than I really wanted to spend. Thanks so much for putting them on the list. I really do appreciate the time and effort that you put into helping me out. The colour on NAP site is lovely and very different to that shown on Yoox.

I tried the bag attached in town at the weekend and I’m very take with it. I love the adjustable strap and the colour would go nicely with all the rust and caramels around, not to mention navy.

I love winter white around neck and face. I know it’s a cliché, but I do think it helps me look a little more radiant!

I agree about the Raey coat being better. I did check in on it from time to time, but never saw it go into sale (though the pink one is). Ahh the one that got away!

What was the very particular boot style you were looking out for again botemp? The white trousers and Maje top are lovely. The fur coat would be a bit much for me personally, but looks like you’re pulling it off.

Today’s outfit, not especially inspiring, but you can see the cuff.

Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet: Orangutans in Paris make for poor gondoliers
Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet: Orangutans in Paris make for poor gondoliers
Tanaqui · 03/09/2018 19:55

The stripy 70s jumper and white trousers look fab on you Bo.

Am I right that “winter white” is actually an off white/ pale cream, and not just wearing white in winter?! I think I will like a white roll neck, 70s style under my shift dresses this autumn/ winter- usually do grey/ black/ grey or black striped!

If the Cos jeans are too big for you flo, think of me- I’m really a 28 waist though, but definitely not pear shaped- more of a brick!

Saw an actual Arket, at Copenhagen airport! Had a nice looking coffee shop! Clothes looked like they needed trying in to see how they hung and I had too much stuff to manage, but lots of camel/ rust/ beige (none of which I wear) and a lovely mid blue shirt I would have liked to try.

ImYourWomanJonSnow · 03/09/2018 20:17

Hi all just checking in quickly, there’s an article in the Guardian that I thought you may be interested to read. It’s about a book on French fashion industry written by an academic. It talks about the exploitation that happens in design houses too with young designers, stylists, makeup artists etc. www.theguardian.com/fashion/2018/sep/02/academic-exposing-ugly-reality-high-fashion-giulia-mensitieri

botemp · 03/09/2018 20:31

Exciting, Rosie, would love to hear what Mirae is like in the flesh as I've only looked at it online so far.

Is that a Danse Lente bag, Elle? I think I was admiring it in black when I was in Paris. I think there's two sizes, right? I really like the colour on that one, perfect for this season.

I tried on the Barry jumper last year, but it was a medium and the only size available (in store, sold out online) it was really nice but obviously too big. I had contemplated ordering one on Sunday when I saw they were back but I've currently got so many jumpers with an option to buy, it's getting a little out of hand Blush I didn't like the Barry with the buttons worn to the front though, thought it was far too revealing but that may have been a sizing issue. Material was very cosy if I remember correctly.

I think realistically the fur coat is a bit much for me too, it's very much ritch bitch territory and I think it's too bulky to get it to work with more casual things in an effort to tone it down. More a fun to try on thing than to buy.

Boots, I think I want some knee highs in a 70s style with a heel in tan/cognac/brown possibly maroon but I think it's a bit of a mission impossible as they're not really a main trend and I'm a bit small and short in the calf and possibly I'm a bit bored with the traditional knee high silhouette so think choices will be minimal. But I'd like something to wear under midi and mini lengths that is not an ankle boot (as my ankles are just too tapered for that to not look weird now, and I don't really like sock boots). I'm contemplating mid calf now which are supposed to be a bit more mainstream but beyond the odd pair at Zara that were quasi Western I haven't seen many yet. There's also the beige/white trend so there should be choice in that and even though I've always hated white leather footwear I'm weirdly drawn to it as it feels fresh somehow, beige seems more palatable though. But basically I want something to wear underneath my Theory camel wool midi skirt that doesn't feel so formal.

In the new brands I'm excited about today, saw this article on *Wallpaper:

www.wallpaper.com/fashion/next-generation-ruh-fashion-brand-subverting-instagram?utm_campaign=20180903_XWP-X_NWL_EO_Daily-Digest&utm_medium=email&utm_source=wnewsletter

I'm a bit spooked as it seems to embody all my rantings on designing for Instagram, dressing for your own appreciation over that of others, quality timeless pieces that speak of today, and democratic prices so needless to say I'll be watching like a hawk how they develop as I sound like their target audience to a disturbing detail. And bonus points for the high brow architectural background in their lookbook.

I've also attached today's outfit as I had to wait on someone and decided the Margit Brandt blazer I was wearing, that's always been an absolute star for throwing on over everything in this type of idiosyncratic weather is no longer a bit oversized but just downright too big now. Also wearing the Rick Owens top I picked up in Paris but didn't photograph at the time and the rediscovered grey bag worked surprisingly well with it all. Had high hopes for finding something similar to the MB blazer at Massimo Dutti, home of blazers and navy but they only had one sad looking one. Think this may be another mission impossible, which is usually the case whenever I look for a like for like replacement. Did try on a houndstooth check transitional coat but the waist was in the wrong place.

Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet: Orangutans in Paris make for poor gondoliers
Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet: Orangutans in Paris make for poor gondoliers
Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet: Orangutans in Paris make for poor gondoliers
OP posts:
botemp · 03/09/2018 20:38

Tana, winter white to me just means being really impractical in winter by wearing a lot of white which kind of suggests you have nannies and a chauffeur as how else can you stay so immaculate looking? It's whatever white suits you in my mind though.

I'm on the lookout for a 70s roll neck in white/off white too, to wear under my denim jumpsuit for a total 70s cliche. There's a Merino one at Stories but it didn't look fitted enough to my eye online as I really want to wear it under things. I'm hoping COS will do a white version of theirs as that is very form fitting.

Thanks for that Jon, will have a read in a bit.

OP posts:
CatherineMaitland · 03/09/2018 20:49

How funny, I was going to link that article too!

Had haircut today with specialist curly hair person - definitely worth it, first haircut I've ever actively enjoyed, and good results, with only two products used - a conditioner to leave in and some styling gel.

I want to like Sezane but somehow I just don't quite manage it. Might poke around the London shop when it opens before I try anything.

Currently trying to find a pair of long (preferably over the knee) boots - I have awkward calves that are too wide for some boots but not wide enough for extra wide styles. And also I really don't want to spend Russell and Bromley prices or upwards.

Really like the cuff Elle.

CatherineMaitland · 03/09/2018 20:59

Massimo Dutti have some nice burgundy leather knee boots - www.massimodutti.com/gb/women/collection/shoes/see-all---from-size-2/burgundy-nappa-leather-boots-c1475029p8369001.html?colorId=022&categoryId=1475029

I'm very taken with this dark green pair also; but I have nothing to wear them with and would end up just stroking them occasionally - www.massimodutti.com/gb/women/collection/shoes/see-all---from-size-2/limited-edition-green-leather-boots-c1475029p8357602.html?colorId=500&categoryId=1475029

ImYourWomanJonSnow · 03/09/2018 22:41

Coincidentally I’ve also been toying with the idea of a white bag for winter, I usually have one for summer in soft canvas, but the winter version would be leather and bright.

Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet: Orangutans in Paris make for poor gondoliers
Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet: Orangutans in Paris make for poor gondoliers
Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet: Orangutans in Paris make for poor gondoliers
Floisme · 04/09/2018 09:11

Love the idea of a white bag but I’m far too messy.

Tanaqui nip in and get them if you want - all’s fair on S&B Smile Otherwise if they don’t fit I’ll give you a shout.

In other news, I’ve been looking at photos and can officially announce that my days of horizontal stripe round neck tops are over.

quirkychick · 04/09/2018 10:23

Trying to catch up! Lovely pics, as always. I do like the cuffs with the chunkier jumpers, not sure how practical that is, but it might be easy to pull off a watered down version. Elle's cuff is gorgeous, perfect with a simpler outfit. Nice bag too.

I'm totally with you on those tweed jackets, the cheaper ones often hang better, that's exactly what I've found. I think the traditional fabric is quite heavy, maybe it's harder to tailor?

JonSnow that's quite a shocking article!

CatherineMaitland knee high boots are tricky. I have quite slim legs but pronounced calves, I've used Duo boots in the past as they have calf widths, but find that as my legs are long and I'm tall the knee high boots, are not actually knee high on me. This means they come a good few inches below my knee and the top of the zip hits the wider part of my calf, so to be wide enough to close at the top, they need too wide iyswim. Also, it's not such a flattering point for the top of the boot to end.

Peregrane · 04/09/2018 11:30

Haven’t yet managed to catch up, but my IdlF x Uniqlo order has arrived, and DH will be in the area to drop off what I’m not keeping later today.

Pleased with the shirt - very thin material but will hopefully wash well.

Like the blazer (brownish grey check) more than expected, love the colours with the shirt, but there is no interfacing at all to shape the shoulders (only a thin pad) and the front. It’s much too obvious (in both the S and the M) and I think it would bother me too much so I’ll probably return it.

Tried the shirt also with two blazers from my wardrobe: a linen herringbone, too short in the sleeves and dull cut but loved the fabric enough to keep it, and a simple navy wool one.

Excuse the maternity leggings, not much I can fit into at the moment!

ToElleWithIt · 04/09/2018 12:00

Yes the bag is Danse Lente. The Lorna is the style. They only had the big one in store as it was just a small selection and I think that the proportions of the smaller one wouldn’t work for me anyway. Love that Risk Owens top botemp I was hoping that the Sezane Barry might work over a shirt for more casual days at work.

They have an Arket in the airport?! makes mental note to connect through Copenhagen in future

The Sunday Times Style featured those NAP mentored designers too, the article is behind a paywall though www.thetimes.co.uk/magazine/style/wardrobe-mistress-the-best-new-brands-for-a-september-wardrobe-refresh-sfcv036kh More about the program here: www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/net-a-porter-mentoring-scheme-the-vanguard One of the other brands is Gu-De, a South Korean handbag designer. They’re generally very prim in design with a modern take on a vintage concept, but I love the attached green number.

If anyone sees a reasonable approximation of this with a correspondingly reasonable price tag then I’m interested!

www.net-a-porter.com/ie/en/product/1060783/TOM_FORD/one-shoulder-mohair-and-silk-blend-sweater

I always check out Sartore since you recommended it a while back botemp and these heeled boots are dreamy www.sartore.fr/eshop/sr3447.html#92=2250&135=9&137=158 though probably too high for you. Also fancy these flat ones for myself: www.sartore.fr/eshop/sr3400.html#92=5251&135=9&137=5252 but too expensive right now. I struggle with boots too peony, height and in my case very small ankles and calves combined with a relatively large size 7 foot mean I often end up with the “welly” effect.

I like the third bag JonSnow! Thanks for sharing the interesting article. If I had more time I’d try to put together a more thoughtful response, but the following comment jumped out at me:
“Unfortunately any industry that is attractive (fashion, media, journalism, academia even politics) or creative is basically off limits to anyone who isn’t already wealthy, you need to be able to do unpaid internships ( or sometimes PAY to do them) during the summer and the years following college, often in some of the world’s most expensive cities.”
I think that there’s some truth to that and I also think that some of it is down to a culture where we often don’t value the creative industries in monetary terms. Either because a lot of people just don’t see the value in design or because we as a society think of it more in terms of a passion and less in terms of having an economic value. People are supposed to do it for the love of it and for some reason it’s almost seen as tawdry to expect proper monetary compensation.
Peregrane I agree that your two current blazers are nicer. I think it’s partly the fact that the pockets are at an angle – the effect of that is very flattering IMO. Also the Ines jacket has 2 buttons, that would really bother me, but I accept I’m a bit weird. One or three!

Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet: Orangutans in Paris make for poor gondoliers
Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet: Orangutans in Paris make for poor gondoliers
Peregrane · 04/09/2018 12:17

Also tried on this merino jumper. The material feels nice but I am not convinced by the shape and the high neck bothers me.

Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet: Orangutans in Paris make for poor gondoliers
FallingForRosie · 04/09/2018 12:56

@CatherineMaitland
I really like the burgundy boots, the shape is very nice, but I don't have much in the wardrobe that would pair with them.

Maybe it's time for me to try the mid length skirt and boots look, but its one that I strongly associate with my Mum, who incidentally is much more chic than I am.

@botemp would you mind sharing what boots you are wearing with your trousers in the recent photos? Shoe pairings are the one hesitation I have with the wide legs. I want something in between heels and trainers for a more everyday pulled together look.

Looking forward to reading through everyone else's posts.

Peregrane · 04/09/2018 13:05

ToElle, your outfit is again so stylish! The pop of colour from the bag really lifts it (and it seems to be a very current shade for this autumn).
Thank you for your input on the jackets! I’ve just remembered that I have a black jacket in a more masculine cut that I barely ever wear. I’ll try that on too, but will spare you the additional pictures.

I am forgetting if it’s you planning a trip to Antwerp, but if so, might be interested to know that there is also an Arket store in Brussels (40 min by train).

JonSnow that is a sharp idea, but I concur with the others who can’t imagine how a white bag would not turn grubby is short order. As you already do a summer version, you clearly have practice though! Where are your first two photos from (like the clothes 😁)?

botemp that’s a fab top. I am not sure which of the jackets that didn’t pass muster you are wearing there, but is it wrong that I like it?

I may have also placed an order for the Barry jumper. Baa 🐏

XingMing · 04/09/2018 16:14

Today's retail treat was a visit to the fish man (who looks unfeasibly like Captain Birdseye) followed by a quick look at the posh frock shop's new stock, which hasn't all arrived yet. I can live without most of it but in terms of blinging up my mainly complete wardrobe, how about the Pony Mac Grigio style here It's not a direct link to the shoe but scroll down. But then I found some similar on Yoox-NAP in the sale with an additional 30% discount, so I bought them instead for £62 v £230. The grey pony/pewter was wonderful and would be v useful, but I might just stalk them for a bit and hope they fail to find another buyer.

quirkychick · 04/09/2018 16:40

I missed the Rick Owens top (how?) before, bo, very nice. I have a navy wrap top, not RO sadly, but quite similar that I love. That's so annoying trying to find a replacement to something and you can't .

Elle I think you hit the nail on the head with the idea that these internships are just for the already wealthy. It reminded me of year's ago, I went for an interview at a secondhand bookshop in West London (like the film Notting Hill), the "salary" was something like £11k with a chance to buy a share in the business. You couldn't even afford a local rent, let alone transport to work, only realistic if you already have a lot of money.

XingMing · 04/09/2018 16:52

Adding to the consensus on internships, that they are inaccessible to most ordinary folk. A nephew's partner and a friend's daughter have both graduated from London College of Fashion with top degrees but one has just landed a proper paid job after several years of interning, and the other still needs parental support.

Liking the white bags, but I'd be in the too-messy-for-it category.

ImYourWomanJonSnow · 04/09/2018 18:10

peregrane the pictures are Celine pre fall 2016, it was a great collection, enjoy www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/pre-fall-2016/celine

So the bag, and the clothes, are inspiration only, nowhere near my budget to buy them. Thank you for your wisdom regarding white bag, the canvas one is kept clean by being chucked in the washer every now again, couldn’t do it with leather.

I agree that creative work on the whole has become the occupation of the rich, there was a lot of discussion here in recent years how come that in Britain many many emerging actors are basically posh. It’s the same in the arts, and in my own industry which is borderline creative and I interned for a year and got a poorly paid job as a reward at the end of it and considered myself lucky (I’m not posh though).

In other news I have more eBay bargains to report. The Sandro trousers are absolutely beautiful, they are made of weighthy cotton and hang just beautifully. They are a size too large but I tried to make that a virtue by tying a long belt around them and just letting the end of the belt loose (if that makes sense). I have also won a low back burgundy Sezane jumper in cashmere and a vintage black Coach bag (one of their old turnlock style ones) in immaculate condition (the bag was £17). I started the season with precise ideas of colours and shapes and now it’s just gotten giddy with barganous opportunism. As wool green trousers are escaping me I’m making do with what I can find and I’m finding it so fun.

Peregrane · 04/09/2018 18:25

I wouldn’t have thought a priori to place academia and fashion in the same basket, but those are some good points. It’s true that there are similarities in the employment trends. Most academics I know actually come from modest backgrounds, but the lack of wealth does mean that some of them, at around 40 years old, live on a boat by necessity or couch-surf with friends, while holding down lecturer jobs at Oxbridge. (To be fair most Oxbridge positions, including temporary ones, come with perks like free food and sometimes accommodation that make up for the pitiful salaries at the lower rungs, if you do not have a family. But that doesn’t go for other universities. quirky mentioned £11k at a book shop, I’ve seen lectureships advertised around that level too, though outside London.)

ILikeyourHairyHands · 04/09/2018 18:50

Gah, I'm rubbish with long-running threads. Sorry for my absence after your helpful comments Bo, yes, I agree about The Row, I'm in London for a meeting in a couple of weeks so will pop into Harvey Nics when I've got some free time and have a look (could be dangerous though).

Peony, I went for the silver and blue plaid and the blue cloak. Colour's a bit 9f a problem for me as I'm so wedded to blue I'm not sure how to break the habit of always going for the blue option. I wore khaki and burgundy with my navy today, so that's progress of sorts.

I'm also really struggling for bottoms at the moment, I hit 44 this year and I've definitely thickened round the middle and had to actually purchase my first ever bras last week...a lot of things I would have previously worn aren't hanging right any more. I really need to get to some shops as everything I've bought online has gone straight back. Was going into Manchester next week so might see what HN and Selfridges have got to offer.

Also Bo am sharing your need for a pair of heeled tan 70s boots. It is indeed a mission, I've not seen anything despite extensive searching. Please let me know if you find any, I shall return the favour!

ILikeyourHairyHands · 04/09/2018 19:52

Talking of tweed I got a lovely lightweight pure wool longer length military-style jacket at a country fair (of all places) at the weekend.

It's a beautiful fabric, lined really well and a great cut.

It needs styling up properly but I think it could be a winner.

BUT (And another reason I need this thread), is, I'm a fucker for a) An impulse buy and b) Fantasising about clothes that don't actually exist.

I'll spend hours thinking about fantasy outfits, hours searching for the elements of said fantasy outfit. Discover they don't actually exist and then spunk 500 quid on something completely random in a fit of pique.

I have a very healthy budget and like to mix it up a bit but need FOCUS.

botemp · 04/09/2018 19:58

I love the third white bag too, it's a good thing there's so much to respond to on the thread tonight as otherwise, I'd probably waste it away trying to find out where it's from Blush I actually own two white leather bags, one is more an overnight duffel type thing from Furla that I used to use as a gym bag and another is more off-white and again quite sculptural from the late 90s/early 00s from a Belgian designer whose name I can't recall. I should probably dig it out but it's likely to need a bit of a refurb. I'd say they're not as impractical as you'd expect, the only thing where they're fragile is on the handles and sometimes jeans can rub off.

I'm always shocked people are shocked by the linked article (still have yet to read it but going by the discussion and excerpt). Maybe it's because I've lived it and everyone around my age has as well, regardless of industry, since we mostly graduated in the midst of a financial crisis. My industry, especially, was hard hit by it so you had to be delighted with scraps and after that, we hardly knew better. What I always find frustrating that's left out, is that it's always painted as an entry to a closed world, but the reality is it's filled with people of privilege who speak their own language and will always favour people like them when it comes to advancing into permanent positions, etc.

The free food thing is interesting, for example, since it's either paid out of your salary or just offered here but it was a way interns were separated, as for many it was their main meal, so they ate loads in comparison. That wasn't viewed as positive, instead of seeing people making an incredible sacrifice just to be there and being literally and figuratively hungry for a career in the industry, they got viewed as a bit desperate. I brought in my own lunch because I'm finicky about food and have certain dietary needs, which made it appear quite gourmet. Guess who got treated better? So it's not only that internships are for the rich, they're only really of value for the rich too.

Peregrane, I agree the blazer isn't that great, it's sitting a bit odd around the boobs and making you look wider than you are. Possibly my own weird association but the band on the jumper are giving me not so pleasant WWII vibes.

Thanks for the further links Elle, I'm always a bit confused by the Times website as sometimes people are able to share some special shareable link even on things with the paywall. I had already been looking at Le Reveries on NAP and had been wondering where they'd come from. It's interesting the way NAP is developing as I wasn't sure what the Yoox merger would bring alongside the NAP CEO jumping ship.

Rosie, do you want to know the exact models or just the type of shoes? If the former, I'll have to do some image sourcing. It sort of depends on the trouser and where I'm going tbh.

Hairy, the only pair that have caused minor palpitations of excitement are ridiculously expensive at two grand (in Euros but I assume it'll be priced the same in sterling) from Saint Laurent which have that straight shaft but with thick enough material and internal structure so it doesn't just drop and gather like foreskin around the ankles.

Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet: Orangutans in Paris make for poor gondoliers
OP posts:
XingMing · 04/09/2018 20:04

You are all, except possibly (apologies) Flo, too young to remember the original "Cheap Chic" book, published about 1976. It was full of style tips I still live by: high low mix-ups, military, vintage, simple shapes.
There is very little new in fashion, apart from the fabrics and some are marvellous, but the everyday quality has deteriorated a lot since then. Very sadly, I parked my copy, with lots of other books, in my grandmother's attic and they were cleared out.