Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet: Blue Stockings are Back in Fashion

[botemp]

Lovers of Parisian style and fashion with a conscious mindset to our wardrobes. Occasionally we pretend this is a proper Salon of the non-beauty kind.

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Recommended Second Hand Shops in Paris

Outlets in Central Paris

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Previous threads:

Un

Deux

Trois

Quatre

Cinq

Six

Floisme Shirt is T by Alexander Wang and is ancient - at least 7 years old. The holes around some of the stitching are starting to get larger, overall I think that the Equipment shirts are better quality, but I like that this one is longer.

Anyone have any fashion / style goals for 2019?

I'm going to try to buy less and find new ways of utilising what I have better. The advent calendar is helping and after I've done that I may look for a new challenge, maybe a 10 x 10 or last year's calendar. I'm going to try to be more strategic with buying things and identify sale dates and be prepared to use them to buy what I need rather than buying at full price, this would be pre-identified needs like plain shirts, knits, underwear etc.

I have 3 style goals. The first, as I've said is to review my make up after going without for a month, which I'm hoping will help me spot the problems more easily.

The second is to up my exercise regime although I'm not sure how yet. My main exercise is walking and I do a reasonable amount but I'm going to push myself to walk faster. I also need to do more strength building exercise - I was advised this over a year ago and haven't done anything about it. I can't stand gyms though so I'm looking for something I can incorporate into everyday life.

The third is to wear at least one great thing every day, which is my latest attempt to cure my saving for best syndrome.

Love your photos, Elle. That's a very lovely scarf, it sounds very warm as well. I tried the half tuck, but wonder if the shirt was too stiff and maybe not long enough.

I walk lots too, flo but I'm hoping my new Fitbit will up that a bit. I had an old one that just tracked but this reminds me to move every hour. I do weights and resistance bands at home, really from having young dcs as it was too much faff to travel to the gym and there was no creche. I might look out some stuff on YouTube for changing up my routines.

I'm not sure about style goals for 2019, my brain is too foggy from a week of socialising, guest staying, too much good food food and wine and not enough sleep with later nights and early waking dd2. When it's functioning better, I'll have a think.

My default no-make-up (which makes everyone look better, even DM/DMIL in their 70s/80s) is Sensei's Bronzing Gel. It's a totally sheer tinted gel in soft bronze and it adds a slight gleam when you study it up close. I have been known to apply it in near-darkness, and it's foolproof with finger tips/minimal blending. It never clogs, doesn't settle into pores, or oxidise or do any of the other things that put me off foundations. There's a bit of sunscreen, and it's made in Japan for the Asian market primarily so it probably is tested on animals.

The only UK counter is Harrods, but I replaced it fairly recently from All Beauty, where it was a bit cheaper with free postage. (Horrids charge a scandalous £6 for postage!)

Keep the pictures coming; it's fascinating to see how you are styling your wardrobes.

My goal for 2019 is to buy second hand and much less unless I need to replace underwear or real staples.

Elle you are a pro at putting the advent into practice!

My style goals - plan what I am going to buy, particularly plan better a few key items of classics for a capsule wardrobe.
Hence I am planning to go shopping hopefully this Saturday for new items: I need a decent pair of jeans, and a couple of good quality tops thinking off white/blue/cream camel type.
Continue to change slowly my wardrobe by selling on ebay items that do not longer fit/suit me, last year I sold loads and I have a lot more space to see and wear the stuff I actually like.
No longer buy on impulse, just because is on sale.
Possibly the only exemption is of finds in boutiques specially when I travel (which I do a fair amount) I love to find unique things that I would not find at home.
Continue to reach to ebay/preloved shops for high end quality stuff that otherwise I would not buy/buy a cheaper in lower quality.

Flo have you tried yoga? Do you have an independent studio/teacher in your area?
Yes to wear something special/ fabulous each day. Not to save for best, the best day is the one we are living right now.

Today I am wearing a pair of wool and cashmere navy culottes and pale pink fine knitted jumper. But not doing anything special still in holiday mode with DS around pottering at home.

Flo - makes sense. Actually I hate the idea that we HAVE to wear make-up, it's nice to play with and I've just started enjoying it after never really playing around as a teenager and then years of opting out entirely, but I hate that it's become a sort of tyranny, especially as a woman.

Red I've tried yoga and other classes and they just don't do it for me I'm afraid. Basically I like exercise to be part of an activity I'm doing already rather than an end in itself, if that makes sense? Walking works for me because I have to get to work/the shops/ wherever somehow so I may as well get there on foot. But now I think I need to supplement it with another physical activity. Gardening would probably be good if only I liked it. Or maybe making my own bread, except I'd just eat all the bread.

xingming Thanks for the recommendation. My sister is going to Japan in the Spring so I may request that she brings some back. Adds to list - makes mental not to offer contribution to excess baggage charge...

redandblue - sounds like a lovely outfit

Floisme It's definitely worth considering some resistance work at home. I often work out at home, there's a family history of osteoporosis that I'm keen to avoid if possible. I have a selection of equipment, but it's perfectly possible to start with body weight stuff - think push-ups, tricep dips, split squat with rear leg elevated etc. TRX straps if you've somewhere to hang them are a great addition.

Day 3 : Excerpt from botemp

Now there’s nothing wrong with the classic palette of camel/ivory or white/navy or black but it can feel a bit ‘been there, done that’. Whilst camel is riding high in the fashion scene, pairing easily with the other colour darling, brown, it can venture overly warm and autumn-esque. Meanwhile old faithful grey has faded into the background now that it’s missing from front and centre attention. However, when paired with camel it delivers a refreshing twist to an old classic that somehow feels crisp without a white shirt in sight.

The reverse holds just as well, grey that was feeling a bit out of touch and drab can be livened up with an injection of camel. It's particularly effective when the camel is a less expected piece, eg. a pair of camel trousers rather than a coat.

My attempt (constructive criticism always welcome btw): I bought this skirt last year, but had only thus far worn it with similar shades and white, so the grey
mixed it up nicely. It's possibly leaning more towards a light toffee colour, but my wardrobe isn't' extensive enough to split hairs over this! The grey top is an old one, boots were bought last year pre-owned (though only worn once I'd guess) from Vestiaire. IRL it's not as shiny as it looks in the first picture, it's more of a soft sheen. I was really happy with the effect. I have also earmarked to try my grey trousers with my camel coloured knitted jumper.

Looks lovely Elle!

I need some pointers... I generally like tight skinnies, Chelsea boots, leather jacket, quite a goth/ rock chick vibe, but I want to make it a classier look - def with the Parisian vibe!
I have pared my makeup right down and picked up the skincare, and hair is a lot more 'undone'... and accessories! Help!
What would be a couple of key clothing items?

My attempt at Day 15 Advent - Shades of grey (with a hint of ivory top & camel boots later paired with camel coat)

Bo descriptipn on day 15 -
Grey can feel harder than navy but it doesn’t necessarily clash as harshly as black can. Within a monochrome palette it can get lost as a transition shade, which is a shame really as playing with various tones of grey whether that’s in the darker or lighter spectrum.

A couple of pics before runnig out of house this am. Still playing on how to wear the scarf

Elle I really like your interpretation of the grey and camel!

Now, I wonder how that skirt will look with a grey knit with a tiny bit more body to soften the way it falls? Not sure if you have one (not suggesting you buy!) , also trying to imagine might work with a contrast of the textures with the skirt.

I will see if I can do more advent days too and send pics round , you inspired me Elle

Elle and Red looking lovely in shades of camel and grey. Those boots look divine on, Elle, a really gorgeous shape.

MoneyHoney I find a go a bit more rock chick in winter, but in a very dilute way. When I was much (much) younger, I went through a punk/goth/indie kid phase and have definitely kept some of those sensibilities. Often it's in something like accessories, so biker boots, a bag with studs,leather cuff, but maybe not all at once.

Bonne année à tous! I'm back again, will properly read through and catch up later today or tomorrow. Hope everyone is well, am loving the sightings of the advent calendar in action.

I've just seen the third season of Six Pour Cent/Call My Agent! is out on Netflix today so hopefully lots of style inspiration to be found there again.

Welcome, Money, (unless it's a name change, then hello again) for Parisian rock chick I always think Lou Douillon and a bit of Caroline de Maigret are good to look at. LD does the look particularly well, I always find it amusing how polished she is made up to be in photo shoots and she looks a touch boring as a result. It does all look very effortless but there is quite a lot of method to it. I 'met' her last time I was in Paris and she's a lot shorter and not as scarily thin as she appears, so definitely some sartorial trickery going on. She seems to push lengths at extremes a touch bluntly, much like her hair, so very low rise straight/slim jeans or very high rise, longer length jackets or very cropped, little in between and not so much focus on feminine curves or the waist. Details and accessories are similarly less subtle and quite present.

Another attempt to putting the advent into practice. Great as had an old ski blue jumper forgotten and nearly sent to charity last year but decided to keep it and reuse it after the inspiration from Bo , and the denim are quite light blue in a semi mom style, I worn it last two summers and did not think about them for winter.

This look was chosen with a practical sense in mind as I was going to the park with DC it was a sunny yet freezing January morning here so I thought this might work.
I wanted to add the untucked shirt from underneath the jumper , but decided against as I felt it looked as I had run out the house half dressed .
Not sure if I made it into a safe , preppy version (I ocilate between preppy and pushing the edges with unusual cuts and colour depending how I feel) but felt that for the occasion it fitted the bill.

From Bo’s
Day 11 - bleached denim
....If natural light is bright enough, as it often is in January -formerly prime white skinny jean season- bleached denim almost disappears into the background which gives it new opportunities to play with in your wardrobe.

Day 20 - blue skies
...In short, these particular shades of vibrant blue are the perfect thing to herald back the light and brighten up your day and anyone else’s who crosses your path...

Nice to see some else's efforts. Jeans look great redandblue Might be worth rolling up the cuffs of the shirt over the jumper iykim.

I should try a thicker jumper. I don't have a heavy one, but I do have a loose, but fluffy knit. It's not literally fluffy, but a lighter texture. It's the Sezane Barry. I'll give it a go with the skirt too - good idea.

No photos from me today as I slept in so I grabbed the closet thing to hand.

Lurker here, who has posted only once but loves the threads.
Redandblue - it looks good - what are you wearing on your feet?
QingMing - I'm 58 and only want minimal makeup so the bronzing gel is sounding v good to me - is there only the one colour as far as you know - I can't get it wrong?

Lovely pictures RED and Elle, and good for Bo's profile to see us all trying out the Advent calendar hacks.

Hi Addle, there are three shades: Year round the lightest (soft bronze) is good for most north European complexions, though perhaps not red-haired milk-skinned Celts. In summer or when I am tanned (and I tan to quite an olive hue given time, I go to the middle shade. There's a deep tan, which would be too dark/visible on me if I was careless applying it. But it's the consistency which makes me rave; it's sheer and see-through, but it veils and evens out your skin.

Many years ago, I went skating with a friend and all our kids; I put a bit on the ladies (with appalling fluorescent lighting). When I went back out, she demanded to know what I had done to my face. She was incredibly beautiful, and quite a well-known model-actress 25 years ago. Instant convert. I know she went on using it for some time because she used to ask if I needed any when she was in London while the DC were at the same school.

AllBeauty.com sell it for about £27, which is £4 less than Harrods, the only authorized stockist in the UK. There were more once, including one in our HoF.

Elle/Red- thank you for photos, great inspiration and a good reminder that we don't need to buy exact items to replicate a look.

NY style resolution- like others, it's to continue to develop my own personal style more, working with what I already love and buying well once.

Re: make-up: I am defo camp 'less is more.' I find the heavy brows/false lashes/heavily contoured look just looks a bit false/exhausting. Having spent a lot of time these past few days under the harsh lights of changing rooms, I've noticed I need to prioritise skincare.

Bought far less than anticipated on my trip with my mum- jeans, good quality knitwear and good quality flat leather shoes (that don't pinch) were especially hard to come by. I went into several of the higher end boutiques where knitwear/denim was much more than I would normally pay, but still couldn't find anything I quite liked. Also really struggled to find hood underwear/nightwear.

I bought a pair of running trainers as I have put in to run a half-marathon, a coat, a cobalt blue cashmere jumper (£5 charity shop bargain), a skirt and x3 tops. I'll take photos when I get a chance as I'd especially like advice on the coat. Realised we sold the wardrobe with a full length mirror on so photos might prove tricky!

Managed photo of new skirt courtesy of the mirror at DS swimming lessons this morning.

So today I wore cashmere Jaeger jumper (a bit shrunk but okay if tucked into something high waisted), new skirt (French Connection, reduced from about £80 to £14), black Beau Coops boots (old ebay purchase). Realise I need new tights as these (and most others) are rather bobbled.

Feedback welcome (inc other idea of what to wear with skirt). I did get a dark teal (almost navy) scoop neck top from Jigsaw that I thought would work tucked in.

XingMing - thank you. I'm quite olive too. Will search it out.

*typo! Sky blue instead of ski my spelling is not great...

Xing that product sounds fab! I am very tempted to try as someone very tired of expensive make up that does not seem to do what promised, I wear very minimal makeup still spend a lot on it.

Addle I did not take a full picture as was in a Coffe shop ladies mirror , but had black ankle boots (nice design in suede and leather) hem of trousers up to accentuate the boot. I attach a photo from web to get the idea. I also had black coat.

Methen I was wondering what you got in your shopping trip.
You look fab on that skirt and jumper, very chic in a swimming pool environment.

Last night I did the semi-tuck shirt, when I went out for some drinks to a cool local bar. Polka dot shirt and skinny grey jeans , sadly I did not take pictures to share .

I'm still catching up but I did decide to join in with the advent calendar fun today and went straight in at the deep end to attempt the coat on coat look. Surprisingly not as disturbing as I thought it would be.

I'm not copy pasting my own words as it's cringey enough reading it all back in the first place Did pass by Sandro and they were actually selling a trench coat with a faux denim jacket insert underneath that you could remove. I don't actually own a denim jacket but could give it a go at some point. I do have another set of coats I can try this with, a lot less adventurous than this combo, but it felt a bit too formal for the weekend.

Also saw a lovely bright blue skirt at Cos, silk top was also nice but very thin. Unfortunately the skirt is too big, even over the trousers I was too lazy to take off. It should sit an inch higher than it does, I was hoping they'd have it in the elusive size 32 online but alas they don't seem to have it at all there. Silk shirt it's paired with was also a disappointment, very thin unfortunately, made a mole on my chest look like a stain on the shirt Did however manage to pull of the tricolour with the lipstick, dressing like the French flag was an advent post that never made it in (due to lack of good images).

Also put in an order with Toteme this morning, some interesting looking socks which I think should provide some styling switch ups and allow me to wear much neglected heels without them feeling overly formal. Like the idea of them with cropped trousers too.

Also from the Toteme sale, a skirt and, not from the sale, their new 'flair' jeans. I don't have much faith in the jeans, I'd love to find a pair that will fit me as this does on the model, long long legs and no bulk despite being wide legged but I suspect you actually need long legs and conservative curves to pull it off

Bo the coat on coat looks super.

Methen your miniskirt is lovely I have a couple of images to hopefully inspire you, Alexa Chung seems to pull off the tweed mini skirt look with a trendy vibe very well. I also wonder if it would look good with a denim shirt tucked in ...
The second picture is not a tweed skirt but the look with a blouse might be easily replicated.