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.

---

Recommended Second Hand Shops in Paris

Outlets in Central Paris

---

Previous threads:

Un

Deux

Trois

Quatre

Cinq

Six

bo, I love gorgeous greys, I think they really show off textures. I wear loads of grey and navy. In fact, I'm wearing a Day Birger light grey cardigan today (a very old charity shop find), it's wool and warm but has some sparkles . In my defence, I took most if them off when I bought it and just left a few "beads" round the deep v neckline. I do like the grey with the taupe bag, I like grey and brown too, it makes brown much more wearable for me.

flo, velvet, tailored jacket or cape... all sounds great, though, velvet might be a bit wintry for May?

I know - you're all right. I can do winter dressed up without breaking sweat but summery events are much trickier now that I'm no longer firm of arm or body. My go-to is trousers and a silk shirt, which would be fine but I'd like to push the boat out if I can. Anyway there's plenty of time!

What event are you dressing up for in May Flo? (As long as it's not going to out you, of course). Investiture? London wedding? Big birthday? Day time or evening event? Music and dancing?

My instinct says that velvet is likely to look heavy for May, which doesn't preclude being grateful for the warmth. 1920s for our age group might evoke memories of the great aunts Forsyte unless you spend time with the free weights doing 3 sets of tricep dips daily and paint all your ceilings in April so you can do sleeveless, at least indoors. (This would be my option because I am inordinately proud of my toned arms, so get them out at every opportunity.) Other options might be lace?

I haven't seen anything that screams 'buy me' coming through in picture streams recently for SS19.

Gorgeous, Bo: I know, I was always going to say that. Grey is my default choice npw.

Great photos and ideas as usual Bo. Grey does not tend to be my to-go colour, except for bottoms that is. But there is a few good ideas there specially the turtle neck ones, I find high necks constricting unless they are lovely wide ones.

Flo we need to know what type of event, as Xing said day/night etc
But anyway you have plenty of time and I think early in the new year you might have good options to keep an eye for in eBay or pre-loved shops. I am partial to a good cape or well cut jacket.

DAY 16

DAY 16 - DAY 16 - DAY 16 - DAY 16

Style Hacks from the Céline Runway (III): Running on the Runway

I’m not quite sure whether Phoebe Philo herself first appeared with trainers on her feet on the Céline runway or that it was the models. Regardless, the sighting of these bright trainers is arguably the most memorable Céline style image that trickled down the furthest in terms and signified her signature.

There were many iterations of trainers on the Céline runway, and made way for flatter footwear styles throughout but they’re probably most memorable on PP’s feet.

Which is kind of where the issue started… she wore them just right as an extension of her style but the takeaway translation was a too simplistic ‘it’s all down to the shoes’ and ‘they’ll dress down anything’ = effortless. The reality is, they’re quite effortful and a considered choice that an outfit is built upon rather than shoved under any old pair of skinny jeans with the rolled up hems as the point of difference.

Interestingly enough it was those with a bit of age to them that knew better, intuiting to drop the waist on long skirts and trousers, loosening tops with experienced nonchalance in accordance. Echoing the colour, or elements, within the entire colour palette rather than simply detaching top from bottom with harsh contrast, which can work in some occasions but has to be carried out with extreme precision and restraint where there is little to hide. Easy it is not.

These women managed the shift with an ease where the Insta-crows simply dangled some white trainers on their feet like they were the new it-thing to overdose their algorithm until inevitably the next shiny thing came along. Thankfully, Instagram doesn’t dictate everything and the trainers will last longer than their internet moment and has become a firmly embedded staple even in wardrobes that previously barely featured anything remotely athletic.

If anything, the integration of simple trainers on the Céline runway has offered us more choice in this type of footwear that appeals beyond teenage tastes. Despite Phoebe Philo’s departure from the runway, her trainer legacy lives on as seen here at Rosie Assoulin, Eudon Choi, and Nehera in the spirit they were once presented.

Perhaps this will help others to view those trainers anew, along with the help of the stylish silver-haired mavens to give those familiar trainers already in your wardrobe another go with a new perspective on how to wear them.

DAY 16 - DAY 16 - DAY 16 - DAY 16

Obviously Flo is preparing for her debutante ball Perhaps going from silk shirt + trousers it would be easy to go to silk shirt with skirt? Lucinda Chambers is a good one to explore, she always appears to cover her upper arms and has a bit of fun with accessories to make it all less mundane.

You know what, I really like that outfit. - I even have a skirt a bit like Lucinda’s but it’s black so I hadn’t considered it.

Yes sorry, the event that’s most on my mind is the wedding of a much younger family member. Not sure why I’m worrying as I’ll doubtless be at the back along with the other aunts and the second wives but you know, I’m vain and have my standards Most family events these last few years have been funerals so it’s really nice to have a joyous occasion for once but it brings its own stress.

My arms will be covered. That is non negotiable.

Anyway back to the Avent Calendar before I fall further behind.

Pleased to see I am not doing trainers completely wrong, haha.

Has anyone ever shopped in Anthropologie? I went in earlier to find a present for a friend and the prices actively shocked me for what was being sold.

Love the Lucinda skirt with the pleats starting where they start.

This thread is great.
Bo: I seriously think you should be making money from your writing - do you have an Instagram/blog? Am sure everyone would be delighted to hear you do!

I love this thread so much and actually makes me see things in a different way. A few of you sound very knowledgable!
I suppose I just appreciate aesthetics in general and I love your comment Flo about being vain and having standards. for tasteful vanity!
Another declaration - I have not done the trainers thing yet either... other than when purposely for exercise! But those photos are so good, they look effortlessly but reminds me in a way to the effort that goes into creating a no-make up .. make up look.

Wonderful guidance on here, I am reading and taking careful note.
Anthropologie is overpriced, sign up to their website and you can get 20% off or more frequently. It helps .
Re Floiseme and your event next May - what about a Nehru coat/jacket from Shibumi ? I think website is called Shibumistyle or something similar . I have a couple in the silk / wool mix which I wear over floaty or capri trousers and a thin top/cami ( keeping coat on and arms covered). I love mine ! Just a thought.

I love Lucinda's shirt as well as the skirt.

I love the trainer look, too, but have steered away from the white trainers, they don't feel me. I can manage the silver hair, still working towards the "stylish maven" bit, though . I do like the attitude of nonchalance in those photos.

flo would the faux jumpsuit (covered arms), with a tailored jacket or cape work? It's not vanity btw, it's self-respect.

I love the Lucinda inspiration posted. Also the visual imagery of the Forsyte aunts and the ceiling painting necessary to pull ofF such a look. Is there any chance a sheer top would work under the 20s dress or is that too close to going bare-armed?

I may have fallen at the first fence in terms of trying to recreate Day 1 of the calendar. All the scarves I own are of the patterned shawl variety which I think start looking a bit Grand Dame and not in a good way when I try to wrap them. I'm going to persevere a little more and then post up my efforts regardless. My DH did a have a fabulous charcoal grey scarf that I was planning on borrowing, but it has gone AWOL. Harrump.

I could be tempted into a May date in London, or June for that matter!

Thanks everyone for the ideas - really helpful and all noted. I’m still hoping to source most of the outfit from my own wardrobe. I have so many dress-up clothes, some of which will be quite valuable now and, at some point, I need to figure out what to do with the things that don’t work for me any more. (Basically I need my son to get married so I can pass them on )

Anyway I’ve now ruled out anything 1920s as the Forsyte Saga factor is too strong plus I don’t want to risk turning up in a dress that’s fancier than the bride’s or mother of the bride’s. I’ve see enough threads on AIBU and no wish to end up in one. I have a few other options: a 1960’s Jackie Kennedy-ish linen suit, although I don’t normally wear both parts together as it’s very pink so I’d need to find a way to de-sugar it. (Trainers would be great but probably not appropriate!) Or a charity shop Edun skirt that I think would respond well to sone Lucinda treatment. So lots to play with.

I like the sound of a pink suit a la Jackie O, I have noticed that Kate Middleton and a few others have worn recently (ish) some versions of it.
My mind is right now in what to pack mode, as I am traveling to the Southern Hemisphere later this week. I go there often but normally in the spring / autumn so this time round will be a shock going from 7 degrees to 32 degrees.
So my wardrobe will be cotton dresses, t shirts and skirts for most part. For the plane I will probably do a silk pyjama pant I have, a tee, cashmere grey cardigan, scarf and coat... and trainers.
I would be tempted to distract myself from the long flight with some champagne but I suppose I have to be with it as the sole responsible adult in the flight in charge of DC.
Right now sitting covering grey hair ... the second time I am doing it, as a very dark hair person I find it difficult to grey gracefully... I might try it in the future but right now I am not prepared psychologically.

Heeding Bo's warning that trainers are not effortless, but need careful thought, I checked stocked levels for the Italian trainers I love last week and was reassured that they are unlikely to sell out before the sale, so I am quietly scheming to get in early. They are very loud and blingy, (in blue/black pony with clear sole bumpers and silver trim) so I'm optimistic that I shall be the foot-size size 5 extrovert who scores. They will work sooo well with jeans and black trousers.

Lucinda Chambers is always worth watching, and that's a lovely simple chic look. What shoes had she put with it, or are they invisible?

Today's look is my take on Pilates/dog-walking athleisure... running tights, long sleeve grey marl T and grey-black cashmere jumper, with knee-length pull on tube skirt and flat grey Andia Fora ankle boots, fingerless gloves, down blazer in navy, scarf and the arctic leopard huff. Several compliments too.

Xing that sounds extremely stylish, as does red's plane outfit. flo I'm loving the sound of the Jackie O suit.

I had to say goodbye to a pair of '90s brown, suede furry boots today . They really owe me nothing, but they're my go to for frosty, icy, snowy weather and the soles have finally cracked. It's not even that wet, but they leaked water on route to school this morning.

Sad moment, that one Quirky. I stand at your shoulder and salute trusted companions with you.

Oh quirky!

On a positive note my blue Joseph trousers are in my possession! The eBay seller was very good as they are in great condition!
Quite tricky to get the colour right on the photo but I think you get the idea, and the fabric is lovely too 🤗

I have to share another buy too as I am so excited!
My two Dec buys thanks to eBay a lovely pre loved cotton Vanessa Bruni jacket in cream and very dark navy
It fits so perfect I am over the moon

Ok, me done.