Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet: Blue Stockings are Back in Fashion

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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:

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Morning, can I just say, I really hate synthetic pillows

Red, it's mostly the factories used rather than deliberate exploitation but a lot of the meddling US brands like Tory Burch, Kate Spade, the Kendall+Kylie brand all got caught out in several scandals. Considering the premium prices paid and the materials used they're an easy bunch to toss on the shit heap. I wouldn't be considered when buying in a closing down sale, the man's been long paid at that point so you're not really contributing into the cycle in the same way.

#Sezane

So I did try on two knits from Sezane at their concession stand yesterday, have been on the hunt for an orangey/red jumper for a while now which weren't easy to find but are available in abundance here. Typical. I did really like the first one, looks horrible as a cardigan on me, but cardigans and I have never been steady friends. May go back to it. The other one I really liked the neckline on me but it's not so bad in the photo but in RL it had what we call a very 'Crea Bea’ (we pronounce e and a seperately like in Beatrice) look which is basically Arty Farty's provincial cousin, very crafty home made. It was a weird amalgamism of the crochet, the colour and the blah fit around the waist I think.

#other red jumper contenders

I loved the shape of this one by Poiret (I mentioned the brand a while ago as one to watch, beautiful kimonos, female Asian designer) but it's the new collection, so rather pricey and it's an all cotton jumper, which to be honest, looks material wise that it could have been a good buy from Cos or H&M. Anyhow, serious knitwear spends make no sense for me for s/s.

Jil Sander one was one I'd admired a lot online, so was delighted to spot it in the sale. Think I even posted the runway image on here once or twice where it sat artfully draped to the side on the model. On me, however, it looked a bit Michelin man on a slanted angle

Although I've just looked up the image, I think it's potentially a different model jumper.

#lebonmarche other finds

Other finds at Le Bon Marche department store. #notpyjamas Absolutely stunning silk blouse from the Row, gorgeous silk, unfortunately it was really very delicate as well and considering the Row prices it had to be immaculate to consider it and unfortunately it had a few pulls and stains. Silk trousers from Jil Sander were lovely too, if a touch transparent, but a size too big and they did feel/look it.

Also way too big but tried it on in hopes of altering it down as it was another absolute bargain, Jacquemus navy skirt. A bit too complicated to size down unfortunately.

Rag & Bone dress, difficult to see in the picture but it has the advent calendar jumper tie around the hips. This type of dress is an easy winner on my body, but it means I'm quite bored by them as well. It was reasonably priced but not an amazing bargain, was a bit at war with the material, knitted cotton mostly (65%) but the rest was some sort of synthetic (forgot which one) which just didn't feel like a good bet come summer as it's definitely a nicer weather sort of dress.

#Chercheminippes

Second hand shop, found a few things there, was initially delighted by Isabel Marant paper bag trousers which usually aren't my thing. I'm not sure if it is the contrasting lining that made it less stuffy and a big ball of mass or just the cut (quite unusual they are basically massive trousers you zip up that get cinched in) until I saw the back view and it appeared my arse was hanging well below the floor in it. Dommage.

Only really picked this up for fun from Rosie Assoulian. For those that remember there was a bit of a sea monster moment in bright pleated yellow from RA the last time I was in Le Bon Marche in the summer. I was kind of surprised that it did not look comical or horrific and it was ridiculously cheap for RA, does need some TLC but manageable. I'm just not sure if I'd wear it out much as it's rather bare. Tried it on over my shirt as well, potentially it would work over a lighter colour. I may go back for it if it continues to niggle my mind.

Wow, so many clothes, bo. I'm not near a Uniqlo, sadly, so have only ever bought heattech or jumpers from them. The wide-legged trousers look lovely, though. I really like that red on you, a pity about the Jil Sander jumper, it looks like a lovely shape.

red the jumpsuit looks like a good fit and if the fabric is heavy enough it should keep it's shape.

My Sorel boots have come and look kind of trainery (if that's a word), they're very comfy and fine for high insteps, as they are lace up all the way down, so I'll keep them but add higher snow boots to a mental list for another time. I have rubbish circulation, so lots of warm footwear is not going to be a problem.

This is like Christmas all over again! Like waking up to lovely presents. Trying to absorbe all the photos.

Uniqlo - the only potential thing for me would be the high waisted pleated trousers. Yes colour would need to be that pinky one. But not desperate for them will sit on that for the moment.

Thisname incidentally yesterday I was looking in a little local boutique two shirts like you show and are reduced, I did not try but I am very tempted.

Bo red/orange looks great on you. I just googled Poiret and I am quite parcial to that style. Lots of things I like. I hear about the price.
-btw- yesterday I bought a red/orange jumper myself, very inexpensive in this boutique, along with a oversized cardigan (yellow cream black diamonds) not something I would go for but I tried it and I quite like the edgy /gueeky image looking back at me so I got it.

Silk blouse from Row, stunning in my opinion.

Love the front look of those I Marant trousers... but prefer not to even imagine the back that you describe.

The last top, the skimpy one. really interesting shape (in a good way). It wouldn’t fit like that on me at all, but I would be so tempted. How are the second hand prices of those pieces?
When I was in Paris in November I could not go there for lack of time.

Quirky yes those boots will be very useful if they are comfortable.

Are you looking for higher snow boots? Higher on the leg?
I also have high insoles , so boots need to open otherwise there is no chance of my feet getting in.
I have had these Timberlands for about 6 years and still look and are great. I have worn them loads, including Norway the previous November and various winter countryside walks in Uk.
I cannot see them in website as must be old model , but they are in amazon
www.amazon.co.uk/Timberland-Hopemid-Womens-Trainers-Brown/dp/B00BCJVN5O/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?pi=SL180_SX134_CR0&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1549097709&sr=1-13&refinements=p_89%3ATimberland,0,134,180

The leather is treated to be waterproof and they are super warm (fellow cold feet here)

Dammit I knew those wide legs would be good. knew it, knew it, knew it.

I think I'm behind on pics again and I'm off out shortly but very quickly, I love those red jumpers. I prefer the simple ones (the colour is enough I think) and I would have gone for the V neck but I think that's the problematic one?

My big news is that no-make up January is over. It's been fine. In fact one of the main things I've realised is that I don't enjoy make up that much. I find it a bit of a chore so whatever I do has got to a) be easy and b) make a difference.

Also that my skin is fairly decent. I'm not after coverage as much as a bit of a glow so looking forward to trying out Xing's Sensei But what I'd really like is more definition. I miss my cheekbones. If I could lose half a stone, I could probably get them back...

That is so not going to happen. But I would be up for some low maintenance trickery. Definition, definition, definition is my goal. My face has always been pale and quite bland and now it seems to be morphing into the moon (although so far, without the craters).

Which is a long winded way of saying - and if you've followed the early threads, you're really going to have a good laugh - that the first thing I'm trying out is lipstick.

Red I really like that jump suit on you - good fit. Sorry about all the other pics I've missed, I'll try and catch up later.

I'll keep those in mind, red. I was really looking to replace a 20+ yr old pair of furry boots that I have reliably worn in snow and ice, that finally cracked and let in (icy) cold water. The taller Sorels I really like, but all the reviews say they are not good for high insteps. I ordered a pair of black Kimberfeel ones from BrandAlley, but the order was cancelled, so I've ended up with these, cos I need something I can wear if we have any more snow or ice. I would probably like some taller ones as well, but I'm going to put it on the back burner. I may have looked at far too many snow boots while stuck inside!

flo, laughing at lipstick . I've not worn any for a couple of weeks as I've been mostly stuck in the house, then had a cold (tissues, sneezing and lipstick, just no).

When I google Poiret I keep getting 1910s Paul Poiret hits and the cocoon coat? Not that I hate that.

Poiret is an old French fashion house, very famous at the time, that they've revived. Forgot who the financial backers behind it are but IIRC they were ones to take notice of. Check the Vogue runway website for more.

Flo, I thought you were going to properly shock us and take up contouring though I would point out some subtle shading (as I call it as it's barely detectable) would do what you're looking for. Kevyn Aucoin sculpting powder in light works well for the very pale-pale.

It varies Red, most places are depot ventes and they take a 50% commission (or similarly high) so that tends to be reflected in the price. They are picky and everything is barely or never worn. For reference, the RA top is 60 euro's which is ridiculously cheap (the yellow sea monster I tried on in the summer was €1600 in the sale, I think) but it's a will it longer in my closet unworn risk item. The trousers were €95 and they were from the cheaper etoile line, though old label which tends to be really excellent quality so fairly priced considering where it's sold. I also tried on another Isabel Marant mainline dress which didn't suit me and that was also around a 100 IIRC. An Equipment silk shirt dress (pattern didn't suit me) was around 150, comparable to what you'd get it on sale for so felt high to me. Tried on a merino stripey jumper as well, forgot the brand smaller French label (Rogier maybe?). Good quality just didn't suit me, immaculate condition, was €35.

Was in another one today that would have potentially been a gold mine for me as it targeted Asian tourists and everything was either a 34 or 36 but it was ridiculously overpriced. Quite worn Repetto shoes for €120. A Lemaire jacket for more than what they're going for in the sale a few doors down. They had a Chanel suit for just under two grand, don't really know what they cost new but it can't be marked down that significantly, not vintage or limited edition either.

Returned the coat this morning, saw some advent calendar in store with the shirt tied over a turtleneck.

At Lemaire they have the high end version of the Uniqlo trousers, not sure if it's translated in the picture but they're glorious too.

Will attempt a catch-up at breakfast again tomorrow as off to dinner now, hopefully somewhat more coherent and less reliant on autocorrect this time…

In the Maje window, a coat with scarf integrated.

And I may have been hurling some abuse at the sighting of these building works at Celine where Heidi Slimane will undoubtedly be remodeling for it to look identical to the Saint Laurent store across the street

Also, forgot to mention yesterday, had an extended mooch at the Gabriela Hearst stand, if ever in doubt what to spend your EuroMillions winnings on, her cashmere jumpers are some of the nicest I've seen in a very long time and they're not even a 100%, a 70/30 merino mix.

You reminded me Bo of what an amazing combination red jumper and denim is.

My Uniqlo U haul is in. The wide dirty pink red trousers are glorious, ordered 25 and 26 and you are right the difference between sizes is miniscule but I’ll keep the smaller pair, they fit just slightly better at the bottom. Being cotton they will stretch with wear and I feel I need the fitted parts to stay fitted as the legs are very wide indeed. I do think I’ll have to think carefully which coat to wear with them. My other wide trousers are softer and more flowing so they were happy under longer and knee length coats. I’m not sure they work with these, I’ll probably have to go for something that ties at the waist.

Other things that I ordered are all going back. The denim jacket was thinner than expected and too boxy. Uniqlo U t shirts used to be seamless, they have changed that, they now do have seams on the sides, are longer and wider but with short sleeves that just stick out in an unflattering way. The jersey trousers (again I ordered the browny pink) are amazingly cut, size S fitted perfectly at waist and back, the double stitch seam is near the front giving a nice fall and also making sure the conical shape is held. But the fabric is a major major let down, it felt like it would stretch at the knee and generally make me look like a toddler after one wear. It also had that yucky feel of 80s tracksuit bottoms, with a bit of sheen from lycra. Such a pity. I feel like writing a letter to Christophe to protest.

I lost nerve waiting for feedback regarding the knitted dress seeing that it was selling out so I also ordered that in navy. Will report back.

Ha Flo I also thought you were going to take up contouring 😀. Well done going through with no make up resolution. I find that the older I get more make up just seems to exaggerate my lines (I have just turned 40). I have really ramped up my beauty regime instead in the last rive years, cleansing properly and getting moisture in (and daily sunscreen). My make up now literally takes two minutes, some tinted moisturiser to even out the tone, I apply it just in the middle of my face and work outwards. Some creamy blusher on the cheeks well blended and finally some powdered colour brushed over my eyebrows, this is I think what makes the biggest difference. I already have good arch, but a bit of powder gives them more definition and frames my face nicely. For you that may be the lipstick.

Love your Sorel boots quirkychick.

Just back from the cinema after seeing The Favourite (the costumes! glorious!) and before we left as I was getting dressed, grumbling over what to pull on, I experienced my first EVER “I need a jumper” moment 😳 so thanks for that Bo! 😂 Flo is wearing lipstick and I’m looking at jumpers - me, the die-hard cardigan fan.

Did locate the Poiret new fashion online and there are some lovely pieces but at that price range def not for me - I do not have access to sales like that and let’s face it the sizes would not be accommodating. But lovely drapes and lovely colours. Such a great new interpretation of the looks of the original house.

Thanks, mathanxiety. I think they look a bit like chunky hi-tops.

Gorgeous trousers in Lemaire, bo.

I'm channelling Xing and have bought a faux fur hat in a vague animal print from the charity shop. I tried it on the other week, put it back and it was still there yesterday, so Ai snapped it up. I was wearing a velvet coat and thought together it was a bit much, it made me think of bo's "rich bitch" comments, a bit Russian oligarch . I will have to dress it down a bit. I'll try to take a photo later.

*I snapped it up, typos...

Bavani you inspired me, I want to go to the cinema now! I have not been for some time.

Quirky I was thinking in wearing my white (rabbit) fur Russian hat that one ex employee of mine brought me from Russia a good 16 years ago.
I would never buy real fur to be honest, but understand that things might have been different if I had been in Siberia many years ago.

Flo I was going to ask about your no make up month! Sounds a definitely positive experience.
The Sensei gel that Xing recommended, I would say definitely go for the lighter shade, I got nr 2 and in winter is just ok (maybe a tad lighter could be good too), and I am a Latin blooded person (a pale one in comparison to others).
Not sure what shade Xing wears .

Weirdly whenever I travel in Asia they often assume I'm Russian or Ukrainian. I suppose I should take it as a compliment as they're considered very attractive for westerners but I can't help but feel a bit out of sorts about it which feels unnecessarily judgey somehow. Fur definitely puts me in Rich Bitch territory, but on grounds of sustainability, I believe a vintage fur coat is supposed to be the most ethical purchase you can make.

Ok, not so much breakfast time anymore, but close enough. Had hair to deal with, I blame the stupid synthetic pillows for needing to wash it ahead of schedule

Wanted to try some things on at the Lemaire and Jacquemus stand but no one was there and it's all secured to the racks did find a free white tie up number from Lemaire. I only started liking it when playing with a little more so has definitely gone on the to think about pile, as am no entirely sold on it.

#Ami

Went to the men's brand for women collection in the At Germain shop, poster about it on here a while back with the gorgeous coats. Said coat was on sale but not my size and I try to avoid black in a winter coat. Did find a gorgeous pair of wool camel trousers. Very men's wear in look. It's a size too big and I would need to get altered most likely. However, it had some ass sagging issues at the back as well, not as bad as the IM and it is in keeping with the style but it had me wobbling over it. I think with alterations it might be fixed but I'd need a more fashion tailor whereas mine is more of a traditionalist. Input greatly appreciated here as I think I'm partially being influenced into being sucked into the whole brand philosophy of men's wear for women that you can only buy in the St Germain shop and the staff kept assuring me I looked very cool

Trousers not on.

Also tried on an orange/red jumper contender but it was far too large round the neck and moving about too much as a result. Shame as the material was a really lovely quality Merino.

#Mirae

The French online brand hoping to be the next Everlane has a pop up shop, unfortunately I think they furnished it with stock for the December party month in mind as it was mostly formal dresses. The silk used is a really nice quality though, I think the (graphic) quality of some of the patterns was disappointing, especially the leopard print, it was a bit cheap looking. Overall promising but definitely a brand still in its infancy.

Tried on some trousers in 100% wool, bit too wide to still be flattering on me, a taller straighter person would do well with them. They came in small but apparently the rest of the collection is pretty TTS.

#Frankie shop

I always like visiting this shop from NYC that carries a lot of Korean brands that are more affordable than the ones Tom Greyhound carries round the corner. Obviously I had to have an all white fest , trousers weren't the best fit, the oversized jumper was a little too oversized but I had to talk myself out of buying a nother white v-neck jumper as I've been buying quite a lot of those over the last few months. It was a bit odd though as it felt like a very high % cashmere but it was a 90 wool/10 cashmere mix, I'd swear up and down it would be the opposite of that.

#Tom Greyhound

Did try on some well discounted coats at Tom Greyhound but the S. Koreans clearly don't cycle in winter (don't blame them Seoul is terrifyingly cold and snowy in winter) as they were all without a back slit, beautiful tailoring and materials used though for the price (€300)

#Sezane Demain

This was at the charity/outlet shop where everything is very reasonably priced. They had lots of red in, unfortunately I wasn't feeling the v-neck crochet feel again, did like the shape.

Quite taken with the silk camisole in red, but at the time I felt it comparatively expensive as it was the same price (€50) as everything else I tried on (dress was slightly more at €65). I also don't have a lot of that colour in my summer wardrobe and more black than navy which I think would suit it better but potentially it would be good with khaki? May return for it.

Silk dress seemed promising but I really do feel the Sezane dresses require a longer body than mine, or at least someone with more length in the torso.

Another white jumper… quite tempted again especially at €50 but the little lace detail isn't my favourite and the v-neck whilst lovely was too wide as it kept slipping away down my shoulder.

#Sezane

It was ridiculously busy at the normal Sezane, had to wait outside the door to get in they were nice enough to hand out free crepes from a specialist caterer setup thing. Initially had wondered if I it was some influencer event, but no, apparently it's like this every Saturday.

Tried on three jumpers, ahem another white one… it's a cable knit cotton one though which is quite airy. I was rather taken with it and it would work well for spring. Might order it online to take it for a spin in my own wardrobe as I worry it might veer too preppy.

A backless merino one which I was also rather charmed by as I'm a sucker for anything backless (anything to scandalise the pope after all). It was a very elegant piece, front and back, but, unfortunately, the very thin neckline without traditional finishing was already showing some wear so I'd give this one a miss on considering longevity.

I only really tried the last one one as it was the same shape as the red one I tried on in Remain but the added bulk of the material made it very blah.

#Carolina Ritzler

This was probably my most exiting yet useless find of the day. Really beautiful jumpsuit from Carolina Ritzler, it's a size or two up and very much an evening one so probably of no use for me but it fits beautifully and I know a good jumpsuit when I see one. Would work really well for taller folks as well as there was acres of leg length left. Really well fitted at the back too. They're not cheap but well worth their money (in the sale) considering the fit. Brand is new to me, it's all manufactured in Paris and they specialise in jumpsuits. Website is worth a browse and there are a few online retailers that have them in the sales (24 sevres, galleries Lafayette and l'exception). I'm going to stop by their own atelier/shop tomorrow and see if they have a more versatile style if get more wear out of, preferably in the sales.

That was all for yesterday, still haven't bought a thing unless you count some Muji cotton pads At the outlet near Disney today, haven't been in years as it became more misses than hits the last few times but I know they have a Céline shop here where I've picked up some good bargains long ago and they may still have a bit of the last PP pieces.