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:

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Deux

Trois

Quatre

Cinq

Six

Jon another vote of love for those trousers!

botemp did you go back for any clothes in the end? You may have said, I’m not sure that I read everything thoroughly. The thread has been busy.

Jon I like the trousers, although agree that they look fractionally tight, but it may be the photos. Nice one on the skirt! I’ve given up trying to shop with my toddler in tow.

I like down pillows, but as an asthmatic they don’t love me so much! I don’t mind my synthetic ones.

Quite a lot of us allergic to feather pillows! I can manage a down coat, though, I suspect it's far enough away from my nose and mouth!

I've been buying Joutsen pillows for years after discovering them in Finland. Their pillows are approved by the Finnish agency for asthma and associated allergies. Something about how the feathers are cleaned/processed. I don't have asthma myself though.

Sorry, Elle, we got back late last night and I had to work today so haven't had time yet to report back on what I did end up buying. Hopefully I'll get to it after dinner.

I know what you mean with the trousers Jon, as mentioned previously the size 24 made my waist comically small and subsequently the rest enlarged a bit, it was more apparent on camera than RL so I wouldn't worry about it and ultimately they'll wear in a bit and loosen up, I suspect.

Bo, Jon, are the trousers suitable for winter or better as a spring item?
-I need to hear they are not good for winter so I am not tempted

• -I will not buy them just yet

Also, what is both your views as a potential item for a rectangle shape? In paper should work I believe, but want to hear from people that have tried them on.

Red I wouldn’t say they’re a deep winter item but they are made of quite weighty cotton so I have been able to wear them today (it was 10 C here).

I’m sorry I’m not very good with shapes (I’m not even sure what my own is, sometimes I think I’m hourglass and other times triangle), but the trousers have a very defined waist and very voluminous legs. I guess this could work in your favour and give you a waist provided that the proportions work for you.

I haven’t returned the rest of the purchases yet, going to try the larger size again and these may just have to go on eBay. I’m really wobbling seeing the pictures and I’m worried I’ll become self-conscious wearing them.

Elle I hear you about not shopping with toddlers (learned the hard way). I was on a mission today, it was an in and out job and we were both happy.

Meh.

Sz 44. I can fit a fist and a half between back of trousers and my back. Size 42 wouldn’t even button up I’m sure. See the pockets gaping? Also prob a little itchy. Enjoy mah belleh.

This other pair are much nicer. Viscose cotton blend. Nice shape. Too tight. You can see my belly folds. 😩 size up will be too big. Question is will they expand, will they shrink in the wash ...? Or will I lose weight 😂

Bani, the second set of shots look much more flattering because they are gentler on your physique.

Bit of a panic here because DMIL is in an ambulance and we are so far away we cannot be helpful. 300 miles and a six hour drive.

Xing fingers crossed for you with your mil, what a worry. Has she got family near her who can support and keep you in the loop? We had a similar situation before Christmas, although mil is local to us, she had pneumonia, still frail now.

Xing

Bani would a size up and getting them taken in with the second pair be an option?

#Monday recap

So returned to Ami, I overcame my indecisiveness and took the plunge and I'm really happy I did, they're great with the other items I ended up buying that day (more to follow) and a quick experimentation session with my own wardrobe and other shoes and they look to be really versatile. They're actually slightly green-khaki in colour/undertones and it's nice to see a few more of the olive tones as they've been absent for a bit. Thankfully they also go well with the new acne studios jumper I bought recently, as I had imagined in my mind. Love when that actually works out.

Also, hurray for procrastination they were discounted a bit further. I am, however, convinced the Ami staff are professional ass kissers, not only did they feign surprise I was not French when taking my name for the receipt, they were also convinced I must at least live in Paris because of my French. My French is appalling, I dropped it after a year at school, much to my mother's horror. The only nice thing you can say about it is that I don't have an obvious accent. Strangely enough my ‘getting asked for directions’ (bonus points if they're French) quota was very low this trip but I had a consultation at Biologique Recherche for my hair/scalp (where I got properly scolded for not brushing my scalp daily ) where the same thing happened with assumed to be French/living in Paris.

Anyhow back to clothes, speaking of olive, I found this lovely cotton jumper from Jacquemus, it doesn't look all that exciting in photographs, I'd even seen it online previously and not thought much of it, but it's a really lovely colour on me. I originally tried it on in a wine colour but that didn't suit at all and luckily the sales assistant came up trumps by pulling this colour out from the back. There's a slight lift at the shoulders that adds a bit of height and then there's all the interest in the back. I only have a crappy pic of me in it and only of the front, so model pics are attached. It really pairs well with the new trousers and my Jil Sander boots for a tonal look.

Also found this random white t-shirt in the braderie at Le Bon Marché, some American brand I'm not familiar with, was originally a couple of hundred and now came in at 35, it's ridiculously soft and only has a single seam at the back. I suspect I would still have bought it had it been unflattering as it's so comfy to wear. Also looks great semi tucked into new trousers. I won't proclaim it myself, but the Ami staff would tell me it's a very cool combo.

#Margaret Howell

I'd forgotten she has a concession stand at Le Bon Marché, so did a quick fitting there too. The trousers are a bit basic looking but exceptionally well cut as these type of trousers (tapered legs with pleats at the top) rarely work for me. I wasn't convinced enough to buy as they are just so basic and didn't beat out the Marni trousers but I'll have to remember to keep an eye out for them more. Also really loved the shirt which I suspect is the same material as Flo's trousers, sort of pre crinkled heavyweight cotton that's almost paper-like. Unfortunately it was just a touch too big and it was the smallest size.

#Carolina Ritzler

Unfortunately, the specialist atelier wasn't answering (probably out to lunch) but the concession stand had quite a few options. Shoes are not mine, they were sensible enough to provide them, as questionable as they are on their own they do showcase the jumpsuits well.

Unfortunately, not much choice in my size, the red and satin blue were really too big (they were a size up my usual size) and the red wasn't my best red (colour slightly blown out by camera). The blue definitely had potential though, it had a bit of a trench quality at the top. Lacks the versatility for me to justify the spend though.

#Carolina Ritzler

Unfortunately, the specialist atelier wasn't answering (probably out to lunch) but the concession stand had quite a few options. Shoes are not mine, they were sensible enough to provide them, as questionable as they are on their own they do showcase the jumpsuits well.

Unfortunately, not much choice in my size, the red and satin blue were really too big (they were a size up my usual size) and the red wasn't my best red (colour slightly blown out by camera). The blue definitely had potential though, it had a bit of a trench quality at the top. Lacks the versatility for me to justify the spend though.

Hmm don't know what happened with the double post there.

Now I really liked this dark navy cotton one, definitely promised versatility with the ability to move the zipper up and down. This was my size but I felt it was fitting on the tighter side, they didn't have a size up but it's available on their website so I'll get it from there. Did try on the same model in black wool with long sleeves in a size up, definitely felt a lot more at ease in that but I preferred the sleeveless cotton better. I have to say the wool fabrics are really well selected, the weighty type that doesn't wrinkle up easily and simply leaving it out to hang would get it looking ship shape again.

I had intended to revisit Uniqlo for the trousers but I'm not sure if I need even more trousers. Red, the material is definitely spring or autumn to me, dependant on the colour and I was more drawn to the autumn colours and these would be pretty awful in autumn weather. The Uniqlo in Amsterdam also doesn't sell out of the U collection all that quickly, so I can afford to take the gamble. Will put in an order with Sezane as well for the red and white cable knit jumper, just need to find something to toss in with it to qualify for free shipping.

Xing i hope your MIL is okay. 💐

I don’t have/haven’t found a tailor I trust so taking them in isn’t an option. It’s just the whole cut in Hennes trousers is often so off for us chubsters - there’s no space in the belly and thigh area, they just add waist really. The blue ones might work but they’d sold out in a 44 ;) for the price I say feck it they may go back. I’ll just BE naked 🤬

Enjoyed the last few pictures there Bo. The trenchy jumpsuit is very cool but very much a Piece. I find it difficult to incorporate Pieces into my wardrobe, it feels like becoming known for the purple coat with green spots. I want things to be more wallpaper and less art I suppose.

Xing hope all is ok. Not easy when you are far from loved ones and you need to be near them.

Sorry to hear that Xing - hope all is OK.

Shame about the trousers Bani
Oh, I like that what you say about more wallpaper and less art.
Left me thinking.

Bo liking the new pitctures, just going through them now. The jumpsuitsuits look particularly good at first glance.

Ok, thanks for the feedback on the uniqlo trousers. I will not take the plunge yet. By spring I am sure some other pair will catch my eye.

Jon difficult to say about the trousers by just looking at a small picture. Do they feel tight at the waist? If not, they might be right.
I like the side view, and I can see what you say about the waist but if in the flesh they are good then they probably are.
Maybe reassure yourself with a trusted friend that can give you feedback.

Xing - hope we can distract you.

Jon I love those trousers and would honestly never have noticed the fit if you hadn't pointed it out. Besides I think there's a good chance they'll give a little.

Sorry yours haven't worked out bani I think the second pair look really good and was about to suggest sizing up and getting them altered too - but I can see that wouldn't work.

bo I thought for a minute they were my MH trousers but mine are less tapered. The shirt fabric could be similar though not so sure about the pre crinkled bit. It's funny how that red doesn't look as good on you as the jumpers did.

I'm loving all those pics, if a bit . It's so unfair that I've spent all my money and can't join in. So Un-Fair.

Xing How's your MIL? Hope she has stabilised. You must be worried.

botemp I really like the second set of jumpsuit pictures.

Bani I really like the second pair of trousers on you.

red Did you go back for the jumpsuit?

Xing for you.

Bani real shame about the camel trousers, they looked so promising. I find I don't get on with H&M either, but tailored trousers in general are so hard to get right, as there are so many variables that need to click for your body shape and size, the waist, hips, back, crotch, leg width... The second pair looks much more flattering.

I'm the witness of that with my Uniqlo U dilemma :) They fit just fine at the waist but not so sure about hips now. Going to ask DP who is a ruthless judge of clothes (so much so that he only buys maybe three things per year at the most as they need to be sparking joy for him with all singing all dancing bells on. I keep his counsel as the last resort).

Bo I really like the last jumpsuit.

Thank you for kind feedback. The beige were chancy anyway, because of the colour. I'm a little put out over how badly they fit though.

The blue trousers however are JUST the sort I love. I am so tempted to keep them purely based on the fact that the style doesn't show up often enough. I prefer a flat front, I like wide legs, I love navy, I like a tailored style. But the flat front was the type that didn't hold in the pudge neatly, instead my tummy had four distinct pudgy waves under the fabric. I could spend a week exercising rigorously and eating well and then see how they look... Saying that, I just ate one and a half Rimbo buns at work. annesfood.blogspot.com/2013/03/rimbo-buns.html ;) Sweden is a dangerous place for people with no self discipline. Ah sure if they pop back online in a 44 I might buy it and try that size just to check.