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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Six

Thea the good thing is that you've realised your body has changed - it was years before I even noticed! It was after the menopause when I woke up, and what worked for me was just taking the plunge, trying out new looks and making loads of mistakes. I was fortunate in that I was working in a city centre so I could pop into TK Maxx and H&M without small children in tow and I'd try on loads of different things. They all looked awful at first cos everything does the first time but I'd go back the next day and try them again and this time some of them looked better. And so on. And I'd take photos. In fact I still do this because my body's pretty much in freefall now and will probably carry on changing until I croak.

I don't read blogs I'm afraid but I always notice what people are wearing and get ideas that way. And I still pop into H&M, even though I don't buy much there, just to keep on top of what's new and how they're styling it.

At this stage I wouldn't worry too much about buying quality. You're going to make mistakes so they may as well be cheap ones. I think the most important thing is not to take it too seriously.

flo is right photos are good. My dp takes lots of photos, which lets me look at stuff quite critically, such as why something works or doesn't. In the last few years, I've got a bit fitter, so I'm more toned (I'm late 40s) rather than younger me just slim from youth, that boat's sailed long ago. I'm not sure how much has changed, in that I've always been quite straight up and down but it somehow looks worse when you're older!

I saw a little story on the internet the other day about Karl Lagerfeld helping a little girl dress up as a box, instead of a yellow silk dress made from Chloë offcuts, but forgot to post the link. Anyway I quite warmed to the man. 👍🏻

Thea I have no advice beyond what’s been said, hope you enjoy the threads !

Hiya Thea, welcome, I don't have any advice really but I enjoy reading That's Not My Age, Midlifechic, and Not Dressed as Lamb, even when I don't like what they're wearing.

I always liked Karl Lagerfeld, but it probably helped that I never took him too seriously. Even his Chanel collections actively made fun of the clientele, though probably more so of those who saw it as the highest point of aspiration and him as the ultimate arbiter of taste. He knew how to entertain and engage an audience, and flippant comments were never just that. He always conversed on several levels and it required you to tune in at the right bandwidth. Very elitist but that's what he was and represented. The article by Hadley Freeman linked by Flo upthread revealed quite a bit of that and made for great reading as well. If you find the article again, I'd love to read it Bani.

Welcome, Thea, another non blog reader here and agreeing that pictures help get a grip on what does and doesn't work. So photograph even the stuff that doesn't work for you. I'll be guinea pig today, mostly to please Bani as she loves seeing me look terrible and I got dragged into Zara this weekend by my teen aged cousin AKA an exercise in please buy me shit

First pic was my outfit on that day, for me when I go casual or relaxed like with the trousers, for my shape (neat hourglass) I usually need to sharpen it up with some sort of tailoring, which makes a casual undone look a bit more challenging, so usually it's a mix and match situation.

I tried on two linen (or linen-esque) shirts. The first was promising on the hanger, fitted which is usually a plus for me, I tend to carry off one shoulder pieces well, usually, but this one was a different story, the ruching around the waist actively works against me, which isn't a new discovery as an hourglass, the extra material doesn't emphasise my waist, it just makes it bulkier and it wasn't helped by the one shoulder silhouette that covered far more than it usually does adding even more bulk. The asymmetric waist isn't helping much either, it's supposed to make a straighter person give the illusion of a waist, on me it makes what sits below look enlarged.

Usually don't go for oversized on top of oversized but it wasn't as much of an issue with the linen shirt, definitely feels a bit more menswear all together. But it does really miss a vertical line to streamline it a lot a bit, though that's not absolutely essential for a casual look.

I always feel Zara linen only ever looks good in store, once washed it lacks that stiff structure so I'll look elsewhere for a proper linen shirt, perhaps in the men's sections.

I have lots of thoughts on the Bottega Veneta show, though need to sit down and formulate properly. It wasn't what I was expecting but I think that's a good thing as it was getting built up far too much as the man behind the woman at Céline, so I'm somewhat surprised myself that it's not Céline 2.0 and I've taken a liking to a lot of it. Will be back with collages later.

Ooo I like those pics Bo, very illustrative. Found the link btw (not an article, a twittering) twitter.com/SvenjaODonnell/status/1097872493178769408

I hope you indulged your poor cousin btw ;)

My Turnover trousers are too tight in the crotch. It doesn't show, but they dig in a bit and make it uncomfortable to sit. Bummer. I wonder if cutting a hole in the lining (which was a major selling point for me) would help, I can't exactly redraft the crotch curve.

I can wear them, but I won't turn to them as much. On the other hand I'm only down 65 kr.

What a fantastic story Bani! Certainly made my heart melt.

Thea I do not read blogs either. I concur with the above. But I suppose the other thing is to take notice when you get a compliment. A few years ago I noticed that happened with certain colours or a garment and paid attention to the shape , so when buying again if I saw something in those colours or shape (not exactly the same garment) I knew it could be a hit with me.
For me is turquoise, bright blues in general mainly and stuff that gives me a more defined shape (a straight flat chested here) .
The only other thing is that I suffer the cold quite a bit so investing in under layers which are not bulky and allow what you are wearing on top not be ruined by the cloth underneath was a good realisation/investment for me. I have 2 long sleeves in black and nude very fine thermals from JLewis bought years ago and two silk from Parra sleeveless nude and another one in black.
In most of the UK summer I need to wear the sleeveless ones underneath specially at night.
Might not be aplicable to you and might be just me

Thanks for that link bani. I'm now feeling quite cross with myself as I clearly didn't get Lagerfield at all while he was alive.

It's weird (at least to me) how that top doesn't work bo. I'm normally a big fan of ruching plus I'd have thought that pointy detail at the waist would be flattering too - although maybe it's too low. I do like the shirt but I think the best outfit was the one you went home in. Cheap, droopy linen is one of my pet hates.

Speaking of mistakes, today I'm in a Toast shirt in a heavy cotton drill that I thought was a great find last spring but which I've hardly worn. The fabric's too stiff to hang properly and instead of raffish and oversized, it just looks like it doesn't fit. I can't decide whether to keep wearing and washing in the hope it softens up or cut my losses and re-donate, which is probably what the last owner did.

I find it hard to make out the details on the little photos unfortunately so I can’t really see the ruching and the poor fit (I think you look pretty good Bo). I think I’m going to look for some linen shirts this season. I haven’t worn shirts because of the bust problem but since these threads I’ve gotten three blouses now so I’m getting into the swing of things. :) I don’t like obviously cheap linen either but I don’t have as discerning an eye and will make do with what I can find ... am eyeing a pair of linen trousers atm in Swedish ebay from Nygårdsanna. Will have to see what they come to in the end. Ha will post pic (sure you lot won’t outbid me) - from listing and model pic. A bit menswear. To go with my Katherine Hepburn dream.

Give it another 10 hard washes Flo. If it doesn't soften, you can donate it back later. Some fabrics take forever to become themselves. Are you and I the only people here old enough to remember soaking new jeans in the bath? I was 12, and sat in tepid water for several hours to get my first Levi jeans to fit 'right'.

This season's collections are missing me. Either the silhouette is lovely and the colours/fabrics wouldn't suit, or the other way round. I have seen nothing I really really want to own in pictures or RL, at least, nothing I can afford. Of course, there are beautiful garments in many of the shows, but there isn't a look I feel I need to wear. This could be age of course, but I prefer to dodge that one.

I can remember soaking Levi's in the bath too , before jeans had stretch.

I agree you looked best in your own outfit, bo. A good illustration of different shapes and how they fit. I often go for drapery asymmetry, as it gives me more shape, though it doesn't always work.

Those trousers look nice, bani. On another thread someone suggested starching cheap linen, but I've not tried it myselfm

That Twitter thread is just lovely! I love the detail of the fan as his signature touch and the competitive dressing of infants.

I too sat in a tub with my jeans on at age 11 or 12, and soaked black jeans in vinegar before washing to make sure the colour didn't fade. Stretch jeans entered the market in my late teens, that was the end of it I think.

Paris fashion week started yesterday so I can't give a definitive statement on it but in principle I'm with you Xing. Nothing has made me exceptionally grabby, and a lot feels like I've seen it before or already own it. I find myself circling back to Alexander McQueen again as the creepy stalker that is Google instantly recommended a documentary of his on YouTube and in it he says about his shows/work, “You can be repulsed or exhilarated but if you don't come out with an emotional reaction then I haven't done my job.” A lot has left me very tepid so far and I do feel it's coming down to muting a lot of creativity in favour of commerce.

Then again, Rihanna is getting her own luxury brand under LVMH apparently and she's one with enough clout elsewhere to own her own runway as she has demonstrated in other ventures. Don't know if she'll make for a decent designer, or rather, is able to assemble a good team and direct them well, but at least it'll shake things up again.

Quirky, I think with the drapey top the issue was also that it wasn't actually drapery just made to look like that. It's one of those low vs. high price point things as well as I get on well with it at the high end but find they're often too economical with fabric.

Back from some lovely skiing and to sunny England! I cannot believe the weather.
On my way to work I am wearing for first time my Joseph electric blue trousers that I got on eBay before Xmas inspired by the advent.
Here is a picture of the colour while sitting on the train. Wearing it with nude dusty pinky blouse and camel coat.
So if you remember after all my coat deliberation, it took so long that I reckoned that now I only needed a lighter wool coat for a transition out of winter type thing or for when we get cool spring days. So after trying a large amount of items I settled for the French Connection that I got even cheaper than original discount price. The quality is not up there with some of the others but is 70 wool and 10 cashmere plus some other synthetic stuff. And I think the shape suits me better in comparison to the others.

I think in the photo the blue is more striking than in real life (sadly) the early morning sun reflection enhanced the colour quality I think.

Shhh red, the colour is absolutely stunning. I'm sure it looks just like that in RL

Wow, what a wonderful colour, red! Magnificent ... and bare ankles. I think I'm getting low top sneakers out of the box today. Just for a change from boots. This burst of premature early summer screams for some skin exposure. Glad you had a lovely week skiing too.

That blue is amazing Red - even if the sun has enhanced it a bit - what a great find.

Yeah life before lycra - sitting in the bath in your jeans and then a coat hanger through the zip to fasten them. I am always when I hear old school denim might be making a come back. It's like wanting to go back to twin tubs and lighting a coal fire every morning. But then just to contradict myself, I prefer the old leather that got better with every year. So yes, good advice Xing I shall wash it into submission.

bani fingers crossed for the trousers. Re starching cheaper linen, I've never tried but I always think it's the weight that causes it to sag. If it's heavier it still creases like hell but it doesn't go droopy. So I'm doubtful whether starching would fix it but would be delighted to be wrong

Margaret Howell aside - and even I will concede there's nothing you could call new there - I'm not seeing much either in the shops or the autumn/winter shows. But then I'm looking through my fingers as I really can't afford to spend much at the moment.

Love the bright blue trousers. I noticed Sainsburys had some cobalt blue jeans on their website the other day.

I have been reading the Expensive healthy glow thread with mixed interest and awed horror (at some of the treatments mentioned). Mainly I have realised that I actually have no idea what nice, ordinary, healthy, good skin is supposed to look like or what glowy skin actually means in real life. Mine tends to shine but I'm guessing that doesn't make it glowy!

I'm finding clothes even more difficult now I am working mainly from home. The smarter things I like the look of - would love a forest-green leather skirt - would be wasted, but trousers and jumper variants every day seem a bit dull.

Decided to leave the colourful trainers behind, thanks for the decision help, bani and Bo. :)

Wow, gorgeous blue trousers, red.

I've been wearing my red, leather trainers today, as it's so nice and warm.

I'm going to have to go bra shopping again , as an embarrassingly ancient black triangle bra, which was usefully multiway has died. My shopping atm seems to be mostly replacing items, though both the boots and bra that have just fallen apart have lasted years and didn't owe me anything, really. I've also been mending a few items, replacing elastic in a charity shop Laura Ashley skirt today which turned into a slightly more involved job than I thought. I also have some long boots that need reheeling, which I'm going to try to do this week before the weather changes too much and I don't get to wear them until next winter!

Wow that cobalt blue is loooovely. Even if it's not that blue all the time it is that blue in the sunlight which is great!

Oh and transition coats is a topic all unto itself isn't it?

Thank you all for the compliments on the trousers.

Bani forgot to say I really like the look of those linen trousers you have an eye on.

Yes transition coats is a topic on itself. I always feel I need more coats and I have a couple of friends who tell me I have coats and jackets for every occasion. I really do not feel I do ... I think is partly because I tend to feel the cold quite a bit and I’m this country I spend a lot of time under a coat/jacket so it seems to me a waste to wear nice stuff “under” and not “over”.

Bras are another topic for me too quirky. I had a couple of non wired Victoria secret with shape but not padded with racer back type thing that died last year and they are discontinued now the only thing I found to be as comfortable are a CK ones which are similar to the sporty ones but these do not have that horrible brand across the elastic, are just plain. I have a black but when I tried to get the nude version they had run out! I need to find them and buy another couple.

I could def use some more transitional coats but what with space issues at casa bani I can’t justify storing them for that one week of in between weather once a year. I wear layers instead. Pas très parisienne. I have my eye on the thin wool trench coat in Arket though. Should it come on a decent sale...

I bought the most fabulous bra with the gift voucher my husband gave me for Christmas. Chantelle. Parisienne!!! I’m so comfortable in it. Can’t find the style online atm will see if I can link later.

I would be really interested to see that Chantelle bra Bani.
I always struggle, yes I have done the “bra intervention “ get measurements correctly etc. Well for me the bra is to enhance the shape, I do not need support as very flat chested, but I do not like very padded stuff either.

Back to the pink topic - this LK handbag caught my eye ... I do not plan to buy it (yet) but I took a photo to share and be talked out of it.

Also this pair or red and blue shoes ... ahem ... yes ... I do not need shoes really.

Just sharing for fun.

Found the bra, the Chantelle pyramide www.timarco.com/se/underkläder/bh/chantelle-pyramide-4-part-bra?colid=004

Swedish shop but just for the look yiz’ll be alright.

I was refitted from a 34e to a 36e and am very comfortable. Ridiculously so.