Les Parisiennes des Mamansnet: See life in pink, but do not wear it!

[botemp]

Lovers of Parisian style and fashion with a conscious mindset and lots of chatter in between.

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Second Hand Shops

Outlets

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There is so much different and contradictory advice out there on foundations. If I try to go two shades warmer I look like a fluorescent pumpkin. Last advice I had was choose something to counteract undertones rather than match them. I do like the one that came up with (Hourglass Hyuralonic something) as it really does just look like skin when applied well.

And of course it's so difficult to tell what works when you try things on, the light is always bad in the shop and so often people don't want to give out samples, or they've matched you wrong and used some kind of powder to counteract which you are then supposed to buy as well. Etc.

Damm Bo I think you might have hit the nail on the head there! Again.
And is not helping that I am in the hairdressers sitting in front of myself for two hours

I've never used Botox Red for all kinds of reasons, not all of which are style and beauty related. But mainly, and vain as I am, I don't see the point. I've realised there are many, many signs of ageing and that, if you try and zap one, another three will pop up to annoy you even more. The skincare industry talks a lot about wrinkles but, in my view, they're low hanging fruit and, in the scheme of things, a relatively minor annoyance. For me it's sagging skin - especially round the jaw line - and thinning hair that are far more distressing.

It does get to you at times though and sorry you're feeling like that.

Hmm re the foundation, I use ELDW (the lightweight one) , and they always use their matcher in the shop and it looks orange on me, I point this out and we go a shade or two lighter which I think looks just right... now I’m wondering though! I do remember discussion on a sensei? Bronzing gel, does that work for reasonably pale people? My summer goal is to use bronzer, ive never managed to feel like it works when I usually embrace the pale.
I love love love my face moisturiser though. It’s an Australian brand asap and I’ve been stocking up on oz trips ever since I moved to london rather than try something else. I’m not 50 by a long way but it does all those things the article says, is spf of course, and just makes my skin glow.

And I can’t help on the glasses, I have a pin head. I have a pair of Calvin kleins which don’t actually fall off. I have a pair of blue mirrored aviators which I’m pretty sure are twice the size of my face, but I decided to embrace oversized and pretend like I meant it. And a cheapo pair for running that actually fit. My real glasses were the only pair in the shop that fit and weren’t in the children’s range which is why I had to pay nearly £500 for them.

I had two Botox sessions to relieve the deep furrows (11s) between my brows. I don't think it changed much as they were well established and nobody noticed or commented on any improvement, but I felt cheered up. Then came to my senses and realised that, at 60+, there is going to be some evidence of ageing. So now I use a very light touch, some concealer, mascara and not much more unless it's for evening (and I look ancient in selfies pictures, so take evasive action).

Re the makeup article Bo linked, I couldn't believe the picture of the MUA wasn't heavily airbrushed... no way is that a photograph of a woman of 70. And in the other photo, she looks great for her age but not a spring chicken.

Yes I thought that too

time yes it's Sensei bonzing gel - sorry I couldn't remember the name when I posted before. I'm pretty pale and, as I've said, when it first comes out of the tube it looks way too dark but it's working far better for me than my foundation did (and I was using Bobby Brown so it wasn't cheap). I think it's the soft bronze but I'd better check that or Xing can probably confirm as it was hers!

Yes Time, it's the Sensai bronzing gel in soft bronze, which is the lightest shade, though I tan easily and sometimes use the middle shade after a holiday (it isn't a lot darker BTW). I've tried alternatives (Givenchy and Sisley) but the Sisley tango-ed and the Givenchy gave me a reaction.

I do botox on my 11's every 6 months or so. The rest of me is fine, but I've strong expression lines there inherited from my father. I got tired of looking angry all the time. I have been very pleased with it and no one has noticed. I realise that as I get older I'll have to accept them, but for now no way!

Don't beat yourself up Red. The entire cosmetic industry exists on offering quick fix solutions which become all the more appealing when you're faced with things in your life you can't just fix or control. Everyone has their moments and to the industry it's an excellent moment to strike.

I think the first pic of the MUA is from 2010, obviously also extremely well lit and made up for the occasion.

I use the Sisley gel bronzer in matte, the Sensai one felt too glittery/luminous on me. The Tom Ford one is also nice but that one really is made to be worn under foundation. I don't use the Sisley all over the place, just that three thing to warm up the edges. I don't tango, but that doesn't happen quickly with me and bronzer anyhow, I can easily pack it on or use several shades darker and it only looks off because the rest of me isn't that colour. It's quite odd, lots of foundation oxidise on me though, that's definitely tango territory.

The Sensai is actually really popular with makeup artist to use on men's bodies, apparently great for ab definition.

oh the socks in sandals look can def be more art than wallpaper, can’t it? I don’t think I could do it, am also a little old for irony and not a person who channels an arty look. I want to be great wallpaper. My daughters (22 and 24) wear thin nylony glittery socks nowadays. The younger started coz they’re sold in the shop where she works and the older caught on (but she’s more sensible and wore warmer ones in winter haha). Like these becksondergaard.com/se/strumpor.html#page=1

Otherwise here it’s all exposed ankles which at least have stopped being blue with cold now. The sneaker and invisible sock look is still going strong.

I’m struggling with transition too. Too cold for no tights and I’ve realised that black opaques don’t look great esp is dress or skirt is black. Too heavy, they look heavier than the dress. Don’t know if skin tones tights are good. Maybe thinner black ones. Colour is too Gudrun Sjödén for me currently.

I tried on the linen pink trousers and they are very baggy. The sort of floppy linen Flo hates haha. Wasn’t mad about them tbh. I was in a hurry though might try again with more time on my hands. There’s another shop with a viscose pink pair that I keep eyeing up - I bought a pair of terracotta ones in the winter sale and they are ridiculously comfy but wrinkle v easily which is annoying.

My Stella trousers arrived and aren’t comfy. Waist is low (expected because fashion) and I find with low waisted trousers that the cut is so odd, too flat in the front so everything cuts in. I’m not free to move without the crotch seam digging in. Lovely wool and perfect with and length though so it’s all very sad. I’m spoiled for comfort now with current trend for high waists.

Bought a dark green wool jersey coat in the Arket sale so with my terracotta trousers and curry/ochre Penney’s scarf I’m like an ad for HOC, autumn season. It’s a really nice in-between seasons coat.

Oh and I hope Xingdog is on the mend. My son is running a campaign for us to get a dog. I have a horror of the commitment and the dog hair since no one here ever cleans. His killer argument was that we always say we want him to go outside and move more and with a dog you have to ... they’re doing arguments in school apparently. 🙄

Thank you for the flowers bani, and yes, she is improving but still very clingy and not allowed any serious exercise. Very disappointed for you that the pink trousers haven't delivered as hoped. The rest sounds good.

My shopping has been limited to an umbrella and a breton-esque T that I liked at full price last year and couldn't resist in the sale. Another navy T shirt but no stripes and 3/4 sleeves with narrow cream cuffs, made in Portugal in good cotton jersey. It will be useful.

The fine weather has brought my ankles out, but next week's chillier mornings will see them retreat again. I quite fancy some sheer glittery socks so may investigate your daughters' example. XingJr has been sending me pictures of the Bermuda shorts he's planning to buy. These One patterned pair and one plain, possibly. The ones I bought him in Zara years ago are getting a bit old.

Fascinated to know the stylists' use for the Sensai bo. Makes sense. And strange how different formulae react on skins; I've learned not to buy any base without a sizeable sample the hard way.

Sympathies over the trousers bani - such a great colour too.
But at least if I'm ranting about linen trousers you know summer can't be far away.

banivani your son can team up with dd1, she's also campaigning for a dog. Not helped by the fact that we said our house is not great for one, small front garden only, near to busy roads etc. but new neighbours have moved in with a dog (their house is identical layout to ours). I have pointed out that's their choice. Dp is allergic to dogs and dd2 is frightened of them, bad experience in the park.

Shame about the trousers, too. I broke out a pair of grey, linen pinstripe trousers I bought last year, from a charity shop. They are from Great Plains and partially lined, so not of the crumpling variety of linen. I think my ideal trousers are slightly mid-rise, as I'm short-waisted, and just a bit slouchy on the waistband, as it gives the illusion that my waist is smaller than the band. Properly high-waisted emphasise the fact that I don't have a very defined waist and jeans especially, can sit too high up and be uncomfortable when I sit down.

I will say the pink linens are still in the running, unless other linen trousers that are better show up (within my price range bla bla). What is summer without linen - I am in accord with you there Flo!

Got a sample of the Sensai bronzer yesterday haha. Am anticipating looking gorgeous today (currently watching Spider-Man and drinking coffee). Isn’t it great not having a dog so I don’t have to take it out for walks? Is my opinion.

Having a dog and going for walks, if you have nice walks, is what makes it worthwhile! XingDog is my fitness instructor, who cannot be refused. It doesn't matter what the weather or my mood says, she needs the exercise.

I would feel trapped after two weeks.

That is a shame about the trousers Bani. Have you thought about starching to see if it makes them what you want? www.thelaundress.com/how-to/360-wash/finishing/starching.html
I’ve never tried and would never have thought of it but my sisters bf years ago was in the army and a big fan of starching his uniform (fortunately relationship didn’t last).
I am about to unpack my work clothes and there are a pair of viscose linen trousers which should fit me, I might check the blend to see if it’s worth trying. And I’m totally with Bani on dogs sorry! I am firmly in the camp of can’t wait until the children don’t need feeding and toileting etc, dogs however need walking for life... but I do hope xingdog is better soon, I’m very happy for others to have them

Where can you get a sample of the bronzing gel to try?

My fitness instructor is currently dd2, she needs walking to school and picking up. She's also unbearable at the weekend if we stay in, so I usually take her to the park/for a walk somewhere.

time there was a thread last year about criticising wearing linen and starch in was recommended in that. I've never tried it either, but I'm sure I said on that, there's linen and there's linen. My grey linen trousers are not the crumple variety, but I have a summer pair of wrap around linen trousers that are more so - but I love them. It really must be getting nearer to summer.

*starching - bloody autocorrect

Starching - there's a thought. I tried the spray-on variety many years ago and wasn't impressed but maybe it's worth another go. I'm not sure I have the energy for old school starching. I do actually love proper, heavy duty linen, it's the stuff that goes saggy before you've even got to work that I despise.

Speaking of energy, my self-aware side is in bani's camp regarding dogs. And I've never had one for that reason. But the unconditional love, and having someone get excited every time you walk in the door because they're so pleased to see you - I have to say that's appealing.

bani shame about the trousers but yes keep trying, the colour of them is gorgeous.

I was intrigued by this article in The Guardian this weekend, I'd love to share it with you. It's about how Instagram has changed shopping. I hardly ever buy from brick and mortar shops these days mostly because I don't have time and selection always feels limited but it hasn't occurred to me that buying from standard web shops is becoming old school too. www.theguardian.com/fashion/2019/mar/31/squaring-up-how-instagram-fashion-is-changing-the-way-we-shop

There are some brands mentioned that I never heard of (Dear Frances especially seems to have nice things).

I'd seen that article too on the weekend. Weirdly being an insta brand or shop really puts me off buying from them. Dear Frances has been on my radar for a bit, part of my never ending boot quest but they felt expensive for what it was knowing they were a primarily insta brand, using expensive influencers, having a very clever mission statement, exuding values of slow fashion, etc. When it all seems to tick too many boxes and there's obviously a healthy financial fund backing it I always feels its purposefully set up in such a way to generate sales which is a bit counter for a slow fashion brand. I'm sure they're nice quality but I'm not sure if they warrant the premium prices. I did spot a couple on Yoox the other day for significantly less which sort of affirmed their ambitious pricing to me.

Speaking of Instagram, I think I need to rejoin it again. I got lots of panicky emails last night from Tictail shops saying the platform was pulling the plug last night. Many only exist on Instagram, like a lot of small brands so I think I just need to bite the bullet and keep track of them on there for now. Are the algorithms still screwy?

The starch sprays are good for cotton I find but not so much for linen. I think cheap linen just stands no chance. I do like the feel of heavily starched sheets in summer but it's way too much hassle to do yourself. The laundry service I use does do it but it's not as stiff as when you do it yourself.

Elle, how serious were you about a search for a Céline classic box bag with a discount in a good classic colour? I've come across a good offering but do not want to be held responsible for such an implied buy.

We were down south in Maastricht this weekend and decided to stop by the designer outlet village on the way back and I unexpectedly struck gold with bargains galore. This is getting a bit long so will update on that later.