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

974 replies

botemp · 06/03/2019 15:58

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


Favoured Parisian addresses for reference:

Second Hand Shops

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Les Parisiennes des Mamansnet: See life in pink, but do not wear it!
OP posts:
Thread gallery
295
botemp · 01/04/2019 10:33

*impulse, although I suppose implied could work as well Blush

OP posts:
quirkychick · 01/04/2019 10:48

Interesting article, especially as it featured 3 hush adverts on my phone and 1 for the new Wreckit Ralph (I don't even know how to spell it) film.

I like Instagram, but don't really follow many fashion "influencers" any more. I feel they've become walking adverts some of them.

ImYourWomanJonSnow · 01/04/2019 11:18

I never was on Instagram (use Facebook for keeping in touch with friends and Pinterest for pictures and inspiration, I tried Twitter and I don't get it)... I guess my worry about Instagram is that I do have to admit that I am easily influenced, which is why I never followed bloggers and influencer accounts, I like to at least have an illusion of having my own style and making decisions about purchases I make (which of course is bollocks because I very much notice fashion and trends but I try to keep a healthy distance from it).

ToElleWithIt · 01/04/2019 12:32

It wouldn't hurt to look?

I'll be back later, or more likely tomorrow with a proper post. Please excuse the drive-by.

botemp · 01/04/2019 13:25

I'll PM you the link after this, Elle.

Jon, my concerns are more to do with FB data collecting. I've already capitulated to the fact Google knows everything about me (though they're currently convinced I'm expecting and planning a wedding Confused) I'd like to keep FB out of my business if at all possible. I think I can live with insta if I use it in a browser only, log in and out each use and I have plenty of ad blockers and anti tracking software installed to tackle the worst of it. I'm not interested in following actual people either (sorry to anyone hoping for a follow) just more of an elaborate way of keeping track of actual smaller brands with no real budget for a cohesive online media presence.

Ok, I have very little in the way of pics as the bulk of my bargains came from La Perla where everything was 75% the outlet price. I got some lovely bras, a few matching bottoms, a nude bodysuit with integrated bra, a really simple black swimsuit with on display chrome underwire which sounds a trainwreck but is actually very nice and gives actual shape instead of making boobs disappear into nothingness, a lovely black silk camisole top that's cut ridiculously beautifully, not suitable for wearing outside the house though and a silk camisole dress that could probably work from a beach to dinner sort of situation but I'll mostly be using it as sleepwear.

Then found attached sandals (crappy pic unfortunately, they're far less shiny and a lovely deep colour, the heel also has a more pronounced sculptural/geometric feel) at Mulberry which had already been marked down several times to 70€ and then had an extra 20% off. Had been on the lookout for heels for summer as most of mine are either too big now (my feet shrunk when I turned 30 Confused I'm down about two sizes now) or they have ankle straps that don't look that great anymore since slimming down. Might still lookout for some simple black heels but this colour is surprisingly versatile and matches my new Staud bag almost exactly. Never really been a fan of the matchy matchy look but these both feel contemporary enough to not feel old fashioned. Think I'll wear them mostly under trousers though, my skirts tend to be very short or very long, flat feels a better fit for those.

The sales lady might be a lurker as she immediately started asking after my Staud bag and my (Joseph) coat and then was suggesting it was all the rage to be wearing socks in high heeled sandals Hmm Granted looking at the weather it'll be a while before I actually get to wear them so who knows I might be clicking on some glittery socks soon too 🙈

And for Bani's pleasure, did get seduced by lovely thick cream linen coat at Burberry, thankfully came to senses quickly to remember that Burberry trenches look crap on me, I really need to stop trying double breasted fits and that length is just awful on me. For a change it was actually a touch snug, granted it was a size 4 but it made me look more like a 14.

Anyhow, La Perla now has my email address and will be alerting me of any future crazy sales. That might actually make the trip worthwhile to me since my bra drawer remains rather empty despite new purchases, they do seem to fit me better than any other brands I've tried but their prices are insane. Even with the amazing discount they're still not cheap cheap.

Les Parisiennes des Mamansnet: See life in pink, but do not wear it!
Les Parisiennes des Mamansnet: See life in pink, but do not wear it!
OP posts:
Redandblue11 · 01/04/2019 16:16

I do not have much to report hence being quiet.
Other than I have worn the jumpsuit I got before Xmas for a night out on Saturday.
To be honest I have worn my two jumpsuits in two occasions now and they are so amazingly comfortable and more importantly stylish that I am wondering why I waited so long to get into wearing jumpsuit.
Something else I have this thread to thank for.
Is looking that will get cold again so all my dilemma of shoe/sandal and sock is going away ... I think I rather have the dilemma back again ...

Redandblue11 · 01/04/2019 16:17

Making note to update bras ... my braw drawer needs a serious overhaul.

banivani · 01/04/2019 20:50

Those are some really good lingerie prices Bo. Congratulations! I love the red sandals and agree that the trench coat does not fit, but the quality seems lovely. Being a practical sort though I can’t condone white linen in a coat 😉

Speaking of shoes- I grew up in flat Eccos and never had any foot problems until I in my dotage started trying out fancy footwear. Now I have this recurring plantar fasciitis in my right foot that comes whenever I wear shoes that are a little too hard or flat. So no clogs, no ballet pumps. My Kavat boots are obv of the wrong sort despite all their environmentally correct manufactery because after wearing them most of the winter my foot is back to banjaxed. Angry My feet love Crocs, that’s the sad truth of it 😩

We went to the cinema yesterday and saw Us (recommended) and before I popped into shop and tried on pink trousers and am now quite safely over this particular pair. They are NOT a good fit, end of. Tried on different sizes and no go. I’m dropping them, ye hear, dropping them!

XingMing · 01/04/2019 21:35

Pretty undies definitely needed if you're dropping 'em Bani.

Bo, loving the word pic of your new swimsuit. It sounds great.

My bra drawer is dullsville, but practical. As I am matronly of bosom, and it's the last place I lose weight, surgery is the only option. If DH should pop his clogs, I'd do it in a breath, but the old boy seems to like them. And I like him. They are my barrier to a chic life!

ToElleWithIt · 02/04/2019 13:35

bani shame neither of the trousers worked out for you.

botemp love the descriptions. I think the swimsuit sounds great. Sandals are lovely. I have a similar pair from a few years ago and wear them lots in summer. I like the 70s vibe.

I’ve had Botox 3 times, but I’m not sure how I feel about it. First time even though it was a “starter” amount was way too much and made my face do strange things so the lines around my eyes when I smiled and even at rest looked worse. The next times I had less than the recommended starting amount. Doc was actually reluctant to do such a small amount but I was much happier with the result. I don’t feel the need to keep it constantly topped up though. I feel the retinol is effective so I may just stick with that.

red I wouldn’t if I were you! You look great. Hope you followed botemp’s suggestion of rebuying coat and returning with original receipt!

xing glad to hear xing dog is getting better.

Well I’ve packed and moved out of our house while it’s rennovated. I have very little space so I had to pick carefully what to bring. Some choices were what I expected to pick while in other areas I surprised myself. I’ll review my choices as we go!

banivani · 02/04/2019 14:11

Metaphorical dropping. (I too have only serviceable undies, bar my Chantelle bras of previous fame).

Redandblue11 · 02/04/2019 16:35

Thank you for feedback on Botox all. I think I have been too busy plus the external uncertainties make my mind unable to “drop” stuff and I find myself thinking about too many things.
I am not going to do anything re Botox. This year I stared being religious with spf protection so when I trust myself I will keep it up I will incorporate retinol (been reading info from the other thread, looking at Bo’s incredible helpful info sheets).

I did not do anything re the coat , other than wear it, I have not been near a Hobbs plus this week is so manic as crazy as it might sound I will have to let go the £50. I am flying on Saturday with D.C., DH is following a week later. Stopping first after the 14 hs first leg of journey to see ill relative before taking our internal flight of another 1.4 hs. Trying to pack and make sure I have the presents for all (which were meant for Xmas!!) ... collecting prescriptions... squeezing a physio appointment to ensure my back does not play up, etc etc oh and working.

But I love this thread and chats abouts style. Keeps me sane who am I kidding

I did not mean to do the above download

Back to clothes Smile

Redandblue11 · 02/04/2019 16:42

I also love the 70’s vibe of those sandals Bo
If I get round I will get a picture of me on my new wide legged Cos jeans, very 70’s too with those sandals they could look bloody brilliant
I can see myself wearing the jeans with a cotton hand embroidered blouse I got last year in Mexico.
Although more art than wallpaper look as Bani would say. I shall be a mini walking gallery then Grin

timeisnotaline · 02/04/2019 20:33

The sandals are amazing! I tried on some work clothes today, not wowed. I’m going shopping tomorrow, to cos, uniqlo hopefully for a wool cardigan, Zara perhaps. Along oxford street, will be a long day! Trousers fit and I bought some more bottoms last week, jackets wearable but don’t button, dresses mostly awful if they go on until I lose baby tum, so a couple of nice easy to wear tops would tide me over. And liberty to buy fabric probably :)

I don’t think anyone could fully comprehend the horrors of my bra collection. I don’t really need them once recovered from breastfeeding (and the breastfeeding ones are pretty hideous) except to look decent at work and my pre babies ones have mostly died. I do have some nice ones but they don’t have the padding I need for work, basically I need T-shirt bras that fit but can’t buy them yet until I settle back to my usual bony sternum.

lightningstrikes · 03/04/2019 14:18

I've bought Flo's jumpsuit. I am off to warmer climates for the Easter hols. It's a really neat fit in the waist, but I'm wondering if the legs are overly voluminous??

Les Parisiennes des Mamansnet: See life in pink, but do not wear it!
Les Parisiennes des Mamansnet: See life in pink, but do not wear it!
ImYourWomanJonSnow · 03/04/2019 15:02

lightning the jumpsuit looks great! In terms of leg volume I don't think they look like too much, maybe it's just that you need to adjust (I have similar volume culottes from COS and I wore them at home for a while before I was comfortable to go out). You all are making me start pay attention to jumpsuits, never considered them before.

bo Admiring all your purchases, the lingerie especially sounds lovely. The sandals too look like they will go with a lot of things.

I have bought this shirt in Stories on a whim as it was very discounted. www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/blouses-shirts/shirts/product.satin-button-up-shirt-black.0529867003.html
It's viscose/polyester mix, but feels nice, soft and smooth and promising not to crumple, which is great for going away. I am debating whether to keep it though, it's quite voluminous and I'm not sure what to wear it with... Any ideas welcome.

Red that sounds like a lot of juggling but you are doing it stylishly in your new coat :)

bani sorry about the trousers, I have been rooting for them. But if they don't work they don't work...

CatherineMaitland · 03/04/2019 15:32

Love the jumpsuit and think it looks terrific on you. I think the legs are fine, the volume works because it's so exaggerated, almost skirt-like.

XingMing · 03/04/2019 15:39

The jumpsuit looks great on you, Lightning, and no, the legs are not too wide! I would have tried it on in London with the V&A outing but it wasn't in stock yet; it's clearly selling well as the website is out of stock in several sizes.

After three months of no new clothes shopping, I'm starting to twitch a bit, but suppressing the urge. I did get a new T shirt last week, so that will have to do. I have a large basket of skincare essentials but am waiting until an item I'm rationing returns to stock before pressing buy. It was supposed to come back in mid-March, so I'm drumming my fingers impatiently.

quirkychick · 03/04/2019 17:18

Gorgeous jumpsuit, lightning.

Not at all influenced by this thread much I had a big trying on session in tkmaxx. A very lovely, heavy crepe jumpsuit with v-neck at front and back and wide legs, that was too short Sad, can't remember the brand. A Calvin klein "denim" dress in a kind of lyocell, but it was obviously too tight across the shoulders, I didn't want to get stuck in it. I also tried on quite a few shoes. I came away with a Farhi by Nicole Farhi blue/grey linen (again) dress in a pinstripe for £35. It looked good with long-sleeved tee under, tights and boots, but will be equally good with bare legs and sandals come summer. I'll try to take a photo, it's midi length and buttoned up. That sort of looks effortless because it's just well designed and flattering.

quirkychick · 03/04/2019 17:24

It's hard to see on the hanger, but it's slim cut with a slight width on the hips, which gives me hips Grin.

Les Parisiennes des Mamansnet: See life in pink, but do not wear it!
lightningstrikes · 03/04/2019 19:34

Thanks all for the confidence boost. I do have several pairs of wide trousers, including the Uniqlo U ones, but usually balance them out with volume on the top as well (as I have little natural volume up there Wink). I have tried it on again and decided it is a keeper for me, so thanks!

Jon like your bargain find there, I'd wear it with denim skinnies and combat boots.

Catherine, it was the near skirtness that I wasn't sure about. I feel like I don't really suit a midi skirt - it's not the most flattering length on me. Trousers that length are fine though - so may just be psychological. [shrug]

Xing I bought it as I saw it was selling out. I was hoping it would go in the sale, but didn't want to miss out. If you want to have it delivered to try on I have a free shipping code as I'd asked to see it in store and they didn't have it. In the end I bought so much I got free shipping anyway. Also, Cos is now using Klarna, which means you can order and then you will be invoiced 30 days later. Means you can try on and send back without the hit to your bank account!

Quirky, that's a great find! The charity shops around here are rubbish!

CatherineMaitland · 03/04/2019 20:19

I may be wrong but it looks like the length hits where the calf just begins to narrow - so not at the widest point - maybe slightly longer than a midi? And the fitted top balances the volume.

timeisnotaline · 03/04/2019 21:31

I have just bought what we shall all now call Flos jumpsuit too Grin. Will post pics when it arrives, they didn’t have it in the oxford st store today and I got grumpy and ordered it online so hopefully the size is right. Also, £6 delivery fee Shock so size had better be right!
I bought my first pair of paper bag trousers, for my return to work as a French mime- these burgundy ones. Ive always assumed that high waisted is terrible for mum tum and gone low all the way until I fit back into my mids so these last few months have been revelatory. And some trousers which turned out to be treggings and also turned out to be not in the sale but were so amazing it didn’t matter. Unfortunately I went with two different sizes in the trousers so fingers crossed for the jumpsuit...

Les Parisiennes des Mamansnet: See life in pink, but do not wear it!
Les Parisiennes des Mamansnet: See life in pink, but do not wear it!
timeisnotaline · 03/04/2019 21:39

Meant to start with I think it looks good on you lightning! What shoes do you think?
I do think Nicole farhi does some nice cuts quirky, good find! I’m always a bit aghast at the prices when I go into the hampstead store.

3 months with no buying is very impressive xing.

Floisme · 03/04/2019 21:59

I love it that you call it my jumpsuit Grin Maybe one day.... It looks stunning on you lightning. Yes the legs are voluminous but that's kind of the point. It looks like a modern twist on the Dior New Look silhouette. Makes your waist look tiny too. Hope you love it too when it arrives time.

I'm still stalking it but it's going down fast. I'm sure if they'd had it in stock the day I was in Cos, I'd have snapped it up and we'd have lived happily ever after but I need to watch the spare cash and common sense has taken a grip. So, unless I find something amazing in the dress agency or the charity shop, I'm aiming to stick with what's in the wardrobe for a few months. It's not like I'm going to go short!