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

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

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Right, so are we going to have to make sure the toy boy is secretly a trust fund baby forced to work his way up the ranks (for a summer) to make the yellow shirt dreams and a giant wardrobe full of MH a reality?

I actually bought a yellow top in a consignment shop yesterday. It's cupro and has a bee print. Not usually my thing but I was very cheered by it and the shape is a really flattering one on me and seems to be out of fashion for a bit. The brand is Sissy Boy, local brand, nothing spectacular, bit like the Dutch version of Hush #noshade. Lots of fun patterns, stuff that goes well with Stan Smiths, pricey for what it is, etc. Excuse the grotty hanger, I use it for steaming things exclusively and I've never found another with those handy hooks.

Sorry no on picture, it's one of those shops where you're supervised at the mirror... They had a gorgeous pair of Sofie D'Hoore (Belgian designer, really becoming popular in France at the moment) white trousers, wide legged and high waist, ticking all the great trousers boxes but unfortunately someone had messed around with the seam around the zipper and it just ruined it

Also managed to find some shorts at H&M in the sale. Which was probably a good thing as they're usually the thing that are all sorts of wrong, high waisted paper bag, lots of pleating, and you know, being shorts. The original price was also on the high side for H&M so unlikely to have given it a shot before. But surprisingly good fit although pics are crap due to darkness. Partial side view gives a better image of how they sit at the waist, it does go in nicely and then out again. And, no, I'm not sure why my shoulders are so tense either, had most of my to do list done at this point... Pairs very nicely with the above top too.

Right, so are we going to have to make sure the toy boy is secretly a trust fund baby forced to work his way up the ranks (for a summer) to make the yellow shirt dreams and a giant wardrobe full of MH a reality?

I actually bought a yellow top in a consignment shop yesterday. It's cupro and has a bee print. Not usually my thing but I was very cheered by it and the shape is a really flattering one on me and seems to be out of fashion for a bit. The brand is Sissy Boy, local brand, nothing spectacular, bit like the Dutch version of Hush #noshade. Lots of fun patterns, stuff that goes well with Stan Smiths, pricey for what it is, etc. Excuse the grotty hanger, I use it for steaming things exclusively and I've never found another with those handy hooks.

Sorry no on picture, it's one of those shops where you're supervised at the mirror... They had a gorgeous pair of Sofie D'Hoore (Belgian designer, really becoming popular in France at the moment) white trousers, wide legged and high waist, ticking all the great trousers boxes but unfortunately someone had messed around with the seam around the zipper and it just ruined it

Also managed to find some shorts at H&M in the sale. Which was probably a good thing as they're usually the thing that are all sorts of wrong, high waisted paper bag, lots of pleating, and you know, being shorts. The original price was also on the high side for H&M so unlikely to have given it a shot before. But surprisingly good fit although pics are crap due to darkness. Partial side view gives a better image of how they sit at the waist, it does go in nicely and then out again. And, no, I'm not sure why my shoulders are so tense either, had most of my to do list done at this point... Pairs very nicely with the above top too.

Apols, for the echo... Did notice when I was uploading pics I actually took a weird angle selfie at the consignment shop, shows the dit a bit better, if oddly.

Shorts seem to still be available online as well, though more than what I paid for them.

I like the shape of that top, bo, I find those really flattering. I have an ancient, dark brown George top that is similar in a thick viscose jersey that comes out every summer. One of those cheap buys that turned out to be good, lasting quality, a rarity.

I am still in my travels, today enjoying a bit of a rest indoors as is wet outside and I happen to have WiFi again.
I like the white dress on you Bo, I have an old Hobbs white shirt dress that ties at the waist and is not too disimilar. I also like the trousers on you Elle.
Flo May your dreams come true soon!
I have not managed to go near the shop again where I tried those grey paperbag trousers... instead I managed to buy a pair of pale pink cotton “gaucho” trousers , these are the typical shape of country men trousers in Argentina. They have “cuffs” with buttons at the ankles.

They are made by a local small factory, very inexpensive at around £15. The pictures are not great as there were no proper changing rooms so had to change in a room and come to the shop with mainly crafts to see myself in the mirror. I think they will be nice with simple white vests in the summer.
The front view is not perfect as the button hole was not made and the lady made it there and then.

Those are rather nice Red. I liked the previous grey trousers too, and the shoes.

Lovely top, Bo, and very useful in fine weather; it's a shape I adore on other people, but it would look horrific on me.

I am trying (and failing so far) to find a decent substantial sports bra to replace one I have had about 12 years. It was expensive when I bought it then, but a replacement from Natori which looks perfect adds up to over £120 including postage from the US, plus I am bound to get done for £25 more tax and PO handling charge, which is far too much for something I haven't tried on.

Back to trawling Ebay I guess.

I'm not usually a fan of pink trousers but they look lovely Red.

Yes that shape top usually sits well on defined shoulders and not too much boobage.

Has the kitchen work started yet, Xing? If shopbop or revolve stock the Natori brand they offer free shipping over $100 and take care of the taxes (no added admin fees) during the checkout procedure. Think shopbop also give 15% off your first full priced order. Think Nordstrom also offers the tax inclusive thing but I've never ordered with them.

Otherwise I've heard good things about Under Armour or bat your lashes at Elle and ask her to be your bra mule.

Oh and Amazon.com do the import and duties collection for you too. As long as you're logged in it tells you exactly what shipping+taxes are underneath the price. it's completely hassle free and things seem to arrive quicker too.

Thanks bo. I looked at both Shopbop and Revolve, and there are some really great sports bras and crop tops but none that are cop sized on a quick browse through. I will take a better look later. Now I'm wondering how long Elle's in NY...

And yes, the kitchen has started... we've got the slowest painter going, with a very bad back, and have had to put new plasterboard across the main ceiling, so there are two gentlemen working extremely efficiently to skim it today. The table, chairs and dresser are spread out across the ground floor and I have kitchen equipment squirrelled away in every accessible cupboard and wardrobe. It is a building site, and the demolition starts next week.

Cup-sized, not cop-size! Duh!

My tevas voyas have arrived. Grey and silver, excuse the not very Parisian blue nail polish . They look better than the photos, though.

Great trousers Red. That colour is so so versatile for the summer.

I have been watching all the lovely summer arrivals in shops but I don't really need anything (that I know of) - apart from a summer jacket or blazer and new Tevas. Speaking of which, those are very nice quirky, did you get them from Teva's website? I find choice of colours in the "original" style womens strangely narrow - only one!

What does everyone wear as a summer jacket thing (because let's face it us dwellers of the northern regions do need them). I have been wearing my APC denim jacket for years but I got a bit bored of it so I gave it to my sister. Now I'm jacketless. I have been considering a blazer, I like the idea of a beige linen one but they just don't suit me...

Thanks, jon, I got these from amazon, they had much more choice of colours.

For summer jackets, I have a pale blue Jersey cropped jacket/cardi from Esprit, a denim blazer, a taupe heavy cotton jacket and a slim fitting grey leather jacket (that I can only fit a tee or shirt under). That's quite a few jackets .

Mes chéries I have things to moan about tell you. Let's start with feedback though:

I am liking all the purchases so far. Bangle is gorgeous, trousers look great (don't know if I could wear that gaucho style without feeling a bit kulturtant tbh but hey hangups). If the lack of waist in the paper waist trousers bother you Elle then maybe it's not for you I think it's an inevitable feature? But they look good! Love the bee top, I'd love to be able to wear exactly that style but I don't think it suits me because too fat :( . Also ditto the the white shirt dress, this is very Fraaaaanch and precisely how I imagine us all fraaaaanching about the place. I'd love a shirt dress but haven't had luck so far. However white is not my colour. BUT BUT BUT I am thinking of revisiting the land of off-white and beige wherein I dwelt in my teens, when all ecological clothes were made from undyed cotton.

In this quest I popped into Uniqlo a week ago on Thursday to look at their linen shirts. Couldn't face trying them on and they didn't feel appealing on the hanger so tried on some SINGULARLY unflattering linen trousers instead OH MY GOD. I looked like Dunderklumpen (image google the cartoon figure). We'd been to the Vasa museum and I was coming down with laryngitis anyway so I couldn't take more, my son was sitting moping on the steps while I popped in. Kicking myself now for not trying on the shirt dresses.

With said laryngitis we then spent Easter moving all the bedrooms around and painting two of them. I have a very good overview of how many clothes I own now and it's both too much and not really a lot I suppose. I have two wardrobes worth of hanging things (60 cm wide wardrobes). Plus some narrow, shallow drawers with like underwear and some tops.

Anyway basically nothing should come in unless some things go out. Boring. The House Is Full.

I have the previous hot summer in mind and want to buy more simple t-shirts and generally tops, because when sweating constantly I was changing every day. Then it will be wide trousers and t-shirts I suppose. Maybe I should try not to buy anything and make do with those additions, and just spend the money on a pair of Birkenstocks to protect my feet.

I had to google “kulturtant” and I am still no closer to understanding the meaning ...
Bani I just got an email from Muji with a few linen items, have you seen their stuff? Is very limited their clothing range but I find it good for basics.
Jon, incidentally I got today a jacket that here is in the current autumn season, but I thought that it could be used in any of the many cool spring/summer days we have in the Uk. I am back in Buenos Aires and soon returning to the UK. The jacket is in a prince of Wales type fabric but in a cotton mix and is lined. A blazer type thing with no front button and very fine long lapels , like a relaxed tuxedo. I also got another pair of trousers must stop buying trousers, to be fair I did not have decent summer trousers which are cotton and elastane. Both items again very affordable at less than £25 each.
Sorry I did not take a proper photo of the jacket but you can just see the fabric, I was trying the trousers mainly and the tops I am wearing do not do any favours but hey I share the photos anyway, you have to imagine wearing them not together with the right items.
Happy to receive ideas!

Forgot to say - sending recovery wishes Bani to you all

Oh Lord please don't make me count my jackets In my defence I've had some of them a very long time. Last summer I wore a couple of vintage linen ones a lot plus a Joseph blazer from a dress agency. Also a denim jacket which is cropped and very fitted and feels a bit dated now but I don't have the funds to upsize it.

But most summers I get more wear out of raincoats than I do jackets: I've got a man's mac that I bought in Oxfam and had altered plus the Burberry I found last year but the most useful one of all has been the Protected Species trenchcoat I bought last summer, which is properly waterproof and has a hood. I was very churlish about buying it cos I'd saved the money for something more fabulous (although I can't remember what) but now I wonder how I managed so long without it.

flo I wasn't including spring/summer raincoats, trench coats or slightlier warmer jackets in that count either . In my defence I wear them all and they're necessary for UK weather.

Nice jacket, red, I think I need a grey, tweed blazer in my life . I used to steal one of my dad's ones in the late 80s and discovered that menswear has great pockets.

Get better soon, bani.

Yes sorry bani I was so taken by Dunderklumpen and your linen trouser story that I missed the bit about you being ill

Gah reading Mumsnet on the train and it's not letting me see the pictures tantalisingly. But your jacket sounds lovely Red.

I tried this on at APC, it is the perfect for what I imagined, will work for both weekends and work and I would even live with black even though I'm trying to reduce the number of black things I buy - but it's crazy money for viscose www.apc.fr/wwuk/taylor-jacket-viagj-f03059.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwtYXmBRAOEiwAYsyl3PS5BYCbkNFX75zO9WX6T_3pcK4sH_7QBEI_CYQ9gKtTaEXisUV_khoC-4wQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#Black~36

Ideally if I could find something similar in linen cotton mix and possibly in navy/off white/khaki I would be super happy. The few linen blazers I tried in shops at the moment and they're oversized, which really doesn't work for me and pure linen tends to be so saggy...

Don't make me count my coats I never got rid of the "too large" ones since as long as they're not fitted styles they don't look the wrong size, well not obviously anyhow. Mostly wearing my linen H&M blazer I got last year. It's gone cooler and rainier again today so I think I'll dig up my metallic Zara leather jacket. Otherwise it's a trench.

Bani, and am with you on the moaning (I'll spare you all), must be something in the air. Pretty convinced my picture is up next to the word 'malcontent in the dictionary at the moment. I hate all my summer clothes, it all feels too frilly and girly or boring and predictable. And don't get me started on some of the materials that wash crappily. It was the worst night to be greeted with 20% offers yesterday for the local Vogue online shopping night, as I've ended up ordering 4 pairs of shoes from Mango which will look nothing like the pictures and the Flo jumpsuit alongside another one in white from Cos which will probably have me swimming in them

I did see something similar at Claudie Pierlot, Jon but can't find it on their own site and my local department store doesn't deliver to the UK so have attached pics. But it's about the same price as the APC so probably not of interest anyhow. 100% linen but not saggy though, as long as you wear it open it falls very much like the APC one.

Probably worth looking at Caroll Paris, they usually have that low V shape as well but cut slightly more classic than APC, usually in cotton or linen mixes and tend to be around the €150 mark.

for bo and Bani. Cheer up and feel better.

Summer jackets... mine are mostly more than a few years old, and some go back to the late 80s.... a very fitted charcoal double-breasted linen blazer (with big shoulders) that I am sure will get lots of outings this summer; it feels right but I haven't rescued it from its retirement home yet. The faux-Chanel floral silk and a Lincoln green (PGA) single-breasted blazer (both Zara) will also have sorties, and for everyday casual, I've got cream and navy loose Mao-style/painter jackets and the Goetz take on a Levi trucker in bone that came from EBay last year. Between them, they cover every permutation of narrow tops/wide trews and narrow trews/looser tops.

I have a selection of sports bras coming from FigLeaves to try. Nordstrom would have done the whole shipping and taxes on the Natori bras, but the faff of potential returns put me off ordering, so I'll keep the option as a last resort.

Kitchen ceiling plastered but no lights so we're in the dark until the electrician comes on Monday. DS is giving a dinner party tomorrow night, but the only light bulb I can find for him that fits is a disco ball! We are escaping for the weekend!

Sorry there Red, I talked about the kulturtant look earlier on threads but appreciate that everyone didn't memorize my half-arsed definition ;)

Kulturtant means "culture granny/auntie/biddy/old lady" (tant being a cultural concept that defies simple translation). The middleaged women who consume and sustain the arts - the ones who support the libraries, go to the theatre, galleries and concerts in far higher number proportionally than anyone else. A term of derision and endearment at the same time. Started as insult and reclaimed as honorary title. Is perceived as wearing Gudrun Sjödén, Marimekko, lagenlooks, colours and prints, straight bobs with blunt fringes, coloured frames for glasses. Am realising now it sounds like I'm insulting your trousers, which is not my intention. I just associate cuffs at the bottom of the trousers with Gudrun Sjödén in particular. I had a pair of black trousers a few years ago (second hand find), some German brand, I forget, with a buttoned cuff. I kept it on the widest setting, but I did get comments going both ways - cool trousers and "bit frumpy". I am a matronly person and easily get frumpy.

For Muji clothes I'm going to have to hold out until the autumn when a massive department is opening in Åhléns City Stockholm, but it sounds a little promising!

Jackets are another fucking nemesis, aren't they. What makes or breaks an outfit? jackets and shoes, that's what. I always fail at both. I wish I could carry off that open slightly slouchy blazer, but I never feel right in it. That APC one is nice and precisely the sort my daughter would wear and I feel meh in. I feel like an 80s leftover. And i was a child in the 80s.

Tante is Dutch for aunt, I assumed Tant in Swedish was the same? Though it is often used for more than a familiar relation here too about and older woman, though often levelled at young girls when they're being bossy and/or assertive.

Jacket, shoes, and bags always make a difference to me, and I always feel is worth spending more on.

Should clarify I'm not ill, just grumpy so flowers are probably undeserved, Xing, but appreciated nonetheless

Agree that jackets, bags, shoes, and sometimes other accessories/jewellery are the finishing flourishes that lift getting dressed from functional to stylish and "au courant".

I've just spent a ton (well, £20) on three high powered lightbulbs for the painters! The glamour...