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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Re Coats Anyway, in a cold climate it's what most people see of your outfit and that's my excuse.
Couldn’t agree more quirky

red the mum friend who said it also said she had 15 coats herself . Tbh most of mine I've had for years and wear regularly even in british summer. I saw my Argentinian friend yesterday, who looked very chic in the drizzle, wearing a long slate blue trench with greys and tans.

bani you definitely need a good gusset with that dress .

Ah no, that dress is made for the long narrow gusset I think. ;)

Speaking of coats, I attach a pic of the forest green wool coat I got in Arkets super sale that I'm having trouble scarfing up. I have one scarf I can wear with it, it's deep mustard/ochre (a long pure polyester knit tube/wrap thing from Penney's, cost me all of 99 cents or something I think but I like it a surprising amount and wear it a fair bit). It all becomes a bit autumn colours. My other scarfs are too warm now and not quite right the right colours anyway.

The coat is warm but light, so serves me well as an extra layer these in-between days when it can be chilly but not that cold, iyswim. I just want to protect my throat/neck from the wind. How would you wear a scarf with it? And what colours (apart from fecking pink and brown).

I now attach the pic.

Oh, nice coat, bani. I would probably wear grey or a toning green, if you want spring scarves, a lighter woven fabric would make it more spring like, as would a dove grey or brighter green. Maybe a blue?

Grey or pale blue might be good and help work in any denim. 100 Stars do rather nice old city map reproductions as sarongs/big scarves and squares in good colour combinations. I have London (turquoise), NY (grey and olive) and Rome (red/blue on white) but gave away Berlin (the best grey, blue, red and a little green colour mix) to a friend's daughter to take home to Australia. Cheap and cheerful viscose though.

I like the coat Bo.

Old kitchen is being dismantled today.

A grey you say. I do have a pale grey scarf I never wear because it's not colour - I would not automatically see grey and that shade of green at all (apart from on a Christmas decoration). This is why I need you lot! I shall ponder and try my grey one. Thank you! I was thinking of getting a large linen scarf, but the colour issue made me hesistant.

I was just thinking of grey as a neutral and light grey as lifting it to a more spring look. I have a cheap but good grey scarf from h&m that's acrylic with a fine pleat, it goes with anything and I have a green jacket and a green raincoat I would wear it with.

The right light blues also spark greens in a lovely fresh way, and link into denim that's not full indigo. I wear lots of olive and pale blues and turquoise lift it. Yellow is a Marmite colour, but it's common in nature. Less keen on pink but again, Nature loves it in spring.

Well, you’re geniuses. Grey scarf looks good! It’s not a great colour for me near my face but I’m glad to have the variation of it and get some wear out of the scarf 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

Glad that worked, bani, if grey is not great next to your face, what about oatmeal, cream? I can't do yellow, Xing, but it would look good with green. Pale blue and darker green are lovely, I agree.

I’m just not a pale colour person. I’m trying to train myself onto some sort of off-white or cream again, because it would be useful to have as a base, but I’m not really feeling it. I did wear a lot of cream or unbleached cotton when I was young, but haven’t for many years. Deep, saturated colours are my favourites. Pale blue is a real nemesis for me, so that’s out.

If we’re talking seasons I suspect I might be a deep autumn? The kind of autumn who is almost a winter? But that’s based mainly on what colours I go for haha.

Very pale pastel blues wash me out too Bani, unless I have a deep tan and now I use SPF50. But a bright mid-cornflower is good as are aqua and eau de Nil.

Xing got there first, if cool tones aren't great you could go for warmer blues, either brighter - that would look lovely with that coat, or teal/sea greens.

I was at the Antwerp sample sales yesterday and found some great pieces. As ever no pics, communal changing rooms, no photo policies, etc. but I've taken some hanger pics at home. You're just going to have to take my word for it I look absolutely amazing in everything and you'll just all have to come out next time to experience it in the flesh. Was told the next one would be the week of November 6th but don't go booking any non refundable trips on that info, they'll announce officially in a month or two.

There were a few other pieces that I almost pulled the trigger on but I get rather ruthless as there's always the promise of so much more out there and potential buyers remorse with no chance of returns. So sadly got rejected a beautiful pair of heavy linen wide legged trousers in a sort of terracotta colour at Dries Van Noten on account of gusset issues waist was sitting a tad too high.

Gorgeous green silk past floor length dress at Ann Demeulemeester that looked reasonably casual on the hanger with a racer back neckline with a twist but on it was rather glamorous, so despite it being a ridiculous bargain at €75 it would just never get worn, it was full on red carpet glamorous and be overdressed anywhere else.

Also nearly bought a gorgeous pair of navy trousers with a green satin stripe on the side from Victoria Beckham at a consignment shop but had a bit of a cold water bucket moment when I saw it was 100% polyester.

On to the things I did buy, first purchase of the day was a pair of very pale pink that almost reads beige Céline trousers in a really thick cotton at a designer outlet pop up shop. They also had a really lovely Céline khaki skirt but unfortunately that was murderously tight on the hips and shuffling through life is a bit too much of a commitment to Saint Phoebe. Trousers are fab though, it's really rare that light coloured trousers don't make me look twice as wide, these actually give me height and definition at the waist. Think the sewn hem and the oversized pockets really help. Still trying to figure out where to hem them, they're really long currently, as unhemmed, obviously they look at their most amazing with heels but I hardly wear heels in the summer, might settle for an in between length. I'll have a play with pins at the weekend.

Then the Dries dress, where the changing room was fun as ever. There was a stylist (shopping for herself) who funnily enough kept asking everyone else for their opinions. She was great fun though and was very jealous of my dress as she had dismissed it on the hanger where I instantly saw the potential. The neckline is particularly flattering, I don't think I gave it more than a second to decide it was coming home with me. So in short, it looks amazing on.

Didn't purchase the Céline bag but am seriously considering it (consignment shop that sells online), I had come in to look at another bag but this caught my eye instead. As much as I like it, it's quite heavy with only a shoulder strap and more of a work bag but a smidge on the small side to be a true work bag and I work from home most days... It's a heart vs. head situation currently, pic is of a different colour (I'm looking at navy with the Yves Klein blue suede on the interior and black on the bottom) but best shows the shape. I've been on the lookout for a slouchy bag, and a navy one but was thinking more casually. Anyhow, decisions decisions.

I was at the Antwerp sample sales yesterday and found some great pieces. As ever no pics, communal changing rooms, no photo policies, etc. but I've taken some hanger pics at home. You're just going to have to take my word for it I look absolutely amazing in everything and you'll just all have to come out next time to experience it in the flesh. Was told the next one would be the week of November 6th but don't go booking any non refundable trips on that info, they'll announce officially in a month or two.

There were a few other pieces that I almost pulled the trigger on but I get rather ruthless as there's always the promise of so much more out there and potential buyers remorse with no chance of returns. So sadly got rejected a beautiful pair of heavy linen wide legged trousers in a sort of terracotta colour at Dries Van Noten on account of gusset issues waist was sitting a tad too high.

Gorgeous green silk past floor length dress at Ann Demeulemeester that looked reasonably casual on the hanger with a racer back neckline with a twist but on it was rather glamorous, so despite it being a ridiculous bargain at €75 it would just never get worn, it was full on red carpet glamorous and be overdressed anywhere else.

Also nearly bought a gorgeous pair of navy trousers with a green satin stripe on the side from Victoria Beckham at a consignment shop but had a bit of a cold water bucket moment when I saw it was 100% polyester.

On to the things I did buy, first purchase of the day was a pair of very pale pink that almost reads beige Céline trousers in a really thick cotton at a designer outlet pop up shop. They also had a really lovely Céline khaki skirt but unfortunately that was murderously tight on the hips and shuffling through life is a bit too much of a commitment to Saint Phoebe. Trousers are fab though, it's really rare that light coloured trousers don't make me look twice as wide, these actually give me height and definition at the waist. Still trying to figure out where to hem them, they're really long currently, as unhemmed, obviously they look at their most amazing with heels but I hardly wear heels in the summer, might settle for an in between length. I'll have a play with pins at the weekend.

Then the Dries maxi (on me, think it's supposed to be midi) dress, where the changing room was fun as ever. There was a stylist (shopping for herself) who funnily enough kept asking everyone else for their opinions. She was great fun though and was very jealous of my dress as she had dismissed it on the hanger where I instantly saw the potential. The neckline is particularly flattering, I don't think I gave it more than a second to decide it was coming home with me. So in short, it looks amazing on.

Didn't purchase the Céline bag but am seriously considering it (consignment shop that sells online), I had come in to look at another bag but this caught my eye instead. As much as I like it, it's quite heavy with only a shoulder strap and more of a work bag but a smidge on the small side to be a true work bag and I work from home most days... It's a heart vs. head situation currently, pic is of a different colour (I'm looking at navy with the Yves Klein blue suede on the interior and black on the bottom) but best shows the shape. I've been on the lookout for a slouchy bag, and a navy one but was thinking more casually. Anyhow, decisions decisions.

Argh sorry for double post, MN seems to become very non responsive whenever I try to attach pics.

Anyhow to continue, bought two more silk dresses (Dries dress also silk but lined and halter is cotton) at Christian Wijnants. Funnily enough I had tried on both dresses in years previous but it shows what a difference colour and material make. I had tried the patterned dress in plain cotton (true mock up sample) and it felt too stiff but this wears like a dream, the skirt actually sits straight, you can choose to tuck in the top bit or leave it hanging out. The blue dress I had tried previously in a light cement colour and I so dearly wished it was a different colour as it really isn't my colour but this one is so was delighted to find it. It sits straight like a sheet dress up until the waist and the flares out really delicately and weighs absolutely nothing. Perfect for hot summer weather

Did get a sneaky pic of me in another Christian Wijnants dress that had me whining 'if only' as there was a horizontal seam that I needed about 10cm extra height for to sit at the correct place. So much potential. Argh.

Wow Bo I love all your finds! Strongly suspect I will never accompany you to a sale event with my size 16 (vanity sizing) body , but those trousers are LOVELY. No surprises that I think so, obv. I would really like a picture of you in the mixed pattern dress because I struggle to see why it's so great ( I am the stylist in the changing room, clearly, haha). Lovely patterns but very distinctive, it's certainly a dress that claims its space! I love the blue dress, I bet it looks fantastic on you. So glad to hear you had a good time!

xing and quirky - I'm going to keep an eye open for blue scarves too, thanks! I have one, but it felt wrong. Then I have a tendency to be too matchy matchy in clothes, I'm not good with contrasting harmonies.

Can't stop but love, love, love those trousers bo (obviously) and the dress with the yellow pattern bit. And the blue dress - not a colour that does anything for me sadly but stunning.

And I forgot to say a page or two back - all the food pics Mmm.

bani I'm afraid I'm no help at all with your coat as I would probably look at scarves in mustard (which I think you've already got) burgundy or a deep, burnt orange. All decidedly autumnal but hey that's me.

bani, my attitude to colours is pretty much cool coloured neutrals + some tone on tone colour (reds/Berry shades, greens, blues) if I feel like it. Today was soft neutrals in grey/slate/taupe/brown with red trainers and a warm softer red scarf with embroidery because it's grey and miserable and I'm trying to remember it's spring.

Lovely pics as always, bo. That dress is glorious, if too long!

I am loving your finds Bo! Those trousers!! And the mustard dress, just love it!

That Antwerp sample sale ... very tempting, pls tell me is there a website? Is this a specific sample sale? I was googling and I wasn’t sure which one was the right one.

Bani maybe take a photo of the coat in hanger with a couple of your scarfs to see how they work being nosy

Going to interior decoration, is the kitchen done Xing? That is what you were doing, right? What colour scheme did you choose?
I am also doing bits to the house which is largely open plan, and I need to be able to flexibly divide living room of other areas but I want to keep light etc. So I am looking at sliding glass doors, something like the attached, I have seen loads of stuff but I want to keep it simple and also I want a frame not a frameless door that some are trying to sell me as looks too much like a meeting room to me.

Bani, things go up to French size 44 in most places, eg. there was another pair of my trousers in a 44 and the skirt I tried on was also available in a 44. Not sure whether that's a 14 or 16? In certain places there is the most choice in size 36 but they always have a decent selection in other sizes, with the exception of size 34 there's very little in that, for summer things that doesn't matter too much as I can easily size up in floaty things and need to anyhow in things that are very fitted on the bust.

The website is in Dutch Red, but it's here. It's organised every six months and designers basically open up their warehouses or rent a pop up space and it's open to the public for 5 or 6 days. It's spread all over the city. The lead up organisation was a bit messy this year as the online platform that used to organise it decided to stop operating around the time they usually announce the dates so now the weekend supplement of a newspaper has taken it over but they were a bit late with announcing dates in the last minute scramble, a lot less international visitors as a result.

I try to refrain from giving interior advice but from a professional pov, those black framed glass doors were at their peak about ten years ago in professional designs and they've gone past their saturation point in the private market so they may feel dated sooner rather than later. It may be different in the UK as the private market very quickly adapts trends from professional designs here. They don't look that out of place in a 1930s modernist property but otherwise I would consider how native they feel in your property when the trend has passed.

I need to lose some weight for a french 44, bo. Atm I’m in Deutsch 44 quite often 🙄

Might photograph the coat and the scarfs if I remember in the daylight tomorrow, it would be helpful to me. 😁

Interior design: some years ago we viewed a flat and the estate agent sometimes sends my husband emails with properties for sale. This gem came today. 176 sq metres of exploded sauna and no bedrooms. www.maklarringen.se/hus/uppsala/skolsta/svia-byvag-32-aw-obj28052_1613009095

Thank you Bo for the views on the dark framed doors. I welcome all advice or pov. I am by no means expert, but I have not seen them here nor I have been able to find a lot of good suppliers only one very very high end show room in the outskirts of London.
I see what you mean about potentially looking out of place. My property happens to be a 30’s one. Admittedly the British 30s style is probably not the modernist one, but the house has been extended years ago and as a result is not that far off being of a modern style in architectural terms.
I have been going on about this for quite some time and we do need a flexible solution to divide the room when we need and that also blocks some noise (a bit of noise not a problem) e.g. when some members watch a movie in a section of room and others cook / eat in other areas, or just to cosy up in winter.
I see what you mean about thinking what it will look like in 10 years time... i tend to think for the home what I need now ...
anyhow, we are still looking alternatives. And this might be more suitable for a homes&decoration thread! So I shut up.

Lovely colour coat bani. I’ve no useful colour thoughts to add; it’s not my forte, but the coat is gorgeous.

botemp now I’m tempted to go back to Antwerp. Lovely trousers and I adore the blue dress. Hard to tell how the striped dress looks on, but I’m sure it’s fab.

red I like the idea of the doors in a 30s house. I also like the interiors chat, not least for selfish reasons. We’ve to choose our terrazzo next week and I’m hoping for help!

I have to say I’m so glad for the change in style this thread has given me. I was at a conference where there were morning meetings and then an afternoon “leisure” activity of a walking tour. Previously I would have gone formal for the morning and had to orchestrate a change somehow, but this time I wore black skinny trousers, flats, belt, green silk shirt, green Joseph knit in my handbag to layer and my new (to me) Acne camel coat. I was smart enough for the morning, comfy and warm for the afternoon. Additionally in the last few weeks I’m stopped faffing around with my hair so much. I’ve put in a little styling product before drying and dried it to 75% and then leave it alone and it goes all nice and wavy, but not frizzy or over styled. The nice thing is that if it rains, and it did, it looks more or less the same after!