Les Parisiennes des Mamansnet: Too much good taste can be very boring. Independent style, on the other hand, can be very inspiring.

[botemp]

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

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Favoured Parisian addresses:

Second Hand Shops

Outlets

Favoured London addresses:

Charity Shops, Dress Agencies, and Outlets

Favoured NYC addresses:

Consignment shops, Vintage, and Restaurants

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Previous threads:

Un

Deux

Trois

Quatre

Cinq

Six

Sept

Huit

Weird lightning, I never get a success message I'm not on the app though, maybe that's an app thing?

Only reason I know of not being able to post pictures is if you're a new poster but I think you've been around long enough.

Cathedral service sounds very grand quirky. With the choir and bells too, I hope. I am glad that all went well.

There are lots of cobwebs behind the furniture; I always forget how busy they are when they're not regularly disturbed! And ours haven't been disturbed in an embarassingly long time.

Nice shoes Red. I have on my M&S mules as my feet were too hot. And ancient black 501s with an equally old thin black jumper. Only the belt has designer pretensions.

Ok, after much communication with MNHQ, here are the INES trousers. And now I'm going to clear out my summer clothes from the wardrobe as we seem to be into lovely autumn weather. I've a new charcoal cashmere jumper on and I'm thoroughly enjoying the cosiness.

lightningstrikes your whole outfit is very chic. Nice mirror too.

Xing the service was in the far end of the cathedral, so no choir but lovely organ music, the sun was streaming through the stained glass windows and it was the service mil had wanted (she had had it all planned out).

It sounds like it was a beautiful service quirky. Cathedrals can be quite magical spaces and I can imagine the colourful crowd filled it well.

I'm glad you figured it out with MNHQ lightning, as those trousers are a great fit. IME the Ines collections can be a bit odd size wise it's either always been too big or far too small, I suppose this year they were designing for women in(on?) stilts if you're struggling with too much length at 5"9.

I briefly forgot about the H&M studio collection coming out today. Fortunately it's not selling out ridiculously fast so I'm going back and forth on the navy and white jumper that also comes in yellow/cognac. I was surprised that it was 100% wool which makes it a good price but I think it's just going to be too oversized...

Mango has released images for their new campaign, frolicking in the Scottish countryside rather nostalgically. Again with the promise of renewable and sustainable fabrics. I'll have to see it in the flesh as Mango has that issue of always looking great in photos and less so in RL thing.

I'm seeing a fair bit of rosy Anglo fashion and it's left me wondering if you're the new US where whenever US foreign policy becomes unpalatable the fashion world pushes a nostalgic Americana version of it in contrast.

An extra pic.

Yes, bo, it was very beautiful, a quick Google shows we were in the presbytery or sanctuary beyond the choir and the wake was in a transept (I love cathedrals but am a heathen ). It was slightly surreal with tourists walking round the outside during the service. Mil had been going to the cathedral for 14 years, trying not to be too outing, but this particular cathedral has been in the national press recently.

I like those windswept Mango pictures, bo, but feel that it I was really walking there I would be in a proper parka and serious boots not wafting around in dresses or jumpers! I find jumpers are not very windproof, here in East Anglia.

I had to learn all the cathedral parts at uni and have promptly forgotten them. At least the Greek ones are still in use so actually useful terminology to know.

Yes, I assume this was one of those rare times the models were happy to be modelling winter wear in appropriately cool Scottish summers

I am enjoying those INES trousers and the photos from mango (although I also have not bought from them for ages).
But, I want to see if I can get away without buy any clothing until the new year... Xing, Flo- can you give me tips? What did you do when you felt drifting? Tempted?
Maybe I will have an exemption for second hand stuff / really need something (not sure how i am going to determine this)
Also, I saw a couple of apps Closet, an another one that claim that you can take photos of your stuff and plan outfits, etc ... I installed one, but I have not done anything, I suddenly became suspicious of them getting data from me like what type of stuff I wear, etc.
Anyhow, has anyone tried any of these or have any suggestions?
Basically, I want to get better at wearing my stuff, I think I am not bad but I could improve...
I stop now asking questions.

All apps will data mine the shit out of everything you do on your phone, red, they're not after anything specific just as much data that's of use to them. It's the price of free apps.

I've never really found a good app for clothes, you have to photograph everything individually and then you're mixing and matching when you can just do it in the flesh. I suppose it's helpful if your keep forgetting you have certain items as scrolling through is easier than going through drawers and racks.

I think if you'd just start by hanging out a week's worth of outfits. You'll be hard pressed to argue you really need anything as you'll be hanging out another week's worth at the end before doing a laundry load. I do feel you get more creative with your own wardrobe when you're constrained so it's always worth trying, start a month cold turkey rather than making allowances like second hand, etc. Allow for necessities but really question what that is, a basic shirt gets classified as that as it feels like an essential but you're not necessarily handicapped without one unless you always wear it and you only have the one and it's destroyed in the washing machine or something.

I think you are right Bo, I am just going cold 🦃
The week outfit idea is good, will reorganise my closet and keep a section to that , I was planning to reorganise this weekend for more autumn type stuff anyway.
If I am honest with myself I do not have anything that comes to mind that if it gets destroyed I could not do without... after all, I have a few of most things ... not identical but if my fav top gets ruined I have other tops that could do the job perfectly well!
Thank you, more ideas welcome !

I find a week is a manageable time period. I often try to challenge myself to do something for a week when I'm too reliant on one particular item because I like it so much as it's new or I just seem to be wearing jeans all the time. So I'll do a week of no jeans, or a different pair of shoes or bag everyday and build the outfit around those unique items.

The most challenging but most rewarding, I found, is cutting out black and white (or your equivalent neutrals), all laundry really needs to be done for that one.

I suppose you could just write a whole bunch of challenge ideas on pieces of paper and fold them up in a bag and pick several for 7 different ideas in a week like some sort of outfit bingo (or use a randomiser app I should really just develop a random outfit challenge bingo app).

Quite a few years ago, I took outfit photos without buying new stuff, but of course, that's on your phone! I did find it useful and have pretty much pared down a lot of what I own and wear. I do swap clothes round seasonally, which makes you feel like you have more and also helps you wear more. Though, I've refound a brown, structured handbag that I haven't used in ages which may be coming out this autumn. It's a second hand old M&S one in mock crock, it's good quality, as I've had it years and it's in really good condition still.

I have felt very french today, as I went into town with my string shopping bag and bought crab for dinner from the market. We have family here and they wanted to try the local crab, it's in season and the fish stall is really fresh. I realise people may think that my life consists in swanning around cathedrals in silk skirts and visiting the market, but in reality I'm mostly doing washing, school runs, looking after dd with sn, shopping in tesco!

Apologies for the double photo post, one was mean to be the front view. Clearly it was the post that was never meant to be.

Thanks Quirky for the chic compliment! I feel good in the trousers - or will when I get them chopped to a normal size. If I wore heels I could just about get away with the length, but I rarely do. I reckon you should swan about Tesco in your silk shirts and string bag - life's too short not to really.

Perusing the H&M collection items and I'm dithering over the oversized burgundy jumper. Love the shape and the colour is generally a good one one me, but the deep V is giving me pause. I'd have to wear a cami under - which would ruin the neck line and I suspect I'd pass over it for higher necked jumpers in the proper cold. But, I do like it...

Red I have just downloaded an app like that - its called Your Closet. I've just been copying pics of my clothes from google searches and using pics that are close enough for items I can't find. Most of my clothes are very basic though, so generally easily done. The items I've had to photograph look really clunky in comparison due to an imprecise cutting tool. I'm using it as Bo has suggested, to check what I've got after I bought two jumpers last week that look just like ones I already own. I'm also planning to use it to try to get better at not wearing the same outfits all the time and filling gaps in my wardrobe. As it turns out, I could use a couple more bags and cardigans. I've replaced a lot of my clothing over the last year and had a major job change which requires a more diverse wardrobe. But I also aim for a bit of minimalism. Hoping it will help keep me focused.

lightning, reading your post I instantly thought, ooh a burgundy jumper for autumn, then remembered I have a purply berry uniqlo one already out (as it's quite fine) plus a burgundy zipped side one and toast, thick heathery one with my warmer clothes . So, I also still pick out things similar to those I already have, despite doing a massive wardrobe overhaul 7+ yrs ago.

I've swapped my summer scarves for autumn ones, which basically means the really bright colours have gone away and some softer, but still quite fine woven ones are out; purply colours, greys, greens mostly. Also, a few warmer wool ones for colder days, I have so many scarves that the really cosy winter ones will stay put away until it's properly cold. I haven't swapped any jumpers yet, as I usually keep some cotton, cotton cashmere, extra fine merino ones out over summer, but I may need to sort through the linen knits soon.

Still wearing my dog robbers to haul furniture around the house, clean, clean and clean, then schlep rubbish to recycling. But hey ho, nearly there, with a haircut booked for next week, and in a fortnight I may be ready and presentable for planet Parisienne.

Ahhhh I’m falling behind! Wanted to reply properly and kept putting off my typing and now there’s loads!

Bo - Ahead of the curve I see with dreams of a dropped silhouette! I can see why it appeals after years of high waists. Any minute now you’ll be wanting waistlines so low they skim your pubic bone 😉 I wish you luck and look forward to seeing photos of it! I’ve always liked the loose dropped belt look, but can’t master it. The belts work their way around me and go askew.

Today I wore a lower waist (attaching pic), with belt loops however. I broke out the wool trousers because temperatures are (finally) dropping. Trousers are from Turnover, I’ve mentioned them before. Bought secondhand so a little unfashionable, ie lower waistline. It’s gaping so I tore out a belt. Worn with hastily dug out viscose top full of pilling. Terrible photo so of course no one can make out the details anyway. I am v up creative with colour - not sure how to get it right? Too matchy.

Red I very much like your shoes. Saw a similar heel in the shops a while ago and was struck by a delusional idea that if I got them I would wear heels. The reality is that this is unlikely - my slingback pointy toe things are extravagant for me. But I really like that little offset heel.

Lightning trousers were worth the wait, really like them! Bizarrely long though (although better that than too short). What Ines are we talking about here? Help a woman out.

I saw the Mango campaign and roundly snorted at the floppy dresses in the wet heather. IMO (for what it’s worth coming from a biased Irishwoman) the UK has always been able to lean on a rosiness connected to Anglocentrism that bears little or no connection to what is going on in reality - I think it predates anything the US can claim 😬

Quirky the service sounds lovely. ❤️

The US isn't claiming anything (for a change), Bani, it's just an acknowledged thing in fashion that every few cycles there's a surge of America in its glory days that's very rosily tinted, western, classic American sportswear, Jackie O in the Kennedy years, etc. and it always coincides with American politics turning insular. In short the rest of the world scorns the current America for a nostalgic version to highlight the contrast.

I agree that the UK itself has always been able to lean on that English rose thing but other brands have mostly lifted bits of it and altered it. It's new in the sense that a Spanish brand is lifting it wholesale and whilst doing so emphasising Scotland. Pretty much communicating that that's a narrative of independence (Braveheart etc.) much more palatable to the rest of the world. Last time that happened (albeit more overtly) was Alexander McQueen but he was part Scottish himself. I'm just speculating something similar may happen with the UK as I assume going by the current back and forth of politics, as a country, it will switch much like the US between years of being insular and then reversing dependant on leadership.

Lightning, I think that burgundy jumper could be worn with a skintight roll neck underneath. I didn't really like how it looked on the model when the collection was launched online though.

Quirky, why shatter the French illusion, I'm rather envious of crab on your doorstep and being able to fetch some with a basket, just paint me in a baguette and a cute yappy little white dog nipping at your feet. I've never really developed a taste for it as my mother insisted it should only be eaten when you've got acces to it like you do and restaurants rarely have fresh crab here. I've always been too frightened to prepare it myself in fear of poisoning everyone which I don't think is actually a thing with north sea crab but I'm still convinced of it...

bo, I always buy the dressed crab, as it's much easier! Ironically, I was buying it for my parents who were over here and live in France. No yappy dog, bicycle or baguette but I have ordered a Breton fisherman's cap from de Toujours .

The Scottish independence undertones are not lost on me, either. I have already got my grey and red tartan scarf out for when it gets colder.

bani, I am enjoying your outfit photos.

Just shatter my illusions completely with a dressed crab, why don't you

They don't do those here, just special order live ones that are massive and I have no idea how much one yields and they're about the same price as live lobsters and at least I have instruments for those. Do you need the little wooden hammers for crabs or is that just a restaurant gimmick? By the time I get my head round that I have no idea what to do with it, just serve it on some nice rye bread with a good homemade mayo? Keep the shells for a bouillabaisse or similar the next day?

I do think it's interesting because for the longest time many here have always used English/British and England/Britain to mean one and the same and I know it drives you all batty, same way it does us when we're referred to as Holland (which isn't and never has been a country) but people do seem to wisen up now that the UK is British and England and that England is a part of it, not the sum. Scotland as the scrappy underdog is rising in popularity as a result. I still come across people that think NI is part of Ireland though

bo, I always cheat and buy dressed crab, as it's all prepared by the fishmonger and then shoved in the shell, so no special tools required. I did order crab in a beach café here, once, and they had run out and gave me lobster, but only a knife and fork, it was quite hard to eat!

The Great Britain, UK and England can be all quite confusing.

skulks out of shadows after work-related hiatus

I won’t try to catch up on all the chat, but I will say that I love the trousers lightening
and bani.

Quirky glad the funeral went smoothly. Cathedral sounds beautiful.

botemp interested to see how you get on with that silhouette and make it more modern. I think it’s an okay one on me, but I need to see some more pictures to help visualize it as it keeps going a bit noughties popstar/ Jersey housewife in my mind’s eye.

I’m doing second had September so some helpful tips above.

I haven’t organised any clothing yet. But I have worn a top in a peach type colour that I have worn probably only a handful of times due to always forgetting about it and not being my usual instinct colour, even though the colour suits me, also paired it with cream high waisted trousers with slight flare.
Another thing I did is bringing a pair of Cos high waisted trousers to seamstresses to be taken up (so I can finally wear with most of my shoes and stop leaving them for when I am taking a ‘taxi’ to a doorstep in heels which hardly ever happens...), and I got a vintage YSL linen coat to the same seamstress to alter slightly to fit me better, she complimented it and I thought if I do not do it I will never ever wear it and I have always liked it.
So even slightly I feel making efforts towards using more of what I have.

Bani, your last wear looks simple as in a non fussy simplicity that I like. You look good in those colours.it night not be very creative but some days is necessary to wear something kibda ‘it is what it says on tin’ specially at some office environments.

Well I've been moving things over but I have either misremembered how much I tossed out in my last sort out or I still have a box of clothing stored away somewhere as it didn't seem like much can't really remember anything specific missing though

I do have a few new silhouette pieces to play with so will get experimenting this week.

I didn't know second hand September was a thing. I haven't bought a thing so far but I'll have to include samples sales. Had already decided to go second hand shopping in London and avoid doing serious shopping in the lead up so that would work out. And now I also don't have to feel bad, Elle, if you're interested in this second hand silk Cuyana dress, it's the perfect black maxi dress I've been searching for all summer with a t-shape back that's ever so flattering on my shoulders but it's not my size though potentially too big at a size M for you too? I'll pm the link if you're interested as it looks like the type of dress that would flatter you too.

Have also seen a twisty colourful tweed-like see by Chloe coat (also second hand) that reminded me of your desire for one Bani, not your size but I'll post the pic after this one, perhaps you can find another elsewhere.

I just finished watching karenbritchick's few interesting points at the beginning and the end. It's not something I've done in a while but definitely recognise, but that you're buying something because you love the idea of it but not the reality and buying something to wear with/for someone and then it never happens or like you imagined. I've never really done the latter with the exception of my mother and GM's funerals where I specifically bought something they always liked to see me in and u was fine with it in that context.

It left me wondering if people really do this consistently, I can understand buying into a job/lifestyle you'd like but for specific people is a new concept to me. And the point she also makes is that you end up not wearing these things because you're reminded of the disappointment seems very valid.

For Bani, I saw it on Vinted not VC they just took the picture from there not sure if there's still one on VC.