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

*ah sorry, only just spotted it's the French newsletter which still just goes by Le Bon Marche and not the new name so that last bit makes little sense.

That cap quirky!!

Mmm those Cos tops are a tad see through, aren’t they? That is a shame as the length is great. Now, incidentally i was thinking about the dropped waist and thought ... this may work for me with culottes or wider bottoms. So I actually tried this a couple of days ago myself with some red culottes from emin and paul and old black top (ballerina type lower at the back). Now, I never do black and red .... what do you think?
This is the only photo I have, I was trying with a belt and without but this is the only photo I have.

That shirt white dress from finery, I quite like it myself to be honest, I think I would wear as a day wear (not for the office) just with plain one strap sandals.

I must have missed the previous mention of Olive. This is the reason I'm actually slowly going through alllll the threads to cut and paste stuff the best stuff into a notebook. Including the calendars! In my Christmas stress I haven't been appreciative enough of them I feel.

Imagine - a manicured punk. In the radio programme I mentioned she actually talks about a friend of hers who is some sort of punk (she specified something I can't remember - all these subcultures, it's beyond me). They were talking about mending, and he'd gone "oh I agree, I always mend my clothes myself, it's so easy!" and he showed her the tube of glue and fabric patches he uses and always carries with him. When he wants to repair a rip he just glues a patch on. She said she found it so liberating, since she came from a tailoring tradition of invisible mends, and he just did not care about that at all.

Red I'm wearing black and red today myself so obviously I'm not against it, but I find it tricky as it can be quite harsh and demanding. Veering into graphic (even though there is no graphic) - to me it connects with black and white worn together. But I think both items you're wearing look good. That said (and it's probably the photo angle and these little bloody pics, that's all) it looks a little top heavy and I don't know if the belt is making it more so? Let's see if the ones with better eyes have something more astute to say though.

In the spirit of living in a city, secondhand September and tote bags... I went for an early morning wander around the city and ended up in some of the charity shops. I bought some piano music in an Oxfam book shop and this animal print tote in a newish Heart Foundation shop (it was very grand, in the premises of an old bank). A lot of the slightly shabby charity shops have had makeovers, they are much more organised inside.

red, the red and black looks good, I used to wear it a lot when I had very dark hair, but I need to soften it a bit now. I have wanted one of those caps for ages, but it's too warm for it atm.

Anybody got any ideas how to get a sweat stain out of a straw/paper woven hat? I might try gentle soap solution, like Ecover delicates washing liquid. It's a cheap hat, but I've had it ages and would rather keep it for a few more years.

I love that petrol blue roll neck from Cos, but yes, transparent isn't what I'm looking for in an autumn knit. Shame, as that looks really lovely on you Bo. I don't generally get on with a roll neck, I always feel a bit suffocated. I prefer a mock neck from a sensory point of view, though appreciate it lowers the look from a fashion point of view.

On dropped waists, I'm liking the look on others. I don't like it particularly on myself. I'm hippy, though an hourglass because of my wider shoulders (not my bust!). A dropped waist cuts me off at my widest point. On my shape I think I'd need a statement belt of some sort really to draw the eye to the natural waist.

Bani I've just been on &OtherStories and they have a lovely blue wrap cardi that buttons.

Quirky I can't help with cleaning your hat. You could try a gentle detergent, but I wouldn't be overly optimistic if it's paper. If you do try, let us know how it goes. I've got a woven paper bag which could do with a tidy up.

My H&M studio jumper has arrived. I'm dithering between the small and the medium. The small is a better fit overall, but the medium is a bit longer and I'm long of torso. Less midriff on show when I raise my my arms. I'll definitely have to wear with a cami. I'm going to look for a low V neck cami so as to not spoil the neck line. Any recommendations welcome!

lightningstrikes, I like the jumper and I still have mirror envy! I think the hat might not work, but I'll have a go.

I managed to catch some of the H&M Studio stuff in a real shop. I really loved that jumper lightning and, if they'd had it in my size, I'd have been very tempted, despite saying only a couple of pages ago that I had plenty of knitwear. The blanket skirt and coat also looked good but what struck me most of all were the slinky shirts with large, elongated collars, the likes of which I haven't seen on a new garment since the 70s.

Whatever possessed Oxfam to choose September as the month to go second hand? September - the one time of year when the shops look interesting? What were they thinking?

bani I'm going back a few pages as I've fallen well behind but, if you're looking to buy Donegal Tweed you can still find it in some UK mill shops at much more affordable prices, e.g. www.fabworks.co.uk/ who I think ship to Europe and who will send (sell?) samples on request.

I mean look, look at that collar Sadly even I haven't kept anything like that - too many house moves.

Speaking of Advent calendars (sorry for random posts but I've been catching up) I've just got the latest Me and Em catalogue and there's a coat over a jacket image]] just like bo predicted last time. You may have to scroll down a few pages to see it.

Yeah I'd agree with Bani that the proportions are off Red. Think partially it's the neckline of the shirt as that's dropping another horizontal line in and framing you down and the bottom volume squishes you down further. I can't do red and black together after a very long uni lecture about who utilises that colour combo and why (TLDR; extremists, totalitarians, etc. and they're colours that naturally trigger us and put you on alert). It is a tough combo to wear without losing yourself a bit.

I suppose it's quite punk to mend with some glue you happen to have around rather than doing the proper traditional mend, Bani. It's why I find the Rive Gauche punks getting their hair and nails done so hilarious, it's so counter in all the wrong ways to be counter by punk standards. I think they're definitely missing a trick by not having a little customisation pop up stand too, where an expert tailor will rip apart your newly purchased clothes and carefully suture it all back together with safety pins, coarse stitches, maybe some tie grips and duck tape, and flick a bit of fabric paint about. Although the poor tailor will probably be in sobs at the end of the day.

My first instinct would be vinegar, potentially with some bicarb, quirky. Though IME set sweat stains are hard to get rid off without bleach.

That jumper looks much nicer on you than on the model lightning Colour looks lovely against your skin too. Knitwear tends to sag on me, so I'd go for something rather on the shorter side than long as it'll get there over time anyhow, but you won't be able to afford an accidental mishap by washing it too warm.

I like Hanro's v neck camis, here though I'm sure other UK retailers available, I know Matches sell them. They come pretty low on me, just about cover what a bra would. Although these are the new seamless ones with adjustable straps so I can't vouch for them completely. I've had mine for forever, the oldest one is over 15yrs old, the tag is completely illegible but the rest of it still looks as new. Sizing is a bit odd, they are fitted to the body but an XS is about a size 10. I have a few in an S and they fit me fine

Punks getting manicures is just the wrongest of all wrong things. It's like when you get threads on here about where to buy a punk outfit for a fancy dress party and before I know it I'm banging out a reply in capital letters. So far I've always deleted it before hitting 'post' but one day...

Go on Flo...

Be careful what you wish for bo

Thanks for the Olive reminder. One thing I would like to find for autumn / winter (and I've ransacked all my cupboards and can't see one) is a relaxed, slouchy dress, long-ish but not maxi, that has a bit of an interesting shape without being too out-there. You would think Cos could do it standing on their head but all I can see so far is this which I like but I'm not quite ready for lambswool yet, plus it's grey which I wore far too much last winter. Arkett have still got that kaftan dress I was admiring earlier in the year but the sleeves are both short and flappy - the worst combination for me. And although they're now offering more colours, there isn't one that thrills me.

Anyway back to Olive - they've got this one which I'm drawn to, both for the shape and the colour. (Yes I like brown - when all's said and done, I grew up in the 70s. ) I can't see pockets though and you can't slouch properly without pockets.

Thanks all for the thumbs up on the jumper, I did give it a good wear yesterday and am going to keep the small. I'll check out Hanro Bo. I actually need an overhaul of my underwear in general. I picked up some shape wear camis in TKMaxx a couple of weeks ago and they are rubbish - they just pull up, the bottom rolls up my torso and the bra cups end up near my chin with nothing in them .

Quirky I love the mirrors as well. It's an old wardrobe which lives in the conservatory and houses the spare coats and some out of season clothes. It's the go to mirror as the best light is in there.

Flo I hadn't clocked that collar until you pointed it out. It is a real throw back! Maybe the jumper will still be in stock in October??

Justine is adorable. I still couldn’t face the whole video - just not a YouTube person - but she’s very good nonetheless. I suppose she’ll do in lieu of calendar 😉 I did see that she mentions monochromatic as a trend, and this is of course one of my secret style dreams.

No idea how to clean a paper hat. What would happen if it got completely wet? It can’t melt and how much shape can it lose?

Lightning that studio jumper looked great in you and I agree it’s nicer on you than on the model. And the wardrobe is lovely - so nice that it’s in a conservatory, very aspirational 😍 Thank you for blue cardi tip - not my colour I think (but sure what do I know apparently) however. I’m very conservative and wouldn’t have clocked it as a wrap (but of course it is) - I only think of the ones with ties that go through a side seam and wrap around.

Flo we did 70s collars in the 90s too or have you forgotten? I know because I might have worn one or two. Not on shiny fabrics, I’ll give you that.

Thank you for the fabric tips but in all fairness now if you’re not seeing yet you can hardly expect me to. 😉

Bo I bloody love your pop up punk stand idea. It is brilliant.

Speaking of punks I was reminded that one of my girls wanted to be a punk when she was about ten and while I was all about the alternative lifestyle it absolutely killed me that she wanted to be an H&M punk and had zero creativity about it.

I’m having some dressing problems now that the weather is cooling down. I don’t have as many trousers as I thought I had and I’m having a “I hate opaque black tights” moment so haven’t worn a skirt in ages. And I don’t know what other tights to wear (bearing in mind I shouldn’t shave my legs because eczema is still there). Wahhhh. Not to mention shoes! I have two pairs of Clark’s brogues, black and bronze and white sneakers (I think no). The rest is in the cellar and I can’t be arsed to bring the boxes up.

We had big collars in the 90s? Really? I do remember a 70s revival and getting quite grumpy at young people who thought they were being so indie and nonconformist. (Sorry I realise that probably includes at least half of you on here. I wish I could say I'd mellowed.) But the collars passed me by completely.

I've just realised that Olive dress is one size. Can't see that ending well so gone back to scanning Cos.

I prefer the Cos dress, Flo, but wish there were more and more interesting colours.

Ditto, I'm with you, Bani on the reluctance to wear black opaques, though the forecast Indian summer for the week ahead may delay the need for them. Midi skirts and tall boots will be this AW's standby I feel, and I own all that I need since I replaced two cashmere jumpers.

Although it's Secondhand September, as this has been a (mainly) secondhand year, I succumbed to Yoox and bought some new trainers for the winter, which should arrive late this week or early next week. I looked at the flat grey boots I wore to death last year and got them out but they are well-worn and looking tired, as are my beloved burgundy trainers. New high boots I cannot justify, but lusting after some of the 70s styles.

The Sunday Times had its seasonal fashion issue, which was a good mix of mad/possibilities. The shiny make up pages were particularly eccentric, and strictly for the dedicated followers of trends.

Bella di Notte is good for camisoles in nice fabrics here in Yorkshire.

@Flo

Yesterday I went through a bag of clothes my husband had set aside to donate. He had claimed they were all in good condition but I didn't believe him so examined the contents and removed the paint-stained socks from when we painted the bedrooms and some other rubbish items - anyway, i rescued two merino wool jumpers in good condition that were too small for him but I'm happy wearing them as warming layers or sort of as tops, not jumpers. They're size S and he's a more barrelly M. And I am normally a booby L haha.

We def had some big collars in the 90s. I am suuuure of this. Yes, we thought we were non-conformist. It's very sad.

One size fits all is stupid, but you could just go by garment measurements of course - it's going to be some sort of size anyway!

Oh now I feel mean. If it helps, I was insufferable when I was young, whenever that was.

Thanks for that link Xing. I never used to go anywhere without earrings until I gave up on contact lenses so I will study it for inspiration. The idea of your earrings mirroring the silhouette of your specs makes sense. Mind you, I can't help noticing that the woman in all the pics still has an intact jawline, harrumph.

I prefer the Cos dress too if I'm honest, just preferably not in grey - pretty much any other dark colour would do. If the Olive dress was in a real, accessible shop I'd go and try it on but I cannot be arsed shelling out the money for it when the chances are I'll have to take it straight back to the drop-off then wait for the refund.

I noticed that she was only 45 too.......... but liked the pictures and the thoughts on matching and mirroring.

Oh but I loved the Toolally earrings!

Also noticed she was gorgeous and had a lovely jawline. Alright for some, I say.

Don't feel mean, Flo, it was clear you were only messing. ;)

Today I’m wearing my suede skirt because it fits again yay! I need to bring it out once a year anyway. Paid all of about 3 euro for it (said she smugly) but another 10 to fix the zip.

I felt like red so threw on the red wrap cardigan. Snapped a photo then had to hurry to work. Anyway, I am not satisfied. Critique welcome! Why am I unhappy with this?

Tsk tsk Flo, I grant you the podium to flex your all caps muscles against the faux punks and you go and bite the heads off the Indie non-conformists instead Granted they may be one and the same and I never pretended to be a non-con Indie anything anyway, so I'm good...

I think the 90s collars were similarly oversized but they sat different, the 70s (pic 1) were definitely more vertical whilst the 90s flared out (pic 2) I keep coming across the 90s one on vintage silk Equipment shirts and shriek away in horror. I never got on with them then and I'm not convinced anyone really looked good in them either. The 70s collar do seem to be returning, spotted this rather pricy Kwaidan Editions shirt (pic 3) that I am sort of liking. I'm not sure how you'd wear it though, tucked in would feel a bit too cramped with such a prominent collar.

Bani, it's hardly the go hide in shame ensemble as you're making it out to be! I think what may not be feeling right is the proportions. Since your shoulders slope somewhat the first horizontal line is just above the chest with the camisole which is emphasised by the graphic dark colour and then it ends with the wrap belt. Which boxes you into a very small area resulting in a somewhat squished torso whilst the bottom half lengthens and widens out in contrast, looking larger than it is. It's a bit like you're wearing a strapless a line wedding dress in terms of shape and I doubt that would be your first pic of the meringue shapes.

I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't some Spanx equivalent of shoulder pads, just to adjust the natural shape somewhat rather than the full on 80s exaggeration of traditional shoulder pads.

Potentially a skin coloured cami (not that I've ever found one that matches my skin even slightly but I see other people out and about that do) would have been better as then the focus is on a v-neck line rather than a horizontal one and the shoulders come into play again.

Bani, I used to have some thin shoulder pads that slipped in and out of a shirt-jacket that would have been just right to lend emphasis where you want it. Haberdashery counter among the dressmaking notions would be a good place to look.

And, to my eye, that length of skirt calls for boots with a small heel.

Gosh I remember some long pointy collars in the 90s but you might me right that they were angled differently 🤔 I can find no photographic evidence online to back my memories up in any case. I think they are hard to wear. Costumey. And to be honest I feel that way even on other people which is a bit of a rarity. Too ostentatious or something, plus a whiff of Wild West!

Thank you Bo that is just what I needed to hear! It’s the lines, I need to master the lines. I looked at myself and thought “frump” but needed to hear with analysis why ‘‘twas so. Sadly I don’t own any other camisoles 😂 and I wouldn’t need it if the cardigan wasn’t too tight 🙈...

The irony is that I’d wear the wrap cardigan thinking it’s a good fit for my body because it nips in at the waist ( when I use the tie), but really I’m boxing myself off and making myself look wider (which at my age and body type means frumpier). Very helpful!

I mean it’s ok, I wasn’t devastated, but I wasn’t 👍🏻 either. In Dress like a Parisian she writes something about dressing like a canapé - red shoes, black tights, red skirt, black top - def something I’ve done many times (learning not too thanks to these thread and the s&b board in general tbh.

Quirky, point taken about the shoes but bronze Clark’s it was because that’s what I had. Cannot be arsed rooting in the cellar yet. 😩