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

I didn’t quite finish that. I’m not having a go at your shoulders at all, but it would be interesting / educational to understand better the impact of puffed shoulders compared to shoulder pads.

Have landed, delay wasn't as major as they always calculate in an extra half hour flight time but will still be home late regardless. Despite delays and MH sizing me out, I didn't have a horrible day, I'm probably sounding grumpier than I am. It was a bit weird to be greeted by Brexit is coming be prepared posters and ads on the tube from Thomas Cook, was left questioning if you're all getting the same news I get 🙈 I'll post pics tomorrow of what I tried on elsewhere, but that green top did remind me of the Ami coat I tried on, the London shop now also carries the women's collection. I absolutely loved the colour and fit but double breasted isn't my best look, I'm not sure if I'm willing to overlook that for the colour yet.

I like the design of KM bottles too (still finishing up a bottle with incidental use). I like that they're designs to stand upside down when it's nearly done and it all moves to the mouth of the bottle and you're not wasting a bit of it.

It was skeezez, plural, had it been just the one I'd have shrug it off but it was several, all business men who otherwise would not have the sleeze monitor ring out in alarm. Just weird shift close to you behaviour out of nowhere, offering drinks and weird small talk that led very quickly to want to get out of here?

I find ghosting so weird. I've had it with a few contractors who were desperate making promises, etc. Then never to hear from them again after they've enthusiastically accepted the job just bloody tell me unforseen circumstances are making you bow out or whatever but not communicating at all is just weird.

I did a quick run through Liberty's, though I always seem to get lost a bit. It's such a unique department store, it's a bit adult theme park in my mind.

Poor little time, hope he gets better soon.

Why do Aussies always make out Australia is some deserted wasteland. Surely there are plenty of shopping opportunities there, plus you get all the Americans delivering to you for cheap with high tax thresholds.

IME (limited) experience because you want to do things properly instead of cheap and efficiently and you mess up a fair bit sewing yourself always comes out more expensive unless you have fancy pants designer skills and can see like a professional tailor and you'd previously bought designer at full price.

Gah, I really did kill a grammar angel, repeatedly, I'm tired and rambling will light the little angel a candle or something.

Quirky Forgot to say I really like the look of that jumper you got there. A photo would be great, I'm wondering how it hangs when on!

Time Who the feck volunteers their house without really really meaning it??? What the hell? And a stomach bug! Wow you really got a shit time of your last days!

I would hope only people who want high quality clothes would expect to save money by sewing themselves - but finding good quality fabric isn't easy either and the price would have to be pretty good for actual costs to come down. And when you haven't reached proficiency you hardly want to snart cutting into the £££ Donegal tweed and potentially messing it up!

I hate hate hate puffed sleeves. On me anyway. They look too busy and big and make me look bigger on top. I'm on the hunt for the elusive balance so I'm not a meatball with two toothpicks at the bottom. Hence my shoulder musings. Absolutely right that a sloping shoulder starts pulling the eye down, making everything else look more droopy (am 45-ish after all). But I have a broad back so have always felt like a broad-shouldered person. Therefore I would want tricks to look tidy and fitted and a bit "lifted". Probably shoulder pads and a seam on the shoulder, not dropped, would help. But I'm not so keen on shoulder pads since it changes me too dramatically and I don't recognise myself in the mirror. I'm thinking of focusing a bit on shoulder seams on shoulders anyway.

Bo I don't know how anyone would want to even look at other people at 6.30 in the morning, that is horrifying and amazing.

I love love that green coat. That is peeeerfect. I think I said that first time you showed Ami pics too. But double breasted is hard.:/

I think the arrival on the high street of cheap, ready made clothes is big reason why dressmaking died. So I know it's not cheaper but I do think that, if you're reasonably competent, it gives you access to better fabrics. What appeals to me is the feeling of control and the creative satisfaction and that it's literary slow fashion in action. But I'm also trying not to romanticise it. My grandmother and her sisters were seamstresses and it was a bloody hard life. I also hated them making my clothes when I was a child and couldn't wait to have enough money to buy my own dresses in a shop.

Sorry you had what sounds like a disappointing day bo - and at being sleazed over too.

If you're a sewer the MH sample sale had a great selection of fabrics as well. Didn't look at prices but it was really high quality and you get decent lengths of it.

I know, it was the 6.30 time slot that threw me. Although perhaps being all bleary-eyed in the morning isn't all that different from closing time at the bar, anything looks good at that hour 🤷

How is your posture, Bani? I used to hunch my shoulders forward a fair bit and it could also read as sloping shoulders from the front. After years of Pilates I still have to remember to consciously pull them back now and then, especially when tired.

Will be back later with pics of things I tried on in London.

Looking forward to pics!

My posture is shite but my Pilates training does help me stand up straight. However I haven't been keeping it up and can feel my core weakening by the hour and it doesn't help. Will add a terrible photo later today.

I'm no expert but isn't hunched in shoulders a symptomatic response to something else in your core alignment? I think with most it's an anterior pelvic tilt (in my case it's more a leg and knee thing that then goes pelvis to shoulders). I do find that if I do Pilates less a lot of the progress goes and it's best maintained with two sessions a week (even if they're 30mins half sessions at home, two of those are better than one full session).

Ok, so London try ons. Was a bit shit with the pictures taking. Already went over MH, it did seem like a great sale with great prices.

At Ami I also tried on attached camel coat which is beautifully made and was a bit cheaper than the green but all I could think about was why didn't they make this in the green as this shape is just a more flattering one. Argh. They do seem to sell it online in 'cognac' but that looks more like bottom of the barrel cognac with lots to me. I'm slightly intrigued by it but still wishing for a green version.

I found the electric blue jumper at Sezane and I was really liking it, especially on the white Ganni jeans. Still felt winter enough without being dull and dreary and that's exactly what I'd like to add to my wardrobe at the minute. But combination of Sezane being a fair bit pricier in GBP and doing second hand September I figured I'd wait a couple of days and order online. It's completely sold out. I'm an idiot 🤦

Quick stop at Uniqlo, didn't see the entire U collection, it was spread out throughout the shop and I really needed to get some lunch in already. Only saw the curve seam trousers in the jersey, which looked a bit of a weird fabric choice. Tried on two coats (only got pic of the one). Block coat with hood attached, it's nice and I'm assuming it'll hold up in the rain but it was massive on me. The blue coat on the right was also lovely looking but, again, absolutely massive.

Moved onto second hand shops, did a quick browse through the Salvation Army just by Vogue house and this time it actually had some promising things at low prices. Nothing for me, but it does seem like one you need to chance upon things in randomly.

Tried a bunch of colourful trousers and a Rejina Pyo skirt (rather frumptastic on me), another pair of silk sarouel trousers (with a dropped crotch which was a bit upside down sad jellyfish) and a pair of bright green wool culottes from Rochas (weirdly short, never thought to have that issue). Only managed a half pic of a pair of Céline trousers, it was supposed to be great considering colour, being wide legged, cropped but exactly my length so no alterations needed, but it just felt a bit 'eh' and really didn't entice me to part with any cash. I'm blaming the straight pleats. They also had two identical Rick Owens totes in black and brown with black handles, I really liked the brown but it was damaged (both as new and probably never worn). I could have lived with normal wear but this was just factory error or similar. The black was otherwise perfect but it felt boring in comparison and I worried too much it would be 'not the one I really wanted and I'll be reminded of that every time I see you'.

Then only really had time to go to another dress agency, they had a few lovely coats. One from J.W. Anderson I really liked but it was a size up and coming in a bit massive on the shoulders. Shame, but it's reminding me I really should look at the brand a bit more as I do really like it's art insider appeal.

Tried on a few tops, equipment silk top, but it was the normal not slim cut, so too big (seemed to be the theme of the day). Really liked this Céline knitted top, Elle, if you're still keeping up, it might be something for you? It's a size S and I know you're heading to London this week. It's at the shop where you got your Acne studios coat.

Trying to show the shape of the cardi/jumper thing, it's attached at the roll neck so not sure what that makes it.

The slumped shoulders are definitely a pelic tilt thing, but I also have hamstring issues too.

I do love those jeans, bo.

Oops, in case it wasn't clear. Celine top too big too, had too much space around the pits.

So, apologies, I've been a terrible contribution to the UK economy. It did help me consolidate a few things wrt second hand shopping though, so a fruitful day out regardless. I usually find a lot of great things and then don't bother trying them on because I'm convinced people got rid of them for a reason and that they're not wearing it enough. It probably doesn't help that I tend to look out for something specific but it's probably not a bad thing in dress agencies as prices are generally higher. The JW Anderson coat didn't tick any of my boxes apart from an interesting design but I'd struggle to walk away from it had it been my size, and then I'd seriously struggle with the £495 price tag on it as I know the brand isn't that crazy expensive to begin with and marks down to 70% in the sales. In short, I'm a bit scared to fall in love with second hand things because of value (unless they're ridiculously cheap and then I have the opposite problem of am I loving the item or the price) and tend to stick too much to safe buys at safe prices. I have been toying with doing a second hand October now, as September has pretty much proven to be essentially a no buy month instead.

Did see this hat at the airport from Oliver Bonas. I've seen it mentioned on here and assumed it was a catalogue brand. They also had some nice jewellery. On account of secondhand September I'll purchase it later and I've travelled enough with my mother in planes with a hat to know they're a terrible combo anyhow.

Last pics, Acne Studios wool trousers I purchased but had tried on last year. They were on at 30% off at the time and I had intended to wait out a larger discount but it got sold before that. Not the most exciting purchase in the world but a solid all rounder and the cropped style is good for this transition weather.

I tried the curve legs last year, not realising till they arrived that they were jersey and sent them straight back. I think they really need to be in a structured fabric. All the U stuff seems to come up big. If I breathe in until I'm turning blue, I'm a 27" waist but the 25 jeans - leg length aside - are a good fit. I've sent for the parka in XS and S so hopefully I've got that covered. Those white flares look great - where are they from?

My posture is shite and has been since I was 13 and too embarrassed about something or other to look up.

I'm going back to second hand in November, once the Christmas tat starts coming in. So before then I need to find some flat, clumpy, lace up ankle boots, preferably brown (definitely not black) and some new bras. And fit in a trip to Cos.

The jeans are from Ganni, I got them in the sale in the summer, bargain at 70% off (I did see them pop up on Yoox recently though). They're slightly cropped so they're actually safe in shit weather, I bought them with A/W in mind.

Cos has a mid season sale on at the moment I'm massively confused the last remnants of the sale barely left the shop a few weeks ago. Good point about shoes (and bras), I don't buy those second hand as my feet are so finicky and I still need some boots, and second hand underwear is a step too far.

Toast and Whistles have sent me sales emails too. I don't think it's a good sign for the high street.

Sweaty Betty sent me a sale e-mail today, if anyone needs sportswear, and a new stock email from Arket, which looked promising. Loved the green coat above from Bo's London outing.

I gave way to a Yoox spree in the form of more luxury Italian trainers, as last year's are well past their best. Very dark charcoal/navy with dark pewter, and black/dull gold and much nicer-than-basic comfortable trainers, but trop cher at full price. I would be the first to agree that pre-loved shoes and underwear would be a step too far. My DSis snapped up a short sleeve cashmere sweater for me when it was returned in the M&S 90% sale for £5. I don't even know what colour it is yet. And I replaced my black and navy ones at 40% off, also M&S. Not my favourite shop, but she works there and gets staff discounts so it's hard to pass up bargains when it's something basic you were replacing anyway.

Bo why didn’t you get the blue jumper??? You’ve been going on about it for ages! 🤦‍♀️ indeed!

Interesting to read about your second hand woes - I can relate somewhat.

Quite liked the look of the Céline trousers but if you’re not feeling it you’re not. The Acne trousers look solid. Enjoyed all the pics, thank you. Also, why is it so often that brands make an item in a great colour but in only one design, like that Ami coat? And often it’s the wrong one, it should surely be easier to sell a more wearable single breasted coat in a mad green colour than a tricky double breasted one. V-necks are my pet peeve, they make crew necks in all the colours of the rainbow but become all careful with the v-necks.

Quirky love the jumper I think you’ll get a fair bit of enjoyment out of that.

Regarding Uniqlo U there’s no way I can buy anything online if sizing is that unpredictable. Ridiculous! Even if I get the size right the fit might be wrong for my body anyway.

Me and my daughters were talking yesterday about how shops in our town are closing down, wondering if anyone is making money. My youngest works in a shop and said that she knew that the Filippa K shop was closing, and main reason was that the rent was the same as for Biblioteksgatan in Stockholm (very prestigious address and also where you find a lot of other shops who help attract customers). There’s no way a shop here can turn the same profit, so landlord greed is def helping to kill our high street.

Myself I quite fancy a few trousers in H&M at the moment but they’re all in their expensive range and not available in the shop. So I’d have to fork out about 3-400 euro just to try them on and tbh I’m unlikely to do that even if returns are free.

I’ll keep maintaining that shops would be in less trouble if they could provide what people want. I need to replace basics and have to spend so much time looking for good quality basics I have no time not energy left to look at frivolous things.

Attaching some pics of me not looking my best but to show what I’m working with.

My “American” silk blouse (Hugo Boss second hand) with jeans. Jeans fit so badly and are on their last legs I think. You can really tell I have the anterior tilt going on, I look out of proportion.

The dress I wore yesterday and got lots of compliments. I don’t think it’s great on me but it’s comfortable and I wanted to wear stealth pyjamas so.

I have no more excuses to ask colleagues to take pictures of me.

Dress looks great Bani. Just Kondo the jeans, they don't sound like they're bringing much sparkly joy like the American top though.

I read an interesting article about H&M and retail contracts recently as many now pay a percentage of shop profits as rent and they were arguing that in store internet returns had to be deduced from the profits. All sounded very much like the Scrooge McDuck school of business. I really am just waiting for someone to capitalise on internet 'in shop' shopping, where you order a bunch of stuff (likely with a form of AI personal shopping) and a boat load shows up in your local high street showroom for various brands where you have a reserved cabin to try on things and a consultant to help you decide, you pay for what you want and take it with you then and there, they'd also act as local click and collect and return hubs for various brands. I think Matches or NAP are already trialing something similar with pop up shops and high net worth clients who use their online personal shopping services.

Does H&M not do Klarna or delayed payment in Sweden?

Anyone remember catalogues? Back in those unenlightened days before online shopping - La Redoute did one. You didn't pay a penny until your order arrived and you were happy with it. Look and learn big business because you are taking the piss.

I can't believe I missed the pic of that green coat. Beautiful.

I think the black dress looks very chic bani

What's the history of catalogues like in the UK? For comparison over here they also are from the Scrooge McDuck school of business as they targeted low incomes with the very same don't pay until you're happy with it and then, offered to pay in installments instead which was always appealing as you probably liked more than expected. All the while they were charging murderously high rates (now banned, many catalogue companies shut down surprisingly at the same time) resulting in a lot of people who would otherwise be deemed ineligible for loans suddenly loaded with crippling debt and failing to understand how they got there. To further drag down their customers, when in a crisis (eg. washing machine broke down, no savings to buy second hand) they had to buy from a catalogue company again as they would be the only ones offering them to pay in future installments, expanding the debt further and one late payment incurred huge fines and ruin their credit 'score' (we don't really have scores, it's more of a blacklist companies can place you on). They were the bane of many municipality financial aid workers (not sure what the UK equivalent term is) as they were so purposefully destructive to those living with minimal spare income.

Sorry, paragraphs would have been nice it's just me ranting about catalogue companies of old over here, not essential reading at all.

"For comparison over here they also are from the Scrooge McDuck school of business as they targeted low incomes with the very same don't pay until you're happy with it and then, offered to pay in installments instead which was always appealing as you probably liked more than expected. All the while they were charging murderously high rates (now banned, many catalogue companies shut down surprisingly at the same time) resulting in a lot of people who would otherwise be deemed ineligible for loans suddenly loaded with crippling debt and failing to understand how they got there."

This is what happened to my mother. Took years and years to pay it off.

Yes I must admit, in my righteousness I'd forgotten all about that aspect of catalogue shopping I was thinking more on about we now regard it as normal to pay upfront for clothes we haven't even seen, often in multiple sizes because they're so random, and then wait a couple of weeks to get our money back. If you'd told me 20 years ago that this would become a standard if not preferred way to buy clothes, I'd have said you were having a laugh.

No, since H&M are so fecking special they don’t do Klarna. I think Klarna are great for this sort of thing, buying multiple sizes etc for trying on. And also for killing the high street. I happen to know the guy who founded Klarna (slightly) so it feels great to contribute to his massive private wealth as well ;)

Catalogues in Sweden on the olden days: you either payed the full sum when you collected the parcel, or you (but this was later) you applied for an “account” so you could get it home without paying and then pay it in instalments. And they did those personal loans and bla bla I too had a family member who ended up massively in debt. Anyway we always payed up front so Klarna is to us the new and improved thing.

H&M used to have their brick and mortar and mail order side split into two companies that weren’t connected. You wouldn’t find the same clothes in both for example. It took them ages to cop on that the mail order could carry the shops and vice versa.