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

Last outfit photos, I'm going to run out of summer clothes to photo soon . These are the anthropologie culottes I bought in the sale. Very versatile and a good fit. This summer seems to be all about the trousers, whereas last year was about the skirts.

Lovely tops, methen, I like that style too. Was there something similar by Me & Em?

I was just thinking of Me & Em. It's not quite the same as the neck is high but this?

I must admit, I thought it would be in the sale by now

Will catch up later properly. Yes another of my not properly written pieces , the naturally killed meant:
Ahimsa (cruelty-free) leather = Slaughter-free leather sourced from animals that have died from natural causes.
Is an idian brand and I think might be practicing Hindus hence that.
I am not religious by any means but found it appealing the idea to use that leather. Plus and a BIG plus I saw and tried my friend’s dress and the quality was something else, so wondered about their leather craftsmanship.

Hmm, well I remain sceptical about it. India has one, if not the worst, track record when it comes to the leather processing industry, with major impact on the health of the workers and the environment. It also seems hugely wasteful, a cow's hide is about 10% of its value, so either there is huge waste or worse, the local population is subjected to meat where the safety, quality, and edibility cannot be ensured. Sorry, I seem to be a bit preachy today...

Despite being a non meat eater I don't actually have an issue with leather but I do think it needs to be represented as the reality it is. On that tangent, on the imitation leather shoes, Methen, I'd struggle to keep them. I don't have sweaty feet but I will in faux leather and mules are not the type of shoes you want to have sweaty feet in. Where they sold to you as genuine leather?

I remember the top, burgundy with dark flowers. I think you found it on the Outnet and I had tried it on previously and found it to be pretty transparent. Think Elle had the dress version but that one was at least lined. I did find that shape top in Zara last year in red but I was on my fast fashion ban at the time. You may find it on eBay potentially. It was cotton IIRC, I'll dig through my images as I think I photographed the tag with the number on it.

Trousers look great quirky. It seems I similarly bought a record number of trousers this summer. They've suited the weather though. Wore my Chloe trousers for the first time yesterday with an asymmetric top (I'd actually like more of those, the Paloma Wool images probably not helping quash that desire) and they were perfect in this warm but not hot weather.

Oh and thanks for the Reformation find. It's actually an American sustainable brand known for their rather low cut necklines and high slits on skirts but somehow not being vulgar. Unfortunately, they won't post it my way.

Okay, that was quick to find. It's attached, number is 7731/202/601 and whilst looking for the stock image I found someone who is selling it on depop in an M (I tried on an XS and S and found little difference between them) who is in the UK:

www.depop.com/products/jemibenj-zara-red-cross-over-top/

Currently in car (as passenger!) so keeping it brief as I get nauseous looking at screens. Thank you all for collective efforts, Zara top purchased! This is ideal as if I love the cut then I can in invest in one of the more £££ if they come up in my size. Chuffed to bits.

I really like asymmetric cuts, too, bo. I find they can be really flattering.

I like the look of that zara top, methen, looks great paired with the flares.

It’s a relevant question if style is personal if it can be described by universal types but otoh nobody is as unique as they think and it is the nature of humans to try to group and classify themselves. In other words, “French girl chic” as a thing.

Love that shape of top Methen and if I manage to “reduce” enough I’m going to fecking get hold of something similar and live my youth over again when I thought I was too fat for anything like that

It makes sense for me to scavenge leather from animals that die of old age while acknowledging that the meat might not get eaten as long as you’re not actively breeding the animals in great numbers to meander around and die. Am idly wondering what self-dead animals the leather comes from. Cows? Pigs? Donkeys? Dogs?

Cannot decide which is more pretentious - some of the Paulina Wool photos or Khara Khapas’s copywriting Lovely things on both sites though. The legs askew pose seems very popular in Spanish fashion photography all the same

Well I'm idly wondering whether there's some carcass scrap yard where people bring all these animals as it wouldn't be all that cost effective to scavenge all day. I'm guessing it's just old dairy cattle.

Well I'm glad the Zara top worked out Methen, you move quick! I tried it on with shorts at the tine and that really worked well.

Yes Paloma Wool is definitely pretentious, it's not really a clothing brand, doncha know? It's an Art project. Aside from the 'I need to pee' poses I also spotted a lot of 'I poo asymmetrically' poses. Very high brow, I tell ya.

Ok, PB order came in and the size guide wasn't that accurate. I fit both sizes of trousers but the larger size has more versatility as I can wear it high and low waisted. It's surprisingly nice, moves very similar to my Toteme trousers, nice and breezy, just slightly less dramatic and more laid back due to the material. I'll be able to wear it with loads of things, camisoles, slouchy linen tees, silk and cotton shirts, etc.

Dress is a disappointment, I had thought it was a stiffer fabric but it's stretchy and definitely too big. Only got one size (S) as I had assumed a stiffer fabric with a zip and Zara tends to be quite narrow on the ribs. But most annoying, they put a lot of effort aligning patterns everywhere except for the most visible part of the dress, right under the v neck. It really shouldn't have made it past quality control IMO.

Anyhow, sizing not as small as indicated, pretty similar to Zara.

I have to say I did absolutely cringe at some of the mum bloggers I saw on Instagram attending a festival. They looked like they were in fancy dress. If your dress sense is usually very much a floral dress and converse I don’t know why attending a music festival would bring about a complete charge of personality that sees you wearing a glittery unitard.

The Paloma wool shapes look nice and definitely has a bit of a Reformation vibe, but the dresses look a bit to unforgiving to me. The linen is probably the only thing I’d take a chance on. Quite an extensive range for a new brand?

I would really like a tote!

So glad to hear that the Margaret Howell shirt is intact xing!

Top came out well quirky

Methen I remember in one of the very early thread Botemp explaining about the difference between (and I’m paraphrasing here because I can’t remember the correct terminology) a frontal pear and lateral pear. My measurements are definitely pear-leaning, but it’s not really super apparent from the front and I think it’s because it’s more my bottom that sticks out rather than my hips. There were some good drawings to explain it too! I also think there was some discussion about whether the top part of you frame should be determined by your bust or your shoulders. Again I have a small bust which should be pear, but fairly strong shoulders which cancel it out a bit.

I do like the idea of those cutaway vest tops that are everywhere, but fear they could be a bad look on me.

I adore the red top that you posted methen and the yellow inspiration one is really lovely – do you know the brand?

Botemp shame about the pattern matching. I’ve never been in a P&B I thought it was a tween shop, may have to reconsider.

My style – maybe “nearly, but not quite” - yes that’s 4 words. apropos.

Still no sign of my Outnet order. Really like your cover up redSaw the attached too which is more than I want to spend, but appeals to me (or else I’ve just been influenced by botemp’s pants “stringfluenced”?)

I haven’t bought Vogue in ages, but may crack to buy the one that the DoS is guest editing.

Outfit of the day is just black jeans with that feathweight cashmere dark green Joseph jumper I got in Antwerp, the weather has cooled here.

Last night I went to sleep tickled by the thought of ethical leather from creatures that had died naturally: coats made of roadkill deer and hedgehogs compete with tyre tracks, handbags from a collection of stiff pet hamster corpses collected over the years...

Bo that is annoying about the dress, if you were near a shop I suppose you could have a nose as I doubt they all have the same flaw. I find sizing in general all over the place with the majority of brands, it really makes me reluctant to shop anywhere online that charges for returns.

As for Ebay shoes, yes, they were listed as leather. I agree with you and they are going back, thank you for confirming that as it would have been easy to justify keeping them because they were cheap, but to quote Kondo, plastic shoes don't 'spark joy' for me.

Elle I like that first vest top, it would be great to showcase toned arms (which I don't have). The first two images (yellow and salmon) were from pintrest so can't tell you brand but certainly Isabel Marant had that style. The red one was sourced by Bo which I immediately snaffled, but if it's no good I'm happy to send it your way to try.

With festivals, I can see why people want to dress with a bit of escapism in mind, but it was just noticable that the majority looked pretty uncomfortable/self conscious in their choices. Another thing I noted was that they had bohemian/eccentric clothing and then had spent time on full face of make-up that seemed jarring together.

Elle I remember that too now you've mentioned it. I think I'm eager to understand my shape/what suits my figure best as when I go into shops at the moment (either online or RL) I find the amount of stuff overwhelming, as I mentioned before, I'm pretty poor at visualising things so find it hard to look at something on a hanger/ model and translate how it will work on me. I have been able to ascertain some things over the years e.g. tops with no shoulder detail where the seem sits on/ slightly in from shoulder are by far a better look for me due to broad shoulders. This is really helpful when shopping as I can 'wipe out' a chunk of what is on offer to help me select things.

Have to scoot as have an appointment but pondering the following at the moment:

• recommendations to replace my linen t-shirt? Not necessarily linen again, but a good basic top that is a real workhorse and can be worn with almost everything?
• any interesting face care recommendations? I'm currently enjoying the ritual of facial oil applied by massage and then using a roller. Seems to be adding a lovely glow (and not causing an issue to my oily skin).
• make-up: I seem to have lost my love of mascara, which is interesting as it has always been my 'if I could only use one product' item. In the market for some new lippies though so feel free to suggest brands/colours. I could do with both subtle and bold.

For the t-shirt - loose or fitted?

I have been mucking about with skincare lately. I am far, far from an expert, you need botemp for that. There's a big thread in this forum, but it's an absolute rabbit hole. What I have found makes a difference for my skin (added one at a time) was prescription strength retinol, vit-C serum from Drunk Elephant and Biologique Recherce P50W lotion (AHA and BHA I think) thought the last did cause purging the first few times I used it so not one to use just before a big event! Other things that I use and like are De Mamial cleansing balm for the smell (probably full of irritants but my skin okay with it), Biologique Recherche Lait U for cleansing and Biore watery essence spf 50.
For lipstick I love the texture of Chantecaille and Tom Ford

We're a morbid lot with our carcass scrap yard and a hamster clutch. Don't think the Print On Demand services make those yet...

I actually saw some really nice linen dresses on the Reformation site Elle. They appear to ship to Europe for free now (returns are a hefty $20 but PayPal's return service would cover those) and are including all taxes etc.

Ah yes, I'd nearly forgotten about all my crappy sketches, but yes bones and how you hold your weight will make the same shape sit differently even when the measurements are the same. And often with pears and/or top heavy bodies, you can also have an anterior pelvic tilt which optically shortens your top half and makes you look heavier. So visually a pear can end up looking an apple atop a pear. I think you can correct it to a point with exercise but I'm not expert on the matter.

Are you a convert to tightlining already Methen? If not that really reinvigorated my interest in mascaras, it just gives a fullness to the lashes that no mascara can replicate without looking like a clunky mess.

The Biologique Recherche P50 is predominantly a polyhydroxy acid with the addition of aha and BHA. I forgot to mention to you previously Elle that when you switch to the full strength version you have to switch the order with Vit C around as it has a lower pH.

I've yet to find a good replacement for linen tees, as they don't look that great on me anymore. Same for sleeveless racer back linen tops, I loved those but they all come up too slouchy on me now.

Sorry had meant to add the Reformation dress. They're selling out quickly though, they were only unavailable in my size in all colours yesterday, now a couple more. It also comes as a mini.

A good pilates instructor will be able to help correct a pelvic tilt.

Shame about the pattern matching there but it is more rule than exception. People don’t know what to look for either these days. A company that took the time to pattern match, charged a bit extra for it but made sure to point it out in its copywriting could earn a bit of money I think.

I keep meaning to go back to the first threads and copy out all the body shape advice, it was very useful Bo. ❤️
Even if I know that the shoulder seam looks better at a certain place I have never experienced a sense of liberation that huge chunks of clothing rails are ruled out by such knowledge because I feel trapped by how little is left. 🤔 Two polyester tops with ruffles, like.

Am going for a walk down town now and in honour of Paris carrying a tote. I have only one a foreign hipster might like, photo attached.

Methen, I just replaced a worn out linen T with another from the same shop. The brand was Miss Sugar, and it's lovely. Mine is watermelon, a warm coral pink.

As it's Wednesday, it's the T2 fashion pages, and in between slogan T-shirts, woke swimwear and unitards no, me neither there's an article about an ethical clothing company Nobody's Child.

Elle thank you for all recommendations, will Google them tonight. Never heard of the first brand of lippies you mentioned either so will see if anywhere local stocks them.

Bo In my mind tight lining is the top lid waterline? Never tried it so defo up for a go as my tiny hooded eyes need all the help they can get. I actually won a make-up lesson at a local event, I'll have to actually try and pay attention when I get round to arranging it; when I've had it done in the past at a counter/ for weddings etc, I always find it so relaxing I forget to actually pay attention.

Bani I too am I credulous that a company has yet (to my knowledge) pitch itself solely on affordable craftsmanship. Perhaps we can add a line of basics to our pop-up bag boutique?

I also see what you mean about little being left other than the polyester tat, especially in RL high street/ department stores but think it's really useful when shopping online at higher end and second hand.

Re: linen tees, I don't think I want a literal replacement; mine are a bit tired now but I feel it's the style that no longer suits. I no longer like that they are slightly transparent or that they cling, which now just serves to accentuate my growing love handles and gut. Annoyingly, I am eating well and doing more exercise than I have in years as doing a half-marathon in a couple of months, but I really think all the broken sleep has impacted my metabolism.

Anyway, back to the linen tops, I want a new equivalent: something that keeps (for example) leather trousers day time wearable while simultaneously taking plain jeans up a level. As I said before, I felt they were just such an easy, fail safe stalwart of my wardrobe.

The closet I have at the moment is this from Jigsaw www.jigsaw-online.com/product/double-front-ballet-back-top/J39582_BK000 but it's a touch too smart/ clingy to offer the casual element that a linen tee does, but it does seem to go with everything.

Total side note, got some bra extenders today, not glam but for about £3 for the set, much needed and will hopefully mean I can wear the bralettes that were a touch too small.

I also went to get nails done in usual neutral pink tone but ended up with these bad boys. I actually quite like them for a change, despite the fact they feel far too 'try hard' - hark me, probably singing the exact same narrative as all those mums at the festival in sequinned jump suits and tassled feather tie die tees.

Bonjour, tous le monde!
I've been following the thread for ages but have finally joined MN, despite not being a mum, in order to participate. I'm in Edinburgh, so a very un-Parisian climate but with the Auld Alliance to think of ;)

PSA for the Margaret Howell fanatics: the lovely folk from their customer service confirmed to me it will be the 26th and 27th of September. I'll probably go Thursday and visit some of the consignment shops we visited last time after. Just scratching my head over the airports again...

Ah those nails look like fun rather than desperate, Methen. Mind you, if you start talking nipple tassles we'll have to stage an intervention

Linen tee alternative thought, it may be worth nosing around All Saints? They usually do casual 'slouchy but not to be mistaken for flabby' tops quite well. I find them stupidly priced (the euro prices are even more insane) but I'm sure there's plenty to get second hand as they repeat shapes often.

Tight lining is just rubbing a bit of pencil or eyeliner in the water line, it's not really detectable, it just sits between the lashes but it really frames out the eye and makes it look more open. Fellow hooded eyes here, twas a revelation. Don't try it near children though, it frightens them 😬

It's quite normal to bloat out when you just start on a heavy training regime and eating healthier things which your body actually needs to work at digesting. Give it a couple of weeks and it'll settle down again.

Like the tote Bani, how much did the hipsters offer you for it today? I really should create a 'this tote is not for sale unless you're a hipster' tote

Welcome Viennese! We had a Scottish poster living in France who had Auld Alliance as her username, if she's still around lurking

Methen I have that jigsaw top in a dark red as was the only colour in the sale a couple of months ago. I also have it in navy from a couple of years ago with a shorter sleeve. They are my go to tees, I wear with high waist jeans, culottes, skirts you can easily dress up or down. I am thinking in getting more colours as is my absolutely favourite top.

Re MH, I could probably do the 26 Sep if I organise myself as I need to be working that day but could potentially do half day then head for meeting at midday. The 27 I am going away for a friend’s celebration which involves a trip to an annual vintage market is more furniture and objects than fashion.

I am right now at the top of a Dolomites mountain, resting as tomorrow we plan hiking and following days bike riding. Hopefully that exercise helps with my bloating, I am still struggling up and down with the ibs which is not very bad but not great ... when I go back I planning to see an specialist again as is getting annoying.

I am loving all the totes photos and would be up for a personalised one!
My favourite thread name was the orangutans one that caught my eye and made me join the thread

I have the tote bag from the Dior exhibition at the V&A. Apparently it is 'the' thing to get! www.vam.ac.uk/shop/christian-dior-sketch-tote-bag.html
Ridiculously pricey for a tote but feels very well made - closer to being a proper bag than to a flimsy canvas bag.

Today I wasn't very Parisian at all, except that I wore my sunglasses on the way to the gym at 7.15am.

Ha I’ve been eyeing up that Jigsaw top now and then as a good basic but bla bla ordering online bla bla haven’t bothered. So it’s good then?

My tote is v uninteresting to hipsters since it came free with purchasing something or other a while back. It is however much the same as people were carrying in Paris because they were soft totes rather than structured ones actually (she said, smugly, glancing at the £25 v&a tote ).

I forgot to explain Reddit to Methen. It’s basically forums, a grand portal called Reddit, and then all members are allowed to create talk forums (subreddits) on whatever subjects they want. They can be broad (“daily news”) or super specific (“Eastenders in the year 1986”). Reddit has some universal rules of conduct and the owners/mods of a subreddit can have more. The unique-ey thing with Reddit is that you vote for posts that are good and also replies that are good (and downvote bad ones) so the conversations are by default sorted by popular or interesting rather than chronological. It’s quite confusing.

I popped into some shops today and tried on a new silhouette in H&M - a black linen knit ankle length sleeveless dress with a low back. I kind of loved it? But it does not fit my lifestyle. Could be a beach cover up but I can’t be shopping for beach 2020 can I? Pat me on the back for trying something different and not getting it, will you?

Problem with clothes shops these days is that they sell aspirations and status more than clothes. This will make you feel like a cool person not this is a raglan sleeve and has a blind stitched hem. Fuckers.

I saw a silhouette on Zara’s or Mangos website I’d like to try but unsure how to - a shirt dress worn front tucked into trousers. Very voluminous and a bit cool. Not sure how bulky a dress would be tucked a bit into trousers? Might play around tomorrow with my blue Uniqlo dress and white linen trousers.