Fair enough, I'm not a glasses wearer (aside from a brief stint as a tween, reading glasses which I never wore and I therefore ended up self correcting the issue as a result) so glasses tend to be something I admire on others rather than wear myself so I'm more partial to glasses that wear the person than vice versa as it's pleasing to my eyes but obviously the wearer's eyes trump my preferences.

OP posts:

Floisme · 04/03/2020 13:40

I think I've moved into the 'let your glasses wear you' camp too. My face has lost a lot of definition and anything that can help counter that is fine by me. I don't really think any frames are intrinsically flattering and that any new shape looks weird at first but then you adjust. Plus I only ever take them off to sleep so have no worries about people seeing me without them!

The main problem is that, no matter how much care I take, they always look different on my face once the lenses are in (very strong prescription) by which time it's a bit too late.

XingMing · 04/03/2020 16:46

I can wear contacts but was really too late starting to get properly used to taking them out. Now I need them all day long, it's easier to wear glasses. But choosing the frames is the hardest thing to get right and it's not a commitment to be made in a quick appointment, not when the lenses cost £400 and the frames can easily cost the same. IMHO Flo's relationship with her optician is perfect. I used to have a great, then a good-enough, local practice but sadly it's just the usual suspects now. And the superb independent company in my mum's town have sold up and retired too. Not sure where my next pair will be coming from.

I am noticing the shift to wire frames and my current (two-year-old) pair incorporate a double wire bridge with plastic frames. They were much admired when new but don't excite the same attention as they did at first.

quirkychick · 04/03/2020 17:41

We used a local, independent opticians for years, but they didn't seem so good lately, especially with the dcs. We now use a big chain, but they were great with dd1 and contacts. I'm now wearing glasses as I'm driving again, mine are purple and rectangular.

I agree with what flo says about florals that are dark and stylised. Other prints I wear are animal prints, often in monochrome, stripes, spots.

I did have a good charity shop haul, thanks bo, nothing extraordinarily bargainous but useful basics.

Original poster

botemp · 04/03/2020 17:56

Jess Cartner-Morley reveal yourself 🧐 from the article, How to dress like a Parisian: big coats, monochrome and a splash of crimson (I disagree on the crimson/black combo though. Don't see that catching on in Paris at all evidenced by the fact that designers mentioned are not Parisian houses at all):

Selective quoting:

The Parisian thing was never about trends or dramatic reinventions. It has always been about an elegant line, a flattering colour, a charming detail; about a modern wardrobe of pieces that harmonise, rather than about standalone outfits and abrupt changes of direction.

...when a look is simple, the details are everything.

The shape you want in a coat or blazer is oversized, not baggy, so you need a strong shoulder.

Paris is championing vintage, at the highest level: archive Chanel is becoming a power move... (I think the fabulous JPG blazer you got is much more of a power move Elle, but I guess JC-M only stalks online)

Not many florals, and when they do turn up they tend to be the midnight-garden dark-floral variety.

You owe us a press discount, at the very least!

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Floisme · 05/03/2020 08:39

Ha ha ha come out Jess wherever you are.

There are 3 people in my life whose retirement I dread. One is my optician and the others are my hairdresser and the woman who owns 'my' dress agency.

banivani · 05/03/2020 23:00

Mad frames are a bit like mad jewellery, no more like a mad tiara. Nobody really suits them, they stand for themselves and can be appreciated for themselves. So there’s def room for them, I just can’t see myself choosing mad for every day. It feels like a commitment to a whole look. That’s what I mean by the frames wearing you, it’s like they dictate who you are and some says you want to blend more or whatever. But hey, go for it! I’m a coward. I bring my young trendy daughters when buying frames so I don’t swerve too safe !

My red Victoria Chan blouse arrived and it’s really really nice. There’s lots of fun stuff to do with the ties. Took a quick poor photo to show. I fit into an L so I suspect she runs large in sizing.

Floisme · 06/03/2020 09:46

But I'm not thinking about 'I'm-mad-me' specs with bug eyes on the lenses, just wire frames
I've dug out an old pair that I wore in the 90s/early noughties, still with the old lenses so I can at least see myself in them. At first glance they look insipid but then plastic frames seem outlandish until you adjust to them. They do have a very thin tortoiseshell rim as you suggested bo. I was going to wear them all day to see how I got on but they're from my pre varifocal years and I can't work in them.

I love the colour of that top bani - bet you can wear it in lots of different ways. I'm wearing a cherry red cashmere jumper today which is very cheering and has reminded me that I forgot to wear colour this winter again.

Original poster

botemp · 06/03/2020 10:14

Well excuse you, I look fantastic in a mad tiara and it suits me very well

Hurray, the Viktoria Chan shirt looks great fun. My enthusiasm for it was not mistaken It's actually reminding me of the opening look of the (this is my new hobby, watching fashion shows on the floor while diffusing my hair upside down, no need for sound and they're about the right length). Pics here but it's so much better in movement, which kind of struck me as unique these days. So much of fashion these days is reliant on how it will look for the 0.2 seconds of Instagram attention it will hopefully have in an endless scroll but this is all about the movement and I'm currently a sucker for long maxi lines ATM (my dress should arrive later today) so I enjoyed it very much. Will be a bit peeved if there's no sample sales due to Covid19 this spring as I always find at least something very nice at Christian Wijnants.

Is it still the case that you're limited to certain frames with vari focals Flo? Are they still stupidly expensive, otherwise you could potentially upcycle your old frames as a second pair.

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Floisme · 06/03/2020 10:36

Upcycling the wire is a possibility - my lenses are too heavy for some frames but I don't think the vari focal prescription affects things that much. It would still cost though as the lenses alone come to well over £200. The other thing I noticed is how small the old lenses are, compared to what I wear now, which means I've got this blurred ring around my whole field of vision. It didn't register at the time but I'm not sure I want to go back. I did once own some larger wire frames but I don't think I've kept them - there are limits to what even I hoard!

Redandblue11 · 06/03/2020 14:06

I am enjoying all the lenses chat and Bani’s new top.
Must go through the videos that Bo posted, I have been watching the A Chung ones in Dior house, great to see the inside and how the work takes place.
I did a second hand rampage today.
They had a shirt dress (one of my favourite type of dresses), the light is a bit funny and hence the lines might look a bit mad on camera but does not give that effect irl.
After I took the photo I opened well the front buttons so it looked better, but then I did not take a photo.
I know I will wear this loads in s/s and I paid very little money.
Then I saw this clear C Lacroix bag and just left me wondering what is the trend in that respect ...
Then I went to this vintage shop which is normally more curated, not so barganous stuff and was taken by a lot of 80’s midi skirts in leather and washed denim.
The coloured leather reminded me of Bo’s advent but they were all in 6/8 uk size so not quite my size.
Then tried this denim one, I didn’t get this one I am showing here but I got one in darker denim a bit washed with subtle stud details in pockets and waist and is really high waisted and a better fit on me. I have to say it took me right back to my early teens ... I hope I am not mistaken but I think I can still rock the style ???

Redandblue11 · 06/03/2020 14:10

Here is the clear C Lacroix bag

I also got complimented a few times by my coat, specially people touching it so perhaps after all is causing the unwanted effect in this coronavirus momentum ...
Here is a better photo of all of it in a changing room

XingMing · 06/03/2020 16:39

The coat is lovely, Red, and I know why you'll get lots of SS action out of the dress. I think clear bags are still quite current, but maybe I'm delusional and it's only here in Hicksville the provinces.

ToEllewithIt · 07/03/2020 08:06

I really like the shirt dress Red. It would be lovely with a tan belt. I think transparent bags are having a moment. I know Chanel did a version and I saw a nice tote with a leather insert that was cool too.

I’m enjoying the glasses talk. I think wire could look great.

Botemp you were right about the quality of the Chanel dress being unlike anything made now. It even has a little internal belt to make it sit perfectly. I wore it to a Christening recently and it was two of my mum’s generation who complimented me on it. I had the GR Laura boots on so a 70s vibe and they both said it reminded them of what they used to wear at that time.

XingMing · 07/03/2020 20:04

Can we see a picture of your Christening outfit please Elle? It sounds magnificent, and I am [jealous].

Redandblue11 · 07/03/2020 20:17

I am adding a vote to see that dress!

Original poster

botemp · 08/03/2020 07:41

I am jealous you still have any social gatherings at all... My hairdresser cancelled on me convinced he has Covid19 (probably not, bit of a drama queen) and OH's dental appointment got cancelled as they just don't have access to enough masks thanks to panic buyers and are only doing emergency appointments as a result. Since it's such a small world here, everyone knows someone who knows someone who maybe has it, so everyone is avoiding everyone as a result. Lots of people calling me that since I work from home can I please look after their child so they can keep them from school though

I think Elle, posted a pic of that dress plus boots combo already, either on this thread or the end of the other. I can see it vividly in my mind anyhow. I'm very amused though as I remember saying in the shop that she could even wear that Chanel dress casual to church to work, it would be that versatile. I think it's now been worn in all three scenarios.

My Equipment dress turned out to be a great gamble. The sizing makes such a difference to the one I tried on in Rotterdam. The mandarin collar does make it slightly more formal though, so it's less the effortless ease of the other one, but I'm very pleased with it regardless. Anyhow, it'll give me a good excuse to get another one in the Rotterdam version if it shows up in the searches I've set up to notify me.

In other news I finally wore my new coat out yesterday as it was sunny and briefly double digits and instantly got compliments on it including from the owner of a hipster Indian/Middle Eastern eatery (Ottilenghi inspired) and got a free lunch out of it

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Redandblue11 · 08/03/2020 08:47

oh!! Now I remember! Is the dress Elle wore to work?! I can picture it now, if I am not mistaken!
I cannot remember if I commented on it but I definitely noticed it

Isn’t it great when gamblers pay off? Great news on that Equipment dress.

I honestly thought there was a bit of exaggeration in the media about bulk buying... until I went to my local Waitrose yesterday (one of the big ones) and there was no loo roll, absolutely no type at all , pasta and corona beer were also in very very low supply. I have never seen anything like this.
However people still seem to be out drinking in very small crowded places. I have 2 social gatherings this week in restaurants.

ParisInTheSpringtime · 08/03/2020 09:37

Do any of you have any recommendations for maternity wear which is not a wrap dress?! I’m not there yet, but in a few months I don’t want to be panic buying. I will mostly be looking on eBay as there is no point buying lots of new clothes.

I am going to use this pregnancy as a chance to reset my wardrobe.

Original poster

botemp · 08/03/2020 10:08

This video may be of help, potentially, Spring. I liked the approach as it was mainly looking at high street pieces (upper end) that could be worn as maternity clothes and it's one of the few times I think a capsule wardrobe makes a lot of sense.

*I will note that the dog in a diaper is hugely disturbing as it's obviously being worn as a deterrent rather than it being a poorly old dog.

I think a lot depends on body type though, and how you gain/hold the extra weight. For example the oversized shirt dress often gets touted as a good maternity dress but it only seems to work on petite women who are somewhat apple shaped (legs and arms still thin and linear, and noticeably so, so there's enough contrast) and don't become too top heavy in the bosom area. So it may be a great maternity dress but for a very minor demographic.

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ParisInTheSpringtime · 08/03/2020 12:34

@botemp that is so useful, thank you. I don’t have a waist anyway, so shirt dresses are generally a no for me even when not pregnant (unless super silky). I tend to go for quite boxy dresses which I think could still work for quite some time.

I also love the Polaroid idea which I may use anyway. That would be a good project for all of my clothes and would highlight any gaps.

Floisme · 08/03/2020 14:48

Funnily enough I was thinking about my favourite pregnancy outfit quite recently (possibly cos I was also wearing wire specs!). It was 22 years ago and textile technology has moved on, but I mostly lived in a couple of non-maternity, straight up and down, v-neck, top-of-the-ankle length dresses in a stretchy cotton. It was the pre bodycon era so they were fitted but not clingy. I bought them in early pregnancy and wore them through autumn/winter with boots and oversized knitwear and then on their own as it got warmer. I liked the very simple, unfussy style and, as I grew bigger, I appreciated the comfort, practicality (they washed and dried overnight) but still the fittedness, if that makes sense.

But as bo says, a lot depends on what happens to your shape. I carried the extra weight mainly on the belly, boobs and my face. If say, my feet and ankles had swollen up, I'd have probably felt differently. And of course the problem is, you don't really know what's going to happen till it happens.

And, although I now look back on them fondly, I was totally sick of them by the end, so I definitely concur with not spending too much.

XingMing · 08/03/2020 18:02

I had one business outfit for meetings which must have been chosen to be invisible because I don't remember it at all. I lived in maternity jeans and shorts, with one of three T shirts for the last trimester. Happily it coincided with summer and my annual slack period. I gained weight like Flo, and was back into regular jeans quite fast after delivering DS. My waist has never quite returned!

XingMing · 08/03/2020 18:12

I adore your new top Bani, meant to say this days ago. The colour is fab.

I did an impulse buy yesterday in the local dress agency. A leather version of the shoulder French wicker market basket in tan and black, with rope handles. Except it's made in exquisite glace calf leather. Nothing to indicate its origin, but the stitching is a work of artistry and the size is perfect. It's probably Spanish, but there's no branding or embossing anywhere inside or out. It's obviously been stored, so I am trying to weight it back to the original shape with the help of a large bag of rice.

Redandblue11 · 09/03/2020 08:56

Oh pregnancy outfits.
I spent most of it in a very hot Middle Eastern country so not much advice from my side. But I grew mostly belly and not much else.

For saying I have been all these years in the uk, only 2 days ago I heard ...
“Blue and green should never be seen, except with something in between”
And today I am wearing exactly that ... blue and green. Can anyone enlighten me?
I personally quite like the combo, or depends on the shade?

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