Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet: L'enfer c'est les Autres

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Lovers of Parisian style and fashion with a conscious mindset and lots of chatter in between. Feel free to join in

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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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I always like to plant snowdrops as they pop up as early as January. From the Keukenhof I learned that they keep planting in the same spot but with a week or two in between so you have lovely flowers throughout spring (you do need to keep track exactly where you plant things though). I think they also double up, so one deeper than the other but I've never tried that. One of those special rotary digging thingies makes it a lot easier work too.

That site looks interesting Bani, I've signed up and the prices are pretty good for made in Italy but the shipping price makes it another one of where I'd need to buy a lot at once. I've lots of interesting thoughts about Italian mills but I'm in a bit of a slump today so I'm sure I'll bore you all about it at another time.

Urgh, anyhow slump, my orders came in Friday but I just don't think I'm cut out for loungewear. Silk leggings felt weird (I imagined a soft feel but they're more like tights), cashmere joggers made me feel awful and just blah about myself, and the mules that I bought in an attempt to not feel so slobby are a delight that are surprisingly comfy with some cushioning in the sole. I'll keep those, practical me thinks I should keep the cashmere joggers but in a slump me can't be bothered. Other stuff I couldn't remember I ordered were meh, did order that hourglass blazer shamelessly to just copy the pattern but turns out the blazer I've been drafting myself is very similar in pattern (not in the shoulders) so that was an odd discovery.

Slump is down to being sick of Covid19 and strict lockdown being announced tonight and I don't think I have the mental energy to deal with it all again, especially since it's getting darker quicker and waking up in it too. Sigh, think I might just order a SAD lamp, I always thought it was a mid winter thing (never suffered from it, I think) but the waking up in the dark is really making me feel very meh for days now.

Funny video, bani.

It seems really quite wintry the last few days, so I've got out a few more winter things and put away a few more warmer weather clothes. It would be nice if the incessant rain would stop.

I don't think those Rouje things would do anything for me, stonecrop. I generally stay away from frills and the colour and style of the cardigan too top heavy, probably more flattering on someone with narrower shoulders.

Ah yes I have done the layered planting with bulbs.
I haven’t done it with snowdrops but this week I will get some and try.
It feels like is going to be the longest winter ever. I have a lummie lamp that I use regularly, I have a second one too so I am thinking in getting the bulb for it and using it too next to my desk maybe.
Shame that the loungewear wasn’t doing anything for you Bo, when I was in st Pancras a few weeks ago I tried a pair of joggers in American Apparel, lovely texture , but they looked really uninspiring on me. I never really got anything from that brand, any words of wisdom about them Bo?

Layers of bulbs

I can't remember if American Apparel is the one with a really rapey CEO (but no one cares because it's young men he's harassing) or that they're just a bit dodgy politically and sweatshop type things. I was never impressed by the quality, I'm actually surprised it still exists, I thought it had gone bust.

At the Keukenhof they layer the same type of bulbs on top of each other, I still don't know how that works, as the top layer would be pretty vulnerable.

I meant American vintage 🤭 my head is everywhere.
Oh the same type of bulb layered! I will investigate...

No rapey CEO for that one as far as I know. I like American vintage though, things usually cut very nicely but always have to check the composition label.

I've still not caught up with this thread but I'll join you in that Covid slump. We went out for a meal last week in case it was the last chance before another lockdown (it wasn't as it turned out, or at least not yet) and we were the only people in there all evening. Admittedly they may have got some take away orders too, but they can't be breaking even. Meanwhile my company is crowing about how well working from home is going - i.e. they've worked out how much they can save in office rental and heating. I realise I don't have a long commute or a school pick-up to factor in but I miss my coffee shop and checking out everyone's outfits and the aimless banter. My boss speaks to me every 12th of November because 'we trust you.' Fuck off. The only fun is I'm now deliberately using the room with the worst broadband connection for Zoom meetings so I can get cut off.

I have to keep reminding myself that my parents lived through world war 2, my grandparents had a pandemic and WW1 and a depression to contend with and my great, great grandparents had to flee a famine. It still sucks though.

12th of Never.

By the way Bani weren't you having The Test at some point? I assume it was ok?

Anyway in clothes news, I'm going to send for that other shirt pattern. It's annoying but not as annoying as carrying on with the old one, putting all that work in while knowing all the time there was one I liked better. I've not some nice cotton shirting that's quite heavy and soft so it should work for colder weather.

The slump seems to be an ongoing thing and I slowly seem to be morphing into that irate MNetter and getting worked up about other people just not giving a shit 😑

I thought Bani got a antibody test and came out with none.

I am debating about going to Uniqlo to see the JW Anderson collection, I like the pleated napkin hem skirt but it's polyester (as expected). I really don't feel like ordering it as I think it's just going to be a disappointment, so not sure what my thinking is of checking in store just to see a disappointment...

Lord I must be pissed off if I'm forgetting to even check out a Uniqlo collab. I've not missed Jil Sandet have I?

I don't think there was anything in JWA that I wanted, but I was in a real Uniqlo store the other week and it was so much better seeing it all for real, even though you couldn't try on. So I think I would go if you can.

Yeah I might go, we have workmen over finally doing the fences with the neighbours (which they half took down months ago without asking ) but best access is through our house and the noise and mess is driving me batty.

I need to buy some extra masks at Uniqlo anyhow, I got the Airism ones from there and they're really good, very breathable but I took the smallest adult size and it's a little roomy so will get the teenager one (which I suspect in Asia is just the smallest adult size).

No new news on Jil, but the website does seem to be pushing it forward on the site a bit more (nothing new to be seen though) and it says release in autumn not a/w so I assume they'll announce it soon enough.

Thanks for the Airism masks tip. I started off with some colourful ones but now the jauntiness annoys the fuck out of me every time I put one on.

Jeez I'm in a bad mood today. Maybe I should go for a look around AIBU.

Long memories on this thread! I had the antibody test late summer (negative) and just recently The Test (negative). My husband has a slight sore throat today so is home. I told him he should try to book The Test immediately jic. He does this odd semi-responsible thing where he stays home and then talks about popping to the shop anyway so I've given out to him today twice. I can't be doing with being the Covid police thankyouverymuch. If one member of a household has it all must stay home, those are the new rules now, so it'd be useful to know if he has it.

It'd be typical, I've planned a little trip with 13-yo over Halloween break.

I'm also waiting for the Jil Sander collection, not that I anticipate buying anything (I anticipate black, white and camel). But it's something to look at.

There's a useful Swedish adjective, "sugen". It means hungry or craving something, but is used in the context of "I really feel like..." and then other things besides food too. Anyway, I'm really really shopping-"sugen" right now. I'd love to just stroll into a shop, find something nice to try on, buy it and be pleased. Not navigate shitty internet shops, buy and navigate returns. Boring!

Flo, if you want you and I could do that AIBU-trolling sesh some night where we read all threads and just answer yes or no, including the ones where the AIBU is not clear. And then lean back with our popcorn.

Oh that shopping fantasy sounds divine bani - I'm not a fan of internet shopping in the first place and now I detest it. I will make an exception for Jil Sander, although I'll most likely get killed in the virtual crush and as you say, I'll probably only be able to wear the camel stuff and even then only if it's The Right Shade.

I've had a sore throat pretty much every night since the March lockdown but I'd written it off as a chronic case of psychosomatica. I hope that doesn't mean Phase 2 is all my fault?

Yes I'd be up for some late night AIBU mischief!

I thought of you today Flo as one of the re-sale shops in town had several nice VW pieces, sadly both ginormous, and a black leather jacket (Muuuba -- anyone know it?) I left it to think about as it had odd fastenings and a waterfall front. Nice on the right person, possibly a tad past it, which is logically why it was there.

I did buy my second jersey of the year, in a very intense Yves Klein violet blue merino-cashmere (minimal cashmere %). V-neck, ribbed-sleeves and pleasantly slouchy with a tiny lurex star on the back of the neck. It's a make called Miss Sugar, and they seem to sell only to small mid-market independent shops. A bit more spendy than Uniqlo but not much.

Another one for No to Internet shopping. Cannot stand it.
I am also planning little trip over half term, I bloody miss the sea, swimming in it ... instead I am trapped here , loads of sea ... but am I brave enough to swim in it in October? Or just dip in it? Not sure.

So they are locking London now, I have been missing London all these months and now that I am just about getting comfortable with the idea of going there for a day with a friend, is going into restrictions.
So we are making the most of it and going today, our last chance for the year I am sure. Mind you , all very overly cautious and not going anywhere busy. Literally just yo browse a couple of shops.

Ah that sounds fun Red hope you have a lovely day. I'm so cross with myself for dallying and dithering so long that I didn't make it to London for either the Dior or the Quant exhibition - and now I'm wondering when I'll get the chance again.

Sorry, bit dramatic.

Xing that's funny as I always think of you when I pass our neighbourhood boutique! In fact I've started popping in, even though it's mostly a bit too boho for me, and I was wondering about the brands they sell - can't remember any names but I'd never seen them before and it got me thinking about how the high street swallows up the competition.

I love the sound of that jersey Xing

Go for the swim Red. We’re right beside the sea and I love it. Nothing like having a hot drink after. Actually I’m considering investing in a dry robe. How’s that for a non Parisienne purchase. It’s probably right up there with an oodie (which I do not own). Also, enjoy your trip to London.

We’re about to go in further lockdown – level 3.617 no doubt. The nice clear 5-tier system was always too good to be true.

When is the Jil Sander collection out do we know?

Oooh I’ve a browsing-and-leisurely-lunch- sugen Bani. What a great word, bit like hankering.

I do like the look of the Mackage coats, the parka one is sold out and the furry collars can go a bit wannabe oligarch’s wife on me. There’s a lovely military green one that doesn’t even remotely fit the brief, but I want it! Drikisons looks a practical choice.

Well, I am back from London with two pairs of jeans. Some of you might remember how much I went on about buying a pair of jeans last year. I am honestly someone who only owns 1 decent pair (levis) and the rest are ancient cheap ones so today I decided to “invest” (who am I kidding ...) in two decent pairs and got a black whistles barrel leg (yes, thought of you Flo) which is the first time I tried them and I am not sure why on earth I never tried them before!!
My second pair is a Blackhorse atelier in blue , they are a classic fit, high waisted and narrow (without being skinny).
Also a nice mask from wolf and badger, has a jungly print on it.
So I am happy , and I reckon I don’t need jeans for another good couple of years.

I have been thinking about dry robes too Elle! Firstly I will see how I get on with my wetsuit, which I got a few weeks back.
Ah a drikisons parka is a perfectly reasonable choice.

These are the jeans. I feel like I have spent all my money on them, but then again ...

Did you get blue or black, Red? They look great.

Dryrobes are great for anyone doing water sports. DS did a canoe marathon over 4 days, and some of the competitors had them. They always looked toasty.

And yes, Didrikson's waterproofs are fine. I have winter and summer versions (loses any fashion cred) but I rationalise it by reference to Wainwright. There's no such thing as the wrong weather, only the wrong clothes. Didriksons have pockets in all the right places, and enough pockets, sturdy zips and with wellies, and or waterproof trousers, make walking in the rain and getting out for fresh air and excercise, not quite such an uphill deal. I haven't needed the cold weather version yet this year, but winter is coming.

Flo, your city and my tiny market town are so different demographically, but I think you would love Tavi. Retail is almost all independent and I am told the rates are ludicrously high, but it manages to sustain a really good, varied mix of everyday shops, plus tiny Boots, Superdrug etc.

Both! I got a Black whistles and a blue Blackhorse Lane ateliers Xing