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

[botemp]

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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Merch created in honour of our tenth thread anniversary:

Les Parisiennes de Mamansnet shop

Well done on the parka Elle, always nice to catch a bargain! Those Leoty onesies are great, such a clever idea to do them two-toned. I'd look like a squashed sausage in such a thing so I decline. But I love that they have one with sleeves, they've really thought about it. It annoys me that so much workout gear is sleeveless.

I remember that Town shop from before - I think some of the shirt dresses for example look really nice, but it's the sort of thing you want to go there to buy isn't it. I am so seldom in [checks notes] Norfolk.

Bardcore=bizarre. Bizarre! Who thinks of these things?

I borrowed a new sewing book from the library, written by Ann Ringstrand who is the founder of the brand Hope. It's ten basic patterns and a lot about style and sewing tips. Quite good actually! but I am not a huge Hope fan (smugly designing for thin, straight people) on the whole. It's definitely worth a look for people who like that Scandinavian "depressed shirt" look.

The dress (navy) is the most surprising, there's so much complex subtlety in the design that I really wasn't expecting. It's been tinkered with to hell which usually spells overdesigned but it's just right, held back at exactly the right moment, it flares out at a flattering point, the hem is shorter and stands slightly out at the front so even though it doesn't physically cover the tops of boots at the front, optically it always does so you don't get the weird peekaboo thing between hemline and boots which always feels harsh. It's lovely, it really is, but it's a bit like a great boyfriend on paper that bores you to tears. I can't fault it and of all the things I've bought it's the most right but I can't get excited about it when I wear it. I weirdly think fondly of it when not wearing it and think I should keep it, then I try it on again and I'm a bit, it's nice and all, but... Perhaps it would be better fitted a size down but I'm not convinced that would make all the difference.

World's most unflattering pic of the silk jersey which has me so disappointed. It actually looks like I've worked my way into it and it's far too small but it's the opposite, it's a tight material that clings but there's too much of it, it hits all the wrong spots (it's way out on the shoulders) and pulls in the wrong direction. I wanted it as a thermal so a perfect fit isn't that essential but I wanted it with the roll neck peeking out under clothing but it won't even stay up and just sort of sits there pooling sadly

Mango dress is a disappointment sadly. The colour photographs great but in RL it's a rather dull dark red/maroon and it has dolman sleeves. Aka my nemesis that makes boobs flat and merge into a weird waistless shape. Hope Bani can better appreciate it than me.

And finally, my bargain (just under €9 including shipping and handling costs) Equipment shirt from Vinted. Don't think it was worn much as the silk still has the feel it does when it's brand new. Less olive-y than I hoped but it is thankfully a very flattering grey with my colouring, which is a bit of a rarity in winter. Second pic is a better representation of the colour but it's difficult to catch well on camera.

@botemp

The dress (navy) is the most surprising, there's so much complex subtlety in the design that I really wasn't expecting. It's been tinkered with to hell which usually spells overdesigned but it's just right, held back at exactly the right moment, it flares out at a flattering point, the hem is shorter and stands slightly out at the front so even though it doesn't physically cover the tops of boots at the front, optically it always does so you don't get the weird peekaboo thing between hemline and boots which always feels harsh. It's lovely, it really is, but it's a bit like a great boyfriend on paper that bores you to tears. I can't fault it and of all the things I've bought it's the most right but I can't get excited about it when I wear it. I weirdly think fondly of it when not wearing it and think I should keep it, then I try it on again and I'm a bit, it's nice and all, but... Perhaps it would be better fitted a size down but I'm not convinced that would make all the difference.

World's most unflattering pic of the silk jersey which has me so disappointed. It actually looks like I've worked my way into it and it's far too small but it's the opposite, it's a tight material that clings but there's too much of it, it hits all the wrong spots (it's way out on the shoulders) and pulls in the wrong direction. I wanted it as a thermal so a perfect fit isn't that essential but I wanted it with the roll neck peeking out under clothing but it won't even stay up and just sort of sits there pooling sadly

Hi all - hope you don't mind me jumping in.

I had the same experience with the +j dress - I really love the idea of it so much. It's clever - and I can't really tell whether it's too big or just voluminous (if any small sizes come back onto the site as returns I might grab one to compare). I do like how generous JS is with pockets - one over the chest and two in the skirt large enough that I can fit my hands in up to the wrist.

The other things I picked up were a black cardigan -- thin but nice drape, will be a great piece for layering. And the pockets on the black one are lined in burgundy, which I don't think came through in the pictures.

And the black rope belt which is cool and pretty much as you'd expect. Looks a bit like holding your jeans up with electrical cable, but it's fun.

@botemp

Mango dress is a disappointment sadly. The colour photographs great but in RL it's a rather dull dark red/maroon and it has dolman sleeves. Aka my nemesis that makes boobs flat and merge into a weird waistless shape. Hope Bani can better appreciate it than me.

Well poop. We'll see - nothing flatters my figure as it is now anyway, I feel frumpy and blah in everything. I've given up any idea of the ideal sleeve anyway!

Yes, I'm going to try and score a size down of the navy dress too. I did see a large pile of returns at the Uniqlo store with the +J labels peeping out so 🤞 there were quite a few items back in stock this morning, just not my size but I was able to get some back in stock notifications set up.

Yes, there's lots of lovely details, on the puffer jackets the pockets have grosgrain ribbon detail that aren't apparent but so nice to see.

Ooh, jealous you got the belt pigeon, I've found something similar on Yoox with a metal detail, but I'm wondering if that's just one touch too many...

Well at least if that's the case, you'll know it's not just you, Bani, it'll be the dresses fault. Or more accurately, Mango's deceptively good photography skills, we know this yet still fell for it

All their photographs are obviously trying to hide things - I know this, yet I go back...

I wish Uniqlo would keep items up on the site, so you can do stock notifications or just bloody look at what they had. I'm having trouble remembering the navy dress off the website. Was this the merino knitted one?

Yes merino wool blend (18% polyamide). I found it in black in their lookbook (which is also now practically impossible to find on their site), which I hadn't seen before. I think it's supposed to be a little unexciting 😬 definitely covering her knees though which it doesn't on me, I don't think I'm prepared to accept I'm too tall for this (though technically according to their size guide I am) 😱😂

The dress I have is the shirt dress, so I'll just describe that quickly. The clever thing about it is that it is a belted dress from the front, but hangs loose from the back (looks quite similar to the oversized shirts in terms of cut from the back).

There are two slits in the side for the belt to go through so the belt goes over the dress at the front and under at the back.

The hem is curved (I really like a shirt dress to have a lot of shirt details) and sits just below knee length on me. I'm short but also short waisted so it probably would hit someone more average height at the knee.

It is a loose cut, with plenty of room to wear a polo neck underneath. Light enough that it will be fine in the Summer. Big pockets. Nice quality cotton that holds the structure really well. Lovely finish on the collar - probably similar to the stand collar shirts - and sit nicely flat over the chest. Looks very smart under a blazer but what doesn't? :)

@Floisme I just guessed old town/ tin house from your description. And I knew that was in Holt as a friends DH made her take a 300 mile diversion to get measured for a workers jacket in tweed many years ago. They are still married

@Floisme you may be interested in henri based in Hackney they have a small collection of clothes made by them. They also do some made to order and have a selection of patterns and fabrics to make at home ( and workshops)

Ha ha good story Soover. Thanks for the Henri link - patterns did you say? I'll take a look.

I really like that +J dress and, staying with the perfect boyfriend analogy, it'll never let you down. Lovely silk shirt too.
Pigeon31 that shirt dress sounds really clever.

I have taken photos of my +J stash but the light is awful at the moment and you can see shit. I'll try again around midday.

Sadly my +J stuff hasn't arrived, so no pics or report from me yet. The dress looks great on you botemp! Do you think you'll be keeping it? Shame, the silk jersey didn't work out (at least you didn't go for the strategy of your OH - getting one in every colour).

banivani the book sounds really interesting! Huge Hope fan here. I've got knitwear and trousers from them that I find really flattering, even though my shape is more hourglassy than straight. Curious to hear if you're gonna try anything out from the book

Pigeon, I had contemplated the shirt dress too as I suspected it would be a good distinctive piece from the collection but it just didn't make sense for me. At that length I would want to wear it with knee boots but the material didn't make sense for winter weather and I don't gravitate to dark and long sleeved things in the spring/summer, but I'm happy to hear it is indeed a good one. Perhaps I should have gone a more high risk strategy as for now I'm still not convinced about keeping anything (In case you hadn't noticed Flo, you can big up good on paper boyfriends all you like but I'm a commitmentphobe and always sent them packing to a more appreciative audience 🙊Good thing about clothes though is no need for monogamy 🙈)

FFS MN keeps ignoring I put in paragraphs, not sure what's going but apols from me (even though it's not my fault) for the wall of text.

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Still not sure urahara, OH meanwhile is a smug bastard happy with his giant haul

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I also like Hope (but I already belong to the church of Acne Studios, which Bani also sniffs her nose at, so no surprise there ). Is the book only in Swedish (not that I care much, I always had more success with patterns by just figuring it out as I go along than following instructions).

Let the record show that I sniff my nose at Acne’s styling if you please — the madly pretentious photos. For me the sweet spot is somewhere between Bonprix and Acne I also can’t help but sniff at all brands that clearly don’t care for me as a customer - too fat, too wonky, too busty or whatever. Also — beige beige beige.

I won’t be sewing for a good while 🙄 there is just not the space and peace of mind for it here. If I were I’d try the basic trouser, badly photographed lying on my knees in bed. Also attaching the shirt dress and a boxy jacket.

Might as well post the entire preview page so to speak! I suppose the shirt is good, it’s just not really my thing.

It looks really interesting Bani. I like the look of the Dude coat in the preview I saw. I'll wait for an English edition (apparently coming soon) as currently the shipping from Sweden is half the price of the book (some feedback if the patterns are any good would be helpful too ). Did spot it on Tradera for a lot less and it appears they ship to me, but I'm rather clueless to how it all works.

Well I had the opportunity to snap up the new +J stuff that was released today but I'd forgotten it was the 3D knit cashmere (not just cashmere) and I never get on with those for some reason, it just sort of torques around my body instead of sitting like its intended to. If they have it in the shop I'll try it but I'm not going out of my way to order it.

Did finally get the Mango cape as they've put it in some Black Friday offer (I thought that was next week 🤷) and they now also had the matching jumper to wear underneath so I got that too, even though that was more expensive than the cape

I'm not sure if I'm really interested in that jumper as it's also got a roll neck and as much as I like a roll neck, wearing two at the same time seems a bit much...

Tradera is simple (but working your way around Swedish helps obv), it's like Ebay. You need an account of course, and then you can bid or hit buy now depending on seller's options. Found your ad - she's funny " I have to pay 200 kr to return which I refuse". I feel you, sister. (I might get it then...)

I don't have enough experience with patterns to say if they are good or not I'm afraid, and seeing how you are pattern-averse anyway ... I unfolded one of the pattern sheets and can tell you that the printing is clear, and the sheet has no joins, so less risk of a break in the lines. There are 8 pattern sheets too, so they are not so crowded, which is good. I'll photograph some of the line drawings in a separate post. I'm not surprised the English translation is coming out soon, I think this book fills a niche plus she's a "name".

The new J+ stuff isn't online, is it? I don't see it.

Two roll necks does seem excessive and I am surprised at Mango's styling then

Dude coat, Saint short, Work trouser (sic)

Get it if you want. The shipping went from a little under 10 to 24 euros since yesterday so I won't be buying it. I still have far too many projects to complete/start anyhow. And as much as I dislike standard patterns, I do like the idea of just being able to finish something within an afternoon, or even a day or weekend for that matter...

Hello, just feeding back on the Uniqlo +J ultra light down coat that Botemp kindly advised me on. Well in short it's been returned. It didn't look as nice as the photos suggested, much thinner and less puffy. Maybe I should have guessed that from ultra light in the name. It was also a little too big. Am an 8-10 and got a medium. It fit me across the shoulders but was way too big from the waist down. I suspect the small may have been too small on top in order to correct that.

I had also already ordered the Sweaty Betty puffer coat, which is x3 the price (although I got 20% off) but in a different world of quality, and am keeping that. But in the same price range as Uniqlo, I was actually quite impressed with the M&S offering and would have been tempted. Hope that helps someone.

That's a shame to hear Havanka, but good to hear you found a better version elsewhere. Was it the sort of Michelin man coat as I do remember that being very lightweight and a bit disappointing compared to the hybrid ones. I thought it looked very different from the lookbook too, thought it would be the top seller but it seems to be the most returned item going by the website.