Les Parisiennes des Mamansnet: Do not ask the kock about les préservatifs in the food.

[botemp]

Lovers of Parisian style and fashion with a conscious mindset and lots of chatter in between.

---

Favoured Parisian addresses:

Second Hand Shops

Outlets

Favoured London addresses:

Charity Shops, Dress Agencies, and Outlets

Favoured NYC addresses:

Consignment shops, Vintage, and Restaurants

---

Previous threads:

Un

Deux

Trois

Quatre

Cinq

Six

Sept

Huit

Neuf

Dix

Onze

Douze

Treize

Quatorze

Wasn’t the shirt just dreamy? All one longs for. Meanwhile I have also shopped in the Cos and Arket sales – the shirt dress in Cos as I said, and a blue linen shirt, and the almost same shirt in Arket (that Bo tipped me off on). Nothing has arrived as yet and I don’t have high hopes. Am a little curious to compare the shirts, mind, they are very similar. Arkets product photos can feck right off. So uninformative.

Flo, Marie Kondo would say that you lovingly say thank you to the lining and the person who cared about the coat enough to repair it, and then you can let it go. But you didn’t want that kind of help so I suppose you can just writhe in anguish at the destruction of somebody’s loving work.

Who could ever be arsed to argue with French customer service … also a company who doesn’t follow the law is one I’d be suspicious of anyway, so.

The white coat really is a glamorous dressing gown in the best possible way, but the price of it considering the materials! Ah no. I find Malene Birger a bit over-rated. I like the shape of the green tea coat, but the almond one is subtler. It’s not snot though, not at all! But like you say, probably not worth the price (unlined wool felt?).

Xing, so glad you’re up and about buying posh jumpers.

Several things:

Woke up yesterday with an enormous hankering for a blazer. Something I can wear to work or even better, keep at work to put on at any time to look immediately professional. Immediately looked at Uniqlo thinking of the IDLF ones but am not feeling them. What sort of thing should one look at that fulfils the brief of going with everything and immediately looking as though you cared? And I want to avoid black.

I also yesterday fell into a small rabbithole of Dutch regional costumes because atelier.nostalgia is doing a series of photos. They are very interesting. Anyway, I fell in love with the wentke, pic attached. What a fabulous item of clothing. And all the indigo items, so lovely. I also became very interested in an odd hairstyle they seem to do in Staphorst for very young children? See youngest child on this link. Sadly I think I need to be able to google in Dutch to find out more?

I bought and have worn the white blouse I've attached. Thin cotton muslin, two layers, embroideries, very folksy. Am loving it. Worn with Uniqlo U barrell-ish jeans in blue.

My parcel from Cos arrived. I bought the linen shirt dress in two sizes to try on (pic attached). I don't know. I look better in a shoulder seam, I've come to realise. The linen does feel nice, but am unsure of the colour, it's a rather yellowy white.

I also bought a blue linen shirt, but now I've run out of pics so here's a link.Fits well over the shoulders, but is perhaps a little too "welcome to the new world order your broom is waiting for you"? I'm awaiting the very similar one from Arket to compare.

Well I was not expecting to chat about Staphorst on here. I do think if this is the next historical costume online obsession (not you individually Bani just the costube community) they need a similar vintage style not vintage values tagline. Although it will be difficult to separate as they still dress like that in Staphorst so you can't cry time makes for attitude changes. They are orthodox protestant Christian and have very regressive values. It's hell to grow up there if you're gay or a woman with ambitions beyond being a housewife. It's not quite the Amish as they do embrace technology (but not for example cameras) but it's not far off with very oppressive social control. Currently GPs in the area offer off the book appointments for vaccinations because if it's known someone got vaccinated they'll be shunned So, yes, it all looks very pretty laid out like that on Instagram but my associations are a little different. I have more positive associations with other traditional Dutch 'folkwear', growing up there were still quite a few women (and the odd man) wearing this in Scheveningen. They had lovely sort of jewels that are somewhat shell like. There's still some who wear it now, I believe, but I don't visit Scheveningen proper much.

From a more abstract appreciation, yes it's very beautiful to see, I've come across some of it on our version of tradera, I've attached some screenshots. Beautiful workmanship and fabrics but interestingly enough it's all a display of wealth from our colonial past. This article goes into it (in Dutch, you'll just have to translate it), specifically about the chintz fabric in your picture.

It's an interesting aspect of traditional Dutch 'folkwear' as it encapsulates the immense wealth that was acquired from abroad but that jarred with the strong Calvinist roots of showing off. There's a novel (possibly a film of it too) called The Miniaturist that explores it really well, a good read all round. The audiobook is good as well, it captures the oppressive mood quite effectively.

WRT blazers, IME it's about finding a brand that works well for your body. Joseph secondhand is probably a safe bet, they're basic but well cut so they don't ever look particularly dated or cutting edge and they suit most bodies.

I don't think it's going to be a Costube obsession . Atelier Nostalgia is very she/her I believe, the instagram posts say nothing at all about the regressive values of Staphorst let me tell you. Selective silence. God no, I might admire the indigo and chintz and be very bemused by that hairdo but in no way are these values I admire. I am interested in regional dress though!

Thank you for the article! I think that is fascinating, that clash between dour Calvinism and wealth. Must check out The Miniaturist. (The google translation of the article was amusing, but not as amusing as using live subtitles on a Teams chat where nobody speaks English. )

Jesus I can't find Joseph here I don't think (puns unintended). Will check Tradera. Thanks!

There's this on Sellpy, but, black.

Is she/her from here? If not, I can sort of understand omitting the back story. Most people are very surprised there's still people in traditional costume here as they just assume we're all progressive and there's no surviving traditions but if she/her is from here, then, major side eye. You really can't claim ignorance on that one as it's constantly in the news
(it's a bit complex to explain, but I will if you have the time and inclination but they're a very influential political force) and the unofficial capital of the Dutch Bible belt.

I want photos of your purchases when you have the chance Bani.

Gosh, I wasn’t aware of that side of Dutch groups. The folk type embroideries can be appealing though, I can see that.

So I am back on the office one day a week. And I can report that my industry is dressing the same as last time I saw them all I person in March 2020 . Well, not a surprise for a bunch of office based engineers who work on big infrastructure projects…
The architects were not in the office today, I am sure they would have injected some interest

I was also going to suggest Joseph. Or what about Maje or Sandro? I have a couple of jackets/blazers from them to put on top when I cannot think and want to look smart without actually making an effort

I saw the black one on Sellpy ;) but I think I’d do a Flo there and moan about wanting to try it on - clearly not enthused enough about black to go for it and take a chance! But the odds of finding another colour that goes with everything is slim of course.

I think she is Dutch yes … tbf to her the point of the post is more just history so fair enough, but she does link to an account that is more enmeshed and thus could be perceived as uncritical and accepting. I am tired of playing the perfection games though so am making an effort to keep following people even if their opinions annoy me

Red - so much for a change of corporate fashion! I’ll make a try to take some photos but no promises. The white dress is comfortable but not stunning as a dress. On me. Keeping it as an open shirt only seems wasteful 🤔

Will look at Maje and Sandro on Tradera, who knows! There is nothing more uninspired than the blazer racks at the charity shops here so n hope on that front.

I'm not expecting perfection from anyone either. I'll give her the benefit of the doubt and assume she's younger and hasn't come across many people in folk wear in RL and just isn't aware that it's not history. It's an odd choice to me anyhow, loads of less controversial and equally alluring folk wear to be found in other places here. And on the upside, she could have done worse and gone with Urk which used to be an island but isn't anymore due to the delta works and is a very strange and insular place that's now gone full COVID denial conspiracy

It's got me thinking anyhow, my main issue with much of costube is the nostalgic rosy eyed take they often have and transposing it to this specific community as potential costume to play dress up with just doesn't sit right with me, personally. Don't know if that was the intention of her post but with such a predominantly visual medium it's bound to inspire some. As batshit as I think the historical reenactment community can be, I do respect that it's an honest as possible representation of the past that doesn't obscure the harsh reality of it.

WRT Maje and Sandro, I probably wouldn't waste much energy on seeking out those. They're quite neat on the shoulder and ribcage and their sizing already comes up small. Filippa K could work potentially, but depending on when it was made tbh the brand went through quite a long synthetic period.

I feel like I'm gatecrashing a thread here as never posted before but those BV boots are divine. For a more affordable version, check out the Charles David Harrow boot. I have a pair and they're so comfy and get many compliments!

Not gatecrashing at all TomBrady - all welcome I'm swerving all the boot chat for reasons stated upthread, but I'm sure there'll be other takers.

All I can say bani is that if Marie Kondo thinks that would work for me then she doesn't know me At All. But I will join you in blazer talk although I think we're fixated on different things. I won't bring up the 'L' word again but I'm still dreaming of Charles and Sebastian in Brideshead Revisited, not necessarily those dimensions but that kind of vibe. And something that will tone down some of my smarter clothes not dress them up further, which probably sounds counter-intuitive, aka bonkers, but well. I want the cut of a man's suit jacket but not man sized, and a bit crumbly but not too much as I'm crumbly enough these days without any help from my clothes. I might revisit Uniqlo or a H&M teenage boy department if I'm ever near a half decent branch.

Leaving aside the ethics and lifestyle I think that old woman in one of your pics looks supercool bo - she's wearing a paisley shawl / top (?) and what look like chess pieces in her hair.

The woman pictured is from Scheveningen which is a very different community, not as heavily religious or isolated. Probably as it's a fishing town so women rule the roost when the men are at sea and it's one of the first proper beach/spa destinations.

You'd often be seen mending nets or shelling tiny north sea prawns. I remember the women being really friendly and always happy to show us the sort of hair jewels sticking out and would not be offended if we said they looked like insects They usually had a sort of shell shape, and the intricacies of their caps would mesmerise plenty. It's very different from the Dutch Bible Belt communities.

I was reading a poorly written article somewhere about gen z and millennials all dressing like old money and sort or dismissed it. I don't really see a preppy revival as the article claimed but have seen a lot of alternative sorts wearing secondhand loafers and Lacoste shirts from the 80s but it's all so worn out (see previous rantings on secondhand tat) and put together in a non preppy way that it doesn't really read as aristocratic disheveled chic but your Brideshead revisited comments Flo has me thinking maybe that article was on to something.

*They'd not you'd, not sure what happened there 🤷

Bani I've stumbled across a blazer for you, although I don't know what you want to spend. Secondhand Armani one here but you can return it. I have a free delivery code if you want it but the €20 off first order when you sign up for the newsletter is probably a better deal. Even though they don't say it outright I got a free shipping return label with my order, but otherwise there's the PayPal return thingy.

It's a good goes with many colours one IMO as it's not a solid colour that's very seasonal. The narrower lapels and opening will emphasize length over shoulders (in theory, the mannequin is smaller than the blazer so it's not a true representation) and would look good worn open as well.

Popping on to say hello and try to catch up. Love the blazers, I know what flo means about toning down and Brides head Revisited. Or maybe it's just the bohemian clothes thread that sent me down a 90s rabbit hole. I did realise that I need to dress a bit more modern than this, or I just feel like I've morphed back in time to my student self. I don't need to do that more than once in a lifetime.

bo, I think the BBC did a series of The Miniaturist one Christmas.

The purple wellies stood up to the rain on Tuesday and were very comfortable.

It's been a tricky week, here. We've been having our hallway, stairs and landing done and it has gone into a second week. Dd2 was sent home with a positive lateral flow, along with most of her class, waiting the PCR results. Luckily, she has been very chilled about it. Then today, I have a bit of a cold and have just had a positive lateral flow.

Poor you quirky and poor DD, I know it's worrying with Down's syndrome in the mix too. How long does it take to get your PCR results?

Ah, you're right it was a miniseries, I'll have to see if I can watch it somewhere, although it's only two long episodes by the look of it, not sure that qualifies as a series in my mind.

Oh quirky I am sorry to hear that. How are you both feeling? I hope you only get mild symptoms, still not ideal isn’t it.
I need to check out the miniaturist.
Has anyone watched No Time to Die? I brought DS to watch it and he loved it, I was looking at Daniel Craig’s jacket and thinking that is a perfect Flo’s jacket specially when after many explosions and fights it still looked good

Thanks. I feel like I have a cold, stuffy nose and a bit tired and achy. Dd2 seems fine and has luckily been pretty chilled at home (unlike in the lockdown). We're waiting for dd2's PCR results and I've booked a test for today. The other week it took 4 days for dd2's PCR.

Oh Quirky, fingers crossed for you that it doesn’t get too bad! What a shame :(

Bo thank you for that blazer tip I am considering it - I think you’re absolutely right that it’d be surprisingly versatile! I’m dithering because I don’t know if it’s a phase or a more substantial want. (This is why one wants to find a charity shop buy for 3 euro to try it out first. ) unknowingly you hit one of my spots which was a bit of structure to the fabric. I’m with Flo on having this idea of a menswear vibe, crumbly, which to me echoes visible weave, wool/silk blends …

Anyway, pics attached of my purchases! Shite photos but that’s par for the course eh.

Linen dress first. I like the linen, but I’m not feeling it. The shape doesn’t suit me, the front is a bit too stiff I think to fall open easily and flash my “décolletage”.

Then linen shirt from Arket. From front and from the side. Mr bani liked this one but did point out it looks “my little China girl” alright. Nice linen, not super smooth but not too rough. This is a 40. I haven’t even tried on the 42, I think it’ll fit better over my hips but be baggier than I’d prefer everywhere else. Plz note my pose.

Now a green and beige broderie anglaise shirt from Arket. I really like the fabric. It’s really pretty. I don’t think the model is the best for me :( I might keep it because pretty fabric.

Then the blue linen shirt from Cos. New world order! Pose to point out pocket. Big enough for all the food rationing coupons. This is a very comfortable fit. Lighter linen, less substantial, paler colour, I like it a little less. Mr bani really didn’t like it just went no no no and wouldn’t listen to any of my jokes about Ayn Rand novels.

I like the broderie anglaise shirt, what I can see of it anyhow, iirc you linked it previously and we all oohed and aahed over the unusual colour way. I think the pattern is distracting enough that I'm not really noticing the shape of it. Otherwise, it looks like it has a lot of material in it so you could always change it into another shape?

Mr. Bani is a poor sport, please share your Ayn Rand material.

10/10 for the posing. I agree the linen dress wears you more than vice versa, I think you need to just write it off as one of those reality vs expectations disappointment things. Maybe it's how you are posing but the navy Arket shirt looks like it's tight in the waist but I do like it on you.

Hope you get your results soon quirky, quite annoying that it takes so long, it's usually under 24hrs here.

I like the linen shirt dress Bani, what did you decide to do?

I hear you on French customer service, Sezane have generally been good, but are now give me the run around about a return.

Marlene Birger definitely used to be a mid-range option, priced more in line with The Kooples or Reiss, but it does seem to have got pricey.

Loved reading about the Dutch folkwear and the interesting history.

Flo I don’t know if they show up second hand but my Ami blazer has that menswear vibe, might be worth looking out for.

Quirky – I’m glad that DD2 is coping okay with the quarantine and fingers crossed that your symptoms don’t get any worse.

Need to have a rummage through my wardrobe and see if I have anything passable that I can fit into to wear to a wedding next week. This in between stage is awkward. I did see a grey Raey dress in a trapeze shape that would be great, but don’t really want to spend the money for something I might not reach for afterwards.

Is grey not too dreary this time of year at a wedding? I did see this silk dress at COS, it would still be a useful work dress post pregnancy.

I got distracted by Bani's try ons and forgot to mention I went into the shops today which I haven't really done for forever. At Zara there's a Charlotte Gainsbourg collab collection, it's very much her style, but it made me rather nostalgic for Comptoir des Cottoniers when that was in its prime (think she collabed with them at the time too). Some nice lightweight almost transparent cotton t-shirts and if you're similarly shaped to her (rectangle/straight up and down) the jeans looked really good, that elusive straight but slim but not too slim thing. It was all very Parisian chic when it was in its Paris Vogue Emmanuel Alt golden era.

Mango had a Collab with the insta influencer of the abbatoir boots but I was left tepid by it all. Which was my general mood, everything looks so shoddy at the moment which isn't helped by a lot of it looking like The Row but it just looks a bit crap with high street finishes and fabrics.

bani, I really like the Arket shirt, especially the shape. I have a similar one in dark brown, but it's more straight up and down.

La Redoute used to do collabs with Comptoir des Cotonniers in its catalogue heydey. Pre online shopping and all that.

Dd2 has had a positive PCR back, but is completely symptom free (luckily). I just feel like I have a cold. The really irritating NHS app wants to go from the date of her PCR, not the lateral flow and when we started self-isolating. It also won't log any symptoms apart from the three: temp, continuous cough and loss of taste/smell. Despite, quite a few people not having those symptoms.

Bonsoir les parisiennes! I was here once before, under another name. I rejoined MN just for this thread!

Quick note from enablers corner… I spotted these blazers on Vinted if anyone is so inclined:

www.vinted.co.uk/women/clothes/suits-and-blazers/blazers/1348082000-max-mara-linen-blazer

www.vinted.co.uk/women/clothes/suits-and-blazers/blazers/1363055991-hobbs-linen-jacket-size-14

www.vinted.co.uk/women/clothes/coats-and-jackets/jackets/lightweight-jackets/1253464761-max-mara-linen-shirtjacket-size-16

bani I will happily post on to you if anything takes your fancy. For £3, the Hobbs one may be worth a punt, import taxes be damned