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.

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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

Neuf

Dix

Onze

Douze

Treize

Quatorze

Yes, I've never understood the two year rules either, if you've avoided wearing it for two years because it's ill fitting and not something that can be fixed, it's too small/big and you're very unlikely to be that size again, sure get rid of it. I think it feels alien to me because I do the endless back and forth on it before buying and if something does turn out to be a dud it doesn't hang around waiting for me to like it.

Weight is obviously an issue for many, if you switch up and down a lot between sizes I can see how you end up with lots of clothes you're not always wearing as most will have been bought with a, 'this will do for now' mindset that only allows a reward of nice clothes when you're at some arbitrary ideal weight.

I ended up ordering a coat from the Zara X Kassl editions Collab, there go my I don't need anything statements It's coated linen which I've always wanted a coat in and I really like the Kassl editions coats but never could get over the grand price tag for a raincoat without a hood. I really like the leather details too and that it can be worn inside out but I'll be super critical of it when it gets here as the model is working really hard in not showing what the coat in its entirety looks like...

*can't be fixed

Oh wait I had a not in there, excuse my own corrections, I'll go be very embarrassed somewhere else now

Thanks for the steer to that Zara x Kassl collab. I love the look overall... the shoe styles haven't dropped yet. If I get to Spain/Portugal next month, I shall be dumping DH in a bar somewhere so I can try on in peace.

But it is a pain in the arse to go to Stockholm, money spent on chancing it that they have what you’re looking for and all – basically paying to try on, if you’re lucky. You know I’m too stingy for that!

Bella, look forward to reviews. I won’t be buying from here (cost of returns etc not viable plus maybe Brexit, haven’t checked) but I live vicariously through you. I love the concept and the shirt dresses look like my thing, from afar like.

Flo, it’s not about clothes you love or think are gorgeous, it’s about sparking joy, which is some sort of Japanese concept I forget about but it’s absolutely applicable without thinking all objects have a soul (which I don’t). There’s a joy in having those stable workhorses, like socks that fit you well, have no holes, that are always right. Tops that never twist on you or need faffing with. For me one thing was letting go of X pairs of knickers that rode up my arse, but I kept around “for when I have my period, for sleeping in” and just had me miserable every time I saw them in the drawer, rooting around for the ones I really wanted. I don’t love my wellies, but I find joy and satisfaction in knowing they are there when I need them. This is very much like what we talk about on the thread(s), the mindful shopping and ownership.

In that first book she says that she has an old ratty t-shirt as one of her “sparks joy” items, so it doesn’t have to be new or in great shape either. That’s why I sort of see it as thinking about what you want to keep in your life.

I think the maddest converts are Americans, sure they always have to do everything too thoroughly, be it coffee, spreadsheets or folding!

Stylearc trousers – I remember them now. But you’re thinner than me, I’m not sure how well that style works on a pudgier belly. I have mixed results trying similar trousers on. But they are nice. I can get the patterns here, no worries, nice to have a recommendation! I think pockets for a side zip work if you place the pocket holes on the front of the trousers, at an angle (which can be more or less parallell to the waistband or the side seam). I have a pair of trousers like that. Pic attached, plz admire drawing skills. You need to draft an angle or something on the front of the trousers, basically and figure out a pocket pouch. I'm sure I've seen instructions online somewhere.

Red, I’m also curious to see whether there’s been a shift in dressing. Don’t see it here obviously but we never had a code.
Bo, haven’t seen that collection. Will have a peek (though I abhor the Zara site). It’s black though, isn’t it? ;)

Ooh aah very nice drawing skills, Bani.

How very dare you the coat is burgundy, I'd never buy a black shiny coat in fear of being mistaken for a trash bag. (A lot of the collection is black and white though)

Yes, I'm curious too about the dress codes, Red's industry has always been super casual here, only outdone by IT where it's something past super casual which would probably make the average Brit's head explode. I don't anticipate too much change in that sense but the UK always appeared to be desperately hanging on to dress codes longer than surrounding countries so I assume there will be more of a shift.

WRT zipper with pocket trousers, I've never seen it before, I think you'd probably need some sort of interfacing/reinforcement to keep it all sitting nicely and flat. I'd just stick the zipper on the center front or back seam instead as putting in pockets always comes with headaches for me, as do zippers, the two combined seems like something that would break me...

Tbf, I don't think I'd travel anywhere for the Uniqlo U collection either, but if I needed an excuse to go to Stockholm and gorge myself on cardamom buns I'd totally pretend I'm going for the Uniqlo U collection ( when does the slushy snow start over there again? I really want a cardamom bun now, and I don't want to wear ugly pragmatic shoes if I can help it)

Oooh I must have missed the sale, all I see of the collab items on Zara UK are three shoe styles, and I don't like them at all. I love that coat @botemp, I would have totally jumped on it. I have a perfectly functional and boring grey raincoat but had a hankering for something more interesting to wear. I'm going back to the office next week and need motivation.

Ohhh bo I really like that coat, burgundy is one of the best colours, dont you have gorgeous burgundy boots too? Possibly too much all together, or could look purposely fabulous

It launched a few days ago, I think it was presented at Milan design week (the furniture one, I was supposed to go but didn't feel like it ), there's also quite a few interesting home pieces on Zara Home as part of the collab, not sure if that's all sold out too.

The coat I ordered wasn't in stock when it launched here so I signed up for a reminder when it came in. The availability seems to vary per item and region, I think I lucked out. You can see most of the collection in a lookbook on on Kassl's own site, there's a slidey thing with an arrow to the right all the way at the bottom.

I quite liked the look of the leather pieces but they wouldn't work for me, I think, too much bulk in the material as well as the design also liked the baggy trousers but also wasn't convinced I'd be able to pull them off.

Yes, duvet, I have these Chloe boots, might be a bit much all together but I'm thinking with my off white Cos dress in between it may work (and be totally overdressed, do I care, not really). I also bought some Botega Veneta lookalike boots in burgundy from Mango last year so hopefully between the two one will work. I'm a bit uncertain about bags though, might just have to go with black, I do have a burgundy bag but that probably would just disappear. Ahem, I'm obviously far too invested by this coat already, it better not disappoint 🤞

Salut mes faux amies!

Dropping back in as a newly-minted returnee to the UK, after lurking during the move over the summer. Lots to catch up on, most importantly wishing Xing a smooth and speedy recovery.

I’m currently living out a capsule wardrobe nightmare while waiting for my shipment to arrive in late October. Of course, I brought all the wrong things with me - only two jumpers! I have been away too long - and have to curb the desire to rootle to my heart’s content in the charity shops.

Rather a lot of beige and black in the items I brought, along with some forest green and charcoal. It all more-or-less works as a capsule but damn it’s dull. At least it appears to be inadvertently in fashion.

Maybe I'm taking the word 'joy' far too literally, or maybe it's losing something in translation, but I can't say any of my workhorse items give me that feeling. Even my Margaret Howell Barbour - I don't regret buying it and I'm relieved to be heading into winter with a bad weather coat all sorted (and I'm sure you're all equally relieved to hear I won't be banging on about it for the next 4 months) but I can't say I get any actual pleasure from it.

What I will say though is that I don't think I've ever seen a Marie Kondo book in a charity shop - unlike Trinny & Susannah, Gok Kwan et al, so she clearly has something even if I'm not feeling it myself.

I know what you mean about those trousers bunching bani - I get round it (or so I think) with a bit of draping and half tucking. It's probably worse from behind but I don't worry about what I can't see. A belt also makes a difference - I added some belt loops as they weren't in the pattern. But it was partly why I wanted to have a go at the Eve trews too. Thanks all for the side pocket and zip suggestions, I'll let you know how it goes. I'm quite partial to side fastening trousers so I'm reluctant to move the zip. I've got some Toast trousers with both side zip and pockets but can't work out how they've done it without taking them apart and I'm not ready to do that yet.

X-post with ShangPie

Aha I see the coats now (just about) by following from the link you shared. Zara's website looks great but it's so user unfriendly, it's too dynamic.
Anyway - I see the coat, and they have it available in my size! It looks so much more exciting inside out. But of course now that i CAN buy it I'm having second thoughts. Being linen, I could only wear it early autumn/late spring? What are your plans with it @botemp ? I imagine layering it with my bog standard Uniqlo down gilet would ruin the cool ...

I have read the Marie Kondo book when it first came out, I don't remember the 2 year rule but I may have forgotten it and only retained stuff that I would actually use. There were some things that I definitely can't do - getting rid of my books - but it was useful.

I have to say that I had a bit of culling habit before too - I empty all my drawers and cupboards seasonally, move one season clothes into the loft and bring the new stuff down, and sort as I go along. But this is the sort of person I am, for someone it may be the worst chore, to me there's a lot of pleasure in organising, and fantasising about combinations. Something goes to charity shop, something I lend to my sister (we are the same size, and are lucky to be able to swap clothes when we tire of them, but they stay in the family and come back when we miss them:)), something into more permanent storage (hello my beloved Stella McCartney silk mini dresses, I'm never going to be size 6 again).

My understanding of "joy" is similar to what @banivani refers to, it's not excitement, just things that feel good and right when you wear them, or bring back nice memories when you see them. A lot of my clothes that keep being worn are fading sweatshirts or not very flattering trousers but they bring me comfort, and are right for the activity - an old pair of khaki Toast trousers look absolutely awful on, but they are soft and supple and perfect for winter walks and climbing trees etc. I wouldn't feel the same if I wore my sexy Levi's ribcage doing the same activity.

Coated linen is pretty good at keeping wind out. I figure as long as I wear a good jumper underneath I can probably wear it from say seven-ish degrees upwards, factoring up for wind/ground frost. I'm thinking shitty dreary grey weather so probably should be able to wear it into November where a normal trench would become too cold but a wool coat is usually a bit too warm. Spring, potentially, too, February onwards if it isn't a bitter cold month. So two to three months, potentially? Of it's a coat I really like I'll probably wear it loads as I do like a statement coat that can really lift an outfit. I do fear it might be a looks better worn open/over an outfit than closed scenario.

I think it would work quite well with a Uniqlo down gilet underneath actually, especially when worn inside out, provided the colours match well. I bought it on a try and see basis, bit nervous too but waiting and thinking about it didn't feel like an option as things were selling out. I figure the shine will make the grey days a little less dreary.

I like it inside out better too, on the pictures anyhow. I also quite liked the beige poncho worn inside out with the white taped lines but ponchos are useless in the rain here and my short ass would probably end up tripping over the length

There were some special return instructions that nearly put me off ordering, they were hard to find on the app aside from the mention, turns out it comes in a special protective case/bag that has to be returned with it, so not so scary special instructions after all.

I am looking forward to ‘see’ the coat through bo’s description.
Now I am browsing in the outnet and I find myself attracted to this black top from enza costa on the discounted section. Is cotton and cashmere mix. Yes a bit of beige and black going on there …
Might become useful for going back to the office? Without doing too much of an effort… although black tends not to be my colour… but I am not sure if that is the case when the black is too harsh and as this looks more subtle could look better? Also I don’t tend to do red lips … and the other day I did it and I liked it. New me is going to do red lips more often.
When I get to the office I will update you all in how people are looking… yes here we have always been overdressed in my industry compared to other countries.

God didn’t these threads start with red lips - glad to see them making a reappearance! 😄

The coated linen coat seems to be in navy in the Swedish shop. I agree it looks oddly useful if you layer! The rest I don’t know about, but it’s cool alright.

I can just see everyone returning to offices in beige and black, it’ll be like a dystopian film set that said I quite like the outfit Red but beige …

I’m attaching three photos of a pair of trousers I have with the side zip fix. They’re not lined so it’s quite easy to see how they’ve done it. The back is elasticated so it’s all very comfortable

One picture of the inside from the front - zip is on the left side of the photo. Bit dark, sorry. One inside pic of the zip side, and one outside pic of the zip side. You should be able to make out the pocket angle. I got them on a whim in the sale, surprised by how good they were, they’ll do me a while I thought and I might try to copy them after, I liked the side zip with pockets.

Thank you for those pics bani that's very kind - you should go on YouTube! I'm gearing up for another go this weekend so we'll see.

I've only been into the office once so far, wore some men's suit trousers with a T shirt, one of those ballet wrap cardis from the noughties (that wouldn't have passed the two year test) and some brogue-ish lace ups. I was probably one of the most dressed-up people there but our office has always been pretty casual. I'd been really looking forward to seeing people and to some inane chat but it was very quiet. You have to book a desk before coming in and it looks like a lot of people aren't bothering yet. So it all fell a bit flat really, but at least my coffee shop was still around so I had two double espressos to celebrate and then regretted it.

Looking forward to the coat report!

Ah the beige clones, it's usually beige and that weird sky blue care staff scrub colourn they wear in the US and everyone is really pale and blonde

I'm sat here thinking why that top looks familiar Red, and I think the 80s top you tried on in your local consignment store is a similar shape, no? Anyhow, for a first non secondhand buy in ages I'd expect it to be more exciting, but that's just me. I'm also not a huge fan of cotton/cashmere blends as knits, I like it in a jersey but as a knit it's never quite cool enough IME and never quite warm enough and I think the Outnet never mentions exact fabric composition so it may very well be 5% cashmere.

I must admit the pandemic has killed my love of a red lip, it felt really inappropriate for a bit and then I just never returned to it when it was all masks all the time and whenever I try now I feel ridiculously overdressed as hardly anyone wears makeup here anymore. I think I need to relearn it all over again with baby steps.

WRT to the coat, I can only update, delivery has been delayed

Sorry, and welcome back Shangpie, completely meant to say that previously but I got distracted by coat talk

Are you happy to be back living in the UK? Must be such a change, especially with a pandemic having taken place in between. Fially seeing family again must be great though.

Red your post reminded me I have a jumper like that, though v neck not slash, it's DvF via ebay (£13). I do like the sleeves a lot even though I had to pose a bit like a waiter to show them off in this photo.
So inspired I wore it today, with burgundy (inspired again) chinos, these are just very old M&S in the 90% sale and a bit too big.
I thought I was pulling off the cropped trouser and boot look quite well, it was very cold here today. Until I met up with my mother who told me "I'm not criticising....I know its fashionable...but you look like you are playing Oliver in the school play"

I have a really nice pair of wide leg cropped black trousers from m&s again, with a side zip and pockets. I actually replaced these on ebay as I tried on many more expensive pairs and couldn't get any that hung as nicely flat at the front without bunching. (Possibly if I'd gone up a lot more price brackets) But that's what I like about side zips, the lack of bunching, mostly

....ignore burgundy chinos...very, very bunchy

playing Oliver in the school play LOL

Well, the outnet made the decision for me and it was only one left and is gone. Maybe for the better as really black all over makes me look ill in winter I am not really pale or blonde or American
But I get a slight joy that my post inspired you duvet to drag something out of your closet. I like the neck of your top.
So today it looks like is going to be warm-ish again , low 20s here. So I am wearing some off white chinos and a black tee with low cut back and black and white belt.

I feel I need tops for autumn … smart enough to pop into local town or even to pop in the office potentially… but I feel somehow lost and I do not know what I am looking for … any ideas welcome …

Ah mothers can be rather deadly to fashion expirments. I'll be sure to set aside some extra gruel for you, Oliver, I mean duvet.

You can tell your DM it is indeed very fashionable, I spotted a very boyish streak in Proenza Schouler's resort collection. It's mostly monochrome but I still like it, especially the play on boyish proportions without the trite use of a newspaper boy's cap (I'm blanking on the name).

As for A/W tops inspiration, tbh I think this always a bit of a red herring as the period of time before you go into knitwear is always surprisingly short and with the extended nice weather it'll probably be even shorter than usual. But, I do think a bit of pattern variety is nice, also from the PS resort collection, I quite liked the sort of techno nature inspired patterns. These digital prints cycle back every few years so I'll have to go digging to see what I still have, the earlier iterations weren't the best fabrics so I don't think I have much and it's more nature scenic than techno nature but I remember them being useful as you can layer them when it becomes too cold to just be wearing a top. I also quite liked the application of it on a different material like shearling, artfully rolling in dirt chic

Duvet, I assume you've come across this Twitter thread?

twitter.com/janky_jane/status/1426981976142123010

I very much like the boyish/mannish silhouettes. I need to get more into this and adapt it to my body. Love that shearling coat but it's the sort of thing where you need to spend the moolah because the versions that trickle down to high street will be dated in six months. Also liked the white dress with cutouts, very simple but special.

For me a fly with a zip can be good for hiding the belly bulge. A side zip is less forgiving, but so much easier to get a good fit in the front in all other ways, generally.

It's gone quite cold here now. Don't know how to adapt for it, keep under-dressing.

My best buy from the spring was a big linen mustard scarf. This is very comfortable to wear when it's not super cold, but getting chilly. Just the right amount of wind protection.