Les Parisiennes des Mamansnet: JesusFlo Superstar in a Back Lit Kaftan (Toyboy Not Included)

[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

Quinze

Seize

Dix-sept

(I'm a clippety clopper btw, even in shoes that aren't high, just any sort of heel, I assume it's an anatomy thing)

I’m not sure anyone has ever looked at me with as much admiration as the (then) five year old when we used to race down the hill on the way to school. How can you run in those high heels? he would ask, full of awe and wonder.

This morning I’m wondering if I might wear court shoes with a maybe two inch block heel without being laughed at in the street. The reason being the delivery (finallyDHL) of the world’s most beautiful denim kilt from La Fetiche. It hits just below my knee - a length I haven’t worn for years, and I’m sort of feeling a ‘Miuccia Prada at the end of a show’ vibe. I’d almost forgotten an at least a decade old pair of black suede Saint Laurent court shoes that managed not to get thrown out purely because I never remembered them. I think, with a navy t shirt shape top the combination might be quite cool. Or I might look as if I haven’t bought anything for thirty years …

(Writing all that makes me sound … not like my life! Last Year’s Skirt was from Zara - and very fine too. Just a bit ground brushing, which limits its wearability. This one I think will be a workhorse that I’ll wear all spring and summer for years to come.)

Yes fine thanks @Floisme.

And agree wholeheartedly with your points one and two.

Ah, I had a feeling the Mulger was pushed, it's been very much all over Net and Farfetch recently. Corset belts and 90s structured bodies.

I did wonder (but also felt slightly drawn to, I did love).

I've just bought a Chopova Lowena kilt, it definitely needs a heel to swag it off.

Heels are sometimes what's needed for a look that you're trying to achieve.

It's just aesthetics isn't it? It doesn't have to be political.

Well, I was in Antwerp and they had a look from the Mugler colab collection in the h&m shop window and I've kind of mellowed to it. It had an oversized blazer and it was really well made and cut so now I'm re-examining the whole collection and contemplating the tailored wool trousers. They have a cut out on the hips though which is where I'm widest so I'm not sure which size to get, definitely up but whether to go one or two... I speak as if I'll have the choice, ha, I'll be lucky if there's one vaguely my size left when I finally get onto the site...

I did get some nice things in Antwerp, Dries was a bit boring as it was mostly stock from a pandemic collection that was a bit meh. There were some great party pieces but still mega expensive. I got a mesh turtle neck with polka dots to layer, not usually my thing but it just sort of works and takes the dull out of things.

Also got a silk skirt at Christian Wijnants with confusing tie up instructions, hated how it looked at first try but the next try was a complete turnaround. It's a high low hem and looks very Rick Owens ATM as the back end drags on the floor, I'm hoping it'll still look good when taken in but it's a self facing hem so it's going to be a bit of a headache. <Contemplates super high platforms>

A cotton knit jumper from Mr Mittens, it looks lilac but it's really a pearly grey type colour. Weirdly despite these colours being quite close together, I look like death in lilac but in the pearly grey I look like I could sink ships, well maybe not ships, but definitely a little inflatable row boat. I recently put away all my woollens and was left feeling chilly so a cotton spring jumper seemed a good investment.

Only thing I could take a picture of was this Raf Simons' men's coat, very interesting construction, sort of double breasted with the placement of the placket and the collar is shifted round with it and off centre. Arms are very long and impractical but I kind of like them that way

Also, this year, people were camping outside the Raf Simons sample sale two days in advance but it's probably the last one.

Interesting regarding the kilt purchases they've been gone for a bit haven't they? I remember having a very short mini one when I was a teenager from a place like Kookaï or similar, I loved it but I think in adult life I've never found one that looked good on me.

WRT making heels political, or, just weirdly opinionated people and heels. I do think there's a type of women that identifies as feminist and translates that into rejecting anything vaguely feminine. And if you disagree you're a choice 'feminist' to them. I see that attitude occasionally trickle in on this board too, more beauty and skincare related though.

Yeah I've had some terse exchanges over the years with women who appear to have a visceral dislike of feminine clothing. But hey we're a broad church.

I did take a second look at those Mugler wool trousers but then I saw the cutout and backed off.

And I forgot you were going to Antwerp - love the red coat, collar looks interesting.

The red coat is certainly a welcome breath of fresh air! Slightly regretting all the Raf Simons’ beanies I almost got people for Christmas last year …

I’ve noticed recently that all the random heeled mules I fall in love with on various sites seem to be Dries van Noten - such glorious opulence, and perfect for the maybe one night a year where I actually reap the rewards of occasionally meeting a deadline.

True about kilts. From the age of about 24, I considered myself ‘too old’ to wear all the cute mini kilts around. And the only alternative was heavy material almost to the ankle. The one I’ve just bought feels perfect, even if it’s an unfashionable length.

(@Floisme I’m once again appreciating your quiet diplomacy on other S&B threads …)

Are you drooling over these in the private sale too Crkd? I'm somewhat put off by the possibility my high arches won't work with them but surely I can keep them as a piece of art?

I like the kilt Crkd, just enough interesting detail. It reminded me, I think I've linked Le Kilt before on here, sort of an Auld Alliance of modernised Scottish kilts in French styling. Must admit the micro Coco ones are grabbing my attention, it's like my Kookaï one all grown up. Still annoyed at the large discrepancy in pricing between adults and children though.

Thank you Crkd although I think I'm all diplomaticked out now

Speaking of kilts, I bought one from here several years ago. It was at a historical clothing fair and almost everyone was into re-enactments and dressed accordingly, which was interesting! It's a man's kilt but the Small fits me and it's somewhere between knee and calf length. Very pleasing weight to the fabric, it swings when you walk - the women on the stand was wearing one and that was how I noticed it. No sporran - they were extra and it felt a bit too costumey.

I feel slightly guilty now as I'd justified the price by telling myself I'd wear it everywhere but, soon after buying it, I lost interest in skirts and dresses so it didn't happen. But I've still got it and I'm sure I'll come back to it.

I can see that would move nicely, @Floisme.

Similar, @botemp - these black strappy things!

I must say, in the midst of problematic reality, Dries van Noten is building me the perfect fantasy festival wardrobe. Inevitably, for the real event I’ll just cobble an outfit together from what I have a couple of days before.

That first shoe looks like a piece of Delft china!

I want the flatform sandal version they've made of that hat, I just need it to be discounted a little bit.

Yes, I agree Dries really does indulge in the fantasy wardrobe, you'll be dreaming of flitting between Art Basel to Tefaf by private jet, taking a little break in the Grenadines before heading to Art Basel Miami beach. But, helpfully a Dries wardrobe can integrate into a much more mundane life. As lovely as it is, it's probably too lovely for a muddy festival though.

Maison Margiela did a proper Delft pottery collection. It was the artisanal show so it was immaculate difficult constructions whilst still being very dreamy. They made a whole movie out of the presentation which is worth the watch if you've got over an hour to spare. article here.

I got the Chopova Lowena in the pre private sale + birthday voucher. It was worth a punt.

I also got a pair of Legres boots.

And a Bella Freud waistcoat.

Nice little Matches haul, I played all my discounts!

The best sandals recently have been a By Far pair. They go with everything.

'But, helpfully a Dries wardrobe can integrate into a much more mundane life. As lovely as it is, it's probably too lovely for a muddy festival though.'

Oh @botemp! I truly believe that all clothes can integrate into the life one has, my life is super-mundane at present, it's all about my teen daughter who as ASD and ADHD, I am essentially a one-woman support network, I'm not working at the moment. It's something that's been brought up with my daughter's counsellor, DD has said 'why are you wearing that?', 'Why do you dress like that?'

Because I want to.

It's not a bad lesson for her that we (one) can present as whomever they chose and it's not incumbent upon us to blend into the background, even moreso when life is a bit tough.

I still exist, here I am!

(She actually quite likes it and tells me which clothes she's going to have when I'm dead. I tell her it's all yours when I'm a gonner, but you have your own bathroom and wardrobe so stop using mine, leave my stuff alone!!).

Hmm, to assert your claim Rhadamanth, I'd now like to see some nuns dressed by Dries, it would surely be spectacular?

Sorry, to hear your DD is struggling so much that she needs you full time, I hope she can get all the support she needs and yy, clothes can be a boost for mood (but, equally, a shopping addiction can be a bit of a head in sand thing).

Sounds a fun haul, @RhadamanthNemes. I’ve been quite tempted by the odd Chopova Lowena dress recently; one of their skirts might be excellent for a festival … But they definitely wouldn’t fit my mostly fretting-at-home life.

This morning, before even getting out of bed, I’ve put into my basket, but then abandoned, a Sofie D’Hoore skirt I found breathtaking a couple of years or so ago. But I find Vestiaire so frustrating! The thing was massively reduced and apparently never worn, but by the time you add the various checking and shipping fees it would have been more than half as much again. Still a bargain but … the momentary annoyance dissuaded me. Probably a good thing. It was wittily retro - but people are a bit too quick to offer me a seat on trains nowadays; it might not look witty on me …

Yes @botemp.

It's a toughy. She's been through a few indies, even 'special' indies. School isn't any good for her. Looking now, I'm not sure why we kept trying. I guess that's what you do!

Tutors and horses now.

I see and have seen for a long time that if you don't have resources, you are fucked. Seriously fucked.

And I don't just mean financial resources, emotional, the time, the ability to advocate.

But I guess that all comes back to financial freedom.

Anyway, this is about clothes

Apologies for my digression.

I'm sorry to hear about your daughter RhadamanthNemes, that must be hard. Wishing you both well.

Interesting thoughts about integrating clothes into a new life. I recently retired so I've been thinking about it quite a lot. My workplace had a very relaxed dress code so it's not that I've got loads of corporate office wear on my hands, it's more that I don't need my clothes to project that kind of image any more. I can be whoever I want... It's taking up lot of headspace at the moment - which is quite possibly a sign I need to get out more

No need to apologise Rhadamanth, it's difficult enough having to raise a child in a society that sees no incentive to accommodate her needs. I hope you find the right balance for her.

I've been wondering how you've been managing with retirement, Flo, aside from being the resident wise person on S&B. I know your hatred of nature probably precludes you from the cliché retirement activities and I don't dare ask about sewing projects (in fear I'll have to answer in return of what I've not been up to).

Ahh, she's brilliant @Floisme.

She's a seriously great young woman.

But I do know that if she didn't have parents who had resources, she would be fucked.

And if I was a better person I would spend all my time advocating for young women like her.

But I'm not, I only have space for her and me.

My husband I have had this conversation.

When you can make your life easier, you will.

You buy space, you buy help.

We have bought me,

I was a rubbish actuary anyway.

(I was quite a good one, which is why I realised I'm better where I am).

I take my hat off to you Rhadamanth. Also really important to hang onto your own identity I think and how you dress can be a big part of that.

Retirement is good fun thanks bo! I'm doing some volunteering which is a little bit niche so I'll be sparing with the details - sorry - but it's a blast and I'll do more if they let me. I'm still casting around for the right mind expanding activities - so many of them are online only now, which isn't quite what I wanted, and also ££ so I don't want to make too many bad choices. But so far I've managed to avoid the gardening and rambling groups, although I did go for a mighty fine lunch in a garden centre cafe last week, where I checked out the clothes and thought of the Monty Don thread.

On the sewing front, I'm still redoing a lot of the things I made in lockdown - unpicking and refitting sleeves, finishing off seams properly etc. A little bit frustrating, but they do look much better. Go on, how about you?

Speaking of which, it appears even Kate Moss is into gardening now.
Rather snide little article though depressingly typical of The Guardian these days:
[[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/14/kate-moss-is-now-into-gardening-i-love-it-when-ravers-become-boring

Ha, I saw that headline earlier today and thought of you Flo but I wasn't interested enough to read it. The Guardian has always been quite snide though, I don't know why people think differently, if anything it's milder now. There used to be a television reviewer (I think she's gone now) who was something beyond snide and seemed to be involved in petty rivalries within media circles and reviewed according to those alliances.

WRT sewing projects, it really is as above, non existent. I blame my iron being an unreliable asshole but really I could just replace it already...

I think I've sort of been overly proud of myself in completing a tailored coat to far higher standards than I thought I'd ever achieve and have been living off that achievement for too long now.

Aside from patching up a beloved stuffed toy for a friend's DC I've really done nothing. I should do a bit of fixing of last year's projects (I made some linen trousers but they're a bit bigger on the waist than I like and that increases while wearing them and I need to change the zipper on another) and maybe churn out a few summer dresses (with the spring weather being so meh, I'm preparing for another summer of heat waves jic) but I'm just not making the time for it. I should probably just schedule it in and make sure I have all supplies in house for that time slot. I'm probably mostly lacking the excitement of starting a new project.

I did manage to not buy all the fabrics at the sample sales in Antwerp though, so that's an improvement (I did get a ridiculous amount of beautiful buttons not available to consumers though) but I will probably go to the separate Dries fabric sale which is probably within the next few weeks.

I thought socialising in garden centres was a Northern Irish thing? What exactly do people get up to in garden centre meetups, ours just sell plants and stuff (there's sometimes a cafe but it's like any other in shop cafe). Good to hear you're enjoying volunteering for the very outing cause (so in true MN fashion this means cycling, yes?).