Les Parisiennes des Mamanset: A Sin of Pride

[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:

[[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FdQbdNEUpGqOyH2oqBQZBVsKISieRgxW_F67mgRLSrw/edit?usp=sharing Consignment shops, Vintage, an
d Restaurants]]

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Previous thread

That is compact! I doff my cap to your packing skills, mm47. Have a great time.

Oh no am giving you the wrong impression effortless I now have to whittle it all down as that suitcase looks like it’s only going to take one thong and a t shirt (“Well good luck with that” said my Sherpa-husband when he saw the suitcase as he is well aware of my useless editing skills and propensity to take the kitchen sink en vacances …. 🤡😱🧳)

Is that a gigantic iron? Or is that a minute suitcase? Or both?

Your outfit sounds very effortless zen Desmond.
I am wearing an ancient loose white top by gap (hints of peasant style), denim shorts by monki, black birks.

Oh a new thread!
I have lurked in and out but would love to join you… you sound like my tribe!
Me.. late 50’s, live Southern Hemisphere ( NZ), I just love clothes… they occupy so much of my headspace!
I like to mixup things.. to be “a little bit imperfect “
My wardrobe is too big, but I like to think well considered.

Welcome LunaTheCat, I've seen you around on other threads and it's great to have you!

I'm so behind, still not read about bo's shopping trip or the article behind the new thread title, but first I've got to tell you about this T shirt I've found. I know I'm always moaning and nit picking about them but can never bring myself to fork out for Sunspel or whoever. Well the label is Spirit of the Andes and I know, they look kind of erm, unprepossessing, but the Pima cotton is like no pima cotton I've ever worn before. It feels like wearing liquid. The shape, to be honest, isn't the best but because the fabric's so great, all you have to do is tuck or half tuck and roll up the sleeves and it just flows and hangs and moves with you. It has long sleeves and a deep but narrow V neck, which I'd have probably scrolled right past but actually it works for me as it gives a flash of skin but without all the exposure. And it's in great condition whereas most charity shop T shirts don't get donated until they're worn out and pretty gross.

There's at least one thing I like in the Margaret Howell sale but the timing is crap - we're about to go away so, unless I pay for next day delivery, it won't arrive in time and when we get back, I'll probably be out of the returns period. So I think I'm forced to hold my nerve until the final reductions. I'm cheering myself up with the thought that it's a suspiciously good reduction, and still available in all sizes, so could well be a dud - remember the Kim Jong Un jacket?

And now I'll go and catch up.

Hi LunaTheCat. Welcome! I have very happy memories of NZ, but the sartorial highpoint of our time there was buying my first set of Salomon hiking boots in Wellington.

Forget rich bitch, I'm full on basic bitch for the airport. Starbucks included. Dress is skims (Kim K, patron saint of BBs owns the brand). Shirt is Zara and the new Birkenstocks. And yes, wrt miniElle, the resemblance is uncanny.

Thanks for the new thread bo

LunatheCat welcome! I used to work for a Kiwi company and on my trips there I spent many happy hours pootling through Auckland, specifically Tatty’s vintage and the designers on High Street. I still have a few gems from Andrea Moore, Kate Sylvester and Karen Walker, and wish I saw them more over here.

flo, I have a gorgeous charity shop* *t-shirt from Spirit of the Andes too! Found it last summer and bought it for the feel; when I looked them up later they came across as rather erm Daily Express Magazine advert but IRL the quality is lovely!

In my book, traveling clothes should be comfortable above all else, so any that look good is a bonus. elle you are carrying it off well! All those articles about how to look stylish while traveling and that weird spate of posts on here about what to wear in business class are a total red herring.

Thankyou for the welcome!
I do think NZ punches above its weight in terms designers.. I love Juliette Hogan, Kowtow, Yu Mei and Deadly Ponies for bags.
I know Tatties .. always worth a look on trips to Auckland.

Luna, I didn’t know any of those NZ brands. I like what I see! I can see myself wearing some of the kowtow and JH.

I was looking at Skims too Elle, the swimwear specifically but the only thing that stopped me was the lack of a slight padding in the bikini bra. I feel a lot more comfortable when there is something to smooth the shape. But I was really intrigued, is the quality good?
You an mini-elle are looking very good on route to your sunny destination.

Welcome Luna, I must admit I've only ever heard of Karen Walker, must take a better look at the others. I'm always surprised how many AU/NZ S&B posters are here looking for clothes to order from the UK. For AU at least I know they've got plenty of local choice but I assume it's always nice to have options.

I've been looking at Skims too in a Paris department store. Incidentally I ended up there because I found a train subscription in the changing room and apparently she worked at Skims but the person I initially found to hand it off to pronounced it as 'schemes' and I was completely befuddled what schemes meant in French, I was off thinking it meant something customer service related...

I must admit the whole KK connection puts me off it somewhat (did try her sister's Good American jeans on though, which are ridiculously massive) but I did wonder how comfortable the fabric is since it's all synthetic and that can either be really well adapted for climate like at Uniqlo or a sweaty mess. Is it really sucky in magic or is it just comfy stretchy clothes in a higher quality fabric.

While the resemblance is uncanny, where is miniElle's matching babycinno? She doesn't look too pleased 😉 I assume you were heading back Elle, have you checked dates/flights yet as I really should get booking the London meetup?

Onwards, I promised to mention my Paris newly noticed brands and other thingies and have come to deliver.

First one I took notice of was Rosae which looks to be competing in the Sézane lane. It's a bit schizophrenic at the moment, they've got very French classic (not Parisian) unironic Chanel style pieces, some stealth wealth Carolyn Besette Kennedy style, a few frilly Sézane imitations (the weakest of the bunch imo) and then some textured fabric poofy things a la Caroline Bahnsen (which are surprisingly nice in RL). Lots of interesting fabric choices, either upcycled, recycled or otherwise some sustainable quality to it.

Then there's Tressé which is sort of Ibiza if it were French. Kind of like La Double J light, a little bit more subdued, as are the prices (still up there though). It made a really good presentation in shop.

Speaking of prices that are up there, I don't think Le Kasha is all that new (I think it might be one of those revival type situations, but the revival must be a few years going now) but it was really stand out in shops in terms of fabric quality this time. The linen was glorious, as was the summer cashmere, they specify the fabric origin and since both are specialties of Loro Piano I suspect they're the manufacturer. Also lovely silk. Yes, it's all very people who have a vague idea of what work is and hop from place to place and buy prehistoric earrings as souvenirs but the occasional thing seems to pop up on Yoox and The Outnet and it's not as crazily priced as The Row while offering higher quality pieces, maybe not as exciting design wise but a fair amount of The Row staple pieces aren't either.

I'm reluctant to share ANIKA LENA SKÄRSTRÖM because the styling on the website is just awful and does the clothes no justice. But if ever in Paris, stop by her little boutique, it's a little gem of a place.

And for more down to earth pricing a special shoutout to Monoprix who have a premium range filled with European linen pieces at really reasonable prices. I especially love these trousers. Really good quality fabric and well made, predictably sold out everywhere, I might get them in another colour instead but I really want white. I remain baffled as ever why Monoprix has no interest in expanding outside of France. I know La Redoute stock some but it's always the stuff you don't want, really it shouldn't be that hard to set up a European online shop.

I've got two clear memories of my first trip to Paris circa 1974. I know I should say the art! the history! the architecture! blah blah blah but actually the first is being followed down the Boulevard St Michel by some creepy men and the second is Monoprix. I had never come across a supermarket that sold clothes before! I've still got a silk scarf I bought there, one of those little square ones.

Monoprix are geniuses. I always get annoyed when I am there at the fact we don’t have them here.

I am in a rabbit hole now looking at Rosaea considering… and day dreaming with some of the Tresse pieces.

Obviously I meant Cecilie Bahnsen above but CBK was obviously stuck in my head having just written that before it 🤦

I don't even ever go into the proper Monoprix supermarkets as all over Paris they have the clothes specific ones with some added homeware, cosmetics and a bit of food, but like snacks and souveniers. Or just the cafe/restaurant franchises. It's always heaving with people, so I'm still puzzled why they will not expand. Although I do think they have some international locations in old French colonies. As just a supermarket though, I'm a bit meh about Monoprix 🤷

Thanks for those links bo really lovely stuff, especially the very plain linen dresses. I will have immense fun playing fantasy shopping while sunbathing!

My Monoprix memory is of the children I au paired wearing a mixture of Monoprix and Bonpoint. A quarter of a century later I bought my then 3 year old god-daughter masses of cotton smock dresses from Monoprix as my souvenir from Paris: they were so pretty and whilst not as fine as Bonpoint, pretty special!

Botemp I just adore the Rosae Paris stuff… so beautiful, so, so French!
I remember being amazed at monoprix when I was there 10 yrs ago. I bought a fine wool scarf with red edging and wore it from early autumn through winter.. I lost it a couple years ago and cried for days!
In October I am going to Italy for for 3.5 weeks.
we arrive on the 12 th for 3 days in Rome, train to Salerno then 5 days making our way down to Sicily. 4 nights by the sea then 8 nights in the south east in a converted stables which looks heavenly - 9 km from sea but lots hillside towns and ruins. Then 3 days in Rome. I imagined me when we get to Rome in October days may be warm but by the time we leave in November definitely winter.
Will have access washing facilities.
Any suggestions of what to take…. Leaving plenty room for treasures of course!

How exciting, Luna Italy is such a lovely and diverse place. I'd usually add, where you can't have a bad meal but you're going to Rome, lots of bad tourist traps there, unfortunately.

I think it'll have to be a bit of a layering situation. The usual lightweight scarf for on the plane and some cashmere jumpers in the suitcase. I think November in Southern Italy is still quite mild but the locals won't experience it as such so they'll be out in their thin puffy jackets en masse at anything resembling a cool breeze.

North of Italy tends to be dressier compared to South, they also have all the best outlet villages but I think there are some in the south too, so leave room for those in the suitcase too. I think what I'd mostly be concerned with is rain, it's not like a constant intermittent companion like for us up here in northwest Europe. When it rains in Italy, it pours, and it lasts for a good portion of the day so it's good to be prepared for that somewhat (thinking footwear here, mostly).

Another Monoprix fan here, I admire the way they stick to what they're good at, no extremes, while not being the same year after year.

Great silk shirts, many of which are languishing in my wardrobe

Thank you for advice Botemp… I am thinking layers too.
it way be still quite warm in mid October so thinking
-short sleeved dresses that will also later with jumper on top
-I have some winter Khaki Vejas that I can wear with socks and also some white ones for the cobblestones on sunnier days
-merino jumper, cashmere cardigans
-cashmere scarf and a lighter wool scarF
-lovely warm alpaca vest which is great at keeping torso warm but arms free
-some t shirts
-a nice blouse that will match with all the bottoms
-take merino leggings
-lighter viscose wide legged pants and some heavier navy pointe pants
-a light silk/viscose mix skirt that can be layered for cooler weather
-an umbrella!

What coat to take is trickier! I have a light wool one which is a longer length and great trans-seasonally
I also have a long length waterproof from Isle Jacobsen which is lined with fleece and is probably to heavy to lug around. Thinking of buying a Rains waterproof coat to take instead which is lighter.

Any other thoughts gratefully accepted!

You lucky thing Luna. Absolutely love Italy. It is my favourite country in Europe 😀
I am not sure how much you feel the cold but I doubt you will need the merino leggings.
I think late October Sicily can be nice an warm, I would take sandals too some to be able to walk comfortably (birks or alike)
I also think a light-ish rain coat is a good idea.
would you take two coats? The light wool one you mention and another one?
if I have to choose one I would probably take one lighter with a slight rain protection that I can layer (but that is me), but if you take both that is not a problem!
Rains coats are good
You can also look in Vinted.
But - I actually have a terracota Rains one that is not good for me, you need to be careful where they fall … I am 1.70 and mine falls just above the knee and if it rains it is so waterproof that basically all the water runs and collects on my knees, as I walk and when the leg moves forward … the coat hits the top of the knee and water falls there… A lot of it. Not good. If the coat was longer / I was shorter it would work really well I think. it is a size 10, you are welcome to see a photo of it if you want , if you wanted you are also welcome to it

Or also some from uniqlo like the ultra light down long coats or the Blocktech.

I'm so envious Luna. I've been to Rome a couple of times and also visited Naples and Sorrento which I think are to the west of Salerno? Never been at that time of year though so don't know much about the weather.

Yeah northern Italy is generally more affluent than the south although some parts of the Amalfi coast (not sure if you'll travel in that direction?) are also very well-to-do. But I've never come up against dress codes anywhere in Italy, possibly cos we've never gone anywhere swanky enough (the first couple of times we had a young child and the most recent time we were on the go all day and ready for bed by 10pm).

Agree the rain can be very heavy although it can also clear up pretty quickly. If you're not too far off the beaten track the street vendors will come out in force to sell you (crappy) umbrellas so it's not a disaster if you forget one, although I'm not sure if they'll be so many of them in November. But it leaves the cobblestones treacherously slippy so watch your shoes.

If you visit any archaeological sites there can be a lot of walking and rough terrain so again think about shoes. Not so many people visit Naples but if you do, the archaeological Museum is great, and you can get up closer to some of the mosaics from Pompei and Herculaneum than you can on site. Naples Pizza is also fab - and I don't even like Pizza that much.

Italy is sort of like England except with a North South switch, so things can get very dressy in the south. I've accidentally ended up in places (like, at first glance, unassuming restaurants) where people were very turned out, with added sprinkles on top. But I agree there are no prescriptive dresscodes, the next table over could look like they just rolled out of bed. And it's a major tourist destination so you've got an automatic sartorial get out of jail free card pretty much everywhere (The Vatican might be the only true exception).

I agree, thermals are probably too much, and I'd consider a leather shoe/boot. Not sure I'd go for a sandal, but that might be a personal thing, I always tend to take a cue from the locals and if they treat 20 degrees like it's arctic I'd feel awkward in open toe shoes 🤷. In extension of that, the longer I'm in Italy, the lower the plunge neck line goes (and I somehow discover I have a cleavage with the right bra), I seem to wear exclusively black, rediscover a severe eyeliner look and the skirt hem slowly inches up...

The Rains coats are okay but I'm not sure they're worth the asking price. Uniqlo has a good blocktech parka in the sales atm but I don't know if they're offering the same in New Zealand.

Flo I am don't like pizza all that much 😱 I'm not sure we can be friends...

Thankyou for making me so welcome! I will continue to ponder my “3 weeks in Italy” wardrobe.
Being in NZ Europe is always such an adventure!

Oh Luna what a lovely trip. I think your wardrobe sounds ideal and I'd go with the lighter coat.

I love the look of Le Kasha. I get serious Lou Lou studio vibes from it. The website is very similar as is the knitwear. These two dresses are really nice.

London all booked up.

good To hear London is all booked up !
looking forward to the meet up

I had forgotten that you were in NZ Luna , ah yes coming from so far away Europe is a real big adventure.