Les Parisiennes des Mamansnet: It's French charm, you know, beheaded people, red wine and blood all over the place - it's romantic, it's normal.

[botemp]

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

Previous Thread

Thank you, I'm not normally so enamoured of shoes or boots but these really are beautiful although I've a feeling they're going to take a bit of breaking in.

It's a bit disconcerting to have made such a hole in my autumn budget before August is a week old. I was browsing the 'new ins' at Toast yesterday and very taken with a couple of skirts but had to remind myself I can't afford one now!

Seems an apposite moment to jump back in - I was coaxing and following your boot journey on another thread, @Floisme, so I’m glad to see the resolution of the story. (Although laces on my current Grenson boots cause me screaming frustration every time I’m leaving the house. Nothing wrong with the laces as such - but I always forget there’s one more task, so I’m always leaving late.) Yours are lovely. Where are the cowboy boots from?

The other thing is that I’m ridiculously excited about Merryl Rogge going to Marni! I’ve admired her clothes in the past but they haven’t been sufficiently present in the UK to be properly on my radar. At the same time I’ve been staring sadly at the Marni site for a good few years, wondering what happened to all the good stuff. So it’s a whoop! from me.

Meryll …

Ha ha so you did @CrkdLttrCrkdLttr That Grensons thread was very timely as it came just as I was about to compromise (not for the first time) on some that weren't quite right but cheaper.

I don't have a link to the cowboy boots (longish story but a friend found them for me the old fashioned way, in a real shop) but the brand is Zoe. I think they're the ones on the last row of this link, first on the left. Note, I'm not recommending this particular link, I know nothing about them!

https://www.miinto.co.uk/women-shoes-cowboy-biker-boots/zoe?srsltid=AfmBOoqEMPlo0J9Y9_u9DUI5SF54EssQzXzlI5bj5cezdMxxvOnHysfk

Marni did you say? Now that's a name I've not heard for a long time....

Red are you still hopping around or have you finally reunited with your own mattress and pillow?

Poppy, thanks for the link I'm saving it to watch later. I like the Arte channel a lot, normally not that interested in Gucci but with Demna as the new incoming creative lead it's probably good to have a bit of context to whatever he'll bring to it.

Two pairs of boots Flo, look at you. Shame about it eating your budget, especially as autumn is your favourite sartorial season. You always find some bargains secondhand though, surely this will just push you to be more creative.

Should have known you were in the know about Meryll, Crkd, she has a bunch of interesting knitwear, after all. Haven't seen any of that in person though, more the out there pieces.

Marni's been in flux for a while now, definitely missing the Lucinda Chambers influence, not sure how that relationship ended. It wasn't as bad these past few years, but they were making some questionable decisions. Nearly bought one of those puffy bags from them only to realise the lining was of imitation leather

Speaking of LC, she (well, Collagerie) has another colab with Zara Home, I quite liked the look of the embroidered wall art but it wasn't in stock yet when it launched and now I can't find it, probably sold out

In theory I shouldn't even need to buy second hand bo, I've got so many skirts in the cupboard that I've hardly worn as I didn't have any skirt friendly footwear I liked. I've even got a Margaret Howell somewhere. But how I'll feel when autumn hits the shops in earnest I don't know. Well actually I do know - I was looking at Clare Waight Kellor's Uniqlo C preview yesterday and wanted roughly half of it. She's even got tweed. I don't suppose it'll be good tweed (sorry if that sounds arsey but that's me) but it still looks tempting in the pics.

Hmm, after a quick peruse of the new Uniqlo C collection, I remain of the opinion that the styling is better than the actual pieces. I might have a look at the stand collar shirt though. Probably too boxy for me but I shall pretend to have hope...

Tweed is probably worth being snobby about, didn't you have some tweed fabric, Flo? Any potential sewing projects that could distract you from autumn newness? For inspiration, not quite tweed, Phoebe Philo has a 'kilt' in her latest drop that I quite like the look of, just not sure about the band of black, it probably does need it to not feel so stuffy but it also detracts a bit, not sure how well it would work without the dark trousers underneath. link here.

I've got loads of tweed fabric bo, loads! And several vintage tweedy skirts ranging from knee to ankle length that just need a bit of altering. I absolutely do Not need any more so I'll be very happy if the collection is a triumph of style over substance. But checking out Phoebe Philo for inspiration is a good idea as there's nil chance of convincing myself I can afford it.

I think that Uniqlo C shirt with the stand up collar is really clever - a small tweak and a bog standard officey shirt looks really fresh and modern to me. I want one and I don't even like high necklines. I'm going to have a long, hard autumn aren't I

I’d imagine she chose black for the band so it looks less like lining - though it does look quite minimal. I’m relieved to see it can be worn fully closed - but my kilts are in stiffer fabric so would look ridiculous half open; the outer fabric + lining + straps would mean they stuck out at a silly angle. People would point and laugh …

La Fetiche are bringing back for next Spring a kilt they sold a few years ago. Properly Scottish made by Glenisla Kilts - in cotton, so about a third of the price of the PP version, which is possibly made by Acme Atelier or somewhere similar?

the outer fabric + lining + straps would mean they stuck out at a silly angle. People would point and laugh …

I suspect with the Phoebe Philo version too you'd get people helpfully pointing out your kilt buckle has unbuckled.

Mmm … Maybe it would have been better not to try to make the skirt do two things. I have no objection at all to a skirt with a hanging section - but for it to be convincing it might need that section to be unlined and without a strap and buckle?

I am back. Happy that is sunny so helps with any holiday blues. Definitely need like a week to recover from this mega holiday. But I will not complain.

oh! Two pair of boots Flo! And we are now mentioning about Marni and Gucci!
I will look at that video too, good point about the new Gucci appointment etc

with being traveling for so long, the only downside for me is that I haven’t properly enjoyed my favorite season for dressing- summer. I love the uk summer season for dressing.
there were all sort of weathers where I was but not much fashion opportunities as we did so many activities, so practical dressing was at the forefront.

August is looking good in the uk so I shall enjoy it.

Kilt season is just round the corner! That La Fetiche looks so good.

@Redandblue11 you're back, welcome! I totally missed your post. And you've brought a heat wave with you too. I'm a twenty-one degrees kind of woman so I can't say I've enjoyed this week very much. It's also stopping me from wearing my new boots although at least it means the Grensons are getting a thorough breaking in.

Otherwise I only have the non-news that I held firm to the end of the Margaret Howell sale. I even resisted the final 10% off at the till offer when I'm sure they threw in some new (previously non-sale) things too.

Yes Flo I saw that extra 10% off and thought… I wonder if Flo will cave in! I had a quick look and there was a couple of very nice pieces but I moved on quickly.

A new charity shop opened in my town, and is very curated which means no cheap prices. But, a section (still hidden from the rest) has some real gems and everything priced £1, £2,… not more than £5. But you really have to rummage.
I got there a vest with a lovely quality lace on he top and mint condition for £1 and also a cotton pleated skirt from the 70-80s for £3. The pleats of the skirt lie lovely and flat and the fabric is a fluid cotton with flowers so the volume of the skirt is quite nice and not over the top. So I just wore it with a white tee and Birks on my feet. I will take a photo of the skirt. I mean for £3 it really is a non brainer and for me is an easy everyday item type thing.

Not sure where everyone else is here … very quiet

Yeah it's been quiet for a while. The thread had even dropped off my 'I'm on' list which is why I didn't notice your post for ages.

I like the sound of that shop, and the skirt. I'd like a really pouffy, swishy one, ballerina length and in dark blue - the kind of shape Coast used to knock out without breaking sweat, except theirs were always in shiny 'occasion wear' fabric and I'd want a heavy cotton poplin. I've already got a shorter one in black which will do for now but if I saw the right one, I'd break my spending ban to buy it.

Was in London last week (primarily for Oma in Borough Market; best restaurant experience I’ve had for years - and Born With Teeth; clunky writing, reasonably scintillating performances) but managed to drag myself to three clothes places despite too much heat and wine.

Tracksmith (Marylebone). Was very excited to finally visit a physical shop after squirrelling my way through Clearance on their website. At least now I know why everything’s so expensive! Beautifully kitted out little shop, like a Savile Row men’s outfitters, except for running gear. I’m only sorry they seem to be winding down the winter merino wool things which were what attracted me in the first place. And they’ve changed the colours. I’ve bought navy shorts and cream / oatmeal tops - now everything’s dark coral and grey. Hmmph! Will have to return on a cooler day to try on the running shoes. I have not yet stopped kidding myself that I might one day spend an hour on a train early in the morning to join one of their local community runs …

Bryceland’s, purely because it was in the same street. I was only there long enough to establish that what looked liked the women’s jeans were almost the length of my full height. Interesting, but I won’t be buying anything that needs to fit well until I’m back to my regular weight.(🙄) Completely forgot to look at the Foul Weather Smocks in all their gorgeous colours that I’d previously admired online.

Margaret Howell - Wigmore St. They were nice to me! Last few times all the staff have been miserable and snotty and made me thank God for the Internet. Maybe it was because I launched into a paean of praise for my recent online sale purchases. The standout being a gloriously crunchy kagoul from the men’s section. (Despite all the ferocious criticism of MH online - prices, decline in quality - I have enjoyed the fact they had things from last year in the sale.) I had been wondering why I held off buying a proper raincoat for years - I was waiting for that. Didn’t buy anything in store but tried a few things on to check sizings. There’s a dark indigo cotton jacket that I’d buy in a second if only it were cut in the same way as the men’s. Still, at least I didn’t leave the shop fuming.

@Redandblue11 have a look at the new La Fetiche collection - some of it is breathtaking.

Here is the skirt, is mid length and worn with a tee is nothing groundbreaking but an easy everyday outfit that feels a bit more considered.

I am not a runner at all but I can see why Tracksniths attracted you Crkd , although I walk vigorously in tracks regularly with my Labrador so I like a good trainer the type of those trail running ones. My pair is probably 7 years old now and it very near the end of its life.
if the merino base layers are soft I could also be tempted, I need to replace mine this year for the snow. But I have not found a medium priced merino that doesn’t make it itch.

Gosh, there are so many things I like from La Fetiche. The Jenny fairisle is actually more an Andean South America colour pattern.
The pompom one also reminds me of that.
There are so many good ones… and I am trying to think if the more reasonable ones like Fifi would satisfy my itch to have one of their jumpers. Which would look really good with dark denim and my red bobbies .

Welcome back Red, and lucky you with a new affordable rack of charity shop finds. August certainly is more full on summer like but I kind of liked the mid twenties July weather. It seems to be changing though, I'm off to Paris this coming week for the exhibitions and the forecast is like Jekyll and Hyde, either sweltering or cool and raining, it seems to be changing day by day. I think I'll just hold off until the day before leaving to plan my outfits and then I'll probably still get caught out because I want to pack as light as possible...

If I have time I'm going to swing by La Botte Gardiane to look at their boots. You can have them customised and since I struggle so much with finding boots that don't come up too high by the knee it might just be the solution.

I usually head to the MH outlet shop on Margaret street because I'm too cheap to pay full price. Their staff seems to be either super friendly and engaging or they just ignore you.

Crkd, I do hope Oma isn't some Dutch themed restaurant, I just can't imagine that being good...

Your £3 skirt was a good buy Red. As you say, it’s seems well made and a simple cotton skirt is a blessing when it’s hot.

I’ve just been in humid 33 deg Vienna, and blessed a very brightly coloured long Farm Rio linen/lyocell skirt I bought the other week, 60% off in a sale. It’s quite a 1950s-style fabric pattern, and I wore it with a white shirt and a big Lack of Color straw hat. Except I was wearing flat sandals, I could have been cos-playing 1950s, but covering up like that keeps me a lot cooler than close fitting things that expose my skin. To my amazement I managed 23,000 steps, without wilting too much!

If you’re flexible on sizes have a look at the LF Archive @Redandblue11 - quite a few things would go brilliantly with your excellent skirt.

No, @botemp, it’s ‘Greek and Levant inspired’ (FT description) and utterly sublime. I raced there because of a review of their wine list and now won’t rest until I’ve eaten everything on the menu.

Ha I dived straight into that La Fetiche archive @CrkdLttrCrkdLttr and got very excited when the first thing I saw was only £8…. But it turned out to be only the Lookbook. Or something. In my defence, it’s quite early. I’ll go back when I’ve had coffee and can focus.

Staff are rude in Margaret Howell? . I’ve never been inside her shop in my life but had fondly imagined they’d have impeccable manners.

Some local charity shops have got ‘everything for £1’ sales: Piles of crap and women throwing stuff into baskets without even looking, presumably to resell on Vinted. I did get a Ralph Lauren shirt though that’s of vintage age and has softened and faded beautifully so I’m happy.

Generally though I fear I’m hitting diminishing returns with charity shops. It might be because I couldn’t get out much for a while and fell out of the routine but I’ve got a bad feeling it’s more than that. I’ve even set up searches on EBay and Vinted in readiness…

I agree about covering up and loose clothing in heat @PoppySeedBagelRedux. I can’t bear the feeling of cooking skin, don’t know how anyone can stand it. I feel like I’ve worn nothing but wide leg trousers and a cotton or linen shirt for weeks. Thoroughly bored now.

Severely tempted by the beeeyootiful yellow La Fetiche cords, but I already have 3 pairs of wide-legged cords, so can't justify them. I must own to having bought a pair of the tan Grenson boots that I think you got, Flo, as they filled a hole in my wardrobe.

I can see myself finally acquiring an item or two from La Fetiche this year …

those grenson boots could also fill a hole in my wardrobe, do they need much breaking in Flo?
that is some I do not get along with very well generally.

Yes they did need breaking in Red, I’ve been wearing them around the house for a couple of hours a day and they feel pretty good now.