https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 08 May 2026 17:21:56 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685987 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 08:18:21 +0000 RoseandJoan 685987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am sad to report that I only own three lifestyle books which are french is origin but much of what LF speaks is reflected in the pages of 'French Women Don't Get Fat' by Mireille Guiliano, A Guide to 'Elegance' Geneviere Antonine Dariaux and the more recent 'Parisian Chic' by Ines de la Fressange.The french are beautifully consistent when it come to their style advice.</p> <p>The difference between the American and European attitude to shopping is fascinating and in my humble opinion derives from the rationing of WWII, for whilst America experienced rationing for four years during WWII the effect of rationing in Europe lasted for almost two decades and consequently has ingrained in the psyche of our Mothers and Grandmothers the importance of quality when quantity in scarce.</p> <p>Of course fast fashion has exploded across Britain and Europe (however the gilt may be fading from these stores) but there remains no shame in repeating entire outfits or wearing one quality coat over a Winter. In fact it is viewed as cooler to carry an aged over time designer handbag which belonged to an aunt than a designer handbag straight from the box. </p> <p>But however you chose to shop and from wherever your inspiration may be drawn I believe it is important to treat style as a personal endeavor and not a public competition. Do what makes you feel happy within the confines of what you can afford and I am sure you will have little regret. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685734 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 20:49:05 +0000 rute 685734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post! I always prefer quality over price but i don't Judge anyone! It's just What works for me, but first one has to know It's style really well to know the pieces we love and It's worth investing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685730 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 20:42:38 +0000 Makrame 685730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not yet switched to "quality over quantity" camp but I was just thinking about this today as I was ironing a new favorite - navy blue silk shirt with white polka dots. It seems to be of fairly high quality and looks absolutely perfect to me with white jeans. I am quite happy to wear it every week. The feeling of being "perfect and effortless" rather than "just OK" is quite fab.</p> <p>That said, I find quality to be so unpredictable (at least in my price range) that even things that are "perfect" seem to wear out or fall apart faster than I get tired of them. Don't know what to do about that, yet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685723 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 20:28:52 +0000 MNsara 685723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm back with a question related to quality and Jayne's other thread about loving shopping more than dressing: </p> <p>Do you think that actually wearing *very* high quality items each day is actually so satisfying that our desire to keep shopping/accumulating would *naturally* decline? Or maybe fighting the urge to shop more, buy more, will always be a battle for us 'hunters'?</p> <p>Did any of you proponents of 'quality over quantity/variety ' experience this? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685625 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 18:08:55 +0000 MNsara 685625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, Mary - I sometimes wonder if I'd even recognize when an item IS *perfect*. Or if I'd recognize that, with an alteration, something COULD BE *perfect*. :-\</p> <p>I've learned SO much here at YLF, but I've also realized how much I don't know and still have to learn. . .</p> <p>ETA: JR - the Vivienne files is such a good exercise in thoughtful wardrove building. It used to make me want to toss most everything out and start over, but I think that's indicative of my consumable/disposable mindset . . . instead I should print it out and spend some quality time thinking thru such a wardrobe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685603 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 17:11:58 +0000 Anonymous 685603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That shopping thing. Looking for perfection. I think that was me. At one time in my life, I had this thing about finding the perfect pair of black slacks. I was obsessive in my search for them. Along the way, I bought a multitude of black slacks in every stye and fabric imaginable. You could open my closet and see only black slacks. I really didn't shop for anything to go with the black slacks. So I really didn't have a working wardrobe. In retrospect it is funny. I don't think I was laughing back then though. </p> <p>It took an act of profound courage to rid my closet of all those black, nearly perfect, slacks and then to reprogram my brain to make clothing purchases other than black slacks. I have a much more workable closet now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685596 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 17:04:05 +0000 Anonymous 685596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MNsara and Jayne,</p> <p>I think the British have a VERY different attitude to that of the US when it comes to style. The Brits have ALWAYS 'investment dressed' although back in my Mum's day not very imaginatively. That's why she stuck out, she did it with her French twist. The Brits were far more (far too) conservative! </p> <p>Now, however, since the UK has been in the European Union, and since the Channel Tunnel makes Paris a mere 2.5 hours from London, I have noticed that British women are definitely learning to combine chic with quality. I was reminded of this only last weekend when Thierry and I were in the Royal Box for the opening ceremony of the Olympics. We were surrounded by very chic English women, including, for an 86-year-old, Queen Elizabeth II herself. In fact, all through this her Jubilee of 60 years on the Throne (an incredible feat) she has looked very stylish. OK, she isn't in the forefront of high fashion, but how many 86-year olds are?? For that, the UK has the new Duchess of Cambridge, whose style, I think, is exemplary. And from all I read, on her first Commonwealth Tour, to Canada last year, she wowed your neighbours too!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685577 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 16:12:35 +0000 Anonymous 685577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, steph, that's both reassuring AND unbelievably kind! :-)</p> <p>MNsara, you too!! A huge thanks, and don't forget you have to make a date at La Bratique!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685572 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 16:09:31 +0000 MNsara 685572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jayne - you've asked some great questions here. And I think I can relate to your realization about shopping love is greater than wearing love. I also think it's partly when things *aren't* perfect, so we keep shopping, looking, trying for the still elusive *perfect*ion. The idea of waiting years for the *perfect* piece to come along is something I need to contemplate. . .</p> <p>I am SO enjoying reading everyone's input and agree that the idea here is a sincere request for insight and guidance rae said it for me: The French way is a whole paradigm shift that can be hard for us to get our minds around.</p> <p>So, LF, don't go anywhere, please! What fun that you have your UK upbringing and French background -- I'm sure it helps in dissecting the different approaches. Do you think the US and UK are similar in the wardrobe/shopping respect?</p> <p>I can echo Claire here with my history of being drawn to the bright, fun, eye-catching, and glossing over the 'boring' basics. And at 54, that was not a pretty sight </p> <p>I see more and more where those of us who weren't raised or 'trained' to have a discerning eye toward style or what should earn a place in our wardrobe, would REALLY benefit to have the one-on-one services of an 'Angie' (aka personal stylist) to train us over time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685565 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 16:06:19 +0000 mrseccentric 685565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ah, La F, for goodness sake! we are ALL here on the forum to learn! the beauty of a forum is that we can all SHARE (or 'teach') as well as learn. Angie is an angel and incredibly generous, but i am certain she would be worn absolutely ragged if she were the only one who was allowed to share her own experience and hard-earned wisdom here. We all have so much to learn, and so many questions, and want to share fun things we see - it's way too much for one person to address all of our many questions. That's where the other forum members can do their part! </p> <p>Another beauty of this forum is that we have many members with various 'specialties' that they generously share with the rest of us. Recently Aida gave great advice and theoretical information about taking flattering WIW pics, for instance. We'd all be the poorer if she didn't chime in with her wisdom and advice. </p> <p>And that's just one example from many many many. Again, that's what so great about a happening forum - no one person can know EVERYthing, but get a few hundred or a thousand together and your chances of having it all covered go thru the roof.</p> <p>I really doubt Angie would have started this forum if she truly didn't want to hear what other people had to say. And she's savvy enough to know about 'crowd sourcing', too. I understand not wanting to be seen as bossy or a know it all, but the way i look at it, if you're getting a lot our of the forum, it's only right to give something back </p> <p>I've really enjoyed this thread and the previous one about budgeting. I haven't participated because i have no budget, my wardrobe acquisitions are so bizarrely organized it would take a half hour to merely outline the basics! Considering my life circumstances this is not likely to change any time in the foreseeable future. </p> <p>But it's so nice to think about such calm planning and logical purchasing! We all have our fantasies, ha! La F, I hope you feel better and please don't hesitate to share share share!! Happy Sunday, steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685556 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 15:58:00 +0000 christy 685556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also wanted to chime in LF that your posts have been terrific and I don't think in any way that you are "preaching". We all learn from each other! </p> <p>I always feel badly when people say that they don't feel like posting because they aren't showing something "new". I think many of us count on Angie and the community to help us decide whether or not something new is worth keeping which is extremely valuable while we are defining our styles and ensuring that a new items are worthy of our dollars. All of these musings on style, wardrobe, necessity, investments, etc. are very useful and worthwhile, IMO.</p> <p>Sorry, Jayne, a bit OT! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685550 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 15:51:35 +0000 Scarlet 685550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will just say that this and other related threads have been really interesting--I was away last week and have been just catching up today. From LF's other thread about budget I was actually thinking that it sounds so much like the Genevieve Elegance book put into practice, and from here it sounds like that was a big influence! This is all very fascinating to me. I really enjoyed that book as well, which I discovered several years ago after first reading the chick-lit book inspired by the original.</p> <p>Jayne, I find your recent musings also very interesting. Without being an expert or knowing too much about it, I would say it seems like you are still in a phase where you are figuring out your personal style, and in that phase I think it is pretty hard to identify what an investment piece is. For my lifestyle, great jeans, shoes, jackets, and a bag are the biggest keys to getting me out the door, but it would be different for someone else. I think you need a little bit of freedom to discover your fashion voice in the beginning, including the freedom to make mistakes. On the other hand you indicated something else, like that you enjoy the shopping process much more than the dressing process. That is a very useful realization and probably a signal to slow down and force yourself into your closet to find out what you have that you actually love and what you actually need. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685539 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 15:29:54 +0000 Anonymous 685539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Jayne, for starting this conversations and La Francaise, don't you go anywhere! I love this stuff.</p> <p>I've read many books on style, but the only one I actually own is Parisian Chic by Ines De La Fressange (La Parisienne en francais). I have been using it to beat myself over the head repeatedly while chanting "quality basics, quality basics" ever since I got it for Christmas last year. I am constantly amazed at how my wardrobe will stretch to make more outfits now that I understand the concept of basics. They are the items that make the trendy piece work! And of course I have to tailor the list of must haves for my lifestyle, which is casual except for the one day a week that I must dress professionally.</p> <p>Even with a very small budget, I've still been able to amass many of these items at thrift stores and some of them have been hanging there, new-with-tags, just waiting for me! My perfect navy V-neck, in cotton for my hot climate (Esprit), a white linen sleeveless button front shirt (Ann Taylor), a cotton one with 3/4 sleeves (Eddie Bauer non-iron) and a cropped black blazer in cotton pique (H&amp;M). These are items I might have passed over before because they're inherently "boring", but now I see their use value to me and to my developing wardrobe. In the past I was drawn to the bright, the printed, the eye-catching, the cheap and cheerful: the FUN. Now that I'm approaching 50 (okay, well I'm 46, but it never hurts to plan ahead, right?) I want my clothes to be a little more dignified, or at least better quality. I'll supply the fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685537 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 15:21:56 +0000 rae 685537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, don't leave! LF, as much as we are all here to learn, we do learn from one another, too! I think the post was just meant to ask for more pointers on the other thread you started - it was very popular, after all. </p> <p>Both threads have been very useful to me because, as others have mentioned, there doesn't seem to be tons of emphasis made to young girls here in the US about the importance of patience and personal flattery. On the one hand, as Jayne mentioned, there is a very WIDE variety of styles here. On the other hand, most are expected to take what is off the rack and not worry about our individual fit issues as much - individual style but no individual fit, if you will. And then there is pressure on young girls to always look trendy and current. The French way is a whole paradigm shift that can be hard for us to get our minds around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685534 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 15:11:25 +0000 Anonymous 685534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL, Mary! Glad you like the word 'tat'. It brings back memories of my Mum every time I use it. Now, with a bit of luck, it'll remind you of me! Thrilled, too, if a little of my hard-won style philosophy has been a bit of use. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685523 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 14:58:51 +0000 Anonymous 685523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LF. You may have misread Jayne's title. I think she was genuinely asking for fashion advice and singled you out as someone who could help her move in the right direction. I read her title as a compliment to you and your knowledge. I am certain she meant it that way. I know I read it that way. (Oops. you already replied to her post....sorry to add on)</p> <p>Let me take a minute here to tell you how much your original thread helped me. It positively reinforced my belief that I am on the right track and that I just need to keep it up. I am grateful to you and your original post. </p> <p>I also learned a new word: tat. I am going to use it in the near future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685522 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 14:58:47 +0000 Anonymous 685522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Jayne,<br /> Sorry if I jumped to the wrong conclusion. As far as I'm concerned, YLF is Angie's baby, and I, as I'm sure we all have, have really benefitted from her style wisdom and her great blogs, as well as her unique and very supportive posts. If I CAN, in some small way, add my own experience, so much the better. But remember, I'm a learner, too!! :-)</p> <p>@Suz,<br /> It sounds as if you are doing extremely well in establishing your style priorities. Don't forget that good jeans were very much on my list (and every other modern list I've ever seen) of 'investment' pieces. A few well-fitting pairs are crucial. Furthermore, I too feel I have to dress for two, no wait THREE, 'lives'. There is my life as a doctor in an international hospital in Paris, which together with my rôle as the wife of a Professor of Oncology takes up eight months of the year, and demands a professional wardrobe by day, and the odd evening cocktail party or dinner with my husband. Then, there are the three to four months of the year I work as a volunteer with Médecins sans frontiers (MSF or Doctors without Borders in English). There, I can find myself living in situations where there is no sanitation or running water for weeks on end. That's quite a sartorial challenge, complicated by the fact that I might well be in a conservative Muslim country as well!!! Cheaper jeans and cotton long-sleeved tees are the order of the day here: they can be disposed of without too much loss!! FINALLY, I too do quite a bit of public speaking at fundraisers (notably for MSF). These are often chic dinners for which rich patrons have paid much fine gold. I tend to rely on my YSL tuxedo and pallazzo pants to get me through those, along with some vertigineously high leopard-print or gold Louboutins I can't walk in (ballet flats are at the ready in the car!!) LOL!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685466 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 14:22:01 +0000 nancylee 685466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm following this thread with interest. So many great insights. And I just have to say that I love the word "tat." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685459 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 14:14:31 +0000 Suz 685459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LF, I would be sad if you left us, too! We DO learn from one another here. And your insights are valuable. </p> <p>I love your list of items to buy at "investment" prices. I think they apply very well to most women who work outside the home. </p> <p>In the past year I have been trying to translate this idea to my own lived reality. I do work, but work from home, where comfort is key (I curl up on my couch sometimes and sit on a saddle chair). On the one hand, I do not want to wear gear (as comfortable as that might be) because I simply feel better and more alert when I make the effort to "dress." On the other hand, a LBD or even dressy trousers are quite simply, too dressy, for my regular days. I need a uniform that is more casual yet still put together. </p> <p>My solution thus far has been jeans (I even splurged on two premium pair for the first time this year) along with jackets, at least in fall/winter. (I live in a mostly cold climate). I bought several high quality French and European jackets at a vintage store for a fraction of their original cost. One is black crepe. One is houndstooth. And one is winter white with tiny black dots. </p> <p>I love this combination - jeans and jacket. My jackets are mostly comfortable enough to work in, but I do sometimes remove them or wear only the underlayer while I work (either a woven or a knit shirt of some kind, and sometimes a scarf). </p> <p>Re the Vivienne Files: I enjoy looking at the Vivienne Files blog, but one question I sometimes have has to do with proportion. Oftentimes her outfits look good in theory in terms of the colour combinations. But looking at her taupe jacket in one of the most recent threads, she pairs it with a LBD dress. Great, in theory. But on me, at least, a jacket of that length paired with a dress would look dumpy and frumpy. I would need a shorter jacket to work with a dress. This is where I often find my outfits fail and why I end up wanting or needing more pieces than I might initially have supposed. (Not that I have a large wardrobe...I don't...but sometimes outfits that work in my imagination turn out NOT to work in reality because of this proportion issue.) I sometimes would like to see Vivienne's combos on a real human body. </p> <p>Back to the subject of creating a functional wardrobe of investments (and sorry I am a bit scattered this morning...just typing as I think...) I think it is a different and interesting challenge for those of us who live more casual lives. The key pieces we need may differ a bit from those of women who work outside the home. </p> <p>Meanwhile, in my own case, in addition to the casual daily wardrobe, I ALSO need clothes in which I can make public appearances. (As a writer, I often am often called on for readings or speaking engagements). These need to be more dramatic than classic business wear (though in my case, as a fairly classic dresser, I don't want to get TOO dramatic). They also have to feel comfortable. </p> <p>So it's almost as if I need two wardrobes. There is some crossover (my jackets, for example, and jeans at times .... for the super-casual events). And I DO think a basic suit in my best neutral would be a great foundation for some of these looks, with the right toppers. But it's a bit of a conundrum for me at times, in trying to decide where to put the investment dollars. </p> <p>For now I have determined that coats (for sure in my cold Canadian climate), boots, and other footwear are sure bets for making "investment" purchases. For the rest, I'm still considering how to allocate funds and in the meantime trying to buy anything that is a new silhouette etc. or in any other way a risk for me in a less expensive version (usually via thrift or consignment). And I am making notes on what works really well, gets worn regularly, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685453 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 14:12:20 +0000 jayne 685453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes JR, viviennefiles is also a great source of inspiration for me. problem there is picking ONE set from all her great inspirational sets. They are all lovely! But she has a pearl of wisdom in her blog way back 'you don't need to own every beautiful piece of clothing' which I am trying to live by. Some lovely pieces are just to be admired from afar! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685450 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 14:09:17 +0000 jayne 685450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>la Francaise and Mary, thanks so much for taking the time to explain your ways of working with a wardrobe. It is wonderful to get a glimpse into someone else's world! I got pearls in both and will need to reread a few times to figure out how to apply this to myself. I am a most willing pupil and I find I need more than one example to figure things out. Angie gives great lessons from her life experience as her blog, and I thank you both for adding other versions. From what I read, I feel that you both are alot longer along than I am in finding a style and way of shopping that makes you in control. </p> <p>La Francaise, I didn't mean to imply by the title that you 'were' teaching in the other thread- it was meant to be a request to reveal a little more. It is wonderful getting a French woman's POV here since we read a book about French chic earlier this year, and I for one, aspire a bit in that direction. </p> <p>Ingunn, great to have a Norwegian on YLF. There are two other members who live in Norway also (ramsy and harmonica), but none of us are Norwegian. I haven't noted any others who have mentioned it before, so sorry if I am missing someone!</p> <p>Now to reread the responses again! cheers </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685433 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 13:51:02 +0000 Ingunn 685433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>La Francaise, please don't leave YFL! I'm very certain that nobody feel that you preach or teach, on the contrary, you have been writing so many inspirational posts that I'm very grateful for! I for one have learned a lot from you already, and your encouraging advice is indispensable. I hope you will stay. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685426 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 13:31:18 +0000 JR 685426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jayne, you might find the Vivienne Files blog a very useful inspiration in this regard. She is constantly building wardrobe capsules around key pieces and showed just a couple of days ago some of the vast number of combinations possible with a limited wardrobe.</p> <p><a href="http://theviviennefiles.blogspot.ca/2012/08/project-333-redefining-normal.html" rel="nofollow">http://theviviennefiles.blogsp.....ormal.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685420 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 13:20:48 +0000 Anonymous 685420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for starting this thread. I'm sorry, Jayne, that because I logged on just minutes ago, I've only just discovered it. I certainly didn't join YLF to preach or teach: if that is the way it is perceived I will leave immediately. With sadness, because I have learnt a lot here in a short time, and made some new friends. BUT I came here to LEARN! Like everybody, there is room for improvement in my interpretation of style. Yes, it is built on fairly solid foundations, but I am more than willing to learn, to evolve, even at my advanced age (I am in my early fifties.)</p> <p>A couple of lines about myself may help you all to understand where I'm coming from. I grew up in the UK, of French parents. My father's family were Huguenots who had fled persecution. Some of them went on to flee again, and were among the founding fathers of the embryonic USA. I was the first of my immediate family to move back to France when I married my Parisian husband, Thierry. So it is not quite accurate that my personal style was developed in France. </p> <p>I would say it began at my mother's knee, and certainly when I was an adolescent, back in the 1970s, there was an awful lot of 'tat' around: flowing dresses made of cheesecloth; garish kaftans, vaguely inspired from the Haight-Ashbury flower power movement. My mother, who still had to give me my clothing allowance at that time, steered me away from many a fashion pitfall. She was recognised in England as being somewhat 'different', rather an exotic flower amongst English tweeds, twin-sets and pearls. She had unerring instincts. She kept her hair mid-length, so that it could be worn in a loose French pleat, or held together at the nape of her neck with a large black bow. She never dressed without putting on a minimum of make-up, and her signature perfume. She wore pearls, certainly, but always with a creative twist: a long rope doubled around her neck, one end as a choker, the other left much longer; or she knotted them just above her bust. She worked on keeping her fuigure, and although her clothes were relatively few, she made friends of the local tailor, shoe-repairer, and a good dry-cleaner. She bought some of her basic wardrobe in London, had a few pieces made-to-measure from some fabric she had bought, and found others on trips to Paris, which was also where she found many accessories: shoes, handbags and silk scarves. I certainly don't think she wore a uniform, but rather her unique style, built on basics but with her own flair. Perhaps, twenty years later, her wardrobe would have been considered as a capsule +. (the plus being the details that made it her own).</p> <p>So, yes, she certainly had an influence on me. When I was about fourteen she gave me a 'grown-up, slightly snobbish, but good guide' (Mum's words). It was in French, and had been written in the mid-60s by Genevieve Antoine Dariaux and was called simply 'Elégance'. Mum was right, it was both slightly old-school and snobbish, and who really changed into a 'cocktail suit' and then into full evening dress a couple of hours later? BUT there were nuggets of gold in that book, which have been great rules of thumb. It introduced me to the concept of always buying the best I could afford first to create a working wardrobe, then building on it.</p> <p>It's made perfect sense to me, although I definitely refute your assertion that French women don't have to think about it, they merely subscribe to some 'fashion uniform'. After all, where is the home of 'Haute Couture', which even if few of us can afford it, influences the style trend each season for women all over the world?? Surely, it has always been and remains Paris? Yes, New York, Milan, London all have their fashion weeks, but every designer from any of these countries aspires to show in Paris, it's the fashion Mecca. </p> <p>What French women, who usually earn far less than their American counterparts, have understood, what Angie has understood, as she posted to my thread, is that the elusive 'perfect' high-quality garment, beautifully cut, in a neutral shade (which will vary according to colouring, figure, height, and a host of other variables) is worth waiting for. It can take years to develop a wardrobe of 'investment pieces. Years of saving, and searching. The crucial pieces which all French women should have in their wardrobes has been much written about, and their is little general agreement, save for a few pieces. For me personally they are the vital little black dress, knee-length, or slightly above or below depending on your age, shape and preferences: the first one in a wardrobe should probably be a simple well-cut sheath which can be accessorized for day into evening wear (you can always add to your stock of LBDs in different shapes, later. I now have 5). A well-cut three piece suit: jacket, skirt and pants (which alone can be split up and provide endless permutations); a few good cashmere sweaters, the first in neutral shades such as black,navy, camel, cream, brown, dark fir green, (whatever are your personal 'neutrals'), to be augmented later by 'on-trend' shades that suit YOU; a few lighter-weight tops in natural fibres (cotton or silk) in both neutrals AND 'happening' colours (this could be a clutch of tees in a variety of different cuts from camisole to short and long-sleeved); a raincoat (in my case the famous Burberry); according to your climate, a good Winter coat, which I would choose in a neutral, so that I can have fun accessorising it with 'pop-of-colour' shoes, scarves, maybe a fun knitted hat, gloves, whatever you prefer; a few pairs of well-cut figure flattering jeans, ideally including a white pair for Summer; a classic Breton top (I still prefer navy-and-white, but there are plenty of other colour combinations that have been introduced in the years since Chanel famously wore her borrowed-from-a-sailor one); and a well-cut pair of palazzo pants (for me, that means black crêpe wool, but for you it might be tweed, any other of your personal neutrals). These are incredibly versatile. They can be worn with any form-fitting sweater or top, and will take the suit jacket into an evening look quite happily. My personal jacket is a classic tuxedo shape, and it accessorises everything from jeans to a long skirt, a LBD, summer dresses when the sun goes in, even when inspiration fails for an evening look worn buttoned over nothing more than a pretty black-lace bra (in case it's glimpsed, when I move). Beyond these key pieces, it really is entirely up to the individual. A few leather biker-jackets are essential to me, for example, but might not be to the next girl. I like to buy quality totes, but another girl might prefer a handful of cheaper more colourful ones. I definitely like my basic handbag shapes to be of good leather, and to last however. But then, I often buy cheaper 'on-trend' clutches. It varies constantly. This year for example, I have bought a cobalt-blue and black Diane Von Furstenberg to replace one of my LBDs (which has also been worn with my tux. jacket from my basic three-piece), a pair of tile-pattern casual pants that Angie found at Nordstroms, some polka-dot stiletto pumps that Mary K posted to jazz up my LBDs, my palazzo pants, my black skirt, almost anything, and several cheaper pieces. You ask how long I expect these 'on-trend' pieces to last. The answer of course, is as long as they remain trendy. That is why they are not bought at investment prices. It might be six months, it might be two years. Who knows with fashion??</p> <p>Look, all this is getting tiresome, for me, and almost certainly for you. I don't like the implication of the thread title either. If I have offended anybody, then I am truly sorry, and will leave the You Look fab community today. I shall be sad, but do it. Over to you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685407 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 12:17:15 +0000 Anonymous 685407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dear Jayne: This is a great post. I wanted to comment on your "struggle to figure out what you want to wear so you are fearful of spending money on an item, thinking it is an investment, and then finding out in 6 months that it is not you after all." </p> <p>I think I know exactly how you feel because I do not have a sense of my "casual" style self either. I have my work wardrobe down pat. I don't know how I developed it, but it came together over the years and does not need any adjustments. But my casual wardrobe is awful. I found myself wearing more and more "workout clothes" in public. I was disgusted with myself but had no idea what garments would work for me casually. Truthfully, I had no idea what I liked or what I didn't like or how to wear it. </p> <p>Here is what I ended up doing. I bought a few items at cheaper prices (leggings, colored jeans, white jeans, tee shirts, blouses, tunics) and practiced wearing them as part of my casual wardrobe. Each time I wore an outfit I snapped a picture of it. In time (it didn't take long), I came to discover those pieces that just didn't work for me (tunic sweaters, baggy gap tee shirts, squarish sweaters, icky fabrics, icky colors). I figured out why that piece did not work. I made a note and catalogued that picture in a file that reminded me to never buy that particular type again because it was not style and I didn't feel good in it. I gave away the piece. I didn't feel bad because I considered the price a lesson in developing a working casual wardrobe (which seems to be really challenging...maybe I do wear a "work uniform" and that is why that capsule came together so easily?)</p> <p>What is am discovering is a silhouette that seems to work for me for casual wear. Slim fitting slacks with relatively fitted sleeveless tops. I do not seem to like tee shirts for casual wear. I can't say why exactly but I have weeded out all of them. </p> <p>Now, wardrobe size. I would think I have a relatively small wardrobe. First, I donate all pieces that I do not like and/or do not wear. Why keep them if they are only taking up room in my closet and I know I will never wear them.? </p> <p>I am going to talk about designing my work capsule because I have the most confidence in it. I started with an "anchor" piece (e.g., high quality, light weight, black wool slacks). Once I had the anchor piece, I selected tops to go with it. I have approximately five tops that match each anchor piece. Right now, I have four anchors (black slacks, beige slacks, red slacks, white jeans). That means I have about twenty tops. Some tops cross over so I probably have closer to fifteen. It works really well for me. </p> <p>I hope this helps, Jayne. I will follow your thread as you learn about yourself and develop your own personal style. Best regards. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685401 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 11:50:23 +0000 Anonymous 685401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am very interested in this thread as well and will follow it carefully. I am an American and luckily I don't have to dress in a uniform. That gives me lots of options. </p> <p>I do follow fashion, but I try very hard to avoid fads because I can't afford them. My one trend this year has been the purchase of two paris of colored jeans. This was an usually bold move for me, but I really like them a lot and hope they will be around a couple of seasons. </p> <p>I do have investment pieces (black slacks, blazers, purses) that I wear to work. I do tend to purchase the best quality I can find for these garments because I wear them so much that their price per wearing is probably less than that for the colored jeans. These were really good purchases for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685394 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 09:06:29 +0000 Ingunn 685394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd like to chime in! The thread you started, La Franchaise, was definitely an interesting read. Very interesting questions too, Jayne, and as a Norwegian living in Norway I agree that there is little room for diversity in styles here. Most people dress very casual, and if I don't, I often get comments ("are you going to... today?") This weekend a man referred to my silk scarf as "your stewardess-scarf":) </p> <p>But I want to learn, and I'm particularly interested in learning about what to buy as investment pieces. What is a reasonable budget? etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/la-francaisechoosing-quality-over-tatdo-you-want-to-help-teach#post-685392 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 08:12:36 +0000 jayne 685392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi</p> <p>i read with interest all the comments on your budget in this thread<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-on-top-of-the-fashion-budget" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ion-budget</a></p> <p>and find the whole difference fascinating... in culture between french and anglais (i am lumping British and American together) shopping. Mostly because I suffer from the buy buy buy syndrome myself and feel so confused...</p> <p>SO I am trying really hard to get my head around the way you think about clothing...so you mind answering a question or two?</p> <p>Is the way of shopping something you were 'trained' to do by your family? Like did your mother discuss with you in more than 'we cannot afford tat' what that means? Did you talk about what was a good size wardrobe of clothes, what kind of outfits a woman should have and be prepared for? where to spend more and where to spend less?</p> <p>When you say that you use more on investment items, how do you judge which those are? I am still just struggling to figure out what I want to wear so I am fearful of spending money on an item, thinking it is an investment, and then finding out in 6 months that it is not me after all. </p> <p>Do you think it helps that (stereotype coming sorry) most French women seem to dress alike so that you didn't have to pick a style, French chic was the default? I live in Norway, although not Norwegian, and Norwegian women dress alike also. It is almost a uniform. But it is not mine and I don't feel comfortable in it. But American women do not dress alike. Sure there are trends but, unless you count sweat pants, jeans and sneakers as a uniform, American women don't have that defined outfit of well dressed that each specific European country seems to have (my opinion from travelling, hope it is not offensive)</p> <p>How do you decide which 'trendy' pieces to add and how long do you expect them to be used? Do the trendy items only get used for one season and then thrown, or do you expect to get 1-2 years out of them? I understood they had to match or update items you already have, but do they fall into specific categories, like shoes, tops and scarves, and do the investment items cover coats, jackets, slacks?</p> <p>And finally, do you ever feel frustrated or limited by your closet? You mentioned that your mom didn't let you buy tat, which means you must have wanted to buy something as a young girl that didn't fit into the current philisophy...do you still now and then just really want a lovely thing that doesn't match anything else and then feel frustrated that you have to turn away? This is probably my American desire to "have it all" asking...as I experience it all the time and when I come home to my closet, I find it less than inspiring. </p> <p>as you can see, pretty clueless here...just trying to figure it out as I want to find a way out of the buy buy buy cycle and start to look good! </p>