YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Paris report: long

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Paris report: long https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 12 May 2026 00:43:50 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Becky on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-20125 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:37:28 +0000 Becky 20125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for sharing your experiences, Shiny! I can live vicariously through you! I gasped aloud when I opened the photo of the Chanel jacket. It *was* made for you. I love the green scarf you got, and can't wait to see pics of your new jacket. Inge on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-20112 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:54:32 +0000 Inge 20112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for this Shiny, I almost felt like I was in Paris again! It sounds like you and your family had a marvellous holiday! Such a pity about the Chanel jacket, it really was made for you. (did you happen to take a picture of the necklace?-) I love the green scarf and I imagine it really brings out your eyes. And you're absolutely adorable, hard to believe you have teenage children, you look so young! shiny on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-20013 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 05:00:08 +0000 shiny 20013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie - the food was as fabulous as the fashion, but since this is a fashion site I wasn't going to write endlessly about that, which I certainly could, because I'm a total foodie too! We did not go to any high-end restaurants because the regular ones were just as good and our itinerary was too loose for the fuss and pre-preparations of reservations and such. Basically we'd just choose a metro stop each day, head for it with a general plan, and then go walking and exploring and let life and whimsy lead us where it may. My DD15, who is a total foodie too, indulged in escargot and frog legs to her hearts content; while my picky eater DD14 was quite happy with endless baguettes and croissants, and the obligatory McD's trip to compare the differences (I have a great photo of a McD's with carrots used as art work). Food-wise, my only sorta-complaint is that I am all cheesed out now. I love cheese, and I could eat it at every single meal, but unfortunately, it doesn't always agree with me (slightly lactose intolerant). I will also say that the wine was amazing, I stuck to rose (for hot days) and reds even though usually here I tend towards whites. The reds and roses here in MA aren't that good (actually the whites are also pretty mediocre compared to CA - even if it comes from CA, I think something gets lost in the transport from coast to coast). I guess I should add that I'm a frugal snob in that I think that good wine shouldn't have to cost an arm and a leg. This is from my early wine-drinking days when I was an exchange student in Vienna as a teen, and good white wine was as cheap as bottled water is today. Our home exchange family is still here and we just spent the last few hours visiting with them after their day of site-seeing. Tomorrow is their last day and I'm trying to rearrange my work schedule so we can take them out to lunch before they leave and spend more time together. They are so wonderful and nice and interesting and we are finding we have a lot in common despite living in separate countries. That is a big part of the home exchange fun: it's been like exchanging lives.... not just touristing. Sihaya on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-20008 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:02:51 +0000 Sihaya 20008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shiny - so fun to read your report and see your delightful pix including those of your daughters. Thank you for sharing and helping transport us to lovely Paris. Makes me want to go back there again - soon. Hey, maybe that's where we do a YLF rendezvous. Angie on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-19969 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:19:43 +0000 Angie 19969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yay Shiny! We finally get to see adorable you! Great picture! Now we know where your daughters get their looks from. DH is SUCH a sport. Three cheers for him! We want to see both jackets - they sound wonderful! Actually, MNG is available in the US. There is one in Seattle. Love that store. I’m glad you found a few treasures Did you have fab food? p.s. designer shoes can be just as uncomfortable . Patience on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-19966 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:05:39 +0000 Patience 19966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shiny, I've thoroughly enjoyed your posts. I love the green scarf and can't wait to see the rest. Your family is wonderful. Thanks for the stories. shiny on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-19965 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:01:07 +0000 shiny 19965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nicole, my DH accompanied us - more or less!!! If we passed an interesting shop (such as the second-hand couture shop), he would leave us for 20 minutes, and go exploring the neighborhood while we checked it out. He did the same on the day we hit Anne Fontaine. Gallerie Lafeyette and Printemps was his idea because I think he must've read my post here on YLF - sad that nothing fit but scarves. So that morning he proposed we check those two dept stores out, and he found himself a cozy chair to rest in and settle in for the long haul. But I was so fast in Gallerie Lafeyette (which is Enormous!!) - at that point, I knew enough that about 85% of the clothing wasn't going to fit, so I had gotten really good at eyeballing quickly to see if there was anything that looked small enough. Also, because of YLF I knew what I was looking for and it made it soooo much more efficient!! I wasn't browsing endlessly... I was walking around deliberately on a mission to find a jacket. I didn't know what sort of jacket exactly - just something special I could dress up or down, and something that I couldn't easily buy here in the states. So I skipped past all the designers my local bloomies and nordstroms carries. I think we were only in that store for an hour before I found this one designer (I have to look at the tag to remind me who it is) that intrigued me. I actually found two jackets that fit perfectly and I couldn't decide which to buy. I went back and forth between the two, and my girls couldn't decide either, because both were so wonderful. Ultimately, I went with the one I did, the "chanel like" black with white piping but a bow at the waist, because YLF was on my mind! I admit I debated back and forth about the bow part.... but I recall from YLF bows are going to be on trend for fall. I do wish I could've bought both of the jackets however. The second one was very nice as well. Next we walked by Mango, and I knew that is like an H&M or Zara but not yet available in the states. The girls were intrigued so DH encouraged us to go in for a look. I found the cream jacket within the first 3 minutes. DD14 found the sunglasses equally fast. When we hit Printemps, which is in the same strip, it was DH's idea - at that point, us girls were thoroughly exhausted. But DH said we had to see it because it is famous - I guess kinda like Filene's used to be here in MA. But also the architecture (he's big into architecture). So we headed straight for the top floor, where they have a restaurant, to have a drink and pastries and relax and recharge for an hour. That's when we decided to give the shoe floor a whirl, and DH did join us for that, as we went around trying on fantasy shoes with no intention of buying any of them. My only disappointment was that they didn't have Lauboutin; I've always wanted to try those on. But my girls loved Jimmy Choo. At the end, all I can say is this: it isn't true that expensive shoes are more comfy!!! Maybe if you're under 25 they are. The only comfy pair I tried on was a pair of Prada sneakers. I came *this* close to buying them, they were soooo comfy and incredibly cute, but I can get them here cheaper. I really, really, REALLY wanted to get DH into a store to try on some dress shirts and treat him to a fab one. I tactfully pointed out to him how euro-men wear their shirts so that the shoulder seam hits on the shoulder, not lower. He has the right slim build to wear such a shirt, but he's always preferred a size larger. Despite my tactful attempts, he just wasn't interested so I didn't press it. No I'm not settled in the timezone yet.... I usually have an awful time with jetlag and it'll probably take me a week. I haven't even noticed the rain today because I have been inside going through tons of work email and attending meetings with half a brain (while uploading 1400 pics in the background!!). DD's are all gorked out napping at the moment. I'm trying to stay up a few more hours so I can reset myself quicker. Anonymous on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-19955 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:23:07 +0000 Anonymous 19955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You and your daughters are beautiful! Nicole on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-19950 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:14:24 +0000 Nicole 19950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome back Shiny...have you settled back into our timezone (and all this crazy rain!)???? You have beautiful daughters. I think it's so cool that they have this experience--shopping in Paris! Can you imagine being a teenager and having such a cool mom?!? They are very lucky! So, did your husband join you on all these shopping trips? I wish I could get Jason to go shopping with me. Anyway, loved your photos...what a great assortment you chose to share! Thanks ! Kyle on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-19944 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:05 +0000 Kyle 19944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What great memories you and your family will have! I love having a son, but oh what fun it would have been to shop with a daughter(s)! You are generous to share your photos with us; they bring back fond memories. That last one is a keeper for sure. Tanya on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-19943 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:59:50 +0000 Tanya 19943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shiny, thanks for the most wonderful report. I thoroughly enjoyed your photos and Paris descriptions. I particularly like this last one of you, you are too cute! Absolutely adorable! We finally get to see your face. I can't wait to see your Mango jacket. And I love your green scarf! shiny on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-19930 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:31:51 +0000 shiny 19930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gahhh... I can't believe I forgot this photo!! I took this one especially for YLF: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26254981@N05/2754389441/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/2.....754389441/</a> Angie on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-19926 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:12:08 +0000 Angie 19926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the fabulous report, Shiny! I felt I was there again. Beautiful pictures! I’m glad you had a wonderful time. Looks like your daughters had a super time too! LOVE the green scarf. We want to see the Mango jacket! Dani on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-19916 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:13:58 +0000 Dani 19916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shiny, thanks so much for the report. Sounds like it was a great trip! I LOVE Paris and hope to get back there one day soon. You found some wonderful things. So sorry about the Chanel jacket, it was beautiful on you. Glad you're back and looking forward to more pictures of your purchases. Anonymous on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-19915 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:09:16 +0000 Anonymous 19915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your pictures look great! You and your family look amazing - thanks for sharing with us! Julia on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-19914 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:00:05 +0000 Julia 19914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Shiny for the beautiful pictures and wonderful stories. That chanel jacket was made for you! Sorry that you had to pass it. I love your outfit for the airplane and the green scarf fits you perfectly! Anonymous on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-19911 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:36:44 +0000 Anonymous 19911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fantastic pictures. Your vacation looks absolutely FAB, and it looks like you all had a ball. shell on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-19908 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:23:37 +0000 shell 19908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ looks like such a fabulous trip! from what i can tell, your whole family looked uberchic. nice to have you back! shiny on "Paris report: long" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/paris-report-long#post-19903 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:11:58 +0000 shiny 19903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Between my DD14 and I, we took 1400 photos of our two weeks (she took all the best ones - she's our shutterbug and has a real knack). But I won't bore you with all of the photos and the anecdotes that go along with them! Instead, here are just eleven fashion-related photos I thought you'd enjoy: 1) What I finally decided to wear on the plane: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26254981@N05/2754636402/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/2.....754636402/</a> You may remember I was so stressed out I was terribly indecisive about this particular part of the trip. The shirt is a ralph lauren top from last season that I had forgotten about. I love the neckline of this top. The jeans are my most comfy Citizens Huttons. The plane over ended up underbooked so we all got to spread out and actually lie down and sleep. A note about the tote bag: it was perfect for the trip! Not just roomy enough to tote around a cardi, scarf, umbrella and trench when necessary, but the fact that it isn't leather (some lightweight synthetic material) and only cost about $10 means I had no qualms setting it on the ground when necessary (including dirty restrooms). LOL. The only drawback with the bag was that on the few very hot days we had, it made me sweat. 2) My DD15 and her makeover at Sephora on Avenue des Champs-Elysées: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26254981@N05/2753806373/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/2.....753806373/</a> I deliberately tried not to hit any shops that we have here in the US, but we just couldn't resist going into this Sephora. It is enormous, and it was packed with an amazing multicultural crowd. Imagine women in burkas loading up their baskets with mascara and eye-shadow. It was such an experience. What's more, the sales clerks were so much more friendly than they are at our local Sephora here. I don't know how the stereotype of rude Parisians ever got started, because that is completely opposite of the experience we had. Everywhere we went, we met the nicest people and I would have to say that I have had much more experience with rudeness in the US. So... back to Sephora: I just couldn't resist when they offered a makeover. My DD15 has been struggling with terrible acne due to a med she is taking. So the sales clerk was wonderful, coaching her about how she need not wear foundation until she's much older, and how washing her face and moisturizing will help clear her skin over time. She talked to her about how Parisian women have beautiful skin (which is definetly very true!!!) because they keep it very simple. And moisturize, moisturize! But meanwhile just for fun the sales clerk pulled out all the stops with her -- doing up her eyes in dramatic smoky eyeshadow, etc. The makeover took an entire hour. She wasn't allowed to look until the very end - and here is her reaction as she was finally allowed to see herself in the mirror! It was a priceless moment I will never forget. We ended up splurging on some cosmetics that we can probably get here more cheaply but ohhh welll.... I am usually a drugstore cosmetic gal (department store cosmetics intimidate me, to be honest) so this was a treat for me too. Chanel moisturizer, makeup remover, NARS lipstick for me, Givenchy lip glosses for the girls. And a special mascara for DD15 that they insisted is only available in Paris. Just a few things! ;-) 3) 3-for-1 scarf deal: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26254981@N05/2754637588/in/photostream/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/2.....otostream/</a> You can buy these scarves everywhere for very little $ in the souvenir shops (which my DD14 couldn't resist - she loves cheap souvenirs and stocked up on eiffel tour key rings and the like). Of course, you can also get them at H&M in the states. We almost bought some at the Puce market (flea market) but resisted. It wasn't until we hit a day when the weather was chilly with a misty light rain that we finally decided to buy these. A note about the weather: except for a few very hot days, and one night with a huge thunderstorm and downpour, the weather was mostly beautiful, low 70s. I was perfectly comfortable in clamdiggers or skirts and occasionally the need for a cardigan. On the hot days I lived in the brown and white dress with the long pearls. I wore jeans on one other day, but it got too hot. Most parisians seem to live in jeans, even in the hottest weather. We think we figured out why... there are bugs on the metro that bite. We think maybe fleas from people bringing dogs on board... not sure. I can just tell you that all four of us had times when we emerged from the metro with very itchy bites on our legs or arms. So I can definetly see why maxi dresses are a hit this summer in Paris. ;-) 4) Bling jacket: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26254981@N05/2754638288/in/photostream/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/2.....otostream/</a> This is from our day at Galleries Lafeyette. My DD15 loved this jacket. I thought it was atrocious. No, we didn't buy it. 5) Mango sunglasses: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26254981@N05/2753808189/in/photostream/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/2.....otostream/</a> My DD14 fell in love with these sunglasses which we found at Mango. She took a zillion photos of herself posing in them. I found a cream fall jacket at Mango; I will share photos later when I get around to wearing it. (Along with a photo of the other jacket I bought the same day). 6) Window-licking: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26254981@N05/2754638998/in/photostream/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/2.....otostream/</a> According to our guide book, "window licking" is what you do when you can't afford the goods but wish you could. You probably can't read the names on the window - this is in Place Vendome where they sell haute couture. 7) The chanel jacket: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26254981@N05/2753809491/in/photostream/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/2.....otostream/</a> Just off Place Vendome we stumbled into a small shop selling second-hand couture. This is the 1392 euro chanel jacket that I sadly passed up. I'm actually kicking myself over that - it was cheaper than the 5700 euro necklace, afterall!! LOL. (Seriously, I'd rather spend that sort of money on new bedroom furniture, which we desparately need.) But don't you think it fits me perfectly? It must have been owned by a woman who was just my size and had it fitted for her. Sigh.... 8) Anne Fontaine: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26254981@N05/2754640720/in/photostream/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/2.....otostream/</a> This particular day we were too late and it was already closed. But we returned later and I did try on several blouses. None of them worked for me. I needed the 38 for my girth but the 38 was just waaayyyy too long lengthwise, and from what I know about sewing, there was no way the blouses could've been tailored to fit without ruining the line. I did want to try a 36 - since the blouses are stretchy so with the right cut it may have worked - but the store was completely sold out of 36's. This was a common theme everywhere we went. I understand that the sales are in July, so by August, I suppose the pickings are slimmer. Size-wise, I actually had the best luck in inexpensive stores catering to juniors. There were a lot of these stores and my girls had fun in them, as did I. I *almost* bought a white trench coat in one of these stores, as well as a motorcycle jacket that wasn't real leather but was adorable. But the quality was really cheap, so I passed. 9) Weird window display: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26254981@N05/2753811313/in/photostream/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/2.....otostream/</a> Not much else to say about this one!! 10) Green scarf: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26254981@N05/2753812091/in/photostream/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/2.....otostream/</a> Found this in a little store near Ponte Marie (where we had a very nice picnic one day). It is "my" green, my favorite color of all time. So I had to have it. It's silk and cotton and I wore it a lot, including on the plane on the way home. I think the lighterweight silk/cotton scarfs work best on me. Pashminas are just too much fabric for my short stature, and overwhelm. 11) Metro photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26254981@N05/2754643190/in/photostream/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/2.....otostream/</a> .... just to give you an idea of my family and how different our styles are! - DH is the prep who lives in khakis or levi's, button-down shirts, and docksiders (although for most of this trip he stuck to sneakers). - DD14 is our "California" girl who happily epitomizes American teen fashion - abercrombie & fitch is a particular favorite. - DD15 is our "goth/emo/euro/march-to-a-different-drummer" girl. She's always dressed in a style that is quite unique and unlike anyone at her school, and she even makes her own clothing. She was very sad that her pink hair tips faded before this trip, but consoled to discover the many euro-teens who dress similar to her style. - And you know my style already. So you can imagine what an interesting troupe we make when we are out and about! I wouldn't have it any other way.