VOILA, I DID IT! SHARE YOUR SUCCESS

suzan

POSTED: Sun, 09/12/2010 - 2:55pm

what would french stay at home mom would wear ?

hi everybody. i'm new to this forum. for me my weight is not a issue But i feel like i'm being very sloppy. i don't wear good clothes while working thinking that if i do i have to wash them very often. so i dress up only in the evening when we go out. i save all my dresses for special occation. my question is what about french stay at home mom do. do they really wear good clothes even when they stay home.if they do how they do housework you know cooking, laundry etc etc. could anybody share any tips please. thank you suji
REPLIES 18  (Jump to bottom of page)

Vintage1944

POSTED: Fri, 10/15/2010 - 12:14am

Not a stay at home Mom

But this is a great discussion.Lots of good ideas for dressing at home.In summer,I like cool,flowing cotton or linen dresses.Throw an apron on over it,if you are oncerned about getting dirty.It is truly about taking care of you and feeling bien dans ta peau.

Robbyn

POSTED: Fri, 10/15/2010 - 9:38am

I LOVE THIS DISCUSSION BECAUSE....

I work in a school cafeteria helping to prepare the lunches and serving the kids and then washing pots and pans and cleaning up. (It's so embarrassing....I don't tell everyone what I do because I'm embarrassed). I started it years ago when my son was little and in the school. I figured it was something to do and I would get to see him at lunch time. Of course I loved that. And at that time it was just taking the money from the kids as they went thru the line. There was no kitchen at the time. Now there's a new school and a full blown kitchen and my son is not there anymore....he's in his first yeart of high school. It's a private school and very expensive so I have to work. But I hate the job so much. Actually I've been out the past few days, that's why I've been on here so much during the day. Usually my hours are from 9 - 2. Anyways, I have to wear this dumb visor (which I hardly ever wear) with this horrible ugly shirt with the company's name on it, long black stretch pants and sneakers. I tie my hair up in a ponytail way on top of my head and tilt it to the side so it looks kind of cute. (They call me Pebbles...hahaha). And I try to always put make-up on and earrings. Can't wear any other jewelry. So anyway, when I'm there I don't feel very pretty. I feel disgusting and I hate going there. Any tips on how I can feel better about the way I look there until I get another job? And believe me....I'm looking! Thanks in advance. Luv you girls....Robbyn, xo :)

Vintage1944

POSTED: Fri, 10/15/2010 - 11:01am

ALL work..

has value.There is nothing to be ashamed of here.Having said that I know what it is to hate a job and the best thing is to get out asap and you are taking steps towards that.In the meantime,give yourself praise for doing the best job you can.OXO Jean

Robbyn

POSTED: Fri, 10/15/2010 - 11:27am

THANK YOU JEAN....

You are such a sweetheart. I'm glad I know you. Luv, Robb, xo, :)

suzan

POSTED: Thu, 10/07/2010 - 2:42pm

thanks you all

loved your all ideas great inspiration for me

Jeanette

POSTED: Mon, 10/04/2010 - 8:34pm

This French stay-at-home mom

This French stay-at-home mom wears exactly what she would on days that she goes out! I find that I get more accomplished and am in a better mood all day if I still dress nice, do my hair, my make-up and even click-clack around the house in heels. Heck I even repaired my washing machine in heels! Lol. Feeling good about yourself is all that matters. Who cares if no one sees how fabulous you look that day, you KNOW you look fabulous and that's all that matters! :-)

suzan

POSTED: Thu, 10/07/2010 - 2:39pm

wow

wow thank you. everyday i'm going to read your reply to remind myself. by the way how are you going to take care of your good clothes if you wash them every time. any tips to take care of them. thank you so much in advance

miamoki

POSTED: Mon, 09/20/2010 - 11:01pm

Great replies - any ideas for a sweltering climate?

Suzan - I too am interested in some ideas to keep myself from looking frazzled all the time. I am retired now and it is a new chapter in my life. I recently went to the local department store and they stopped me at the Chanel counter and wanted to put make up on me. I always put on moisturizer and base but usually that's about it unless like you I'm going out to dinner. I let them put on make up and wound up buying some ($$$-yikes) but I have been experimenting with new colors, etc and my husband loves it! Now if I could just get the wardrobe back in check. It's still pretty hot here and shorts are the norm. I would love to look more chic though because I find that when I go to pick up my daughter from school I look so frumpy sometimes!!

Jeanette

POSTED: Mon, 10/04/2010 - 8:36pm

Try linen. Shorts, loose

Try linen. Shorts, loose pants, dresses, blouses. They look chic and are completely comfie in the hot weather. Went to Las Vegas the end of July and lived in my linen clothes. There's nothing like a pair of tan linen shorts with a white linen blouse, jeweled sandals, long gold charm necklace, hair pulled up into a messy chignon and a pair of fabulous sunglasses to make everyone stop and oooh at you! :-)

annamey

POSTED: Mon, 09/20/2010 - 1:09pm

Well, this French stay at home mom wears

either dark-coloured jeans or casual trousers, with T-shirts, casual fitted cotton shirts, and, except for summer, sweaters, whether a smart pullover or a cardigan. Nothing is that expensive, but everything is easy wash-and-wear, except for the shirts that require a bit of iron touch-up if I hang them to dry, or take them out of the dryer right away. The key is to have everything well-fitted and in good repair. Especially your underpinnings. Invest in a couple of well-fitted bras, and (I cannot stress this enough) get yourself professionally fitted.

Easy-care hairstyle that still looks good (I love a nice ponytail when working). Proper skin care, even if I don't have time for makeup. Manicured nails, with or without (mostly without) polish. Smart casual hats, sunglasses, scarves and shoes for out of the house, and at least one really nice handbag. And at least one casual blazer or dress-casual jacket for cooler days.

The key to looking unsloppy is to put the effort into the shopping, so that putting things (and yourself) together is effortless.

vickie2

POSTED: Tue, 09/21/2010 - 11:24am

Great Tips Annamey!

I love the tips you presented here! Having worked in the retail management world, specifically with women's clothing, I have to say that quality clothing that fits well is so important. I love Mireille's saying in FWDGF about how a classic Chanel suit lasts a lifetime with a few minor alterations, or something along those lines. I find that if I invest in a few quality pieces - even good quality t-shirts to wear with jeans, they last longer and continue to look great after washing. I definitely believe in quality over quantity when it comes to clothing, shoes, undergarments, and jewelry. I also find it amazing how quick you can transform an outfit of stylish, dark jeans with a nice t-shirt when you add some cute shoes and a necklace, instead of wearing it with tennis shoes/sneakers.

suzan

POSTED: Mon, 09/20/2010 - 5:04pm

thank you

thank you

valerie51

POSTED: Mon, 09/20/2010 - 3:10pm

Good ideas

All your posts have excellent advice! I have to say I love, love blue jeans...I forgot how much until the other day. I moved over a year ago, and in the process my jeans wore out, summer came, budgets got very tight, and all I could afford to buy were bare minimum work clothes...and we are talking black pants and black t-shirts...my uniform for making pizzas! So for over a year I hadn't slipped into a pair of jeans...I bought a pair the other day (I finally saved enough money!!) to wear when I go home to see my kiddos...and I am SO happy! I feel all comfortable...but then, for my casual life, jeans have always been the item I choose for home. I also found a nice little jersey knit jacket at Wal-Mart...admitted it is not a fashion statement, but it is gathered gently at the waist and fits nicely...and it is comfortable without being too warm! And it was only $5!

valerie51

POSTED: Mon, 09/20/2010 - 5:10am

Don't forget leggings!

Mireille wears leggings, and they are everywhere this year...not that I care much what "they" are wearing. I love wearing leggings with a longer casual t-shirt and belt, or a longer tunic or sweater...I actually have a really nice men's shirt (I know, horror of horrors) that is very comfy and looks nice on me that I wear with my leggings. I get compliments on that. The nice thing about leggings right now is that they are relatively inexpensive and are easy care! Hope you get lots of ideas.

suzan

POSTED: Mon, 09/20/2010 - 5:05pm

thank you valerie51

thank you valerie51

snorklee

POSTED: Mon, 09/20/2010 - 7:31am

Men's shirts

Hi Valerie. One of the things that I've read over and over in French style books is that French women borrow from men all the time for their wardrobe. Especially white dress shirts. Think Audrey Hepburn. :)

Cheers,
Deb

valerie51

POSTED: Mon, 09/20/2010 - 3:05pm

Ohhh...

That is so true! The Christmas after I lost weight (70 lbs.) I had a close friend who talked me into doing pictures for my significant other for a gift. I bought heels, fishnet stockings, and a man's crimson red shirt...it was so much fun doing those pictures. They were all pg rated, but it did so much for my self esteem...and I loved wearing that man's shirt. Now my man has two shirts that he doesn't wear much any more, and I wear them with leggings...he absolutely loves them. He says that when a man loves a woman that seeing her in his clothes is really "eye-catching"!

Elizabeth G

POSTED: Sun, 09/12/2010 - 6:30pm

Welcome, Suzan!

Welcome to the forum. I've never been a stay at home mom, so it's hard to guess, but I would suggest finding some great jeans that you love in a dark color. Nothing wrong with jeans and t-shirts, especially if the t-shirts are a flattering fit and a neckline that look good on you (a nice v-neck or scoop neck). Don't neglect the little things like earrings and lip gloss, maybe a touch of mascara.

I just purchased these Ked's leather spectator sneakers, my chic alternative to athletic shoes for days I'm on my feet all day playing tourist or whatever. They are so insanely comfortable and cute!
http://www.swell.com/KEDS-CHAMPION-SPECTATOR-SHOE?CAWELAID=564729458

You might check to see if your library has a copy of Tim Gunn's "Guide to Style." He has a list of clothes that no woman should be without (I always take those lists with a grain of salt) and one thing he includes is a "sweatsuit alternative." Something that is incredibly comfortable but would not be humiliating to be seen in. Here are some of his suggestions: "For winter, try some cashmere pants but instead of topping them with a matching cashmere hoodie, opt for a cardigan or sweater-coat... Why not try a cardigan with a crisp white tee, some black capri pants and a pair of skimmers? Or how about some slim black pants or dark jeans with a dark gray v-neck sweater? In warm weather, a great-fitting tee and some breezy linen pants..."

Sorry for the extra-long post, hope you find some ideas you can use!


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