Monday 30 January 2012

la marinière


Going to the library on Saturdays has become a family ritual. They have a great selection of DVDs so I watched a few films this weekend. One of them was Coco Avant Chanel (2009), starring Audrey Tautou. It was only available with Dutch subtitles, which have little meaning to me, so I simply enjoyed it in French, understanding maybe every 50th word while taking in the mise en scène. The film is pretty straightforward and if you know Coco Chanel's story there is nothing in it that surprises you.

I also watched To Catch a Thief (1955). I was under the Ada-of-Classiq influence, as I call it, when I borrowed that one. She once wrote a post on the costumes of the film, with beautiful photos of Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, and I've been meaning to watch it again ever since.

These two films have something in common. Okay, they have a lot in common, amazing clothes, beautiful scenery, etc., but I'm talking about the Breton shirt – la marinière as the French call it. It's an essential piece in one's wardrobe, you simply cannot go wrong with it. You may not know that the marinière was originally created for the French navy, before the fishermen and sailors began wearing it. It was then Coco Chanel who adapted the look and made it classic.

So, the next time you find yourself trying on a top that becomes out of style almost the minute you walk out the shop, abandon the idea and go get yourself a classic marinière instead. Choose one of good quality because you'll be wearing it for years!

photo credit:
top: via Video Buster
bottom: via Esquire UK

20 comments:

  1. Aww, thank you for the mention, dear Lisa. I've seen "To Catch A Thief" several times, but I enjoyed it every single time. How cool does Cary look in his breton jumper and dotted neckerchief? He got more handsome and more stylish with age.

    That's very sound advice you give, Lisa, on choosing the marinière (good quality is a must of course) over any other trendy style. You'll have it for years and years to come.

    Have a beautiful day! xo

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  2. In the late 80's it was Jean Paul Gaultier's version, now I think its APC that does a good one with 3/4 sleeves? An absolute classic!
    Helenx

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  3. I love this style and it seems pretty versatile as well.

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  4. funny, I bought a stripped shirt just this morning. not a classique mariniere, but close enough :)

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  5. Oh, I NEED a striped tee!! Hope your weekend was fabulous, Lisa. xo

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  6. Stripes never get oldfashioned!

    ♥ Franka

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  7. You don't have to tell me twice. I practically live in striped tops so much that my friends have said I dress in uniform lol. Coco made so many things classic ;)

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  8. Great advice and fantastic costumes/wardrobes!

    Love & Lollies... Jessa

    Confessions of the Cupcake Countessa

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  9. I loved Coco Avant Chanel! I was so taken with all of the designs. I actually never saw To Catch A Thief. It's on my list and has been for years. Now I'm even more intrigued. You and Ada are making me rent some movies :)xoxo

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  10. Oooo I so want to see Coco Avant Chanel one day - thanks for reminding me!

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  11. Such beautiful pics, Lisa! Oh and j'adore Audrey!!!!

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  12. I really love a mariniere Lisa, great word for it;) Though I love to see it slightly dosed. Everyone here was wearing them last year so I almost got a little tired. I also always always love light blue, white striped clothing pieces. I watched To Catch A Thief a few months ago and enjoyed it so much! Thanks to Ada as well;) Next on the line is A place in the sun.
    Expect a mail soon...

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  13. SOO cool - Audrey Tatou is just divine :) Haven't seen the film yet - might get around to do so soon.
    Have a great day,
    Axx

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  14. I have so many variations of the classic Breton stripe in my wardrobe, such a classic and I love it! Audrey Tautou is so lovely in Coco Channel, I adore that movie! xx

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  16. Now, here is a list of movies for me and for these cold evenings still to come! Thank you, Lisa!
    I did not find the perfect marinière item for me, but I will, trust me, I will! :*

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  17. Ada gets me going on the classic films, too, which is a GOOD thing! Love le marinère! Does it count that I have one with pink stripes instead of blue? :)

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  18. Can you believe I do not have a marinière? I must get one. From the original source. Looking up flights to Paris now!!

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  19. lisa, this is such good advice! i didn't know that shirt was a mariniere. i love audrey tautou too!

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