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NOW CLOSED: win a limited edition scarf designed by Emma Greenhill and a signed copy of Les Parisiennes

(299 Posts)
KatGransnet (GNHQ) Fri 29-Jul-16 11:12:34

We're giving away a limited edition scarf designed by Emma Greenhill, and a signed copy of Les Parisiennes in hardback.

What did it feel like to be a woman living in Paris from 1939 to 1949? These were years of fear, power, aggression, courage, deprivation and secrets until - finally - renewal and retribution. Even at the darkest moments of Occupation, glamour was ever present. French women wore lipstick. Why?

In enthralling detail Sebba explores the aftershock of the Second World War and the choices demanded. How did the women who survived to see the Liberation of Paris come to terms with their actions and those of others? Although politics lies at its heart, Les Parisiennes is the first in-depth account of the everyday lives of women and young girls in this most feminine of cities.

Read author Anne Sebba's article about Parisian fashion, and tell us which was your favourite decade for fashion for a chance to win a limited edition scarf designed by Emma Greenhill, and a signed copy of Les Parisiennes in hardback.

This competition closes on 29 August at midday. Les Parisiennes: How the women of Paris lived, loved and died in the 1940’s by Anne Sebba is published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson and is available to purchase on Amazon and all good booksellers.

Bellroyd Tue 16-Aug-16 07:11:19

Definitely seventies. You could let your imagination run riot and things still seemed groovy baby!

Sheilasue Tue 16-Aug-16 09:06:09

Loved the sixties the clothes were great and the shoes were really funky. First time you could wear the clothes that suited you and not dress like your mum and aunts. I never shopped at bib a or the Kings road too expensive, used to go to market stalls and shops in Lewisham and Woolwich. Most of my friends would swap things around and we would have a swap party such fun. Live music at the pubs and clubs, everyone was always up for a good time and lots of fun and laughter. Still miss those days.

goose1964 Tue 16-Aug-16 09:22:50

still love the 80s , the new romantics not the power suits

kilbytecla Tue 16-Aug-16 17:12:25

My favourite was the 60's

kwal Tue 16-Aug-16 17:24:46

I often wish I'd lived earlier in the 20th Century - or even before that. I can well imagine being one of those women who 'dared'!!

Harris27 Wed 17-Aug-16 10:31:25

My era was the seventies massive blue eye shadow wet look macs high sky platforms that my ankles reaproach themselves for now!!! Maxi skirts and lots a colour!!!! Biba cosmetics was my favourite I worked in van Allan in Newcastle we had hair dressers make up counters and lots of music e every timeI hear Kiki dee and elton johns duet it takes me back to my working happy days and being so with it!!!!

crozziefan23 Wed 17-Aug-16 16:51:30

I loved the sixties. I liked the shift dresses with designs and fabrics with bright geometric shapes.

Falconbird Thu 18-Aug-16 09:54:02

I was 14 in 1960 and girls were still wearing clothes similar to their mothers. I was kitted out at Easter in a tweed suit, shoes with the heels cut off by two inches at the cobblers, a ghastly straw bonnet and American Tan stockings.

A few years later the 1960s hit. I was a working girl and able to buy my own clothes. Oh the joy of the mini skirt, I remember one in pale blue, my hair tied in a pony tail or just hanging loose and free. Lovely little twin sets with pearl buttons, hipster jeans and shoes for 29/11, 39/11 or if you were feeling rich 49/11. Skinny rib tops, snake belts and interesting new perfumes to try. Pan stick make up, although we didn't really need it, pale pink lipsticks and Cleopatra style eye make up,eye liner and lots of black mascara. I am so glad I was a teenager at the heart of the swinging sixties, slim and fit and running everywhere even in 3 inch stiletto heels. The nearest I ever came to taking drugs was a packet of Glucose Energy Tablets from the Chemist - heaven knows why I bought them. I wish I had just a little bit of the energy now, that I had then. smile

Rustybin Thu 18-Aug-16 23:49:23

Loved 60s Mary Quant Mod style

Richaj Fri 19-Aug-16 07:43:19

For me it was the 60s. I was born in 1956 so, I was old enough to see the change in music/fashion and seeing England win the football world cup. I wish I could go back and spend one more day there. If only I had a time machine!

thrlrds2007 Fri 19-Aug-16 11:22:49

Loved the 90's

willowcott Fri 19-Aug-16 16:45:34

Has to be the sixties, fashions changed so much and became far more liberating for wearers. It was my teenage years so have very happy memories of flower power, mini skirts and long floaty skirts.

katscreamy Sat 20-Aug-16 11:31:53

well, i'd love to have a go at medieval!

Galen Sat 20-Aug-16 20:17:38

No! We'd be peasants in sackcloth. Also think of the body lice!
Rather have the pre raphaelites, modern fabrics but medieval styles!
I already have the long trailing hair ( lady of Shallot fashion)

chrissie13 Sun 21-Aug-16 21:36:34

Loved the 60's with the mini skirts and bright colours.

reneesmith Mon 22-Aug-16 00:39:08

My favourite decade was the 1920's- Gatsby, flappers and extravagance, liberation and celebration, gold and gaudy. It's fun, it's attention seeking, it's bold and daring smile

rowenamccaughan Mon 22-Aug-16 01:02:20

Definitely the late 50s and early 60s- gorgeous skirts and dresses, bright pastel colours, so cute and stylish.

juliemccaughan Mon 22-Aug-16 01:30:08

Loved the 80s! So unlike anything that came before, it was so crazy and cool, and everything was funky.

juliewilliamsnash Mon 22-Aug-16 01:46:17

50s was definitely my favourite- becoming more modern and unique, cute but stylish, feminine but fashionable.

missytilley Mon 22-Aug-16 08:33:46

I like the 1920's fashion The Ra Ra dresses are fab along with the long necklaces plus the dancing.. Oh what fun!

bookiemad15 Mon 22-Aug-16 11:02:16

Has to be the early eighties and the new Romantic look.

DaphneBroon Mon 22-Aug-16 11:46:22

For me it would be the 40's when against all the odds, in the face of privation, nightly bombing, trying to keep a home together or indeed follow a new way of life in the services or war work of whatever sort, women still did everything they could to retain a smidgen of glamour. Plus, as food was in short supply, they mostly had wonderful waists and cheekbones. Puts us all to shame.

angiehoggett Mon 22-Aug-16 11:57:30

I think the noughties because by this time every decade could effectively come back and you can sample all variants!

Charleygirl Mon 22-Aug-16 11:58:03

Loved the 60's- music, fashion and no longer living at home so very grown up. Very little money but somehow I got by.

tomskype Mon 22-Aug-16 13:14:27

80s, classic suited me best!