Why Less is More

A stunning white Chanel gown accessorized with only simple diamond studs, choosing a timeless color for the rooms of your home making sure the paint is superb quality, tending to a few meaningful and time-tested friendships.

All three of these scenarios involve consciously choosing less rather than more and consequently bringing more value and beautiful memories and moments into your life.

A couple of incidents caused my mind to wander to this concept of less is more. Just as I was readying for bed last night I turned on the tail end of the Golden Globe awards to see Anne Hathaway on stage with the entire Les Miserable cast and crew after just learning they had won Best Picture for a Comedy or Musical. While her attire was only the exterior of her exuberant beauty, I couldn’t help but applaud Rachel Zoe’s stylistic choice of the white Chanel two piece gown and barely any other accessories.



Granted, Chanel is more than just a tad out of my reach when it comes to purchasing quality, but I do feel such an image teaches an invaluable lesson. When we choose to bring material items and more importantly people into our lives, it’s not about how many we can acquire, it’s about building something of quality.

As I was consumed with my kitchen facelift this weekend, it wasn’t until everything had been painted and only the necessary items were placed in the cupboards and everything else packed away for future garage sales that I realized it was worth the wait – fewer dishes, but better quality. Less clutter, more function. A cleaner palette creating less chaos of colors and more tranquility. The ability to find not only beauty in what I’m eating, but beauty in the preparation. (Now, that may just be me, but there is something quite pleasurable about presentation which helps me savor the food I prepare even more. Urging me to eat slower and appreciate the time and effort.)

There are so many ways we can welcome more quality and less quantity into our lives. Here are a few:

~Focus on the quality of friendships you have, not the number of friends you have accumulated on Facebook, etc.

~Choose one fabulous, quality piece of statement jewelry to accessorize your outfit.

~Pay attention to the fabric for furniture, clothing, etc, as well as the craftsmanship.

~Cook with food grown or raised locally that adhere to better standards of production. A more satisfied conscience and healthier eating.

~A small wardrobe of quality pieces – lasts much longer and is certain to look its best for more than just a season. (click here to learn how)

~Refuse to purchase something simply because it’s beautiful. If you don’t need it, if it doesn’t serve a purpose or you already have one just like it, appreciate it from a far, but don’t bring clutter into your life.

~Take on fewer responsibilities, but the ones you keep on your schedule, make sure to give 100% of your attention and effort.

The Simply Luxurious Life became my way of living long before the blog began. However, it wasn’t as though everything was streamlined and idyllic immediately. Creating a life of quality rather than quantity takes time, but gradually your conscious decision making evolves into a life of substance that you are proud to say you are purposely and continually creating.

Be discerning of the people, food, clothes, furniture, thoughts and anything else you bring into your life. More is simply more, and nothing becomes special when you say yes to everything.

Have a lovely Monday everyone.


~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~High Standards Equal A High Quality of Living

~Why Not . . . Buy Yourself Luxurious Lingerie?

~A Very important Detail

 ~Stop Being Busy & Start Being Efficient

Images: (1) source (2) Source

Chanel Resort 2012

Along the French Rivera Monday night at the Hotel du Cap, in the city of Antibes, Karl Lagerfeld revealed Chanel’s 2012 Resort collection. Notably one of the world’s most expensive hotels, Lagerfeld relocated from St. Tropez where Chanel’s Resort wear was shown the previous year.

The models were dripping in expensive jewelry from Coco-esque strings of pearls to diamonds and other fine jewelry. With this particular annual collection seeing the most time in stores, Lagerfeld skillfully mixed and matched swimwear with classic Chanel jackets and playful skirts to wrap dresses and vests. To see the entire 73 piece collection, click here.

Images via Style.com and Musings In Femininity

Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange

Parisian style radiates an air of self-assuredness, that indefinable je ne sais quoi that initially seems so elusive, and yet at the same time almost appears simple, uncontrived, perhaps effortless.

Inès de la Fressange, the premiere model for Chanel in the 80s and currently the brand ambassador for Roger Vivier, has graciously decided to share these coveted Parisian secrets of style in her new book Parisian Style: A Style Guide which is officially available Tuesday, April 5th.

I must confess, I was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to take in her tips, ideas and expertise for more than just a few months, and upon the delivery of my copy, it barely left my side until I was finished.

First of all, while the cover alone is captivating and impossible to miss with it’s scarlet red jacket and gilded font, the contents are just as creatively and vivaciously presented. With the feel of a large Moleskine journal, ribbon bookmark and all, additionally all of the photography of shops, products and destinations are by Inès, as are the drawings and hand-written lists. The the layout as well is playful, easy to read and unpretentious unlike what one might expect due to the topic at hand. 


Inès has clearly taken special care to create guide for all of us who are short on time and thus sometimes imagination, being sure to help us create a style that appears effortless, yet is full of great thought.

The Magnificent Seven are what is defined as the brilliant basics that are key to creating Parisian style in any scenario.  Modeled by Inès’ daughter Nine, each of these items are demonstrated as part of a complete outfit in order to better exhibit how to incorporate exactly what she is suggesting must be in our closet:

The Magnificent Seven:

1. A Man’s Blazer
2. The Trench
3. The Navy (cashmere) Sweater
4. The Tank
5. The Little Black Dress
6. The Perfect Jeans
7. The Leather Jacket

While this may be where many style books cease in their guidance, Inès has only just begun.  For each of the Magnificent Seven she shares more ideas on how to meld it into anyone’s wardrobe, a list of fashion faux pas, a lux celebrity style idea and a hall of fame reference which in the case of the navy sweater was Eric Bompard’s cashmere company. She is spilling the beans so to speak, sharing the secrets and letting us all in on where one can acquire the look of Parisian style.



And be sure, after sharing her tips on fashion, she continues on to accessories, the five essential bags, shoes, beauty, entertaining, and home decor.

Having lived in Paris for most of her life (although not born there, further proof that one does not need to be a born and bred Parisian to possess such style), she also takes her readers through her recommended shops, boutiques, hotels, restaurants, spas, and hot spots that would take more than a few travel guides to figure out when attempting to plan their next trip to the City of Light.




It is without reservation that I highly recommend Parisian Chic: A Style Guide as an informative, delightful and forever resourceful book that I am sure to pack for my next trip to Paris and have already begun to tweak my wardrobe accordingly – navy cashmere sweater, white jeans and ballet flats – my new go-to chic outfit. Thank you Inès!

And to view more of Inès Parisian chic style, click here.

Published by Flammarion
Pages: 240
Available for pre-order at Amazon $16.10

Kate Moss – Vogue Japan – May 2011

Kate Moss, photographed by Mert & Marcus for the cover of Vogue Japan’s May 2011 cover, dons a playful Chanel gown(shown below on September’s runway).

Spring Haute Couture 2011

Paris is all a flutter this week with the Spring 2011 Haute Couture collections strutting down the runways. John Galliano impresses with feminine mystery and beautiful red lips on his models while Karl Lagerfeld displays an ethereal, almost heavenly quality to his collection while all his models wore simple pointed toe flats and let the clothes do the work – which they did. Below are a mix and match of my favorites shown on Monday and Tuesday.

Christian Dior

Alexis Mabille

Bouchra Jarrar

Chanel

All images courtesy of Style.com

Rules Of Style – Inès de la Fressange

The first model to ever sign an exclusive contract with Chanel, still breath-takingly beautiful at the age of 53 and about to release her own book full of style secrets, Inès de la Fressange has more than earned her the label as a style icon. Living in Paris may have that effect solely on its own, but with her svelte 5’11” boyish frame and gorgeous smile, it is clear she knows her body and is confident about how to shine in each piece of clothing she wears as well as the homes she lives in, and as the French may say, 'She ignores fashion, she does her own thing.'  (Read more about her thoughts on style in the Huffington Post article.)

To view all of the photos of her interiors, click here thanks to The Selby and to read more about her current success shared in the Wall Street Journal click here.

(As seen in Domino’s March 2009 issue, Inès de la Fressange’s Paris home.)

Fantastic Flats

A beautiful pair of flats are the perfect alternative to heels when you still wish to remain feminine and stylish, but would rather stay closer to the ground.  There are so many wonderful styles, colors and designs to choose from.  While I’m a fan of Tory Burch’s Reva flats, J.Crew has some excellent designs, Vera Wang as well and at a much lower price point.  So rest assured, that even if you’d rather not wear the stiletto, a fabulous pair of ballet flats awaits to be worn by you.

A Jacket

Instead of a cardigan or a cumbersome coat, opt for a blazer or short jacket to add layers, but still exude class and appeal. Not only does it add a bit more structure and professionalism, but the variety of choices available are endless. Inès demonstrates in most of her photographs the numerous ways a jacket can be used in your wardrobe.

A Statement Bag

Inès’ customized leather Roger Vivier Cut Up handbag

As the brand ambassador for the Roger Vivier shoe company, and due this fact, it is understandable why she would have a signature bag with her name on it.  After all, she was the first supermodel to be known simply by her first name – Inès, but she shares a style secret to keep in mind.  Have a signature style accessory.  Similar to that of Carrie Bradshaw’s silk flower broach, a signature accessory doesn’t have to be worn each time you leave your house, but it should be something that you can own and something that doesn’t own you.  In my opinion, the small the better because it is something that you aren’t brazenly putting out there, but instead, subtly displaying. Something to think about.

A Simple Black Tote

Choosing a tote that can go just about anywhere during the day is a way to eliminate a bit of decision making in the morning.  Choosing a black generously sized, but not too oversized tote, is a safe bet that you will remain looking fantastic and ready for whatever the day may bring.

Keep It Simple

The French woman says so much without all of the unnecessary frosting that sometimes magnetically adorns other cultural style icons. What the French women realize is that less is more, buy quality and stick with what works. In other words let your personality, natural good looks and genuine smile do the talking, and let the clothing shine a spotlight on the amazing woman that you are.

Be Timeless

Inès de la Fressange on Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring/Summer 2011’s runway.

In 1983, Karl Lagerfeld and la Fressange.

Lagerfeld and la Fressange at Chanel’s 2011 spring/summer runway finale.

If your interest was piqued, and you’d like to read Inès de la Fressange’s very own insights on her timeless style, stop on by Amazon and pick up your copy of The Parisian Guide To Chic: Style Secrets From Inès de la Fressange which will be released April 11, 2011. I can’t wait for mine to arrive.


Other Rules of Style shared by Style Icons:

*Lauren Hutton

*Kate Moss

*Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer

*Kate Beckinsale

*Cameron Diaz

Images: (1) Source (2) The Selby (4) Source (5) Source (6) Source (7) Source (8) Pure People (9) Source (10) Pure Trend (11) Source (12) Source (13) Source (14)  Source (15) Source (16) Source (17) Source (18) Martirio’s Way (19) Source (21) Source