Chanel – Fall 2012 Couture

In homage to Coco Chanel circa 1932, Karl Lagerfeld adorned the Grand Palais in Paris with reportedly 6,500 camelias (Coco’s signature flower) for Chanel’s Fall 2012 Couture show titled “New Vintage” (see the invitation at the end of the post). With trays of delicate French macaroons and tea cakes placed about, the audience was transported to an earlier time as a multitude of Chanel’s signature tweed jackets, suits, and dress coats strolled down the catwalk.

With Lurex legwear to add a contemporary touch to the vintage style, Karl seemed pleased as he concluded the show walking behind the couture bride – model Lindsey Wixson. Below are many of simply luxurious highlights (click here to see the entire collection) as well as additional photos from the event.

Read more »

Why Not . . . Refuse to Underdress?

“I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little – if only out of politeness.  And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny.  And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.”

–Coco Chanel

You know that woman who always looks impeccably stylish, hair brushed just right, trousers absolutely devoid of wrinkles and accessories that strike just the right balance?  And while you may not know her, your mind makes assumptions (even though we are told never to make assumptions) that this woman lives well, is comfortable in her life decisions and while not flaunting her happiness, exudes an energy that others wish to possess.

Without saying a word, a woman can set the tone of every situation she enters into every so slightly by simply dressing well and never choosing to underdress.

Even if you are only making a quick trip to the market to pick up a gallon of milk for breakfast in the morning, take a few extra minutes to pull on a pair of dark denim jeans, slip into ballet flats, a simple tee shirt and a classic trench. A simple decision that speaks volumes.

Here are a few of the benefits of changing out of your pajamas and lounge wear as soon as you begin your day:

Read more »

Cups of Tea (3/28-4/3)

For those of you celebrating Easter, Happy Easter, and for those who are simply enjoying their Sunday – here’s to a beautiful day which is hopefully filled with leisure, pleasure and time.

This week’s favorites evoke two themes involving French wisdom and the beautiful bounty of that spring provides.  Enjoy picking and choosing your way through all of them. 

As promised, the winner of the delicious Brandini Bites, Barefoot Contessa’s Back to Basics cookbook and Rachel Zoe’s Style A to Zoe guide is Caitlin of Pour L’Amour de Fashion.  Congratulations!  And to everyone who entered, thank you for stopping by, and be assured, another giveaway will be coming up soon.

 

1. Everything Lavender

Slim Paley’s blog is one I thoroughly enjoy due to her honest voice and fantastic eye for beauty, and with lavender being my color of choice lately, I immediately was drawn to this post.  A collection of images that display lavender in their own way, as well as lovely photos of Spanish & French lavender from her very own garden. 

 

2. Delicious Spring Salad   

Mixing it up a bit when it comes to salad is something I am always trying to do, and when I came across Lauren of  Healthy Delicious’ beautiful Herb Salad with Lemon Poppy Vinaigrette and Warm Goat Cheese Croutons I knew I had to save the recipe.  Warm goat cheese croutons?  I’m sold!  Click on the heading above or the image below to get your hands on the recipe.

 

3. A Bit of Wisdom   

How do you approach the concept of aging?  Are you comfortable with leaving your twenties behind, or do you ache to relive them?  Marjorie of My Inner French Girl shares a thought provoking, beautifully written post, that shares the beauty of each added year to your life.  Please have a look.

 

4.  Sinfully Delicious

As soon as I came across Janelle’s recipe for her Tuscan Chocolate Cake on Talk of Tomatoes, I was craving chocolate.  Her recipe involves only a few ingredients, but is most certain to delight.  Click on the image below or the header above to pick up the recipe for yourself.  

 

5. Have A Voice 

Paloma of La Dolce Vita began the week by sharing a very frank quote by the timeless Miss Coco Chanel herself.  The photo she chose to accompany it speaks volumes by itself.  With that said, how are we ever to be heard if we never use the voice we are given?