Chanel Spring 2012

Florence Welch performing in a giant clam at the Spring 2012 show.

[This post was done as an assignment for my Creative Fashion Presentations class at the Fashion Institute of Technology. It is blog post #4. If you are not a student at FIT, feel free to read, comment, and obsess over the photos anyways, because HELLO -- It's CHANEL, and I'm pretty sure you'll LOVE it!]

For this assignment, I focused on an article in the New York Times blog by Cathy Horyn. If you have no idea who Cathy Horyn is, then we have a lot in common. Or, at least we did as of earlier this week.

A few days ago, I was at a coffee house outside campus while on a break between classes. Thanks to my new phone [finally!] I can now waste even more time by Googling random fashion shows not only from my awesome apartment, but from virtually any place I please.

Cathy Horyn attends about as many shows as Anna Wintour.

As I browsed through the New York Times' Runways blog [which apparently exists - who knew?!], I came across this article written by Ms. Horyn, who discusses the Paris shows of those whom she is dining with. She gives an insite to Kanye West's odd attempts, and describes the Celine Spring 2012 collection as a 'club sandwhich'. Honestly, the article was a little wordy, but by the end, I was hooked!

So, when it came time for this assignment, I already knew which blogger I would focus on -- None other than Ms. Cathy Horyn! But as for the collection I would zero in on, well, that wasn't too hard either. After all, when in doubt, choose Chanel! [Yes, you can quote that.]

The main factor that draws me to Horyn's writing is her dictation. She's so detailed, which allows the reader to picture the garments as well as the atmosphere as if they were actually there. Here are a few examples of Cathy Horyn's descriptive language:

1. SILHOUETTE & DESIGN

"...Mr. Lagerfeld’s new pared-down suit silhouette: a lean skirt or dress in ivory or black wool worn with an opened, cropped jacket."
"The shapes were soft, mostly short and slightly rounded, with a sense of mobility."

2. DETAILS

"No Chanel braiding or chains."
"...embroidered along the edges with slivers of mother-of-pearl."

3. COLOR

"...silver leather or white with black lines."

4. FABRIC

 "...ties formed from the linings, often printed chiffon."
"Many fabrics had a glistening effect..."

5. CREATIVE “JARGON” 

"...other materials that reflect Mr. Lagerfeld’s obsessive interest in techniques that give lightness to clothes."

Below are my Top 10 favorite looks from the Chanel Spring 2012 show! :)

Chanel Holiday 2011 Collection: Les Scintillances de Chanel

Chanel's Holiday 2011 Collection, Les Scintillances de Chanel, focus in on the four iconic colors of the Chanel brand: Gold, red, beige, and black. The collection is filled with golden, shimmering highlights and festive shades for the eyes and lips. Les Scantillances de Chanel will be available later this month.

The Lumiere Sculptee de Chanel Highlighting Powder retails for $72.00.The powder not only brings natural coverage, but it is filled with gold shimmers to highlight the skin perfectly for the holiday season. The palette also includes hints of pink, ivory, and pearlescence.

The Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour retails for $32.00. It is available in two shades: Enivree, a shimmering pink, and Famous, a shimmering red.

Le Vernis Nail Colour retails for $25.00. It is available in Chanel's brightest iconic hue: Rouge Carat, a luminous red.

Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder retails for $52.00. t is available in Feerie Soft, a shimmering pink.

Les Tissages de Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect retails for $45.00. It is available in Brun Rose, French for 'brown rose.'

Ligne Extreme Liquid Eye Liner retails for $32.00. it is available in Or, which is French for 'gold.'

Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow retails for $28.50. It is available in Blazing Gold, a shimmering gold, and Beige Lame, a  bright shimmering beige.

Ombres Contraste Duo Eyeshadow Duo retails for $42.00. it is available in Noire-Ivoire, an black with hints of ivory.

Rouge Allure Laque Luminous Satin Lip Colour retails for $32.00. It is available Empire, a pink rose.

Levres Scintillantes Glossimer retails for $28.50. It is available in Sparkle d’Or, a gold shimmer, and Sweet Beige, a beige shimmer.

Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss Pure Shine Intense Colour Long Wear Lip Gloss retails for $32.00. It is available in Discretion, a luminous beige, and Triomphal, a shimmering red.

Top 5 Long Lasting Lipsticks

As much as we love a sheer, high shine gloss, nothing can beat the undeniable intensity created by a rich, opaque lip color! It may be summer, but that doesn't mean we have to resort to a minimalistic beauty routine. Instead, why not modify our favorite looks? Rather than opting for a dark, dramatic lip color, try out a lighter shade of the same color family.

As we've found in the past, keeping the rich intensity of opaque lip colors throughout the day can be tricky. There's nothing worse than applying a gorgeous, but undeniably over-priced, lip color only to have to reapply it an hour later when the color fades. Now, add in meals, coffee breaks, and summer heat, and your once-full tube is near empty!

Here's our list of the absolute best lipstick, guaranteed to get you through the day and any color compromising issues you may face, without fading!

1. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine was first introduced in April. It should come as no surprise that being affiliated with the great Coco Chanel, Rouge Coco Shine is one of the highest quality makeup lines on the market. Each shade is made with a hydrating formula to keep lips looking full and healthy throughout the day. Although it looks thck and lustrous, each of the eighteen French-inspred shades of Rouge Coco Shine have a water-light texture and go on smooth. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine is available online for $32.

2. Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy was only introduced a month ago, but its already become a staple in our makeup bags. Volupte Sheer Candy represents the true Yves Saint Laurent woman according to YSL makeup artist Llloyd Simmonds. Each of the six shades are made with a moisturizing, rich formula, which allows lips to hold onto the color throughout the day. An added bonus: Each shade smells like mago! Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy is available online for $30.

3. Clinique Chubby Sticks became an instant hit when they were released earlier this year. They've been featured in Seventeen, on the Today Show, and in countless beauty blogs. The Chubby Sticks are available in eight bright shades, and are loaded with shea butter to keep lips moisturized. Also, at half the price of other major brands, Chubby Sticks have become irresistable! Clinique Chubby Sticks are available online for $15.

4. MAC Surf Baby lipstick is without a doubt our favorite summer-y product! As soon as it was announced, we couldn't help but wonder why MAC had gone so far overboard when designing their summer line. Everything was undoubtedly beach-inspired, although it was far more 'beach bum' than 'beach glam.' Now, after trying out each of the four limited edition shades, we know we'll be sad to see it go come fall! The shades are extremely rich, unique shades that won't be seen anywhere else. And, if you do happen to find a similar shade, we can guarantee it won't have MAC's famous top-quality. MAC Surf baby Lipstick is available online for $15.50.

5. Clé de Peau Beauté La Beauté Metalique Extra Rich Lipstick is definitely our splurge-worthy pick. The oh-so-French brand had us at first sight. Just one look at the swatches, and we knew we had to have it! Each of the four colors go on thick and rich, without being overly waxy. Instead, with the help of Vitamin A, the color and texture remains opaque and smooth throughout the day, even after three meals, a coffee break, and countless sips of Vitamin Water. Clé de Peau Beauté La Beauté Metalique Extra Rich Lipstick is available online for $60.

Chanel Les Fleurs d’Ete de Chanel Collection for Summer 2011

Chanel's newest collection, Les Fleurs d'Ete de Chanel (Chanel Flowers of Summer), is very much floral-themed, as the title suggests. The collection includes vernis, suntan lotion, eyeshadow quads, and waterproof eye makeup.

The collection is avaialble NOW at Nordstrom. Below, I've included a rundown of the products, as well as promotional photos. Let me know what you think!

Le Vernis ($25.00) available in Mimosa Yellow, Morning Rose Pink, and Beige Petale Beige.

Soleil Tan de Chanel ($50.00) available in Bronze Corail and Bronze Rose.

Glossimer ($28.50) available in Pensee Coral, Aurore Peach, and Pink Peony Pink.

Soleil Tan de Chanel ($48.00) available in Sunkissed.

Les 4 Ombres / Eyeshadow Quad ($57.00) availble in Lilium.

Ombres Contraste Duo ($42.00) available in Khaki Discret Khaki.

Stylo Yeux Waterproof ($29.00) available in Rose Platine.

Rouge Coco ($32.00) available in Sari Dore and Gardenia.

P.S. Check out my post on Chanel Coco Rouge Shine from earlier this month!

Chanel Coco Rouge Shine

A First Look At The Newest Line From Chanel Cosmetics







“Coco Chanel revolutionized the way women dressed by designing looks that were elegant, yet surprisingly comfortable. Her vision: simple, uncomplicated silhouettes in modern fabrics to lend a new ease and modernity to a woman’s wardrobe.”

There’s no doubt about it- Coco Chanel was fabulous, and by association, anything in her namesake is no less. Aside from the signature black quilted handbags, Chanel is famous for creating the perfect version of our everyday essentials- cosmetics! Let’s just say you haven’t quite lived until you’ve strutted down an NYC sidewalk with a pretty pink Chanel-esque pout, with the ever-present scent of Coco Mademoiselle.

Chanel’s newest product, Rouge Coco Shine, is a line of hydrating sheer lipstick. The water-light texture allows for a long-lasting, full appearance. The signature black case has been refined for Rouge Coco- it’s now packages in a slimmer black case with a new interior design to protect the innovative formula.

Rouge Coco shine will retail for $32, and is expected to hit stores later this month. It is available in the following 18 shades, which are each said to be a source of inspiration in Coco Chanel’s life.

* Chance
* Romance
* Aventure
* Evasion
* Boy
* Liberte
* Sari d’Eau
* Rebelle
* Monte-Carlo
* Fetiche
* Elise
* Unique
* Bonheur
* Canotier
* Biarritz
* Deauville
* Beli-Ami
* Cavaliere

(As seen on JoonBug)

Karl Lagerfeld for Diet Coke

A First Look At Lagerfeld's Second Collaboration With Diet Coke



It seems that when Karl Lagerfeld isn’t photographing and defending Blake Lively, he’s designing Diet Coke bottles. His last collaboration with Diet Coke produced the beyond-chic platinum, black, and pink bottles, graced with Lagerfeld’s silhouette. Now, Lagerfeld is on to the followup collection, which are equally praise-worthy.

The three designs in the newest collection are named Bernadette, Eleanor, and Irene, and they each have their own unique “personas.” Bernadette’s romanticism is matched with polka dots, Eleanor’s fashion forward status is shown with swirls, and Irene’s design is best described as “rock drama.”

Lagerfeld photographed the advertising campaign for the collection, starring Coco Rocha, Heidi Mount and Jeneil Williams. The limited edition bottles will be sold at specialty stores come June.

(As seen on JoonBug)

Chanel vs. Blake Lively

Will Blake Keep Her Spot As The Face Of Chanel, Or Will The Execs Get Their Way And Be Rid Of Lively?


Remember a few months ago when Blake Lively became the official “It” girl of Hollywood? Not only was she the reigning Queen of the Upper East Side, but she was on the cover of Allure, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair, and literally every other glamorous high fashion magazine. She was also awarded not one, not two, but three Vogue covers, and became BFF’s with Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour practically overnight. But perhaps her biggest claim to fame was the announcement that Blake herself would be the face of Chanel Mademoiselle Handbags this Spring. (Did we mention that her biggest fan is none other than Karl Lagerfeld?!)

Well, that was then, and this is now. Blake’s Chanel ads are first beginning to appear (Check out the new Vogue!) in our favorite glossies, and although she looks glamorous as ever (Then again, how could something photographed by Lagerfeld himself not look glamorous?!), her role as a spokes model for the French fashion house is met with little enthusiasm.

America as a whole still loves Blake, but it seems that’s the problem- Chanel execs hate her overall American look, penning it as too wholesome and “off-brand”. In other words, Blake’s contemporary beauty isn’t quite in sync with Chanel USA’s ongoing attempts to identify it’s styles with the height of Parisian sophistication.

In the end, it seems the cited “internal grumblings” won’t hurt Lively’s newfound success. Karl Lagerfeld seems to love the breath of fresh air she’s bringing to the company. "She's a kind of American dream girl," he told WWD. "It was an easy job because everyone fell in love with her."

(As seen on JoonBug)

Blake Lively For Chanel

The Long-Awaited Ad Campaign Won't Be In Magazines Until April, But We're Giving A First Look!

Blake Lively first captured America's hearts as Bridget in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants back in 2005. Two years later, she became known to the world as Serena Van Der Woodsen, the beautiful, exciting, wealthy, and overall perfect Queen of the Upper East Side.

Since then, Blake's role has become her reality, and she has gone on to be the covergirl for Cosmogirl, Teen Vogue, Nylon, Lucky, Seventeen, Vanity Fair, Cosmopolitan, Allure, and most notably, Vogue. Consistently dressed in the most stylish clothes from the hottest designers, Blake has become a style icon. She's the inspiration for both Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld, earning her three Vogue covers as well as her newest accomplishment, spokesmodel for Chanel Handbags for Spring 2011. Here's a sneak peek of the ad (above) which won't hit magazine stands until April. It was shot by Karl Lagerfeld himself!

(As seen on JoonBug)

Mother of costume Pearl

Take A Nod From Old Hollywood Glamour This Spring!

Whether they're real or fake, pearls are always in style. Their classic look is associated with sophistication, grace, and feminine charm. The moment a pearl necklace is added to an outfit, it is transformed from a few paired separates, to a beautifully polished ensemble. This holds true more than anywhere in Washington DC, where the idea of style is tailored and polished.

Although it is always preferred to wear the real thing rather than a knockoff, pearls are becoming an exception. The economy is continuing to take a toll on our stylistic choices, making real pearls a little out of reach for most. In the past, it was socially unacceptable to wear fake pearls over the age of 14, but now, it is becoming more and more accepted. The main reason for this exception is that fake pearls look so much like the real thing, it is almost impossible to notice the difference without being up close.

This Spring, costume pearls will be seen on everyone from Chanel models to Blake Lively, and they will definitely not be considered tacky! In fact, costume pearls help recreate the image of old Hollywood glamour- just think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's! Costume pearls will be seen on every imaginable accessory- purses, watches, rings, earrings, and necklaces. (Check out this necklace from Banana Republic!) Embrace the "piled-on" look- you'll look glamorous without breaking your wallet!

(As seen on JoonBug)

Mother of Costume Pearl

Take A Nod From Old Hollywood Glamour This Spring!

Whether they're real or fake, pearls are always in style. Their classic look is associated with sophistication, grace, and feminine charm. The moment a pearl necklace is added to an outfit, it is transformed from a few paired separates, to a beautifully polished ensemble. This holds true more than anywhere in Washington DC, where the idea of style is tailored and polished.

Although it is always preferred to wear the real thing rather than a knockoff, pearls are becoming an exception. The economy is continuing to take a toll on our stylistic choices, making real pearls a little out of reach for most. In the past, it was socially unacceptable to wear fake pearls over the age of 14, but now, it is becoming more and more accepted. The main reason for this exception is that fake pearls look so much like the real thing, it is almost impossible to notice the difference without being up close.

This Spring, costume pearls will be seen on everyone from Chanel models to Blake Lively, and they will definitely not be considered tacky! In fact, costume pearls help recreate the image of old Hollywood glamour- just think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's! Costume pearls will be seen on every imaginable accessory- purses, watches, rings, earrings, and necklaces. (Check out this necklace from Banana Republic!) Embrace the "piled-on" look- you'll look glamorous without breaking your wallet!

(As seen on JoonBug DC)