Things I Love ... Crystal Chanel

Today's edition is short and sweet.  This week I found a photo of the most amazing Chanel 2.55 bag... covered in crystals!  Now is this practical, no. Would I be terrified to take this almost anywhere, yes.  But it's still stunningly gorgeous and I can't get it out of my head.  It's great eye candy...

(image via Jenna Fifi)

Trip to Bombay

Today I'm headed to Louisville, Kentucky for my first ever Indian wedding.  I'm excited to see what will be in store and can't wait to see my dear friend from SCAD in her brightly colored wedding attire (that she got in India!).  To help get in the mood, here are some slightly odd photos from the Chanel pre-fall ad campaign.  Last December, Karl Lagerfeld showed the Chanel collection that is debuting now which he entitled Paris-Bombay.  It's a mix of classic tweeds with Indian embroideries and intricacies.  While I don't support model Daria Strokous' dreadlock hairdo, the clothing details are still stunning.

Enjoy!

(images via Visual Optimism)

Classic Couture

I realize I've been a little fashion heavy but it's hard when Resort and Couture overlap... I just get so excited about new looks that I have to share! So to finish up (I promise! Until Fashion Week...but you've got until September for to be bombarded again, I swear!) I want to show a few more of my favorite couture looks from Paris.  Mainly, I just want to show two of my perpetual favorite designers, no matter the season: Chanel and Valentino.  Truly, what more could a girl need.  Both of these brands are classic and timeless, with flattering silhouettes no matter the girl or the decade.  But both can also be extremely feminine, edgy and sexy while delivering some of the most stunning details.

At Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld try to create a "new vintage" by using more traditional silhouettes and plenty of tweed but revitalizing the classics for modern day.  However, the tweed wasn't just fabric, it was all carefully hand-crafted embroidery.  This detail was not limited to tweeds, but was used in every look.  At Valentino, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli also used classic staples from the brand mixed with extraordinary details while creating a newer, edgier feel that was more dark romanticism than airy and light.

So here are my absolute favorite, enjoy!

Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

The most amazing wedding dress moment, crafted with white feathers

Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

OBSESSED with this lace detail!

(images via Style.com)

Ultra Timeless

While Chanel is known for many high fashion pieces, it might be less widely known for its fine jewelry.  The French fashion house has a wide range of jewelry from costume to luxury pieces.  While costume is some of the most common, crafted after the jewelry Coco herself would often wear, the more luxury pieces are often understated and timeless.  While there are different collections that feature copious amounts of diamonds and designs that range from stars to the house's signature camellias, some of the most beautiful pieces are the most simple.  Some collections feature black and white ceramic, colors that are signature to the brand.  I personally am fortunate enough to own a small black onyx ring in the shape of a camellia that commemorates my time spent studying abroad in Paris.  It is one of the most elegant pieces of jewelry I will probably ever own, in part because of it's timeless design.  The Chanel Ultra collection is similar because it features pieces that will always be in fashion.  Crafted of white or black ceramic and diamonds that are banded together, the Ultra collection is simple but still fiercely elegant.  One ring or piece is all you would ever need.  And with black or white, you've got your bases covered.

Here's a video Chanel created to showcase the collection.  Enjoy!

Cruise through Versailles

Yesterday Karl Lagerfeld debuted the Chanel Cruise collection for 2013 at Versailles just outside of Paris.  Filled with lots of denim, classic tweed and feminine silhouettes, the collection also takes a nod to 18th century styling which was only reinforced by the beautiful setting.  Even the hair and makeup in fun pastel shades recall the fantasy of Marie Antoinette and her court.

With 71 looks for men and women, here are just a few of my favorites.

Just had to show this... quilted watering can. Only Karl...

(images via Style.com and NY Mag)

Summer Shades

Back from Dallas and a little frazzled considering I have a huge project due for school today.  So here is something fun!


During summertime (or basically whenever it's warm out) I like to have bright colors on my nails. Currently my favorite shades are two from Chanel. A hot pink named Pink Insolent and a peachy pastel named June. The pink is a perfect pedicure for May and the peach is a great alternative to a neutral manicure.

Chanel nail polish, $25 where Chanel makeup products are sold