Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel: Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel

19 August 1883 – 10 January 1971

Coco Chanel. Timeless, chic to the very core. Everyone knows Coco Chanel - the pioneer of female (and also male) fashion. I certainly knew about her, but not enough. So during my lesson (!) I decided to explore about Coco, really find out about her, knowing why she is so popular even until this date and more importantly why her quotes make such an impact on people's (okay then mine) lives.

So I searched Wikipedia, haha I know thats funny to read but it was the only website I could think of as of the time.. And wow did I learn alot, like how she was born in the poorhouse, her mother dying when Coco was still at such a tender age, her dad leaving 5 siblings to cater for themselves, or even more importantly that her name is infact Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, something I certainly did not know about! I'm sure people reading this will think "blah! old news.." but I wont bother lying.. all I knew about Chanel was their fondess for quilted leather, their iconic chain bags, and popular perfumes (and other's or course!). But finding out such history.. well it was shocking and a bit saddening at first, but then I now read how she made a name for herself courting not just rich men but affluent rich men - a motive that made her rise to fashion power!

I was continuing my research and even found out she dated a Nazi, something shocking but what amazed me is how she was completely unfazed when parasians started to hate her, what did she do? She made herself bigger of course, and what better than making yourself famous within good old America?
Now people who know me well knows that when I want to learn about something I find as much information as I possibly can until I am fully satisfied; Im not fully satisfied just yet, so Im still learning.. Anywho I found out that she created the famous Chanel 2.55. It turns out she decided to make a purse/bag because she was tired of losing her things when out, and knew women all over the world felt the same. So she carefully designed a bag that would be the most known bag in much of the world, and what is more special is that the design of the bag is just quite simple. I havent got the Chanel 2.55 myself, but I do borrow my mothers who has about five (I borrow most of my mothers things!) and after seeing the original Chanel 2.55 I do covet after it..

The Chanel 2.55 was named "2.55" because of its date: Feburary 1955. The original bag had the Mademoiselle lock (it was called the mademoiselle lock as Coco never married). Also the chain is different as it is designed with a full gold chain instead of the newer version that are interwined with leather. The chain was used as Coco grew up in an convnent orphanage as a similar chain was used to tie around the children's caretakers to carry keys. The front flap pocket has been said that it was used to hide her many love letters from the man she was seeing! The lining which was reddish brown represents the uniform the children wore at the orphanage. The idea behind this famous bag is quite sad as it represents Coco's hard childhood. Very sad :( lol but really it doesnt suprise me how she later lived a flamboyant lifestyle; who wouldn't if they grew up in hard conditions and had the chance to rectify it? The 2.55 has been re-designed in so many different leathers, styles and sizes, it was Karl Lagerfield who designed the double cc during the 80's when he bacame the sole designer.

I have always loved the house of Chanel and I have now even gained more respect for the fashion-house which is why I decided to write a post on it. There is a few films based on Coco's life but they're in French, and even though I spent 6-7 years learning the language all I know fluently is 1-20 so unfortunately I cant watch it :( ..

Balmania!

This season, Balmania has been captivating me and many others in the fashion world.The 80s are back! and... Balmain's spring 09 collection has magnificently revived the trends of one of the most fashionable eras. The highlights of the collection include military style coats with his signature massive shoulder pads, bandage dresses, deconstructed acid-wash jeans and killer studded stilletos, which all the models confidently strutted down the catwalk in. I absolutely adore the deep green sequined dress with you guessed it, massive shoulder pads. The dress is so luxurious, and utterly fabulous. The killer heels add an edge to the dress and illustrate the versatility of the label. Rather than most labels which focus on a certain look, Balmain's spring 09 collection encompasses a range of juxtaposing looks from the masculine blazer worn with dark trousers to the ultra feminine white bandage dress. I salute you Balmain, for bringing the 80s back in an unforgettable way!

YSL Tribute.. Shoes after my Heart!

1st August 1936 - 1st June 2008

I love YSL! I remember when I was little playing dressing up in my mothers extensive designer.. stuff. And I will amways remember this YSL gold belt, absolutley lush! So when I heard that Yves Saint Laurent died last year during the summer, I was quite literally devestated. Then those tribute shoes came out, and I swear all the celebrites had a pair! I think that they were getting as popular as the Chanel quilted/chain bag, but this was a good thing, the tribute platforms are just superb, they make your feet sexy, and not all shoes can perform such thing (apart from Louboutins of course). Ive seen them everywhere and in different colours looking simply amazing!

The first time I saw a pair was on Mary-Kate Olsen. I can remember the outfit vividly. Tight leather trousers, oversized grey t-shirt and those shoes, I think both the sisters love them as much as I do because they're always seen in them!

The funniest thing of all is that the style of the shoes is not extra-ordinary, infact quite simple looking, but thinking about great pieces of fashion are usually never OTT, i.e. Hermes Birkin, Louboutins, clasic Chanel bags..

I was just going through the street style section in the ELLE website and I saw someone wearing them in eletric blue and my love for them just doubled again. The reason for this is that I usually see the shoes in patent black or natural brown, so it was a nice suprise to see it in a nice fun colour. To be honest I actually dont know why I havent bagged myself a pair.. or where they limited edition? Hmm.. I should know this lol. But if they aren't, then a pair will be coming very close to me soon..

- images from NYDailynews ©

Street Style!

Okay is it just me, but dont you just love reading ELLE and Grazia (those are the only two magazines I read) and flicking right to the street style pages?! No..? Well for me I really do, I've even gone as far as to going on the website and just going straight to street style. I've noticed that ELLE mainly show off-duty models and what they wear which is nice; because I'm so used to seeing them on the catwalk. Its even better on the ELLE site because they feature street style in the most fashionable cities in the world.. Paris, London, Milan, New York.. ooh! I dont even know which place I admire more or better still where would I love to live (I know I live in London but shh!). I think it would have to be in New York though, because of its urban-ness, The City, and great food! I love this part of fashion so much because you sorta learn peoples cultures through their dressing, some styles I've seen has shocked others but I admire them because they're being.. indivdual! Also I find that they are great tips, and usually when I'm dithering on what to wear, I go straight to the street style pages! So I've decided that every month i will feature street style on this blog to make it truely different and unique! But for today I'm going to post pictures of styles that I've seen and truely adore!
If anyone finds street styles that they love send us the link please! :)

p.s. I'm at my sixth form now, so I'll put the pictures up later on today when I get home.

Matthew Willansom for H&M

Matthew Willamson

As we (fashionistas!) all know, Matthew Willamson is collaborating with H&M; and is known for his sexy prints and bold colours - which is bang in trend this summer. To be honest I was a bit sceptical as I truely believed that no designer could beat the Comme des Garcons collection (i loved the collection soo much I pratically bought every item!) but after seeing the MW collection in ELLE, internet, etc, I came to the conclusion that this will definately be a hit! Even more so, this will be Mr. Willamson's first attempt on menswear.. I'm sure this will be as big as are his womenswear and childrenswear collections!

On working with H&M, Willamson stated:

"It is an incredible opportunity to be working with H&M, creating a 'Matthew Williamson for H&M' capsule collection. I love the fact that H&M has created a new phenomenon in fashion through the pioneering concept of collaborating with high-end designers to create one-off limited edition capsule collections. I am thrilled that my creations for H&M will be accessible to and hopefully enjoyed by so many people around the world."

H&M has enjoyed success by collaborating with other top designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Valantino, Comme des Garcons with pieces selling out within hours around the world. However, Mathew Willamson's collection will run into mid-May 09! My birthday month, which I'm totally happy about!

Selected stores will be selling his pieces; in London these stores are:

H&M Bond Street

H&M Knightsbridge

H&M Brent Cross Shopping Centre

H&M Oxford Circus

H&M Regent Street

H&M High Street, Kensington

- information from www.hm.com/uk

I personally cant wait for the collection to officially open - 2 days! I have been going on the H&M website everyday and looking at his clothes, and they are beautiful. I have my eyes on..

I absolutely love this dress! The rich colour is elegant and chic to the very core! Personally I am not into bright colours; much more into the whole black/white look, but I really love this dress! However I would not wear it with the belt!

Okay so this is the first outfit I saw from the collection in the ELLE mags, and when I mean I fell in love.. I mean I fell in love! This is THE best maxi-dress I have seen so far and definately will have it! And the leather jacket.. ooh I dont know which one i love more! Ive been looking for an 80's reminiscent jacket, and this is so it!

Love this outfit, it screams me -well the blazer does anyways, and also if it was black lol- but anyways i love this because of its rich colour, just like the dress above. Im not sure if i will get the trousers (it really is to bright for me!) but i definately will get the blazer; I would wear it with a bodycon skirt and a simple tshirt, playsuit, ripper jeans.. the blazer is just so versatile!

Other pieces are - (I'm not so keen on these outfits, but I'll put them up anyways!)

- images from urbanbloc.com / juicy.mashkulture.net

What's new for The Hills stars?

Well it seems that our favourite fashionistas are causing more controversy in their fifth season. Lauren Conrad has confirmed that she is sadly leaving the show and moving on to pastures new. The star told Entertainment Weekly"I actually thought last season was going to be my last," . "[But] the producers wanted to hopefully give the show some sort of closure, needing one more season to do that." She is reportedly leaving the show in order to relieve herself from the pressures of being followed around constantly by cameras, which in my opinion is quite understandable as she has literally grown up in the eyes of the public since her teens.


On a more comical note, our favorite villain Spencer Pratt blasted Lady Gaga by saying that "people are acting like she's the new Britney Spears." He went on to say that "I don't know why this girl gets so much attention and press. I guess if you dress like a fool and have crazy, ridiculous haircuts, people start paying attention."He then added insult to injury, by insinuating that his wife Heidi is more talented than the likes of "Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Beyonce and Christina Aguilera!".


Lauren's best friend Lo Bosworth claimed that she believes The Hills can go on without Lauren and that Heidi and Spencer could possibly replace her as the main focus of the show. She told E! Online that "they get great press on their own, so there's always the possibility that the show can do really well with them as main parts,". This is quite shocking coming from someone who constantly displayed immense dislike for the couple for the past two seasons!

Lastly, Lauren has been seen in the new SoHo TopShop in New York. As usual she is carrying her true love; her Chanel quilted chain bag. Absolutely gorgeous!


- images from lauren-conrad.net & evilbeetgossip.com ©

Nina Ricci's sexy Platform's..

I know this is a bit late.. okay literally two months gone, but I really want to write about these shoes! I first saw them on the Metro Newspaper during March and thought they were amazing, and was a bit pissed at how the journalist called them clown shoes! I think they're magnificant, and the higher the better! I read that they are 11 inches tall.. Imagine that! I would be the tallest amongst all my friends.. which would be a nice change..

I really would love to own a pair, or at least to just hold them in my arms like precious gifts! Looking at them i truely do not understand how people could call them ugly, they're exquisite..

Mind you.. I do feel a bit sorry for the models, the shoes are beautiful but they look a tad bit painful.. haha..

Actually if you look at these two pictures you'll notice that the models feet aren't exactly stretched, infact they look like they're wearing normal heels but just with an extended platform and heel.

SexPot: Asher Roth!

Okay so I'm doing my second post now, and im dedicating it to the suburban rapper Asher Roth. I'm pretty sure that most people have heard of Asher Roth with his single "I love College". If the video of the song is anything to go by, social life in American uni's seem much better here in the UK. :(

Anywho, I really like Asher Roth because he isn't your average "rapper". He doesnt dress in that rather irratating way (you know jeans practically down the knees, all that 'bling", excessive tattoos, etc) and also raps about how we should help those less fortunate and not be so self-centered, quote: "self centred people be the root of all evil" - A Millie. However, I really really like Asher Roth because he is quite simply sexy in a rough-just-tumbled-out-of-bed-way. So i thought Ill just put some pictures of him here, for all the other fashionable asher roth lovers out there! Enjoy!

I'm looking for more pictures of him, so I'll keep updating!

..Found some more!

Lol I think these two must've been taken the same day..

Well I think thats enough for now, but I'll add more if I see anything new.

Asher Roth's new album, Asleep In The Bread Aisle is out on the 20th April and available in iTunes.

- Images from Google Image. ©

Going Nude is the way forward!

Nicholas Kirkwood nude ankle boots
£510

This s/s 09, I am finding myself particularly drawn to the nude trend. Why? ...Because it symbolises femininity and adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to all my outfits. After raiding my mother's wardrobe I found the most gorgeous clutch in nude, which I have recently taken to showing off at every given opportunity. At the moment, I am wearing my rose coloured ballet pumps from French sole which add a classic twist to the everyday outfit.

Chloé is the ultimate label to turn to if you're looking for nude pieces to add your wardrobe as they have created an abundance of uber-feminine dresses which show that going nude is the way forward! My favourite piece from their summer 09 runway is a rose mini dress with an open back in cotton satin. This dress is so versatile that it can be worn to many different occasions. I'll be purchasing one for any parties I'll be attending this summer. Kim Kardashian looked simply darling at Tori Spelling's book party in a pale lavender floral-print tiered Camilla and Marc dress which boasted asymmetrical stripes. Her nude heels complemented her ensemble perfectly and demonstrated what going nude is all about.

- Images are from Elle UK © and Kim Kardashian/Celebuzz ©

Playsuits are back!

Chloe double-breasted jumpsuit
£1,116

Here we are again with the lastest S/S 09 trend the playsuit. Or the jumpsuit; whichever one you prefer, i.e. TopShop calls them Jumpsuit. Playsuits are nearly as contreversial as the Harem pants. However I love them both. (I have two harem pants, and im planning on buying many more!) I especially love this Chloe playsuit.. Its beautiful, i love the double breast design and billowing effect on the legs, perfect for me who unfortunatly has fat thighs (sigh). If I get this then Ill wear it with Christian Louboutins courts and a nice oversized clutch. I've seen box clutches here and there but im not to keen on them.. reminds me of lunchboxes during primary school!
Playsuits aren't just loved by me mind you, I am constantly seeing celebrities wearing playsuits, especially Lady GaGa (who i adore)..

Ive tried finding out what this playsuit is by, but i cant find anything. Lady GaGa is wearing this elegant white playsuit with nude (my other sixth former will be making a post on nudes!) shoes and a big oversized bag. I love this look, but im not so sure about the oversized bag.. the playsuit is so elegant and stylish but the bag is more casual and laid-back. I love this playsuit, speaking of playsuits I have a white party to attend in a month, and i would love to wear this! I would be the belle of the ball! Okay back to GaGa..


Lady GaGa in a sexy playsuit.. I think she is wearing peep-toe Christian Louboutins, Ray-bans, her signature leather cut-offs gloves.. literally working the OTT look, but the genius of it all is that it looks great!

There is a particular picture I'm looking for of GaGa, she wore it in London recently to Bungalow 8. It's a black see-through jumpsuit.. I'm still looking and when I find it, I'll post it straightaway.

I've found it!

I am very pleased with myself for finding this picture, came across it on ASOS. So, here we have GaGa in another playsuit; see-through. Amazing, i think she is wearing big black knickers, but no bra, sexy and still moderate! She is wearing neon heels, and her trademark bow, im trying to find a bow like that, if anyone knows please say!