Style that looks effortless is the most intriguing style of all. By effortless, I don’t mean look like you didn’t try at all. The idea is to look pulled together without looking like you’re trying too hard. To achieve this - keep the major pieces understated, but rich in structure and design. Pay attention to the tailoring; it should fit beautifully. The Miu Miu jacket has a frilled waist which adds a feminine touch, yet it’s understated in it’s color and fabric. The beauty is in the design. Choose colors that are basic, and can mix well into your wardrobe. You want the ability to create a lot of different looks with the same pieces. An off-white silk blouse can work its way into a million different outfits. A great pair of jeans - a must- of course. Accessories can be a bit more bold, if you want to amp it up. A python bag pops perfectly on a neutral backdrop. This style is one of my favorites, people notice the woman instead of the outfit. That’s ideal!

simply chic items in this observation:

Of course, we’ve all heard of Chanel. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the woman behind the successful fashion house was innovative, ingenious, and an independent thinker. She was never one to follow the trends, and soon she was the one setting the trends. She never quit, never accepted failure, and followed her own ideas all the way. During the depression, she worked with what she could, and designed some of her most significant pieces. You could say, she was given lemons and made some really great lemonade. So, be inspired! Yes, we’re all looking to save money right now - be innovative, be ingenious! You don’t have to spend a lot to look great. Do your research, or work wonders with what you have in your closet. Since we’ve been so inspired by the life of Coco Chanel, we’ve created a Chanel inspired look for under $190. Yes! You can look fabulous for under $200! Thanks Coco!

Tips when bargain hunting:
1. Pay attention to fabric. It shouldn’t look flimsy.
2. Keep it simple. If detail isn’t done well, it makes the garment look cheap.
3. Taylor it. A garment that fits nicely will always look better.
4. Look at high-end designer collections before you go shopping, so you can spot good copy when you see it.

Coco inspired items in this observation:

Mary Poppins’ tapestry bag worked wonders for her, but does it make magic for the rest of us? Gucci seems to think it does. They are featuring tapestry bags in their Fall accessories collection. Does the fact that Gucci deems them fashionable actually mean they are? Are you more likely to embrace it, because they designed it? To be honest, I took a longer look at it primarily because Gucci designed it. I would never have considered a tapestry bag before, but I actually think there are certain styles that can pull it off. I can see it on a woman who is a bit of a gypsy, free in style and spirit. She has great appreciation for an artisan’s work, and loves to acquire pieces that speak to a persons craft. While the bag may not be for me, on the right person it could work Mary Poppins style magic. If you don’t have a Gucci sized budget, we found a few at lower price points. Good Luck!

a tapestry of observations:

clockwise:

middle: