the style observer is about putting it all together

be inspired by Coco Chanel

October 6th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ accessories classic clothing dresses handbags jewelry necklaces shoes sunglasses

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:

  • sunglasses @ Forever21
  • Teardrop brooch @ Forever21
  • quillted flap bag @ baghaus
  • Twelve by Twelve belted Tulip dress @ Forever21
  • ‘Maime’ leather pumps @ Bakers Shoes
  • beaded ornament necklace @ Forever21

  • how to dress your black dress for summer

    July 14th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$$ $$$$ Alexander McQueen Anya Hindmarch Atelier Marisa Catherine Malandrino Cathy Waterman Christian Louboutin L.A.M.B. Marco Bicego accessories bracelets clothing dresses earrings glamorous handbags jewelry looks shoes

    You’ve got another party to go to, and you’ve run out of Summer ideas. Don’t be afraid to pull out your favorite black dress. The way to work a black dress into Summer style is with accessories. Go for a Grecian sun-kissed look. Black will simply glow with brushed gold accents. Pull your hair up with modern edge, and now this dress works from the suburbs to the city. Another way to dress your black dress for Summer is to kick it up with some color. Bring the color of the sea to the dress by popping on some refined turquoise earrings. Mix pieces of white and gold in for a polished look. A creamy white clutch will give it an elegant summer edge. Pull your curled hair back loosely so the pieces fall gracefully from your face. You’ll be relaxed and refined, and people will naturally be drawn to you. It’s not always about buying something new to wear. Sometimes it’s about redefining what you already have.

    2 examples in this observation:

    Left:

  • Cathy Waterman green tourmaline leaf earrings @ Ylang|23
  • Catherine Malandrino Spaghetti strap dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • Marco Bicego confetti bracelet 5-strand graduated with lemon citrine and peridot @ JR Dunn
  • Christian Louboutin Frescobaldi sandals @ Net-a-Porter
  • Anya Hindmarch ‘Libertines’ woven leather clutch


  • Right:

  • Atelier Marisa turquoise orbit earrings with diamonds @ Ylang|23
  • Alexander McQueen Balconette fitted dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • L.A.M.B. stitched pumps @ Asos
  • Anya Hindmarch ‘Madia’ cream leather clutch