She was unique. Dashing. Forward thinking. Empowering. That was, Chanel. With her birthday happening this month, its no wonder we wanted to take a moment to celebrate this extraordinary women. Her life, and, her art were integrated into one grand experience, and, women everywhere sa her spritis and admired her, and, her workers were terrified of her. She was exacting, demanding, precise. What did she do, that other houses of couture simply could not grasp? That a woman, could, if she dared, play both sides of the fence. She didn't have to rest as one image, she could, be explore the masucline side of femininity, and the feminine side of being tailored, or masculine. There was a dash of the theatrical, the circus, the horsewoman, and the elements of a Watteau painting, and, also, the love of the decorative arts that is the soul of Paris. Chanel is fashion. Fragrance, a lifestyle, a point of view. A Chanel women, is all things, to herself, first, then, she is everything that a women wants to be: daring, explorative, sensual, girlish, and, sophisticated. Legendary.

Dior Fall Collections: Paris Nights

The Delights of Dior are to be found in every collection, and, often American magazine writers mistake the delicious fantasies for real fashion.  No, the sensibility of French Couture is that Fashion, is an art, a delightful romp into a vision of a dreamer.  Theater. Opera. Movies. All great influences for the French Couture business. Just breathtaking, and designed to simply 'stop' our breath.

Once inside the shop, (the Christian Dior Boutique) on Avenue Montaigne (I was there during a fashion night party) you'll experience the more everyday things that proper French ladies come to depend on: Bags, shoes, coats, and skirts, blouses, and other well-crafted separates that a proper lady simply must have.  Fur vests, worn over delicious Italian cashmere and mixed with tweed skirts that fold over into wraps, or are sky-high short. These are lady like clothes that the teen audience won't buy. They are decidedly committed to the Dior shoes and bags. So, what's a girl to do?  Simply sit back, and enjoy the ride, as the runway is where the dreams are made, before they reach your store.  We suggest, that, you relax, have a glass of champagne, and, enjoy what the French are so good at: Fantasy, Imagination and Impossible Dreams that are made for the Royal Princess in all of us.

Fall Fashion Report 2: We're Lovin the Leather

OMG the fall collections were full of great leather pieces that are perfect for every closet and business wardrobe. We were happy to see that the prim ladies-who-lunch will be sent right over the edge with these dangerous, sexy, and classic pieces.  There were pants, skinny leggings, sheath dresses and skirts. For business travel you can easily pack these pieces, too, and, we suggest earth tones for the most fashion miles. There are shapes for every figure so don't be afraid, go ahead, take a walk....on the wild side.

We saw the best selection at Bergdorf Goodman, but, you'll find that many upscale and even mass market stores like Banana Republic will carry leathers in your price range.

Grey Days: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

Grey and gloomy days will never be the same again with the Hot Spring Trend carried into Fall.  Beautiful. Sleek. Smokey. Neutral.  Smashing. Grey is smokey, delicious and mysterious. Also, practical and neutral when worn tone on tone, or, when paired with creme, taupe, smoke or navy, its a whole new Grey Day.


All styles above available at Bergdorf Goodman.com

FALL Paris Report Number One: Midnight Navy is the New Black, Again.

Fall 2010 Report makes Navy and Midnight the new take on Black, a welcome change from the usual suspects.  Here is what we love about Navy: its chic, it simple, you can wear almost anything with it, gold, silver, platinum, shiny or  matte, suede, its going to be very practical to take the elements right out of your closet and go. We Love That. Power lunch, dinner out, chic and simple. Navy. Midnight. Ink. Indigo. Done.

Bag Chic: The New Satchel

The Satchel has left the mail room.  This is the new shape for fall, and, like its mailbag counterpart, its easy to carry and very useful. But, then, there's that style factor. This bag will finally put all of our things into place. No more searching inside the dark amorphous shapes of the HOBO BAG, where all things get lost like the Bermuda Triangle.  This new shape will take the Fall handbag scene by storm, so, be prepared and put your slobby hobos in the back of the closet. The Chic, simple, ladylike satchel bag is here to stay.

Getting Glowing: The Guerlain Bronzer and the Perfect Toes

In Paris, a girl doesn't get much of a tan, so, she has to resort to the best in the biz. The Guerlain Bronzer, is the classic, and, can't be replaced in our humble opinion for the summer.

It now comes in about 8 shades, so, there is a tan for every complexion.  Personally, I love to take out this beautiful tortoise case, and, sweep away on my cheeks, neck and decollete, and secret tip: the tops of your shoulders! The Kabuki shaped brush is the best, and, Guerlain has provided one for you, but any soft brush will do!

Now, truthfully, girls, you don't need the sun, and, if you do it right, you can apply this over your favorite moisturizer, sunscreen, or foundation, and, achieve the "la Bronze Francaise" which is safe for your skin. Why age, when, you can bronze?

We think the only other thing you need, is some deep charcoal, black or navy eyeliner, that's it, and, don't forget the gloss, and, the Nouvelle Vague Toes, which are the rage of summer!

Stylist Privee