They say that the 90’s are back.

When it comes to Chanel, I wonder if they ever left…

Chanel is  a classic.  This 1991 Chanel Jacket  worn by Supermodel Naomi Campbell looks like she is walking the Runway today.

Proof that Chanel is truly Timeless.      

Chanel circa 1990

Coco Chanel

Known for designing so many style staples that stood the test of time:

The Chanel Jacket

Chanel  Pearls (layered to perfection)

Chanel handbag (quilted leather  with stitching detail)

and  the LBD (little black dress) !

Image Circa 1959.

Image Courtesy of Elle.com

McQueen…. the movie is a quick yet intimate “behind the scenes documentary” about this uber private and immensely talented yet possibly tortured soul of the late designer we came to know as Alexander(Lee) McQueen.

If you’re looking for a movie/documentary that’s heavy on fashion and provides a story line that is both happy and tragic-I have just the flick for you. McQueen- a documentary that explores the life of British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, who started his career in his teens before gaining notice as designer for Givenchy and launching his own label, which continues to this day. He took his own life in 2010 at the age of 40.

The film has a brief viewing time of 111 minutes and includes intimate footage of his early years growing up in London’s east end, family life complete with touching commentary by his beloved Mother, his first foray into the design world as a Bespoke tailor on Savile Row (where he learned those extraordinary tailoring skills-which became synonymous with the McQueen label) and in a riveting story line provides the viewer with all the twists and turns of his ultimate discovery,extraordinary career success and personal demise that ended in his suicide in 2010.

I was entranced by this film,the fashion,the cast of characters he was surrounded by and the steady rise and heartbreaking demise of this creative genius known as Alexander McQueen.

Images courtesy of vogue uk/pinterest and Savage Beauty Exhibit 2015

I must confess I am obsessed with designer Johanna Ortiz. Ortiz is a designer of Colombian decent and her designs are ultra feminine and soooo beautiful.

I’ve been an avid shopper of the online site Boston Proper for more years than I can even recall. It’s one of my “go to sites” where  I can find affordable and fabulous fashion that is well made and designer inspired. If you need some verification besides my own to this statement testimonial, might I share  a little tidbit about my dear friend Penelope ( a major shopper and devotee of all thing HIGH fashion-think Chanel, Prada, Gucci-her closet is a Who’s Who of the best brands in luxury fashion). Any who, years ago I wrote  a post about Boston Proper (BP) and being the good friend that she is- Penelope read the post and then proceeded to check out BP for herself. Fast forward a few weeks after Penelope read the post and I get a phone call: It went something like this: “Terri, I don’t know if I should thank you or scold you because I have been shopping BP like crazy. I love everything they carry. Seriously…… this is getting out of control!”  She was so happy with the quality and the price points that to this day Penelope continues to shop BP on a verrry regular basis. Quite a testimonial from a friend known to exclusively shop Designer (and I don’t mean discount). To get your Summer wardrobe off to a fresh start I thought it might be nice to share my favorite item on the site and encourage you to clickity click over to BP and see for yourself that Summer just got a whole lot more fashionable and affordable. Enjoy! P.S. Penelope and I are still the dearest of friends.

Striped Wide Leg Jumpsuit $149.00 Image Courtesy of Boston Proper

*Click onto image and go directly to item on site…

Mosaic Neckpiece by Jason Wu for Swarovski Atelier

Swarovski is celebrating their 10 year Anniversary and to add some serious design mojo to the occasion they have selected Jason Wu to create an exclusive Atelier Swarovski line. The collection entitled “Mosaic” consists of 7 items (2 necklaces,2 pairs of earrings, 1 ring, 1 bangle and 1 small sized clutch). The number of items presented  seems to be fitting for the occasion since 7 IS a lucky number.  All the items are beauuutiful (trust me on this one-the site  web page  does NOT do it justice) and all items are  priced a “tad” higher than their usual line (Tad translation-prices are MUCH higher  than the usual Swarovski offerings).

Price points start at $249.99 for the ring and top out at (wait for it) $2, 990.00 for the necklace featured above. Bear in mind this collection is designed by THE Jason Wu! (who burst onto the fashion spotlight when he designed the Inauguration Gowns (yes that is plural) for Michelle Obama and continues to dazzle the fashion world with his creations today.

*To view the  Mosaic Atelier Collection in it’s entirety click on the image above.

Once upon a time lace was only reserved for wedding wear aka bridal gowns. But that was long ago and today is a whole different story. Lovely  lace and ruffles in particular have made a major comeback this summer and the look can be frilly, feminine and modern. The thrill of the frill can be purchased at all price points and if you have a stash of cash might I suggest perusing the collection from Zimmerman.com or if you don’t want to break the bank I have a few suggestions…just scroll down and click the pic to be sent to the source. Enjoy!

Image courtesy of Vogue.com

Zimmerman Collection S/S 2017

Image courtesy of Fashionisers.com

And..for some super affordable options might I suggest:

Lulu’s.com Maxi Dress $96.00

Bardot Halter/Nordstrom.com $119.00

Boston Proper Lace Maxi $169.00

Image courtesy of Candice Lake on Instagram

I’ve yet to meet a woman that doesn’t covet a beautiful Chanel jacket (or Chanel anything for that matter). We’d all  love to have one or two or ten Chanel jackets in our closet if given an unlimited budget BUT ……let’s be real! So what’s a Glamour Girl  to do in her quest to quell this craving that does not seem to be subsiding any time in the remote future? I have OPTIONS. Options are good. Here are a few suggestions that should aid in helping you hang your own Chanel or  very relative facsimile in your closet in the very near future.

Option #1. Lucky you-if you have an unlimited budget or subscribe to the notion of Investment Dressing (i.e. saving your cash and only purchasing one to two items per season) than by all means you can stroll into your nearest Chanel Boutique  and purchase your jacket right off that rack. Yes-you my darling have your very own, never been worn Chanel Jacket. (Side note: Very upscale stores are called Boutiques  so you feel more EXCLUSIVE..(that and the mere fact that you’re shopping  a boutique numbs your brain ever so slightly so pricing isn’t as jarring).

Chanel Jacket
Image Source Unknown

Option #2 If you can’t afford  a brand  new (never been worn) Chanel why not consider all the resale options out there. The jacket below is available at buymywardrobe.com (just click on image).

You can also source jackets on numerous online site or scour resale shops. Tradesy.com/Poshmark.com Firstdibs.com,eBay.

Image courtesy of buymywardrobe.com Click on Image to purchase this item.

Option #3. Affordable ready to wear options of our beloved Chanel jacket are available everywhere…This one from Boston Proper is $159.00 and NO that is not a typo.

Image Courtesy of Boston Proper $159.00

Option #4. If you can sew at an intermediate level YOU are so in luck-because you can make your own for a fraction of the price. Patterns are available on nearly every pattern site: (Vogue/McCalls/Burda/Simplicity ) and you have endless options as to how you want your jacket to look when it comes to length, fit and fabrication. Side Note: To keep the Chanel vibe going really think twice if you choose any fabrication other than Boucle.

Image Courtesy of Burda Style.com