What girl wouldn’t want to wear more Chanel? I certainly would love to dress head to toe in the line inspired by Coco Chanel’s elegant tweed suits and little black dresses. As I stopped to enjoy the windows at the Chanel store in Beverly Hills I wondered what sort of lifestyle one would need to spend a day in the frilly chiffon dress or the pale pink tweed jacket. Certainly such confections wouldn’t work well in my life filled with driving children around and sitting in front of computer drawing. I didn’t look at the price tags, but I’m sure these clothes cost a great deal more than a teacher and freelance designer can afford. So really, resolving to wear more Chanel when I can’t afford to buy one of their dresses second-hand and have nowhere to wear it if I did seems more than a little silly.
But I can still dream!
All dreaming and silliness aside, like most Americans I’ve made several resolutions for 2013. Most of them are rather dull, like saving for retirement or getting up 15 minutes earlier in the morning so I can tidy the house before taking the kids to school. Of course there are the usual suspects as well. I resolve to walk every morning and I need to loose the five pounds I gained over the holidays. Unlike my resolution to wear more Chanel those resolutions will probably take place, and if I can do them for long enough like anything else they will become habit.
In 2013 I only have one fashion resolution:I want to create an excellent basic wardrobe. Over the last couple of years I’ve really had fun with fashion. I’ve bought, and worn, a lot of bright colors and exuberant prints. Faux fur, skinny jeans, and wild platform shoes have made their way into my life. It’s been fun, but I can’t help but notice that I don’t have a single pair of good quality slim black trousers. There are other holes in my wardrobe as well, holes that can’t be filled up with printed jeans or hot pink fitted denim jackets. I’ve already started buying some basic pieces, and I’ve noticed how much more chic my outfits look when trendy is mixed with basic, high quality essentials.
One day I’ll have that Chanel Suit. It is on my “bucket list”, but so is an Hermes scarf, and that I think I might be able to afford this year.
Happy new year everyone!
That Chanel shop looks heavenly. I would love to wear more Chanel- the epitome of elegance.
The shop was really beautiful. I’ve never been inside, but even looking in the windows was fun.
With me is more about DOLCE & GABBANA, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
I could live in one of their shop windows.
Happy 2013 to you and your loved ones, dear friend.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
SACRAMENTO recently posted..2013 Favourite Presents
Dolce is amazing I totally agree. Once I get that Chanel suit I want, I’ll probably be onto a Dolce dress. Their dresses are amazing.
Twitter: over50feeling40
January 4, 2013 at 3:50 am #
I also would love to wear Chanel…but unless I discover a rare treasure in a thrift store, I do not believe it will ever happen…but who knows? I try never to say never.
Pam recently posted..Goodwill, Gratitude, and Metabolism!!
You never know Pam. I’ve seen quite a bit of Chanel in consignment stores here in Los Angeles, but they’re still too expensive for my budget!
Twitter: artblt
January 4, 2013 at 7:11 am #
I think having those basic pieces in a wardrobe is key. I love Chanel…very classic and elegant designs. One day I may splurge on a bag. I am a fan of Chanel and the woman behind the brand.
I hope to find all the things on my basic list, especially the black slacks, as those are the hardest for me to find, ever! One day I would love to splurge on a bag too, but it’s the tweed jackets that really do it for me.
Twitter: Ohtobeamuse
January 4, 2013 at 9:46 am #
I think it’s great that you want to create a basic wardrobe for 2013, and if you can include Chanel in there too then that’s awesome. I’ll add some Chanel if they ever do a collab with Target or something, lol.
Oh to Be a Muse recently posted..FBFF: 2012 In Review
Oh wow, a Chanel/Target collaboration would be amazing. I’d camp out in the parking lot for that one! Unfortunately all of LA would be camping with me.
I am like you (I think). Lots of clothes that attrack attention, but no basics. I am trying to buy more basics too but not much luck yet. I should really make a list and only buy what is on the list. (That will be the day.)
As far as Chanel goes….you never know what you might find in an estate sale or a thrift shop. I found a perfect Gucci Jeans Couture coat for a next to nothing price. Not as expensive as a Chanel jacket but still a good find.
I think I would go for a jacket as you can wear it a lot on jeans and always look superb. It would have to be custom-made though as my breasts do not fit in the pink jacket you are showing.
nofearoffashion recently posted..Thierry Mugler black top and boyfriend jeans
I’ve found some Chanel at a local consignment shop that actually fits me, amazing, but at $2,000 for the suit I just can’t take the leap. It’s too much money, plus it’s orange. How many occasions do I have to wear a coral colored tweed suit? Not many. One day hopefully I’ll find the perfect thing. IN the meantime I’ll keep looking!
Or maybe hire a professional.
thefashionistachic recently posted..What I am Obsessing Over
Twitter: gracefully50ish
January 4, 2013 at 7:39 pm #
Happy New Year, Heather!
I like your resolution. Having a quality/timeless basic wardrobe really makes a lot of sense! I may just follow your advice.
I stil love printed jeans!
Jeannie recently posted..28 Years later….
I still love printed jeans too Jeannie! They look great on you for sure. I’ve tried on a few, but I can’t find the right pair. Sigh.
Twitter: annembray
January 4, 2013 at 9:46 pm #
Those are beautiful, dreamy windows AND photos. That one back view with the mannequin sporting a Karl glove gave me a chuckle.
I think the classic Chanel suit is too ladylike for me. And wearing pastels makes me twitchy.
I have a yellow Chanelesque suit that I got at an estate sale in Silver Lake back in the 90s. Too small for me now so I’ll put it up for sale on one of those vintage resale apps eventually.
anne the SpyGirl recently posted..A Jar of Goodness [#FBFF]
Your yellow Chanelesque suit sounds dreamy Anne. I love the idea of pastels, but as yet have failed to find anything pastel that I feel comfortable wearing. Oh well. Maybe this year I’ll find a pastel sundress I love. (:
Twitter: WILDFLOWERstyle
January 5, 2013 at 5:14 pm #
Yes I hear you on the Chanel front! I love fashion for the way it can make me dream and dreaming I will be to own a Chanel suit. Haha.
A good basic’s wardrobe is a good idea. I would like to gather up more quality cotton shirts and some great fitting t-shirts. Pants are always on my list too but I generally end up making those myself. Happy New Year to you! I have only just discovered your blog and will be following from now on! X Kate X
WILDFLOWER recently posted..Style File 1.0
Hi Wildflower! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting too. I started looking for white shirts this year and although I’ve found some nice one the “perfect” item has eluded me. Good luck on your search!
Twitter: stylehigher
January 5, 2013 at 5:38 pm #
Great post Heather! You are so cute and I think I want a pink wig now. xo
Gabriala recently posted..Hot Meditation & Jimmy Choo
Those pinks wigs are adorable aren’t they? I love how all the colors coordinate.
Twitter: abritgreek
January 6, 2013 at 1:49 am #
There are far too many beautiful brands I’d like to indulge in too! Chanel, Gucci & Dolce would be at the top of my list! For frocks/gowns – Elie Saab!
I think a great basic wardrobe is every womans staple, as you can build it up/dress it up very easily. I think I just need to replace those key staples as some of mine have been lurking in my closet for far too long!
x.o.x.o
A Brit Greek recently posted..HAPPY NEW YEAR! ROCK ON 2013!
Yeah, it’s true. Staples need to be updated once in a while, even if they’re super classic. Shapes change and of course our favorite things often get worn a lot and need replacing when they’re too used. I would love a Chanel jacket, but Dolce makes the most wonderful clothes. Truthfully if I had Chanel-like money I would probably buy Dolce, because their things are a bit more wearable.
Twitter: arashmazinani
January 6, 2013 at 9:41 am #
Basics are my thing girlfriend! lol Now where did I put my ticket to LA….lol.
Yeah I love Chanel, I’d even wear a Chanel Jacket if I found one that fit me lol.
But one thing I think a lot of people forget with designer pieces. Sometimes when the fabric is really luxe it’s not very hardwearing. I remember seeing an amazing Burberry Prorsum coat that just had the most amazing intricate stitching and pattern on it. It was womenswear but I definitely could pull it off.
But, even if I could afford it, my lifestyle didn’t match. I didn’t drive at the time, used to take public transport, it would have got ruined. It’s like the joke about really high amazing heels, they’re only made for getting in and out of cars, not for walking.
But still, I’d for you to find some Chanel pieces, here’s to hoping 2013 brings you something Chanel!
Arash Mazinani recently posted..Stripper-Chic: Why Do Young Women Dress Like THAT?
Thanks Arash. I hadn’t thought about the durability of designer garments. Most of the clothes I wear are pretty flimsy anyway, but a Chanel suit would need special care for sure. I hope to get my hands on one some day!
Happy New Year Heather,
Everyone can dream but we all know that sometimes dreams come true. So I hope you can get this Chanel suit or this Hermès scarf you are dreaming of. Who knows? Life is full of surprise.
In case you would not get them, just think they wouldn’t be – as you rightly said – exactly adapted to your hectic life. This will help not to have regrets!
All the best again for 2013.
xo,
Anne Touraine (Playing with Scarves)
PS. Keep posted: I may have an alternative to Hermès within a few months…….. Working hard of making my own dream come true……..
I can’t wait to hear more about your dream come true! One day I will have a Chanel Jacket, but I’m going to have to get better at saving money first!
I really appreciate your comment. I come by Heather spot every now and then. Heather you appear a bit conflicted at times, as if you are afraid to be who you really would like to be, or possibly like you don’t deserve it. As ” playing with scarves” mentioned dreams sometimes comes true. Usually when preparation meets opportunity. You never know!!
By the way, I am crazy for your husband’s photography, I recommend you guys do a site just on his work. It’s dreamy…
thefashionistachic recently posted..What I am Obsessing Over
So glad you like my husband’s work. He’s planning on “going pro” sometime in the near future. And he does have a site. You can find it at hugofonseca.com. I think there’s a link in my sidebar.
Twitter: aladdincafe1
January 16, 2013 at 10:32 pm #
Who wouldn’t love to wear Chanel from head to toe? But you’re right! It’s a must to have the basic high quality essentials and how chic is it when mixed and matched with trendy pieces. Goodluck to you!
Basic, high-quality essentials I can probably do, a Chanel jacket is on my wish list, but unless I win the lottery I don’t think it’s going to happen any time soon. And if it never does that’s OK too.
Twitter: thedivinitus
January 20, 2013 at 1:17 pm #
Chanel,,, classic yet avant garde.
THE DIVINITUS recently posted..20130117
Thanks!
How did I not see this post until now?! I blame baby!!!!
You know I have a love affair with Chanel- and clearly you agree! These windows are beautiful. I used to loved visiting that store in BH!
Yes, Chanel is absolutely on my fashion bucket list!
Alexis Grace recently posted..Chanel Spring 2013 Couture Collection
Did you go into the store in BH? I just stood outside and stared. I’d love to go in, but I might be too intimidated. Still, it’s a great way to see the real thing.
Those windows are lovely! We’re going to be in BH tonight, will have to swing by and take a look. Like you, I’m gravitating back to basics, and toward a smaller but higher quality wardrobe.
déjà pseu recently posted..Neutral Zone
Me too! I’m trying to go more minimal, as I have so many clothes I don’t know what to do with them all. Sigh. I imagine the windows are new now. Have fun in BH!
Twitter: RSAOnlineCourse
February 5, 2013 at 4:32 am #
Nice post. Good luck to you! Chanel is absolutely on everyone’s fashion bucket list!
One day! Glad you enjoyed the post.
I adore Chanel jackets. I love their timeless elegance, the workmanship……everything about the jacket. I’ve been lucky to have come across a few at thrift/consignment stores at ridiculously low prices. Those occurrences are pretty rare these days though.
I have seen Chanel suits and jackets at local consignment stores, but the prices are in thousands of dollars. Even second hand they’re too much money for me to buy! You are truly lucky to have found some at low prices!