CHANEL MEN - Coat

CHANEL is not well known for their men's line, so I was delighted to find out that the ready to wear does have some. This coat is from the Fall-Winter 07-08 collection and is simply to die for! I need to make a few calls to ascertain how to get one. Visit www.CHANEL.com

Paparazzi shot

My first vintage piece

Medallion

My next item in CHANEL 101 is this lovely tote with the signature quilted leather. It features a roomy interior with a zippered pocket and a zip-top closure that has a medallion attached to the pull. I think this is where the name comes from but it could also be from the oversize interlocking CCs on the front. Unlike the Shopper tote, your precious goodies are securely kept inside and won't fall out if it is overturned. The handles are made out of rolled leather instead of the classic chain strap. It comes in a variety of colors and is a wonderful alternative to the Shopper. Photo: www.katsluxury.com

Rehab Bag

I know I'm a bit late about posting this little number but I was fumbling through some fashion maggies yesterday and was astounded to see this "rehab" bag. What I believe is an ode to the infamous Lindsay Lohan, Lagerfeld created this anklet either to start a new trend or a satirical fashion accesory. It mimics the alcoholic monitoring device that DUIs are required to use. Whatever his intentions were, I must say that it got my attention.

"Lost" in CHANEL

I love Yunjin Kim from the hit series "Lost" . So when I found this pic of her sporting a CHANEL, I just had to post it. The series continues this January and I'm all excited. I hope they do an epilogue show so as to refresh me of past episodes. 2006 Surpique Drawstring Tote. Photo: starbulletin

PST & GST

So when I first started reading about CHANEL in the Purse Forum, it was like reading another language. Everything was Greek to me since I was used to the jargon of Vuitton. I couldn't understand what they meant by GST and PST until I saw it in the boutique. Pretty much like the GM and PM of LV, GST and PST means Grande Shopper Tote and Petit Shopper Tote, respectively. It was then that I decided that I needed to have this versatile bag. The construction is quite sturdy having two compartments with a central zippered division. A D-ring and pocket on one side as well as another zippered pocket completes the interior. The quilted leather is either luxurious lambskin or indestructible "caviar" . Mimicking Mademoiselle Coco's design of having an outer pocket, it also features her signature chain strap but this time with leather strips interwoven into it and shoulder straps for ease and comfort. As a finishing touch, the interlocking CCs are emblazoned on one side in full glory. All in all, I am totally in love with this bag and is a must for any CHANEL collection. Photo: VipStyle

Grande Shopper Tote

Well, I broke down and got m'self the GST. I've been eyeing it for a while ever since I saw it in a Starbucks. I liked how the elements of this bag bring together the ideals of Mademoiselle Chanel. The outside pocket is so cool even though I probably would not use it. I know, I know, it's not designed for a man but who's to say that it's not for me. I was never one to follow the dictates of fashion anyways. Grande Shopper Tote, Neiman Marcus, Mclean, VA December 26, 2007

A Blessed Christmas to all!

Imelda on the Runway

I was flipping through the Spring Summer 2008 Collection at www.CHANEL.com when I happened upon this delightful evening gown.
I couldn't help but think of our former First Lady, the infamous Imelda Marcos. Before she became known for her shoes, Imelda graced the Philippine Isles with her lavish ternos, the emblematic costume of Philippine women. These are long hemmed gowns that have butterfly sleeves as its most distinctive feature and of course, true to the Madame's eccentric taste, they are quite expensive to make. To this day, she can still be seen wearing them. I wonder if she has a CHANEL.

CHANEL 101 Flap Chart

For your homework, please memorize this chart. There may or may not be a quiz next week.
Photo: rui

You could never go wrong

So to wrap up this week's CHANEL 101, I am posting a pic of both "Classic" and "Reissue" side by side. Whatever you chose to accesorize your life, it will always turn out stylish, classy and something that Mademoiselle Coco would love.

CHANEL J12

I've always been a Rolex fan and don't stray too much in that department.
But seeing this J12 from CHANEL just took my breath away. Can you blame me? Part of the J12 Haute Joaillerie Limited Edition Collection, it measures 38mm of pure white gold and high-tech ceramic. This automatic watch is set with baguette-cut rubies and diamonds and is only limited to 5. Yup, it's F-I-V-E. Now that's what I call limited! Price tag? Well, you have to contact your local boutique for that. Visit www.CHANEL.com to see the entire collection.

First time wearing it

Going out to see a play in DC so I decided that this would be my first night to try out the famous No.5.

The "Reissue" Quilted Leather Flap

The "Reissue" Flap on the other hand has these features a) Mademoiselle rectangular closure b) leather has a slightly worn look c) chain does not have the interwoven leather d) sizes are W X H X D: Baby 7.5" x 5.75" x 1.75"; Small 9.75″ x 7.06″ x 2.16″; Medium 11″ x 8″ x 2.5″; Large 12.25″ x 9.18″ x 2.5″; The X-Large aka Jumbo 14.2″ x 9.8″ x 3″ e) comes in either caviar or lambskin

The gifts keep rolling in...

To be unveiled on December 28. Watch for it!

Reward Thyself

The now and forever fragrance. The ultimate in femininity. The most powerful, concentrated and long-lasting form of fragrance; the fullest expression of the perfumer's art. The classic bottle signifies personal luxury and is an attractive addition to any dressing table.

Visit CHANEL.com to order.
Histoire:
Coco Chanel commissioned Ernest Beaux to make six perfumes. They were labelled No. 1, No. 2, etc. through No. 6. It was bottle No.5 that was to Chanel's liking and became the chosen formula. The number "5" was also her lucky number.[citation needed]

At the time of its inception, the most expensive perfume oil was jasmine due to the expensive distilling process (which still holds true today). Chanel wanted to create the most expensive perfume in the world, and as such No. 5 relies heavily on jasmine.

Chanel introduced it first to some of her friends on May 5, 1921. Initially, it was given to good clients for free at her boutique. The fitting rooms in her boutique were also scented with No. 5 to create an ambience unmatched by her contemporaries. This original concept is still practiced today by retailer Abercrombie & Fitch.

In 1924, Pierre Wertheimer partnered Coco Chanel in her perfume business. He owned 70%, Coco owned 10%, and her friend Bader owned 20%. Chanel agreed to owning such a small amount in exchange for having complete control over the product. Today, the Wertheimer family still runs the perfume business. (Wikipedia)

Gift from Coco

Yesterday while I was accompanying Rowena to her nth time of shopping and returning stuff, I found a bag from Nordstrom's containing a newly purchased CHANEL sunnies!!! Gosh, I couldn't believe my luck. I was so happy and it seemed funny that I just started my phase with CHANEL and here's a gift from Coco herself. After the initial excitement had passed, I began to think to myself that keeping this is just wrong. The moment of weakness was excusable but for it to be in my possession still was just not right. I decided to exert everything in my power to return it to the rightful owner. I think that God was on my side because the first phone call I made, I acquired the purchaser's contact info and called her right away. She was ecstatic on the phone and we decided to set-up a time to meet. She met me with all her kids in her SUV and was profusely grateful. The funny thing was that as I walked away from them, I suddenly heard a burst of applause from her little ones. I hope that it served as a good example to them that there are still people out there who are true and honest and that are still TRYING to live the Spirit of Christmas.

The "Classic" Quilted Leather Flap

The "Classic" Flap as we know it today contains these essential features:
a) double CC interlocking turn-style closure introduced in the 1980s by Karl Lagerfeld b) leather has a smoother look to it c) chain links strap has interwoven leather also introduced by Karl d) sizes in inches are W x H x D: Small - 9″ x 5.5″ x 2″;Medium - 10″ x 6″ x 2.5"; Jumbo - 12″ x 8″ x 3″ e) Jumbo size does not have double flap f) comes in either caviar or lambskin leather

The House Icon ~ Quilted Flap Purse

The quilted flap purse was launched in February 1955, hence 2.55, after the re-opening of the couture house. Coming out of retirement at 71, Coco Chanel designed it herself with women in mind. Mademoiselle Chanel wanted their hands free and so she outfitted the bag with double chains that can easily be slung onto the shoulder or the crook of the arm.
It is said that these chains resemble those that were used by nuns as key holders at that time when Chanel was growing up in an orphanage. Also, the leather quilting was inspired from jockey's coats, an influence from the days of living in Royallieu, the country estate of her then lover, Etienne Balsan who was a horse racing aficionado. The purse has a zippered compartment on the inside of the front flap supposedly for Chanel's illicit love letters and an outside pocket for extra cash. This basic design has undergone several incarnations with regards to materials used, the chain with or without interwoven leather and of course the closure. In the 1980's, CHANEL's creative director Karl Lagerfeld introduced the interlocking CC closure and those 2.55 have come to be known as the "Classic Flap".
In 2005, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the epic bag, he revived the "mademoiselle" rectangular closure and the 2.55 was christened the "Reissue" closely resembling the original as Coco Chanel designed it. Technically this term can only be applied to those produced primarily for that year but for convenience, CHANEL fans everywhere have termed the Reissue as those with the rectangular lock and the interlocking CC as the Classic.

In the last few days that I have been reading about CHANEL, it became apparent (at least) to me that the styles are not as clearly defined as Louis Vuitton's, my other great LVoe. So, I decided to blog in short course format about CHANEL's myriad of designs from its core collection of handbags and accessories. I can only go as far with this but I hope it will help the beginner to get a bird's eye view so as to make an informed decision of which bag to chose. Excuse me if I do ever make a mistake and feel free to post any corrections. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the wealth of information that the ladies and gents of the Purse Forum have provided. Without them, I would be very much lost.

A Woman of Her Own by Axel Madsen

True to my obsessive, compulsive behaviour, I rushed to the library after I purchased my new CHANEL to learn anything and everything about Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel. I left there with three books in tow and am currently riveted on her life story. So far, I have learned that she grew up in an orphanage run by Catholic sisters and that she conjured up stories about her childhood to make it look more glamorous. What a fascinating woman and I can't wait to learn more about how she built her Fashion Empire.

Country Ride Large Tote

What started out as a mild curiosity has now blossomed into a full fledged obsession ~ the House of CHANEL.
I just couldn't resist myself when I found the Country Ride Tote in Neiman Marcus on that fateful December morning. It just screamed at me and begged me to take it home. I have been surreptitiously been popping in and out of the Chanel boutique in Tyson's for quite some time now but everything looked either too frilly or too expensive. I've even developed a relationship with one of the SAs for the many times that I have been there. So when I happened upon what looked like an oversize gentleman's shaving kit, I immediately grabbed it as a Christmas pressie for myself. The magnificent calfskin leather is to die for and the satin, quilted lining adds the right touch of luxuriousness that CHANEL is so known for. Lastly, the distressed look of the hardware especially the CC lock and front logo was my undoing and I just couldn't resist. So, here I am, starting another blog for my newest craze. Hope you guys come visit often.

My First CHANEL

Country Ride Large Tote, Fall/Winter 2006, December 15, 2007, Neiman Marcus, McLean, Virginia