Once Upon A Time: A Short Film By Karl Lagerfeld

© Karl Lagerfeld/Chanel

Since the news first broke that Chanel spokesperson Keira Knightley would be portraying Coco Chanel in a short film directed by the house's current creative director Karl Lagerfeld to celebrate the brand's 100th anniversary of their first store in Deauville, I have been itching to see a snippet of the eagerly anticipated short. As a self confessed fan of all things Chanel, the preview didn't disappoint!

Set in 1913 Deauville, the teaser sees Keira Knightley perfectly embodying the impeccably chic Mademoiselle Chanel at her first boutique with the assistance of her aunt Adrienne played by Clotilde Hesme. Also making appearances are Stella Tennant as aristocrat Lady de Grey, Saskia de Brauw as writer Vita Sackville-West, Tallulah Harlech as actress Eve Lavallière, with Lindsey Wixson and Brad Kroenig as yet to be announced characters.

Judging by this trailer, the full short will amaze. I have wished for Keira Knightley to portray Coco Chanel in some form or another. Like Chanel, she too is a gamine beauty admired as an icon of style in her time and Keira's fortay is in period pieces. It couldn't be more perfect! I cannot wait to see the short in full once it has been released on the 8th of May to coincide with Chanel's Cruise Collection event in Singapore.

Colour Coordination For Summer

1. Round Frame Illesteva Acetate Sunglasses | 2. Folk Leather Trimmed Woven Belt | 3. Printed Marni Tote Bag | 4. Raf Simons Flower Print Shirt | 5. Burberry Brit Cotton Twill Shorts | 6. Leather And Canvas Gucci Pouch | 7. Luis Morais Gold And Glass Bead Symbol Bracelet | 8. Mr. Hare Suede Slippers  [All items available at Mr Porter]

 

I have always been a fan of colour coordinating, whether it be for summer or winter. On my recent visit to Mr Porter, I fell in love with this floral printed shirt from Raf Simons. What I love about this shirt is how each miniscule flower differs in colour whilst creating the illusion of one flat colour from afar. On close inspection the colours I could pick out in the shirt included blue, green, white, mustard and burgundy. I thought it would be fun to find varying items in similar colours to create a colour coordinated look.

 

I am rather fond of mixing prints and textures so have brought this out with this tasteful tote from Marni, fun belt from Folk, sharp slippers from Mr. Hare and perfect pouch from Gucci (a nice alternative to the Marni tote). Accessories include these classically cool sunglasses from Illesteva and beautifully beaded bracelet from Luis Morais.  I think this look is easy, youthful and fresh. I dream of owning these amazing pieces!

 

A Perennial Keepsake: The Breton Striped Top

For as long as I can remember, a Breton Striped Top has always been present in my wardrobe. I think what has always drawn me to the design is how versatile it is. With little effort, I can easily transition it from day into night, dressing it up with a blazer and tailored trousers in the evening and dressing it down in the day with a pair of jeans and converse. Even if my look couldn't be more casual, I always feel a little more put together when wearing a Breton Striped Top. Maybe a little nostalgic, I have always put this down to my love of Parisian Chic and the fact that Coco Chanel introduced the design into the mainstream through her nautical collection in 1917, after being inspired by the fishermen of Deauville. Seen on the likes of: Alexa Chung, Andy Warhol, Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, Edie Sedgwick, Emmanuelle Alt, James Dean, Jean Paul Gautier, Jean Seberg, Kate Moss, Olivia Palermo and Pablo Picasso, the Breton Striped Top is a wardrobe essential and perennial keepsake of mine.

I would love to know your perennial keepsake/wardrobe essential. Please let me know in the comments below.

Mad About Mustard

Since purchasing this mustard jumper at the start of the year, I have slowly been introducing more items of this shade into my wardrobe, especially for the summer.

 

When I saw these Asos chino style shorts I knew I had to have them. Not only for the colour, but also for the price tag. They were down from £22.00 to £8.00 - such a steal! These shorts are such a keepsake and make a great addition to my spring/summer wardrobe. I had been looking for the perfect pair of shorts for quite some time. I like my shorts fitted on the shorter side as I find this style looks a little dressier and more put together compared to the longer, slouchier style. As these shorts fall in this catagory, they fulfill all my needs!

 

Using these shorts, a tan skinny belt and tan suede shoes as a base, I created 5 different looks by swapping out my top and changing the style.

The Basic Tee



 

   

 H&M Oxblood Tee | Ebay Tan Skinny Belt | Asos Mustard Chino Shorts | Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch | Burton Tan Suede Shoes

 

Polka Dot



 

Burton Polka Dot Shirt | Ebay Tan Skinny Belt | Asos Mustard Chino Shorts | Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch | Burton Tan Suede Shoes

 

Ikat

 

 

 

Asos Jade Ikat Shirt | Ebay Tan Skinny Belt | Asos Mustard Chino Shorts | Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch | Burton Tan Suede Shoes

 

The Denim Shirt

 

 

 

Zara Studded Denim Shirt |  Ebay Tan Skinny Belt | Asos Mustard Chino Shorts | Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch | Burton Tan Suede Shoes

 

Mustard On Mustard

 

 

Burton Mustard Jumper | Zara Studded Denim Shirt | Ebay Tan Skinny Belt | Asos Mustard Chino Shorts | Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch | Burton Tan Suede Shoes

 

 

As you can see, if you have one great versatile piece as a base, you can create a variety of different looks without fail.

 

I hope you liked seeing how I styled these versatile beauties. I would love to know your thoughts. Which look is your favourite? Would you like to see more lookbooks in the future? Have you got a favourite spring/summer item or shade? Please let me know in the comments below.

 

Thanks for reading.

 

 



Carey Mulligan Covers US Vogue's May 2013 Issue As Daisy Buchanan

Great Gatsby fever has struck again! Following in the flapper footsteps of Vogue Australia's Gatsby themed issue, Carey Mulligan covers US Vogue's May 2013 issue in character as Daisy Buchanan. On the magnificent cover shot by Mario Testino, Carey models a striking acid green gown from Oscar de la Renta's, John Galliano assisted Autumn/Winter 2013 collection. In the accompanying editorial, Carey embodies her character Daisy in 1920s inspired looks from Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Dior, Miu Miu, Nina Ricci and Oscar de la Renta. This marks Carey's third collaboration with Grace Coddington who in the past has made it clear she dislikes styling celebrities. This obviously excludes Carey.

 

This cover and editorial proves why US Vogue is the choice magazine for fashion followers like myself. Mario and Grace have created truly outstanding and inspirational images with an authentic feel. Each illuminating and original image emanate creativity, reminding me why I am so passionate about fashion. It doesn't get much better than this! Here are some of my favourites:

 

 Chanel Haute Couture (Top)
Dior Haute Couture (Middle)
Alexander McQueen (Bottom)
All images © Mario Testino/US Vogue

 

Are you as amazed by US Vogue's latest offerings? Are you more hyped to see the film? Please let me know in the comments below.

 

 

Karlie Kloss Covers Vogue Australia's May 2013 Issue

Wow! This was my response to Vogue Australia's May 2013 cover featuring model Karlie Kloss. The sensational cover shot by Arthur Elgort features Karlie modelling Tiffany & Co. jewels and a spectacular Miuccia Prada designed look from the highly anticipated The Great Gatsby. In the accompanying Thoroughly Modern Millie inspired editorial, Karlie models more of the exclusively designed Prada costumes. If all this wasn't enough already, the issue also includes an exclusive interview with Miuccia Prada where she discusses her collaboration with Baz Luhrmann and a stunning pictorial of the making of the film.

I love the simplicity of this cover. The slightly rouged makeup is rather minimal, allowing the dress and jewels to speak for themselves. The sparse text also ensures Karlie gains your full attention.

I cannot wait for the film's release on the 16th May. It looks super stylish, elaborate and extravagant and this issue of Vogue Australia will no doubt increase my excitement and impatience.

Pretty In Pink: The Carrie Diaries

I was so upset that the first series of The Carrie Diaries came to a close last night. Since its announcement I was so excited to see it and when it finally arrived I became slightly addicted! There were some amazing looks on last night's episode Kiss Yesterday Goodbye. One look, Carrie's cocktail dress for Larissa's going away party felt reminiscent of Sex And The City Carrie's iconic tutu look from the show's opening credits. Everything from the hair to the makeup to the dress itself screamed Carrie. Both looks are cute, flirty and feminine; not to mention trendsetting and totally fabulous! I love how costume designer Eric Daman has revisited Sarah Jessica's Carrie aesthetic for AnnaSophia's Carrie. He was Patricia Field's assistant for three series of Sex And The City so clearly understands the character as he has showed previously.

 

 

The closing outfit in last night's episode was by far my favourite outfit of the entire series. It was eclectic, quirky and creative with wow factor - so Carrie. The beautifully interesting mix of colours, prints and textures set it head and shoulders above the rest. Talk about ending the show on a high!

 

 

I have enjoyed watching The Carrie Diaries incredibly and hope the CW renew the series. It would be an enormous loss if they didn't.

 

Céline Autumn/Winter 2013

Since reading the fantastic interview featured in the March issue of US Vogue between Hamish Bowles and Céline designer Phoebe Philo, I have to say my interest in the brand and appreciation for Phoebe Philo's designs has increased. In the rare interview, I loved to hear Phoebe's opinion on certain topics; for example, the vast array of copies available on the market for which she loves and feels flattered, referring to Coco Chanel's statement: "when you are not being copied, that's when it's time to worry". She comes across as undeniably cool and down to earth. She is by far one of the greatest designers of our time. Her intriguing designs are both influential and inspirational. I instantly revisited Céline's sensational Autumn/Winter 2013 collection once I had finished reading the interview.

Cozy minimalistic elegance is how I would describe the collection. Models were seen cuddling wool clutches in pastel toned bouclé's and fuss free felt-wools in the forms of constructed shifts and oversized dress coats. Flaring on the skirts added bounce to sleek and chic shapes and sharp separates stayed true to the brands sporty heritage. Sensuality, edge and modernity was brought to each look with stacked ankle boots or skin-tight thigh-high boots. Interest and frivolity was added within the predominantly monochromatic collection with a plush mink dress and checkered laundry bag inspired looks. I loved these fun and quirky looks. I look forward to seeing them on the street and in editorial. My favourite look of the entire collection was the *controversial grey, knotted sleeve trapeze coat cape. It's super chic and will no doubt become a best seller.

This collection was pure perfection - contemporary, elegant and effortless. It was a brilliant development of the Céline woman and has since become one of my favourite shows of fashion week. I'm now looking forward to seeing what Phoebe will do next.

*Controversy now surrounds this look as Geoffrey Beene designed a near identical version in 2004.