Chanel 2.55 - Why the Chanel 2.55 is the other iconic bag you should own.

The Chanel 2.55 is the other bag you must know (apart from the Birkin). The 2.55 in its name refers to the first release of the 2.55 bag in February of 1955. The Chanel 2.55 was revolutionary for its times, because it featured a shoulder chain strap which allowed women to keep their hands free during cocktail parties, and it was highly successful because it was elegant, practical and just the perfect bag for every occasion.

In my opinion the 2.55 has a youthful, fun and carefree air about it, that the Birkin does not, which is perfectly fine because bags must have personalities, otherwise why bother?

Now, the Chanel 2.55 comes in two versions – the classic and the reissue.

The reissue (an almost exact replica of the original bag designed by Coco) was introduced by Karl Lagerfeld the creative director of Chanel (since 1983) in 2005, as a tribute, for the 50th anniversary of the bag.

The two major differences between the reissue and the classic are as follows – the lock on the Reissue is the original lock, it is called the Mademoiselle Lock, while the ‘CC’ lock was introduced to the Classic Flap Bags only in the 1980s by designer Karl Lagerfeld. Secondly, the reissue has an all chain handle, while the classic has leather interwoven between the chain links.

The typical 2.55 is made from lambskin and has the trademark quilting in running stitch in a diamond or herringbone pattern. But up to 30 new editions are created every year as the women just never seem to get enough of this bag.

The best part of this bag is that it is simple and elegant and combines equally well with gowns and jeans, and if you keep it well someday your granddaughter will thank you for it!!

Want to find authentic pre-owned designer handbags ? Surprisingly e-Bay could be a good place to find some great bargains !! try these links-

http://tinyurl.com/yhybht5

http://www.fashionphile.com/

http://tinyurl.com/yj4wz6y

  

White heat: the classic white shirt and why it’s always in.

Okay, so I won’t lie this post comes at this time because when I recently (finally) got to watch “The September issue” - which by the way , I loved- I was thrilled to see the scene where Thakoon ( a young upcoming designer) is asked to work with Gap and create a new line inspired by the classic white shirt. What an utterly exciting project. 

 

But aside from the timing, many friends of mine will vouch for me when I say this- I have always been a huge fan of the classic white men’s shirt. According to me the white shirt is not a garment; it is a philosophy, an attitude and a way of life. The white shirt is a symbol of “Pure classic style”. Easy, natural, chic and brilliantly versatile. 

Because, like black, white is not really a color in the technical sense-if black is nothing or the absence of color, white is everything or the merging of all the colors (we can perceive) into one non-color. And so, it goes with everything and suits everyone (well, almost). 

Apart from all that symbolism, the fact remains, that a good white shirt like the LBD is one of the hardest working items in your closet if you know how to use it. It never goes out of style, it looks classy, it works with every size, shape and skin tone and with everything else in your closet, it can be dressed up or down depending on your need... the list of plus points is endless.

But a little warning here, unlike black it isn’t easy to maintain …and there is nothing worse than a tacky white shirt. 

Here’s the trick- keep a couple of well cut and expensive (think classic designer labels and silk) button-downs as staples that you dry clean at the best cleaner you can afford, these will never let you down. And then, keep adding a couple of good quality but not-so-expensive white shirts, blouses or T-shirts in the season's trendiest shapes and fabrics, to your wardrobe every season. 

Every once in a while, make sure to get rid of the outdated styles and the stained or yellowing pieces (if it's really an expensive piece ask if your cleaner will dye them in a darker color, yet another advantage of white) because sometimes no amount of dry cleaning will bring the brilliance back. 

A small price to pay for looking immaculately stylish, I say!

More here-

http://www.thechicfashionista.com/how-to-wear-womens-dress-shirts.html

http://iamfashion.blogspot.com/2007/04/6-ways-to-wear-white-blouse-ss07.html

http://inlifeandinfashion.com/2009/04/ode-to-the-white-shirt-five-ways-to-wear-one.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1187198/Model-outfit-Guide-best-ways-wear-white-shirt.html

I just do my thing : why we love Audrey Hepburn.

Ah... Audrey! Ever since I've decided to start writing about people and things that are, in my opinion, "timelessly stylish", i have started feeling more inspired and focused. Going by past statistics,I have also realized,of all the beautiful people and things we see, few will reach the status of "a timeless style icon". Audrey is and shall remain one. The little black dress, the button down boyfriend shirt, the simple tucked-in white tee,the jaunty neck-scarf, turtle-necks, skinny pants ,the cinched waist flared skirt, the Capri , the ballet flats, the sweeping eyeliner...the list of fashion statements she popularized that are still around and considered stylish is nearly endless, as is her charm. She was tall, slender and feminine in a refreshingly different way and undoubtedly very, very classy. In fact this quote by director Billy Wilder might sum it up best- "After so many drive-in waitresses becoming movie stars, there has been this real drought, when along came class; somebody who actually went to school, can spell, maybe even plays the piano. She may be a wispy, thin little thing, but when you see that girl, you know you're really in the presence of something. In that league there's only ever been Garbo, and the other Hepburn, and maybe Bergman. It's a rare quality, but boy, do you know when you've found it."

The quilted & the classic: the Dior "Lady" bags.

The word “iconic” is used so commonly these days, that calling this bag as such, would be a shame.

What is it about this timeless classic that has enamored generations of beautiful women (and no doubt, a few men) to reach out for it when they want to be seen as “Supremely Chic”?

Is it the French brand Dior, or the perfectly elegant design, or the whole aura of legendary style associated with the bag?

Most likely it’s all of the above- the perfect balance of great design, exclusivity and history.

Like all true design classics the Lady Dior possesses the ability to effortlessly fit into any occasion and transform the wearer into a creature of magical allure, time after time.

Why am i writing about this bag, that needs no introductions ?

Simply because it's so inspiring , and i also came across this "Hitchcockian" online promo film...fantastic !!

(See at the end of post for the link) . I am quite obsessed with the idea of online TV channels and serials,online movies and other cool web marketing stuff these days.

Apparently there are 4 parts to this mini film , the remaining three being under production ( Btw, the lead lady is Marion Cotillard, a true beauty).

Bravo, Galliano !!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iIcofCxhjo