Red Haute!

Note to Penelope Cruz:

Despite the cold winter weather, you were sizzling at the Nine premiere. The color of this Chanel dress is so captivating, it is hard to notice the gorgeous draping. I can not get over how stunning this color is. Well done Penelope. Also I can't wait to see the movie (much to my boyfriend's dismay).

Note to Readers:

Is it just me or is this color to die for? Maybe I am going out on a limb here, but I think that us mere mortals could also be head-turning show-stoppers in this dress. Not to say that Penelope isn't wearing this dress well, but imagine showing up to a formal Christmas party in this number. I think I will dream of this exact scenario tonight.

Have fun with your holiday wardrobe. This goes to show a little color and glamour go a LONG way.

Mom

Note to Readers:

How darling is my mom? She wore this ensemble when we went shopping the other day, and I had to take a pic of her. I love the detail work on her jacket, and we all know that I am a fan of the classic Chanel black shades (outdoors and in daylight of course). Make sure you call your mom and all the other wonderful women in your life today, if you haven't already.

Note to Mothers:

Thank you for all the hard work and sacrifices you do to make this world a better place. Happy Mother's Day!

Note to My Mother:

When I was little you used to say you were "The meanest mother in the whole world", I may have believed you then (especially when you made me clean my room) but I definitely don't now. I am lucky to have you as my mom.  

Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Note to Readers:

The Met Costume Institute Gala is THE night for fashion. I anxiously await it each year, and I love seeing what everyone decides to wear. I know I feel that way about a lot of awards shows, but this event is strictly about fashion. Let me put it this way, if I could score an invitation to any event EVER, it would be this one. The guest list is star-studded, with real celebrities (that means they keep riff-raff like Speidi out). Think Gisele and Tom, Kate Moss, Marc Jacobs, etc.

Throughout the week, I am going to post about whom I loved and whom I loathed-- and a few people in between.

As always, thanks for reading. J'adore you all.

Note to Rhianna:
I know you have had a really rough time lately, so I am not going to comment on your choice of a Dolce and Gabbana puffed-sleeve tuxedo.

I'll just say when Zac Posen has dressed you, I liked the results much better.

Note to Diane Kruger:

I LOVE your Chanel mini-dress. I think accessorizing it with black was a chic choice, and kept the look more formal than if you accessorized with a bright color. Some may have a problem that you wore a short dress, but with all of the other craziness on the red carpet, I think they need to pick their battles more carefully. I think you look pretty, fresh faced, and let's be honest you have amazing legs, why not let them have a little time in the spotlight?

Note to the Newlyweds:

Speaking of legs...

Gisele (wearing a Versace dress), it really isn't fair for you to have amazing legs, enviable hair, such a killer bod, and your husband's not too bad either. You two could probably wear jeans and t-shirts and still be among the best-dressed people at the event.

And the Winner Is...

Note to Readers:
You, my dear readers, voted Chanel as the designer purse you are dying to have. Nice work! I also voted for Chanel, and I am constantly trying to think of ways I can buy one. One of my best friends has a "Chanel Bag Fund" that she puts a little bit from each paycheck into. Sounds like a good savings plan to me! If I may offer my opinion on purchasing purses, I would suggest following these rules:

1. If you want a trendy purse (a la something with this season's new trend of leather fringe, or something in a highlighter color) purchase an expensive looking one, but from a less expensive brand. I don't see the need to spend hundreds of dollars on a bag that will be out of style in a few months.
2. If you are in the market for a designer purse (a la Chanel, Gucci, YSL, etc.) buy one in a classic color and shape, so you can continue to use it for years and years to come. I myself was lucky enough to buy a Chanel bag a few years ago, and I bought a classic black quilted one with the iconic gold chain strap. It always is in style and it still looks brand new, despite a lot of wear and tear. I look forward to giving this purse to my daughter someday, and don't worry I will make sure she realizes the significance of such a gift!
3. If you need money for a new purse, consider selling some of your old, out of style ones on eBay. Your old bag can be exactly what someone else is looking for. That way you don't have to feel as guilty about spending money on a purse, because you just made money off of a purse. It's kind of like a trade, or an upgrade.

In honor of Coco Chanel (who's Lifetime movie I have on my DVR, but haven't watched yet), I am going to post a few photos of Chanel purses. Maybe to inspire you to start your own "Chanel Bag Fund". If you are like me, and can't buy one right now, they are still nice to look at!


This beauty is new to the Chanel accessories line. I like the variation on the basic black, and I think the oversize link chain is very chic.


I like this classic shape in the gunmetal leather. It is a nice, but still subtle change.


I am OBSESSED with this bag. Yes, it is very large, and my boyfriend would tease me that my purse was more like luggage, but I still adore it! This would be a great oversize bag to use as a carry on when traveling, or it would make a great "briefcase" for a working woman. I just love it.

Note to Chanel:
Feel free to send any of the photographed purses to me as a thank you for all of this publicity I am giving you. Congratulations on your big win in our Fashion Noted Poll! Thank you Karl Lagerfeld and his design team for creating these classic bags. You truly deserve this accolade, along with all of the others you have raked in over the years.

Well, I am now going to sell some things on eBay, to try to find a way to buy one of these purses.

Seriously?

From the Chanel 2008 Fall Couture Collection

Note to Readers:
With my last post about bridal beauty, my interest in wedding dresses was peaked. I thought I would look at some of the runway stills and see if anyone had bridal looks, and a few designers closed their shows with wedding dresses. Usually the last look of a fashion show is the most memorable and most dramatic, but this one is a little over the top. I appreciate dramatic looks as much as the next girl, and love the avant garde, but this is just too much. I can't even tell if the dress is pretty, I am too overwhelmed by tulle!

Note to Karl Lagerfeld:
Karl, you have brought us some of the most recognizable and chic designs of the century. Usually, when your name is said by me it is with a certain reverence, almost like I am not worthy of uttering it. When I started researching Chanel bridal looks, the picture above is what I found. I actually loved most of your 2008 Fall Couture Collection, but this piece was the one I felt inspired to write about. Maybe I just don't get it, but I think you would be hard pressed to find a bride that would wear this on her big day.