The Polka-Dotted Truth by Jacqueline Harbin: Chanel

Chanel's Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Pre-Collection is in Boutiques Now!

8:55 AM

We're obsessed. There's just no other way to put it. We are living, breathing Chanelistas and that's pretty much where our money goes. When we saw the email from Chanel announcing that the Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Pre-Collection was available you had better believe that we zipped right on over to the website to check it. First and foremost, the video for the Pre-Collection romanticized everything for us (and really, really makes us want to go to Paris) making us want to add several pieces to our ever-growing collection.

Scroll down to see our favorite looks as well as some must-have accessories for Fall from the Pre-Collection. Visit your closest Chanel Boutique to see these pieces in person and take some home to add to your ever-so-stylish closet.

Chanel Fall/Winter 2014-2014 Pre-Collection Looks

Ready to Wear Chanel Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Pre-Collection

There is just something about a Chanel suit that is classic and yet very new at the same time. We can't help but adore this slightly below the knee skirt with polka dot tights paired with a crisp white tee, wool vest and easy styling.

Covered up doesn't have to mean boring; pair a straight skirt with fun tights and girly shoes and add some visual interest to your sweater with a line of buttons down the front to keep things from looking too conservative.

There are many things that Chanel does incredibly well and one of them is the suit; we love the way it is reinvented on a regular basis and this one would be right at home in any woman's closet for decades to come.

Chanel Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Pre-Collection Accessories

Ready to Wear Accessories Chanel Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Pre-Collection

Mademoiselle was greatly inspired by baroque influences as seen in these baroque cross earrings accentuated with glass pearls.

We subscribe to the logic that ladies should just be dripping in pearls and this multi-strand knotted pearl necklace fits right into our train of thought.

Chanel has been famous for their bags for years and they are reinterpreted for each and every collection. We love this jersey flap bag in a bright pop of color (also available in rich yellow and navy) for a fun Fall update.

A playful mix of ladylike and menswear, these iridescent patent lace-ups are the shoe for the season for us - the fact that the bow is removable only cements our opinion.

What first appears to be tweed is actually beading of glass pearls on this beautiful black and white miniaudiere.

It just wouldn't be Chanel without a strand of pearls and this short necklace will lay close to your face, reflecting soft, shimmering light...we can't help but adore the CC signature as well.

Coco Chanel's favorite flower because it had no scent and didn't interfere with her perfume, these tweed camellias are the perfect accent to any outfit.

Tweed is ever-popular for Fall and we absolutely adore this heather gray flap bag in the material.

We can personally attest to the fact that these black and white tweed lace-up boots are exceptionally comfortable as well as incredibly chic. Think of it as an alternative way to wear a Chanel suit.

Originally it was hats that Coco Chanel used to make a name for herself so it only makes sense that the tradition be carried on in the likes of this chic tweed and ribbon accented hat.

Thank you so much to Chanel for the beautiful photos of the Fall/Winter 2014 Pre-Collection - we can't wait to see which pieces you add to your closet!

Blake Lively

Blake Lively Glows in Chanel Spring/Summer 2014 Couture

4:07 PM

Chanel

Why Women Buy Expensive Shoes

2:02 PM

It's a well known fact that women like shoes. Sure, there's an outlier or two that don't care for those beautiful works of art that are generally more painful than a visit to the dentist. And if you dig a little deeper you'll probably find that the lady who doesn't really care about shoes, loves handbags. Or makeup. Or Alexander McQueen in general. And while we're getting it all out in the open, then chances are if you asked most women, the more expensive the item the more she covets it. She can't necessarily afford it, but that doesn't mean that she wouldn't love to have it (gentlemen, that doesn't mean that she doesn't adore that necklace you got her that certainly didn't cost a fortune - sentimental items are worth far more than any designer pair of shoes). But the one question that is lingering in every man's mind is this: "Why?"

Chanel Patent Calkskin and Cotton Sock - Why Women Buy Expensive Shoes

Chanel Patent Calfskin and Cotton Sock, $1150, these are the perfect shoe to take you from Summer straight into Fall, Chanel's patent pumps are available in three different combinations of black and white.

In fact, it was our very own Mr. Harbin that was the inspiration behind this article. He has finally conceded to the fact that he will simply never understand and now when we start drooling over the latest necklace hot off the runway, he just nods agreeably and smiles when we say "It's a girl thing." Now we certainly are NOT saying that fashion has to be incredibly expensive - there are beautiful items available for purchase at your local mall and number of other locations. Money doesn't buy fashion but there are some pieces that catch your eye and you want THAT piece. Not something similar, but that exact one. And here's where most people get lost - including our dear Mr. Harbin. We're quite certain that he still wonders what kind of demented logic is behind the desire to own an item that can cost anywhere between several hundred and several thousand dollars. What is it that makes a purse, a dress or a pair of shoes worth so much more than what you could find at your local department store? Ladies, we have a feeling that you already know the answer to this question but feel free to chime in. Gentlemen, read on, because this is a multi-faceted answer.

1. Premier designer duds aren't available everywhere. You can't walk into most local malls and purchase a Givenchy coat. Sure you might be able to shop online for some things but that isn't the same as actually seeing an item - touching it, feeling it and trying it on. And some brands don't do online shopping - Chanel, for example, only sells makeup and skincare online, for all other products you have to be in an actual brick and mortar store.

Givenchy Felted Wool Cape Coat - Why Women Buy Expensive Shoes

Givenchy, Felted Wool Cape Coat, $2279 - different is interesting and outerwear should never be boring - but this beautiful piece won't be available for long and when it's sold out, there won't be another shipment.

Which goes along with...

2. They're limited edition. Part of what is so fascinating about the fashion world for those of us who keep up with that sort of thing, is fashion week. Twice a year brand new concepts are launched, colors are officially touted as being "in" and the new bags for the upcoming season are revealed. These pieces won't be around forever though - there are a limited amount made and when they're gone, they're gone. You can't order another piece (well, unless you're very, very wealthy - there's exceptions to everything, especially when money is involved). The purchase of a piece at the beginning of a season means that you have something that is very limited, almost one-of-a-kind. These pieces are investments for down the road and can be worth much, much more than the initial price if they are taken care of.

3. Not everyone will have the same item. It really is a bad feeling to see someone else wearing the same exact piece that you put so much time and effort into choosing. It's not that you don't love the idea that it's popular, it's just that it makes it less special to see that it is not that rare. Women want their clothing to be personalized, individual - if someone else owns the same exact thing that you do it somehow reduces the item's value.

Mary Katrantzou Dependa Asymmetrical Mixed-Media Dress - Why Women Buy Expensive Shoes

Mary Katrantzou, Dependa Asymmetrical Mixed-Media Dress, $6125, this piece is practically one-of-a-kind although we're sure that there are a few in each size available - we would be willing to bet money that none of your friends would own this same piece.

4. You can't find a comparable version for a cheap price. Those beautiful Prada swirl sunglasses can't be found at your local Target for $20. It's not the fact that they wouldn't say the brand's name, it's that the design can't be found in mainstream stores. That beautiful Valentino dress isn't replicated and available at your favorite local store and even if you could find something similar the quality just isn't the same and it won't last as long. If you want the real deal it comes with a pricetag.

Prada Baroque Sunglasses - Why Women Buy Expensive Shoes

Prada Baroque Sunglasses, $290, these sunglasses are unique which makes them special and something that isn't readily found on every street corner.

5. You're taking home a piece of a runway show. There is simply something very special about owning a piece that walked down a fashion week runway. It's personal and something that a woman treasures for years and years to come.

6. The materials and craftsmanship are top notch. While the price may seem astronomical to some people (gentlemen), there is something to be said for what goes in to each and every piece that is made. Italian leather, fabrics that can't be purchased anywhere else, handmade items...luxury goods will stand the test of time if they are well cared for. The fit is better on garments and while we would like to report that incredibly expensive shoes are completely pain free (at least for your feet) they really aren't although they are less painful than any pair purchased at a Rack-Room-Shoes.

7. They lend fashion credibility. For those of us who work in the fashion industry, owning the dress, shoes or bag that was just presented at Fashion Week shoes that we actually do pay attention to trend. That fashion is so important to us that we make it a priority in our lives. This is extra important when you're representing a certain brand.

Marni Embellished Midi Skirt - Why Women Buy Expensive Shoes

Marni Embellished Midi Skirt, $4100, we can't even find a basic midi skirt locally much less one embellished so beautifully like this one with oversized paillettes, feathers and beads.

8. There's a large psychological aspect. Just like how men start feeling the urge for to trade up their truck when the brand new year models come out, women see that an item is new, on trend and only available for a limited time and they want it. Do some women carry bags just to make others jealous or brag about how much they spent on it? Sure, just like some men do the same thing with vehicles - but for many women, it's simply the fact that they own a real piece of Fashion. Something that is in a magazine is also the same thing that she puts her wallet, keys and lipstick in on her way to work and makes her feel special. And we think that anything that makes a lady feel special and confident is worth owning.

So there you have it gentlemen (and ladies!) - do all these reasons sway your opinion on whether or not you think the lady in your life is crazy for spending the price of your rent on a new handbag? We'd like to hear from you! And ladies, what was your first luxury purchase? Was it an impulse buy or did you contemplate it for months? What did you're boyfriend/husband/friends think?

Thank you to Saks and Chanel for the photos!

Chanel

Chanel Fall/Winter 2014 Haute Couture Details

7:52 AM

Chanel

Chanel Fall/Winter 2014 Haute Couture

7:39 AM

We're a little biased when it comes to Chanel - as if that wasn't already quite obvious. We've been obsessed with the brand since purchasing our first Glossimer at 14...we purchased our first pair of Chanel shoes just a few months ago (and yes, they are absolutely exquisite). In fact our collection has grown quite a bit in recent months. So needless to say, we're always excited to see what Karl Lagerfeld has come up with for each collection. We've never been disappointed.

Lagerfeld is a special kind of designer. Eccentric to say the least. A creator that lets his inspiration take complete hold and dives in head-first. Known for incredibly elaborate set creations (Resort 2015 in Dubai, anyone?), the Fall 2014 Haute Couture show's backdrop was markedly more simple, relatively speaking anyway. The source of inspiration? Architect Le Corbusier's old (and gone) Paris apartment which sparked the idea for huge fireplaces with digital flames at each end of the runway decorated with enormous intricate mirrors.

And while the set is interesting, it's the clothes that really are the kicker...the foundation for several pieces is concrete. No, literally. Concrete was turned into tiny tiles (which are apparently quite light) and transformed from building material into art. Fancy that.

The clothes themselves? Beautiful as always - ever present tweed, shorts with everything (to include under dresses, coats and skirts), beautifully sculpted gowns and a wedding dress that will simply make you swoon. We're loving the out-of-control bedhead and accessories - our only small complaint? We wish there had been at least one pair of heels.

Tweed is a Chanel staple and is present in every show but that doesn't mean that it's the same thing over and over. Fall 2014 Haute Couture showed us tweed suits in warm shades of gold, burnt sienna and chocolate burgundy in more voluminous silhouettes. And lots and lots of shorts.

These knee length, winter-white cocktail gowns are stunning on their own, but when you find out the embellishment is created from concrete, well that just sort of takes things to a whole new level.

Suits don't have to be boring - embrace texture like this boxy look on the left or an unconventional color with interesting details like the design on the right.

Girly-girls everywhere rejoice! Ladylike silhouettes are making a comeback this Fall in the shape of voluminous skirts, pretty prints and fitted tops. We're completely on board.

Need a little more drama in your life? Chanel has something for everyone - from a bright bold print to fluttery tiers to a concrete-tile embellished piece of art. We never cease to be amazed.

Midi and ankle length skirts and gowns are huge this Fall so go ahead and start shopping around for some Chanel-inspired pieces (or just wait for the actual Chanel pieces that will be in boutiques later this year if you can afford the pricetag). A general rule of thumb? Choose a length that either hits just below your knee and above the calf OR a length that hits just past the largest part of your calf. Anything that stops in the middle of your calf tends to give you cankles even if you're 5'10".

Never one to play it safe, Karl Lagerfeld closed Chanel's Fall 2014 Haute Couture show with a beautiful model in a baroque-inspired wedding gown. And if she looks a little, well, round, that's because she is, in fact, quite pregnant. To quote Lagerfeld: "I love pregnant women. They're very noble."

Visit our Facebook Page to see larger versions of the looks!

Thank you to Style for the photos!

Anti-Aging

Chanel Launches New Eyeshadow Quads & Le Lift Line

10:47 AM

We do love new things. Like most women, it doesn't really matter if we need something new or not, it's just nice to oooh and ahhh over the shiny new packages and pick out which ones we want. In the case of Chanel, as usual, we want all of them. In one of the largest launches the brand has seen recently, this month will see the addition of eight new eyeshadow quads - plus one limited edition quad - that are baked (as opposed to pressed) giving them a gorgeous finish. These quads give ladies everywhere the chance to make the Signature Chanel Statement - inspired by the threads that run through the classic Chanel jacket, these colors, much like any Chanel piece, can be dressed up or down as you see fit.

Chanel July 2014 Launch: 8 New Eyeshadow Quads

Chanel's new eyeshadow quads come in a variety of colors to fit any taste.
From Left to Right: Mademoiselle, Poesie (Limited Edition), Venitien, Vendome, Rivoli

Six of the old pressed powders will stay in the ranks of Chanel eye makeup (Prelude, Ecolsion, Spices, Smokey Eyes, Mystere and Mystic Eyes) so if your favorite is not on this list it's time to visit your local counter before they're completely gone.

We have to admit that we are super excited about these new colors - regardless of the fact that we don't need anything, a girl always needs to feel beautiful and these are guaranteed to help do that. Head over to Chanel's website to pick up your favorites now since they're sure to be popular and sell out quickly!

New baked eyeshadow quads from Chanel.
From Left to Right: Cambon, Camelia, Riveria, Gabrielle

Le Lift isn't just a fabulous moisturizer anymore: it's now a full-fledged anti-aging line complete with serum and eyecream.

Chanel isn't just revamping the eyeshadow collection though...Le Lift, once just a moisturizer, is now an entire anti-aging line complete with serum and eye cream. What's so special about it? Well, in healthy skin there are several "youth proteins" that help keep skin looking beautiful by keeping it hydrated, smooth and supple. Chanel scientists have finally isolated a very powerful ingredient from the Edulis Morning Glory plant and then purified it to its most potent form. When put in the serum, eye cream and moisturizer it helps boost the production of the youth proteins in your skin keeping your skin as gorgeous as ever. The 3.5DA (a Chanel-specific ingredient you won't find anywhere else) is now combined with Resveratrol-12 to help tone skin and improve elasticity while smoothing and softening the look of any fine lines or wrinkles. Lightweight and very fast absorbing, the line provides 12 hours of lifting, firming and smoothing and is gentle enough to be used both morning and night. Sounds like a winner to us!

Chanel's Le Lift Line Now Includes Eye Cream and Serum

Chanel expands it's Le Lift line to include Le Lift Creme Yuex for the eyes, $105 and Le Lift Serum for deep penetrating results, $175.

Thank you to Chanel for the photos and for having such wonderful literature on their website - head on over to order any of these products now!

Bryd & Belle

5 Sleek and Chic Tech Cases

10:25 PM

The iPad has certainly made like easier - the sweetest mix between your treasured iPhone and your laptop that makes sure you at least know you're late for your appointment, makes shopping online from your favorite retailers way too easy and means you'll never have to buy another physical book if you don't want too. While the iPad itself is sleek and pretty all by itself it's much too fragile to be left out in the open to fend for itself while there are wayward dogs, purses and butts still around. While the Otter Box is certainly the most effective way to protect your investment in technology, we must say, we prefer something a little more stylish. See our favorite cases that marry style and function!

1. Bryd & Belle, Grey Felt and Brown Leather, $88

We can't help but love the chic, old-school feel of this iPad sleeve with it's beautiful heather grey color that reminds us of the softest cashmere. We have a feeling that this handsome case would be a welcome edition in your man's wardrobe as well.

Bryd & Belle 5 Sleek and Chic Tech Cases

Marry style and function with this handsome wool and leather case with multiple pockets.

2. Chanel, Black Quilted Lambskin, $800
While $800 is steep to spend on any tech case, we can guarantee that it's made to last and will be stylish for years to come. With that said, we think we would rather put that $800 towards a 2.55 handbag but if it showed up on our doorstep we would be happy to put it to good use!

Chanel brings it's timeless appeal to the tech world with an entire line of cases like this beautifully quilted sleeve.

3. Gucci, Red Embossed Patent Leather, $200
Looking for something timeless but with a little more presence? Gucci takes patent leather up a notch in a beautiful shade of burgundy.

Looking for a pop of color? Gucci's rich wine patent leather sleeve means you'll never lose your iPad again.

4. Kate Spade, Black & White Polka Dot Coated Poplin, $85
Anything with a sense of humor gets high marks in our book so naturally, Kate Spade tops that list. While the polka dots probably won't help you get your work done any faster, they will put a smile on your face while you're doing it.

Add some pattern to your work accessories with stripes, plaid or polka dots, like this case from Kate Spade.

5. Proenza Schouler, Bright Leather, $600
While all of these cases can help make your iPad or other tablet the most stylish at the office, we have to admit that our absolute favorite is this Proenza Schouler case. First and foremost, it's the only case with a zipper which is extremely important to us: we like all our pieces to do double-duty and when we aren't using the case for it's intended purpose we like to store stationary, pens and stamps. Secondly and perhaps more important, it's designed after Proenza Schouler's PS1 bag that we have been drooling over for years.

Thank you to Bryd & Belle, Chanel, Net-A-Porter, Kate Spade and Proenza Schouler for the photos!

Blake Lively

Our Top 9 Met Gala Gowns of 2014

8:50 PM

Every year the Met Gala is something that celebrities get to look forward to attending an something that we look forward to seeing photos of. Think of it as a mix between the Oscars and Fashion Week - those who can afford the price of a ticket (which begins at $25,000) have a chance to show off their fashion prowess on the red carpet. There's always a theme and this year we saw a return to formality as Charles James was honored, and in turn required a strict "white tie" dress code.

Though there will always be stars who feel the need to march to the beat of their own drum (we admire your confidence ladies!) we would like to present our top six gowns that meet the criteria for this years theme as well as a few honorable mentions that push the boundaries. Without further ado, let the countdown begin!

The Met Gala 2014 Best Dressed Countdown

6. Blake Lively in Gucci
We can't help but fall in love all over again with this Gossip Girl. Channeling old Hollywood glamor, Blake is stunning in this glittering Gucci gown that fits like a shimmering second skin and highlights her assets without ever hinting at anything short of class.

Blake Lively in Gucci at the 2014 Met Gala

Blake Lively keeps sexy classy in this glittery Gucci gown.

5. Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa
We're suckers for just about anything Marchesa and to be honest, this is a step in a fresh direction. We're accustomed to the feathers and lace and pretty Marchesa trademarks so this beautiful structured gown was certainly not what we expected from the brand but we're delighted nonetheless.

Karolina Kurkova at the 2014 Met Gala in Marchesa

Though it's not what we expected from Marchesa, we couldn't help but be stunned with Karolina Kurkova debuted this floral navy statement gown.

4. Kendall Jenner

Though the 18 year old model has already caused a few fashion controversies, we're pleased to see that she has absolutely hit this look out of the park. In a champagne colored Topshop dress that fits her like a glove, Kendall looks every bit the stunning model that is sure to grace runways for a few years to come.

Kendall Jenner in Topshop at the 2014 Met Gala

To be honest we weren't expecting Kendall Jenner to be anywhere near our best dressed list but we were pleasantly surprised when she arrived in this beautiful Topshop creation.

3. Liu Wen in Zac Posen
If we were ever in need of a statement ball gown that would never go out of style we would be on the phone with Zac Posen (does anyone have his phone number?) begging for one of his creations. This turquoise colored piece of art is among our absolute favorites from the 2014 Met Gala and has rendered Liu Wen a princess for the evening. We'd wager this dress would look great on just about anyone and had Sophia Vergara not worn something similar to the Golden Globes just a few months earlier it might have made our #1 spot.

Liu Wen at the 2014 Met Gala in Zac Posen

Zac Posen's architectural gowns have been spotted at several awards shows and the Met Gala was no exception. This brilliant emerald green creation turned Liu Wen into the princess of the evening.

2. Sarah Jessica Parker in Oscar de la Renta
We have to admit choosing between our #2 and #1 look was hard. Really hard. In fact, we'd like to think of it more as a tie. In that case, our first #1 look comes from no other than the woman who played Carrie Bradshaw herself, who has created her own shoe line and was co-hosting the Met Gala: Sarah Jessica Parker. We're in LOVE with this Oscar de la Renta gown that was meant to evoke memories of a dress form from the back and formal glamor from the front. From the hair to the accessories to the material we love this look from head to toe.

2014 Met Gala Co-Host Sarah Jessica Parker Wears Oscar de la Renta

Sarah Jessica Parker looks every bit the appropriate and impeccable host that she is in this gorgeous Oscar de la Renta creation,

1. Suki Waterhouse in Burberry
Our second #1 look comes complete with none other than latest 'it' model Suki Waterhouse. This breathtaking, tiered Burberry gown in the palest shade of blush is formal yet playful and still completely appropriate for the evening. Though tiers often have the unfortunate side effect of making a woman appear larger than she is, Burberry has mastered the art and Suki looks as stunning as ever.

Suki Waterhouse at the 2014 Met Gala in Burberry

Suki Waterhouse secures our Best Dressed slot in this frothy, blush-colored, tiered creation from Burberry.

The Honorable Mentions
Though we can certainly appreciate these gowns, they didn't make our best dressed look for one reason only: they don't meet the theme criteria, which is a big deal at the Met Gala. Although these ladies threw caution to the wind and marched to the beat of their own drum, we can certainly appreciate the gowns.

Lupita Nyong'o in Prada
Flapper certainly wasn't house most people interpreted the "White Tie" dress code and if we're being honest, we didn't actually like this look the first few times we saw it. That said, it's certainly growing on us and while it's not exactly appropriate for this event, it is beautiful, fun and creative - something we always like to see in a look.

Lupita Nyong'o's Prada Dress Ignores the 2014 Met Gala Theme

Lupita Nyong'o's Prada ensemble doesn't quite meet this years inspiration but we must admit, the more we look at it, the more we like it.

Kristen Stewart in Chanel
We actually adore this look and would wear it on any given Sunday but along the same lines as Lupita, it's just not appropriate for the theme of this years Met Gala. But we do have to admit, all personal feelings of Kristen Stewart aside, we think this is the best she's ever looked. Now if she would just smile.

Kristen Stewart's Chanel Gown Ignores 2014 Met Gala Theme

Kristen Stewart looks amazing in Chanel but it just doesn't quite fit this years inspiration for the gala.

Rihanna in Stella McCartney
Did we expect Rihanna to show up in a princess ball gown? Absolutely not. It's just not her. And we are absolutely in LOVE with this gown, in fact, in general, it's our best dressed of the evening. We think she looks absolutely incredible, fashion forward and every bit deserving of the CFDA's Fashion Icon of 2014 Award. Is it "White Tie" appropriate? Uhhh, maybe not. Is it gorgeous? Most definitely.

Rihanna's Stella McCartney Gown Pushes the Boundaries of the 2014 Met Gala Theme

Rihanna sizzles in a white Stella McCartney creation that shows off the singers amazing body and showcases her devil-may-care attitude. Though it doesn't exactly match the theme, it's by far, our favorite look of the night.

Thank you to E Online, The Fashion Court and Moda Mob for the beautiful photos.

Chanel's Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Pre-Collection is in Boutiques Now!

Blake Lively Glows in Chanel Spring/Summer 2014 Couture

Why Women Buy Expensive Shoes

Chanel Fall/Winter 2014 Haute Couture Details

Chanel Fall/Winter 2014 Haute Couture

Chanel Launches New Eyeshadow Quads & Le Lift Line

5 Sleek and Chic Tech Cases

Our Top 9 Met Gala Gowns of 2014

Follow

The Polka Dotted Truth

Jacqueline Harbin's Pintrest

recent posts

Blog Archive

Labels

Popular Posts

Instagram

Pages

Follow

The Polka Dotted Truth

Jacqueline Harbin's Pintrest

recent posts

Blog Archive

Labels

Popular Posts

About Me

Instagram