Coco Before Chanel

It is not uncommon for women to be successful, iconic, and mesmerizing... what is uncommon is that very few woman leave a mark like Gabrielle Chanel.  She has left the world with a legacy, a brand that is forever graced with her elegance, charm, and wit. Do you know that the Chanel number 5 perfume is the most popular fragrance in the world and that every 30 seconds a bottle is sold? Coco never married, never had any children, and left her business to the ones who loved her... her loyal clients. 

On September 25th the new Sony movie: Coco Before Chanel comes out and I encourage you all to go and see it. I was fortunate enough to have the chance to preview you it this week at the Sony Paris Theatre in midtown Manhattan.  As I sat in the dark along with other Chanel employees I watched the early life of Gabrielle, played by the stunning and talented actress, Audrey Tautou.  Coco's life was never easy, not even when she became a great success. Her business survived during two wars even when her heart was breaking for the one she loved. This film is remarkable and allows all viewers from industry professionals to students to appreciate the work, the art, and passion Chanel had.  The music in this film is what pulls everything together and you will leave singing a song Coco once sang until your roommate wants to kill you... like mine. 

This film also coincides with Karl's new Chanel Cruise 2010 Collection.  You will see how Coco changed the way in which women dressed and how men perceived them. In the 2010 Cruise Collection you will see Venetian inspired clothing, sailor stripes, classic Chanel Tweeds, and of course the little black dress. 

I hope you all enjoy the film as much as I did and please share with me your likes and dislikes about it once you see it

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Apprécier le film ! (Enjoy the movie!)

Red Lipstick Oh la la!

It has been around for ages... Grace Kelly has worn it, our mothers and grandmothers, Starlets' on the red carpet, and now the person who has to wear it is you! I personally wouldn't dare to be without my red lipstick... only because when I put it on I feel complete. After "Pearl Harbor" came out my father obsessed about the women in the movie and how glamourous they looked... pushing my mother to wear it and emulate that essence (my mother just plain and simple hates red).

After battles with my mother to try it, she did and she choose the wrong shade and has since forgone my father's dream and disregarded red lipstick forever, opting for pink. Since red lipstick didn't suite my mother he said, why don't you try it! So I did and since then I have become an obsessive red lipstick fanatic. I have tried all shades and some had looked terrible and some have been oh so irresistible, but finally I have found my winter and summer shades. In summer I wear YSL # 17 rouge, which is a red-orange very fun and flirty and for winter Chanel "lover" a richer and deeper red. 

You maybe asking yourself whether or not you think you can pull red lipstick off but believe me you can.... AS LONG as you have the right shade.  There is nothing worse than walking down the street whether in Manhattan or in Idaho with the wrong shade of lipstick making you look like a hooker. When you do find the right shade and I am sure you will be sure to always double check your teeth. I remember onetime at Gucci when I had just finished getting in my uniform and putting on my red lipstick... confident I walked into the elevator to talk to my favorite people and a girl I didn't care for much looked at me and said : "I love your lipstick!!... but you know it is all over your teeth" she smiled and exited the elevator  with a smirk on her face as i viciously licked my teeth. AH!

SO, remember the cardinal rules... find the right shade for your skin tone, always double check your teeth, but lastly don't forget red lipstick can be worn day or night and always looks classy with black ensembles and even printed pieces. 

Etre éblouissant ! ( be glamourous!)