Thursday 27 January 2011

Chanel: Spring 2011 Campaign

As we all know, Chanel is known for its style and class; and as for the upcoming Spring collection, it expresses just this. 
The various chic designs and perfectly matched material show how the clothing is tailored to perfection with the exquisite detailing. How the material falls, shows how when Karl Lagerfeld designs clothes, he has each customer in mind. 
Even though Chanel clothing in the modern day is seen as traditional, Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel revolutionized haute couture fashion by her belief and idea that clothing should be about comfort, as well as fashion. Her unique style of simple suits and long slender dresses took the place of the traditional corset silhouette. This idea came from the way she saw men's clothes, and how she could interpret them into a style for women. Which would be adored all around the world, and still adored today. 
Not only Chanel is known for its beautiful clothing, but also for its glorious accessories. The fabric and leather is widely recognised for not only its quality, but for also how when the fabric or leather is used it has a 'secret' quilting pattern, which helps keep the material strong. This idea was inspired by the jackets worn by jockey's.

Chanel's designs are an inspiration to this day. The designs have the sophistication and chic look all the designers are looking for. 
I am (like most other people) in love with Chanel designs, but not the price tag. I have picked out Five Fashion Favourites which are available on the high street:

1. Master Bow Apron Pointer Patent Pumps, Topshop, £25
At a price of £25 they are the ideal pair of shoes. The shoes have a similar design of Chanel as they have the same chic black and white effect. I have a pair myself, and they go well with every outfit for any time of the day and even wearing them out at night. They also have the effect of looking more expensive than they actually are, which is a bonus in itself!

2. Suedette Bootie Wedge, New Look, £24.99
Another one of my favourite pair of shoes on the high street at the moment, and I think these are going to be a big hit. Wedges have come back into fashion for this Spring and they are perfect lace-ups as they fit your feet well and they do not slide off (which is a problem I always have with most heels). Not only they look amazing, but in true Chanel style, they are also about comfort. These shoes are honestly the most comfortable pair of shoes I have owned! And at £24.99 (without student discount!) is a price that you can now allow yourself to fall in love with!

3.Pleat Collar Blouse, Topshop, £38
The colour in itself screams Chanel. The detailing on the collar gives it that something extra that makes you love the blouse overall. I really love this colour, as it will suit any skin tone or hair colour. This colour is really in for the upcoming spring collections as it makes us look forward to the summer even more. (and yes, I know it is only January, but it is something to look forward to!)I think that Topshop is influenced a lot by Chanel's designs, as their clothes also seem to fit for comfort. This blouse gives it the sophisticated edge, but it also allows you to move about in it. 
The colour should be a key piece in your wardrobe for this Spring, as it is soft, and it gives the Spring effect of adding some colour!

4.Skinny Trousers, Zara, £39.99

Every Wardrobe must have a pair of black skinny trousers. Whether they are made from cotton or are just black jeans, they seem to go with just about everything! 
These are from Zara, and even though it is a bit pricey, they will last you (hopefully) a lifetime. You can team them up with a simple white t-shirt, or if your going out at night, you can pull it together with a nice detailed shirt. 
Chanel's designs are pretty and plain, and these trousers express just that. Chanel is also known for its suits, and tailored trousers (which, unfortunately for me, properly costs more than everything I own) BUT never fear, there are alternatives than selling your most prized possessions on eBay to grab a pair of Chanel's trousers. Zara has a wide collection of different types of trousers, perfect for in the day or going out in a night. The material used is also beautiful, so its worth the money!

5.Black suede chain bag, River Island, £29.99
                     
Chanel is known for its chic black and white style, and I think this chain bag would complete a Chanel-inspired outfit. It will look good for any occasion, such as going out shopping in the day, or to complete a going out dress. 
It is also ideal because it will fit all of your things in there (purse, phone, headphones, house keys, lipstick, touch up make up. You know, the usual). 
The bag is also not OTT, as it can complete a outfit that has a lot of prints on it, but it also can add to a jeans a t-shirt combination. Its just perfect really!


On the Catwalk:

The Chanel Spring collection 2011 reflects what is to be expected of the Spring and the (hopefully) upcoming Summer: sunshine! We have all had enough of the dark winter days and the freezing cold nights, and how the collection shows the bright whites and the flowing material, we expect nothing less than a little (at least) sunshine here in the UK. 
The photos above show that with the 60's style theme, simple chic mini dresses and tailored trouser designs have proven that Chanel have outdone themselves once again with this years Spring collection. Keeping to a traditional spring colour scheme of pastels, golds and whites, Chanel's designs are perfect for the upcoming Spring.  


As the 1960's theme continues, the chic Chanel designs become more unique and a must have for any Spring wardrobe. The photos from the catwalk show how the simple 60's mini dress design has been given a modern twist by adding a simple vintage print. 
The photo to the left encourages experimenting with different colours this Spring as the colour of Mustard is beginning to have a comeback! Teamed with a 60's print Pussybow shirt and Roman sandals, the colour is flattering among the colour of red and gold. The waistcoat gives it the masculine edge that Gabrielle Chanel got her inspiration from, but keeps it feminine with the vintage-look 60's mini skirt. 
As prints become the 'must have' for any wardrobe this Spring, the two photos above express just that. Chanel have kept it simple with a chic black and white and a touch of pastel in their designs this Spring. This, I feel, it gives it just the right vibe for this Spring, as the winter days are coming to a close, Chanel is making us look forward to a (maybe) sunny Spring.





Monday 17 January 2011

Appreciating Apparel

We have much in store for you fashion lovers!  we are new to this so we thought we would just have a bit of a mess around with our favourite fashion pieces and props. 
Shoes, shoes, shoes! Another way to appreciate apparel. Shoes have the power to pull an outfit together, so gather your pennies and invest.





From boring to beautiful:
Detail can pull an outfit together.

So if it isn't obvious by now, we love shirts! From the chic to the 'OH MY GOD DID YOUR MUM MAKE YOU WEAR THAT' exclamation when the Christmas jumper came out, but like a shirt, embrace every single one of them, because they can be worn anywhere and with anything.  

Nottingham is know for lace. This shirt is one of my favourite items this winter as it goes with everything. I love to wear it with black because the white lace looks gorgeous against the darker tones. I have also worn this with leather trousers, which softens the harsh look of the leather, it also gave it a feminine touch. 


I bought this bonded double breasted coat from the Topshop January sales. I grabbed myself a good bargain with this one as it went down to £50 from £89! Hurry and you can get yourself one too. Its brilliant for the winter, and I'll still be wearing it in the spring!


LEATHER SHORTS. Comfortable and in some places affordable. If you know where to look, and you're on a tight budget the internet is the way forward. This pair were snapped up on Ebay, but Topshop  originals. I picked up this fur shawl at The Clothes Show Live, last December at Birmingham NEC, which has an ever expanding collection of stalls dedicated to vintage. 

Sunday 16 January 2011

Welcome to fashionregency

We have always been interested in the world of photography and fashion, and by creating this blog we will hopefully show the inspiring people and places which surround this. We both are aiming to be doing something long term in fashion, but for now this is a good start in the industry.