Beauty Product Review: Chanel Delight Summer 2012 nail polish

Rose gold is such a romantic color, don't you think?

I'm a little obsessed with rose gold and I am a little obsessed with nail polishes with a foil finish.  For some reason, I find it a bit harder to find metallic nail polishes that give the drier, matte finish.  I travel a lot for work and personal reasons, so I am always passing through the airport and tempted by duty free cosmetics (the best place to get high end cosmetics!)  Changi airport actually has one of the best selections and prices among international airports I've visited (I bet CDG in France would be great too).  I've amassed a Chanel nail polish collection and wanted to start reviewing them for you.

I loved the finish and easy consistency of this polish.  I was surprised to see that it actually resembled rose gold (initially I just thought it was champagne).  The peach and pink undertones are pretty fabulous.  Unfortunately my nails dried under my husband's usual super blast of air conditioning so excuse the small bubbles (direct blasts of air or a short drying time between coats leads to bubbles in your polish!)

Pros
- Polish goes on smoothly
- Drying time is relatively quick

Cons
- It's not cheap folks

Price
- $26 (or about $21 where I am depending on the exchange rate)

{Fashion} Highlight: Chanel Spring Summer 2012 takes flight

Ahh to have sat in one of the "first class" or even "business class" seats at Chanel Spring/Summer!  The airport runway was recreated with this show and the clothing was somewhat of a 1960s homage to flight attendants (err if flight attendants wore Chanel of course!)  Jackets and cuts were boxy and waists were undefined.  While the silhouette wasn't fitted (I normally don't' even take a second glance at dresses with a boxier shape), the detail was typically Chanel and typically divine.  I loved the large beads on the bodice of the dress below - they make a bold statement on a simple dress.  I also think a gradient tweed jacket should be in the works for me some day.
The mixed sizes of the stones and the tulle cape also make the first dress a quirky and wonderful wedding gown alternative no? It is all in the details (hmm or a fab DIY if you had the time)...

{Source}

In my Closet: Chanel vintage camera bag

Remember when I posed the question: is a Chanel handbag worth it?

I debated the same thing to myself for a while, but finally decided yes!  I'm fortunate to be part of a DINK (double income no kids), have no debt, and have been financially responsible enough to treat myself once in a while. Regular retail for Chanel still scares me (as well as reports of worsening quality in the last few seasons) so I am perfectly happy to purchase vintage handbags in good condition.

I got this vintage Chanel camera bag from a seller on TPF Marketplace (available through application only).  I had been stalking reissues for a while, but this one also caught my eye.

I love the timeless shape...

...the classic gold and black combination (btw, vintage gold chains may actually be gold plated as well!)

...the unique quilted detail on the chain and the charm

...and the sturdy caviar leather (which is also a great size - I keep other clutches in here now!)

My dear husband got this for me aka I negotiated and bought it and he was allowed to call it my birthday gift last year.  I saved a ton of money over retail and was able to get an extra discount because the seller had something mis-sewn inside the bag.  Always remember to purchase vintage goods from reliable sellers!

It really is a great bag and I'm now on a mission to find more vintage Chanel handbags.  These are definitely purses I'd be happy to pass onto my daughters some day!  Tres chic right?

Worth it? Chanel handbag

Chanel.

It is one of the ultimate brands in women's handbags and its "CC" logo brings a flutter to many hearts.

Unfortunately (or rather fortunately for Chanel itself), Chanel handbags have literally doubled in the past decade.  E.g. a reissue 227 was $2095 in 2005 and is $4700 in 2011.  Ridiculous to the ridiculous power (except for Chanel executives who are smart indeed).
But this also means that if you own a Chanel bag, you can actually resell it and likely make back a large portion of your money or even make money (I've seen this happen with the reissue bag - it sold for $500 above retail though it had a slight stain!)  In fact, I think that a Chanel purse is a pricey, but less risky investment because of its high resale value and constant price increases.

I'm still on the hunt for a vintage reissue bag or two.  I'll also reveal my vintage camera bag soon!

{Source}

So do you think a Chanel purse is worth it?

Behind the scenes: Chanel and the creation of couture

Have you seen the Signe channel videos for the creative process behind Chanel haute couture gowns?It's an interesting behind the scenes look at the many people that take part in creating couture.  I can really see the level of detail, craftsmanship, and care that go into each couture piece; a whole army of people with different skills take part in adding a detail that contributes to the hand-made artistry of each item.

It certainly sheds some light on the astronomic prices of couture when you realize there are people that specialize in lace trims, beading, and different types of embroidery!

{Runway Inspiration} Blush and embellishment inspiration via Chanel Couture Spring/Summer 2011

Browsing the Chanel boutique can be a dangerous thing - the colors, textures, and designs are incredibly chic but not so cheap.  I think Chanel handbags are a worthy investment (the reissue will be mine some day and also aching for a vintage bag!) because they are truly iconic and the caviar leather especially can stand the test of time.  I'd also love a tweed jacket that could go with anything and would be passed down among the females in my family.  Ahh some day...

I gathered some inspiration from the Chanel Spring/Summer 2011 show for wardrobe essentials at any price:

A classic sheath dress with an edgy touch, like the satin ribbon here

A jacket with powerful shoulders and contrasting colors that can be dressed up or down

Blush and metallic colors with just a touch of sparkles - great for a day to night transition

A classic tweed jacket in basic colors (will post lower cost alternatives next week!)

Differences in textures combine beautifully in a daintily embellished top to a tulip skirt with great draping

{Source} 

What are your inspirations for wardrobe essentials?

Beauty Thoughts: Chanel Riva Nail Polish and a Zoya promotion

...because I want "Effortless, natural beauty, (and to be one of the) relaxed girls who are enjoying their holidays." (Peter Phillips, Global Director of Chanel Makeup).  This shade is part of the Chanel Côte D’Azur Collection which debuted at the Chanel Cruise Collection 2010-11 fashion show in Saint Tropez.


Ahh to be in Saint Tropez.  I'll gladly settle for Cabo next month and perhaps I'll pick this up in the airport then (though I gotta say Changi airport Chanel nail polish colors have been lacking, order this please Airport store!)

$27 at Chanel.com

Have you heard of another nail polish brand, Zoya? They've created a lovely line of camphor, formaldehyde, and DPB free vegan friendly nail polish in an amazing array of colors.

Show some support and like them on Facebook.  They've reached 20,000 Facebook fans and are giving away 3 bottles of nail polish when you order from them and insert code "FB2011"; this expires January 7 so order now and just pay shipping!

I got Hermina, 

Morgan,

and Loredana (a little bit like Chanel Black Velvet but with sparkles!)

What are you getting?

Worth it? Chanel La Vernis Nail Color

There is something so iconic and chic about Chanel.  Cosmetics, clothing, accessories - they're all as glam as you can get.  Chanel La Vernis nail polish is supposed to be long-lasting and chip resistant.  There are of course also gorgeous shades from the lightest roses to baby blue.  At $23 a bottle, it's not cheap. 
But is it really a grande dame of nail polish as well?  I've been tempted to try it and would love to hear your experiences.

Worth it?

Cuff love and blog award love

There's something about cuffs that has entranced me lately...

Hayden Harnett has always had divine cuffs in a modern rocker-chic way.  These are $144 but were on sale for $88.40 2 weeks ago so patience pays off!

Sigh, a billowy tunic, some cute strappy sandals, and this at the ever impressive Forever 21 for $5.80.  I'm totally stalking the store for this.  Bridal bloggers, what about this as a modern accessory with your dress?

Momma and baby studs go together in this leather studded cuff from Linea Pelle, $55

Luxing it up with Alexis Bittar.  I'm trying to decide whether it's worth the price ($227.50 on sale!)  It is pretty divine though and even the name "Rhodium versail crystal" is lovely.

Finally a lusty lust item indeed.  I feel like I may have robbed Coco Chanel's own jewelry box if I had this.

 

$3,300 (le sigh) here

I also got an award from Jbreezy Baby.  It is the I ♥ your Blog award.  Thanks dearest!

 

I'm supposed to link to the person who gave this to me and pass it to 15 of my newest blog friends.  That was hard but they're all awesome!

So I give this to the well deserving and ever fascinating:

1. Party Planner Gal 
2. Drollgirl
3. Sundara Life 
4. Chocolate Lover
5. the Less than Domestic Goddess
6. La Dolce Vita Micaela
7. 99+ forever
8. Oh Missy Me
9. Savvy Gal
10. Leah
11. LenoreNevermore
12. A Diary of Lovely
13. Very Married
14. Bailey and Meister
15. Shop 'n Chomp (my husband is inspired and says he wants to be known as Spend 'n Chomp, sigh)

I'm off again to NYC soon.  Mmm, can't wait to have some pizza and do some shopping!

Photo Love: Just a peek into a picture and some peeks into my wish list

I love the innocent glimpse of a face.  It's just a peek of the eyes and profile.  What is she thinking?  What is happening as she speaks?

Photo from Jason Keefer

This was a bride on her wedding day.  I can only imagine what was going through her mind.  But I hope she had fun. :)

I've been thinking a bit about photos and how we'd like our lives remembered (in terms of being captured on film) and the productions we sometimes go through for those pictures.  I think I'll finally post about it this week.

In the mean time, here is a peek into...
...a lust item
Gorgeous Chanel earrings with rounded glass and pearl drops (a Victorian dream, sigh)

sigh, only $2500 here

... a realistic and beautiful item

$14.99 found here

...and my ponderings - would I rather live further away and have a larger space and nicer amenities or be in a smaller space in the city within a few blocks of restaurants?  It's kinda a tough decision but we have to decide soon!  What are your preferences for your living space?