The Chanel Look

Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel began her design career in the 1920s, but her style and influence will live on forever. Every woman has something in her closet reminiscent of Chanel even if it doesn't have those famous C's.

 

This is because Chanel designed for eternity, not for a season. Bettina Ballard, former Vogue editor, said of Chanel, "She will certainly go down in history as the only couturier who spanned the taste space of almost half a century without ever changing her basic conception of clothes."

 

Little did Ballard know that almost a full century later, we would still be wearing items inspired and conceptualized by Chanel.

 

If you own one piece of costume jewelry, or a "little black dress", you own a piece of Chanel's legacy. If you don't own a little black dress, Our Friends' Closet is here to help fill the gap in your wardrobe!

 

The little black dress, or now known as the LBD, is a staple piece every woman should have. If you buy the right LBD it can be used in a variety of ways. Black is known to have slimming capabilities, so throwing on a simple LBD on a day your not feeling so hot will instantly rev up your self confidence.

 

Contrary to popular belief the little in little black dress does not mean short. It was called little due to it's simplistic nature. A simple black dress can be worn casually for an everyday look, or can be dressed up for a night on the town. Or you can purchase a simple black dress for day, and an extra special black dress to wear for more dressy occasions.

 

Loft Dress size L $16

 

This Loft number has enough sparkle and a deep enough cut that it is ultra sexy for a night out. But throw a cami underneath, and maybe a cardigan over top, and it's instantly appropriate for day! Wearing a longer necklace brings the attention to your chest, better keep that for date nights.

 

Andrew Marc size 12 $39 (50% off!)

 

This dress may be simple in cut, but the details of the dress make it a knock out! The sheer black netting at the shoulders, and buttons from collar to waist give an air of mystery to this dress. Too much black for your taste? Throw on some colored jewelry and it will POP! against the all black background of the dress!

 

Ann Taylor skinny belt $12 (25% off)

Jacqueline Conoir Blazer size 4 $89 (50% off)

Dress size 10 $49

 

A satin dress may not sound like a dress that would work for day time, but when it's toned down with a colored blazer, and a oh so trendy skinny belt, this look is perfect for the office! Have a date after work? No problem. Remove the jacket to show off your shoulders, add some sparkly jewelry, and a sky high pair of strappy sandals. If the silhouette of the dress is too blousy for you, keep the skinny belt on all night long to show off your trimmed waist.

 

NEW The Limited dress size 10 $29 (25% off)
Necklace $10 (25% off)

 

Another dress that is perfect for day or night! Add the faux pearls to make it a true Chanel look! (Chanel is cited as the first to openly admit to wearing fake pearls, and is therefore credited with the "invention" of costume jewelry.)

 

Odille Dress size 6 $39 (50% off)

 

This strapless number is an LBD better left to those fancy occasions. While the fabric may be simple, but the cut of this dress is meant for a lavish night out. With bows in contrasting fabric, this LBD is anything but simple.

 

Silpada 3 strand necklace $129
Freshwater pearl necklace
Long Pearl Necklace $10 (25% off!)

 

 

If your going for a true Chanel look, don't be afraid to pile on the necklaces.

Gabrielle Coco Chanel

1883-1971

Still a fashion icon!

"These colors are impossible. These women, I'm bloody well going to dress them in black! So I imposed black...Black wipes out everything else around it."
-Coco Chanel