Fake or Real? Do it Chanel's way!

Do you like me face an eternal conundrum when choosing accessories;  discreet or flashy?! I was carefully brought up, to appreciate real stones and how elegance was linked to being discreet, ladylike and definitely not over the top. My own style has evolved from my Paris years into jewelry which can make a statement and reflect my eclectic, vintage taste.

I think Coco Chanel had the right approach when she stated:" jewelry is not meant to make you look rich, it is meant to adorn you". Especially if you are not rich, it is better to choose a vintage cocktail ring of semiprecious stones, and failing that a gorgeous plastic design, than a small 'real'stone which fades into significance and adds nothing to your outfit. Coco also advised, to mix freely between costume and real jewelry as the look was all that mattered.

However there is one caveat on costume jewelry, it should be as well made as  real jewelry. So go for the best in each category.Taking a flower adornment, if you wear a real flower, it will fade after several hours, so wearing a beautiful 'real' silk one can enhance a spring outfit. Especially if  you take care, to coordinate your perfume with your look (another time I will explore that topic!)

Colour blocking or the art to have fun with colour!

I thought it wonderful when colour blocking appeared on the scene last year, but this year some fashion designers have continued with it and perhaps easier for our purses, so has the high street. If you want striking design and flash colour in your lingerie, look up Dutch lingerie designer, Marlies Dekkers, the shapes very flattering and modern retro! I love to combine that with flash nail varnish, Chanel gave us a wonderful lemon yellow nail varnish in last years summer collection, but I think the OPI "it colour", a mellow warm yellow is easier to wear for all skins.
To keep to your fun flash mood in your outer clothes what about lacy or soft cotton flash yellow, hot pink or aguamarine dresses with a legging and ballerinas in the same or contrasting  tone?The dresses can be found at Melvin, a Belgian high street label with a Diane von Furstenberg attitude; comfortable feminine wrap dresses , combined with great prints and colour. Ballerinas in a variety of colour, including patent yellow, hot pink and coral suede can be found at French internet shoesite Sarenza, look for the Spanish shoemaker Valensi (added bonus they go from 33 to 44 in high fashion designs, great!).
Top this orgy of colour with one of my favourite feelgood and highly quirky make up labels "Benefit", started by two sisters, who with retro packaging and really useful pragmatic makeup give us a great start to the day.
Should you be feeling flush with cash and wanting to treat yourself , then have a look at italian label Blugirl who does a wonderful collection in mandarine and pinks with 50's accents. For a 60's design look in great lemon and green Carolina Herrera has done some great outfits combining todays shapes and textiles with the graphic design of the mod 60's. As you can guess my favourite colour this spring and summer is yellow and so my fabbest fashion item of all is Mrc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton pale lemon coat in stiff cotton with crochet appliques.

have fun!!!