Here at CF, we spend lots of time creating outfits that are more affordable than the pieces we see coming down the runways. I mean, how many college girls do you know that can afford a (real) Chanel purse? That’s why, while I find designer clothes inspiring, I’m often more inspired by the super stylish women behind the designs!
Coco Chanel, born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, was and is one of the most inspiring female fashion designers of all time. She learned to sew at an early age, by 21 she had opened her own boutique in Paris, and, well… it’s all history from there. Today, the name Chanel has been synonymous with classic, menswear-inspired luxury pieces. Coco has not only left her mark on the world with her company and designs, but her words of wisdom still ring true with us today!
With her spirit in mind, here are three looks inspired by three of Coco Chanel’s most famous quotes.
1. “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
Headband – Red Pumps – Black Dress – Belt – Flats – Nailpolish
This is one of my favorite Chanel quotes, and probably one of the most well known. It perfectly explains Chanel’s logic when designing pieces. Therefore, I tried to create a look that translate that idea today.
The “little black dress” is a timeless classic, something that every girl should have in her wardrobe. The one I’ve chosen has a little lace to give it an extra pop without showing too much skin. The headband is another classic item, and the bow adds an extra ounce of “fabulous.” Overall, the idea is to find classic pieces and find subtle ways to make them pop!
2. “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”
Tank– Jeans– Flats– Nailpolish– Bag–Earrings
Stylish girls are always on top of the latest trends, but this quote reminds us that those trends will always come and go. True style comes from within, and that never goes away!
A great “real style test” is to slip on some dark denim and a basic white tank – it’s a blank canvas for you to use to show your personal style. In the look above, I’ve chosen to add in a classic bag, bright colored flats, some faux diamond studs, and a neutral nail polish. These things reflect my personal style, but you should accessorize the same basic outfit with pieces that reflect yours! That’s what real style is about.
3. “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it’s not luxury.”
Ahh, luxury; it’s a word that most college girls have forgotten how to use. If you’re like me, you don’t have the budget to splurge on high-end items on a regular basis. That said, I believe there are some pieces worth investing in – it’s often better to forgo 5 tops and a pair of jeans from Forever 21 for one really amazing pair of shoes that you’ll wear forever.
Like Coco said, comfort is key when spending on luxury items. If it’s not comfortable and easy to wear, you probably won’t get your money’s worth. So below, I’ve listed a few “splurges” from my own closet that are “luxury” items, but are also some of the most comfortable items I own!
Seven for All Mankind Skinny Jeans
Coach Purse
Sperry Topsiders
I know these items aren’t in a usual college girl’s budget, but if you save up some extra dollars over time, they are reachable – I would know! Once you’re ready to invest in a higher-priced “luxury” item, always remember that comfort and wearability are non-negotiable!
What do you think?
So what do you guys think about these looks? Does Coco Chanel inspire you? How would you accessorize the basic outfit above? Do you have any “comfortable luxury” items of your own?Let me know in a comment below!
I am in love with this post. The outfits you created are gorgeous… I want them! I also like what you had to say. Some pieces are worth splurging on–like jeans, bags, and suits. Fantastic post. I hope so see more like this.
I love this post. Coco Chanel is one of my personal inspirations! I definitely agree that on some things you should splurge, and I count my splurges as my nameplate, which I literally wear every day but was bought for me when I was a baby by my great aunt, and a Juicy Couture bag that holds….just everything. I love traveling with it. But it was also purchased for me, by my mom, and, bonus points, the full cost of it was donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital!
I love this!!! I adore anything inspired by chanel or audrey hepburn. 2 and 3 are my favorites 😀 Try reading The Gospel According to Coco Chanel. It’s a great read for anyone who loves the famous designer. http://www.amazon.com/Gospel-According-Coco-Chanel-Lessons/dp/1599215233/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281224930&sr=8-1
i totally totally love look #2! Simple and oh so stylish
Great way to find inspiration! These outfits are really cute, especially the second one (in my opinion).
I definitely splurged on Sperry Top-Siders. I also splurged on J.Crew bootcut jeans because they fit me perfectly and are appropriate for “casual friday” at the school I work at. Love the post. Great job.
I love this! Coco had great style, and I love classic looks. I agree that Sperry’s are probably the most comfortable shoes I own, and worth splurging on because they last forever. My dad has had his pair for at least a decade and they still look great.
I can attest that seven jeans are a great splurge!! They look great, are so comfy, and their cost-per-wear make them SOOO worth it!
I love! But I’m pretty sure the quote #2 above was said not by Coco Chanel but by Yves Saint Laurent. He stated “Fashion fades, style is eternal”. Although, I guess they could just be similar quotes.
Really awesome idea for a post! Especially love #2 🙂
I absolutely LOVE this article! Coco Chanel is amazing and you’ve really brought her words into a college girl’s wallet. I want to do the second outfit so bad – You’ve totally inspired me!
For the splurges, I’d definitely go for the jeans and the shoes that were featured, but I wasn’t convinced about the Coach bag. I think if you want to keep a bag forever, it should be made of leather or pleather. I’d be paranoid that the fabric would fray or stain with time and use.
ew, how can you even associate a coach bag with chanel?
and the first outfit is so tacky. not even close to anything chanel.
Can you update the link to the flats on the 1st look? Thanks!
Maybe this is just because it isn’t my personal style, but my only complaint is that I don’t feel a headband with a bow is timeless…didn’t those just come back into fashion with Gossip Girl? Again, not my style anyways, so maybe I just turn a blind eye when I see them. Otherwise cute outfits! And Allie, I think you may have missed the point of the article? These are just Chanel quotes, and how the author interpreted them through her own sense of style. Even if you don’t like the individual looks, this is a great way to inspire new outfits.
This is such a cool post! You picked great outfits to go with the quotes 🙂 I love the first and second one 🙂
all these outfits are fabulous, but number 1 has to be my fave 🙂 this is a great post, you should do more inspired by other famous men and women, for example i would love to see one inspired by edie sedgewick, although i’m not so sure that quotes by her are easy to come by.
Excellent post. I’ve noticed lately that my taste is evolving from trend-loving to a more classic style and this post really gave me some great ideas for that!
Wonderful post, though I think my favourite quote of Coco’s was “When accessorizing always take off the last thing you put on.”
I always remind myself of this so I don’t end up looking ridiculous with too much going on in my outfits.
Love the #1 look.
fab fab fab.
who doesn’t love chanel?
fantastic post- great for college students who need classic pieces!!
great outfits :]]]
Charlotte xxx