Mantra Monday

Musings on Coco Before Chanel

I was finally able to see Coco Before Chanel and how excited was I when I found out it was playing at the Paris Theater (58th Street & 5th Avenue).  The Paris Theater is the glam theater located across the street from The Plaza Hotel.  Yes, I felt like Carrie Bradshaw in the episode of SATC where she takes herself to the movies at the Paris Theater.

Coco Before Chanel is a french film that is playing at limited theaters throughout the United States. The movie is in french with subtitles in English.  This did not take away from the film. though I loved every minute of it!  Audrey Tautou plays the great Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel. It was amazing to see how much she resembled her. The film goes through the life of Chanel, starting with her at a young age being dropped off at an orphanage by her father.  Not to mention you get to see how she put the LBD  (Little Black Dress) on the map.

I found her story both inspiring and motivating.  This film does a fabulous job showing us how Chanel stuck to being her own person and how successful it made her. After watching this film it makes me want to finish reading her biography that I started last summer. Oh, and of course this film just adds to my obsession with Paris and the French culture! Two words: CLASS & ELEGANCE.

“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”

- Coco Chanel

Giving Thanks

I have been trying to express gratitude on a daily basis. In January, I made a resolution to work on finding balance in the many areas of my life. I'll share with you (some of) the things I forever thankful for.

...my supportive family, no matter how big or small the dream I try to conquer they stand behind me 100%. I have realized not everyone is as fortunate.

...my friends (extended family), I only surround myself with loving and postive people. How lucky am I to have a such an extended family that exceeds more than I can count.

...the arts!, everything and anything about it. When I'm dancing, I am living life to the fullest.

...NYC (this is where I que in Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind"), the culture, people, fashion, art, food - oh this list could go on & on. This city has allowed me to be myself to the max and I couldn't imagine spending my twenties -soon to be thirties - any place else!

...you! I am thankful for my readers and their love, support & creative energy. It has helped me take this lil' blog to bigger heights. This blog has been my creative outlet to rant about all things chic & fabulous. I am looking forward to taking ACCIDENTAL Chic to the next level this coming year!!

Wishing you a fabulous Thanksgiving, xo.

(now it's your turn to share with us what you are thankful for!)

DKNY Cozy Craze

Ok, so I had to do research on this DKNY Cozy Craze! My friend has been raving about her "Cozy" and the different styles she can wear it. I'll admit I do find the advertistment striking every time I come across it. The bold color combination definetly makes a statement.

This sweater/cardagin can transform into 12 different styles.  The Cozy was on sale today on Overstock.com for only $69.99, it originally retails for $185.  I am still debating whether the Cozy will be a necessity in my wardrobe...what do you do you think?

 

 

Mantra Monday

Who wouldn't mind a little Hanky Panky?

Ladies take note, the BEST thong is now available online!

Hanky Panky is proud to announce their online store. To celebrate they are offering free shipping through December 31st.  Not a thong lover? Don't worry there are plenty of different style panties to choose from along with bras and sleepwear.

While perusing their online store I found a couple  of gift ideas. I mean come on, who wouldn't mind a little Hanky Panky for the holidays?

Signature Lace Low Rise Thong Bon-Bon ($18)

Original Rise Thong Ornament ($18)

Chic Eco-friendly Cushions

Hartfelt Design has developed a revolutionary application technique to create super soft custom-made cushion designs using 100% recycled plastic bottles. Cushion covers are machine washable with a removable inner made with an organic cotton outer stuffed with recycled filling which makes every aspect of these cushion either recycled or Soil Association approved.

Hartfelt Design sources environmentally friendly materials and has a parented with Friends of the Earth, donating one dollar of every cushion purchased to continue to promote sustainable and renewable ideals. 

With a variety of designs and colors, Hartfelt Design offers an eco-friendly and fun gifting and decorating option.

 

Mantra Monday

I have to give props where props are due...

The past few 'Mantra Mondays' have come from the fabulous Kind Over Matter. This blog will lift your spirits, start your day on the right foot or simply bring a smile to your face.  Definitely one to bookmark.

Imagine if everyone choose kind over matter?

Stella Kids

It has been brought to my attention by one of my readers that Stella McCartney has a children's line at GapKids and babyGap. This is fabulous! I don't know how I could have missed this. Well it might be due to the fact that I don't have children, therefore I rarely step foot into the children's section. "For years now I've wanted to create a collection for kids, it's something I've often been asked about," McCartney revealed. "I believe that this one off collaboration will be a great way for customers to be able to participate in the Stella McCartney brand."

The clothes are perfect for those up & coming fashionistas.  I wouldn't expect anything less from Stella!  Look at the jackets, they fit right in with the members of Coldplay.  And how cute is the girls' line? I  am in love with the dresses which would be perfect for any tea party.

"I believe that kids clothing should be more accessibly priced, which is particularly important at the moment given the current climate," the designer said. "It's really exciting for us to do a boys and girls collection for the first time."  AMEN Stella! 

Interior Dreaming

 

Today is just one of those rainy days that I wish I could just stay in my apartment. Of course, I would love to be reading through my stacks of magazines & piles of books in any one of these glamorous pads created by Kishani Perera.  After visiting her website I am feeling totally inspired.

Uh oh, be prepared for more interior design posts coming your way!

 

Lily Pulitzer celebrates America Recycle's week

This month Lily Pulitzer is launching "Lily Loves Green" campaign, which is perfect timing since America Recycle's Week is Nov. 8th to the 15th.

During this time customers are asked to are asked to donate “gently worn” special occasion dresses (old prom, bridesmaid and other one-hit wonders in the closets!) to help make memories for some deserving young girls!  The giving goes both ways…for every dress donated, customers receive a $10 credit towards your next “Originals” purchase.  Bring dresses to your favorite participating Lilly Pulitzer store or send to [Lilly Pulitzer for The Princess Project 800 Third Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406]  Lilly Pulitzer will be packaging and sending all donations from its headquarters (affectionately known as the Pink Palace) and stores to The Princess Palace!

In other words,  Reduce, Reuse, Re-Lily.

Temperley London partners with Amensty

 

Long time Amnesty International supporter Alice Temperley has partnered with human rights organization to create a gorgeous scented candle to mark Human Rights Day on December 10th. 
 
All proceeds of the candle will go directly to Amensty to support the many campaigns and intiatives it spearheads each year in pursuit of upholding and recognizing human rights around the world. Peter Beneson, the organizations founder, thought of the image when recalling a favorite Chinese proverb: "Better to light a candle than curse the dark".  (love it!) 

The Temperley candle for Amnesty International will be exclusively available from the Temperley London Boutiques in NYC & LA, only at www.temperleylondon.com and www.amenstyshop.org.uk for a limited time. Price $45.

Mantra Monday

Statement Accessories by ROARKE NYC

                               
I am ALL about the statement accessories this fall and low & behold I have found a great line! ROARKE NYC has the most amazing beaded headpieces, bracelets and chiffon necklaces I have ever seen. I love accessories that can transform from day to night. The prices are a bit steep however the different ways you could wear them pay off.

13th Annual ACE Awards present...

The Accessories Council Honors Fashion Influencers awards were held this past Monday at Cipriani.  Among the award winners was none other than Lady Gaga, receiving - can you take a guess? - Stylemaker Award.   Check out Gaga wearing a creation by Marc Jacobs, who was a presenter at the event.

Diane Von Furstenburg won the Accessory Visionary Award. Wonder if it was for those crazy pom pom hats she came out with this season? Or who could forget the impact her flower headbands had this past spring!

The Fashion Icon Award went to Barbie.  Gee, she sure is having a good year. A gal can only dream to look as good and receive such an award at the age of 50.  The many faces of Barbie were displayed throughout Ciprani.

Betsey Johnson presented the award for Retailer of the Year, which went to Zappos.com.  Rumor had it Johnson has ZAPPOS written across her behind. I wouldn't put it pass her! Ahh, gotta love Betsey.

Honorees included Burberry-Brand of the Year; Tomas Maier for Bottega Veneta- Designer of the Year; Fred Allard of Nine West-Influencer Award; Blake Mycoskie of Tom’s Shoes-Humanitarian Award; Gilt Groupe-Retail Innovation; Hal Rubenstein, Fashion Director of InStyle -Marylou Luther Award for Fashion Journalism; and V Magazine-Magazine of the Year.

Fall Trend: MOD is back

What's old is new again!

I was flipping through the pages of the October issue of Lucky and found these looks that were inspired by the Twiggy era.  So why not go MOD this fall/winter? The color and print combination in the spread were inspiring to me, hope you feel the same.

 

The per-fekt Skin Gel

Ok, so I am officially obsessed with per-fekt Beauty. This obsession has been escalating since August when I was first exposed to the per-fekt Skin Gel.  Their motto says it all, "why look good when you can look per-fekt".

I have been searching high and low for the perfect (no pun intended) moisturizer.  Low and behold my prayers were answered! per-fekt's Skin Gel is a moisturizer and foundation in one. It absorbs the oil making your skin look vibrant minus the shine.   I was a bit hesitant to purchase the skin gel at first since so many makeup products have a tendency to let me down. Over the next couple of months I would go into Sephora and Henri Bendel's to try the product again and again. For $50, I had to be sure it was worth it and believe me it is.

Check out these before and after photos. Still don't believe me? Head over to Henri Bendel's on Fifth Avenue and ask for Anne Clare, tell her ACCIDENTAL Chic sent you.

whereisjosienow? launches Online Boutique

I had the pleasure of meeting the fabulous designer Josie (whereisjosienow) during Fashion Week last year. Her creations are what I call unique chic. Josie's line is for savvy females who aren't afraid to create their own style.  

‘My customer is almost anti-fashion. She’s unafraid.’ Josie, 27, explains. ‘She knows the trends, but is keen to spin them to suit her own personal style and places a heavy emphasis on the play element of creating a look. I’m constantly inspired by the girl who always has an unusual belt, enviable bag or fresh way of tying her hair up. In tribute, I’ve even introduced a dedicated accessories section of the website to help customers to stay individual.’ 

Josie’s Style File offers visitors to the site a hand-picked, treasure trove of vintage or hard-to-find items ranging from belts to brooches. Vintage dresses can be shortened and shoulder pads added so that every customer feels involved in the end design. 

Josie updates the collection almost daily; ‘Whatever I find is almost instantly uploaded to keep my truly unique customers ahead of the game.’ 

The line is created in Devon, England and graces the stores like TopShop, ASOS.com and selected boutiques.  I am pleased to announce that Josie's creations are now available online!

Mantra Monday