I have just finished reading this amazing story about our famous fashion icon, innovator, and history making woman, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. This book was a delight to read even though it seemed so long to read! I didn’t think I would finish this book, but as I kept reading I wanted to read more. This book goes in to detail about how fashion was brought about in the 1900’s and how Chanel, even going through her personal struggles as a growing woman, became a innovator of fashion in the future years.

I love the fact of the times of world war 1had it influence on fashion and depicted what resources that designers could use during that time. I also thought it was amazing in how the designers back in France utilized what they had and created amazing fashions.

Remember how the days of the corsets and voluminous skirts and dresses where the styles that defined a woman? Well, I love the fact that when the men went off to war and now women where working and those styles that was the “in thing” at the time was not so practical. I remember one line from the book when Chanel was not afraid to tell her clients and fashion press what was passe, ” Dresses with flounce and laces were out, along with tulle veils. . . Referring to the smart little motorcars Albert Dio and Bouton & Trepardoux were marketing, she said, “How can such women even get into a Dion-Bouton when a Rolls-Royce is barely large enough for them?” Pure genious of Chanel to keep up with the changing of time.

Here are some Chanel pieces for the past:

While reading this book I saw Chanel as a fashion pioneer she starting selling branded perfums like Chanel number 5, beauty products and jewelry. If you look at fashion today you will see many design houses following in the same footsteps. I also found intriguing about this book is that it not only talked about Chanel, and the birth of new designers during her era like Christian dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Lavin, Givenchy and many others. I was so excited to read about them that leads me to want to read and re-learn about more designers this summer. I think my next book with be about Christain Dior. So stay tuned!!

Anyway, I thought this book was great in giving history about Chanel and her company. I was very sad to get to the end of the book and to read about her death. How about you? I did not want her to die. I wanted her to live forever!! I liked how they transition Karl Lagerfeld into the house of Chanel and man, that was a great choice. Look at the house today still thriving and influencing fashion, hollywood, and many people across the world today.

Here is Chanel Today, Fall 2008 Ready To Wear Collection (My Favs):

After reading this book I have more appreciation of the Chanel brand which may lead to a purchase of a Chanel handbag or something in the future you all know I love to shop!! Until next time if you have a favorite designer research them, read about what you are buying so that you will have more appreciation of that brand.

Tags: Chanel, fashion, Chanel A Woman of Her Own, books

I just finally got my hands on this book and finally decided to read it. When I was searching for this book at my local Barnes and Nobel I was searching for it in the fashion section of the store and could not find it for nothing in the world. Then I got some assistance and found this lovely book in the self help section of the store. I thought, self help? Hum. So I gave it a read last month and was very inspired by her and her story and how she translates her experience into helping anyone achieve their goals whether it is to improve one’s self appearance to feel confident about themselves to relationships and business. If you are needing some inspiration to improve yourself in any form. I would definite recommend reading this book to everyone. Check out this bit of information on the book below and see if this is for you.

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Fabulosity- What It Is & How to Get It Soft CoverFabulosity (n): 1: a state of everything that is fabulous 2: a quality ascribed to that which expresses glamour, style, charisma, power, and heart Kimora Lee Simmons knows what it means to have fabulosity — and she wants to tell you how to get it. In this empowering new book, Kimora — a top model, wife of hip-hop legend Russell Simmons, mother to two daughters, a national media presence, and president and creative director of the multimillion-dollar Baby Phat company — shares her personal secrets of success and fabulosity. Kimora knows that in today’s ultra competitive world, it’s not enough for women just to be smart or dress well. With too much to do and competition everywhere, the savvy woman must know how to combine feminine glamour with professional power, business ambition with personal values, and confidence with heart. Kimora is the living picture of all these things. What are Kimora’s secrets to achieving her goals, her signature fabulosity? One is her ability to identify and build upon her own unique talents and strengths. In Kimora’s case, she brilliantly combined the two worlds she knows best — the high fashion and hip-hop scenes — to create Baby Phat, her ultra successful hip-hop inspired lifestyle brand. How do you uncover and develop your own special talents? Kimora shares her step-by-step guide to achieving your wildest dreams, including her 16 laws of success, which cover everything you need to become the woman you want to be. Whether you’re college-educated or street smart, just starting out or at the top of your game, Fabulosity has something to say to you. Learn how to cultivate Power, Independence, Confidence, and Positivity in everything you do, whether it’s finding Mr. Right, snagging that corner office, or rocking the latest fashion trend. Packed with useful lessons and Kimora’s personal tips, this book will be your instruction manual to empowering yourself, turning your individual talents into permanent success, and unleashing your inner fabulosity.

Tags: Kimora Lee Simmons, Fabulosity, fashion, book, reading