{Thrifty Thursday} Less Means More

“Fashion can be bought.  Style one must possess.”  Coco Chanel

You know, many people may stick their noses up at one of fashions most notable icons, dismissing her empire as elitist, snobby, pretentious, and so on.  These very people may have no idea that Chanel’s modern vision for women’s fashion and her rebellious spirit are responsible for so much of the start of the women’s movement.  Let me put it this way:  would you want to wear the equivalent of a lavish wedding gown every single day?  When Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel entered the world of women’s fashion, she decided enough was enough with the long, full, train-bearing skirts and the tight, corseted, plunging tops.  Enough with the heavy silks and tapestries, costumed as every day wear at the time.  If a man could wear a coat made of jersey fabric and still be socially acceptable, then why couldn’t a woman wear jersey too?  Chanel was a first for many, many things!  She introduced a new concept to the world of fashion.  A very risky one of exposed ankles and calves, slim silhouettes, and (gasp!) comfortable fabrics.  She took a risk with her interpretation of a new standard for women’s wear and immediately gained a following among the most elite circles, a following her house of couture has kept intact long after the passing of every woman’s fashion heroine! 

I often wonder what Chanel would think of today’s woman.  Who is she?  Arguably, she is well dressed.  And why wouldn’t she be?  One of the biggest contributions Chanel made to fashion was access.  No longer did a woman have that one gown saved for only the most special occasions.  The less labor-intensive silhouettes and cheaper, more comfortable fabrics vastly enhanced women’s wardrobes everywhere!

And today, perhaps more than at any other time this century, and I’d even go as far as to cover the last 50 years, you don’t have to go far to find access to great fashion.  Fashion today serves women of all budgets, social circles and incomes.  They key is possessing a great sense of style.   With this post, we want to introduce our Less Means More column and share our style tips for staying on trend and on budget.  Even Chanel wouldn’t want money to be what keeps a woman from wearing what she would consider socially acceptable frocks and accessories. 

Here are this week’s recommendations:

This fabulous ring of coral cluster will get lots of use this season.  Neiman Marcus Last Call, $45, plus an extra 25% off through April 5, 2011.

I had to have this blazer when I saw it at Bloomingdale's!  I thought the stone 'Girlfriend' blazer was also great.  Both are $88 and until April 3, an extra 20% off with Friends and Family password: BFRIENDS.



I bought these flats at Target three weeks ago and I loved them so much that I bought a second color.  Three of my friends have seen me wear them and later purchased them too! $24.99

Last week Cristi talked to us about her love of summer scarves and I've been spotting them EVERYWHERE since!  I started 'window' shopping and found the cutest one at Old Navy.  I'm loving polka dots lately and so, how cute is this?  $12.50

And this one, too, which would compliment all of my summer navy (and new blazer, hello!), whites and brights!  Michael Stars, $58, http://www.bloomingdales.com/ (20% off until April 3 with code BFRIENDS at checkout)

Cheers!

Ana