I always loved to dress in a tailored suit, stockings, court shoes and pearls. I rather regret today's casual style where the occasion seldom arises for that kind of outfit. I find the simple oh-so-French elegance of Coco stunning. So, last weekend I could hardly have missed seeing
Coco starring another favourite, Audrey Tatou.
The movie received disappointing reviews. 'A film about nothing', one reviewer remarked and in a certain way I did agree. The movie focused on Coco's rather pragmatic affair with French millionaire and playboy, Etienne Balsan, and her passionate and ill-fated love for the English buisnessman, Arthur 'Boy' Capel, who lent her funds to start her first salon. But the beautiful French interiors, Audrey's sensitive acting and the contrast of Coco individualistic dress with the period's overdone style made up for it.
I do realise that movie's aim was to depict the young Coco - before Chanel - but I would like to have known more about her childhood in the orphanage at Aubazine where the nuns taught her to sew and her life during the ravages of WWI. For her affair with the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky I shall have to wait for the release later this year of
Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky which stars Anna Mouglalis and Mads Mikkelsen (both actors of whom I am ignorant).
Ah, well! If you have a classic Chanel tweed tucked away, I dare you to take it out of the mothballs. Wear the jacket mached up with your blue jeans and trainers to the Mall and let me know if you get any compliments! Who know? You may even start a trend.
I always loved to dress in a tailored suit, stockings, court shoes and pearls. I rather regret today's casual style where the occasion seldom arises for that kind of outfit. I find the simple oh-so-French elegance of Coco stunning. So, last weekend I could hardly have missed seeing Coco starring another favourite, Audrey Tatou. 
The movie received disappointing reviews. 'A film about nothing', one reviewer remarked and in a certain way I did agree. The movie focused on Coco's rather pragmatic affair with French millionaire and playboy, Etienne Balsan, and her passionate and ill-fated love for the English buisnessman, Arthur 'Boy' Capel, who lent her funds to start her first salon. But the beautiful French interiors, Audrey's sensitive acting and the contrast of Coco individualistic dress with the period's overdone style made up for it. 
I do realise that movie's aim was to depict the young Coco - before Chanel - but I would like to have known more about her childhood in the orphanage at Aubazine where the nuns taught her to sew and her life during the ravages of WWI. For her affair with the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky I shall have to wait for the release later this year of Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky which stars Anna Mouglalis and Mads Mikkelsen (both actors of whom I am ignorant). 
Ah, well! If you have a classic Chanel tweed tucked away, I dare you to take it out of the mothballs. Wear the jacket mached up with your blue jeans and trainers to the Mall and let me know if you get any compliments! Who know? You may even start a trend.
I had a lovely wool cream-colored Chanel-inspired suit for my 'going-away' outfit when I was married in 1963. It was a beautiful thing. But that was years and miles and pounds away.
ReplyDeleteThe movie sounds lovely. Sometimes a feast for the eyes is quite enough.
I have no Chanel hanging in my closet; I've never been able to afford one, and my shoulders are too broad for suits or jackets. However, I agree with your lament about the slipping of our "dress code."
ReplyDeleteI did not know that South Africa is where plumbago originated. Thank you.
Hi Eleanor (my favourite name) thanks for visiting my blog - this is a return call to say hello. Ove your two doggies - my Border terrier sends licks to them. Wish I did have a chanel jacket lurking somewhere in my wardrobe - no such luck. Do pop over to see me again - you are always welcome.
ReplyDeleteHello Eleanor....thank you so much for your kind comment on my new bag creation. I really appreciate you dropping by. Oh yes.....I do wish I had a Chanel jacket hanging in my closet. A gorgeous jacket with jeans is my kind of look!
ReplyDeleteDulcy
Hi, Eleanor! I've always loves Chanel style! In spite of reviews I'm looking forward to seeing this film too...Audrey Tautou has a way of making any role sparkle. The Coco and Igor film was great, I thought. Happy Days :o)
ReplyDeleteOh! This is one of my favourites - and life would just not be the same without the fragrance of Chanel #5! I HAVE to go and see this movie!
ReplyDeleteWe had a Coco Chanel special movie on one of the TV stations a while back and it was really interesting. I would watch another easily! She was a very interesting person! PAM
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Canada to you my dear friend!
♥ Love & Blessings!
Years ago, when I was sewing my clothes, I made a lovely Chanel inspired suit - it was my favorite, wish I'd kept it even though it would be VERY tight nowadays, sigh!
ReplyDeleteHope the movie shows up around here some day - Audrey is a great actress.
Have a wonderful weekend Eleanor.
for me there are a few style icons who epitomise this simple elegance... J O Nassis, Sophie Loren to name but two. I have never been afraid to wear the outfit. Societies downdress style is dissapointing, I must agree.
ReplyDeleteHoping those spring rains fall soon. Cannot wait to be home soon.
xox
I was hoping this movie would be better than it is. I haven't seen it, in fact didn't see it in theaters anywhere near me. Great review and fascinating woman!
ReplyDeleteJust saw your Riga sidebar pic! WT brought my daughter and me some wonderful amber back from Riga.
ReplyDeleteHi Eleanor,
ReplyDeleteI am waiting to see the movie also...I love period pieces...costumes, hair, makeup, etc. I just got back from visiting my granddaughter where we celebrated her 1st birthday. I haven't been blogging as much lately...must get back into the swing of things, I guess!
Loved the pics of your granddaughters eating ice cream! Brings back memories of my girls when they were that age.
Hugs,
Jean