Paris Fashion Week - Chanel Spring / Summer 2014

Since I was in town to attend my first Paris Fashion Week, I decided to try my hand at some street style photography. I thought, what better place than the Spring Summer 2014 Chanel show. Karl Lagerfeld always draws a large Fashionable crowd. The runway show was held at the magnificent Grand Palais along the Champs Elysees where there were more Chanel bags than you could count. While the Kaiser held an art themed show inside, I managed a few photos outside. (I'm assuming my invitation was lost in the mail?) Attendees opted for a wide range of colors and silhouettes that shown nicely against the pale stone columns and the venue's green gardens; the perfect background for almost any photograph.

PHOTOS BY ADC 

New In - Fendi Zucca Wallet

The weather in London has been fairly dreadful the last couple of weeks and yesterday was no different. Nevertheless, I put on my favorite pair of Gucci riding boots, armed myself with an umbrella, and headed out in search of accessories. Despite the cold rain and ominous clouds, it was my birthday, so I couldn't let anything stop me. Lately I've been feeling like I just don't have enough accessories and so I've made it my mission to collect a few pieces for the summer. My first stop out was to Notting Hill, one of my absolute favorite places in London. Not only is it home to the famous Portobello Road Market, but is also full of all kinds of vintage stores full of designer clothes, shoes, and jewelry. You have to be patient and check back often, but if you're lucky, you will find some really special pieces. My favorite store is a place called HIRST ANTIQUES, specializing in fine costume jewelry. The woman who owns the store is a proper magpie and if you like shiny things you'll feel like you've died and gone to heaven. Glass shelf after shelf are filled with colorful, sparkly bits and baubles that she will let you pick out and try on. I went in with the intention of finding a statement necklace I had once seen in a dream, but soon found myself lusting after a gold Fendi bracelet. I tried it on, modeled in the mirror, and discussed price with her. As this was my first stop of the day, I decided to leave it and mull it over. I have to admit though, I woke up this morning thinking about it...

After a lunch of steak and Guinness pie, I headed over to Sloane Street to visit their collection of boutiques. There was a stop in Giuseppe Zanotti to try on a pair of shoes I saw online. They had neither my size nor desired color. I tried them on anyway. Next was a stop into Yves Saint Laurent to search for more bracelets, but all I saw were more clutches that I don't necessarily need. A pit stop into Chanel only added another item to my never ending wish list, a "double C" gold brooch that I didn't realize I needed until I saw it. There was a short time spent in Hermés trying on classic enamel bangles and a small detour into Harvey Nichols to see what their Alexander McQueen selection held.

Finally, I landed in Fendi where I found it, my birthday gift: a zip around Zucca print wallet with a violet interior. It was the only one they had like it, so naturally I felt like it was fate. I met Sylvio who is now my favorite Fendi sales associate (stop by and ask for him, tell him I said "Hi"). We chatted about the new collections of handbags and shoes and I regaled him with the story of my trip to the Fendi Palazzo in Rome. I was in need of a new wallet having still been heartbroken over the theft of my last one, a Louis Vuitton Zippy. There are 8 card slots, an inside zippered pocket, and plenty of room for cash for more shopping. It is gorgeous, more than functional, and fills a small space in my heart... and handbag!!!

PHOTOS BY  DC