Book Review: Chanel Bio for Kids!

 Darlings, CC is so excited to share this insightful book review by guest editor and fledgling fashionista Paulette, a 7th grader from Canton, CT! 

Paulette was photographed at home by her mom, my dear friend and fellow UConn Law School alum Aimee Hoben, who just published her first novel, The Third Way - read about it here and purchase it here!

Paulette's review:

"I Am Coco – The Life of Coco Chanel is the compelling story of Coco Chanel with captivating illustrations and all you need to know about the life of one of the world’s most iconic fashion designers. Isabel Pin made this book feel less like a non-fiction book and more like the inspiring story of a young woman willing to do anything to achieve her dream."

I Am Coco: The Life of Coco Chanel by Isabel Pin (release date: Sept. 13, Hardcover $17.95, Ages 6-9, 88 pages). 

Follow the French-and-German author and illustrator on Instagram @isabelpinworksbooks and pre-order copies of this beautiful bio for the budding fashionistas in your life here! 

Many thanks to Paulette for her thoughtful and eloquent review and to her mom, Aimee, for the pretty pics!

xoxox,

CC

Guest Post: Saving Local Fashion: from retail to etail, specialty stores come a long way

Since the last decade the ecommerce landscape in the fashion world continues to take the industry by storm. There is a plethora fashion ecommerce sites that feature big brands, big stores and big designers, few if any champion the smaller, independent clothing designers.

While departmental stores and big box retailers may have colossal marketing budgets, the same cannot be said about your local, independent designers: the proof is in the dwindling numbers. And yet, some of them stand tall with a survival story to tell. That’s because ecommerce isn’t ecommerce any more, it’s also a forum for buyers and sellers to individualize and interact—offering more power to the consumer.

Meinto is one such company built on this premise. An online marketplace that unites a network of independently owned boutiques—over 795 brands no less! Established in Denmark in 2008, Meinto recently opened shop in the United States in 2011 after a successful run in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. From the business standpoint, it offers specialty mom-and-pop fashion businesses an instant global platform through an integrated presence on its website and social media for a small fee.

No matter how international fashion maybe or how closely knit it is woven on the internet, connoisseurs and industry gurus insist that it has local roots. Most of the fashion blogging and social communities are strongly advocate this idea as well. As customers have more choices and more power, could the use of new technology and advanced social communication turn things around for the underdog? One can only start small and start smart.

So, the next time you’re shopping for that cocktail soiree, give your favorite local boutiques a chance. Better still, snap a picture and send it to the Meinto Facebook fan page and qualify to win a $100 Meinto gift card.

For more information visit www.meinto.com

Guest post by Jyoti (Jo) Peswani ~ thanks!

Guest Post: Color Fix

This guest post is by Yelena Starikova of Glamthings.com.
So happy to write a guest post for one of my Favorite Bloggers, Miss Couture Carrie.
Today we'll talk about how to mix basic neutrals with fun colors!
I have a friend and she is very beautiful girl, but she is afraid to experiment with color. Her wardrobe is full of blacks and grays, which is fine, but it's soooooo boring!
If you want to spice up your closet without drastic changes, add some scarves, belts, T-shirts and jewelry in fun colors.
Let’s talk about your Basics and how to make it fun!
*Black. Good news black goes with everything! Try it with bright, jewel-toned shades of red, blue or green for exciting combinations. Mix red with black for seductive vavavoom effect.
*Navy and gray looks very elegant. Navy and yellow grabs attention and looks youthful.

Mix navy and white when you go sailing or want to look summery.
*Brown looks great with mellow yellow and deep purple.
*Grey and Dusty pink looks Elegant. Light Grey and Moonlight Yellow or Aqua looks Young & Intelligent.
*White and pink combination is very feminine, flower like. Add blue ~ seaside stories.
Rule to remember: One hot statement is enough!
Example: red dress + red lips= Good
red dress+ red shoes = too matchy matchy.
Yelena Starikova is an Image Consultant who writes about style and color on glamthings.com.

Thanks, Yelena darling!
xoxox,
CC

Guest Post: Bagpoor by James Michael White

Darlings, CC is so excited to introduce a special spring handbag forecast by blogger extraordinaire James Michael White of Bagpoor!

To quote one of my favorite Project Runway hopefuls, Santino Rice, “lighten up, it’s just fashion.” That’s the approach that most prominent designers are taking with this spring’s handbag collections. The luxurious neutrals and ladylike classics that took center stage on the fall runways have been replaced with bold designs that will undoubtedly get you noticed.

Bright Hues – Make a statement this season with bold color choices. Sophisticated designers like Oscar de la Renta, Bottega Veneta, and Jason Wu incorporated this trend into their spring collections, in the form of extravagant exotic skins.

Boho Glam – Quite a few designers are taking a decidedly casual approach for spring, employing fringe detailing to achieve the ultimate bohemian chic look. Check out these fringed cross-body options from Roberto Cavalli, Chrisitan Dior, and Emilio Pucci.

Glimmering Metallics – Inject a touch of glamour into your spring wardrobe with a show-stopping metallic clutch. These shimmering selections were featured in the Dries Van Noten, Gucci, and Armani Privé runway shows.

Crisp Whites – Embrace effortless minimalism with these stark white styles from Celine, Chloé, and Alexander Wang. Note the clean lines and gold-tone hardware.

Whichever handbag styles you choose, don’t be afraid to take a risk and have fun with fashion this spring.