Hail to the Queen! Her legacy lives although she no longer breathes.

On September 13th, at 8 pm, Lifetime will be airing a special movie telling the life story of the most important figure in in the history of 20th-century fashion--Coco Chanel.

Coco Chanel has undoubtedly been the biggest influence on haute couture. Her pioneering, menswear-inspired fashions created a classic look that has never gone out of style. To this day, you will still find women wearing her original suits, accessorized by the trademark costume-pearl necklaces Chanel always paired the suits with. And to this day, that look has never been out. And who can forget her signature fragrance, Chanel, No. 5? That perfume was created in 1921, and 67 years later still graces the wrists, necks, and that sensitive area behind the knee (I hope you women paid attention to what I said because that's where women should be placing their perfume FYI), of women around the world.

I am a bit excited that this movie is coming out. I have always looked to Coco Chanel's legacy as an example of true style. True haute couture should not be the bells and whistles of some of these design houses. "A woman is closest to being naked when she is well dressed." Granted, couture is art. However, there is some art that you can display for all to see--elegant, beautiful, and timeless--and then there is some art that you keep in a private collection because it is too bold, confusing, and generally offensive in a way that should not be displayed in your home, only a museum or art gallery. Chanel is elegant and timeless. Every piece was created to be worn...not just appreciated for it's artistic value. Chanel used to say, "simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance." There's no better way to describe style.

You know, writing that little quote made me think of just how much Chanel has influenced my fashion choices when I advice others. Before I left Macon, Cania and I were going to the End of the Session Banquet for NCDC. Cania called me and asked me to come over and help her pick out an outfit for her to wear. She pulled out a pants number that was okay by my tastes, but not great. So, I paired the top with a nice skirt, and left the pants out as an option. Since I didn't like the pants with the top, Cania asked what she should pair with them then that would be more fashionable. The first thing that came to mind was to find a nice boxy, shoulder-padded suit jacket, a camisole, and a long string of pearls. And, of course, closed-toed shoes for business, open-toed for evening cocktail hour. Classic Chanel, and it never even occurred to me that was what I was doing. It just looked elegant and beautiful. Maybe every woman reading this should make sure they have that outfit in their wardrobe. It's timeless. Don't forget you need a nice clutch purse for this look, and a wealthy stockbroker on your arm. ;-)

This blog is not meant to be a style advisory, although there a couple of inserts in here that you should definitely add to your list of style tips. As I have said many times, style is about simplicity. And in that spirit, I have one more Coco Chanel adage: "When accessorizing, always take off the last thing you put on." There are so many more things she has imparted on the fashion community, but I wouldn't want to cram all of it into this one blog. This blog is simply to entice all of you to watch this Lifetime movie, and appreciate the woman who revolutionized women's couture. I'm sure I'll have more of her tips as this blog continues. In the meantime, I'm gonna sit down, pour myself a vodka martini--shaken, not stirred (because shaken is better for vodka...gin martinis must be stirred or you bruise the gin)--and enjoy my own newly purchased fashions. By the way, this season is all about retro 60's fashions...slim lines, layers, dress shoes and pants. This was one of my favorite decades for clothes. It's nice to see a new take on the old standard.

As always: here's to style. Cheers!

The "Man Bag"

Have you noticed lately that more men are walking around with what we call "man bags?" Usually, it is a small messenger bag, or a Coach pouch that is marketed directly towards men. I hate these things. They suck, and no man should ever walk around with these things.

Why can't men just have purses, or handbags?

Think about the way fashion has evolved now. We have returned to much sleeker lines on the designs. Men wear slim leg jeans and pants. Everything is designed to fit the body, not hang on it. This means that everything we put in our pockets will throw off the lines. So basically fashion has presented the necessity for men carrying their stuff in a bag of some sort. Where else are you gonna fit your chapstick, iPod, cell phone, wallet, etc.? You need a bag. Men need a bag.

I know, I know, you think that a bag would be too feminine for men. But seriously, what is really left of complete masculinity nowadays? We have makeup designed for men, we have allowed metrosexuals to take over the world. Men are getting regular manicures, caring for their mommies, and are showing their emotions. You tell me what's left in the world that is so masculine that a bag would ruin it. The age of a more effeminate man has come. I'm not complaining about all of the new changes. Some things are useful. It's nice to not be ridiculed for wanting to look your best. My main problem is in the makeup, and the pretense that wearing those "man bags" is not wearing a purse. IT IS!!

So, now that I have put my stamp on men with bags, the next step is to discover the right bag for a man. I'm not saying go out and pick up a Kate Spade or anything. I think that might push the boundaries into the Prince zone. We don't have to go that far, unless you think heels are the wave of the future for men. For a man, I think we should go for something a bit oversized. Pharrell carries a large, neon purple, "Burkin" style bag. I think a oversized Burkin bag would work for a man. The key for men is to have larger bags than women normally carry. The latest trend for women is to wear large handbags. Oversized accessories are very much in fashion, and the bags are no exception. Not many women wear them, but the bags are out there and they are large enough where a man can wear them to avoid those dainty little messenger bags, and stylish enough to avoid the uptight briefcases. The goal is to avoid those stupid backpack fabric bags. Those are worse. You might as well be one of those weirdos walking around with luggage around the city.

Perhaps a few examples of men and their bags:

Now those are a much better way to carry around your stuff. I especially like the first bag. You might also consider duffel bags as well. The designers are making them much better than they used to. Now, there is an actual design or pattern to them. You may not care about these things, but even a small detail like that can make a look.

I should also note to be careful about which brand of bags you buy. This pertains to women and men. I cannot stand those nouveau riche bags with Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dooney & Burke, etc. plastered all over the bag. Whatever happened to showing the design, not the designer's name. It's ridiculous, and most people look awful with it. Fashion is not about labels (for the most part). It is about beautiful designs that accentuate your own personal beauty. When was the last time you really looked beautiful with the alphabet plastered on your body? How can you function wearing that? Or a better question, should you function? Or should you drop off the face of the Earth and put us out of our misery looking at you in it? A bit harsh of a statement, yes. But it's still true.

So, the verdict on man bags is that they are out. Way out. The future is in just a regular handbag. Why perpetrate, just wear the handbag. At the end of the day, I think a man looks more prissy by trying to hide the fact that he is wearing a purse. A real man can have anything on and, frankly my dear, not give a damn. So why not just do it? Now, let's all go out, get our bags, meet up for a drink, and live our lives without caring about what other people think. Viva la revolucion!

Here's to style. Cheers!

I'll have the Leg of Man, garcon ...

Well, Holly had the bright idea that I should start a blog about fashion. You know, impart my style tips on everyone in a central location. I have thought about this many times, but really didn’t think I wanted to become one of those “bloggers.” But, here I am. Never say I didn’t give my all to fashion.

For those of you who are new to me, I am somewhat of a style consultant among my circles. Many different people, whether male or female, come to me for style tips. My tips range from clothes, to decorating, to diamonds, and so on. If it’s a matter of luxury, beauty, and good taste, come see me about it. I just have a gift for art.

Where did I get it from? I have no idea. I grew up in the Deep South. The countriest country. It makes absolutely no sense that I know this stuff, but I do and I love sharing what I know. My gift to the world is working to make it a little prettier.

So, as I was saying, Holly suggested I do this blog after we had a long conversation about men wearing dress shoes with shorts. A couple of days ago I posted a Note on Facebook about a style column I read in GQ Magazine (the Bible as I like to refer to it) that stated that it was fashion failure to wear flip-flops regularly. They are just for the beach, or around the house. The column also stated that it was okay to wear dress shoes with shorts. That is the part that sparked the most conversation.

I agree with the column….to a point. There are a few men out there who can pull off this look. And when I say a few men, I mean a few men. This particular look, in my opinion, has an exact science to it. If you deviate from the look in any way, it’s not going to work. Here’s what it takes to make the look work: great legs, the right cut of shorts, and the rights shoes. I’ll break it down a little further for you.

Men at the peak of tone have incredible legs. However, muscular, toned legs aren’t enough. The right legs for this look are long, slender, toned only enough to look athletic but not be athletic, and hairless (or at least a very fine layer of hair…nothing really noticeable). This would be your typical runway leg, and that is what I’m talking about. Not many men have this particular leg, and thus cannot pull of the look. Now, on the shorts end, the cut for me needs to be just above the knee. Not mid thigh, or below the knee, but right above the knee. That helps to elongate the legs. The shorts must also be a thinner leg. There should not be a lot of room in them. The lines should be sleek, not baggy. This is also where men go wrong. Also, consider the shoes. Loafers are typical, but I hate them. I think the proper shoes should be square-toed dress shoes or deck shoes. And no socks! Socks just make you look tragic.

To give you the look I’m talking about, see below:

Now that is an appropriate example of men wearing shorts with dress shoes, and you can see how many men will not fit this look. I like the look on the left best, but the cut of the shorts on the right better. Combine the two, and I think that's the exact way I want to see a man wear the look. So, overall, the consensus is to just not do it. Unless you are actually a model and have worn the look on the runway at some point, don’t start until a designer actually puts it on you and declares it a good look for you to wear. I am all for experimentation in fashion, but some things (like fun fur or flip-flops) should never even enter your mind to try. This look is one of them.

So, this is my first blog. I think I have now cleared up any misunderstandings people have about that trend. I didn’t realize so many had an opinion on the look. I’m glad I found something that provoked a real conversation. I hope I get many more topics like that.

I hope that in reading this blog you are inspired to go out and start looking at the fashions and taking pieces of it to make your own. True style is eclectic, never one look. Which brings me to another point from the title of my blog.There is a difference between fashion and style. Fashion does fade. Not to say that being fashionable is wrong. It’s just to say that your goal should always be style first, and fashion after. Incorporate fashion in a way that will allow you be in step with trends of the times, and still always be classic. Think of a Chanel suit with the latest Manolo Blahniks, or an Armani Suit with the latest “bling.” Classic styles with the latest fashions.

Here’s to style. Cheers!