Daydreaming In Chanel

It was a trip to London today with my sister who was visiting for the week-end and we headed straight to Harrods to hit the sales.  We always love to spend time ogling over items we can't have - a tease in some ways but also creating a little wish list with goals for future purchases.  Chanel is a long standing love of mine and they had 30% off selected shoes - honestly!  I don't think I've seen anything as beautiful on my little toe toes as these.  I completely fell head over heals in love.  They were £790 reduced to £553 and one pair in a size 3 left.  Meant to be right?  But no, my bank balance isn't healthy enough for such beauties in my life and yes, when one day in the distant future that it just might be, I won't find them will I?!  Have you ever put a pair of shoes on and got goose bumps and gone all giggly at how utterly stunning they are?  Nope?  Ok, well I have and I'm not ashamed to admit that these completely and utterly did it for me.  Lambskin in, out and around with pearls and bows.  Divine.  

And why not go the full hog and find a handbag to match I hear you say?  I don't aim to disappoint.  This arm candy was £3340.00 and not in the sale but I'm thinking I have just over 4 years until my 40th so this is just enough time for the husband to save.....

GOALS!

Back to reality.  I really didn't buy much and went back to get some shoes but they shut the till (as it was closing) so I walked into Zara and bought a top for £20 in the sale instead!  I really just enjoy browsing and looking at all the luxury items, I'm a pretty happy window shopper.  I wore all high street apart from my Chloe handbag which was a purchase from Harrods in their Christmas sale.  

T-shirt; Vince
Jacket; Zara
Jeans; Topshop
Shoes; French Sole
Bag; Chloe

The Victoria Beckham Top

I mentioned a few posts ago that my lovely sister had found me a Victoria Beckham top in her local TK Maxx in Dublin.  It made it's way to me, then back to her unfortunately.  It just wasn't me.  I know it isn't meant to be worn with a torn jeans (!) but that aside, it was very long in the body and the colour washed me out.  It did feel luxurious though, and at approximately £50 for a VB piece, if I had loved it on, it would have stayed.  Also it was very well made, I wouldn't expect anything less!

I have always been a Mrs Beckham fan, even in the Spice Girls.  I love how immaculate she is, that she really makes an effort.  I know she isn't a lot of peoples cup of tea but she is mine and on my wish list is a piece from her collections.  When I was in Harrods last week I saw the below by VB.  Just the right balance between soft and hard leather for everyday wear.  A great, functional, versatile design and colour way, with a long strap and option to use as a clutch.  I am saving! 

Pradasphere at Harrods

I had a window, a very small window of Prada opportunity the other day so I ran for my life and took it!  After some time at the Science Museum my eldest said she wanted to go to Harrods (I know, I've brought her up very well) for Toy Kingdom of course.  There was no way I was missing out on a quick glimpse of Pradashpere as it finishes this week-end.  It showcased archives from Prada's collections dating back over the last 100 years.  As always, Harrods didn't disappoint by providing it's interested audience with stunning displays in a room of pure opulence as is rightfully deserved by anything Prada.

The start!

A walk down a narrow passage to begin

Hands up who new the Prada fashion house started in 1913?!

Oh the shoes!

Heaven!

Screens to watch runways and books to browse through

Check out the old label then cast your eye on the amazing bead work

The plan for the new HQ south of Milan

Information about the new HQ

There were even places to sit and watch the floor to ceiling moving images of catwalks past and present 

One of the catwalks

The Prada cafe!

If I had had more time, I would have spent it there.  The staff were lovingly giving talks to customers about specific collections on show and historic facts.  There was no charge to view, it was a perfect 15 minutes of luxury brand time, thank you Prada and Harrods. 

Some Reiss in my Life!

After my month long shopping ban in May I struggled to find anything that excited me in the shops.  I thought the ban did me good to re-evaluate what I had, take stock of what was worn and what was needed.  Then the sales started and I lost all self control.  Always led by a discount, coupled with a fabulous staff discount, there really is only one Harrods sale!  Ouch to the purse and so starts another ban commences (when contract finishes next week obviously!).

I've started to move away from some of the more obvious choices on the high street, mainly due to quality and sometimes certain shops being a little to 'high fashion' for me.  On a normal week I need a smart/casual wardrobe that stands the test of time fabric and style wise.  I've turned to Reiss, Whistles, Zara and the likes of small independent boutiques such as Coco Marie (competition coming soon, watch this space!) who stock great key brands under one roof.

'More cardigans' I hear you roar! But they are so versatile I shout back! Both are from Reiss and worked out at under £30 each with my discount. I love how the striped one is elasticated at the back to fit into the waist.

Classic stripe, it's fitted and well designed

This mint green cardi is a little more casual due to the 'Grandad' style cut and textured cotton knit. It's a great seasonal piece as the colour is Spring/Summer yet the thickness works for our cooler climates.

I wore it with simple blue Topshop jeans (blue and green shouldn't be seen - rules are meant to be broken...), white M&S vest, gold Topshop belt and mint Office ballet pumps (all old, and I'm talking 2 years + for the rest of the outfit)

I'm not gong to bore you in one long blog post about my recent finds/purchases as 1) It highlights the fact I've been naughty recently with my budget and 2) I can drone on with over excitement! So for your sake I will group together. Enjoy!

So Dior at Harrods (and a few extra's)

I was lucky enough to have a spare 15 minutes when I was in Harrods the other day, so I of course headed straight up to the Dior exhibit.  You are transported into another world - Christian Dior's world, which started with his first collection in 1947.  True to Harrod's usual standards, it did not disappoint.  This is free, I just wanted to point out, you get to view these amazing dresses up close, read the history and watch short films all in a special cordoned off area, within the store.  If you are there it's well worth a visit and give yourself more than 15 minutes!

The leaflet handed out at the start

Welcomed by a large 'dolls house' lit up

Afternoon suit Spring/Summer 1947 

Sketch

Special creation 2011, Parfume collection

Charlize in the dress

Autumn/Winter 2012 Haute Couture Dress

Pictures do not do it justice

Natalie in the dress

Autumn/Winter 1959 worn by Audrey Hepburn

Audrey in the dress

Upon exiting

Beautiful sight!

And just a few extra luxurious lovelies to share, I couldn't wonder through and not take some photos to upload for you all to see.

Louis Vuitton

Mulberry

Mulberry (LOVE)

Chanel

Needs no title, sheer beautifulness 

Chanel wall art

Kids-wear - Gucci anyone?

And back to reality, 20% off at French Connection with the code STYLIST1, happy shopping peeps!