So now that I had my inspiration- an iconic Chanel Camilla flower (catch up on part 1 here), I needed to consider how I was to go about creating the look.
As classic of a pairing as these two are, black and white can be a bit tricky for a wedding. The last thing I wanted to do was travel thousands of miles to blend in with the catering staff ( um-no offense catering staff, especially since Coco herself was first inspired by the black and white uniforms that the staffs typically wore during her raise to fame), I decided the key here was to keep the two colors pretty much in balance- with one slightly dominating the other. Just like Coco, herself made famous.

Since I already owned some very fun accessories, including a brand new pair of strappy kitten heels -that I knew would easily pass the ‘all night on the dance floor’ test- I decided that black would more than likely be the predominating color. I was also hoping that this little black feathery vest might come into play and be a modern substitute for Coco’s famous ruffles, hey you only live once right!
So I set out to look for the perfect dress. Oh did I tell you I had decided on wearing a dress. This special occasion called for me to move out of my typical ’separates scene’ and wear a good old fashioned proper dress.

Audrey Tatou who plays Coco Chanel in the new movie Coco, rocked a b&w dress at a recent party celebrating the film’s premier- Well Done, mon cherie!
I had also decided that a proper dress meant a proper trip to a big fancy department store, so I surprised even myself while on a run for new beach towels I stumbled upon two possible candidates in a local ‘designer goods for less’ store.
The first, a little black lacy mini dress with long sleeves, a white collar and cuffs and a very ode-to-french ruffle front was so super cute- I thought I had a score. The only problem- it was much too short for bare legs and though I love tights I worried they would seem too heavy for July. Plus tights and a short dress equaled higher heels which equaled more money and less dancing. Since the dress was not available in my size ( and believe me I liked the dress so much I even had the salesgirl call around to other stores in attempt to locate it in my size)- I took it as a sign that the right dress was still out there.
Then seconds later I spotted it- it was long, strapless ( empire cut), flowy and very simple! It’s opt art print pairing of black and white stripes made it just modern enough and it’ s price tag ( coming in at less than half my original fantasy budget) left my heart fluttering- a surplus that would allow me to treat myself to a brand new lipstick- Chanel, of course!
Once home, a twisty black beaded necklace and a silver boxy vintage evening bag completed the look. The feather vest is packed- just in case ( I always say when in doubt pack it anyway)!
The flower pin- well once my suitcase was closed I was thinking it would be pinned to the bodice of the dress or maybe set into my hair over a low bun.
But I guess you could say that the French spirit of the event took over me- and as I was about to leave for the wedding I thought ‘oh, what the heck…when in France…’

Coco, I hope you would approve- an inspired American pretending to be French and fabulous for but one dreamy, summer night! Merci Mme Chanel!


















What a SCORE! that outfit is so amazing…I’ve never seen a dress like that. You look so gorgeous in your oh so french outfit. really beautiful. Remind me to have you put together my outfit when I go on a trip.
Thanks April! All the inspiration is first and foremost thanks to your great talent as an awesome ‘gift giver’ ! And yes, I’d love to dress you for your next trip- can come along too?
Love that first outfit! Stunning! Great post Julie!
Good choice dahling.
You did not say WHERE in France. That is ultra important as you’d never wear in the South what you’d wear in Paris nor in Burgundy and God Forbid, you’d wear something EXTREMELY different in London. “Crikey, I remember sewing flowers on my hat on the plane for an English wedding years ago!
As a fashion stylist for 25 years who fled from clothing to home fashion a few years ago, you get my seal of approval. Was the wedding FUN??
The wedding was a blast… and the flower pinned onto my head was a hit ( or at least I would like to think so)! The shoes stayed on while I danced till 3am- and most importantly the cut of the dress hid the fact that nothing on the menu during my stay in Paris was ever off limits!
C’est formidable!! Tres tres bien. What a fun outfit.
I finally get to see “the dress”. You are right it is perfect, I’m sure you looked very lovely and sophisticated.
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