I recently rented “Coco avant Chanel” starring the lovely Audrey Tatou.  Once I figured out the subtitles on my parents new-ish TV, I fell in love with the film.  On top of stellar performances, the fashion hit the mark.  While the clothes were perfect for the time period, there were many pieces that would work right now.  In the film Coco is constantly taking clothing from Balsan, altering them to fit her own appearance.  With the growing popularity of menswear inspired clothing, women no longer have to borrow from their man’s closet.  One of my favourite looks is this white and blue striped shirt, which is echoed by the nautical trend this season.  You can pick up your own striped boat shirt from Forever 21, Gap, or Aerie.

My absolute favourite look is Coco’s masculine riding look.  Showing the impracticality of trying to wear a dress while riding a horse, this look incorporates practical pieces that would fit into anyone’s wardrobe.  White button-up shirts are a wardrobe staple that can be dressed up for business appropriate looks, or dressed down for casual attire.  Other notes from this outfit are: masculine pants, which can be channeled today with the popular boyfriend pant; the menswear vest; and the necktie tied into a bow, though now, this is often incorporated into a shirt.  While it might look sloppy to put too many menswear pieces together, pairing feminine pieces with menswear inspired pieces to update the look. 

The last part of the film showcases Coco designing her line of clothing.  Though she is wearing a skirt in this photo, her look is still quite basic – although very elegant.  For workwear, a look inspired by Coco Chanel is easy to pull off.  Clean lines and solid colours, paired with classic accessories create a professional outfit.  Buying quality pieces that fit well, is a smart investment as they will last for a long time.

Screenshots borrowed from Fanpop.

Today would have been Audrey Hepburn’s birthday, which I celebrated by watching “How to Steal a Million” one of my favourite of her films.  A romantic comedy and heist movie all in one, this movie is a must-see.  On top of the enjoyable plot line, I adore the fashion in this movie – which, of course were designed by Givenchy.  In December, during an auction of costumes worn by Audrey, the black lace dress and jacket alone were sold for a whopping £60,000.

The classic fashion sense of Audrey Hepburn is timeless, meaning that even today clothing from her movies can be used as inspiration.  The black lace dress, especially, can be incorporated into anyone’s wardrobe, with the rising popularity of lace in stores.  Black lace dresses from ModCloth and Ruche are modern day interpretations of this famous dress.  In the movie it is paired with a gorgeous matching eyemask, dramatic eyeshadow and statement earrings.  Though this look was meant to blend in at the Ritz bar, the elegance of this outfit is far from understated.  When shopping for a lace dress, keep Audrey’s ladylike elegance in mind, and steer clear of the super-short mini dress from American Apparel.

Another main feature of Audrey’s look in the film, is her bee-hive hair.  Though this look might seem best left to the 1960s, Jessica Schroeder of What I Wore proves this look can be updated and worn in the present.  Other accessories worn by Audrey which showcase the best of the sixties are the pillbox hat and the round, oversized sunglasses, popularized by Jackie O.

With each costume change, Audrey has a different statement coat.  Each style is quite different, but all are equally gorgeous.  As retailers are slashing prices on their winter stock, keep your eyes open for statement coats for next winter (or if you’re in Calgary, like me you can probably start enjoying them now!)  The Venice Biennial Jacket from ModCloth and the Holly Golightly Trench from Lulus are just a couple coats that echo Audrey’s elegance.

Screenshots borrowed from Movie Title Stills Collection and Fanpop.