My Little Boudoir

If there are two things I know about the readers of My Little Boudoir…it is that you adore both a ladies boudoir and all things Chanel. This post is all about the blending of the two.

This has been a long time in the making, because I knew there could be nothing less than the best if we’re talking Chanel. In these design ideas you will find that I infused inspirations from Chanel designs, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel (her personal life and style), as well as elements from her private apartment.

So, without further adieu, I present you with the elements of a Chanel inspired boudoir. Enjoy!

1. WALLS

Chanel’s iconic black leather quilted “2.55″ bag (named such because of its release in February 1955) is the influence behind this  Quilted Lacquer wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries Ltd. (which also comes in many other colors). I wouldn’t recommend using it on the entire wall as that may be a little severe (although daring is the way to go in some boudoirs).

(wallpaper photo from phillipjeffries.com)

Instead of using the wallpaper to cover the entire wall, you could purchase some wood trim (paint it black) and create something like this (sorry, I know this is a really amateur Photoshop job, but my husband is busy, so I cannot use his expert help).  This illustration shows a chair rail with black trim around the wallpapered sections on the top and bottom. I do not know the proper design term when the corners are inverted, but this look screams Paris to me.

°°°

The walls can be spiffed up with some Chanel themed artwork of your choice. Here I have used a picture of Marilyn Monroe dabbing on Chanel N°5, a vintage Chanel print ad, and a photo of Coco Chanel. There are really many inexpensive options for you to choose from. For example, I have made some color photo copies at my local print/copy store out of a Chanel book that I have. I plan to frame them and place them on the wall in my boudoir. Also, vintage fashion magazines are easy to find at local antique stores for about $5-$15. If you’re lucky you may find a vintage Chanel ad. You could also use a more modern day Chanel ad or editorial photo from, say, Vogue or any other fashion magazine.

°°°

2. LIGHTING

An iconic Chanel accessory is multiple strands of pearls. As you can see below, even Coco frequently donned this style herself. This look can be reworked into your boudoir decor with this lovely Glam Rock Chandelier by Erickson Beamon that is dripping with pearls, which retails for $37,500.

Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel in pearls (third image by Douglas Kirkland)

(vivre.com)

At the request of the diamond industry, to help prevent its failing, Coco created many looks using diamonds, which were often accompanied with accents of black onyx. This diamond and onyx look paired with her signature black and white colors, which are also used in the famous tweed suit. This Le Petite Chic Chandelier from Horchow.com embodies of all of these iconic looks and retails for $1,995.

(Claudia Schiffer image: Posh24.com / Chandelier image: Horchow.com)

Coco Chanel’s personal apartment at 31 Rue Cambon in Paris had influences of Chinoiserie design. Her walls of Coromandel screens displayed images of birds. This Brass Bird Table Lamp from Horchow.com brings this style into your boudoir in a more subtle way. Plus, the black and gold color scheme is iconic of the Chanel brand. This lamp retails for $275.

Lamp (Horchow.com)

This mirrored stairwell leads to Mlle Chanel’s apartment that I mentioned above. It is said that she often stood upon the fifth step of the staircase and watched ladies model her looks. This Mirrored Cylinder Table Lamp from the John Richard collection at Horchow.com features very similar mirrored panels and, again, is in the iconic black and gold color scheme. This lamp retails for $695.

Lamp (Horchow.com)

Born on August 19, 1883, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel was a Leo. With a lion representing this zodiac sign, she often used this powerful animal to accessorize her apartment. What is interesting is that a lion represents masculinity, and Chanel’s designs played off of menswear; a feminine version for women. On the left side of the below photo are two examples of lions that decorated her apartment, on the right is a Lion Crest Lamp from Horchow.com that will allow you to achieve a similar look. This lamp retails for $415.

(L to R: Vogue.com video via YouTube.com and Lamp from Horchow.com)

Wheat is a symbol in France that represents prosperity. This is an element of design that is no stranger to Coco’s apartment. These brass Autumn Harvest Wall Sconces by Frederick Cooper can be purchased on lampsbeautiful.com for $550 each. These would look lovely placed on each side of your dressing table mirror.

(L to R: ChanelNews.com and Lampsbeautiful,comm)

3. FURNISHINGS

A few decades ago a Bergère Chair was purchased at auction for the apartment (which has been preserved since Coco’s death) at 31 Rue Cambon. This piece is believed to have been the chair in which Coco sat upon in the famous photo by Horst. The chair in the photo below encompasses not only its unmistaken French roots, but also a resemblance to the iconic 2.55 handbag’s black leather quilting.  The polished look of the leather used in this “Bling” Bergère Chair & Ottoman from Horchow.com seems more reminiscent of a modern version of the 2.55 handbag. This chair and ottoman set retail for $4,344 (or $2,499 for the chair and $1,349 for the ottoman).

(L to R: Avelle.com and Horchow.com)

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel did not actually sleep in her apartment at 31 Rue Cambon, as there is not an actual bedroom located in the residence. Instead, she slept at The Hotel Ritz in Paris from 1934 to 1971. These luxurious beds simply play off of the black and white color scheme that is iconic to the Chanel brand. Although you may notice some similarities to other items featured in this post, like the diamond print created by the tufted buttons, the curved edges (photo 2) and the use of leather.

(horchow.com)

(roomservicestore.com)

(zgallerie.com)

As for the bedding, my recommendation would be to keep it simple and luxurious with white and pastels (preferably pale pink). This 1,020 threads per inch Egyptian cotton bedding by Sferra available at Horchow.com would do the trick.I love the fact that it is offered both in white and pale pink.

(horchow.com)

When you’re keeping it simple with white though, there are many more affordable alternatives, like this coverlet from JC Penny.

(jcpenny.com)

As we all know, a boudoir is never complete without a dressing table. I adore this antique black French vanity with gold accents from Homesdirect365.co.uk, which retails for £630.

(homesdirect365.co.uk)

I would love to see this beautiful dressing table paired with a Lucite Chiavari Chair or Louis Ghost Chair. Chanel was known for designing and wearing statement costume jewelry, which was often made in-part with lucite. In addition, this Chiavari Chair, though of Italian origin, resembles bamboo (and we know Coco loved Chinoiserie design) and a Louis Chair is about as french as the Eiffel Tower. The Lucite Chiavari Chair can be found at Perch New Orleans and the Louis IV Ghost Chair at Amazon.com.

(L to R: Avelle.com/White-Thread.com/Amazon.com)

Or, if you prefer a stool, you could opt for this little gem, whose crossed legs resemble the “X” of the stair rail leading to Coco Chanel’s apartment. The silver is not really in the color scheme though, so you may wish to take a can of black or gold spray paint to the legs (although that would be a bit sinful since the silver is so stunning). This stool is available at downtown20.net.

(right image: downtown20.net)

This end table would make a lovely bed side table. If you turn it the other direction (from what is seen in this picture) so that the longest part of the table is against the wall, the curvature on each side would almost give the illusion of an interlocked gold chain. The gold chain woven with leather is a signature look of the Chanel brand and often serves as the shoulder strap of the handbags. It is also often seen in the form of a belt. This mirrored side table is available on Horchow.com and retails for $499 each.

(L to R: Polyvore.com and Horchow.com)

Matching the Parisian trim that I explained at the beginning of this post and keeping with the regal black and white colors of the Chanel brand, this Hollywood Three-Drawer Side Table from Room Service Store is the perfect place to store your clothes (although you may need three side-by-side), office supplies, cosmetics or anything else that you wish. This chest retails for $895.

(L to R: HavenInParis.com, Chanel, and RoomServiceStore.com)

4. DECOR AND ACCENTS

A good way to incorporate Chanel fragrances into your decor is by taking some empty perfume bottles and turning them into oil candles. To find out more about creating this lovely accent visit the My Little Boudoir post titled, Upcycling: Chanel Perfume Bottle to Oil Candle (click here). I have seen Chanel N°5 oil online, which would be perfect to have your boudoir smelling pretty. You could also spray the perfume as an air freshener, The Hotel Ritz staff would alert the employees at 31 Rue Cambon each day when Coco Chanel left the hotel, so that she was welcomed to work each day with the lovely aroma.

(mylittleboudoir.com)

(L to R: ChanelNews.com and BN.com)

One of the manufacturers of that Coco Chanel used to purchase tweed from for her famous suits from was Linton. When Parisian couturier, Captain Molyneux introduced William Linton to Coco Chanel in the 1920′s, the relationship between the two (businesses) began (and remains today). Chanel is the largest customer of Linton tweeds. You can purchase home goods from Linton, like pillows and throw blankets made of tweed. You can also purchase the fabric if you wish to create your own look (just imagine a nice black and white bolster pillow for the bed made of Linton tweed…what a dream!).

(Right: LintonDirect.com)

Evident by the many appearances it made in Coco Chanel’s jewelry designs, the Camellia flower was her favorite. A signature look of the Chanel brand is a Camellia flower broach. To bring this look into the boudoir, just place some fresh Camellias in a vase and set them upon your bedside table.

(Photos: Daisyshop.com and Egardens.blogspot.com)

WARNING: Do not get too attached to what I am about to share with you, because some of these items are a hard find. In the top left corner a Chanel tray (likely for in-store use) was given some legs and used as a side table. I believe I read that Nikki Hilton found this at an antique store, so bonne chance finding one. The top right image displays a traditional boudoir essential. I mean, seriously, does any woman with a boudoir not own a sleeping mask? This mask was featured on Chanel.com and can be found in select Chanel boutiques. On the bottom left is a Chanel bath towel, in the event that you  have an en suite bathroom. This, too, can be found in select Chanel boutiques. On the bottom right is a Chanel pillow available at 1stDibs.com. In the description it states that the seller was a former Chanel employee, so it is assumed this was not an item that was available for resale.

(L to R clockwise: InStyle.com, Chanel.com, 1stDibs.com, Chanel.com)

I know it looks navy blue in this image, but this black and white Jonathan Adler rug matches perfectly with the wall trim and dresser mentioned above. It has that French street sign look. This 8′x10′ rug retails for $2,200 at JonathanAdler.com (it is also available in 2′x3′).

(vintageweave.com and jonathanadler.com)

Another boudoir essential, the dressing screen. As you have noticed above, Coco Chanel adorned her apartment in Chinese Coromandel screens. She actually used them as a wall treatment, but in your boudoir, I think they are best used as a dressing screen. It offers you a bit of privacy when dressing if, say, your girlfriends are visiting and you’re choosing what you’re going to wear out for the evening. Just go behind your dressing screen, change in privacy, and step out for the reveal. I particularly like this screen from Bellacor.com because, not only does it have a Chinese touch, it also features a bit of French design as well. And, it is topped off with a flower that resembles the Camellia.

(Left: Coco Chanel's Apartment/Right: Screen from Bellacor.com)

And lastly, before one enters your fabulously designed Chanel inspired boudoir, you can give them a hint of the greatness that they are about to experience by posting an enamel sign on your door with the number 31. The address of Coco Chanel’s original store in Paris is located at 31 Rue Cambon in Place Vendôme, near The Hotel Ritz. These enamel signs can be purchased at Ramsign.com.

(Top Left: Coco at 31 Rue Cambon - photo by Douglas Kirkland/Top Right: Enamel Plaque from ramsign.com)

I must admit, I’ve never been one to wear flamboyant designs on my fingernails. The most risky I get is a French manicure and, why, that’s not risky at all now, is it?

I am, however, captivated by these creative “Chanel” manicure looks that I found at Lacquer Boudoir; a blog about nail art. I particularly fancy the one inspired by the 2.55 Chanel handbag.

(lacquerboudoir.blogspot.com)

(lacquerboudoir.blogspot.com)

This look is darling, too…

(lacquerboudoir.blogspot.com)

(lacquerboudoir.blogspot.com)

Who knows, perhaps I may just venture beyond my go-to french manicure and taupe and opt for one of these fun designs one day.

If you’re a boudoir beauty who is all about nails, you must visit LacquerBoudoir.blogspot.com. She has so many ideas for nail art. It’s quite impressive, really. You can check out all of the posts from Lacquer Boudoir’s “Chanel Week” by clicking here. You must go have a look!

Perhaps I’ve been hiding under a rock for the past two  years, but a few months ago I found out about these stunning Chanel coins. Now I’m no numismatic, but I sure would like to be the proud owner of one of these beauties.

Silver Coin

They were made in both gold and silver, and no, I don’t mean in color, I mean the real deal. While they appear to be a €5 coin, they actually sold for a lot more because they are made of gold and silver. There were 99 gold coins produced, which sold for €5,900 (so you could potentially spend one of these €5 coins in Chanel boutique) . There were 11,900 silver coins produced, which retailed for €45.

Karl Lagerfield with coin

The coins were designed by Karl Lagerfield (note his signature on the front) in honor of Chanel’s 125th birthday. These coins  were released in December of 2008, so I’m sure if you’re able to find them now, you’re going to pay a premium.

You will notice Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel on the front and the iconic 2.55 quilted pattern on the back.

Are any of you boudoir beauties a possession of such a treasure?

(luxist.com)

If the Visiting Coco post from yesterday intrigued you, then you should also be pleased with this video tour of Coco Chanel’s apartment from Vogue.com.  

(Don’t forget to scroll down and pause the My Little Boudoir Soundtrack) 

Hi, my name is Sarah and I’m a magazineaholic… (You say: “Hi, Sarah”)

Yes, it’s true. I am addicted to magazines. Not cigarettes. Not alcohol. Not lattes. Magazines. I spend quite a lot of time in my boudoir thumbing through various fashion, decor and gossip magazines. Even when I venture outside of my boudoir, I like to take in a good magazine.

I have to admit, when I’m at a doctor’s office with good magazines, I sit in the waiting room hoping that they’re late to call me into the room so that I can enjoy all of them. I even get a little annoyed by cheap doctors who only have boring medical magazines…I mean seriously!

At work, I read magazines in the break room. And at my parent’s house I read their travel magazines…..wait….this is what I wanted to tell you about!

(condenasttraveler.com)

I found one of the best treasures of all time the other day in my mother’s Condé Nast Traveler magazine (August 2010). It was an editorial on “135 travel experts who can change your life”. I’m talking about the one’s that could fulfill almost any request or travel experience you could dream of (for the right price, that is). Then, it went on to list some of their specialties. This is when I found out about Jill Jergel at Frontiers Elegant Journeys. Based on availability, she can set you up with a tour to visit the late Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s apartment, workspace and showroom at 31 Rue Cambon in Paris, France. Yes, you heard it right….Coco Chanel’s real life apartment (although she slept at the Hotel Ritz and used the apartment more for entertaining and meetings). Still in the original location and still with original furnishings!

(copyright conde nast archive/corbis)

I decided to contact Jill Jergel and get a little bit more information about the tour. You know, in case a gal like me (or you) is planning a trip to Paris in the near future. The cost is $2,000 Euro per person (approx. $2,600 USD), with a minimum of two guests. So, if you have a bestie that is willing to splurge a little, what are you waiting for? Now, you may be saying to yourself, “almost $3,000 for a one-day tour that doesn’t include my airfare or accommodations…hmmm that’s too much”. STOP…snap out of it at once! Why on earth would you have ever allowed yourself to think such a thought? Shame on you! We are talking about Coco Chanel’s actual apartment where she welcomed her many famous guests, and her workspace where, Gitane cigarette in mouth, she tailored suits and gave birth to the “little black dress”. Do you get it? This is up there with being able to visit Marilyn Monroe’s home on Fifth Helena Drive in Brentwood (well, you may  have a different benchmark, but that’s mine…and no, I haven’t been there either…ok, outside the gate like a stalker, but that doesn’t count). This tour is actually better though because it is more personalized, lasts the day and is in the greatest city on earth…Paris.

Coco Chanel's Apartment

Here is more of the information that Jill Jergel from Frontiers shared with me about the one-day tour (which can also be incorporated into a vacation package):

“Beginning with the Rue Cambon where Coco established her legendary fashion house, enjoy a VIP welcome by the boutique director and a personal behind-the-scenes tour of her apartment (based on availability). Then discover the haute-couture workshops where master craftsmen still create handmade accessories for Chanel. Throughout the day your expert guide will share with you the history behind the famous names of the fashion industry.

A table will be reserved for lunch at the fashionable Maison Blanche restaurant overlooking the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.  In the afternoon you will privately visit the closed-to-the-public archives of the Fondation Yves Saint Laurent.

Afternoon tea at the Ritz Hotel, where Coco lived for nearly 35 years, remains a passage obligé! You will conclude the day with a stroll along the avenue Montaigne to shop in the company of your expert fashion guide.”

It’s important to note, however, that access to Coco Chanel’s apartment is subject to both availability and also client profile.

***

“Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress.”
-Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel

°°°

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky,
in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
-Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel

°°°

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
-Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel

°°°

“Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.”
-Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel

°°°

“How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.”
-Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel

°°°

“Success is often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable.”
-Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel

°°°

“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty;
it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.”
-Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel

Not many items say feminine like ruffles. Yep, just like Little Bo Peep’s undergarments…..

°°°

…..but now instead of just wearing them on your knickers for a “peep“…..

(babygirlboutique.com)

…..you can now enjoy them for a sleep in the “bo”udoir as well.

(horchow.com)

Undergarments shown are from babygirlboutique.com. They have a nice selection of vintage-inspired lingerie.

Bedding/Pillows shown are from horchow.com.

I’m sure during the next couple of months, the fashion magazines, tabloids and blogs will all be buzzing about where to find the fashions of SATC2. I’m not sure that this exactly qualifies as “fashion”, but let’s get a head start, shall we?

If you’re anything like Charlotte York, you probably enjoy baking (especially with your little girl) and there is no better way to look the part than to wear this delightful cupcake apron by Jessie Steele. After all, every lady must leave the boudoir and spend time in the kitchen occasionally, so why not look fashionable while you’re at it?

°°°

This darling vintage inspired apron, like the one Charlotte will be seen wearing in SATC2, can be purchased on JessieSteele.com for $32.95 (I imagine one of the more affordable looks from the movie).

(jessiesteele.com)

If cupcakes aren’t your thing, she has a wonderful variety of hostess and chef aprons. She even has some for children.

(jessiesteele.com)

(jessiesteele.com)

(jessiesteele.com)

(jessiesteele.com)

(jessiesteele.com)

(jessiesteele.com)