Courage. Loud. Classic.

"The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud." - Coco Chanel

    "Aloud" is the key word in Coco Chanel's philosophy on style, not fashion, as she truly believed fashion fades but style is everlasting.  A woman who was both glamorous and classy set a precedent for the designers that would continue her legacy.  Years later we see Coco 's vision on the nails of women worldwide.  First there was Vamp in ‘94, then the Black Satin phenomenon of fall '06 – who would have thought less than half an ounce of polish could sell on ebay for over $120.  Now we see 6 inventive colors that are nothing short of courageous.  Gold Fiction and Kaleidoscope are metallic, tough, and sexy in a feminine way that elicits a racier version of sugar and spice – the former contains actual metals. 

    The ingredient that these polishes contain – and others lack – is Chanel's explanation for their slightly higher price-point than the brand’s other varnishes.  A make-up artist will appeal by saying it’s pure gold, but in actuality it's a touch of silica.  The real culprit of the price increase is the tin oxide.  Ladies, don't let the price tag hold you back.  These are limited edition, and, once gone, I can imagine online and black market rates will exceed Black Satin's highest mark.  

    For the women who prefer not to match their nails to their Tiffany's, Cartier and Harry Winston I'd recommend the new exclusive one-shot line from Peter Phillips, Chanel's new Global Creative Director of Make-up.  The colors are only available via either the company’s website or the West Coast boutiques, and I heard the website order list exceeded 5000 as of last week.  These colors are pretty, flirty and girly without being sugary sweet.  Personally, my favorite is LA Sunrise, a lemony-yellow with a cool sheen; but the other three are so laidback LA you'll wonder if there is something to the bi-coastal lifestyle.  This set is so hot it will last you into the fall where you will then choose Kaleidoscope over the other fall color, sad to say Fantastic, Phillip's very berry hue – for the less adventurous – falls short of expectations.  So, when getting ready for yet another philanthropic outing and wondering how the camera will capture your look du jour, channel Coco ; show off your personal style and dress aloud.  Click here to see it.