Established by couturier Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, the French fashion house has been producing luxury goods — emblazoned with their signature double-C logo and black and white color palette — since 1909. Coco's initial vision was to cater to the everyday, casually elegant woman, creating blazers, trousers, costume jewelry, and most notably, the little black dress. Though the brand was deeply rooted in haute couture, the '70s saw the launch of the first Chanel prêt-à-porter line — and in 1983, over 10 years after Coco's death, a former Chloé designer by the name of Karl Lagerfeld took over as the brand's head of design. His arrival was marked with modern cuts, shorter hemlines, and eye-catching details, yet the glamour, sophistication, and refinement that had come to be associated with Chanel still remained. We look to the house of Chanel for classic, tailored style with a twist, and Lagerfeld has made sure to uphold that undeniable element no matter what. Click through to take a look back at some of the gorgeous Chanel couture and ready-to-wear runway looks from the past.
Celebrity Accessory Report: Add a Pop of Red
The way a scarlet red lip makes a look entirely more playful than a plain pout, so do red accessories amp up the fun on practically any outfit. We love the sexy effect of a candy-apple red shoe on our date night look or a simple LWD; it's an easy add with a huge impact. These celebrity looks speak perfectly to our point with red hues on their handbags and totes, flats and heels. Alexa Chung adds polish and panache with a sweet red Chanel purse, Whitney Port gives her denim an eclectic-chic finish in red flats, and Gwyneth Paltrow ventures into some unexpected color play with a pair of peep-toe booties. Click through for those and lots more in the way of playful red pops — then shop the look for yourself.
Celeb Style: Miranda Kerr's Hot Leather Miniskirt and the Perfect Tee
Did Miranda Kerr read our rundown on what to pack to Paris Fashion Week? She was spotted in the City of Light wearing a leather miniskirt with a slouchy tee and chic accessories for a look that is equal parts edgy and laid-back. Coincidentally, her tee, shades, and bag echo our own picks for the essentials to looking chic during Paris Fashion Week. We adore her quintessential Parisian accessories — a pair of sky-high, cap-toe Chanel pumps and a luxe Lanvin chain-strap bag. The results are both chic and entirely sexy, thanks to the easy pieces and carefree approach to dressing — it's as if Miranda just threw on a t-shirt and heels and effortlessly put the whole thing together. Luckily, it's a cinch to re-create, too; just shop our editors' picks to channel Miranda's slick take on French-girl glamour.

Celeb Style: Alexa Chung
Alexa Chung attended the Cynthia Rowley Spring 2012 fashion show sporting a printed cutout dress and amazing glitter Miu Miu booties. She kept her accessories to a minimum — quilted Chanel bag and black hair barrette — but added a burst of color with orange lipstick. Steal Alexa's kicks in a polarized version when you shop now.
Celeb Style: LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes brought black to new heights in a leather paneled dress and cropped fur jacket by Alice and Olivia in NYC. LeAnn was joined by other stylish starlets at the Alice and Olivia Spring 2012 presentation, but Ms. Rimes upped her designer look by adding extra flair with calf-hair Tom Ford booties and a studded Chanel clutch. If you are loving this intermixed ensemble, shop now to get the exact dress and jacket.
Chanel Nail Polish Does a Happy Dance
Here's a whimsical and lighthearted look at Chanel polishes featuring "dancing" fingers decked out in some of the brand's prettiest shades (Dragon, Black Pearl, Inattendu, Particulière and Orange Fizz, to be exact). The hand model who's performing all the Ziegfeld Follies-style choreography here is very impressive, and we can only guess has a history in dance, because she seems to have the moves down. Of all the ways we've ever seen nail polish advertised, this may very well be the most charming.
Update: Chanel just released the official final cut of the video, so we've switched them out. Enjoy!
Celeb Style: Lauren Conrad
Lauren Conrad showed off her toned stems while painting the town with friends in LA. Lauren rocked a sheer Equipment blouse with black short shorts and mary jane heels. A quilted Chanel bag, black nail polish, and ombré locks completed her party style. Shop now to get LC's exact top with other like items to re-create this fierce look.
Kate Bosworth's Fall-Worthy LWD
Kate Bosworth stepped out for the Deauville Film Festival in a gorgeous little white Chanel dress. Initially awestruck with the red-carpet beauty, our second thought was how do we get that look? — that look being the perfect way to execute the LWD for Fall. Kate's rendition is flawless, and with a few key style elements, you can master the same elegant take on the white dress for Fall.

- Look for white dresses with elements that complement colder weather, like thicker fabrics in tweeds or heavier knits, and long or 3/4-length sleeves, especially if you opt to go without tights.
- A white dress in a sheerer or breezier fabric can work when it's paired with warmer elements, like black opaque tights and a dark blazer or jacket to balance the lighter, summery vibe.
- If like Kate, you choose an LWD for a dressier occasion, look for delicate embellishments, like pearls.
Just shop our editors' picks below to find your own Fall LWD.
Celeb Style: Alexa Chung's On-the-Go Cool
In an Etoile Isabel Marant colorblock sweater and one very cool pair of suede boots, Alexa Chung gives us a glimpse of a cool Fall look. Mixing up skinny black jeans with menswear-inspired layers up top, Alexa's look draws from the upcoming Fall trends we love, and creates a pulled-together, on-the-go style. To finish, a classic Chanel bag in a bright red adds just a pop of color and a little visual interest to an otherwise subtle gray palette. Looking to channel the same laid-back street style? Just shop our editor's picks below to get Alexa's look.

Shop the It-Bags of Fall 2011
>> The bags we ogled on the Fall 2011 runways last Spring are finally starting to hit the stores, and not a moment too soon. From lady-like box bags (and there are plenty!) to hard-shelled clutches to everything in between, here's a drool-worthy round-up of some of the season's most-wanted handbags. Click through to see — and shop — them all.
At left, Lanvin Fall 2011 handbags await the runway backstage. Photo by Greg Kessler.


