Enjoy Holley’s post today highlighting the Kimbell Art Museum and their fabulous exhibit Monet:  The Early Years. This museum is a Fort Worth treasure not to be missed…and neither are Holley’s tips on how to look fabulous for your night at the museum!

Have you been to the Monet exhibit at the Kimbell Art Museum (Piano Building)?  You have to go!!!  The first time I saw it was in November on a self-guided tour using the headsets. This week I am attending a private viewing presented by my elegant friend and Kimbell docent, Orlew Lauger.  

So, two things you need to know about me:

  1. I find fashion inspiration at art museums…
  2. …and my husband and I go to the Kimbell Art Museum almost every Sunday after church.

Impressionist paintings seek to re-create the artist’s general impression of a scene.  And that’s exactly how I like to create my style looks.  I study fashion designs from magazines and Pinterest which allows me to re-create my own piece of art…my wardrobe or my client’s wardrobe!  So, what will Holley be wearing to the private viewing of Claude Monet’s masterpieces? This event will take place at 5 p.m., followed by drinks and dinner.  I recently wore a black and white outfit to the symphony’s New Year’s Eve concert….skinny black slacks, Michael Kors chiffon blouse with an attached pleated scarf, topped with a sheer floor length skirt.  A great look for a private tour at the Kimbell as well.  For the Monet exhibit, I’m thinking about wearing all black…skinny jeans, sheer black blouse, black heels and maybe add a pop of red with a handbag. When in doubt on what to wear to “an artsy event” just remember you can’t go wrong with a minimalistic style creation.  

Coco Chanel circa 1960

Since Monet was born in Paris, let’s talk about my favorite French designer, Coco Chanel. Famed fashion designer Coco Chanel was born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France.  She became a much revered style icon known for her simple yet sophisticated outfits paired with great accessories, such as several strands of pearls. Who doesn’t love a sophisticated outfit?  One of my favorite Chanel looks is her tweed suit.  Many style icons have been photographed wearing a Chanel tweed suit anywhere from a wedding to a funeral.  For an amazing copy, shop Karl Lagerfeld at Dillard’s.  I’m serious!

Hot Coco

Her tweed jacket is a stand-alone piece of art that gives a whole new impression of the suit.  Here are 3 ways to create a Chanel-ish outfit with just a tweed jacket:

  1. Wear a tweed jacket with a skirt to a luncheon or tea.
  2. Wear it with a pair of slacks or a skirt to work.  
  3. Wear it with a pair of jeans to a party or to run errands.

Sadly, I’ve never owned a Chanel suit or jacket.  But, that doesn’t stop me from being inspired or from creating my own Chanel masterpiece.  

Look for less from Shein

Not only is Chanel famous for her tweed ensembles but also for her handbags and jewelry.  Her quilted handbags are so classic and my favorite is her boy bag….if only I could afford one of these beauties. The good news is there are so many Channel inspired handbags.  My favorite look alike is a Rebecca Minkoff handbag (Nordstrom’s).  These are usually in the $200 to $500 price range versus a Chanel handbag that costs thousands of dollars.  If you are frugal like me, be sure to check out other options at H&M, Zara and Top Shop for some great copies.  

This designer icon is so famous that even her initials are a fashion statement.  A CC brooch is one of the hottest trends today. It can be pinned onto a classic suit or on a casual jean jacket. How clever is that? There are so many ways to intermingle a Chanel brooch, bracelet, and necklace into your everyday wardrobe.  And let’s not forget her classic pearls.  Her style inspiration is the reason I even own real pearls.  My husband gave me a classic strand of Mikimoto pearls on our 4th wedding anniversary (we’ve been married 40 years).  These are not only precious to me but a gift I’ll give to my granddaughter someday.

“Fashion is the most powerful art there is.  It is movement, design and architecture all in one.  It shows the world who we are and who we’d like to be.” Gossip Girl

Isn’t that exactly what Claude Monet and Coco Chanel accomplished? Through his paintings we see movement and through her designs we find architecture.  And through both we find beauty, truth, and maybe a glimpse of who we are and who we would like to be!

Holley Williams is a personal stylist specializing in closet inventory, seasonal shopping, closet organization and wardrobe consultation.  Contact Holley at [email protected].