Chanel

This old thing



Jane Birkin - Hermes Birkin bag

I’ve been reading up about the crazy world of status bags and watches and deduced that the only way around the unavailability of ‘It’ Hermès Birkins and Rolex Daytonas is to go the imperfect route. As even pre-loved icons are hard to obtain (mint-conditioned pieces command the highest prices), better to go for the less-than-pristine patina, no?

For me, this aligns with my love of a well-worn leather tote. I just came across a picture on Pinterest of Jane Birkin’s legendary Birkin (above). You know, the one she adorned with personal charms and trinkets – and then auctioned for charity. This bag lived! The picture linked to a ten-year-old old Purse Forum thread on ‘slouchy, floopy, used Birkins’, imploring Birkin owners to share their own photos. (more…)



On my radar: Wanderlust fragrances



Wanderlust perfumes - Voyeur Verde by Maya Njie

The annual escape has begun! Nah, not the hell of Heathrow airport, but the olfactory escape of citrus colognes and wanderlust perfumes. While last year’s big summer scent was all about the return to eau-de-sun-sea-and-sex beachy hedonism, I feel this summer leans more to Mediterranean citruses and herbaceous green notes. (more…)



Shop the post: Beauty veils



Chanel Water-Fresh Complexion Touch

I’m so glad Chanel decided to continue with its Les Beiges Water Fresh Tint line. Since its launch in 2019, it’s become a summer sell-out and has now added two innovative new products to the line-up for barely-there make-up. The original Water-Fresh Tint foundation* is still available and amazing, with its ‘microfluidic’ oil-in-water-gel formula that smooshes into a delightful sheer veil of coverage. (more…)



New in: Chanel L’Huile Camélia



As the owner of the world’s saddest, driest cuticles, this new Chanel cuticle oil caught my eye.

Part of the summer nail care offer, Chanel L’Huile Camélia moisturises and pushes back cuticles using the powers of camellia oil, an ingredient used in many J beauty and hair products (and of course, a significant one for Chanel, as the camellia flower is a key house code). (more…)