Parisian Urban Gothic: My Inner Lagerfeld

When it comes to my fashion loves, first, there are my favorite designers, and then there’s some that simply connect with my soul. My first experience with Karl Lagerfeld was in my early childhood, playing around in my parent’s bathroom, sampling their perfume and cologne. As long as I can remember, my dad wore Lagerfeld. Now, looking back, it’s apparent that my dad and I have more in common when it comes to fashion and what inspires us. It’s often stated that our sense of smell is one of our most powerful senses, and I believe it. The original cologne by Lagerfeld will always bring back memories of special events and the holidays spent with family, and my early obsession with all things editorial. It’s a scent that was revolutionary for its time, having a very distinct edgy take on elegance.

I remember looking up his name as a kid and instantly falling in love with his style and his view on fashion. He’s an icon of Parisian fashion and style, but not a native Parisian, or even French. Crazy right? Paris is renowned for being one of the most snooty cities in the world, especially when it comes to fashion. How’d he do it? A little history lesson for you: originally from Germany, his career in French fashion began while working for Balmain. After settling into his own with his first official compilation with Jean Patou, he didn’t exactly start off on the right foot and actually got booed by the press. Did that stop him? Fuck no.

I’m a firm believer in the sentiment that well-behaved women rarely make history, and it’s true of men too, including Lagerfeld. His urban gothic approach to couture brings new life to Parisian style, and I have never been happier that he’s the creative director of Chanel these days. He’s now one of the most respected designers in French fashion, with the city of Paris standing with him season after season, and some my favorite style muses, Cara Delavigne.  Without the ability to question popular trends, we cannot evolve. The rule breakers pave the way to the future, and it’s what I love most about his essence. This past season’s Chanel show was soul captivating, bringing so much urban edge to a very soft and feminine season, Spring/Summer 2018. One of my fashion muses, Courtney of Always Judging, SLAYED this take on Chanel vibe perfectly.

Urban Gothic Pairings

Fall is my favorite season to style, as you can become more creative through transitional layers that incorporate the best of every other season (hello layering statement blouses under dresses!). I am obsessing over the entire Moto Collection by Carbon38, and was pumped to sample some of the best selling pieces this past September! I also found this amazing yet simple hat at Target and knew it would be the perfect combo to soften my usually edgy approach to styling. It plays so well with my current wardrobe, and can’t wait to add it to my outfits later this season.

Urban Gothic Accessory Pairings

Furthermore: if you’ve been on the edge about buying an Apple Watch thinking that its ROI is low due to the fact that it’s super sporty, think again. You can make technology and sportier styles both feminine and elegant, especially in today’s world of athleisure and the creation of technical fabric. I cannot get enough of my new watch bands from Bezels & Bytes. The rose gold studs instantly grabbed me and reminded me so much of Karl Lagerfeld’s take on Chanel.

Outfit Details

Sweatshirt: Olympic Sweatshirt, c/o Carbon38

Blouse: Something Borrowed Shirt, ADAY

Leggings: Abbot Kinney Legging, c/o Carbon38

Sunglasses: Chloe Sunglasses, TopFoxx

Watch: Apple Watch 2 in Rose Gold, Studded Band by Bezels & Bytes

Hat: Cloche Hat with Fur Pom A New Day, Target

Shoes: Star Platform Wedge, MakeMeChic

Bag: Classic Small Caviar Flap Bag, Chanel

Makeup Details

Primer: Perfect Canvas Serum, Ren Skincare

Foundation: Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, Fenty Beauty in 210

Highlighter: Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter, Fenty Beauty in Lightning Dust/Fire Crystal

Contour: Match Stix Matte Skin Stick, Fenty Beauty in Mocha and Rum

Eyes: Lila Eyeshadow Palette, Natasha Denona

Lips: Lip Color, Tom Ford in Bare Peach

Photos by Shannon Righetti of Shandru Photography

Makeup by Caitlin of Sephora Union Street