CHANEL BAGS ARE GAINING VALUE FASTER THAN THE STOCK MARKET

Need some justification for buying another Chanel bag? Turns out, it's not just a statement accessory to tote around—it's an investment. That's the result of a new study, which found that Chanel handbags have increased in value by more than 70 percent in the past five years. That's a bigger jump than the stock market and the housing market.

The research comes from Baghunter, a website that resells luxury handbags, so naturally it's probably going to be a bit biased. After all, earlier this year, Baghunter also found thata Birkin bag was a less risky investment than gold or the stock market. So don't necessarily take this as solid financial advice, but rather a fun look at how high-end goods gain value over time. (As long as you don't actually use them and wear out the material, of course.)

Baghunter focused the study on the Chanel Medium Classic Flap Bag, which has been around since 1955. When the bag first hit shelves, it went for just $220, and by 1990, it sold for $1,150. Now, in 2016, it costs a whopping $4,900. Overall, it increased in value by 71.92 percent between 2010 and 2015, which outperforms housing prices and the S&P 500. The researchers found similar, if slightly smaller, price increases for the Chanel Reissue 2.55 in sizes 226 and 227 and the Chanel Boy Bag in small and medium. 

Source: harpersbazaar.com

SEE ALL THE LOOKS FROM DIOR'S 2017 CRUISE COLLECTION

The storied house took resort wear to London with interesting color combinations, layered slip dresses, classic suiting and tropical prints.

Dior 2017 collection

Dior 2017 collection

Dior 2017 collection

Dior 2017 collection

Dior 2017 collection

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/designers/g7343/dior-2017-cruise-collection/

Source:harpersbazaar.com

Maidenform and AMERICAN INVENTOR are Bringing Sexy Back in time for Backless Spring Fashions

Backless fashions are all the rage this spring! From special occasion to ready-to-wear, designers are including sexy backless styles in all of their spring collections. But who can really wear these fashions? Most women today are in desperate need of bra support! The first ever Breakthrough Backless bra by Maidenform® is here in time to offer women all the support they need this spring.

Thanks to the ABC's hit reality series “American Inventor” -- from “American Idol” producers FremantleMedia North America, Simon Cowell's Syco Television and Peter Jones TV Ltd. - our fashion worries will soon be over. Originally created by runner-up contestant Elaine Cato, the new Maidenform Breakthrough Backless Bra is the first product ever to be brought to mass market. This new foundation features a completely backless construction with silicone wire channeling that prevents slippage. Now women don't have to shy away from the latest backless fashion trends and can feel sexy, feminine and supported - all at once!

A born entrepreneur and single mother of two, Elaine Cato was not afraid to put her invention to the test. Like the producers and judges on “American Inventor,” Maidenform immediately saw the undeniable promise of her creation, working diligently with her to bring the design to fruition and later to mass market. Today, the Breakthrough Backless Bra, armed with Elaine's concept, has created an undergarment aimed to perfectly round-out every innerwear wardrobe.

The Breakthrough Backless Bra features light-weight microfiber fabric that is soft to the touch, with seamless molded foam cups that deliver smooth shaping under clothes. Combined with a two-way stretch technology, the bra provides a maneuverable fit with excellent flexibility. Designed with the full-figured female in mind, the bra allows women with even large busts to flaunt their sexy backs like never before!

“During the warmer seasons, women crave those backless styles,” says Norah Alberto, Maidenform's Senior Style Director. “To help these women bare their back for spring we are launching the new Breakthrough Backless Bra which delivers the perfect complement to everyone's bra closet and is the answer to so many women's style dilemmas.”

The Breakthrough Backless Bra is available at retail locations nationwide at a suggested retail price of $32.00. As with all Maidenform® bras, the Breakthrough Backless Bra is guaranteed to deliver the ultimate in everyday comfort, contemporary style and fabulous fit.

Source: Businesswire.com

Prada Vernice Sfumata Pump

Prada's accessories are always one of the first brands I look at in style.com's accessories preview. Afterall, Prada's accessories are always the sales force behind the brand and they're usually copied by all the other high street brands (thus Prada's accessories almost always form part of the new trends.)

The first time I saw this season's Prada's shoes, I thought err... I hated the gradient colour theme (more so for certain colours like green and black than others,) and I wasn't really into the whole leg-warmers-with-heels trend because realistically, I'm not going to even try that.

But when I was wondering around Barneys in LA, I couldn't resist trying on a pair of one of Prada's FW07 runway shoes, the Vernice Sfumata Pump, which to us normal people, are commonly known as the gradient-coloured pumps. So I tried them on and wow, I loved them! I instantly felt like I was sucked into the world of artistic, intellectually glam world of Prada.

I especially liked the thick, black, elastic strap in the front. I was wearing a flowery skirt that day so it didn't really match my outfit but I imagine it would look absolutely amazing with black pants -modern, sleek and creative. Sigh, now I'll probably spend the next few months admiring these shoes online everyweek.

Source: iamfashion
Image credits: www.saksfifthavenue.com, www.prada.com