Pompadour Hair

You've probably heard of Pompadour hair. It's the pulled back, heightened bun-like style that has existed since the Louis XIV's favorite mistress, Madame de Pompadour. A similar style is seen here from the Miu Miu Fall 2009 collection.

Though not from the upper class, Madame de Pompadour made her way into the King's heart with her wit and charm. The rest of the French population couldn't help but love her style and fashion sense. Even if they didn't like her, they emulated her remarkable style.

Versions of the classic Pompadour have been popping up on the runways; Buns twisted, teased and pulled off the face.

Seen here at 3.1 Philip Lim Spring 2009.

Elie Saab's Fall 2009 added a little more femme fatale to the hair style.

After Madame de Pompadour set the style stage in the Rococo period, Marie Antoinette took over as the Queen of Fashion during the Neoclassical era. The hair started taking even more height as the fashions grew in size.

Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 channelled Marie Antoinette with an 80s flair.

Large hair to match the large skirt of 1779.

Marc Jacobs Fall 2009

Runway photos: Style.com

Summer Safari

Sahara breeze. Vast landscape. Exotic animals. This is the land of Africa.

Ralph Lauren's Spring 2009 collection would be perfect for an African safari with his color palette of khaki, olive, brown and shimmering gold.

Poiret inspired harem pants add glamour. Poiret's designs debuted in the early 1900s.

The English Patient with Ralph Fiennes and photos from Vogue, 2007, with Keira Knightley.

Meryl Streep inspires from the classic Out of Africa.

Turbans were popular during the Art Deco period and with starlets like Greta Garbo.

Poiret design.

The safari becomes luxuriously chic with the Poiret inspired turbans and use of gold.

Runway photos: Style.com

Chanel: Classy and Fabulous

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." -Coco Chanel

The designer who changed the course of women's fashion with a brand that continues to thrive. She popularized costume jewelry, tans, sportswear fabrics and menswear inspiration. I can't wait to see the film about her life starring the French Amelie star, Audrey Tautou.

Coco left the dance halls and became Chanel during the age of the flapper and jazz culture.

She made costume jewelry acceptable and chic.

Men's fabrics like tweeds and jersey were made feminine with the luxury of detailing.

Chanel Spring 2009

Glamour. Beauty. Elegance.

Practical femininity: 1927

Feminine with an edge

Fall 2009

Runway photos: Style.com

Vintage dresses: Costume Institute