The Chain Gang

As if we needed any reminding, Vogue ran a page-long feature on the enduring chic-ness of the classic quilted Chanel bag in this month’s issue.  I don’t know a single woman who couldn’t add one to her wardrobe and make it work — it’s as well-suited to a 16 year old as it is to an 86 year old.  It works with the ladies-who-lunch set, the downtown-edgy-fashionistas, the label lusters, the casually chic.

I realized that lately I’ve been spotting the famous Chanel “chain” detailing on a host of items, and — I love it.  It’s certainly one way of getting that soigne Chanel vibe without throwing your savings account out the window.  Below, I’ve featured some lovable chain-detailed pieces that top my “want list” — and it all begins with these CC Skye chain cuffs ($110, CCSkye):

I love the polished gold and envision slipping them on over a long-sleeved, fitted black dress ($145, Net-A-Porter) paired with tights and these adorable gold-brooch-adorned suede pumps (Kate Spade, $325, Zappos):

I’d probably round it out with a pair of chain enorma-studs (Chanel, $330, Farfetch):

If those are too pricey, consider these Carol Marie studs ($65, Shopbop):

Either would look fetching on the weekend paired with this chain-adorned tunic top ($65, TopShop), some dark wash skinnies, and some flashy cap-toed flats (Tory Burch, $250, Jildor — love the leopard print, but could also see myself going with either a nude or a orangey-red):

Top it off with a chain-strap watch (I LOVE this little thing — Peugeot, $85, Endless) and this textured, chain-handled Kate Spade “MaryAnne” ($695, Kate Spade):

Alternately, layer this beyond adorable Milly cardigan ($375, Shopbop) atop nearly anything — a bow-front silk blouse, a tank with jeans, etc:

Word to the wise: you can get the look for less with this variation by ASOS ($75, ASOS):

I’m also loving the idea of a vintage-styled striped tee ($42.50, J. Crew) with this chain-waist skirt (Chloe, $490, The Outnet):

I’d pair it with a tiered chain necklace (Marlyn Schiff, $45, Charm and Chain) and these adorable flats ($50, TopShop)

If you really want to tie the look together (

I’m also lusting over this pricey Temperley sweater dress, with its adorable chain accents ($1,175, Net-A-Porter):

Perfect with a glossy gold oversized watch (to show that you mean business — Michael Kors, $180, Nordstrom) and some sky-high pumps (Louboutin, $595, Net-A-Porter):

Other fun little add-ons to mix in with your wardrobe?  This heavy and chic Kenneth Jay Lane necklace ($162, Charm and Chain) and this funky chain ring ($10, ASOS):

Paired with a simple black dress ($74, Shopbop), some tights, and this taupe chain-handled bag ($285, J. Crew), you’ll be insta-chic:

You might also consider swapping out some of the accents above and tying this chain-accented belt around your waist for a different kind of look ($68, Ann Taylor):

Alternately, match your belt to your J. Crew bag with this lust-worthy Chloe belt ($1,490, Net-A-Porter):

I love the way they’ve styled the belt on the site, paired with a soft peach color — just think how sweet you’d look cinching this silky blouse (also Chloe, $585, Net-A-Porter) with the above belt, some skinnies, and some greige boots (Diane Von Furstenberg, $499, Zappos):

While we’re outside of the predominantly black color palette I’ve been working with for the majority of this post, I just have to feature this Tory Burch Verona bag, which I find beyond adorable ($350, Shopbop):

I envision wearing it a huge, yummy camel sweater ($525, Barney’s), some skinny jeans or leggings, and some cognac boots ($159, Bloomingdale’s):

Another cute weekend outfit: this tweedy, chain-accented jacket ($148, AnnTaylorLoft) with a simple white tee and some skinny jeans.

Add on this CC Skye wrap bracelet ($285, CCSkye) or this eye-catching necklace ($34, Ann Taylor Loft)

…and you’re set!