Unabashed Luxury

The premiere of 90210 last night got CC thinking about luxury. Fashion is always about luxury, but there are

certain items that connote a life of privilege in an almost visceral way.
Whether we covet them from afar or actually get to enjoy them, they are select and magnificent.

Above: another teenager sporting Chanel . . . AnnaLynne McCord as Naomi Clark, courtesy cwtv.com.
The Accoutrements:
Above: Aina Gassé fur robe,
via Vogue Italia
Right: Jimmy Choo Ramona crocodile bags, $14,000.00
Absurdly expensive jewels, like the Tony Duquette aquamarine, amethyst, peridot and 18K gold bracelet pictured at right, are a matter of course.

$36,500.00
This and previoues at Bergdorf Goodman.
Bespoke moisturizers . . .

La Mer

16.5 ounces for $1390.00
Lavish Homes
At left, Michael Schiable's Lake Chapala Retreat in Mexico, via architecturaldigest.com

In addition to Frette linens, you'll need an Adrienne Landau fox fur throw, at bergdorfgoodman.com, to toss on your Chair Couture chaise.
Hermés saddle (for your horse, natch) Photo of saddle masters by Todd Eberle for Vanity Fair
Haute Cuisine

There is a certain class of comestibles (and the manner in which they are served) that connotes luxury:
Petrossian Caviar (beluga, not sevruga!)
served on bone china like this Papillon dinnerware, available at Neiman Marcus
Serendipity’s $25,000.00 Frozen Haute Chocolate.

Photo via nytimes.com.

Jet Set Luxury:

Above: A jealousy-inducing jetway editorial image from cosmopolitan.com.

Right: Cameron Diaz's airport chic, via instyle.com

Below: Leslie Mann atop Louis Vuitton luggage, courtesy Vanity Fair

The Michael Kors Fall runway, courtesy style.com
Spa Weekends at Canyon Ranch or a week at Hotel de la Paix Siem Reap, Cambodia
Luxe to CC? A front row seat at the couture! Photo via style.com.
CC will not dwell here on the dwindling economy, but rather draw your attention to the assertion by Dana Thomas in Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Lustre that craftsmanship has faltered as consumer demand for luxury items has skyrocket. A couple of queries: Has the quality of luxe goods suffered now that production has shifted from small-scale, handcrafting to corporate megaproduction? What evidence have you seen of the decline of true luxury? Why is it that the most luxurious items seem to be the most controversial? How can CC dress in ermine and pearls when it’s so animal-unfriendly? With the rising cost of jet fuel [even Diddy says he can’t afford to fill up his G5!] and the harm that gas-guzzlers are doing to the environment, should every rich bitch trade in her SST and her SUV for a SmartCar?
What does luxury mean to you?

Is now the time to back away from lavish items like this gorgeous Chloé purse? Photo via vogue.fr.

Blue Bag Bliss and TAG!

Yes, CC adores cerulean (See yesterday’s “Catch a Wave” post for more evidence . . . )
Today’s focus: bright azure handbags for fall.

Be sure to check out “Project Self”, today's tag, too!

Runway inspiration: Roberto Cavalli, via Italian Vogue
Note that royal is paired with an animal print - genius!
Botkier always seems to have the best selection of blue bags:
Botkier Sasha mini leather duffle bag, at neimanmarcus.com
Your azure accessories need not be leather! This Botkier Stevie convertible satchel is super sassy in nylon.

At shopbop.com.
And the price is definitely right on this American Apparel vinyl laptop bag, at just $34.
How ‘bout a blue clutch? The Lelya patent snakeskin fold wallet at left doubles as a slim purse! And the Tory Burch resin clutch below is so sleek! Both at shopbop.com.

Libertas Lola cobalt snakeskin clutch.

Go to ravinstyle.com.
Valentino Noued D'Amour satin bow evening bag, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
The formula for fall on the runways? (See Valentino, e.g.): black and blue!

3.1 Phillip Lim Toni carryall. Visit standardstyle.com
Another oversize stunner: Christian Louboutin Fred leather trim canvas duffle bag, at saks.com
Tracy Zych cobalt Myrtis bag, at chickdowntown.com.
Mazzini leather shoulder bag via style.it
Why so blue, S?
Well, at least your bag looks happy!

Btw – how freakin’ awesome was the GG premiere last night? OMFG!!

Photo at left via cwtv.com.
Get the Gossip Girl look with this Marc B star quilted chain shoulder bag, on sale for $46 at asos.com!

Project Self
I have been tagged by the lovely and über-stylish Marta with a really inspiring self-reflection exercise.
Now the rules .....
State 8 things you like about yourself, 3 things you dislike, and 5 things that you have previously disliked but have learned to love. You (the tagged blogger) must state something you love about both the person tagging you as well as the individual you tag. Post a picture that displays at least one of the things you love or dislike about yourself.
One thing I really love about Marta (pictured at right) is her warmth and openness. She is truly inquisitive about the world and her approach to new people and knowledge is genuine. Of course, she is also an amazing beauty with a keen eye for fashion and sassy sense of style!
8 things CC likes about CC:
- my creativity
- I can work/live pretty much anywhere, from Atlanta to NYC to Salamanca. In fact, CC is contemplating a teaching gig in South Korea . . .
Photos: Top, the Michael C. Carlos Museum on the campus of Emory University - CC thought architecture scholar Marta would appreciate the reference, as the building (where CC once worked in Exhibition Design) was designed by postmodern master Michael Graves! Bottom, a South Korean hydrofoil
- that I can run 10 miles at a stretch
- I love to learn new things
- my dedication; when I put my mind to something, I can usually accomplish it.
- my long legs (no, that's not CC at right, but those Anlo Kate jeans are exactly CC's style! At singer22.com).
- I am super organized!
- my sense of style

3 things CC dislikes about CC:
- my ginormous feet
- unpredictable moods
- my inability to commit to one career

5 things CC previously disliked but has learned to love:
- my height; I am 5’ 10” and I still rock my stilettos, with absolutely no pity for the Tom Cruise-statured males whom I am unwittingly emasculating . . .
- I have a very rich fantasy life. Always hoping or wishing or looking for(ward to) something, like maybe a trip to Mykononos [pictured at left via nytimes.com]
- I’m a tad rigid; rather than think of myself as anal retentive, I try to appreciate my desire for order.
- my hair; I have colored it to within an inch of its life – both ultra dark and way too light, but now it’s fairly close to “natural” (i.e. dark blonde). I also recently experimented with bangs – the photo at left was taken about 6 months ago . . .
- I wear my heart on my sleeve, which means I can be hurt easily, but it also allows me to love more deeply and empathize better.
I am tagging the fabulous Marian of THE HOUSE OF STYLE. She is an incredibly genial woman with impeccable style. What impresses me about Marian (pictured at right) is her attentive and insightful remarks to her fellow fashionistas. Though she has a full life and a demanding career as a stylist, she takes time and care in both her posts and comments. She is sociable, fashionable and devoted: all qualities that CC admires!
Thanks to all my fellow fashionistas for their loyalty, encouragement, and fabulous fashion sense!!

Catch the Wave

In honor of what may be the last beach day of the season for many, here are some cerulean sea inspired looks. (Also an excuse for CC to post lots of dreamy
architectural photos!)

At top of post: Prada’s fabulous fall footwear tumbles in the surf, via Italian Vogue.


Left:
Alexander McQueen embroidered balconette dress, at net-a-porter.com
Above: Anantara Resort & Spa in Myanmar
Building and travel pics via architecturaldigest.com unless otherwise credited.

Left: J. Crew Berry-trim Astrid jacket.

Blue dVb by Victoria Beckham jeans via style.com
Above:
Cocoa Island Hotel in the Maldives

Right:
Celine’s royal trench,
courtesy style.com
Chiffon tier dress. Go to forever21.com.

Four Seasons Bora Bora
This and next home via pointclickhome.com (the online home of Elle Décor)
Thakoon blue for fall, courtesy style.com
Above:
A backyard pool in Rio de Janeiro




At left:
Forever 21 gathered cowl neck dress
A church in the Mykonos countryside,
via nytimes.com
Julie Haus Alis Everday Satin Top, available at neimanmarcus.com
Recife, Brazil "backyard" pool,
courtesy pointclickhome.com
Roberto Cavalli hammered silk blouse, at net-a-porter.com
Above: Temenos Villas on Anguilla






Right:
Todd Lynn Omeus Dress.
Go to net-a-porter.com.
Above:
Tortuga Bay, Punta Cana Dominican Republic

Right: Tracy Reese Toga dress, at neimanmarcus.com

What a gorgeous use of netting overlay!
Above: Wildflower Hall Mountain Resort in Mashobra, India

Left:
CC loves a bedroom with a pop of color!! Domino magazine photo by Paul Costello
Robert Rodriguez Cascade dress, at Neiman Marcus

Below: Church of Paraportiani, Mykonos, Greece, via nytimes.com.

It's reassuring to know that these gorgeous azure, cerulean, and royal hues are sticking around for fall! Wear the colors of the ocean this autumn and you'll instantly transport yourself to one of these idyllic pool- or sea-side locales.
Tune in tomorrow for bodacious blue handbags!