Hot Cross!

CC is having a religious experience! Whether a jewel unto itself or a decorative element on a garment, the cross has been resurrected, and is being worshipped by design houses such as Lacroix, Givenchy, McQueen and Garrard.

Christian Lacroix Spring 2008, at top left, via nymag.com

Christian Lacroix Fall 2008 Couture, at right

Christian Lacroix Couture, cross detail

Chado Ralph Rucci

Givenchy

Givenchy, via nymag.com

The iconography of the cross is perhaps most comfortably ensconced in necklaces, as evinced by the multitude of crosses adorning Givenchy's runway chains, pictured at right.

Even the Project Runway designers got in on the trend (see red cross at left, via nymag.com).

This lovely Vania Nielsen crystal pearl Maltese cross necklace is currently on sale at intermixonline.com.

Or you can get the look quite inexpensively with this charm necklace from forever21.com.

The appeal of the cross has expanded to include other jewels as well:

How gorgeous are these Alexander McQueen bracelets, featured in French Vogue online?

CC is also drawn to this King Baby sterling silver crowned heart cross cuff. Visit chickdowntown.com.

And who wouldn't worship this Garrard black and white diamond ring? Delfina Delettrez makes a subversive statement with this gold, silver, onyx and diamond brooch by using a decorative serpent. This and previous photo via elle.com.

A more colorful rendition is offered by Jay Strongwater; get his cross pin at Bergdorf Goodman for just over a hundred dollars.
If jewels aren't your thing, wear an Ed Hardy cross-emblazoned crewneck tunic. Go to bluefly.com to buy on sale!

Or sport these Forever 21 Maltese cross shorts.
Subtler still, wear your crosses cleverly woven into the pockets of your Habitual Standard Glory Pocket bootcut jeans! Purchase at revolveclo-thing.com.

Fashion credits: Runway photos in this post courtesy style.com except where noted.

I DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU!

BOLDLY GO WHERE YOU'VE NEVER GONE BEFORE!

Do You Dare? Here are some fantastical and outrageous ideas for shaking up a ho-hum day or a seemingly banal wardrobe! Part of the fun of fashion is its ability to transform! Try . . .

Faux Eyelashes. I am loving these Viktor and Rolf with Shu Uemura fantastical false lashes, for purchase at Harvey Nichols. Or, if you have the means, opt for luxurious fur lashes!

A brazen new neckline, like Prada’s keyhole or Jean Paul Gaultier’s halter sweetheart from the Spring 2008 Couture (photo at left via style.com). Or go for a backless dress or tunic - see Couture Carrie's post from the other day!

Patterned thigh-highs or sporty tube socks! (coupled with a patterned dress – I double dog dare you!!) Channel the Vivienne Westwood Red Label “schoolgirl gone wild” look!

Halloweeny makeup (red eye shadow; orange nails; green lipstick – you get the idea). See Beyonce's yellow nail lacquer look at left, via jahaute.blogspot.com.

A ridiculously wide and chunky belt – maybe even studded! Couture Carrie is totally digging this Elizabeth and James elastic belt with triple buckle, for purchase at aloharag.com.

An oversize cocktail ring – try something you would ordinarily shun and see how much attention it gets – fun! I like these arty Phuze Design glass cocktail rings, for purchase at aplusrstore.com

A flesh-tone bikini: Make them do a double take! There’s nothing more alluring than swimming in the nude! Try the Shay Todd suit pictured at right, available at figleaves.com.