Matador Chic

Say olé, darlings! Intricate embroidery, boleros, and dramatic red, black and white combinations have CC reminiscing about the torero at a bullfight she once saw in the little Spanish town of Ciudad Rodrigo, outside Salamanca.

On the runways, couturiers delighted in matador-inspired details.

Christian Lacroix (these four "fuchsia carpet" photos courtesy style.com)

Alexander McQueen, via nymag.com.

Note the gold leggings and the model's toreador stance - genius!

Givenchy black and white jacket detail; style.com
Alexis Mabille black and gold vest; runway shot courtesy Australian Vogue online
Want the look? ¡Corre! to Neiman Marcus for this delightful D&G tiered silk bolero.

Or tango over to Topshop for this fringed jacket.
If you are willing to take a fashion risk and don the toreador trend more literally, may I suggest Anna Sui’s velvet cape? This photo via elle.com.
And the shoes? ¡Qué fantásticos!
Christian Louboutin open-toe scarlet Passementerie hidden platform, at neimanmarcus.com.
Mary Norton rose satin pump with gold embroidery; photo via elle.com
Alexander McQueen black suede peep toe ankle wrap sandal with white embroidery, via style.com.

Grab the bull by the horns, ladies!!

Short Sleeves are a bit of alright!

Couture Carrie is so confused as to whether she should keep posting summer looks, or dive headlong into fall, so: let's split the difference! Today's focus is the short sleeve - a lovely way to tolerate wearing a jacket on these steamy July days!

On the runway for Fall 2008, Bottega Veneta showed some gorgeous cap sleeve suit jackets. The monochrome looks, like the heathered maroon combo at top left, are incredibly streamlined and ladylike. Note the little gloves!!
CC particularly enjoys the unique neckline and angular "ruffles" Bottega's gray ensemble.

These two Fall 2008 runway shots courtesy style.com.

Another way to sport the look? As instructed by Diane von Furstenberg, layer a short-sleeve cardigan over a frilly long-sleeve blouse. What a wonderful way to get away with wearing a sheer shirt at the office! This runway look is surprisingly wearable - no translation needed! Just add a pencil skirt and a skinny belt and you're all set!

Photo via nymag.com.

Instead of a sweater, toss a light jacket or a short-sleeve belted "safari" shirt over that blouse; CC likes the look of the printed chiffon peeking out from under this short sleeve Derek Lam coat. Go to bergdorfgoodman.com to buy.

Even topcoats have gone short-sleeved! CC is drawn to this Dsquared2 crystal encrusted raincoat, available at eLuxury.com.
If you are reluctant to buy a short-sleeve coat, perhaps you might substitute a tiny cape? On the runway, Blugirl's winter white capelet stood out.

CC really appreciates the inverted triangle shape created by the capelet -- makes your bottom half look infinitely slimmer by putting the focus on a bold shoulder!
Photo at left via nymag.com.

For around twenty dollars, get the capelet look in bold orange at forever21.com (Forever 21 Lindsay triple button trapeze jacket pictured at left).

There are some amazing options for short sleeve dresses, like this stained-glass inspired printed Diane von Furstenberg Lionel flared silk jersey dress, at intermixonline.com.

And flower prints are here to stay for fall, but in a darker palette. CC is really digging this Roberto Cavalli floral print dress, available at neimanmarcus.com.

Also loving this Catherine Malandrino Vendange print dress, for purchase at Net-a-Porter.com. This one feels versatile; wear it this summer with sandals, and come fall, with opaque tights and booties!

If your look is more casual, opt for a crisp white belted mini-trench, like this Adidas by Stella McCartney. At shop adidas.com.

As ever, CC saves the best for last: How genius is the coatdress? Is it a jacket? Is it a frock? No need to decide! Behold, the beauty and impeccable craftsman-ship of this Alexander McQueen bouclé coat dress. At Neiman Marcus.

That's the long and short of it!