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!!

Circular Logic

Hope you all had a fashtastic weekend, darlings! For your viewing pleasure today, CC has ROUNDed up some of the best clothing and accessories using that old geometric form that has neither beginning nor end: the circle! I have mixed a few different seasons in here, so that those of you in the Southern Hemisphere won't feel left out!

Dolce & Gabbana circle print belt; runway photo at left from nymag.com
Derek Lam Resort 2009 striped shirtdress; photo via style.com

Javier Larráinzar velvet mini dress; runway image via Spanish Vogue




Fendi multi circle long dress; go to eLuxury.com to buy
Miss Sixty circle print dress, at asos.com

D&G polka dot belted mini dress, currently on sale at eLuxury.com

Tucker Beatrice 3/4 sleeve silk blouse, at pinkmascara.com

Balenciaga Resort 2009 deconstructed double polka-dot top; pic courtesy style.com

Moschino Cheap & Chic dot print coat, at Bergdorf Goodman

Roger Vivier Clous Clous cuff; picture courtesy style.com

J. Crew mod circles bracelet. Go to jcrew.com to purchase.

Herve Van der Straeten gold hoop necklace

Tory Burch suede Happy hobo

Fendi F35 frame bag with stone detail and chain strap style

Donna Karan suede peep toe pump with crystal studs

Gucci suede bootie with stud heel detail



Prada suede lace-up ankle boot.......................

Whether with arcs, polka dots, concentric circles, bubbles or rings, it's time to get in the round!

Photography credits: last 6 accessories photos courtesy style.com.

FAB FALL FOOTWEAR!

Couture Carrie got so excited while exploring wedding shoe options (see Postmodern Bride post below!), she couldn't resist sneaking in a sampling of the amazing footwear on the horizon for fall.

As ever, shoes are becoming quite seasonless, such that labeling many of these "autumn" is a misnomer.

For example, the pale pink of this Balenciaga patent and mirrored leather Escarpins bootie feels more springlike in nature. Photo at right via style.com.

There is certainly no shortage of patterned pumps for the upcoming season. How perfectly plaid are these

Bruno Frisoni slingbacks? Picture at left courtesy French Vogue.

Are any of CC's readers not instantly enamored of these Manolo Blahnik striped pumps? The buckle detail and sensible heel height make them unique!

If you are in the market for a serious statement shoe, look no further than this Miu Miu leather pump with sculpted heel and shell detail. CC loves the juxtaposition of dark heft and sculptural, winged lightness here. And the navy/black color scheme is definitely on trend for fall. Photo at left courtesy style.com.

In the same color family, but with even more fanciful construction, is this Chloé leather and crocodile sandal with leaves and rosebud detail. The shielded heel, covering a delicate stiletto, is a true innovation. CC doesn't know whether to (a) encase them in a vitrine for display in the foyer; (b) worship them or (c) wear them??

Azure Thing

Elvis's were suede; Carrie's were silk. What are your BLUE SHOES made of?

Check out these fabulous designs, from the ubiquitous (the lone pair of Manolos in that dreamy penthouse walk-in closet in the SATC movie) to the obscure.

At right, the now iconic jeweled Manolo Blahnik Something Blue cobalt satin pump, with crystal broach detail on vamp. Go to neimanmarcus.com to purchase.

Christian Louboutin Nuit d'Ete suede lattice peep-toe platform sling back, available at Barneys New York.


Couture Carrie is absolutely enamored of Bruno Frisoni's two-tone taffeta ruffle sandal. Photo courtesy

style.com.

Now, for the glam gladiator: the Paul and Joe turquoise triple-buckle suede sandal/bootie. This is my favorite type of shoe: the hybrid. It happily splits the difference between summer and winter. Wear these Paul & Joe creations now with your white Philip Lim sundress or, come fall, with opaque Wolfords and a chic YSL wool suit. This photo and next via French Vogue.

Another tantalizing cerulean stunner? This Moschino zip-front gathered satin stiletto. Couture Carrie has several pairs of Moschino pumps and can attest that they are not only comfortable but quite durable as well.

If you tend to shy away from stilettos, perhaps you will be drawn to this Irregular Choice Princess blue patent flat. Loving the slim straps and double buckle detail! Go to http://www.irregularchoicestore.co.uk/ to buy.

Mosaic madness for your tootsies: Missoni printed-fabric pointed flats. Go to luckybreaksonline.com to get a sweet discount on these ones!

If baby blue is more your thing, opt for these Irregular Choice Sky Fox leather heels with unicorn print. So cute! And fyi, darlings, this rather obscure U.K. brand is a favorite of Zooey Deschanel!