Luxury -- Something inessential but conducive to pleasure and comfort. Something expensive or hard to obtain. - Dictionary.com
Even die-hard minimalists find it difficult to resist a rich crocodile handbag, shiny gold bauble or plush fur trim once in a while.
With a choice of indulgent fabrics, skins, logos and jewelry, luxury offerings promote the good life. But the look isn't limited just to high-end designers, as mass merchants and even discounters stock up on cashmere, fur, leather, silk, gemstones and gold.
Fur
Vogue editor Anna Wintour may be the alpha pelt wearer, but plenty of other celebs have jumped on the fur bandwagon. Fur isn't just for coats -- it's popular in vest, handbags, even sweaters. Tie-on fur collars and add-on cuffs in fur are smaller investments. Be prepared to see everything from the sublime to the truly bizarre (are you really ready for a hamster shearling coat from Dolce & Gabbana for $9,742?)
Leather
A few years ago, Gap proclaimed "Everybody in Leather." This year, it's more of the same, with everything from supple lambskin jackets to shiny, retro-looking styles abounding in all price points and styles, from couture on down. Try a leather coat worn as a jacket, not just as outerwear. Also, leather pants and colored and metallic pieces add zing to modern wardrobes.
Real jewelry
It's a gilt trip! Gold is worn piled on -- bracelets, necklaces in layers, earrings, rings. Also, look for ropes of pearls, hoop earrings, lariat necklaces, cuff bracelets. Jewelry designer Robert Lee Morris in the New Jersey Record: "Everyone is so rich they want to relive the Eighties. Gold is so warm and opulent. It screams money."
Logos
Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Gucci, Versace and Chanel are still hot. If understatement is your thing, go for lower wattage prestige labels initials like Tod's or Lambertson Truex.
Exotic skins
Crocodile and alligator are perrenial faves, as well as more unusual hides like ostrich. On a budget? Indulge in exotics by way of mock croc (stamped leather) pumps or faux snakeskin handbags.
Cashmere
Designers are even making baby pajamas out of it, so cashmere's becoming something of an ubiquitous fiber. Better hurry up and wear it before global warming makes it too toasty for even pain tolerant fashionistas. More about cashmere and pashmina.
Designers and labels that do luxe best
Get the luxe look on a budget
