Recently in Splurge of the Week Category

There's nothing like a white Christmas but I know some people who prefer to celebrate the holidays in the tropics. Like the Caribbean or Bali. Nothing wrong about that. As long as you enjoy and celebrate the holidays with people dear to your heart. And if you are planning a tropical getaway for the holidays while everyone back home are freezing their buns off, why not up the ante and wear something that fits the island festivities.

Nordstrom.com launched Jimmy Choo's Resort 2009 Shoes and Handbags Collection. As expected from Jimmy Choo, chic and fashionable designs that are definitely must-haves for Spring and Resort 2009. Brightly colored strappy sandals shoes and totes are stand outs amongst the usual black, browns and grays colors. I personally love the 'Poppy' Strappy Sandal. The fluorescent colored patent straps and translucent heel makes 'Poppy' one trendy and sexy sandal. Unfortunately, most items from Jimmy Choo Resort 2009 Collection are only available to pre-order at this time and will ship as soon as possible. Also, limited quantities are to be made available. So, if you want to get a hold these fabulous shoes and handbags have your name on a pair or two pre-order now! Have fun.

With a couple of Crimes of Fashion, Valentino hasn't faired well here on TheSmartStylist.com. And just for the record, I'm not singling him out. I have the outmost respect for his creativity and consider him as one of fashion's most important and most influential person. As for the fashion offenders that I deliver into justice week after week, they can be a criminal this week and a hero the next. Besides life is to short to hold a grudge on something that's ugly.

Valentino Gladiator Sandal  Pre-Order $595.00 Saks

No offense, but I got tired of seeing flat heeled metallic gladiator sandals. They are in any and every store that sells footwear! Yet, oddly enough I've only seen a handful of people actually wearing them. Heeled, gladiator style and cut-out sandals on the other hand are hot right now. (l) Gucci 'Marion' High-Heel Sandals $995.00 Saks (r) Dior Cut-Out Platform Sandals $780.00 Saks

Fashion powerhouse Gucci delivers chic and trendy handbags once again with it's Cruise 2009 Collection. Handbags done in exotic materials like Python, Crocodile and tortoise accented with metal shells, brass hardware and white gold are bohemian luxury. Also in the collection are guccissima leather and GG fabric in pink, mint and sky blue for those who prefer classic and chic Gucci handbags. These luxury handbags starting priced are from $725.00 up to $28,900! Yup, that's already a car. But hey, if you have the $$$ go ahead on splurge if you must.

'Irina' Suede Shoulder Bag $1,750.00 Gucci	'Hysteria' Top Handle Bag $2,795.00 Gucci
'Irina' Crocodile Tote $28,900.00 Gucci	'Joy' Leather Boston Bag $2,250.00 Gucci

Yves Saint Laurent is known for classic and timeless fashion and accessories. It is also one of fashion world's most recognized and most important luxury brands. From the birth of Yves Saint Laurent (the brand) in 1961, designers like Albert Elbaz (currently with Marni) and Tom Ford were commissioned to design the ready-to-wear line of one of fashion's powerhouse. So, expect nothing but high-quality, top-of-the-line fashion apparel and accessories from Yves Saint Laurent.

When I came across this Majorelle Bag by Yves Saint Laurent, the first thought that came to mind was understated yet trendy and subtle yet elegant. The sleek modern design and rich luxurious leather gives this bag a timeless chic feel. This bag is perfect for tailored and clean looks. I always say it hurts to be beautiful and this Yves Saint Laurent Bag will leave a bruise on your piggy bank. $1,725.00 to be exact! Your wallet ready for a beating? Have fun!

John Galliano showed his range in creativity and imagination designing for Christian Dior this year. Christian Dior's couture collection was one of the best and most talked about in the fashion world. And John Galliano fabulously executed another flawless show for Christian Dior's Fall Ready to Wear 2008. The hair, make-up and the fashion came together that night.

Of course, such perfection comes with a price tag. Like this beaded bubble dress from Christian Dior Fall RTW 2008 collection priced at almost $10,000.00! Is it worth it? Well, I'm on the fence with that. But this dress sure look hot! An absolute splurge.

Alexander McQueen known for avant garde and edgy fashion-forward designs, proves that he doesn't have to have over the top creations to show that as seen on this wool coat.

A key color trend this fall are rich, deep shades of purple and plum. Purple gives that crisp, elegant and refined look to any fashion apparel, shoe and accessory. Just be careful not to be a victim of purple overload. A head to toe look done in different shades of purple or plum is a big fashion disaster. I suggest, two pieces from your head to look in purple is sufficient. For example, if you're wearing a plum dress then the other item in purple should be your earrings or your handbag. You don't want to look like barney do you?

Proenza Schouler Silk Origami Dress $3,695.00 Saks.com	Prada Square Logo Buckle Belt $330.00 Neiman Marcus Michael Kors Patent Buckle Clutch $495.00 Nordstrom
Paradiso Roma Diamond Cross Pendant $3,238.00. Drop Earrings $7,2004.00 Forzieri.com	Diane Von Fursternberg Pharaoh Boot $640.00 Shopbop.com

Jean Michel Cazabat known for chic, sexy, cutting edge women's footwear, has recently launched a men's collection that is well suited for the man of today. This pair of 'Joss' boots are fall ready! The sophisticated and fashion forward design, landed them on my must-have list for fall. I also like the versatility of this boots. The distressed blue leather gives the boots just enough edge to make them wearable with jeans or pants.Though luxuriously priced at $576.00, I think they are well worth it!

Jean Michel Cazabat 'Joss' Boots $576.00 Revolve Clothing

When I first saw this classic chesterfield coat by Marc Jacobs, I wasn't really loving it. But the more I look at the luxurious and sophisticated design, I'm starting to like it. I swear it has some hypnotic spell that says 'buy me'. For $2,280.00 it is a little out of my budget. I also like the old hollywood vibe this coat has. And as you can see, this coat is versatile and wearable. Guys, this is a worthy investment and a great addition to your wardrobe. Perfect for fall.

Marc Jacobs Classic Chesterfield Coat $2,880.00 Pre Order ShopJake.com