Tropical Storm Elbaz

In the classic tradition of togetherness, my family is taking a cruise through the Caribbean this summer. Ten days on a majestic vessel, with exotic ports of call like Belize, Cozumel, and other out-lying islands around the Yucatan.

Also in classic form, they aren't taking me. Go figure.

While my parents and grandmothers are off gallivanting near the Mayan ruins, the closest I'll get to a cruise this year may be gazing at the 2009 resort collections. But one collection in particular may give me the fix I need to make it through a summer and fall stuck in the states.

Earlier this week, Lanvin's Alber Elbaz presented the house's completely decked out resort collection which featured the brilliant colors of the tropics, blended with the classic silhouettes of the 1930's. Think Loveboat meets the Great Gatsby. The collection is bright, brooding, and erratically cohesive, full of bias-cuts, slouchy suits, and accessories galore!

According to Elbaz, the collection was inspired by the iconic notions of cruise and fantasy vacations, yet encompasses a "twisted Hamptons" flair (which begs the question, aren't the Hamptons always kinda twisted? But I digress...), pairing sunny t-shirts with floor length silk skirts, chunky faux-pearl and floral baubles with sequin polka dot dresses, and funky denim coats with raw-edge satin heels. I'd call the resulting look "consciously-flawed chic"--shabby chic's cooler, more confident cousin.

So there may not be a coastal getaway in my immediate future, but I can always live vicariously through the fam, and maybe even a little bit through the tropics-inspired creations of Elbaz and the folks at Lanvin.