Each field has its own unique vocabulary. Doctors don’t call them bruises. are bruises. Lawyers refer to retainers. We know them as expensive down payments for secure services.
Luxury “insiders” (self-proclaimed experts) also have our own vocabulary. And, just like doctors and lawyers, we like to keep ordinary people impressed with our education and experience by keeping them wondering what we really mean when we ‘articulate’ (speak). So here’s a short guide for all luxury “newbies,” as I was once called at an antique auction, complete with an interpretation for the, as yet, uninitiated.
*Accessories (something added to something else to make it more attractive) The small, seemingly insignificant items purchased for your home or placed on your person, that account for the large, seemingly significant items purchased for your home or placed on your person. placed on his person.
* Chic (stylish and elegant) In pronunciation, quite clear and European elegant. Printed, very disturbing: “That pretty girl, she looked quite elegant.” Adjectives include: Chicer and Chicest to further confuse
* Couture (designed to a client’s specific requirements) When the limitless and unfathomable amounts of products available are not enough to choose from, you can purchase personalized items that are handmade and made to order, for a small fee.
* Discriminator (educated and perceptive) As in: “I only pay the best price for any purchase because I have discriminating tastes.”
* Eclectic (wide and diverse taste and style) A wardrobe or home decoration; that gives one the impression that you are uninhibited and have broad tastes, or that you are schizophrenic
* Extraordinary (rare, notable) Very good. See: Luxury
* Green (renewable and sustainable resources) Something that grows fast and abundantly, or something second-hand that projects an unsettling sense that society is taking a step backwards rather than forwards.
* Tall (fashion chic, or high class) As in: That cashmere sweater must be hot, but it makes you look so tall.
* Luxe (luxury) A fun way to spell an understandable word, to confuse and delight ‘newbies’
* Oenophile (a wine connoisseur) A sophisticated alcoholic
* Patina (the authentic or simulated look of age in a surface’s color) As in: Grandma’s wrinkles give it a nice patina
* Studio (a small apartment) An absurdly small room that serves as a foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom, and office.
* Timeless (not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion) Caprice proof of the ‘experts’
* Vogue (predominant style or fashion at any given time) As in: you can be sure that this high-end outfit or lobby console will be in style for at least another 15 minutes
Just having fun, folks. I hope I made you smile today. Life is short, we should not take ourselves too seriously. The important things are the ones that really matter. Learn to laugh at yourself, all the way to the top.