The wealthy are still wealthy. Yes, the recession has knocked some of them down a few pegs, but prosperous folk are still spending money, just not ostentatiously.

In the words of Valentino Garavani: “When the situation is so difficult for so many people, you must keep things in perspective.”

In order to stay in vogue when shameless displays of wealth can be downright offensive, the well-off must splurge gracefully. Ladies and gents, say adieu to showy labels splashed across your person and discover how to elegantly drop $43,872 at Fashion Valley.

Rolex: Veer away from delicate timepieces with the flash of diamonds and take a stab at wearing a handsome watch on your feminine wrist. This contradiction has the same appeal as a pinstriped suit worn with a silk tank: Strong and sexy. Rolex’s Day Date watch in everose gold with a pink face will do the trick. Masculine in size and style, only the pink tone and your hand will say lady. $27,300 (pictured main)

Tiffany & Co.: Skip their signature pieces and slip a Tiffany Key Pendant in sterling silver over your head. $225

Gucci: For a chic bohemian look, Gucci’s boat neck dress in shell print with three-quarter length sleeves is a must-have. $2,695 (pictured)

Sephora: Battle age spots and other skincare concerns with Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel, a two-step, at-home peel in ready-to-use pads that delivers both immediate results and long-term benefits for your many skin issues. $78 for 30-day supply

Burberry: For a modern take on the plaid fad, fellas should stop into Burberry and pick up their long sleeve military style check shirt with a tie dyed finish. $395

Saks Fifth Ave: Although the red sole is a giveaway, you cannot say no to Christian Louboutin’s Very Galaxy Platform Pumps in mirror satin with topstitch detail and peep toe. $1,295

Karen Millen: For the next event you attend, skip the tits and glitz and pick up Karen Millen’s stretch matt and shine silk cocktail dress in cream with hand-made rose corsages clustered around the hemline. $400

Henri Bendel: Lose the boring black luggage and sell your Louie Vuitton trunk. Instead, pick up Henri Bendel’s luxe luggage. The coated cotton canvas body is marked with a haphazardly haute take on the very stylish brown and white Bendel stripes that are far less recognizable than other high-end brands. Get the Disturbed Stripe Wheelie for a check-in ($595), the Disturbed Stripe Train Case for the carry on ($695) and the Disturbed Stripe Small Weekender for your purse ($395). (pictured)

Tourneau: For the gentleman on the lookout for a superior watch with a modern impression stroll into Tourneau and try on the Cuervo y Sobrinos Robusto Cronografo watch with the stainless steel case and black leather strap. The black dial features month, day, date and moon phase displays, as well as a chronograph function. $6,500

Apple: Is time for you to upgrade your computer? Peel out of your drive away and screech into Apple to obtain the new 8-core Mac Pro. With stunning graphics, faster performance and double the memory, you get why they refer to it as Beauty Outside, Beast Inside. $3,299 (pictured below)

Insider Tip: The Valentino Documentary opened May 8, 2009 at the Reading Gaslamp 15, valentinomovie.com.

Discover more San Diego boutiques here and shopping tips and trends here. For more San Diego fashion advice or a wardrobe consultation with a personal stylist, visit vanessavaliente.com.