NYFW

Today marks the end of New York Fashion Week.... I have been glued to my computer looking at the photos and watching the videos whenever I have time. The feeling of breathlessness when a piece hits the runway that is purely ethereal never gets old.... these are a few of my favorites:

Ralph Lauren

His Spring 2012 collection was inspired by 1920s, Great Gatsby silhouettes. From turn of the century pant suits to flapper dresses, Lauren embraced pastel hues, heavenly ivory and showy metallic, spring celebrates all things soft and feminine with floral prints, satin and feathered accessories.

Carolina Herrera

Her Spring 2012 collection, full of sparrow prints and linear motifs, “started with the Bauhaus,” she said, citing “the modernity of lines and the fluidity.” Throughout the show, Herrera sent out fluid mint green dresses and architectural embroideries. The color palette — largely jade green, rusty red, and sunny yellow — came from the Bakelite bangles that were used to accessorize the collection, she said.

DVF

A series of solid-colored separates and dresses brought together smokey greys, mints, and topaz; a grouping of graphic florals mixed black, white, pink, and lilac; and an explosion of large-scale prints found their bearings in vivid coral, red, violet, and jade. Silhouettes were a wearable mix of slouchy mod-lines and tiered layers —  swing-backed jackets, full-skirted wrapdresses, cropped trousers, and loosely-cut sheaths.

Jenny Packham

Packham's palette is inspired by the summer skies, from sunrise to sunset, including rich reds and oranges as well as stunning shades of chartreuse and turquoise.  These colors are further accentuated by glittering Swarovski crystals that adorned most of the looks in this collection.  In addition to her signature gowns, Packham presents us with flirty mini dresses, rompers, and tiny lace shorts, also accentuated by crystals and sequins.  Nearly every piece is made of French or chantilly lace and Italian silk chiffon (or a combination of both), sometimes with touches of tulle, organza trim, pleats, or beaded flowers.

J. Mendel

His spring 2012 collection alternated between patchwork style prints and sleek silhouettes that accent the female figure. Taking on this season’s trend of sheer, lightweight dresses, designer Giles Mendel used vertical stripes paired with color blocking for a sexy yet sophisticated look. For beauty, the Mendel woman donned wavy side-swept locks and sun-kissed skin.

*** Oh and that holiday that has just passed? To me, it was perfect. Of course Valentine's Day was celebrated with the typical chocolates, flowers, and gifts; but Valentine's Day isn't really all about those things now, is it? And as for the opportunity to make it special and unforgettable, my sweet husband was triumphant. Those details, my friends, are memories kept close to my heart...and I know unequivocally, that although they are not described in this little blog diary, their vibrance will not fade. xo