by Shannon Farrell

Fashion Week can always be a little frustrating for us common folk. I personally love to look at what designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs come up with, but I know there is no way I can actually wear any of it. However, Spring 2011’s fashion week brought some incredible looks anyone can play with and look great wearing. Take a look at some of these designer collections that offered a little bit of everything.

Michael Kors

We all know that it is physically impossible for pants these days to get any skinnier—so it came as no surprise when Kors and other designers came out with wide slacks on their runways. In New York, Michael Kors’ slacks were sleek and appeared comfortable—not over-the-top. Who wouldn’t trade their jeggings for a pair of these any day? In a neutral color, these slacks would be great for a day at the office or a comfortable afternoon at the market square. Add a thin belt and clutch and you are ready to go.

Burberry Prorsum

Burberry is well known for its reinvention of the trench coat—and their Spring 2011 collection in London featured their famous coats. However, they added a little innovation to them with the addition of vertical stripes and assorted belts. Although embellished, the coats are still appropriate for everyday use and will bring the perfect amount of pizzazz  to an otherwise simple cardigan or flowery dress.

Isaac Mizrahi

It is no surprise that many of last week’s shows included embellished clothing, and Isaac Mizrahi presented this embellished look perfectly in New York on September 16. This sequined neckline and “tie” on a simple woven top was the perfect blend of adding a little spontaneity and flare to a simple look. Can we dare wear this? With Mizrahi’s inspiration, I think we can.

Alberta Ferretti

Although we are about to put those sandals away for winter, Alberta Ferretti showed us what to look forward to after snow’s end. The show in Milan featured simple sandals with straps just above the toes and other straps wrapped around the ankle. Comfortable and yet so chic, this look is sure to make an impact next year.

Fendi

Fendi’s runway show in Milan on September 23 featured vintage accessories. This handbag pictured below has that 60s boxed silhouette. The mix of baby blue and forest green recreates that flower girl look and is a smart choice for a spring color palette. Another vintage accessory to look forward to next spring: cat eye glasses! They appeared in almost all of the looks in the collection. For those who purchased them for this season, don’t forget to store them in a safe place this winter.

Actress Alison Brie and designer Raul Melgoza

by Sarah

The Valentine’s Day Luca Luca show in Bryant Park offered a breath of fresh air during the fury (and snow flurries) of fashion week. Celebs on hand at the morning event were socialite Tinsley Mortimer, her paramour Constance Maroulis, NYC Real Housewife Kelly Bensimon, and our favorite, Alison Brie, previously of Mad Men and currently of the cult comedy Community.

The collection, which could be described as rock n roll with a ladylike edge, showcased a slew of gorgeous metallic designs and seriously flirty cocktail dresses. Since fans of the line include Halle Berry, the Hilton sisters, and Anne Hathaway,  it’s no surprise that Senior Designer Raul Melgoza doesn’t shy away from a sexy silhouette in a fabulous fabric. For his Fall 2010 collection, Raul served up the glittery goods. (more…)

by Sarah

Tuesday I headed across the bridge and up through town to the Trump Towers. There, I caught a preview of Suma C’s debut line for Spring/Summer as well as a look at her upcoming Fall/Winter collection. I didn’t have time to chat with the designer– just said a quick “hi” to her while I was there, but the clothes– her really gorgeous clothes– speak for themselves. If I had to guess at Suma Chander’s character, I’d say she honors elegance and beauty as much as she honors power and order– specifically in women.

The Indian- born designer actually worked on Wall Street for thirteen years before she gave in and indulged her dream of designing — namely, using  fabrics with the rich textures and embellishments traditionally worn in her native country. Working as a powerful woman in a male-dominated world must have inspired this knock ‘em dead at the board meeting then slay and seduce ‘em after hours collection. Some pieces even feel a little  Jackie O fresh from India, and others feel a little Grace Kelly goes equestrian. From the blazers, to the pant suits, to the dresses, all of them really look like they know what they’re doing. In Suma’s line, power and grace ride side by side. New York City’s definitely a muse– her apartment boasts a huge, open view of the Manhattan and its Hudson River. Watching the water move all day probably serves to inspire all that beautiful movement in her soft dresses, caftans, and blouses, but the towering steel city buildings speak to the success, strength, and independence found in her blazers, jackets, and suits. Essentially, Suma favors clean lines and strong statements while also keeping her hand lightly on the hip of glamour.

We like it, a lot. Below are a few of our favorite pieces from this season and the upcoming Fall/Winter collection. You can own your own piece of the Suma Collection at the end of this month, when it’s available on the designer’s website, as well as at Searle and Albertine.

Fall/Winter. The arm bands feel so powerful.

silvery caftan. F/W.

caftan with the blues. F/W

In person, this screams Jackie O/Equestrian. F/W.

The feathers and the movement of this dress make it to die for. Spring/Summer.

My favorite-- so warm, so cool, so SOFT, goes with everything. From Fall/Winter 2010.