Too Little Time

Sorry for the break everyone! I've been overwhelmed with French work as of late- which is appropriate, considering that Paris Fashion Week is starting! Super chouette! Can't wait for the shows and the dish. Until then, here's a screenshot I took of one of my favorite visual films ever to get us in the spirit.

Take It Easy

Prada, usually known for her intellectual take on fashion, turned out a refreshingly laid-back collection. Still, I can't really see any young beach bums in these clothes— perhaps it's the price-tag worthy fabrics and lady-like coats.

Photos from Style.com

When It Works...

... it works. I might be biased against "cute," but something about this look from Moschino SS10 makes my inner child squeal.

Photo from Style.com

Peek-a-Boo

Romanticism is a standout trend for SS10 so far, but I'm most infatuated with Christopher Kane's sharp-edged take. He managed to turn pastels, pleats, floral motifs AND GINGHAM FOR CHRIST'S SAKE into something modern. With cut-outs, thigh-high slits and corseting, the collection wasn't even a touch saccharine. In fact, maybe it's just me, but the frilly details pushed your everyday, run of the mill bondage towards something kinkier.

Photos from WWD.com

Build Me Up

Just when you thought you were safe from looking like Joan Collins in SS10, Matthew Williamson decided to exponentially increase the size of the shoulders AND the arms of his collection.

Photos from WWD.com

Oscar Gone Wild

Oscar de la Renta, often viewed as one of the more conservative designers out there, typically fails to impress me with his covered-up sweaters and dated gowns. But for this show, I owe an apology. He turned out looks for a much more youthful collection, complete with asymmetry, shorter hems, bright pops of color and print and even a touch of— dare I say it?— Lady Gaga inspired transparent fabric. Turns out that his lady is a bit of a tramp.

Photos from Style.com

Head of Their Class

Alexander Wang SS10

Marc Jacobs SS10

Rodarte SS10

Proenza Schouler SS10

It's been a fantastic season so far, and I can't wait to see what London, Milan and Paris come up with— I'm practically counting down the hours until the Alexander McQueen show (which will be live on his website btw, in case you're interested). But in the meantime, I'll be dreaming of and drooling over these collections and pieces in particular.

Alexander Wang, how do I count the ways? In an utterly wearable but funky collection, the dear Mr. Wang managed to make football appealing to some of the most un-athletic individuals on this planet. Never thought I would want a "varsity" sweater, that's for sure. Of course, I also never thought football shorties could cost around $800 and be made of leather. Welcome to fashion! I love the above look especially because of the worn-in but otherwise luxurious fabrics and the thrown together quality of the ensemble— though you know those proportions have to be hard to nail.

Marc Jacobs exists to make this world a better, more theatrical place. This collection excited me because he managed to take inspiration and run with it, but also simultaneously mock it, and take it apart. Note: the men's shirt underneath a ruffled gown and the deconstruction of gorgeous, prim skirt numbers by styling underpinnings on the outside. Sure, it's been done before, but I never really get tired of seeing it.

Rodarte is one of my go-to brands, though this collection didn't thrill me as much as others. Truthfully, ever since the "slasher" one a few seasons back, I haven't experienced the same high. But Laura and Kate still managed to pull out a unique interpretation of their signature draped, body-con dresses. I feel like Rodarte is best when it embodies dark simplicity, like the above frock. This photo scares the hell out of me but I still want to be that girl.

Proenza Schouler became my new love this season. Not that I'm the first- everyone in the fashion industry has adored them for awhile now. But Jack and Lazaro's work seemed more youthful this time around, with vibrant prints and flirty dresses. And I'm so glad I finally caught on to what the noise was about.

Photos from Style.com

Print Perfect

Narciso Rodriguez SS10

Ports 1961 SS10

Proenza Schouler SS10

The trend I fell for the most (other than braids, naturally, but more on that later) has to be prints. Prints, prints, prints. They were EVERYWHERE. Not just the usual florals, but new interpretations of geometric, animal and God-knows-what. Some highlights were the abstractions of Narciso Rodriguez and the incredibly delicate, barely-there patterns of Ports 1961. Bu the best take might just be Proenza Schouler's undeniably cool mix and match of busy brights. It shouldn't work, but each look proves you wrong.

Photos from Style.com

Jean-ius

Helmut Lang has long been one of my favorite brands. Yet I always seem to veer towards the more exclusive pieces. For example, a $15,000+ anaconda jacket... hey, it's an investment piece. But now that Michael and Nicole Colovos are launching a jean-based diffusion line, Helmut Lang's edgy simplicity will be accessible to even more clients. I was hoping that it would be even half as good as the Acne/Lanvin collaboration. And as you can see from the recent Helmut Lang presentation, prayers are about to be answered.

Photos from Style.com

True Black

Michael Kors SS10

Phi SS10

However, plenty of designers eschewed rainbows and sparkles for a harder look reminiscent of Fall09. This is excellent for those of us (me) who have hearts that are three sizes too small. Of course, the dark and brooding look received its seasonal update as well, in the form of sexy cut-outs in new and unexpected places.

Photos from Style.com

All the World Needs Now

Narciso Rodriguez SS10

3.1 Phillip Lim SS10

Marc Jacobs SS10

If you're already sick of Fall's studded boots and leather, then the 2010 shows have welcome news for you— romanticism and everything sickly sweet is in. My favorite looks from the New York collections dove into this theme with frothy abandon, yet were set apart by a little spunk. Think the flowing grey silk gown Narciso Rodriguez sent down the runway. It's dramatic and soft, yet ever so slightly boyish in its shapelessness and unexpected color. Likewise, Phillip Lim balanced a pale pink shift with a fire engine red trench, and Marc Jacobs' finale of a ruffled gown avoided banality thanks to its see-through fabric. Being good never felt so fun.

Photos from Style.com