[Image via Style.com]

Crammed in the New York Public Library with Gossip Girl celebs and Mena Suvari sitting front row, anticipation for Jill Stuart’s F/W 2010 collection pervaded the space. Despite a few model glitches, this season’s designs were up to par, threaded together with an authoritative vibe. Strutting down the catwalk in knee-high black and green lace up boots, oversized army shirts, dramatic asymmetry and bulky knits dominated the catwalk. Colors were limited to black, red, green, and purple, interspersed with Scottish navy and green plaid juxtaposed with lip-printed silk blouses and mini frocks. To underscore the girl power of the collection bold shoulders were paired with loud military belts and sprinkled with sparkles. Tying it all together were intermittent updates on the top hat, rounded to resemble the British police force, along with short velvet dresses leaving little to the imagination.

Renowned for launching the careers of designers like Alexander Wang, Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation‘s fashion show impressed guests at the tents again this season. The amalgamation of creators made for an interesting show, arraying lavish boas, stark contrasts, sheer frocks, draped jersey, 70′s jump suits, exposed zippers and lots of skin. Keep an eye on the participants: The Blonds, Prova, Prabal Guruno, Siki Im, Altuzarra, Salvor & Organic – their collections are worth saving up for!

-Maria Eilersen

We’ve already purchased the Exposed Zipper Top (features a zipper down the back), $18.99 and  Zippered Leggings, $16.99, both from Charlotte Russe, although we definitely wouldn’t wear the two items together. We were thrilled to find zippered leggings that didn’t cost $100, likes the coveted LNA brand ones, and the slight batwing sleeves, buckle-waist, and longer tunic length give the exposed zipper top a very of-the-moment aesthetic.  Next up we found the Kensie Double-Knit Dress at Dillard’s for $49 (was $98), which most certainly channels mod-chic and also has a zipper down the back. Last of all, we foudn the splurge item — the  Marc by Marc Jacobs Runway Exposed Zipper Dress, on sale for $199 (was $328) at eLUXURY.com. The cool blue color and tiered fabric gives a pulled-together, ladylike look, then turn around and go a little grunge with the exposed zipper surprise.

– Julia DiNardo