Marni

For fall 2012, Marni successfully channeled retro-chic, understated dressing that may have a quirky detail or two, however, without detracting from the feminine aura. Monochromatic and asymetrical color blocking reigned the looks in a color palette that was simple, yet ultra-fresh.  Plus, the heavily-cut bangs and ultra shiny tresses popped nicely on the runway, especially in a very “anti-bang” season.

Jil Sander

Are we really looking at the Jil Sander collection for fall 2012? If you had to do a double take too, it’s with good reason! The romantic side of the brand has started to trickle out, via fluffy, light, champagne pinks, and delicate hand wrought fabrications, but don’t assume that Jil Sander has turned into mushy sentimentality. Some stronger pieces, both in their fabric choices and drama via dark, sharp tailored lines appeared in the collection, epitomizing the slick minimalist expertise that has made Sander a popular name in mainstream fashion.

Missoni

Honestly, how many times can that signature chevron knit be rehashed and reworked? The answer: an infinite amount! Angela Missoni’s juxtaposition of nature and the metropolis played out to its fullest degree, literally a little rough around the edges as fabrics were given a dyed, worn effect. Equipped with fur, leather, and plenty of layers, this collection can definitely be coveted by Missoni lovers who want to rethink the way they wear the house’s best hits.

-Julia DiNardo

[Image via ELLE.com]

Emporio Armani

In a story of masculine-meets-feminine ease, the Emporio Armani spring lineup displayed the designer’s best foot forward at contemporary sportswear pieces.  A closer look at the collection made it seem as if I had flipped through an old-fashioned black-and-white photo album: classically piped blazers and jackets crowned with skimmer hats felt dainty yet refined.  Halter dresses, slim skirts, and pastel cropped pants impressed with a definitive sensual feel.  In all of its largely asexual appeal, however,these garments are truly ready-to-wear, even with the sparkling crystal details — perhaps the perfect touch to break the monotony of day-wear.

[Image via Style.com]

Emilio Pucci

While we may not all be bold enough to bare our own midriffs, Pucci’s  above the belly tops yielded a muted sex appeal that all women aspire to exude, regardless of the stage or current phase of life. It was impossible to look away from the jumble of prints and peeks of lace insets.  The black, red and pink palette initiated an early can’t-stop-me strength, and towards the end things got lighter (and shinier!). A lot of skin and a lot of awestruck detailing breathed new life into the storied Florentine brand- magnifico!

[Image via ELLE.com]

Jil Sander

Raf Simons teased us all with bits of color, but his main attraction, the show’s beginning and ending, was pure white. Jil Sander’s spring looks were rooted in its history with its “signature white poplin shirt,” sometimes sensually sheer, further reinforcing a transparent theme for spring 2012. Paisley and gingham later made an appearance; it was certainly modernism combined with couture that sparked the curious, less minimalist spirit of the collection.

-Alana Quagliariello

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From our friends at thefind.com:

If you’re as avid a shopper as I am, chances are you’ve already rounded out your collection of must-have spring footwear, from platform wedge espadrilles to woven flats. You likely also already have your trusty troupe of platform pumps in all the typical neutrals, plus the occasional pop of color like cobalt or coral… to just spice things up. What you probably don’t already have, however, is a pair of color-blocked heels! Color blocking has been ridiculously popular over the past handful of seasons, in the form of springy sundresses, slim banded skirts, and even accessories like scarves and bangles, but they’ve yet to really hit it off in the realm of footwear, despite previous attempts to kick-start the trend.

But realistically, what’s not to love? In a style season where mixed prints and patterns are encouraged, not to mention our obsession with pops of color and unexpected shade combos, color-blocked shoes are just another way to add dimension and stand out among the taupe pumps and nude wedges! If rainbow brights aren’t your thing, avoid these fierce Prada sandals and opt for color-blocked neutrals courtesy of these strappy Chie Maharas. These patent leather Pour la Victoire sandals are the perfect mix of wearable yet bold, while these silver and lime strappy wedges by Jil Sander are a standout take on this season’s platform sandals!

- Alex Gambardella

Fabulous Guest Post via thefind.com

Nude pumps have been a hot-ticket item for awhile now, and still don’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. Not only do they go with nearly any outfit, but their ability to elongate the look of your legs is pretty priceless — it’s no wonder the neutral-hued shoe hasn’t become just a passing fad. However, like any popular trend that sticks around, it’s bound to endure its share of seasonal updates in order to keep it fresh and appropriate, and I have to say I’m in love with this season’s nude platform wedges. Think of it as the spring and summer update to both the platform wedge bootie and the nude pump — these sky-high instant gam-boosters are destined to become your new favorite footwear staple! Go for a sort of pump-sandal hybrid with these Jimmy Choo patent peeptoe espadrilles, or look forward to summer with some pretty wedge sandals with metallic details like this Jil Sander pair. Thick strappy sandals are super-hot for the warmer weather ahead, so take these Dolce Vita Pela Wedges or B. Makowsky Doogie Sandals for a test run. But if you’re not ready to say ‘bye’ to the bootie, go for a springy suede pair like these Seychelles ‘Eye to Eye’ Wedges which sport cut-outs for a little extra breathability!

- Alex Gambardella

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A longtime fan of Jil Sander, I was beyond excited when I caught word of the J + Jill Sander for Uniqlo collaboration,  anticipating to up the ante on my pre-existing minimalist wardrobe pieces with these affordable designs. Wrong! After visiting the Uniqlo in SoHo the weekend the collection opened, I immediately discovered that the items in the collection were just slightly higher-priced versions of what Uniqlo already offered.  No unique cuts or distinctive lines were found on the garments, just basic coats and activewear that did little for my imagination nor garnered any enthusiasm to wait in the extremely long lines to purchase or try them on. Both the mens and womens collections were relatively lackluster, however the mens had slightly more of an edge than the womens as far as color palette and structure were concerned. It’s possible that since I didn’t hit the store on opening day all of the amazingly-designed items had already sold out, but still, what I saw on the selling floor still shoudln’t even have been there. There was definitely a decent crowd of people appearing to pick up items from the collection and walk out of the store with them in tow, however I feel this collection was a case of the Emperor’s New Clothes. Sorry Jil Sander, I wish I had better news to report, but in all honesty, this collection was beyond disappointing.

If I’m going to indulge a bit in the fringe trend for spring 2009, spotted on the runways at Hermes, Costume National, Vivienne Westwood, and Jil Sander, I’ve decided that I don’t want it to be too country, but it should be a little sexy, and a tad bit humorous — all wrapped into one item. If price was not a factor, I wouldn’t think twice about adding this 3.1 Phillip Lim Tassel Trim Blouse, $177.50 (was $355) at NET-A-PORTER.com to my shopping cart.  I love the way that Mr. Lim literally did tassels around the neckline (hence fulfilling the “humor” requirement of my on-the-fringe search). My other choice, would be the Fringe Top, $16.99 at Charlotte Russe — I adore the chocolate brown color and the thin strands of flowingfringe; angularly cut to be slightly reminiscent of a hipster hair-do (humorous aspect)! Don’t ask me how to launder this though — due to the price, I think its just one of those tops that you’ll have to wear and Febreze, wear and Febreze, wear and throw away. Besides, we KNOW this trend isn’t here to stay, so why go to the trouble for 2+ drycleanings that will exceed the price of the purchase?

– Julia DiNardo