[From top: The Blonds, Cushnie et Ochs; via ELLE.com, Emilio Cavallini via MBFashionWeek.com]

There are shows that just get the blood flowing and adrenaline pumping with styled looks that you just love to admire. This season, we dubbed this category “electric ladies club” for the overtly feminine, sexy, and distinct styles. Our favorite looks came from three design duos (Cushnie et Ochs, Marchesa, The Blonds), alongside Jen Kao, and the stateside return of our favorite Italian legwear brand, Emilio Cavallini.

-Julia DiNardo

[BCBG Max Azria, Chadwick Bell; Images via MBFashionWeek.com]

Gradient Hues

Color blocking hasn’t gone away, but a new color scheme has been creeping it’s way back into popularity through the fashion cycle — gradient colors! BCBG Max Azria certainly worked sun drenched, ochre hues and made them feel fresh by the dalliance of sheer fabrications, while Chadwick Bell piled on the ruffled layers for his salmon-hued version. The combination got a ladylike take at Vivienne Tam with prim and proper pencil skirts and jackets, while Emerson designer Jackie Fraser-Swan let it drip down into a patterned, charcoal-tinged coat. Try out the trend by investing one piece, like a jacket or skirt to pair with basics, or try out an accessory, like a necklace or handbag that gives off a dip-dyed effect.

[J.Mendel, Custo Barcelona; Images via Elle.com]

Embellishment

The Fall 2012 runways blazed embellishment with everything from fringe to embroidery to beads to sequins, and it is a trend we all can incorporate into our wardrobe.  For a look that will turn heads, take a cue from J. Mendel and Custo Barcelona with head-to-toe beading and studs. Both ensembles tell a story of experimental spontaneity, fusing classic and contemporary to create a look that is all their own. Or, pull inspiration from Hervé Leger and Tracy Reese. Both designers beautified their collections by adding intricate detail. Whether fringe to create flair or sequins to invoke strength, the self-determination of embellishment makes it quite sublime.

-Alana Quagliariello

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[Pictured: Pamela Love, and two Melissa Joy Manning images]

Known for bright and stylish design, Kate Spade New York truly stuck to the brand’s roots of “live colorfully” during its Fall 2012 ready-to-wear presentation. Inspired by a French gamine, designer Deborah Lloyd unveiled a vintage garden party with bold colors and fun accessories. Boyfriend graphic tees are paired with chic, flirtatious skirts and maraschino red accessories shown with large polka dot skirts. Bright colors play well with a tailored cardigan and beautiful gray trousers. The accessories did not disappoint, as Kate Spade is widely popular for lady-like leather gloves, oversize envelope clutches, and traditional satchels perfect for any and every woman.

- Ambika Makin

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Ralph Lauren brought Downtown Abbey alive on the runway during New York Fashion Week with his beautifully elegant, stand out evening dresses ranging to chic menswear with tweed and herringbone jackets topped off with newsboy caps. Flannel and wool trousers in black and brown were paired with vests and long tailored coats with an oversized tie for an exaggerated menswear look. Royal purple, fuchsia, and red made its accent appearances on the runway, as it tied in with a theme of nobility, giving the old English looks a modern twist. The runway switched from day to night, as menswear turned into glamorous, gold and black evening wear. Sequins and embellishments covered slinking evening dresses and tailored evening suits while the accessories stayed true to the overall feel of the collection.

- Ambika Makin

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Black, cream, beige, and burnt orange at Calvin Klein expressed power through the decidedly sleek silhouettes for Fall 2012. A line dresses with silver belts give a playful aspect to an otherwise strong palette. Timeless pieces, including princess seam bodices in leather with cream, A-line skirts hit the runway and can be worn time after time, as per Klein’s design motif. Color blocking with different shades and hues of black and gray give a modern twist on traditional shapes, and  wool with leather details give these looks a day to night feel, as a woman could wear them to a business meeting or to cocktails in the evening.

- Ambika Makin

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Whitney Port may have finally proven that she can be taken seriously as a designer, after she presented a collection that felt both vintage and fresh simultaneously. With quintessentially feminine cocktail dresses and heavily embellished shorts (love!), Whitney Eve amped up evening wear in a vibe that felt refreshed and perhaps slightly Cali. The shattered, kaleidoscopic prints and luxe velvet fabric felt unusually classic in jewel tones, a rare treasure to behold, when done well. Whereas the peplum blouses, textured cardigans, and laid back suiting are sure to become the go-to work wear for the young, modern girl, Port’s signature layering pieces were present, with the mix up of eclecticism and whimsical femininity that caught our attention. A keen eye like Whitney Port’s may be exactly what today’s girl-on-the-go needs for Fall 2012.

-Alana Quagliariello

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At BeautyHigh.com and Makeup.com!  I’ve been doing quite a bit of coverage this season, and the FPD team has been holding it down-brava! There’s plenty of great features by me, and other incredibly talented writers, so please check out the sites too!

Here’s some features to check out and read –

Dusty Glow Of The Outback At Rodarte Backstage For NYFW

Sequined Eyelids Seen Backstage for NYFW at Betsey Johnson

How to Make Any Lipstick Look Expert-Applied

[Image via WWD.com]

Proenza Schouler played with serious proportions during New York Fashion Week this season; oversize jackets and boxy silhouettes in heavy fabrics with leather and quilted details hit the runway, as judo, fencing, and karate sports ran alongside the idea of protection as a heavy inspiration on the collection. Designers, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough took Asian inspirations from their recent visit to Bhutan, which were seen throughout the color palette of white, cream, black, and rust.  Proenza Schouler’s mix of clean and asymmetrical silhouettes with this particular color palette was far from lackluster, as the attention to leather and embroidery details within the pieces were exceptional, especially with the multi-color leather weaved mini skirts paired with an large than life crewneck sweater. Each piece was more unique than the last, making it almost impossible to wait for the collection to hit the stores!

- Ambika Makin

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Tory Burch stepped out of her comfort zone of 1960 and 1970 inspired boho prints and styles, and has introduced a new contemporary side of her design aesthetic. Ultra feminine looks and beautiful accessories flooded the runway, as lace dresses, embellishments, and peplum tops were paired with leather and tweed in blue, red, forest green, gold, and beige. Tory Burch matched elegance and charm with the right amount of sexy by designing a collection made for function and style. Complimenting the newest collection, the designer did not forget about her most popular accessories. Handbags in leather, tweed, and tortoise designs included popular materials like metal chain link straps.

- Ambika Makin

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