Nicole Bridger

Nicole Bridger’s 2011 collection is made up of simple pieces for everyday, casual wear. These soft cotton garments include beautifully draped dresses, tanks, sweaters, and shorts. Coming in a variety of blues, greens, and corals, each item is made for the young, carefree woman who simply loves being alive.

Yalerri

Pacy Kadio-Morokro fashions modern clothes with an ethnic flare. This enchanting collection makes traditional African fabrics accessible for any woman at any occasion. Embellished with lush golds and stunning sequins, no two pieces appear the same. With dramatic reds, greens, blues, and yellows, this collection inspires women throughout the globe to embrace life and the beauty of their culture.

Adha Zelma

Adha Zelma was formed by the collaboration between Sheanan Bond and Cherise Trahanmiller. Based in Brooklyn, these designers worked to create a jewelry line that truly embraced the female form, while simultaneously celebrating the magic of nature. Inspired by the picturesque sand dunes and clear blue waters, Adha Zelma is made from precious metals, gemstones, beads and exotic materials that are extremely fashion forward!

Evolve 45

Evolve 45 is a collection of fabulously designed, earth friendly handbags by Sara Marston. The idea behind the collection is that if everybody could reduce their consumption of materials, even by just forty-five degrees, then the contribution to the environment would be enormous. Each purse is manufactured from genuine Italian vegetable tanned leather and has an organic cotton lining. Evolve 45 is proof that it is possible to be green and feel gorgeous!

Bessi

Bessi by Carlos Zuniga is a men and women’s shoe collection that emphasizes the mix between minimalism and style. Zuniga shows his appreciation for simplicity by creating shoes that are unadorned and tastefully hip. The collection includes men’s sneakers in white leather and delicious brown suede, as well as black and nude colored pumps with metallic accents for the bold, independent woman.

Sempre Lei

Sempre Lei is a collection with a story to tell. Created in solid greens, pinks, blues, and grays, each garment includes a delicate border made of Ottoman lace, called an “oya,” which dates back to the 8th century in Anatolia, Turkey. During this time the women from Anatolia would express their emotions to those around them through the shapes and colors of the “oya” they wore. Each item in this collection is created with this history in mind and contains a carefully selected “oya” embodying the imagination and the dreams of the women who made it. Constructed from silk and cotton materials, the dresses in this collection are both timeless and versatile.

Tammam

Tammam is a charming women’s evening and bridal collection by London based designer Lucy Tammam. Crafted from vintage, organic silk fabrics, this collection is truly an exciting innovation in the eco-luxury market. By using materials that don’t harm the planet or the people who make them, Tammam makes it possible for real women to feel and look immaculate in these fabulous, sustainable pieces!

Vella Mode

This unique, handcrafted collection by Trecy Bleich could not be more breathtaking! Her combination of materials is extraordinary, and each item individually interesting. Inspired by natural textures, Bleich incorporates substances from all areas of the world. Recycled sea glass, metals, and edgy chains join forces to produce really magnificent and wearable jewelry.

-Claire Schmidt

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[All Images via Style.com]

Organic by John Patrick

Challenging my body clock, I descended into the basemen of the Ace Hotel to a club-like atmosphere long before cocktail hour.  Accentuated by lax side-swept locks, the looks were soft and refined with indications of attention to hand-stitched details. The light color scheme of innocent pastels, shades of brown and loads of white worked well with the large summer hat, floral gown and flower embroidery that embellished shorts, blouses, and a cropped pant. The translucent tan chemise defied vulgar, paired with opaque khaki trousers and a thigh length white coat. Refined yet playful, John Patrick brewed a morning-coffee friendly presentation.

Jill Stuart

With the likes of Kim Kardashian sitting front row aptly clad in last season’s Jill Stuart frocks, the Koch Theater resonated with an eagerness to see the acclaimed designer’s take on spring fashion.  Nude faces with a slash of coral lips paraded the runway in a neutral palette of cream chiffon, camel-colored  suede, and the classic black and white pairing with effortless sophistication. A-line shapes dominated the collection, manifested in this season’s tan shorts, lightly striped dresses and dramatic capes. Contrasted with alternating rounded collars and short cuff necklaces, the overall aesthetic tasted like a cocktail of upscale saloon blended with a dash of southern derby grace. The show culminated with a sweet calf length cream gown, cinched at the waist with a playful black bow. We like.

Elise Øverland

As always, this season’s collection met our expectations with an abundance of leather, but with a refreshing softness laced into its seams. Accentuated by tousled middle-parted locks, the line was more innocent than its predecessor in February. Military caps were soothed by the lightness of the army green fabric with which they were paired, while leather micro-minis  were sweetened with three-quarter length sleeves. Serving as a pseudo intermission, a mohawked man in drag proved the designer’s wide demographic as he flaunted a look whilst playing the violin in sync with the soundtrack. Though the classic Øverland pairing of black with shades of brown dominated the collection, its palette was pervaded by electric blue, neon yellow and some fresh gold-embellished mustard. Edgy deep-slit jumpsuits were balanced by romantic black and white crocheted frocks  revamped with geometric patterns, while classic shapes were made playful with head scarves and adorable balloon sleeves. It’s no wonder the likes of Kelly Osbourne sat front row.

-Maria Eilersen

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[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

[Image credit: miyukiutada from flickr creative commons]

I recently found out about a unique service offered by Mary Beth Alessandri, formerly a fashion stylist and of Cloud 9 Spa in San Francisco, who will come into your home to give you a customized spa experience. Her facial masks are made from 100% organic fruits and vegetables, and she also executes acupressure, a lymphatic  hand, foo,t and neck massage for true relaxation. Her services could also be a great idea for a party – be it turnin the big 3-0 or a bachelorette party. Her rates are really beyond reasonable (the signature facial is $75), and having at-home service? Priceless!

For more information and to schedule an appointment, contact Mary Beth at: mbthreads@aol.com