New York Fashion Week: Betsey Johnson, Carolina Herrera, Christian Cota, Charlotte Ronson

Betsey Johnson has never really been my cup of tea, though I did admire her insistence on youthfulness and fun. I mean, really -- can you call a lady who does cartwheels and splits at the end of her shows uptight? I definitely enjoyed this collection. Even though it was a mishmash of styles, I think all of the patterns and silhouettes showed scream "Betsey". Favorites of mine: The studded bustier, the half colored-in florals, the sheer trench, and all the ruffles and lace!

Another designer who's never really been my cup of tea. This time around, however, I was pleasantly surprised. Carolina Herrera plus a shot of graphic direction are a match made in heaven. I particularly liked all the uses for the short stripes shown. Vertical patterns, blocks of sheer/opaque, the belts, as piping... it showed up nearly everywhere, and I thoroughly approve.

Christian Cota is a perennial favorite here at Frock Yeah. I don't really have much to say that I haven't said about Cota before, but again: I love the silhouettes, the color palette, the presentation. The only thing I didn't really like this time around is the shoes.

I should have titled this post "People I Don't Usually Like, and One I'm Obsessed With". Ronson is yet another designer who I never really liked (I only warmed up to her rather recently), but for me, this collection says she's moving in the right direction. Not my favorite from her, but it's all right.

New York Fashion Week: Adam, Altuzarra, Band of Outsiders and Charlotte Ronson

It only comes but twice a year...

Mmm, I like this! The first half was weirdly frothy and over-the-top girly, with giant pink flowers and lavender (the color) strewn everywhere. Then the darker florals came, bringing with them a mishmash of... I'm not entirely sure what. I was a little confused as to where the band jacket fit in, to be honest. However, I still appreciate the rest of it. Moral of the story? I guess florals aren't going anywhere. And maybe this spring, instead of leather jackets with maxis, it'll be band/military jackets? I just might be okay with that.

This collection by Altuzarra reminds me of someone/something, but I just can't place it... is it Alexander Wang? I'm sure comparisons will be drawn between the two, since there were quite a few open knits.

One of my absolute favorites so far! I like the Amish meets tennis separates look.

I really like the new direction Charlotte Ronson's going on. This collection is more like her than her last (I think it was last fall that was more punky/sporty than usual), but I think she's sitll on the right track. Here, geometric designs are in, from patch pocket details to mazelike patterns on skirts to large silvery polka dots.

F/W 2011: Etro, Gianfranco Ferre

Milan Fashion Week FW 2011: Iceberg, D&G, and Dolce and Gabbana

Y'know, I'm not convinced by this letter print. And the runway itself looks tacky as hell. Those fluffy skirts are cute, though!

Sass & Bide and Vivienne Westwood Red Label F/W 2011

I take it back, this is the brightest collection I've seen.

Paul Smith F/W 2011

Well, I think I've figured out what I want to wear this fall. I could go on and on about this collection. I just love it! I've always been a fan of boyish (but not too boyishs) looks, and Paul Smith has absolutely nailed it -- as usual.

Key points:

• Outerwear - capelike coats, bunched up cardis, blazers (double or single breasted)
• Pants - loose! Cuffed to the ankle or above them, too.
• Accessories - nerd glasses, slouchy beanies, a tie if you're really daring, tote bags inspired by carpenter bags, patent oxfords and black socks.
• Patterns: Everything's mostly plain, but there are a few touches of polka dots.

Osman F/W 2011

Matthew Williamson F/W 2011

I think this is one of the more sedate Matthew Williamson's collections, in terms of colorways. Still, it's a lot more colorful than most fall collections.

Key points: Quilted leather, tapered pants, fur stoles. Oh, and minimal black!

I can't believe I'm only posting London Fashion Week now

What kind of delinquent fashion blogger am I? Oh well, on with the pics.

House of Holland F/W 2011

The shirt that says "hawt couture" made me laugh out loud.

Holly Fulton F/W 2011

Graeme Armour F/W 2011

Spaghetti western meets Kurosawa samurai? Sure -- why not?

Felder Felder F/W 2011

David Koma F/W 2011

Central Saint Martins F/W 2011

I always try to give a little love to the students, because hey -- I know how hard it can be. Also, CSM consistently produces talented, capable designers.

Jenny Postle: These pieces reminded me of a pinata... but I mean that in a good way. I'd love to see a "market-ready" version of this.

Maarten van der Horst: At first glance, I was really confused by this collection. "What's up with all the Hawaiian shirt print?", I thought. Then I came across those printed pants and realized that they looked pretty cool. In my opinion, if you're looking for a real statement, go for some printed pants.

Regina Pyo: Probably my favorite out of the ones posted here. It's so very "wtf", and yet, there's something intriguing about it. First, in some of the looks, we can't even see most of the outfit. Second, you have to stop and think how hard it must be to take some cloth, cut it very simply, and make it look good, not just like some pieces of jersey sewn into a sack.

Charles Anastase F/W 2011

It's absolutely oppressive to look at all this velvet while suffering through 90 degree weather. Ugh. But I'll force myself -- the things I do for you guys! (jk)

I wouldn't say anything here is groundbreaking... some key points: emphasized (slightly higher) waists, sheer fabrics, the ubiquitous Anastase platform shoe, a touch of the Pre-Raphaelite.

Basso & Brooke F/W 2011

Aquascutum F/W 2011

Dressing for the summer with Acne F/W 2011

If you live in the DC area, you know how *lovely* our weather has been lately. It's so nice to step outside and instantly be drenched with sweat, no?

I know I'm not the only one who has trouble dressing for warm weather (but honestly, I'm probably an extreme case, since I didn't even own a proper pair of shorts till this spring... *sigh*), but let's look to the runway for a little inspiration...

Unless I'm mistaken, this is Acne's fall collection, but portions of the looks shown above can be adapted for the hot weather.

1. Wear a skirt/shorts/skort. Seriously. It's such a good idea. In my experience, there is nothing worse than wearing skintight jeans in humid, 90 degree weather. Sometimes you just gotta be free, know what I mean? My favorite out of the options I just mentioned is a pair of shorts, as long as they're kinda loose.

2. Skip the layers, unless you live in a place where it gets very cold toward the end of the night. If so, just carry around a light cardigan or something.

3. Wear loose pants! Those peach colored pants in the third outfit look super comfy, and would probably great to wear in the city heat.

Side note: I really like the tulle pants at far right, and would totally recommend this look, but I figure you'd have to get them from Acne, which is likely costly (or you'd have to make them yourself).

Music Monday (on a Thursday)

I am really NOT feeling this song, but let's play a game: How many designer looks can you spot?




I'll start you off with the most obvious one: McQueen (0:32)! There's also some Givenchy...