The second last day of fashion week was very busy and we raced around quite a bit. We didn’t have time to take photos of my outfit at a more interesting venue (Greg had an old grey stone building in mind), so we settled for the podium near the entrance to the tents at fashion week. This backdrop was also grey, a nice neutral complement to the bright ensemble.

I was tired at this stage. There is lots of standing in queues waiting to see shows, lots of commuting on foot, and write up of show coverage in-between. I find that wearing bright colours not only lifts my spirits but also energizes my mood. I matched a colour blocked turtleneck with a pair of straight leg black trousers. Both of these items are soft, stretchy and comfortable. But the combination lacked the crispness that I strive to add to all my outfits. So I layered a black button down shirt underneath the turtleneck. Things started to fall into place because I could pop my collar and turn back the cuffs. Amazingly, neither of these black items picked up lint. 

At first, I had the shirt and turtleneck un-tucked over the trousers. I also liked that version of the styling, although it was very matchy-matchy. So I tucked in the lot and added an animal print belt to break up the colours and the lines.

Black booties would have been an obvious leg lengthening choice, but I preferred pairing my low heeled cream booties for a softer and more Mod effect. I also like how they picked up the off white colour blocking in the turtle neck. I finished off the look with red coat, off white bag and black specs. 

These clothing items, along with the horizontal lines, emphasize the straightness of my body. It’s polar opposite to the form fitting black dress I wore earlier in the week, which created some curve. I’m physically more comfortable in this outfit, but I enjoy the two silhouettes equally.

Go to our New York Fashion Week Page to see all of our coverage, including a photo stream and live Twitter updates from Angie.

Interior designer and fashion icon Iris Apfel was the inspiration for this designer’s collection. Iris herself sat front row and I had to do a double take when I realized it was her. WOW. This is such a meaningful message. We live in a fashion and style world that is obsessed with youth. Yet a designer who shows at New York Fashion Week makes a 91 year old fashionista her style muse. That’s brilliant. 

Joanna Mastroianni’s designs are based on Iris Apfel’s flamboyant, colourful and theatrical style. If you’ve seen photos of Iris, you’ll instantly pick up on the similarities. For example, Iris wears a lot of black with brights like red, emerald green and peacock blue. She also wears metallics like copper, bronze, gold and pewter, all of which we saw in the collection.  

The first thing that pops into my head when I think of Iris’s style are her oversized specs. After that, I think of A-line high-necked smock-type toppers with kimono sleeves and turned back cuffs in luxurious fabrications. She often pairs these arty jackets with slim cut brocade trousers and extremely dramatic shoes. So it was fun to see the designer’s interpretation of this style of jacket and cigarette pant on the runway. 

Iris’s style is also very texture rich. Feathers often feature in her outfits as a trim as do fabrics like organza, embossed leather and crushed velvet. Mastroianni used these signature Iris looks in her collection and the result was effective.  

My favourite outfit of the range was a pair of bright red, slim cut brocade trousers matched with a halter neck tunic. I’m really enjoying the idea of wearing a bright colour from head to toe instead of breaking it up with a neutral or alternative colour. I have a yearning for a brightly coloured trouser suit. 

What also struck me about the collection was Mastroianni’s accessory-free approach to her outfits. Iris Apfel wears many, many accessories at once. Lots of colourful layered necklaces, bangles and cocktail rings, along with her gigantic geek chic specs. Models sported a pair of dramatic gloves from time to time but that was it. I enjoyed the more refined and minimal approach of the collection. 

The end of this show was very moving. One of the models was holding a Pomeranian as they all came back onto the catwalk for the finale. This may have been Iris’s little doggie, but I’m not sure. The audience applauded heavily as the models walked off the runway. Joanna Mastroianni walked on and headed straight for Iris in the front row. Iris stood up and with the help of a cane walked onto the catwalk with the designer. By this time the models and the cute Pomeranian had returned to the runway, and they backed Iris and the designer like a protective army. The whole audience was on their feet and photographers were going crazy as Mastroianni and Iris slowly walked arm in arm to the runway entrance, followed by their army of models. The whole sequence was accompanied by a roar of applause. I reached for my tissues.

Go to our New York Fashion Week Page to see all of our coverage, including a photo stream and live Twitter updates from Angie.

We managed to get away from the hustle and bustle of fashion week and stroll through Central Park, which is where these photos were taken. The weather was a lot milder and the sun peeked through too. We were both relieved to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet.

I tire of wearing black several days in a row, so changing things up was in order. It was Valentine’s Day, and I couldn’t think of anything more fitting than wearing my jodhpur jeans. Greg loves them, and I love my sweetie. 

The rest of the outfit was also inspired by Greg. He really likes my Winter white and taupe turtleneck. The white leather jacket was his gift several birthdays ago so that went over as the next layer. Personally, I like the effect of mixing together several shades of white, but do understand that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. 

I finished off the look with animal print belt and booties because the earth tones are softer than adding them in black. However, I did add a black bag because the off white bag I also brought along to NYC was just too much of the same. I chose my dark wide catseye specs because they create a nice contrast with the Winter white tops. I kept my hands warm with the same black leather gloves. 

No need for a puffer coat that day so it was back to wearing my bright red wool coat. There have been several questions on our forum about whether it’s okay to wear leather jackets under coats. Clearly I am a fan of layering in this way because it keeps me warm, AND because the outfit still has the structured integrity of a jacket when I remove the coat. That’s why you have to make sure that you can layer correctly when you purchase a coat. 

Go to our New York Fashion Week Page to see all of our coverage, including a photo stream and live Twitter updates from Angie.

I was looking forward to this show and it did not disappoint. I LOVED it, and wanted to see it all again as soon as it was over. I had an amazing seat that was near the runway entrance. I could see the designs up close as well as a bit of behind the scenes action. Carlos Miele stands by the entrance of the runway and personally checks each model before they go on stage. He smiles and says something to them too. Hmmm. I wonder what he utters to each of his models? 

The collection shows Miele’s characteristic love for luxurious fabrications, impeccable drape, classic cuts, modern edge and design refinement. As the first model walked down the runway in a poncho and Gaucho hat (think Zorro), I knew that this was going to be a killer show. This was followed by gals draping gigantic fur wraps across their bodies. So dramatic! The glossy cascading curls of the models that bounced to the beat of the Latin music was especially effective. 

For the most part Miele stuck to neutrals like black, cream, taupe, camel and gold. There were also vivid bursts of chartreuse, burnt orange, red, purple and a gorgeous dark turquoise. Fabrications were both soft and semi soft. Silks, chiffons, satins, crepes, wool and cashmere were what I could spot from my seat, and there were leather trims aplenty. 

As with most of the runway shows I’ve seen this season, silhouettes are both structured and voluminous. There were superb waist defining styles throughout this collection — the wide wrap around leather belt and sash belt being features. But we also saw unstructured ponchos, boxy blouses, long full skirts and slouchy trousers. Personally, I love this juxtaposition of sleek and roomy. 

Thank you Carlos Miele for putting sleeves on some of your dresses and for giving us extra hem lengths. Knee-lengths, midis and dressy maxi styles are just fine by me. I adored the cropped bolero jackets that accompanied the dresses.Their subtle shoulder pad was divine and their embellishment luxe. I also loved the belted jackets that accompanied the formal maxi skirts. That’s how to dress down a formal look with sass. 

I’m pants-crazy at the moment so the tapered, slouchy and high-waisted trouser ensembles were my favourite outfits here. The model wearing the black trousers with the turquoise blouse was my favourite look of the lot. The lace-up detailing along the lower leg was fabulous, as were the pleats and tucked-in roomy blouses. And heeled booties, booties and more booties. There is no stopping this footwear trend. 

Carlos Miele is also known for his magnificent evening gowns. Again, printed formal frocks are making a strong dressy statement alongside their solid friends. I’m loving the bolero jackets as updated gown cover-ups and day time jackets. How wonderful to see such a beautifully Spanish-Brazilian inspired collection.

Go to our New York Fashion Week Page to see all of our coverage, including a photo stream and live Twitter updates from Angie.