The deep rich purple portrayed in many of Fashion Week’s Spring 2011 collections inspired me to wear my bright purple Ted Baker dress, corseted boning with tulle petticoat and all.

Some fashion week days are particularly hard on your feet because of all the standing in queues waiting for show venue access, plus all the commuting on foot in NYC. Still battling with sore feet, I needed another day of extra comfortable shoes in order to keep up with the scrambling. I couldn’t wear the stacked heeled pumps which I had originally planned to go with this outfit so it was on to Plan B. And a more theatrical and arty outfit was born when I replaced the pumps with flat oxfords. I added micro fishnets, cropped tuxedo jacket and brightly patterned L.A.M.B bag. I also mixed in extra large pearl baubles seeing as the look was already on the dramatic side.

It’s definitely not everyone’s cup of tea to add flat oxfords to a pretty 50’s frock when pumps would definitely have looked more sophisticated and chic. But wearing flat oxfords with dresses is a fashion forward look and out of practical necessity I took complete advantage of the trend – and I happen to like the look too. Fashion does not need to mean pain. In this case it meant complete comfort.

Greg really liked this outfit mainly because of the tuxedo jacket. I can wear my cropped tuxedo jacket over just about anything and it will get a thumbs up from hubby. He also enjoyed the spunky theatrical touch of the flat two toned oxfords. But the commentary didn’t stop there. Greg also said that I looked like a modern day Mary Poppins. How true! A foot full of flat oxfords and the medicine did go down.

After being impressed with Carlos Miele’s show for Fall, I had quite high expectations for Spring. Happily I liked this show even better than his Fall creations! It must be the colours. Once again they are so, so, so my cup of tea.

The collection reflected many moods. It was part Grecian, part nautical, part retro, part 70’s and part very “now”. An unexpected fusion of inspirations, yet the silhouettes worked in harmony. I simply adore the colour palette. Lots of off white, citrusy green, tomato red, deep cobalt blue, black and a spot of tan.

Carlos Miele is the colour block king, taking that design feature to the next level. I can’t think of  another designer who colour blocks a garment as attractively as he does. Just look at that off white and green, one shouldered colour blocked gown. The pleated fabric that fans out while the dress is in motion is the style cherry on top. Truly sensational fabric manipulation and design.

The short floaty tomato red dress was my favorite frock of the show. I just loved the way it moved on the runway. Ladylike and cheeky. The short patterned butterfly dress with the banded bottom was another favorite and I’d love to wear that as is over my Gap leans with pearls. Fresh and fun, yet elegant and chic. Love!

The collection showed asymmetrical necklines, wider pant lengths, short shorts, cropped boxy jackets, soft blouses and cargo harem pants. Like Edition George Chakra, the dress styles were both long and short, both form fitting and voluminous. Fabrications were both soft and rigid. Solid and sheer. Bright and neutral. Something for everyone.

The last portion of the collection showcased a neutral palette which was not my favourite part. I loved the smoky grey beaded gown but that was it. The ever so on trend colour tan was represented in a few designs, one of which almost had a wardrobe malfunction because the neckline of the dress was cut so low. There were also many glittery, transparent black gowns that required flesh toned shapewear, but even with the shapewear little was left to the imagination.

A generally stunning collection that satisfied my need to see both neutral and vibrant colours in a range of silhouettes. I might be wrong, but dress pants and more fashion forward pant styles in red might be trending for Spring. Carlos Miele was one of many designers showing that statement on the runway. If I find the right pair of red pants, not jeans, I’m in.

From the word go the clothing on the catwalk had everyone’s undivided attention. So daring, colourful, and totally over the top! A collection aimed at the young, creative and arty fashionista who wants to stand out in a crowd.

The ensembles were deliciously vibrant and even psychedelic at times. A strong flavour of 70’s fashion ran throughout the collection and I was surprised by how much I loved it. I’m not usually enamored with the modern earthy interpretation of 70’s hippie styling, but pop those same silhouettes into rich fabrics and bright happy colours and it completely changes the mood.

Custo Barcelona represented every colour in his collection: neon pink, purple, fuchsia, turquoise, citron, bright orange, all sorts of blues and greens and hints of pastel shades too. You name the colour and I’m sure we saw it. There was an extreme mix of patterns too. Bold stripes were worn with tie dye, brocade, ditsy florals and patchwork. Throw in lace, feather trims, beading, piping and bows and you’ve got a lot of energy in one outfit.

Silhouettes were both form fitting and voluminous. In true 70’s style there were bell bottoms, empire cuts, maxi dresses, hoods, halter necks and tunics. But true to what we’re seeing in the 00’s there were loads of raised hemlines, short-shorts, cropped tailored jackets, leggings and harem pants.

Even though each outfit was a million things going on at once, it somehow worked. I’m a less-is-more kind of a style gal, but found each outfit flattering and festive. The matching shoes and handbags were equally divine, as were the sunglasses and hairstyles of the models.

The ensembles were a little out there, but this range was really fun to watch from start to finish. And if you were to match one of his collection items with a pair of jeans and great shoes, it would probably become a lot more wearable in real life.

My feet were still sore from yesterday’s unexpected shoe challenge with my much loved red Kate Spade pumps, so the only shoes that I could comfortably manage were my low heeled, nude Fidji mary janes. Thank goodness I brought them along.

It rained most of the day and was a little nippy too, so I opted for a smart casual outfit. This also worked best with the Fidjis. After a necessary colour fix for Day 3, I opted for a neutral outfit of black, cream and denim with a bright handbag. I matched straight leg jeans with a denim shirt, a sharp shouldered black boyfriend blazer, delicate layers of vintage pearls and Ms. Valentino. I also chose my more strict looking specs. I quite like a strict, no-nonsense look from time to time.

The denim on denim trend is quite the acquired taste, but one I do fancy and enjoy wearing. Greg loved this outfit too. I’m beginning to think that he prefers me in neutrals! He said I looked like an experienced fashion executive who didn’t need to prove anything. I understood what he meant 100% because the flavour of this practical outfit reminds of what I would wear as a fashion buyer in more casual situations. My better half’s commentary on my daily fashion week outfits are becoming the best part of the day!