BCBG Max Azria AW14

          BCBG is one of the shows that's had the biggest impression on me in these first few days of fashion week. Maybe it's just the cold weather getting to me, but I would love to wrap myself in one of their luxurious, fur capes or coats. While their outerwear was definitely the high point of their collection, I'm also digging the color palette. Everyone's been talking about pastels for winter and BCBG incorporated them in a very understated, approachable way. Soft pinks instead of bubblegum, stripes of aqua blue, and accents of orange all lent themselves to the greys, whites, and blacks. I usually gravitate toward the latter in winter, but I'd be willing to wear these more colorful pieces without a second thought. Additionally, their acid wash print was a pleasant reminder of burning wood -- the patterns made in logs as they become charcoal. Overall, this collection felt cozy and warm, making it one I'd be dying to get my hands on come fall.

photo credit: Style.com

Chriz Benz Fall 2011 RTW

     After spending some time in Savannah, Georgia, Chris Benz created his latest collection reflecting the southern style he had been surrounded by. He translated his inspiration into trapeze dresses and luxurious coats that are free-spirited and edgy. While most of his color palette was dark and muted, his collection is also sprinkled with a few breathtaking brights, such as my personal favorite-the pink, tiered, floral dress with bell-sleeves and velvet ribbon. Chris balanced light garments with heavier ones. While some of his silky and ruffled dresses seemed to almost float in the air, his Lurex-threaded tweed jackets and additions of fur were grounded. His most interesting print, plumes of smoke on a black background, was one that echoed the spookiness of ghost stories and full moons.

If I Could Have One Collection As My Fall Wardrobe...

...I would choose Nina Ricci's!

     Fall 2010 was the premiere collection of Peter Copping as an independent designer, and I must say, what a debut! For ten years he assisted Marc Jacobs at Luis Vuitton then joined Nina Ricci last spring when Oliver Theyskens left the label. He seemed to have used the elegance known to LV and reapplied it to his own design style. The bold colors offset by pastels and black were perfectly fit with all the ruffles, flowers, silk, and sweaters. And the fur! He added just the right amount for a luxurious look here and there, but didn't overdo it. If there was one fall runway I could live in, this would be it!

(photo credits: style.com)