[New York Fashion Week] Lynn Devon F/W 2012 Collection Preview

If you're a young woman with a taste for classic American style (a la Audrey Hepburn) then Lyn Devon is the designer for you. Devon (pictured above in grey), who presented her first Ready-to-Wear collection in 2005, has quickly become a rising star within the fashion world. And in addition to her  accolades and awards, Devon was accepted as 1 of the 30 new members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). The fashion community has recognized a few important aspects to her design that were crucial for the classic American aesthetic: impeccable tailoring and timeless style. 

Devon's F/W 2012 Collection was titled, "New York Love Story," complete with feminine shapes, kiss-me colors, and cozy textures. Long lines, exquisite tailoring (seriously, I could not stop going on about the quality and precision of every stitch), and some of the softest textures made "New York Love Story" perfect for drifting into fall. Sure, there was a nod to the masculine with the trouser pants and suit jackets but they were always met with feminine accents, such as cinched waist, delicate buttons, and slightly exaggerated lapels. 

Devon's young woman for fall has grown out of the oversized and misshapen sacks that have become synonymous with NYC style. Instead, she's prim and pressed, sure to have every bit in place. Personally, I'm looking forward to a fall with women who look more like women, in all of their power and prestige.

To view more of Lyn Devon's past and current collections, please visit her website. 

[New York Fashion Week] Kara Ross F/W 2012 Collection Preview 

During New York Fashion Week, I had the pleasure of attending Kara Ross's unveiling of her Fall/Winter 2012 Collection in a penthouse suite overlooking Central Park West. Founded in 2003, Kara Ross's fine jewelry has become known for its bold and unique use of exotic skins, gemstones, and precious metals. Her collection includes several jewelry lines, handbags, and other accessories. Kara Ross Fall/Winter 2012 Collection was inspired by Ross's recent trip to Morocco. The trip's influence on the collection was evident: rich and vibrant gemstones, reptile skins, precious metal plating, and the iconic Scarab beetle. 

The handbags and clutches were outfitted in a variety of reptile skins and leathers, some of which were custom dyed in order to maintain the desert aesthetic. And this coming season, you will be able to customize your bag at available retailers, selecting the stone(s), closure(s), and skin(s) as you see fit. You could say Ross's collection was fit for a queen (my birthday is August 14th if you'd like to start saving) especially with the addition of the jewelry. The Scarab beetle was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians as the embodiment of the god Khepri. Jewelry that bore the Scarab was only worn by Egyptian kings and queens as a symbol of considerable power and wealth. And with stones ranging from hematite to onyx, you would be hard-pressed to feel anything other than regal. 

For more on Kara Ross's fine jewelry and accessories, please visit her website. 

[New York Fashion Week] Street Style with What Would Ashley Wear?

We all know that New York Fashion Week is all about posturing; everyone is scrambling to get their photo taken by either The Sartorialist, Bill Cunningham and/or Refinary29. And most are wearing only the most extravagent outfits to ensure same. Personally, I much prefer those who wear looks that are not only eye-catching but believeable. If you're going to dress like a circus performer, then it better be an everyday thing.

Fortunately, blogger Ashley from What Would Ashley Wear? did not disappoint. I absolutely loved her blush corseted Dolce & Gabanna dress with black trim and gold accents. Ashley's romantic nod to spring was not only fashion week appropriate but believeable; I could just as easily see her wearing the same number during the warmer months with stappy heels or darling flats. Stay tuned for more looks from New York Fashion Week that I loved in upcoming posts!