Lela Rose Spring 2012

Can you do ladylike and still be young and fresh?  Lela Rose has mastered the elegant garden party look for girls who just like to party....(Just ask the Bush daughters).  Eva Mendes, Sofia Vergara and other red carpet regulars also love the designer.

For her Spring 2012 collection, the designer had all the hot colors (according to Pantone) like tangerine, pale gold, blue, sand and cream.  There were bright prints that incorporated all of them as well (just in case you couldn't decide).  The sunny colors are what you would expect from a Texas-born designer.

The dresses were wearable and sexy, with floral embellishments on one, swiss dots on another, embroidery or transparency to make it extra special.  They strike a great balance between elegant, but not stuffy.

The front row contained enthusiastic editors as well as celebs like Rose Gowan and Susan Sarandon:

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Chris Benz Fall 2011

The David Rubenstein Atrium was packed beyond capacity on Valentine’s Day.  The occasion was the presentation of Chris Benz’ Fall 2011.  Crowds pushed their way slowly through the exhibit, frustrating photographers and celebrities alike.  Susan Sarandon was spotted swimming with the tide.  Fashion blogger BryanBoy was observing the collection while inexplicably dressed as a lion. 

The clothes themselves were a representation of two of the top trends of the season…Americana and the 1970’s.   The color palette was warm, with a mix of cozy textures.  Wool mixed with leather, some fur and georgette.  Patterns included oversized swinging plaids and hippie florals.  Longer skirts with shorter pants were layered with 70's outerwear silhouettes.  Floppy hats played a big role in accessories.  Shoes were also a standout.  The shoes had funky colors and prints that would contrast the rest of the outfit.  

The muse of this collection was the studio lady of Savannah, Georgia, where Mr. Benz acts mentor.  This was another one of many nerd-chic collections this season  that once again proved brainy is HOT!

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Swatch Launch Party for New Gents Collection

Remember the 1980's?  Swatch was THE accessory to be seen with.  The range of designs, the colors...You couldn't have just one, you needed the collection.   Well Swatch is BACK baby.  They released an updated rendition of their popular Gents line Wednesday night at a celeb-filled party. 

The evening was hosted by Twilight's Nikki Reed.  She wore a jewel-studded Isabel Lu dress, coordinated by both a black and a white New Gents watch.  Other guests included Chris Brown, Susan Sarandon and model Jessica White. 

The watch collection itself was sleek and affordable.  The overall design consisted of a matte band in solid colors, and a a coordinated irridescent  or metallic face.  Some styles had numbers, some did not.  The size of the face was enlarged.  They had a sophisticated look.  The color palette was perfect for cosmopolitan wardrobes.  While female guests were fighting to grab one, the guys really liked them.  It's really a timepiece that appeals to all.  The average price was $65 USD.

Photos by Mariana Leung and Dimitrios Kambouris

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