Fashion

NYFW: A Round Up of Spring Looks from Designers Nanette Lepore, Tracey Reese and Walter

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Pictured: A new take on the Little Black Dress from Walter Baker’s 2012 Spring Presentation

 I’m still catching my breath after Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. It was literally a rush. I was on the subway, running in my track shows, hopping in cabs and ultimately enjoying being driven by the great team at Perry Ellis as I rushed to see all the events I was invited to.  This year’s shows featured presentations across the street from Lincoln Center at the Empire Hotel as well as shows at the Metropolitan Pavilion.  Following is a round-up of shows from designers and brands that offer clothing that is typically well under the $500.00 price point, and sometimes in the $100 to $200 price point if you catch it on sale at an online club or a discounter.

Here’s my take on some designers that offer some great fashions, often at a lower price point.  Each brand had a different take on the latest trends and styles

Pictured: A brilliant Nanette Lepore dress.
Nanette Lepore Spring/Summer 2012

This show was all about color. Each look just popped, popped off the runway.  I was blinded by yellows, tangerines, lapis blues, and strong pinks.   While the color palette was bright, it worked well. Pieces in the Lepore collection included button-up shirts with detailing, tailored knit blazers, full skirts, an easy striped dress and skirts.  The entire collection was young, but also crisp and elegant.  Some of the swimsuits looked like great updates on vintage Lily Pulitzer.

I was surprised by how much I liked this collection, and I think it will look good on a variety of shapes and colorings. From blonds to raven haired Liz Taylor look a likes, I can see them all looking fabu in Nanette Lepore Spring/Summer 2012. Look for Nanette Lepore for less at Neiman Marcus Last Call sales, Bloomingdale’s seasonal little brown bag sales and the designer’s own website. 

Pictured: Walter dress
 Walter Spring 2012 
This collection was all about mixing textures and dimensions. The collection was shown in a presentation format on the roof of the Empire Hotel.  The mood was cool, hip and fun to wear.  If you watch The Real Housewives of New York, you would’ve recognized Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen on the red carpet at the Walter presentation. The suits from the Walter collection included hip jackets paired with sexy, sleek dresses mixed with prints in tops and shorts, as well as tweed jackets in bold colors that ranged from high to low back to high again. 

Color blocking and pleats were a common stylish theme in this collection.
The dresses curve around the body in unexpected ways, with every piece holding a new element of surprise.  The designer’s eye for detail and cut is what makes WALTER unique.  Look for Walter for less on sale at Loehmann’s and online clubs like Ideeli, Gilt Groupe and Rue La La.

Pictured: Tracey Reese dress
 Tracy Reese, Spring/Summer 201 
The Tracy Reese show was alive with free flowing fashions in soft pastels plus a few stripes and floral prints. The entire 46 piece collection was romantic with lovely details and embellishments. There was nothing avant-garde here, just a great looking mix of frilly and sporty. A feminine yet relaxed mood is achieved through the juxtaposition of romance and sport, comfort and flattery. Subtle hues of khaki and blush mixed with pastel shades of waterfall, misty blue and aqua tears gradually intensify to deep saturated tones and neon brights, making a bold splash for the transition into summer,” says designer Reese.

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Since 2008, Mary Hall has been the author of The Recessionista Blog, which is read by thousands of regular readers in over 160 countries. An internationally recognized expert on the art of the living the good life for less, she has been a commentator on local, national, and international radio and TV shows. Her advice has been featured in over 2,000 media outlets, including The New York Times, Reuters, Life & Style magazine, ABC News, NBC News and now The Huffington Post, among many others.