What's To Come

With the autumn chill squarely upon us, exciting fall fashions have migrated from central display tables to rear sale racks in order to make room for Spring 2010 offerings. Though I am not quite over the thrill of my boyfriend blazers and tweed minis, I welcome a peek into seasons ahead.

Designers' resort collections will hit stores first to tantalize us with warm thoughts of sun and sand, followed by full spring lines. The runway shots are dazzling. There are feathers (reminiscent of the flapper generation), there is mesh, there is bondage (the influence of the Herve Leger signature frock is lingering). There is a broader neutral palette, from designers who usually emphasize bright color, like Marc Jacobs. Donna Karan shows her distinctive shoulder-bearing ensembles in beige tones with impeccable draping. Though Narciso Rodriguez's red and black dress was crucified on election night last year when the always stylish Michelle Obama donned it on stage, I never understood the fuss. His Spring 2010 collection stays true to his use of shape and understanding of women's bodies. Project Runway winner Christian Siriano creates a nude effect with his choice of flesh-tones and sleeker silhouettes. Sheer fabrics and cut-outs keep things light an airy for spring.

Spring embraces a variety of footwear, including wooden heels, espadrille wedges, embellishment and ruffles (though admittedly, some are growing a tad tired of the Shakespearean ruffles that landed several seasons ago). Shoe guru Jimmy Choo has a new line of footwear, clothes and accessories for wallet-friendly retailer H&M that has me very excited. The signature sky high stilettos and rock-n-roll details are now offered for prices in the $120 range (a pair of classic Jimmy Choos begins in the $750 range). I'm praying to land a job by the time these lovely ladies line the racks in full force.

The over all impression of spring and summer 2010 is softer and more feminine than the structured tweeds of fall. Feedback designates the collections as very wearable, an often illusive quality on the runway. I'll be saving my pennies!