The Macy's Spring 2010 Look Book is out, showcasing some of top trends we can expect to see in their ready-to-wear collection. Sequins are back, as are oversized pieces paired with skinny elements. Stripes, florals and what they're calling Afrique-Chic prints all make appearances on tops, skirts and dresses. I'm loving Rachel Rachel Roy's khaki coat paired with a bright blue top as well as that delicious embellished abstract-floral dress from DKNY. The return of canary yellow is also a welcome sign that spring is in the air (somewhere). I'm also impressed by the sophisticated styling, looks more Neiman Marcus than Macy's to me! But of course, with Macy's comes the affordable pricing we prefer. What say you?

I.N.C. DRESS: $99

MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS
TANK TOP: $69.50
JACKET: $129.50
DENIM: $89.50

BCBGENERATION
BOYFRIEND JACKET: $138
WALTER SHORTS: $103

The Carlos Miele Fall 2010 collection was a carnival of color and energy, from the upbeat music (which is the only decent thing about the video I took) to the graphic prints which brought cocktail dresses and red carpet gowns to life. The designer's Brazilian roots were clear without being cliche, while dramatic fur coats and capes reminded one that this was, in fact, a fall/winter collection. I could see many of these looks translated to real life, especially the zig-zag embellishments, rich color combinations of red and purple, paperbag-waist trousers, and even the furs (we'll take ours faux, thank you). Prior to seeing this show, my knowledge of Carlos Miele was limited to the fact that celebs such as Beyonce and Christina Aguilera are fans, but now I am, too!

Backstage at Jill Stuart/Fall 2010, part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, I got to photograph expert makeup artists and hair stylists as they worked their magic within the gorgeous setting of the New York Public Library. The inspiration for the makeup was a modern-day Brigette Bardot, according to key makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, who created a feline eye complemented by fresh and neutral makeup on the rest of the face and lips. Bob Recine for TIGI created a rock-n-roll hair look inspired by "Kate Moss after midnight" using Tigi Catwalk Your Highness Root Boost Spray. Nails were painted in a barely-there opaque peach shade called Deborah Lippmann Collection Nail Polish in I'm Not Innocent.

Earlier in the week, I found myself serendipitously standing right next to Angie from youlookfab.com and her hubby at the Carlos Miele runway show. Very fitting, because the Carlos Miele show was an upbeat, energetic carnival of color and fun, much like Angie! I had the pleasure of meeting Angie a few years back in Boston at a blogger event hosted by Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, but I don't get to see her often enough as she hails from Seattle. We could easily chat about blogging and fashion all day, non-stop. Husband Greg had the brilliant idea of photographing us on the steps outside the front entrance to the heavily guarded tents (just joking…sorta) during a rare but glorious moment of sunshine and blue skies.