For their Spring 2013 collection, Badgley Mischka drew inspiration from the 1930s film "A Midsummer Night's Dream," envisioning an ethereal maiden who gets frisky in the forest, as it were. Everything oozed romance, from the colors (lilac, ivory, blush) to the fabrics (chiffon, tulle, lace). I was, admittedly, a bit distracted by the celebrities sitting front-row - more specifically, I was curious to see which looks Lauren Conrad would deem worthy of photographing with her iPhone (she seemed visibly moved by the moss matelasse dress below, not surprising considering the feminine silhouette). A number of metallic tweed blazers stood out to me for their day-to-night appeal but the real showstoppers at Badgley Mischka were the red carpet gowns, so it was exciting to see Kate Mara select the smoke lace gown (shown above) for the 2012 Emmys - and yes, she made my best-dressed list.

To achieve a strong and edgy nail look at Cynthia Rowley's Spring 2013 presentation, celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann opted to layer two shades on short, rounded nails as I discovered backstage. Pairing Billionaire, a creme hunter-green and Wicked Game, an iridescent lavender-grey shade, Deborah and her team brought not only an eye-popping color that changes with each shimmer of light, but completed the entire look for Cynthia's playful presentation. I sense a trend with this nail look and might just even try this at home. What do you think? —by The Budget Babe Correspondent, Megan Zietz

If you've ever shopped at Ikea or Crate & Barrel, then you're probably familiar with Marimekko, the Finnish makers of happy prints that seem to invite onlookers to smile. My friend Mary Hall aka The Recessionista couldn't make it to New York to cover the show so she graciously invited me to attend on her behalf (no small gesture since Fashion Week invites are so hard to procure). I'm so glad she did because it turned out to be one of my favorite shows - relaxed and upbeat with a feeling of egalitarianism, from the colorful palette to the models (legends like Carol Alt, Carmen Dell’Orefice, and Pat Cleveland represented women of all ages). Tropical prints popped on loose tunics while graphic patchwork designs played on breezy sundresses. The funky Marimekko x Converse sneaker collection also made its debut. Comfort and style, what more could you want? For more coverage and show photos, visit TheRecessionista.com.

For her Spring 2013 collection, Rebecca Minkoff channeled 60s and 70s American photographer Slim Aarons, known for his glamorous shots of socialites, jet-setters and celebrities lounging poolside. What I saw was a cool, down-to-earth girl who's feminine yet prefers the relaxed feel of tomboy-inspired pieces. A mix of saturated and faded hues played out on things like a tropical print track jacket, embroidered bell bottoms and sunset-print moto jacket. My favorites pieces were more predictable but no less lust-worthy, like a fitted pink plaid blazer (which I believe already sold out on Shopbop.com) and a tweed shorts suit. I know it was a spring collection but I can't help but wonder if motherhood has softened Minkoff just a touch. Either way, I'm loving it.

It's been an exciting time for Tracy Reese who recently had one of her designs put in the spotlight by Michelle Obama at the Democratic National Convention. And Tracy's Spring 2013 runway show was filled with more ebullient pieces that our fashionable First Lady would no doubt like to wear. Inspired by David Hockney's landscapes, the collection played with organic and technical elements in a palette of foliage greens, cool blues, warm ochre, tangerine and crimson. The sporty jackets over feminine separates felt so effortless and fresh. Lush beading - especially on some wide leg pants - felt just wild enough to grab your attention but soft enough to be totally wearable. On my spring wish list thanks to Tracy are cool shifts, wide collar blazers and fringe-embellished sandals.