The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

NYFW Day 3: Jill Stuart, Mara Hoffman, Christian Siriano Beauty, Rafael Cennamo

New York Fashion Week Day 3

Day three of my New York Fashion Week began with Jill Stuart, one of my favorite shows of the season. The designer dressed her always-fierce girl in a mix of somber black capes, prim collars and Pilgram heels that smacked of Hester Prynne. I'm not sure that was Stuart's goal (she referenced British model Stella Tennant as inspiration) but I loved it. All. Especially when the final few party frocks elevated the entire mood with their jewel tones and flowery details.

My next stop of the day was supposed to be Rebecca Taylor but even the best laid plans can get disrupted during Fashion Week, and a combination of bad weather and me being pregnant conspired to make me miss the show. But my disappointment soon turned to happiness once again when I took my seat at the Mara Hoffman show. Inspired by mystics and misfits, Hoffman showcased her signature vibrant prints with a global-meets-fantasy influence. Everyone appreciated the evil eye poncho and pops of neon - whimsical with a sense of humor.

Next, my girl Megan Zietz went backstage at Christian Siriano on behalf of The Budget Babe to cover the hair looks by Aveda. Global Creative Director Antoinette Beenders styled regal fishtail braids to complement Siriano's Fall 2013 collection which was inspired by the golden age of Russian Opera and Saint Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre. I can see this braided updo working equally well at the opera or on cool girls on the street.

My final show of the day was Rafael Cennamo, a new-to-me designer who channeled King Midas - or perhaps the pharaohs of ancient Egypt - with an almost all-gold collection of glamorous eveningwear. This wasn't fashion that you worry about actually wearing - unless maybe you're Beyonce, in which case there was one bejeweled gown with strong shoulders and a plunging neckline that had Queen B's name written all over it.

Later that evening, I attended the HP x Project Runway party and wrapped up my day with some budget-fashion fun at the Duro Olowu for JCP launch event.

See more:
NYFW Day One
NYFW Day Two