Today was my first day covering shows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. To kick off this high-octane week, I wore a gold tweed jacket by Milly, so it's only fitting that I should share Milly designer Michelle Smith's sketch and inspiration quote below along with a swatch of a featured print in the spring 2011 collection, which will debut on the runway on Wednesday, September 15 at The Stage at Lincoln Center.

"Smart, well-traveled, and stylishly eccentric, Peggy Guggenheim has influenced me this season. Chic mixes of feminine florals, bold geometrics and tribal elements are glamorous and exciting."
—Michelle Smith, Milly Designer & Founder





Love, love, love her stuff. Follow me on Twitter @budgetbabe and fan The Budget Babe on Facebook for fun fashion week highlights, live from the tents.

Theory's leather panel skirt retails for $200 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Wear it with a feminine blouse and ladylike heels for a chic modern look with a bit of edge.

More Theory...

Get the look for less from Anne Klein, whose leather panel skirt is $89.

More AK Anne Klein...

If you want to try this look on a really tight budget, check out this skirt from Mossimo for Target, just $29.99. I saw it in person, it's a lot shorter and looks more like plastic than leather but a fun look-for-less option. I'm hoping I can get it on sale.

More Mossimo...

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