On September 10, I attended the Nautica Spring 2011 presentation at the Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The theme was "spirit of the water" with inspiration derived from the American Southern Coast, and Nautica delivered with the sporty, nautical style that has made this megabrand famous. Looks were broken down into beachwear and casual attire. Madras plaid, boat shoes, and light blazers atop preppy polos abounded. The swimwear featured mostly bold primary colors like red and yellow, some colorblocking and flag prints, while the suit jackets, poplin shorts, button-downs and other sportswear spoke of spring in understated shades of red, white and blue with lots of plaid, tan, seersucker and the occasional pop of pink. It's a tough job, covering all these shows, but somebody's gotta do it.

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The general consensus among myself and fellow fashion bloggers after witnessing the beautiful Ports 1961 Spring Summer 2011 collection float down the runway was this: We want to live in Ports! At once utterly wearable and remotely untouchable, this desert-inspired collection entitled "Essadi" (the pseudonym used by explorer Isabelle Eberhardt while journeying into Northern Africa in the 19th century) featured a perfect mix of both draped and tailored pieces any girl would love to own. Makeup was soft, natural and dewy; hair was feminine retro curls, at once glamorous yet unfussy. Celebrities in attendance included reality TV star Olivia Palermo, who smiled graciously for pictures backstage before ducking away with her handsome boyfriend (photo after the jump!).

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On September 10, I attended renowned couturier Georges Chakra's Spring/Summer 2011 ready-to-wear collection during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. I can honestly say I've never seen so many (nearly 50!) stunning dresses in one place, from body-con mini dresses to floor-length chiffon gowns. Models were styled with soft yet radiant makeup and wind-swept hair that looked tousled by a sea breeze. The colors evoked the ocean for me as well, from glistening aquas to sandy neutrals. It was hard to pick a favorite but a series of gemstone-hued ombre chiffon dresses, ivory charmeuse long sleeve biaz gown with crystal beading on the shoulders and an asymmetrical draped gold jersey gown with Lucite beaded necklace all momentarily took my breath away.

More photos and show notes after the jump.