Yesterday I was invited to cover the nail looks backstage at the Tracy Reese Fall 2012 collection runway show, thanks to Sally Hansen. Manicurist Jin Soon Choi gave me the scoop on the two exclusive new nail polish colors that Reese created for the runway inspired by her vibrant fall line: Scarab, a peacock blue and Copperhead, a metallic copper. These polishes showcase never-before-seen technology exclusive to Sally Hansen, which is why it's hard for me to describe them but I'd say they're similar to a duo-chrome, that is, a micro-shimmer that flashes another color depending on the light. The effect is mesmerizing. The polish actually incorporates real silver to create the nacre or glow, and "precious pigments from the Far East that capture the intense, luminous and vibrant iridescence, pearl and shimmer found in nature." I'm not entirely sure what that means but I'm a fan! Look out for Scarab and Copperhead in the fall. I'll keep you posted on availability, pricing and other details as soon as they become available. Which color is your favorite?

Today I attended the Tracy Reese Fall 2012 runway show, part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Tracy Reese is easily one of my favorites for her use of color, texture and the fact that her clothes ooze cool but you don't have to be a "cool" girl to wear them, if that makes sense. This season, the designer offered up "colorful, confident attire for navigating the urban landscape." This translated into chic tailored coats, slim pants and cozy sweaters, as well as feminine blouses, easy shifts and shortened skirts. The palette was a mix of vibrant tomato, juniper green, lemon and enlivening neutral browns, grays and black. I loved all the graphic prints and shots of metallic - my favorite looks included a violet lamé party frock (expected but no less gorgeous) and a formal beaded t-shirt dress - totally unexpected and oddly fabulous. The accessories were eye-catching, too. Nearly all the models wore sunglasses or these crazy hats by Jennifer Ouellette for Tracy Reese that reminded me of baseball caps with an exaggerated brim in vivid hues like purple and red. Wedge shoeties by Highline United for Tracy Reese looked comfortable enough to walk in but still felt fun - I liked the colorblock peep-toes best. What do you think of the collection?

Ebay and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) are teaming up once again to introduce a new collection of original totes to raise awareness against counterfeit goods and celebrate original design. Following a sold-out summer collection, more than 75 designers are participating in the 2012 You Can't Fake Fashion campaign, each customizing a tote as a one-of-a-kind. The designer totes, as well as four styles of standard totes, will be available starting March 20 exclusively on eBay.com. Available at Buy It Now prices, the customized totes will retail at $200 and the standard totes at $45 (up from $35 last time); all proceeds benefit the CFDA Foundation to support this important cause.

Last time, I was lucky enough to snag one of the basic totes and it became my favorite bag of the summer, it was just the perfect size and shape and people always commented on the clever phrase "You Can't Fake Fashion" (see me carrying mine here). I was able to snap these photos in the event lobby at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, where the bags are on display from 2/9 – 2/16. Judging by the enthusiasm from bystanders for the "Fake you you faking fake" bag by Robert Geller, I'd say that will be among the first styles to sell out. My favorites are The Row, Rag & Bone and Botkier. And DVF and Kate Spade. Ah, I love them all! Hard to pick just one. Act fast if you want a bag when they go on sale March 20 on eBay.com, they won't last long. Which bag is your favorite?

Last night, I headed back to the Hammerstein Ballroom for the Rock & Republic for Kohl's runway show. While most other designers are showing their fall collections, Rock & Republic kept it current by showing you pieces that you can shop right now from their debut line! Admit it, it's kinda exciting to be able to shop clothes that you see on the runway that don't cost you your entire paycheck. I think you guys are going to love all the options in this line: First of all, there's premium denim for every personality, from flare legs to skinny crops, denim shorts, bold colors like cobalt and pink, chic white, plus cool black and gray. You'll also love the killer shoes, like sky-high studded heels and wedge pumps, perfect for pairing with the flowy knit tops, boho fedoras, sick printed tights and of course, your new jeans. Even if you're not normally a rocker babe, you can mix and match pieces from this line into your wardrobe to add some edge for day or night. Bravo to Kohl's for hosting such a fun runway show for all of us budget babes. Which pieces are you looking forward to shopping?

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week began yesterday in New York City, and the first show I attended was Tadashi Shoji. You probably know his name from the red carpet; Octavia Spencer wore an opal grey gown by the designer to the 2012 SAG Awards. This season, the designer took his inspiration from the Golden Age of Shanghai, or as the show notes read, a "glamorous world of modernity, transformation, and prosperity that preluded a darker time." This was played out in column gowns, drop waist dresses, high necklines and low hemlines in opulent fabrics like lace, chiffon, silk and velvet. Two of my favorite gowns were made from this luxe fabric, one in emerald green and another in ruby red. Stunning. The "Paris of the Orient" motif was played out in softer tones, too, like seagrass green and ginseng golds, as well as black embroidered lace. It's hard to pick a favorite but the most successful gowns (and there were many) had some sort of stunning back details - a plunging back, lace panel or intricate beading - that left a lasting impression. Can you see any of these dresses turning up at the Oscars?