The starting point for Carlos Miele's Spring 2012 collection entitled Immersive Landscape was a virtual paradise, an imaginary world where the lines between what is artificial and what is natural are blurred. These abstract concepts were translated into ethereal caftans, sultry cocktail dresses and dramatic evening gowns marked by fluid lines, sleek sculptural forms and vibrant digital prints (one featured goldfish). Carlos Miele always embraces color, and this season the Brazilian designer went for bright orange, teal and aqua. My favorite looks were on the subtler side, like a black and white swirl print top paired with a flowy white skirt, or a gleaming white one-shoulder Grecian gown with a shiny gold belt. It was a surreal show and a surreal moment when I realized that this was my third Carlos Miele show - does that mean I'm not a Fashion Week rookie anymore...?

I'll make an exception to cover menswear during Fashion Week when it involves Nautica and The Empire Hotel Rooftop lounge. There, I said it. For their Spring 2012 collection, Nautica was inspired by a California road trip, from Malibu to Monterey. There were sporty vintage-prep looks like coral denim paired with chambray shirts and boatshoes; surfer inspired looks marked by bright colorblocking; and classic navy and white ensembles that epitomize Nautica's homage to the America Coast - and the strapping young men who live by it (or just want to look it).

After seeing Cynthia Rowley's Spring 2012 show, I'm certain of one thing: Bold prints aren't going anywhere. Specifically, colorful, futuristic, distorted prints aren't going anywhere. Think back to last spring at Prada and you'll know where I'm going with this. Contrasting with the wild prints were ladylike skirts and then skirts over pants. Complementing were sporty leggings, scuba fabric and leather mesh tees. I kinda loved it. The models glowed on the gold runway that was both retro and space-age at the same time, and subtle gold detailing on some of the looks bounced that gold light perfectly. And the chunky-heeled shoes! I could see both Alexa Chung and Lindsay Lohan, who were seated front-row, wearing pieces from this collection in radically different ways.

On day 2 of fashion week, I attended the Rebecca Taylor Spring 2012 runway show, filled with daytime sparkle and bold citrus hues that radiated against cool blues, grays and black. I guess it's a bit unfair (OK, very unfair) of me to only favor the floaty dresses and floral prints that Rebecca Taylor fans so adore, but I respected her decision to be edgier this season: Lots of asymmetry, hooded parkas and messy hair added interest to this very "directional" show, to borrow a word from my dear friend Angie of youlookfab.com, who I was so happy to catch up with before the show.

Finally, my Target has boots! I spotted the usual suspects: Tall slouch boots with a low heel that work well with dresses and skirts; black riding boots with elastic side panels that adjust to your calves; flat moto boots to pair with skinny jeans, suede shoeties for dressier occasions and work; the Steve Madden look-a-likes from last season. Actually, a lot of the styles looked like last season's offerings. That's why my favorites included some brown buckle-embellished flat boots (above) and some brown high-heel ankle boots - they offered a little something new. Browse more photos after the jump. Any favorites?

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