The Carlos Miele Fall 2010 collection was a carnival of color and energy, from the upbeat music (which is the only decent thing about the video I took) to the graphic prints which brought cocktail dresses and red carpet gowns to life. The designer's Brazilian roots were clear without being cliche, while dramatic fur coats and capes reminded one that this was, in fact, a fall/winter collection. I could see many of these looks translated to real life, especially the zig-zag embellishments, rich color combinations of red and purple, paperbag-waist trousers, and even the furs (we'll take ours faux, thank you). Prior to seeing this show, my knowledge of Carlos Miele was limited to the fact that celebs such as Beyonce and Christina Aguilera are fans, but now I am, too!

Backstage at Jill Stuart/Fall 2010, part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, I got to photograph expert makeup artists and hair stylists as they worked their magic within the gorgeous setting of the New York Public Library. The inspiration for the makeup was a modern-day Brigette Bardot, according to key makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, who created a feline eye complemented by fresh and neutral makeup on the rest of the face and lips. Bob Recine for TIGI created a rock-n-roll hair look inspired by "Kate Moss after midnight" using Tigi Catwalk Your Highness Root Boost Spray. Nails were painted in a barely-there opaque peach shade called Deborah Lippmann Collection Nail Polish in I'm Not Innocent.

Earlier in the week, I found myself serendipitously standing right next to Angie from youlookfab.com and her hubby at the Carlos Miele runway show. Very fitting, because the Carlos Miele show was an upbeat, energetic carnival of color and fun, much like Angie! I had the pleasure of meeting Angie a few years back in Boston at a blogger event hosted by Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, but I don't get to see her often enough as she hails from Seattle. We could easily chat about blogging and fashion all day, non-stop. Husband Greg had the brilliant idea of photographing us on the steps outside the front entrance to the heavily guarded tents (just joking…sorta) during a rare but glorious moment of sunshine and blue skies.

In case you're new to fashion week (like me), backstage is where all the models get ready and members of the press are invited to photograph the looks up close and interview the key people involved for hair, makeup and even nails! Yes, nail polish is very important as we all know, which is why I was very excited to get to talk to CND's Co-Founder and Style Director Jan Arnold about creating the manicure looks for the Fall 2010 L.A.M.B. runway show. The color of choice was Dark Ruby, intended to compliment the deep burgundy lips and play up the whole 30's-urban-glam vibe of the collection. The Dark Ruby lacquer is actually very similar to Sally Hansen's Commander in Chic, only a couple shades darker. Very wearable yet makes a strong statement at the same time. Love!

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