Pre-fall 2013: Erdem, Gucci, Helmut Lang, Honor, Herve Leger, ICB, Just Cavalli, Jenni Kayne, J. Mendel

I remember a few seasons back, Erdem said he didn't think that florals were his signature. Are we still going with that statement? I can't imagine being "king of the florals" is a bad thing -- although that totally makes me think of Game of Thrones...

To me, there's a bit of a 60's influence in the shapes here, especially in the coats and dresses. If you should take just one thing away from this collection, it's definitely the mix of solids and prints: good if you can do it in an outfit, even better if you can achieve it in one piece of clothing, like a jacket.

Gucci took the "Hitchcock heroine" route this season, which I didn't quite expect, though there is often a 60's or 70's influence in the collections.

Of note: Opera length gloves and cropped sleeves to show them off, leopard print, slim pants, strictly controlled volume at the hips.

In general, Helmut Lang is too austere for me, but -- a major but here -- the clean lines and angularity of their clothes always catch my eye. What I wouldn't give for the jackets shown here...

Of note: Motorcycle jackets, a pointed or almond toe heel, mixing dark colors (black and blue do go together, ladies).

All I have to say is that I think I'm turning into a floral obsessive.

Of note: All-over florals. Seriously, put them everywhere.

I think this is one of the sexiest collections yet, with the strappy bra top under a vest (bottom row) and that bra/pencil skirt combination.

Okay, so, florals are going to be really big for pre-fall, don't you think? I really like how they're paired with geometric patterns and stripes here. In case you didn't know, florals + stripes = foolproof way to mix patterns.

I'm really enjoying the path Just Cavalli has taken of late. It's still a bit wild, maybe unpredictable, definitely never staid, but it no longer makes me think "tacky".

Of note: Knee-high boots, well-constructed outerwear, paisley and other lavish prints.

Of note: Punchy primary colors, leopard print booties and knee-high socks, a parka in a sophisticated fabric.