Pre-fall 2013: Lela Rose, Kelly Wearstler, Missoni, Nicole Miller, Opening Ceremony, Prabal Gurung, Preen

I can't say I paid much attention to Lela Rose before, but I definitely like this pre-fall collection. My favorites are the saffron-colored dress and the colorblocked moto jacket (2nd to last).

Of note: Painterly influences, inspired colorblocking, flats (give those feet a break!), occasional pops of saturated color.

Look at Kelly Wearstler, getting all graphic 'n stuff! I think her designs improve with each season, which is great, considering what a force she is in the interior design world.

Of note: Cutouts in unexpected places, all leather everythang, futuristic harlequin prints.

The first half of this looks like something the White Witch would wear, doesn't it? Snowy grays and whites to blend into the landscape... and a collar made from Mr. Tumnus' family members, likely.

Of note: Platform boots, fur collars, tweed.

Of note: Rider caps (there are some cute ones floating around with ears on them, if that's your sort of thing), zig zag prints, CMYK inspiration.

Where do I even start? I love this. The prints are cool, the shoes are awesome, there are metallics and bright colors as far as the eye can see...

I have to say, I was really excited for the Prabal Gurung x Target collaboration coming soon (next month, I think), until I looked at the catalogue and realized that if I got everything I wanted, I'd spend over $600. I'm still excited, but I'll have to edit my choices waaaaaaaaaaaay down, because ain't nobody got money for that.

Anyway, of note: neon splashes, a healthy dose of white, head-to-toe prints.

I quite like this punky side of Preen... it's interesting.

Of note: Plaid & leather, slouchy silhouettes, winklepickers and Chelsea boots. Oh, velvet too.

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.

Pre-Fall 2013 Collections: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alice + Olivia, Alexander Wang, BCBG Max Azria

The year is ending, things are wrapping up, but in the fashion world, we're already looking ahead to Fall 2013. Check out the offerings from a few designers below.

As you know, I love me some 3.1 Phillip Lim (even though I can't actually fit into any of it... at least I couldn't as of 2009), and this collection is no different. There's an interesting level of dishevelment here that I find very interesting, especially since the clothes themselves are pretty crisp and structured.

Of note: Clean construction, forest/hunting-inspired colors (oxblood, sand, ivory), animal prints and hooflike shoes, neat layering.

...that leopard print jacket, though. *swoon*

Not entirely sure why this photoshoot was set in the London Underground, but whatever -- I'll go along with it.

Of note: Leather pants and accessories, De Stijl style, a touch of schoolboy preppiness.

You guys know how much I dislike a wardrobe comprised only of black, white and gray, so this is really pushing it for me... I'll tell you what I do like though, those t-shirts (sweaters?) with the prints. I haven't seen detail pictures, but the print looks like black and white photos of fields. I'm down with that.

Of note: Simplicity, high-shine leather.

This was interesting... Not really sure what the whole collection is going for, but there are some really cool pieces here, like the blue and black jacket and the patterned dress. And the shoes... don't even get me started on those beauties.

Of note: Pale colors and chunky shoes to ground them, polished patchwork, nipped-in waists.

Pre-Fall 2012: A roundup

Before I get to Fall/Winter 2012 runway shows, I wanted to do a quick rundown of the pre-fall shows... which were amazing! Pre-fall is quickly becoming my favorite season. There were several interesting trends going throughout, so I've attempted to group them as such.

Minimal, but not boring

No, for real -- who could call a shirt with "Ka-Pow!" on it boring?

 

Key points: Clean lines and simple silhouettes (no ruffles and frou frou), proper fit, few layers, inventive layering (short skirt over long blouse/shirtdress), blazers and jackets are key!

Past is Present, Present is Past

Key points: Pointed toes, kitten heels, poufy skirts, red or pink lips, rounded shoulders, loafer heels, classic prints (houndstooth, checks, plaids), lace, leather, and leopard print.

Modern Times

Key points: Neoprene, sharp shoulders, digital hi-res prints, metal accents.

Keeping Neutrals Close

Key points: Since the colors are plain, fresh and exciting silhouettes are important. If you wish, add a small splash of color.

Color and Pattern Explosion

Key points: Stripes, chevron, African and First Nations inspired textiles, florals, jacquard and brocade prints, Louis XVI style prints, polka dots, animal and tropical prints. Mix them all together, and anchor with black -- or don't!