The best tweet of the day was from CutBlog, “We’re having a seizure, and it’s because we’re sitting near Leighton Meester’s traveling army of flashbulbs @ Lim. #nyfw.”
We almost spit our water out on the blond sitting in front of us. I’m sure she would not have been happy.

3.1 Philip Lim Spring 2010

Who is the customer: Everyone from Gossip Girls to Housewives

Why buy: Looking fashionable made easy

What to buy: Layered fringe dresses

Bypass: Pleated trousers

Contribution to fashion: A sprinkle of Rodarte and a splash of Prada and you get Philip’s spring 2010 collection. Fashionable in every way!

We interrupt our fashion week program to bring you an important message from our Americas Basic Spy. Until Sunday, Sept. 20th, H&M is offering customers 50% off when they purchase an item at full price.

The discount applies to everything in the store, except gift cards. So go, buy your off the runway look because it’s still a few weeks before fall merchandise is reduced. We’ll be here to tell you as soon as the prices go down.

Now, back to Bryant Park!

Marc Jacobs is one of the biggest shows during fashion week. It’s the only show that draws Madonna, Lady GaGa and Rachel Zoe. Yes, he gets the celebrities and the fashion crowd. Most designers don’t draw both.

Marc Jacobs Spring 2010

Who is the customer: Celebs and those who love to love fashion

Why buy: Ruffles and pearls make you smile and feel pretty

What to buy: This rose ruffled number with a high-necked collar is a stand-out piece

Bypass: The fanny packs, which aren’t even cute with an LV logo

Contribution to fashion: Marc makes fashion. Some of what he shows might seem a bit off-the-edge but it always makes its way though the fashion mill and winds up mainstream several seasons later.

For a long time Gottex was one of the largest designer swimwear companies sold in the U.S. Today, not so much. What happened? We’re not sure, however, when you combine beautiful models and swimwear looking bad is almost impossible.

Gottex Spring 2010

Who is the customer: Top of the line in Macy’s swim department

Why buy: You have a great body and an attitude to go with it

What to buy: Choosing the right shade of a single color can be horribly complex. The precise shade of coral used in this collection was perfect. On the occasion of a fancy swim party, opt for a black Gottex sequined bikini.

Bypass: Bikini bottoms that look like diapers

Overall contribution to fashion: We were expecting a bit more from Molly Grand, Gottex’s head designer.

Custo Barcelona has a long history of color and excitement but has been absent from the fifth floor for some time. Seeing Custo’s wild prints, mixed with texture and fringe was thrilling. The off the runway looks might be a bit too extravagant for some shoppers but we home to see these looks translated at our local stores this spring.

Custo Barcelona Spring 2010:

Who is the customer: Those not afraid to combine texture and color within a single garment

Why buy: Going unnoticed is a fate worse then not going.

What to buy: Aqua fringed coat with jeweled detail

Bypass: Men’s sequined short suits because sometimes too much can be, too much

Overall contribution to fashion: Custo has a talent for combining texture and color that many designers only aspire to balance.