Big coats, thick blazers, shawl-neck sweaters and robes, knit hats and legwarmers were sent down the Perry Ellis runway in a way your local senator might dress if he were having a casual weekend at the lodge. Creative director, John Crocco was uniquely able to combine a look that is both modern and waspy. It was an interesting juxtaposition of aesthetics that happened to work quite well.

Standout item: Pepper grey legwarmers, which are popping up everywhere this season.

Our take: This is perfect for the classic, reserved American man.

Twitter Reviews:
juliathomas2010: Urbanly Understated at Perry Elhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giflis Fall 2011
womensweardaily: John Crocco’s Perry Ellis collection was the kind of clothes a city guy would pick for a weekend in the country.
vogue_london: A comprehensive modern day wardrobe for the boys took to the Perry Ellis catwalk

By: Erin Jeen

Tadashi Shoji is the king of eveningwear. He gives us another collection for the elegant and sophisticated woman. For fall, he was inspired by gardens of the far east and settled for much bolder colors than usual, which worked wonderfully. Tadashi makes a dress for every occasion. The models had simple, natural makeup paired with straight hair, side-parted and pinned back with bobby pins.

Standout item: White silk dress with chiffon bell sleeves and front feathers

Our take: You can’t really go wrong with organza and a pop of color. Thumbs up.

Twitter Reviews:
LucidAnna: Tadashi Shoji Kara Ross jewelry collaboration – I loved both designers but they didn’t work together.
womensweardaily: Tadashi Shoji sure can cut a dress, and he proved it with one for every occasion.
SydneSummer: Every time I see a mustard gown I thing Michelle Williams, Oscars. Tadashi Shoji

By: Erin Jeen

Mara Hoffman is best known for her original prints. This season the collection was directly inspired by the juxtaposition of spiritual being and warrior, “where veil meets turban.” Her newest fall collection did not deviate very far or disappoint fans. With a background of live celestial music, Mara added hoods and trimmings to long maxi dresses, ease to heavy knits and turbans to loosely styled braids.

Standout item: Hooded zebra print maxi dress with cutout back.

Our take: Prints and texture are always a great way to start the fall season.

Twitter Reviews:
StyledOn: The best coat ever? At Mara Hoffman. In. Love. #nyfw
HithaPrabhakar: Mara Hoffman’s kaftan makes me want to go on vacation to Morocco immediately.
fashionsnoops: Mara Hoffman is beautiful…maxi lengths with slouchy knits and ethnic print gowns

Deep breath. Long Exhale.

Fashion week is upon us and our first stop was bright an early this morning at Nicholas K. Sister-brother duo, Nicholas and Christopher Kunz channeled Seattle by adding their twist to 1990s grunge. We are talking serious flannels and a palate of hunter greens and khaki browns.

Stand out item: Platform military boots

Our take: We weren’t big fans of the grunge movement the first time around: Bad clothing, bad music, bad hair. If you really want to step into the time machine, Nicholas K. is the way to go.

Twitter reviews:
StyleAlt: @nilascholaskstudio @peoplesrev loved the Nicholas K F/W 2011 collection of gently draped garments and fur trims!
elizrosen: Nicholas K at #nyfw. LOVE the army green, plaid and cargo jackets
theglossdotcom: Nicholas K show – too early for this many ridiculous haircuts #nyfw