Let’s face it. Fashion can hurt. We pinch our toes in too tight heels and squeeze our bodies in a cocoon of Spanx all in the name of style. And the thing is…. we wouldn’t trade it for anything. We LOVE being girls! Sometimes we get lucky though, and a piece comes along that fuses fashion and comfort seamlessly. One such piece that you’ve got to check out is Mark’s low maintenance Knot Me Convertible Cardigan. Only $28 and too comfy for words, the versatile silhouette is designed to be worn in at least 5 different ways. You can purchase the cardi at www.MeetMark.com in rich charcoal (or brown or black) from sizes small to XX large. It’s great for layering during the fall to winter transition and mixing and matching with clothes you already own! Throw it over your favorite worn in jeans on weekend outings or a white button down shirt during the workday. Add bold chunky jewelry and a chic pair of shoes and this cardi can go from casual days to drama-filled nights. If you still need a little outfit inspiration, take a look at the downtown look below. Remember, it’s all about the accessories. ~ Maria Denardo

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It’s not winter yet, but you can never be too prepared for the season to come. Be ahead of the game and go and get yourself one of the seasons must haves: A Beanie. Slouchy, knitted, trinkets and bobbles- whatever you have a hankering for- beanie hats will not only keep you warm and snug but you’ll look adorable too. If looking cute is not really your aesthetic ( a category I definitely don’t fall into) then beanies work just as well to toughen up the most girly of outfits and give you that cozy edgy look Urban Outfitters do all kinds from girly to grunge.

-Francine Uba

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The dark horse of fashion has emerged victorious with his Spring 2009 collection. After bitter brawls and drama with ex-As Four partners, Kai Kühne has proven that maybe bad boys can transform their silly ways after all. Here’s hoping girls! Throwing off his old party hat, Kühne is donning a more serious face these days and getting down to business. Sorry Page Six! With expert tailoring and clean structured shapes, Kühne struck a minimalistic chord with the curious crowd. Classic yet tough silhouettes in black, white, grey, and silver stomped down the runway. Sheer blouses, cigarette pants, fitted pencil skirts, and asymmetrical necklines played off each other beautifully. Serious darts and pleating left little room for the girly frills and ruffles seen on so many models this week. The must-have piece from this collection? A streamlined white coat with 3/4 length sleeves reminiscent of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in the 90s. Among all the wispy looks and colorful patterns for spring, a woman in Kai Kühne will certainly make a confident statement. ~ Maria Denardo

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Imagine the roaring 1920s with enchanting flappers dancing to hot jazz numbers and you’ll come pretty close to the IISLI Spring/Summer 2009 collection. The luxury label has been creating clothes for a “sophisticated woman with individual style and eclectic taste” since 2003. Sisi and Nelson Li, founders and designers, used Great Gatsby on Bond Street (located in NoHo NYC) as a muse to create a dramatic collection that was “strong, feminine, and always, always effortless.”

As usual, they started by inventing a jacket and then worked their way down the collection. Layered together, shine flattered matte fabrics while fine lace stood out under structured safari blazers. Jersey dresses and soft tops were graced with girly ruffles. Wild and bright colors were not on the menu this season at IISLI. Instead, a refined color palette of heather, slate, and ash grey, white, black, gold, and silver were used. A splash of rich teal here and there and loads of sparkle gave the ethereal collection some subtle feistiness. Lace headwraps and long mesh chain necklaces polished off the looks. Every piece was absolutely flawless. I wished my closet looked so good! Prices go from about $200 and up at Bloomingdales, Saks, Bergdorf, and Nordstrom. If you scour the web at the right time, you can score great sales at revolveclothing.com and shopbop.com. Happy shopping… ~ Maria Denardo

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Simmer down PETA! Dennis Basso left out his trademark furs this time around. Describing his Spring 2009 collection as “quietly sexy,” Basso presented sophisticated glamour inspired by his days in Southampton. Grey, olive, lime, pink, lavender, and cream came straight out of the beach scene at sunset. Black was used for more serious evening attire. A dash of brocade and taffeta added a change from flowing chiffon and kept the mix lively. Prints remained elegant and short belted boleros were a practical choice for nights with a cool ocean breeze. The nods to smart layering and delicate ruffles (they’re everywhere for spring!) made sure the collection was graceful enough for any seaside country club yet trendy enough for a trip into the city. With fall rounding the corner, a fashionable vaca to the coast sounds like a splendid plan. ~ Maria Denardo

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Time stood still in “Sleepwalking Park” at the Hanii Y Spring 2009 presentation. Models posed among white lacquered pillars while gentle jewelry box tunes floated in the air. The usually fast paced fashion crowd slowly strolled through the interactive exhibit gazing at clothes inspired by summer nights in Denmark. Harmonizing masculine with feminine, casual with formal, and vintage with modern, Hanii Y came out with a very strong sportswear collection. The show was jam packed with neutrals and neon colors alike. Length flirted at the knee or above for dresses and skirts while trousers took the famed “drop crotch” approach. For a touch of sass, wickedly high patent leather stilettos or low-heeled men’s oxfords were worn. I’m a sucker for blazers and lightweight coats so when I saw the variety at Hanii Y, I was in heaven. Some were classic but others fit a trendier bill with visible zippers or gorgeously draped sleeves like the one below. As time approached for me to leave, I didn’t want to wake from my lovely slumber. ~ Maria Denardo

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Spring came early for an anxiously awaiting crowd at Tracy Reese’s 2009 show. Sitting front row was the fabulous André Leon Talley, Editor at Large for Vogue. When I asked him his thoughts on Reese, he replied, “I love Tracy Reese. I always think that if Valentino had a daughter, a fashion daughter, it would be Tracy Reese.”  Inspiration for this collection was drawn from nature and form. Shapes ranged from relaxed to layered to architectural. Completing the outfits, models either donned dangling chandelier earrings or went au natural. Good tip to think about come spring! Present in many looks were embroidered leather jackets, strapless peplum tops and dresses, silk flower appliqué tulip skirts, and chiffon frocks in hues suggestive of a blossoming garden. My absolute favorite piece from the collection was an amazing trench in a pale oleander and rose print (check out the photo below). I let out a massive sigh when I saw it. Imagine slipping that over one of her delicate dresses in jade, black lace, or a pastel garden print during a starry-eyed honeymoon in Paris. My heart just skipped a beat. Wonderfully chic and always sweet; Reese’s clothes are perfectly suited for a girl’s girl who fully embraces her feminine side. ~ Maria Denardo

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As models walked the runway for Tibi Spring 2009, two overarching themes emerged. The first seemed to be a glamorous nod to Katharine Hepburn circa 1930s and 40s. She would have loved the high-waist harem pants, draped dresses, linen boyfriend blazers, and easy jumpsuits. So effortless and beautiful; this look keeps popping up decade after decade with a fresh twist. The second theme was more Asian-inspired featuring mandarin collared jacquard dresses and wide obi-like belts. Colors started out light with shades of blue, khaki, white, and yellow and deepened into more saturated tones of orange, black, red, and emerald. Tibi always puts out interesting prints, and this season was no different. Several ensembles were seen decked out in playful butterflies or palm leaves and bamboo. The entire collection showcased tons of wearable looks for day and night which we love. However, if you’re going for a more dramatic feel, her Asian pieces will do the trick. For fans like Scarlett Johansson, Reese Witherspoon, and Liv Tyler, Tibi surely hit the spot! ~ Maria Denardo

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With clients like The White Stripes, Elise Overland knows how to do rock and roll. Her gift is in the way she fuses hard rock leather looks with feminine touches. For Spring 2009, she stayed true to herself and didn’t disappoint her loyal followers. Models stood on a white platform to showcase Overland’s cohesive body of work. Colors ranged from red and black to sea foam green, soft grey, lavender, and peach. Headwraps, black peep-toe slingbacks, and colored shades a la John Lennon were the accessories of choice. For an edgier woman, her fitted leather skinnies and cropped jackets are superb. If you’re looking for something more girly and soft, go for one of her cute cocktail dresses. Hitting at mid-thigh, they show just enough leg to be provocative without being too vulgar. My favorite part of her collection was its function and practicality. These wearable looks gracefully transition from day to night and every single piece can mix and match. It’s okay, you can read that again. I did say every. Elise Overland has proven once again that she designs with only the modern woman in mind. ~ Maria Denardo

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The Lobby of Hotel Roger Williams on Madison Avenue served as the backdrop for Toni Maticevski’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection for NYC Fashion Week. It was the most intimate affair I’ve been to yet with only three small rows of seating. Adding to that affect, Maticevski played the most amazing soundtrack. Emotionally charged songs like This Woman’s Work by Kate Bush, Get Here by Oleta Adams, and Secret Love by Doris Day set the tone of the collection from the start. Black, white, and champagne were the dominate colors throughout the show. Each model descended the hotel steps and walked ever so slowly to the music. The energy in the room was powerful with a combination of heart-wrenching melodies and weightless, airy dresses made from satin, beautiful sheer fabrics, and incredibly delicate lace. No joke, I was a bit teary-eyed by the end, and when I walked out I wondered, “What lovely spell did Toni Maticevski just put on me?” ~ Maria Denardo

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