Cheryl Shops

Poor Mango. A Spanish fast-fashion retailer with a huge global presence, it's overshadowed most of the time by its sleeker countryman Zara. I can go into a very business-side analysis of why--it's equal parts merchandising and inventory management--but in layman's terms, Zara is generally just a more exciting place to shop.

That may be changing. In catching up on my fashion blogs today, I spotted one of my favorite models, Daria Werbowy, starring in Mango's spring campaign. I went to the website and while it at first appeared that Werbowy created the capsule collection, it turns out she's just modeling it. Which is fine, because she makes the clothes look so great, I don't care who designed them. Mostly black and white, the pieces are basic, but better; I probably have something similar in my closet already but she makes me want to buy it all anyway. And I likely will--at prices like these, I can afford to.

KaufmanFranco at Theatre, Lincoln Center [02.12.14]

Amazing feats of backlessness.

This very structured gown reminds me of a minimalist Thierry Mugler.

Loved the blunt ponytails on the models.

These skintight gowns are meant for tall, slim and hourglass figures. They almost seemed sewn on.

The show began with more stark and neutral gowns but there was shimmery drama at the end.

Concept Korea at Salon, Lincoln Center [02.11.14]

I was fortunate to have my seat upgraded to a prime spot in the front row, which meant that my camera had a clear shot of the runway. It also meant photographers tried to take photos of me before the show, so I did my best to keep my head down in "sending important text messages" mode.

This season Concept Korea sponsored four designers. I'm seeing more and more noteworthy fashion originating from Korea, and I hope to see Korean fashion hit more retail racks in New York. My personal favorite from this show was Big Park (Park Youn-Soo) - I could totally see his edgy, marketable looks being sold at Opening Ceremony or the like.

Kaal E. Suktae opened with awesome wide-brimmed hats.

What the end of the runway looks like.

Kaal E. Suktae

Kaal E. Suktae

ChoiBoko: Lots of primary and secondary colors in this collection.

ChoiBoko

ChoiBoko: Avant garde silhouette

Beyond Closet: A hip menswear line that would do well in Williamsburg.

Beyond Closet

Beyond Closet

Beyond Closet

Beyond Closet

Big Park

Big Park

Boxy clutches are all over the place lately! (Big Park)

Big Park's closing outfit.

All four designers (L to R: Kaal E. Suktae, ChoiBoko, Beyond Closet, Big Park)

Fringe adds a little movement to this look

More fringe!

The designers

Tracy Reese at Center 548 [02.09.14]

There was such a wide range of styles and materials across Tracy Reese's prolific Fall 2014 collection that I'm tempted to publish a photo of every single look. But in the interest of getting more than a few winks of sleep tonight, below is my best shot at a cross-section of the collection. (Let's just say it was a rough time on the photo riser, and I'm glad I packed Wet Naps so I could wipe off the sweat of other photographers.)

Dense metallic eye makeup for the win!

Bold & polished

Stunning gold sequin work

Had to show another gold dress, this time with a cute capelet