BeChicMag.com

Fall 2012 hits Lincoln Center Next Week

By Mercedes Sanchez

I’ve been covering fashion week since 2005– first for the New York Post and then for BeChicMag.com. In addition to cash (for hailing cabs), a bottle of water and bold lipstick, here are some items you must have in order to survive fashion week in New York City.

1. There might be lots of walking and standing between shows. Take a chic pair of flats that standout like these loafers from Isabel Toledo for Payless.

2. Chances are you will be taking an extra pair of shoes, a laptop and other essentials.  Carry your accessories in a large city bag from Zara.

3. Though it doesn’t always feel like it, it’s winter in New York. Make a statement with your coat or jacket like this top liner trench by Kate Spade.

4. Sure you’ll be taking your flats, but don’t forget your pumps or high heel booties!

See our coverage of Brazil’s Capital Fashion Week

5. Don’t forget to eat! Chances are you won’t have a place to freshen up so have your Altoids handy.

6. Make sure you have chargers for the following items: your cell phone, laptop or tablet.

7. In case you really do forget to eat, stack your purse with at least three granola bars.

8. Accessorize your wardrobe with rings, necklaces, bracelets or cuffs like this one from Banana Republic.

9. And of course, don’t forget your business cards!

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See which designers will be showing their fall 2012 collection next week

What would you take with you to cover back-to-back fashion shows?

By Jennifer Eberhart

Colorful.  Racy.  Glamour.

And so opens the Naeem Khan Spring 2012 show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.  The glitter!  The glam!  As the lights came up, the music rocked, and the models strutted down the runway, the stage at Lincoln Center came alive with flashing photog lights and the oohs-and-aahs of appreciative fashionistas.  From the very first multi-colored flowing floral caftan to the very last silver metallic ballgown, Naeem Khan’s spring collection rocks.

Silver, gold, pink and red dominated the color scheme on Thursday night, and – long or short – the gowns on the runway were the essence of femininity.  The jet-black mirrored runway reflected floral prints, sparkling high heels, lace and chiffon hemlines, and ostrich feathers sweeping the floors.

Khan’s designs are innovative and exciting.  A chantilly laced off-the-shoulder jumpsuit, a nude beaded cowl-front gown, a gold beaded cocktail dress, a body-hugging floral dress with thigh-high slit and a sequined gown with ostrich feather skirt.  Satin, chiffon, tulle and organza.  Burgundy, taupe, periwinkle, fuschia, orange, silver and ruby.  The collection is as diverse as Khan’s celebrity clientele.

Ah, if only I lived in the world of the rich and famous, a world where I could wear a different Naeem Khan ballgown to every fancy party I’m invited to every day of the week!  Khan seems to truly understand the female body and is not afraid for his designs to show off some of those curves that we women have been blessed with!

A little bit rock, a little bit sweet, sexy and classic at the same time, Khan’s designs are the most beautiful – and chic – on the runway this season. - Jennifer

Here are some photos from the runway show:

[Show as slideshow]

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By Mercedes Sanchez
We know our readers come in all shapes and colors deriving from cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston,  Washington, D.C. and Miami. So it only made sense for us to attend the Love Your Size Bloggers Brunch during Full Figured Fashion Week.

Style expert and TV personality Jorge Ramon hosted the Kmart LSY Summer preview. There was plenty of oohing and ahhing as the models came out in rompers, maxi dresses, jumpsuits and printed dresses — and with good reason! LSY’s line is full of modern and young styles with prices ranging from $14.99- $34.99! They come in sizes 1X to 3X and 18W to 26W.

If you like winter clothes, Jorge Ramon says you’re going to love their fall collection!

Take a look at some of the looks on the photos below. Available now.

[Show as slideshow]

Liked my outfit? See how I wore it with this Marc Jacobs bag here.

By Delaila

Models aren’t the only ones hitting Lincoln Center this week. Fashion and beauty bloggers gathered for a roundtable event with Pantene’s Celebrity Stylist Danilo and designers Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs of Cushnie et Ochs.

The three recently collaborated backstage for Cushnie et Och’s fashion show where Danilo was the key hairstylist.

On the models, Danilo added flair to the classic bun with feathers for an automatic bold statement.

For their Fall 2011 show, Michelle and Carly say their pieces were inspired by the Native American culture with a modern touch.

The duo has come a long way from The Parsons New School of Design where they met their junior year. Today, their collections are available at stores like Bergdorf Goodman.

THE CLASSIC PONYTAIL

First rule: Models must have an unwashed scalp.

Leave-in conditioner helps fortify and strengthen hair. Don’t wash or style your hair as you normally would.

Danilo’s ultimate pet-peeve is unruly hair, and says he is obsessed with a perfectly well- combed ponytail. Refrain from elastics which tear hair and opt for a hair tie that wraps around the ponytail instead.

Overall, “It’s all about healthy hair, and great hair is an education,” says Danilo. “What you put in your body reflects in your skin and hair.”

See photos from fashion show & roundtable:

[Show as slideshow]

By Mercedes Sanchez

Actress Dania Ramirez in Catherine Malandrino

To say I enjoyed last night’s Heart Truth‘s Red Dress fashion show is an understatement.  At the tents in Lincoln Center, it was more like a celebration of life as top celebrities rocked the runway in designer dresses to increase awareness of heart disease- the #1 killer in American women. (Catch our backstage & red carpet coverage on BeChicTV here).

“Women can control their risk factors by becoming aware of what the risks are, and they need to make some modest changes in their everyday activity,” says Dr. Susan B. Shurin of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. “The Red Dress fashion show is a way for the fashion industry and celebrities to help people take charge of their health.”

BACKSTAGE & RED CARPET
Before the show – which included a surprise performance by Natasha Bedingfield with a live guitarist- I caught up with Suzanne Somers, Dania Ramirez and Audrina Patridge in hair  & makeup. On the red carpet, we spoke with The Biggest Loser’s Alison Sweeney, professional boxer & fitness expert Laila Ali and a few other A-listers.

FAVORITES
While Dania (pictured above) may have had the best biceps, Giuliana Rancic and Taraji P. Henson brought the room to life with their catwalk and music choice. Favorite dress? Camila Alves’ (Matthew McConaughey‘s  girlfriend) super sultry Kaufman Franco frock and Audrina’s shimmery Badgley Mischka gown are my personal faves.

Watch our exclusive backstage & red carpet coverage on BeChicTV, or on the video below, plus a slideshow of the celebrity models at the end of the post. Tell us which dress is your favorite.

SLIDESHOW

So which one is your favorite? - Mercedes