2009 Spring Fashion Week

Sometimes runway looks are really extreme, and don't always translate well into the mainstream — as evidenced by this hits and misses slideshow. Now that it is officially springtime, have you started to think about how you'll amp up your makeup bag, taking looks straight from the fashion shows as inspiration? Buh-bye to the black lip gloss trend that never really made it anyway, and hello brighter, sheerer shades. Whether it's red, fruit punch or soft coral, a wash of color is flattering and fun.

Take Anna Sui's Spring 2009 show in New York, for instance, where the makeup artists used Anna Sui Lipstick in #400 ($22), a sheer red. And over at Charlotte Ronson, pictured left, it was all about a not-too-glossy punchy pink. Check out some more suggestions for the faint bursts of color below:

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When you imagine orange on the face you might cringe a little, thinking of unflattering Oompa-Loompa-like effects. But you might be surprised that orange blush can give a flattering sun-kissed look that's fresh, not gaudy. Seeing that many designers featured the shade during 2009 Spring New York Fashion Week, I predicted that orange blush would be a trend during the upcoming warmer months.

Makeup artists used MAC Pro Color Base in Devilish Orange at Nanette Lepore and Carlos Miele, and I've got some great color suggestions in my widget below. Tip: Use creamy orange lipstick as a blush substitute.

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2008 spawned a tremendous flurry of fabulous Fashion Week shows. Let's see, there were New York Fall and Spring shows, Milan Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, and LA Fashion Week. Oh, and don't forget all of the ravishing Resort and Pre-Fall collections. Some of my faves were Proenza Schouler's Fall line, Alexander Wang's Spring offerings, and Balmain's Spring collection in Paris. All different, all divine. Which were your favorites? Jog your memory, and check out all of our 2008 Fashion Week coverage.

• 2008 Fall New York Fashion Week Coverage
• 2008 Fall Paris Fashion Week Coverage
• 2008 Fall Milan Fashion Week Coverage
• 2008 Fall London Fashion Week Coverage
• 2009 Fall LA Fashion Week Coverage

To see the rest of our Fashion Week coverage, read more

I'm sure it was a raging afterparty because it looks like our Hills heroine put on a successful Lauren Conrad Collection runway show last night. Her Spring lineup was inspired by the beauty of Spring. OK, that's sort of ambiguous — allow me to elaborate. With her usual flirty silhouettes, Lauren upped the fabrics, detailing and prints for Spring. She showed an array of solid jersey dresses, both cocktail and maxi, but there was plenty beside those usual suspects. I quite fancy the artsy floral and beige-and-white chiffon polka-dot prints. One thing about Lauren is she manages to deliver pieces that are both sexy and girlie. Sexy: The white ruched formfitting dress. Girlie: The ladylike separates.

Accessories were also highlighted adding some Spring flair. I've never been a fan of rosettes — worn here as headbands — but I am a fan of geometric bangles. Lauren came out to warm round of applause in the end, the only way from here is up.

To see lots more from the Lauren Conrad Spring collection, read more

Whitley's Kros bohemian babe continues her journey through another LA Fashion Week. This time, striped tunics, easy-wear silk separates, animal prints, and the necessary Spring jumpsuit are falling out of her suitcase. Colors range from ivory to sherbet hues and vivid brights. A couple full-on exotic prints made their way onto loose blouses and skirts. Sheer also made a sexy cameo. The traveling elephant print is adorable and youthful. Layered beaded and gold jewelry adds keen styling and the funky knotted buns atop the models' heads would make Punky Brewster proud. While there are lots of messages in this collection, it is cohesive. This stylish nomad has clearly mastered the art of sophisticated mix matching.

To see more of Whitley Kros's Spring lineup, read more