2009 Spring LA Fashion Week

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 want to be friends — no, best friends — with Crispin & Basilio designer Donny Barrios. I want his entire Spring '09 collection! It's effortless, feminine, and incorporates the sheer trend with utter perfection. The color palette is another reason this line has me sprung. It has just enough color (orange, teal) and just enough neutrals to balance it out. Flowy sheer blouses are girlie but they're tempered by voluminous shorts. Cropped jackets provide ease to dressy silk gowns. Long vests balance metallic mini skirts. Next Spring is going to be much happier thanks to this collection. Donny, if you're reading this, call me.

To see the rest of Crispin & Basilio's Spring line, 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

• Fashion Week underway in LA — Racked
• Protest thwarts Project Runway taping in LA — The Cut
• Marni blue Alpaca fur — Bag Snob
• Star style: Celebs get into rock 'n' roll spirit at Diesel's xXx — Catwalk Queen
• Alice McCall for Topshop — Coutorture
• Elettra Wiedemann's newest campaign — Fashionista
• Starlets look boldly awful at Hollywood Life Style Awards — Jezebel
• Shoe in — Lucky Blog
• Jimmy Choo Savannah pouch bag — Purse Blog
• Chic on the cheap: Our favorite luxe-for-less collections — lemondrop
• CosmosGirl closes up shop — Stylelist
• The inter-views of fashion: Lara Stone — Fashion Indie

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

The past few weeks have been filled with Fashion Weeks galore, and on Thursday night Maggie helped get things started in LA, hosting the SoyJoy's Fashionably Natural show. The runways showcased designs made with organic materials like bamboo and soy, and Maggie talked a little about how she tries to keep Ramona dressed in eco-friendly ensembles. While news of Maggie and Jake's parents' supposed split hit the media this week, we're glad that Maggie still has a smile on her face and great things to say about her family.

To see more photos including Jason Wahler and Vanessa Branch, just read more

American Express card members, listen up: your card is making an appearance at LA Fashion Week and granting you major access. Visit AmericanExpress.com to buy packages that offer seats to the Spring '09 designer collections, free makeup consultations with Smashbox Cosmetics, access to insider-only benefits, styling tips from Judith Ripka jewelry, and more. Mind you, Lauren Conrad's show on Oct. 14 is still available . . .

The best part is the credit card company adds proceeds from the event package sales to the $500,000 American Express donation to the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund.