While most people are kicking their feet up and enjoying the last of summer's warmth, the fashion world is busy running from show to show, blogging, Instagramming and peacocking their street style best. Some of the most awaited shows of the season happened over days 3 and 4, as next spring's trends were further driven into our consciousness (more and more black and white) and new looks continue to surprise and delight show goers and fashion fans.

crop top pun goes here.
That's right. All body conscious girls are invited to roll their eyes and sigh deeply as this warm weather trend shows no signs of dying. Crops of all levels are everywhere, and for those brave enough to don the daring crop top, there are lots of very tasteful options for separates and outfits walking all over runways.

criss cross applesauce.
The good news for those looking to hit the gym before the weather turns warm again is that necklines on dresses and tops are going to be very friendly to you. Feminine and sporty cross strap necklines (or necklines that mimic the shape) are making repeat appearances this season and doing so in thick and thin straps, solids and patterns and all different fabrics. 

ballin'.
Gowns flow down the runway every season, and there are always some show stoppers. Some feminine favorites showed over the weekend, Monique Lhuillier, Rebecca Minkoff, DVF, etc. etc., so in the interest of everyone with that Cinderella fantasy, below are some dreamy head turners from the weekend. Emmy predicting, commence!

K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid).

One of the main things that separates those who stay outside the fashion week tents and those with coveted invitations is a certain level of taste. Street style "peacocks" pile on the layers and accessories in hopes of getting noticed by SLR-toting photogs and editors, while models and celebrities sneak into the tents with a level of sophisticated simplicity. Looks like designers are taking that cue for spring. Though we've seen some notably flowy looks sent down the runway, athletic-cut, body skimming minis are pervasive for next spring, keeping looks streamlined and simple, while still modern and unique. Extra points for the LWD, which has seemed to make its way into nearly every collection so far.
-E

I love when an unassuming item that’s usually the opposite of anything fashionable becomes an "item of the moment" in the industry. Thanks to street style, the masses get to see how fashion people get creative with these seemingly lackluster items. I’ve been seeing some creative, unexpected and even daring combinations using baseball hats around blogs and Pinterest lately. They add a very cool element to anything from an ultrafeminine to menswear-inspired look, and seem to be THE pervasive accessory on fashion week loiterers this season.

All these pictures even prompted me to snatch up one of my own from the men’s department at H&M (the perfect incarnation from J.Crew was sold out). It’s just a plain snapback baseball cap in maroon—simple and neutral enough to throw on with a patterned dress and make it a little less girly, or dress down a nighttime look for day. It’s just a bonus that they’re functional! (See: perfect beach accessory or added shade during walks in the park.) I’m also loving the different takes on the classic, like leather, straw and patterned; they’re understated enough to still be stylish and not tacky, but different enough to get a second look.
-E

black and white isn't going anywhere.

Spring 2013 saw a resurgence in black and white as a trend in a big way. Black and white was all over runways, as were nods to the 60s mod movement. On this first day for spring 2014, designers have shown us that we can keep our black and white items for next spring, but the shapes of next year's warmer months are modern rather than mod, updated silhouettes in the familiar palette.
-E

And we're back. It's spring! Well, it is for the next month in the fashion world. 

I always think it's funny, how the clothes that show in fall (for spring) are fresh, yet we're mentally ready for chunky knits and riding boots. When February comes around, all we want to do is shed our layers in favor of shorts and sandals when next fall's clothes come out. The last thing we want to see are coats, fur and scarves.

Anyway, September is here, and with it comes fall, textbook-sized magazines and a month of fashion's freshest collections for next spring. Social media will be buzzing and blogs will be on overdrive. It's an industry lover's dream, enjoy!
-E