Elyssa Goodman

Backstage at any fashion show, there are insane amounts of people running around making sure everything that needs to get done is actually finished (which it never is until the last minute because that's just how we roll). Any one of these people could be the designer, but what was interesting about the Rebecca Minkoff show is that, upon seeing the clothes, you could totally pick her out of a lineup. Like many designers, it's clear that Minkoff designs clothes that she herself would want to wear. Hair falling gently on her shoulders, she wears a sharp black blazer, top, and pants, metallic cuff bracelets, and woven black and white leather shoes of her own design. She is the epitome of her own designs: effortless, laissez-faire chic that's simultaneously present and future. 

It's interesting to note that Minkoff's Fall/Winter 2013 collection was also inspired by the future, "marrying modern, spacesuit-like construction details and a new, sophisticated grunge attitude," according to the collection notes. Slouchy, brightly (but not too brightly) patterned pants were coupled with sharp leather jackets and bright metallic accessories (like glimmering emerald heels and purses), a highly-structured top with balloon-like shoulders and slim arms was paired with black tech faille pants. Every so often an outer space-like reminder would emerge, like a dress in a blue and green nebular print, or a green houndstooth layered with bright coral red known as the "Mars houndstooth." A favorite look was a simple white "Space" t-shirt worn with navy shadow stripe pants and a black striped blazer, bringing uber-chic and simplicity together in an act of pure cleverness and cheek. 

In addition, the runway show was accompanied by live music from the excellent band Wild Cub. If you dig on what Paste magazine calls "infectious, intricate electro-pop" with lush, deep vocals and a catchy backbeat, check them out here. 

It can't be easy to be the very first show at Fashion Week. It can't be easy to create a forward-thinking, unique, and elegant collection, but somehow, yet again, BCBGMAXAZRIA has done it. The Fall/Winter 2013 collection, inspired by Turkish architecture and southern European Gypsies, was a luscious gathering of leathers, furs, and cashmeres that were all 100% innovative and wearable. Perhaps leather sweatpants were not on the top of your list for fall attire before, but maybe they should be! The collection also forecasts the return of the deliciously slouchy pant and oversized coat. Not to mention the new style addition of long silk tunics with sky-high slits, perfect for showing off some peekaboo skin next to oh-so-sexy thigh-high boots. Makeup and hair were simple and non-ostentatious, inspired by a tousled Kate Moss and a nod to grunge (especially since cashmere beanies flopped in a wonderfully lazy way atop each model's head). Burgundy, cream, ivory, navy, and black were the heartbeat of the collection, and made this editor in particular wish it was fall all over again. The detailing in each piece--be it in a swirling pattern of contrasting furs in a long vest, purposeful yet elegant cutouts in a burgundy leather trapeze top and A-line skirt, or even black leather sequins on a tulle tank--sent the collection soaring high, setting the bar for the shows to follow. This time of year is always frustrating because you could easily buy it all and wear it now! But you can't, and you have to wait until next fashion week to bust out your gorgeous BCBG Fall/Winter '13 goodies.

Take a look here for some snaps behind the scenes at the BCBG offices and in the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week tent before the BCBG show.

Don't you wish there was a way all those fabulous clothes from our Her Campus Style articles could be all grouped together? Don't you wish there was a Her Campus Store where you could go and access collegiette chic any time, day or night?

Now you can!

We're very excited to announce the grand opening of our Her Campus StyleOwner store, which you can access at hercampus.styleowner.com. So, if there's an article chock full of some of your favorite fashion finds, you'll be able to find many of them in our store! Take Jamie Blynn's article "6 Items Every Collegiette Needs to Have in Her Wardrobe": there are items in that article that have direct links to our store so you can look no further--like these cute Hunter boots and delicious Adriano Goldschmied skinnies!

But you don't have to just follow the links--feel free to visit the store on your own, too! Everything in the store is personally curated by us at Her Campus, so you can see our favorites on the first page, as well as recommendations for cute looks, and fabulous items in all categories, from beauty and blouses to dresses and gifts. So check out the store today and start shopping: it's so much better than doing those problem sets...

When one thinks of contemporary sportswear, there are quite a few names that come to mind. But one, more than most, calls to mind the exotic color palette and refined sensibilities that simultaneously sustain and modernize classic shapes. That name is Elie Tahari, the Israeli-born designer known for his chic additions to the wardrobe of the gal-about-town. In his Spring/Summer 2012 collection, Tahari explored bolder colors like peacock blues, pinky corals and even lime greens, capitalizing on the recent trend in brighter colors without being overwhelmed by it. His collection showed the return of the shift dress for 2013, as well as the slim cropped pant and even an anorak and zip-up or two. A favorite piece included a short, baby pink belted raincoat and a slouchy royal blue top complemented by an aqua collar. For pictures, check out the great snaps by New York magazine.

The beauty for the Tahari show mirrored the classic ease of the collection. Designed by Romy Soleimani, Beauty Director for Beauty.com, the collection featured a softly darkened eye, lightly flushed cheek, and a pinch of a pink lip. Using cosmetics by Jane Iredale, Soleimani created a look easily duplicated by any collegiette using a simple kohl smudge, blush stick, and bronzer (see pictures below). Hair, by Esther Langham, featured lush, soft waves for a look of simple, sexy elegance. Have a look at the photos below, all by moi.