It seems that fashion week comes and goes with the blink of a very pretty eye. It never fails to be chaotic, exciting and – even in the midst of everyone’s utter exhaustion – inspiring and rejuvenating. The New York collections for Spring 2013 were totally up my style alley: feminine and sophisticated but with an undeniable edge. This time, picking a favorite was easy. Jason Wu. No question. Remember when we used to buy CDs, and every once in while you’d come across an album where each track was so well done that you’d never have to skip one? Jason Wu accomplished an identical phenomenon in fashion form. Not only did his show incorporate lots of harnesses, but the silhouettes are fun, flirty and flattering with their nipped waists and playful skirts and shorts.

There are a few themes among my favorite looks: long dresses, white dresses, white + black dresses, leather and harness touches and playful spins on the cocktail frock. I’ve categorized them as such for your viewing pleasure – I hope you enjoy as much as I do!

{Grace, Glitz and Glamour: I’d happily get married in any of these beautiful floor length gowns. I love the ease and apparent simplicity of each, but what really draws me is the impeccable cut and construction. In reality that’s not at all simple, but when it’s well done it allows the woman wearing the dress to shine. Goddess alert.}

Carlos Miele

Christian Sirano (how gorgeous and statement-making is this slingback)?

ERIN by Erin Featherston

Carolina Herrera

Monique Lhullier

Oscar de la Renta

Marchesa

Zac Posen

Badgley Mischka

Badgley Mischka

DKNY

Jason Wu

{Bond Girl: With lots of leather, strappy dresses and harnesses, the Bond Girl is a badass who knows she looks good. She’s undoubtedly femme but has a mysterious rough edge that keep her admirers intrigued. This spring, it’s less “goth” and more polished.}

Alexander Wang (notice the strappy shoes)

BCBG Max Azria

DKNY

Jeremy Laing

Jason Wu

Jason Wu

Jason Wu

{City Sophisticate: She’s a career girl about town who makes everything seem effortless when in fact, she pours exhausting thought and painstaking attention to detail into everything she does. Her look mirrors this concept: seemingly effortless elegance that takes a great eye to achieve.}

Calvin Klein

Donna Karan

Carmen Marc Volvo

Carmen Marc Volvo

ERIN by Erin Featherston

DKNY

All runway images are courtesy of The Cut.