Paris Fashion Week is quite possibly my favorite week out of the entire fashion year. I find that the French truly appreciate the basics... a classic trench, a great pair of boots, essentially, the concept of quality over quantity. It stems back even to Coco Chanel herself who had it out to create the perfect LBD, which has come as far as Karl Lagerfeld and the perfect little black jacket. I really admire the women over at Paris Vogue simply because they are always a perfect display of simplicity. They pay great attention to fine details on basic pieces and yet still have the personality to toss in something a bit more avant garde now and again. So far, here are a few of my favorite looks from various shows, I picked a few of the basics with a nice little twist, magique! 

The one word that continued to pop into my head as I went through the shows on day 6 was rich. The colors, textures, materials used…it all screamed wealth. I kept envisioning Lily Van Der Woodsen walking around her chic New York City penthouse with nothing to do but look like a gift from the fashion gods. Of course all of the designers inspiring such a vision are ones whose names alone speak volumes. Deep jewel tones, floor length gowns, leather gloves, fur, fur, fur. I can’t imagine Lily wearing anything else, and if you're a fan of Gossip Girl like me, day 6 brought a nice little reminder of the fashion that was. 

You know what I love? All black ensembles. Who doesn't though, right? Deep down I truly lust after a look that is going to make people wonder if I've got a dragon tattooed on my back, within reason of course. These days, we see that most denim or leather is embellished to the death. On every rack in the city you'll find a studded, spiked, or bejeweled jacket and you will more than likely see it paired with a flannel button up and those ever so popular studded boots. What ever happened to simplicity? So many questions... Day five presented countless opportunities for you to keep that edge without all the fuss. To me, layers speak louder than any trinket sewn onto an item of clothing. If you're even somewhat on the same page as I am, I think day five is right up your alley. Enjoy!

Let’s face it, the majority of the human race just doesn’t understand the concept of fashion week, or fashion in general. A lot of the looks that strut down the runway are hard to connect with and overall just don’t make a lot of sense to the universal public. This is something I’ve realized multiple times as I’ve scrolled through various shows and heard the comments streaming from individuals peering over my shoulder. In my opinion, day four looked to be a bit more relatable for the everyday woman. I saw classic silhouettes, modest hemlines, neutral colors, and basic knits. All of these looks featured below are things I can see my own mother wearing tomorrow. Granted, my mother is the one, who taught me all that I know when it comes to good fashion sense… so she may be an exception. However, I do believe that any woman with the right amount of confidence can pull off just about anything!

Now, the looks I’ve fallen for are a bit more irrelevant to the everyday lady. Looks with a little more oomph tend to lure me in for the win. Beautiful flowing gowns, abstract cuts, funky patterns, velvet, fur! All things that really tend to add that little extra something to an outfit, are what makes it (or breaks it) for me.

Initially upon viewing the shows from the third day I was overwhelmed with choices, my mind was on overdrive and I had no idea how I was going to narrow it down. If someone were to have approached me for an immediate interview I would have responded with something along the lines of this: “Leather… leather for skirts and shirts and coat-dresses. CAPES! I told you capes were happening… Sparkle, baseball hats with chic dresses. Green, oh, so much green!” But then I realize that I’ve got time to compose myself, so that poorly written jumble of thoughts is next to unacceptable. However, I’ll bypass that improper rule simply so you get the full effect of my delight. I think narrowing the cause for my enthusiastic thoughts down to one or two shows would be considered false advertising, solely because the root of my feelings lies within many looks from designers on every end of the spectrum. From the glam rock inspired menswear of Nicole Miller, to the sophisticated men and women at Billy Reid, even the eclectic trip over at Libertine holds a place close to my heart. You might think my sense of style to be a bit too varied based on my choices, but riddle me this, what person ever truly enjoys an individual who is consistently boring with their choice of clothing? Not me my friends, not me.

Something I find that often makes or breaks a show is the venue and the runway itself... While yes, 90% of shows are held in your generic venue on your straight forward black and white runway, the designers that choose to forgo that look are always a bit of a treat to watch. Jason Wu, my friends, was a treat. The runway so perfectly complimented the masculine separates and trenches that segued into the more feminine pieces. Overall the entire "uptown" collection set the tone of the perfect upperclass woman, and it was absolutely beautiful. What girl wouldn't want a closet full of Wu?

On a different note, I remember the exact moment when I heard the name Cushnie et Ochs for the first time. I was working at Fashion Week for the Fall 2011 shows standing at the foot of the runway. The instant those models hit that runway with feathers in their hair looking like gypsy vagabonds, I was obsessed. The designers have been on my radar ever since! This season was no less exciting than that very moment. The cut-outs and unique necklines had me at hello! I have yet to be disappointed by the vision these two women have for their brand, and I'm sure you'll feel the same.

Pardon me while I take a line from a very well known Christmas carol... IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! Fashion week has arrived once again and I am thrilled to be able to share my favorites with you, right here at Ugly, on Pulp Fashion.

With so many shows happening throughout the day, it can be hard to keep up. But when you do, it's easy to spot repeat offenders; also known as trends. Perhaps the most noted trend of the day were the slouchy beanies at BCBG Max Azria and the earlier presentation of Gryphon. I am undoubtedly head over heels for the casual "go-to" looks of Gryphon. Designer Aimee Cho has an incredible knack for making the perfect piece of outerwear, coveted by many a fashionista. 

As for the grungy yet very chic ladies over at BCBG Max Azria... They speak for themselves. I may even go so far to say that it was my favorite show of the day, end of story, case closed. For more of my favorites from day 1 of NYFW, head on over to Pinterest and take a peek! Until tomorrow... STAY UGLY!