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Bobbie’s Fashion Week Buzz: From the catwalk to the sidewalk ...

Style.com
Belts are back at Vera Wang.
TODAY show photo features
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  Style takes the stage at fashion week
Designers showcase their fall and winter collections at the start of New York Fashion Week
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  Little black dress
With its fashion debut in the 1920s, the classic frock has become a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe.
Model Selita Ebanks walks the runway at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2007 in Hollywood
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  Victoria’s Secret fashion
Adriana Lima to Heidi Klum sprouted wings and other colorful, sexy costumes during the annual holiday lingerie show.
Jenni Kayne Fall 2007 - Front Row
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  Stars with style
The Olsen twins, original Fergie and the Trumps among celebs taking in Fashion Week from the front row.

TODAY style editor Bobbie Thomas reports all week long from the 2007 fall collections in Bryant Park.

Feb. 9, 2007 | 4:47 pm

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Color check
Against the basic backdrop of neutrals with white and silver shining brightly, pops of color stood out on the catwalk. If designers did choose to use color, they did not hold back, adding primary colors to their collections. Bursts of canary yellow, emerald green, regal purple and more appeared on the runways of Marc Jacobs, DKNY and Matthew Williamson.

stardoll.com
Now if only my real headshot was that airbrushed ... oh wait, it is!

Playing dress up

The folks at stardoll.com decided to have some fun with some of us Fashion Week reporters. Check out their Web site and help me try out a few of their fashions. Roller skates, anyone?

Feb. 8, 2007 | 12:20 pm

Bringing ‘SexyBack’
After hitting the shows all day and then working on a special assignment last night (I took one for the team, ladies! Tune into TODAY on Feb. 14 for more ...), I needed a break! So, I cabbed it over to Madison Square Garden to catch Justin Timberlake perform. The crowd (which included Gwyneth Paltrow and Donald and Melania Trump) went wild for his reenactment of the now-infamous SNL “special box” skit, complete with cast member Adam Samberg and classic Color Me Badd attire ... proving that some 80s trends should not be revived!

It's a cinch
Every designer — from Michael Kors to Alexander McQueen — featured belts as a major item in their collections. Whether you buckle up over a cardigan, dress or coat, it's definitely the must-have accessory of the fall season, and the most inexpensive way to change the look of any outfit.

Feb. 7, 2007 | 7:54 pm

Red carpet ready
As Oscar time rolls around, starlets will be clamoring for gowns by Marchesa, a critically-acclaimed line from designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig. (It's named after their muse, European socialite Marchesa Casati.) Fashion “it” girls J. Lo and Sienna Miller donned dresses from the British pair at this year's Golden Globes. This week, their fall collection featured even more awards show-worthy frocks, including an attention-grabbing white tux.

White on
Forget that old saying — you can wear white after Labor Day! White accessories were everywhere ... particularly shoes and gloves, as seen at the Betsey Johnson show.

Feb. 7, 2007 | 12:02 pm

NY: MARC JACOBS FASHION SHOW
McMullan Co. / Sipa Press
Shalom Harlow hits the catwalk at the Marc Jacobs Fall 2007 Collection.

A more mature Marc
The man everyone wants to see during Fashion Week, Marc Jacobs, proved once again that he is the quintessential trendsetter, and had all the fashionistas buzzing. For spring 2007, the celeb-favorite designer presented lots of voluminous silhouettes. But for fall, his collection was clean, sleek and polished, with tailored, ladylike pieces. Models sported menswear-style vests, 20s-inspired hats and structured bags.

Feb. 6, 2007 | 8:05 pm

The man, the myth, the legend
Andre Leon Talley, legendary confidante to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, did not disappoint at the Oscar show Monday. Known for his grand style and large stature, he dazzled in a bejeweled jacket straight from the Baby Phat runway — or rather a recreation specially made for him! Kimora Lee, director of Baby Phat, described it as a total “‘Devil Wears Prada’ moment,” when Talley requested the coat, which had just debuted in her show Friday night.

Bebeto Matthews / AP
Legs dazzled at the Carolina Herrera show.

Rhinestone cowboy
Of course, Andre epitomized the theme of Fashion Week — sparkle and shine. Jewels, gems and sequins shone brightly in many of the collections so far ... like Baby Phat, Marchesa and Carolina Herrera, where stockings were perfectly adorned. Even the Moet & Chandon champagne bottles were decked out, with the designers' names set in glittering stones.

Turn up the volume
Love it or hate it, voluminous dresses remain a big (literally) trend in '07 ... as seen at Max Azria and Doo. Ri. Not a fan of the billowy look? Reign it in with a belt (another huge trend from the shows) for an hourglass figure. Also, try layering with lighter weight fabrics like jersey and chiffon to create volume without bulk, suggested Doo. Ri, a master of draping. And keep it short! Pair a fuller mini with opaque tights and platform shoes of the same color to exaggerate the leg. You need every extra inch!

Dima Gavrysh / AP
Designer Betsey Johnson holds her granddaughter Layla backstage.

Hot mama ... err, grandma
It's always a party at the Betsey Johnson show! This year, the fun, funky designer presented a more toned-down, polished collection, a departure from the bright blue eyeshadowed and red lipped models of the past. But she didn't stray too far from her signature campy style — models strutted the runway in short shorts under fur coats and French maids with feather dusters opened the show. And of course, the hip grandmother closed with her famous cartwheel!

Hawkeye
Renowned hair stylist Orlando Pita created this masculine look for the Doo. Ri runway — a cross between a mohawk and curly updo. He stressed treating hair as an accessory — if your outfit is more feminine (such as those at Doo. Ri), try a more sleek, pulled-back style and vice versa .... Could this be my coif for the Oscars? Stay tuned ...
Models display an outfit from the the Do
Timothy A. Clary / AFP - Getty Images
Models sported a curly "fauxhawk" look at the Doo. Ri fashion show.

Quote of the day
L.A. designer Max Azria, who featured lots of pleating in his collection, offered the best style advice: “Be cool. Smile.”

More to come on Marc Jacobs, Marchesa and winter whites ...

Feb. 5, 2007 | 4:45 pm
A model presents an outfit from the Oscar De La Renta fall collection during New York Fashion Week
Lucas Jackson / Reuters
A model sports a furry cap from the Oscar de la Renta fall collection.

Elmer Fudd: Fashion icon?
As the bitter winter weather hit New York, lots of fashion editors stayed toasty in Bryant Park with fur trapper hats, ala Dr. Zhivago. But the trend wasn’t just in the crowd ... fur was abundant on the runways. With fuzzy hats to vests to boots, models sported the look from head to toe at Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, and Luca Luca to name just a few .... “Women have never been in more control of their destiny,” said de la Renta of his female-friendly collection.

Even the PETA-sponsored Marc Bouwer show featured fur — faux, of course! The socially-conscious designer believes that the latest technology allows you to achieve the same look and style, without harming any animals.

Why knot?
At the Oscar de la Renta and Luca Luca shows, the fur was flying and so was the fake hair! Stylists frantically clipped in extensions to add length, volume, and texture. The models' coifs included fashion-forward updos and Zulu knots that were polished, but edgy, while extreme ponytails were swinging on the Sass + Bide runway.

A model wears creation from Luca Luca during New York Fashion Week
Keith Bedford / Reuters
A dramatic eye at the Luca Luca 2007 fall collection.

Glam star
Be prepared to channel your inner David Bowie! Tom Pecheux, make-up artist for Luca Luca, created an ultra-glam glittery eye for the runway show. But if you want to be sexy instead of scary, avoid color and dust some shimmer over a neutral or black lid. Don’t worry if a little sparkle falls to your cheeks, it’s great way to highlight your features. “I love it. It’s totally me,” said Carmen Electra of the dramatic make-up look.

Shine on
Get ready to rock this fall! Metallics proved to be a major trend on the runways today. From gold lamé to brocade, shimmery fabrics are back in a big way. Think Olivia Newton-John, circa 1982. Luca Luca, Tracey Reese, and Miss Sixty (and everyone else!) presented lots of looks in gold, silver, and pewter, including shiny hosiery. Carolina Herrera even sent bejeweled stockings down her catwalk. And the must-have item of the season still remains black opaque tights, but updated with some shine — as seen at Douglas Hannant, Oscar de la Renta, Luca Luca.

A model wears creation from Luca Luca during New York Fashion Week
Keith Bedford / Reuters
Metallic ruled at the Luca Luca show.

Names to know

Rag & Bone: This British duo is a favorite among A-list girls like Cameron Diaz and Sienna Miller. Their cutting-edge, menswear-inspired looks are a throw back to 1960s England. Think gritty newsboy, with lots of belted cardigans and caps. Check your local thrift stores now for similar pieces .... Alice Ritter: The French-born designer describes her clothes as “feminine, romantic and bold.” Her 2007 fall collection featured eyewear, a trend among such big names as Chanel and Bulgari as well.

Buzz bits  
Luxe velvet evening gowns were seen at Oscar de la Renta and Marc Bouwer .... Caps were everywhere, from berets to tophats. Still in style: waist-cinching belts (over everything from cardigans to evening gowns) , cropped jackets, volumnious dresses as seen at BCBG Max Azria and the slim pant ... also, red lips (ala Christina Aguilera) remain strong in '07.