Day One Of New York Fashion Week

Spring 2012 is all about colorblocking, and by the looks of some of the beginning shows of Fall 2012, next season will be as well. Almost every look at BCBG Max Azria involved an element of colorblock, and even the wide stripes at Richard Chai love seemed large enough to lump them in. Personally, I love colorblock and think it's a great way to involve pattern in your wardrobe without being overwhelmed. So go ahead and invest in a bold colorblock dress or top for spring. You'll be wearing it for months.

Another trend that looks like it has legs is the ankle strap shoe. I cannot be alone in swooning over the two-tone suede pumps with thin straps at Costello Tagliapietra. They accompanied the duo's perfectly draped dresses in luscious autumnal shades of rust, silver blues and the early standout hue maroon.

Prints are making a strong, but less intense than Spring's whirling kaleidoscopic ones. The bouquets of deep red roses at Richard Chai Love felt strong and romantic, while Cynthia Rowley went geometric for her show openers.

One off-the-runway trend that's an easy one to duplicate at home - there were a lot of printed and bright jeans at the Tents today, often paired with pointy pumps or tough wedge boots. Either way, they looked sleek, chic and practical for the up and down temperatures of late winter/early spring.

Onto Day Two...