New York Fashion Week Spring 2012-Milly by Michelle Smith

Nakima Benjamin is a New York based fashion stylist and creative consultant. She has a knack for describing the look and feel of the slinky clothes that saunter down the runway. Ms. Benjamin was on hand at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week and lent me her expert eye while attending several fab. shows. Check out Nakima's reviews on Rachel Roy's Spring 2012 collection! 

MILLY BY MICHELLE SMITH

If Michelle Smith had a muse it'd most certainly by Blair Waldorf of Gossip Girl.  Milly has always catered to the Upper East Side set, and this season was no different.  The looks showed included a mid-length 3/4 sleeve coat in a vibrant blue, wide leg pants in an orangey-red hue, and flouncy skirts and dresses with knife pleat details.  Although the clothes were simple (read:  clean lines and unfussy silhouettes), the punchy colors, the mix of textures and patterns, and the use of layering kept the looks modern and prevented them from falling into yaaawn preppy territory.  This leads me to another noticeable feature of the show...the INCREDIBLE styling.  In addition to the well-done use of layering and texture mixing, the accessories complemented each look perfectly.  Silk neck scarves, handbags in leather or ladylike tweed, retro-looking sunglasses in an assortment of colors, statement necklaces, and custom made Manolo Blahnik shoes were utilized.  These details -- right down to the bubble gum pink lipstick adorning each model's perfect pout -- elevated the clothes to a higher level.  No doubt, Milly will continue to draw approval from Blair and other gossip girls.  XOXO





All photos from New York Magazine