Tory Burch's Fall/Winter 2012 runway screamed Charlotte from "Sex and the City." She was everyone's favorite conservative, who managed to stay ahead of the fashion curve with sartorial sets that mixed Madison Avenue and Meatpacking. Burch didn't shy away from mixing prints, tweed, or plaid, and produced 42 looks that are modern and mature simultaneously. Camel and black knee-length dresses transformed into metallic coats, boldly embellished cropped tops, and laminated skirt suits. Bottom line: Park Ave. knows how to party.

Give us fantasy. Give us fanciful. Give us Badgley Mischka Fall/Winter 2012. The duo's runway started off in full-on alluring gown with a gorgeous beaded gown with embellished shoulders. Luxe looks reigned as the collection contained plenty of metallics, glosses, and laminates to elevate the wow-factor of the dressy designs. The color palette remained subtle — ash grays, bronzes, blues and, of course, black — but the exciting blend of elegant textures and ornate details lent to romantic wardrobe standouts. Lesson learned: tone down the crazy colors because beading, sequins, feathers and fur are sometimes all you need.

The print mixing trend of the season continued at J. Crew. The lifestyle brand known for giving its customers high style at reasonable price points fused splendor and simplicity for its second Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week showing. The presentation included striped sweaters worn over pants with a cutesy bow print, layered horizontal stripes worn over plaid, feminine maxi skirts paired with masculine patterned blazers, and preppy cardigans accented by poppy neon clutches. On the men's side, cuffed pants and slim fits were popular, with colors and patterns that were more subdued than those of their female counterparts.