I think women only demand 2 things from fashion: to look pretty and look appropriate. Highly paid consultants and some designers may tell you it's much more complicated than that, but I'm going to stick with my theory. Fortunately, Fall 2009 has plenty of looks you will look good in, from pink to work dresses (left). I especially like that some of the newest looks -- like leather -- are trends you can dig out of your closet and update (wear a knee-length leather skirt with a sweater cinched by a wide belt). (Photo Credit: Scott Gries/Getty Images)

From DKNY's fun striped mix and match looks to Yigal Azrouel's amazing leather paillette skirt (Trust me: It sounds weird but the execution is amazing), Fashion Week offers a huge amount of inspiration and new looks that extend beyond the obvious trends. See which looks I liked, then vote on what you think.

Apparently, Marc Jacobs didn't get Karl Lagerfeld's memo about the "new modesty" in fashion. And I'm happy he skipped the gloom and doom and instead flashed back to the big-shouldered, paisley and pink days of the '80s; Marc Jacobs turned out one of his most exuberant collections. Some fans question whether the timing's right for such a fun collection. But there are great pieces you're going to want: ponchos in yummy colors, pink anything (pink looks great on almost everyone and makes you look younger) and paisley print leggings (I must have these). If the whole Flock of Seagulls thing isn't your look, try a piece or two of these incorporated into your existing wardrobe (mix a bright poncho with dark skinny jeans, try a belted zipper sweatshirt over a pencil skirt, etc.) Disclaimer: I really, really, really love Marc Jacobs so maybe I'm not thinking clearly, but I am crazy about this collection. (Photo Credit: Kristian Dowling/Getty Images)

A crafty DIYer is just one Bedazzler away from being a fashion designer, if fall's embellished looks are any indication. Mara Hoffman used oversized studs on everything from black scarves to dresses, Thuy embellished sleeves, Jason Wu dusted bright skirts and Erin Fetherston glitzed up little black dresses (left)

Of course, embellishment is just one of the directions coming down the runway. There's a strong rocker vibe to collections (lots of leather, bomber jackets, skinny pants, print leggings), face-framing details (hoods, oversized cowls and collars) and rich jewel tones (teal, deep gold, burgundy). See which looks made the cut as my favorites, then vote on what you like. (Photo Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

One strategy designers and buyers are using to lure customers back to the stores: special pieces. Forget the basics like the simple little black dress this fall. It's all about exaggerated shapes, embellishment, color and funky mixes (that's a euphemism for grunge, which is raising its plaid head again.)

The best of the special pieces -- like Jason Wu's (left) -- have just enough mix to keep it interesting, without being weird. The worst of the new grunge, looks like a 6-year-old got herself dressed for school (Trust me: I have parental experience here). Diane von Furstenberg's crazy mixes were off the charts quirky (camo, graphic, tweed and boyfriend jacket combined?!) (Photo Credit: Fernanda Cafalt/Getty Images)

Some Fashion Week attendees will do anything to get their picture taken. One guy brought twin chihuahuas in matching tutus to the tents, a mom toted her newborn back and forth through the lobby and one young man donned pleather leggings. Even Jill Zarin (my favorite housewife from "Real Housewives of New York City") and her daughter trolled the tents looking for some media love with no apparent takers. Only the guy with the 2 dogs wrangled a TV interview.

So what was there to love about Valentine's Day in Bryant Park? Lacoste, for starters. The croc label went the smart route and stuck to what it knows: casual wear. In delicious hues of teal or clean winter white, the designer turned out jumpsuits, oversized coats with snaps, hoods and drawstrings on everything imaginable. I especially loved the easy chic of the saturated color, like the teal-on-teal hooded look, left.

Georges Chakra, who has dressed the likes of Tyra Banks, Helen Mirren and Queen Latifah, showed a red-carpet-ready collection of special occasion wear featuring stand-out silver lame dresses. (Photo Credit: Scott Gries/Getty Images)

If you really want to know about Fashion Week, ask a cab driver. Today my driver said Fashion Week was going to be more low-key this year (BTW, if you're a non-New Yorker you need to know that fashion is a major news topic here and everybody knows about Fashion Week). A kinder, gentler Fashion Week? Perhaps. But the reality of the heat-seeking fashion industry is that it still needs celebs and glitz to grab consumer attention.

Inside the tents -- which have a major Barbie display (in place of the usual directional accessories) in trademark bright pink -- it's business as pretty much usual. One thing I have noticed is that some of the fashion show attendees are making do with what they have. One girl wore black tights with gladiator sandals to stretch seasons (I didn't say it was a good idea...), another paired tights with shorts. Of course, there's lots of black, the occasional pop of yellow or fuchsia, and loads of jeans (skinny jeans tucked into tall boots and bell bottoms which look fresh again, and can actually work for more women if you keep the volume under control).

One of the bigger shows today, BCBG, showed lots of great little dresses that had plenty of gathers, ruching and knots to appeal to detail lovers (I loved the ivory drape-neck dress.)(Photo Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)