Do you miss me? I’m still in New York and it’s been busy–running from Bryant Park to Chelsea to Fifth Avenue and back for runway shows and presentations, while trying to remember to eat and squeeze in a little shopping, too. But I’ve got a few hours before my final four shows tonight (Chocheng, Max Azria, Tibi, and Narciso Rodriguez) so I can tell you what I’ve been up to.

Sunday afternoon I saw two collections that should have been very different–Herve Leger by Max Azria and Akiko Ogawa–but were actually quite similar. First, the always-packed Herve Leger show was filled with starlets (Sophia Bush, Lucy Liu, January Jones, Joy Bryant) wearing the iconic bandage dresses, while hundreds packed the crowded Promenade runway, cramming in every available space to get a glimpse of the dresses that are only fit for a runway model’s body. I like Herve Leger, don’t get me wrong–the dresses are sexy and luxurious, and if you have the right body, the bandage dress is the ideal party dress. But the collections are always very similar–bandage dresses and skirts with new embellishments. This season, the embellishments took a rocker turn with strong shoulders, zippers, and even fringe.

Herve Leger Look #2
This wearable dress has strong shoulders and a menswear look.

Herve Leger Look #7
This green dress was stunning in person, and I think zip-up dresses will be big this fall.

Herve Leger Look #28
And if you can’t work the bandage dress, then this fringe dress is an equally chic alternative!

Following Herve Leger, I saw Akiko Ogawa’s collection. Last year, I thought the Japanese designer’s collection was feminine and beautiful. This year, the collection was more masculine, with the same structured shoulders and rocker-chic looks as Herve Leger.

Akiko Ogawa Look #4

Akiko Ogawa Look #6

Shopping Tip: Look for blazers with structured shoulders and skinny black pants and leggings while shopping the winter sales to get this look for next year!

Photos from Style.com and WWD, because my camera and angle were not quite as good!