Spring is almost here, and there should be a song in all of our hearts.  The winter months have been unkind, and should be treated as an uninvited guest who has out-stayed his welcome.

It is cold outside and the darkness of the winter months has done little to improve one’s mood.  The dark colors of the season have only contributed to the feel of the economic crisis. 

Spring is here to rescue us from the dreary dark colors of winter.  The spring 2009 collections are light, optimistic and unconstrained.  The colors are salmon pink, fuchsia, blue and lavender, paired with neutrals, tan, grey, cream or white. 

Rollcall has selected the designers who will lead us out of the deep freeze.   Each is different, but upholds the values of spring 2009.  Please check Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to view the finalists’ collections.  They are:

• A. Calvin Klein
• B. Vivienne Tam
• C. Yeohlee

Ladies, it’s that time of year again.  No, not tax season, it’s swimsuit season.  Okay the season is not quite here yet, but it is slowly approaching.  For some this is welcomed news.  For the rest of us it is as exciting as going to the dentist, but it does not have to be that way. 

It is a New Year, new attitude.  It’s out with the old, ill-fitting suits, negative self-images, and boyfriends that no longer fit nor encourage a healthy self-image.  Let’s do away with all the anxiety of getting into a swimsuit and focus more on finding the right fit for our bodies.

Why don’t we use this time to love and appreciate ourselves rather than torture ourselves?  We should do the things that improve our self-esteem, which would include a healthy lifestyle.  When you feel good, you look good. 

Just picture you throwing off those winter jackets and donning a sexy bikini or one piece.  The swimsuits for summer 2009 are just what the doctor ordered to rid us of our winter blues.  Ralph Lauren’s Blue Label swimsuits come in great colors like red, white, and the yellow is especially hot this summer. 

Seize the day.  Do not be intimidated by your mirror, stop looking at your ‘rear’ view and look ahead. 

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Yesterday I named the three fashion designers who made the Rollcall list.  To recap, the designers are:

• A. Donna Karan
• B. Michael Kors
• C. Jason Wu

Each has their own unique style.   Donna Karan reigns supreme with her incredible draping.  Michael Kors is a Master of the classic All-American look.  Jason Wu, a Prince who makes beautiful gowns fit for a ball.  All three are deserving of the first spot, but only one can win.

The analysis to choose the winner was ‘objectively subjective’, fashion will never be totally objective.  It’s about personal style and preference.

Often times your reaction to a collection comes from an emotional place.  You see it and for a moment your analytical skills are suspended.   Sometimes the most simplistic thoughts come to mind, like ‘pretty’.  It’s like getting a brain freeze upon seeing something beautiful.  Rationality usually returns within moments, but it’s often touch-and-go for a while.  The first few looks set the tone.

The Showdown contenders turned out to be the veterans, Donna Karan and Michael Kors.   It may not be so easy to remove the well-established designers from the throne.  Please view the fall 2009 collections at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

The winner is:

Donna Karan.  The intricacies of her cut, draping and sculpted shapes were that of an artist, that gave her the edge and the win.  Congratulations!

Bryant Park will be less crowded and slightly less stylish after today.  The glitz and glamour is leaving, but now the hard work begins. 

New collections are being conceived, numerous pieces are being requested and orders are being placed.  Every time a cash register rings a sales manager gets his wings. 

There were plenty of dark colors to go around, and if given the chance, I would vote them off the island.  The bright colors sprinkled around reminded of the most vivid colors from the art world.  We experienced vibrant colors, like shocking pinks, brilliant blues and luscious lemony yellows. 

New York Fashion Week showed the strength and resilience of its designers and this industry.  Fashion Week is not just about the craft, it is about commerce.  Beautiful pieces are created to be appreciated and sold. 

What is that I hear?  Fashion Week adding to New York City’s bottom-line and to the walking closet of countless women around the world.

Is this thing on?  Okay.

I must issue a call to action to the style mavens who congregated for New York Fashion Week.  Your fashion know-how is needed.

Today, Fashion Rollcall’s mission was to select the top three fashion designers from New York Fashion Week who made its Rollcall list.  Each exemplifies the American Designer at its finest.  From this list, two competitors will move on to Showdown where only one will emerge the winner.   

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, will be to help select the two who will enter  a  Showdown.  You’ve seen the collections, you’ve praised and recoiled, now it’s time to speak out.  Fashion is a democracy after all.  

The designers who made Rollcall have a common thread, a major use of accessories and/or color on the runway.  The accessories symbolized a strong and confident woman, while the use of color symbolized optimism for the future. 

The Showdown winner will be named tomorrow.  Please view the fall 2009 collections at  Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

The candidates are:

A.  Donna Karan                               

B.  Michael Kors                               

C.  Jason Wu

The belt has returned to the runway for fall 2009 and not a moment too soon.  That’s exciting news.  It may be the most under-rated accessory.  Everyone celebrates the ‘It Bag’ and must have shoes, and rightly so, but there is no such adoration for the belt. Why not?

The belt cinches the waist, creates a silhouette, improves your posture and can bring out your inner model.  Oh, if you ask nicely, it might pick up your dry cleaning. Okay it doesn’t have super powers, but close.

It often plays a supporting role to the bag and shoes, but it is a star in its own right.  The belt is fun to wear and comes in great textures, buckle shapes, widths and colors.

Several of the designers for fall 2009 have incorporated the belt into their shows, but Donna Karan and Marc by Marc Jacobs made the belt a lead.  All the belts on the runway were a feast for the eyes.  

Donna Karan used small to medium width belts with texture over finer, more luxurious fabrics.  While Marc by Marc Jacobs used wide width belts over coats and chunky sweaters.  Both shows were a sight to behold. 

The next time you place a belt around your waist, take notice of the way you start to look and feel.  The belt can transform your outfit and confidence instantly.

So what have we learned today?  The belt is not just an accessory, it is a therapist.