What: Nanette Lepore Runway Show, Promenade, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09

The Lowdown: Take note—this collection is how you do neutrals and subdued colors without a hint of boredom. Nanette Lepore has skipped the whole black-for-Spring trend, and gone with khakis, creams, and browns, punctuated by some gorgeous turquoise, pale green, and clear sharp red. It’s the cut and detail that makes this collection special—with lots of sheen, some cascading ruffles, sophisticated floral prints, thin stripes, and interesting shapes. We suspect after a long dreary winter, these are the kind of things we’ll want to slip into at the first sign of Spring . . .

Budget Solution: Something you could find right now? Neutral pieces with that satiny sheen we love—like this City Style Satin Tie Front Blouse on sale now at New York & Company. And there was an accessory or two in this collection that you might want to consider—big chucky necklaces, like this Double Strand Necklace at JCPenney, which echoes the Lepore’s chosen hues . . .

image courtesy of Style.com