Favorite shows: I loved Oscar de la Renta's bold ethnic prints and incredible saturated colors for evening. Zac Posen was really amazing. We liked the evolution we saw at Rodarte, their artisan hand. Anne Klein had these incredible hand-painted crinkled silk dresses, which are a signature of [designer Toledo's] personal wardrobe.

What's new?: Metallics have been so prominent and it was nice to see shine interpreted in a new way with all the charmeuse.

Marc meter: I'd never miss the Marc Jacobs show. A Marc show is always worth the wait. When we arrived we were told it was running late, so we left for a little while. It was late. It was late.

Lavelle Olexa, senior vice president of advertising, sales promotion and public relations at Lord & Taylor

Rate the week: The color palette in general was quite beautiful, particularly the pale and sand colorations and neutrals. We've had plenty of brights in the past, so this was a fresh and pretty approach.

What's new?: We also thought there was a much more polished look to fashion overall, which will be very good for our customers, and a lot of waist emphasis, which is great for accessories. The number-one accessory for spring should be the belt.

Other key trends: Wide-leg pants, pencil skirts, longer lengths with high heels, platforms and slingbacks, trenches and short-sleeve jackets with belts.

Favorite shows: Donna Karan's full-skirted short dresses and halter looks; Charles Nolan's ladylike toppers, jackets and wide-leg pants; Calvin Klein's color palette, and Carmen Marc Valvo's strong, feminine touch with all those ruffles.

Ann Watson, vice president and fashion director of Henri Bendel

Rate the week: We loved the return to the body and sublime sexiness with layered, sheer, diaphanous fabrics like chiffons and organzas. It's feminine without being girly. Prints seemed to get stronger and bolder. Diane von Furstenberg certainly did that best. Also, Phi, Michael Kors and Elise Overland. There's a continuation of polished looks. Designers have embraced a more accessorized look.