On the Scene at Fashion Week: Feathers, Fur and High Drama

There's certainly no need to worry about a drab winter when it comes to fashion. All the trends on the runway are sure to guarantee spectacular style come the end of the year from the red carpet to the streets.

Jenny Packham started off my morning with a preview of what's to come for celebs at chic events. Emmy Rossum watched from the front row as one flowing beaded masterpiece after another came down the runway. For more edgy girls, the British designer added sheer, embellished leggings to the mix with Studio 54-style draped tunics. And, unlike most shows this season, minis were thrown into the mix. Hey, young Hollywood does need to show off those stems they work so hard to get in shape!

Over at Carolina Herrera, the oohs and ahhs came from the designer's elegant folds, rich furs and vivid color combos: a turquoise and amethyst feather print gown particularly caught my eye.

The brights continued over at Carlos Miele, where designer Brazilian designer traded his zippers from spring for braided details. The models' braided ponytails mimicked the macramé detailing on gowns. Like Herrera, Miele used velvet belts to cinch the waists of jumpsuits, flowy skirts and pajama pants. While the capes were a little OTT, the mixture of prints and color was spectacular.

Monique Lhuillier, meanwhile, took a darker, sexier approach to fall. The show opened with seductive black lace dresses, cigarette pants and suiting. Cheetah got thrown into the mix, in elegant chiffon, feathers took flight in rich reds and ombre hues and velvet belts were used to create shape to knits. But the real treat were the gowns, each more breathtaking than the next. It was all about epic proportions from the intricate petals on a deep crimson ball gown to dramatic folds on the off-the-shoulder looks.

Pamella Roland (shown here) continued the statement-making later in the day with a Far East-inspired collection of sequins, feathers, fur on everything from collars to muffs and a breathtaking hand-painted coat. The gowns felt like a preview to what celebs like Hilary Swank, Carrie Underwood and Halle Berry will be wearing to a movie premiere or award show in the near future.

For more street style, I checked out Callula Lillibelle's presentation, where clothes were designed to take a woman from the desk to dinner. Updated pinstriped suits, colorful coats and velvet stood out, as did another one of fall's trends: eyewear. Ladies, throw your contacts away because four eyes chic is in!

Chris Benz's presentation had a more eclectic '70s vibe with plaid, pleating, smoke-printed booties, mustard hues and uber wide leg pants. Pal Susan Sarandon was there as I arrived (if you remember, Benz designed her daughter's Heart Truth Red Dress number to kick off fashion week).

Also into the '70s vibe was Tracy Reese. But instead of cool and retro, the designer catered to her front row following like Gabrielle Union with sexy silhouettes and—like most designers this season—plenty of fur options.

Running on barely any steam after 8 shows, I rushed over to my ninth. And, boy, am I glad I didn't miss this one! Betsey Johnson greeted her Valentine's Day guests with a little hot pink note and treated everyone to the most fun runway of the week. The first act featured the designer's fearless love for fashion with dip-dyed hair spray painted with lace, zebra tights, red floral appliqué, sequins, corset collars and leopard galore. The second act was the real treat where women of all shapes and sizes walked in the designer's affordable duds. And, in true Betsey form, the show ended with her signature cartwheel and rockin' out on the runway with designer pal Patricia Field. A girl couldn't ask for a better Valentine.

Check back all week for daily recaps straight from New York. And follow us on Twitter at @mystyle for live tweeting and pics from the runway and backstage!