Ah, Fashion Week. A seven day event where Fashionistas, brands, editors, designers, models, photographers, and bloggers all descend upon New York for a semi-annual gathering to cast our eyes on the latest, newest, and most anticipated collections for the season to come. 

And I was there.

In the high 20's to 30's, in February, in New York, this California girl trekked across the country to experience New York Fashion Week from a NEW perspective: LIVE and in person. Trying to dress strategically warm and fashionable proved to be a feat in itself- but I think I did okay!

While I did not don a fur (faux or real- which seemed to run rampant as it was very much needed), I quickly learned how to layer- and well!

For plus size women, fashion week does not always present direct opportunities for runway to real way options- however, it presents INSPIRATIONS, trends, and insights that directly translate to the plus size fashion community!  On the streets, behind the scenes, and on the runway are all places where inspirations ran rampant for me- but mostly the action behind and in front of the stage was where the magic was at!

From conception to production, fashion week is a time for the designers to showcase their visions, moods, and fashion stimulation- a time where we come glued to every fashion magazine, website, and blog- awaiting the direction for the new season. 

While trends are still emerging and developing, there were definitely certain highlights that easily translate into plus size fashion! For Fall, these inspirations, trends, and highlights come from the presence of blues, reds, camels, and grays on the runways paired with the return of plaid- both sophisticated or with a throw back to a grunge inspiration. Textured elements evolved with bouts of sheer and lace- both understated and overt in dresses, pants, and jackets alike and fur as a focal point or as an accent were leading influences.

Rather than the statement necklace- while there were quite a few pieces of that, if one were to don a statement jacket, this would be the season. Armless capes from DKNY were a favorite amongst other designers; however expect to see varying lengths, textures, and shapes from the dramatic to the minimalistic. A refreshing take on menswear suiting was paired with intricate tailoring and detail of the jacket paired with both slim leg and flared bottoms- remixed with crisp and clean lines, creating minimalistic and effortless simplicity.  

Here are my most memorable trends from NYFW Fall 2011