MIDAS TOUCH [Alexander McQueen]

Everything Sarah Burton touches these days turns to gold, and this shiny suit is no exception. The folks at Alexander McQueen weave gold (and silver) silk into a expertly tailored and polished suit. But even with all its sophistication, there is still an element of ease; the cropped hem on the pant and buttonless jacket take the point home. It's a best of both worlds approach (and execution) that only McQueen could deliver. Enjoy!

Two Tickets to Paradise [Céline Resort 2011]

In honor of the glorious weather, let's take a look at some summer-appropriate pieces. Phoebe Philo's Resort collection for Céline is the epitome of chic! Drawing on 70's era motifs for inspiration, Philo uses clean silhouettes and color blocking to craft a look that's equal parts ease and sophistication. 

"Stay Close to Me, Summer" [June Ambrose x Selima Optique]

Celebrity stylist and soon to be VH1 reality star, June Ambrose adds eyewear designer to her extensive resume with a capsule collection of sunglasses created in collaboration with luxury optical brand Selima Optique. Rarely caught without an amazing pair of frames - often of her own design, Ambrose is notorious for her eyewear obsession. The collection offers a range of colors and shapes, so whether your style is classic, edgy or surreal, Ambrose has a pair of glasses just for you. Ever the family woman, the fabulous mother of two even named a few pieces after her children. The full collection is available at Selima boutiques and online. Styled by June premieres March 19th!

THE TSESAREVICH'S ARMY [Balmain Men's Fall 2012]

Menswear fall collections and womenswear pre-fall collections are released pretty close together, so it's no surprise that many houses work similar themes for the complementary collections. This was the case at Balmain, where Olivier Rousteing looked to czarist Russia's military to rework house staples, like moto pants cut in quilted satin and plush velvet. With such an ostentatious source of inspiration, the collection turned out surprisingly austere. Rousteing turned down the hardware and avoided the prints he used for women's Pre-Fall and opted for a cleaner, meaner aesthetic for the men's collection. The tailoring was cut closer too, with endless outerwear options, from embellished wool overcoats to pony hair biker jackets. Slouchy leather boots contrast some of the polish, but the overall finished product is all luxe. Rousteing is dressing generals, not mere soldiers after all.

The GRAND DUCHESS! [Balmain Pre-Fall 2012]

Olivier Rousteing continues to clean up the Balmain aesthetic. For the label's first pre-fall collection, Rousteing looked to Russia for inspiration. The result was floral printed suits, quilted leather jackets and pearl-encrusted dresses, all drenched in unabashed luxury, of course. If you're worried that Rousteing is sticking too close to the Balmain formula, he delivered newness  with broader, boxier shapes for blazers. One thing that isn't new this season: I still hate the shoes.

BIG FOOT [DSQUARED2]

Never mind that this winter was hardly a blur. Bundle up in these fur covered boots from DSQUARED2 and you'll surely evade frost bite. Pair with dark denim and a long overcoat to give this woodsy footwear some urban edge.

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BALL So HARD [Givenchy Couture Spring 2012]

Givenchy's last few collections have been particularly commercial for a brand that has thrived on being dark and edgy; but this statement actually says more about the current trend in fashion and less about the team at Givenchy. At any rate, designer Riccardo Tisci turns the pretty all the way down and returns to his goth roots with a couture collection that's far from dainty but just as beautiful. For the spring 2012 season, angelic gowns were replaced with dyed crocodile scales, zippers, chains and nose rings! Despite the texture and hardware, there was still a strong sense of femininity. You can see it in the sheer fabrics and delicate embellishments. It's the kind of balance that sets Tisci apart from other couturiers. Where other houses consistently show overtly sweet or sexy collections, Givenchy carves out a niche that is equal parts romantic and dark, but altogether provocative.

MONSTER SHOE [Giuseppe Zanotti x Kanye West]

Kanye West's debut women's collection at Paris Fashion Week last October was met with mixed reviews, but almost everyone was obsessed with the shoes. The Giuseppe Zanotti collaboration is made of nude suede and black leather. From a distance, the embellishment looks knit, but the shoes are actually embroidered with thousands of pearl like beads. They can be all yours for just $4,884.54!

Isn't She LOVELY [Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2012]

The Spring Couture shows are timed perfectly just before the Hollywood award season. In many cases, dresses walk right off the runway and onto a red carpet. Giambattista Valli had a fair season, with two high profile actresses wearing gowns from his most recent couture collection (Natalie Portman at the SAG Awards and Emma Stone at the Oscars). But Valli showed exceptional offerings in the less formal and elusive couture daywear category as well. A sheer embellished blouse and pencil skirt in cream were stand outs, as was an asymmetrical draped dress. Night or day, Valli's got you covered.