The Boys Are In Town

Before it all becomes a big blur of pastels, let me wrap up a couple shows I managed to actually get into. The first day was....

Perry Ellis

Do we girls care about boy clothes? Yes! I have to say, I'm digging this era of male models: not too big, not too little, these kids are just right.

Now back to their clothes: the palette was pastel but toned down and muted. Reflection of the economic times, blah blah, I know, you're sick of hearing about the economy and its impact on the runway. Whatevs. Doesn't mean the pretty, lightest of blues used by John Crocco, designer, was boring. No, the light and airy feel of the clothes was refreshing in the heat of the Bryant Park tents (first day of fashion week and the a/c hadn't fully cranked yet). And Mr. Crocco gets kudos from me for throwing the Thai sandal down on the runway; it's perfect for the easy, beach vibe of this collection. But don't think hippy-beach, even with the sandals. This is classic, preppy-leaning beach. See below for the whys and wants.

Misc. Ellis:

• lots of linen suits and vests, often appearing sans shirt;
• light blue dominated, but neutral, green, and pink also came to the party;
• mixing of prints (yay, happy to see this trend expand into spring);
• tinted aviators. Sexy;
• shorts stay above the knee. Finally we get to see boy legs.

great lightweight, drawstring sweaters;

my man could pull off these polka dots, hmm I'm tempted;
















yes, baby, mix up those green stripes;

this could be my fave, love the soft mix of hues;

















so preppy when the dots are on pants!

the sandals, grrr, baby!



















All images from About.com, shot by Scott Gries/Getty Images for IMG. And Perry Ellis can be found come spring at Macy's Herald Square.