My “little buddy”, the Nikon D3200 D-SLR camera, available at your local Target retailer. Photo (taken with my iPhone): Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Gals and gents, I wanted to give a little lowdown on the SICK new camera I’m using for photos, the Nikon D-3200 D-SLR that I’m calling “My Little Buddy.” This made covering New York Fashion Week a dream come true and I look forward to many, many more times with my little friend. Let’s not forget that this seriously amazing camera can be purchased at your local Target.

Photo from the Ralph Lauren Spring 2013 Collection, taken with the Nikon D3200 D-SLR from Target. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Designer Ralph Lauren taking a bow at his Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty, taken with a Nikon D3200 D-SLR from Target.

Here are some details about my little friend, straight from my new best friends, the folks at Nikon:

Message Points for Nikon D3200 D-SLR:

1. The Nikon D3200 features a powerful 24.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor combined with EXPEED 3 image processing that offers super-fast operation and exceptional image quality.
2. Helping to ensure instant success for beginning D-SLR users, Nikon’s famous Guide Mode teaches the key features and controls of the camera while offering advice and sample images to succeed in difficult shooting scenarios.
3. The D3200 offers six Scene Modes and Scene Auto Selector helping optimize camera settings for any situation.
4. Full HD 1080p movie recording is possible with the touch of a button alongside full-time autofocus, manual exposure controls and stereo sound.
5. Users can attach the optional WU-1a wireless mobile adapter to automatically send great images to your smartphone for sharing and editing.
6. Bundled with a versatile 18-55mm VR kit lens, at $699.95 the Nikon D3200 offers the guidance needed for new D-SLR users while showcasing the outstanding image quality enthusiasts have come to expect from Nikon.

Designer Donna Karan taking a bow at the DKNY Spring 2013 Collection. Photo taken with a Nikon D-3200 D-SLR camera from Target by Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

A model from the Chris Benz Spring 2013 Collection, taken with a Nikon D3200 from Target. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Folks, New York Fashion Week was a blast. I want to officially thank Target Electronics and Gaming and Nikon for their amazing sponsorship during this month. There will be many more photos in the future for FSB because of this partnership.

If you want to take photos such as these, check out your local Target and give this Nikon camera kit a look. I am THRILLED with mine, and that’s absolutely the truth from the bottom of my heart.

All photos in this post were taken with the Nikon D-3200 camera, which is featured as part of my New York Fashion Week partnership with Target. To learn more about this camera, head to Target.com or your local Target store for high-performance electronics at an incredible price.

Runway legend Pat Cleveland walking in the Marimekko Spring 2013 Collection show. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Most of us are familiar with vibrant Finnish label Marimekko and it’s wild, vibrant prints (I personally have Marimekko pillows and am working on a collection of dishes and vases from the iconic label.)

Marimekko Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Another look from the Marimekko Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

I had a chance to shoot the Spring 2013 collection and I wanted to show you some of the best shots from the collection of visually-appealing graphic dresses and separates from my vantage point.

Sessilee Lopez in the Marimekko Spring 2013 Collection show. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Another modeling legend, Carol Alt, walking the runway at Marimekko Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

In addition to the beautiful clothes from designer Noora Niinikoski, they had some visually stunning surprises on the runway in their choice of models, choosing to use iconic models such as Carol Alt, Carmen Dell’Orefice and Pat Cleveland in addition to known current stunners like Sessilee Lopez.

Modeling legend Carmen Dell’Orefice having a ball at the Marimekko Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Designer Noora Niinikoski taking a bow at the Marimekko Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Enjoy the snaps and definitely enjoy the collection. I know a piece or two will make it into my wardrobe for Spring 2013.

All photos in this post were taken with the Nikon D-3200 camera, which is featured as part of my New York Fashion Week partnership with Target. To learn more about this camera, head to Target.com or your local Target store for high-performance electronics at an incredible price

A model at the Chris Benz Spring 2013 Collection presentation. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

I’m a longtime fan of designer Chris Benz. I love any designer that is not only talented but can take items that are incredibly familiar and twist and turn them in such a way that they become something new and dramatic. It takes a particular talent to bring a fashion crowd’s jaded been-there-seen-that attitude in the direction of historical references and get them to “ooh” and “aaah.” That’s the magic of Chris Benz.

Ascending the escalator to the presentation, I was greeted with a grab bag of vintage references that were made so fresh and new that it just brought a smile to my face. The models appeared to be little girls that had played dress up in a glorious trunk of amazing vintage clothing and they not only adorned themselves with it, but they decided to make them their own.

Recognize Grandma’s afghan in this photo? It’s all grown up and ready for a night on the town in Chris Benz’ Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Grandma’s afghan was suddenly covered in paillettes, tailored blazers became tart with sequined pocket embellishments. 70′s style prints suddenly seemed fresh again and the whole lot was brought together with color-blocked handbags and shoes that were printed in everything from what seemed like marble to gorgeous colors that matched the clothes. Softer hues like lavender and pale yellow played with 70′s rec room colors like avocado and sunshine yellow and the whole lot WORKED. Items from the collection will no doubt add dashes of spice to any wardrobe, like old familiar favorites that feel so fresh and new.

A tailored blazer is made new again with the addition of a sequined breast embellishment in Chris Benz’ Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Check out photos of the gorgeous collection. Don’t find my likening of the collection to a little girl playing dress-up too strange. After all, it doesn’t matter how old we get, the joy of getting dressed is that feeling that you’re suddenly adorned and delighted, which is the magic of that old game – and of finding items such as Benz’s collection – in the first place. All fashion is in the end is a giant game of dress-up, and I’d prefer to do much of it in Benz’ gorgeous clothes. Enjoy the slideshow.

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All photos in this post were taken with the Nikon D-3200 camera, which is featured as part of my New York Fashion Week partnership with Target. To learn more about this camera, head to Target.com or your local Target store for high-performance electronics at an incredible price.

My seating card at Donna Karan’s Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

A quick note: I was away with family for a bit after Fashion Week, so I had a few posts that didn’t go up right on time. However, they ARE going up now, so here we go!

Donna Karan is a personal hero of mine. When I was 16 years old, I was brought to New York to Carnegie Hall, where my high school orchestra played as part of a Youth Honor Concert series. I remember coming into New York the first time, hands pressed against the window of the George Washington Bridge, looking at the glittering lights of Manhattan as we raced toward Penn Station. It was a moment I’ll never forget and once I had my bearings in my hotel room, I had one mission: I wanted to meet Donna Karan.

A gorgeous leather jacket makes it way down the runway at Donna Karan Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

So, I went to the only place I thought she might be. I had seen her on Style with Elsa Klench at Bloomingdales for the launch of DKNY, so off I went to Bloomingdales to meet my hero. I waited for three hours. I was a high school kid from West Virginia, what did I know? The salesperson kindly explained that she didn’t actually WORK there, so my mother and I purchased two t-shirts and went back to practice.

Ashley Greene and Rebecca George take in the Donna Karan Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

This season, as I entered the venue to witness the presentation of the Donna Karan New York Spring 2013 Collection, I took my seat at the presentation and surveyed the landscape. Actress Rebecca George was greeting photographers and press, doing interviews, notable editors were taking their seats. I sat in my own seat, with a spectacular view of the entrance to the runway, and then she appeared behind the partition: there was Donna Karan herself.

I froze. She looked directly at me. I did the only thing I knew to do: I placed my hands together in a yoga prayer and bowed in her direction and mouthed the words, “Thank you.” She smiled back and bowed to me and then she gave me a little wave. She then disappeared behind the partition.

And then it happened: I started to cry, which is the uncoolest (is that even a word?) thing you can do at a fashion show. It was super quiet, but I couldn’t help it. Because when you’re THAT big of a fan of someone who has been one of your personal icons for SO LONG and they look you in the face? I don’t care WHO you are, you’re done. A tiny tear appears at the side, then a couple more and then you just have to mark the moment. I was in a cubicle at a BANK five years ago. Look at me now, sitting at Donna Karan. It was beyond.

Model Karlie Kloss struts the runway at the Donna Karan Spring 2013 Collection presentation. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

But let’s talk about the collection: it was, as always, magnificent and, interestingly enough, said to be inspired by “the awe of coming into the city.” Crafted in soft neutrals and lovely blush and sky tones, a gorgeous and ethereal palette that seemed to float above the runway. The dresses had an almost ballet-inspired appeal, with all of the beautiful softness you would love to have in spring clothing with the feminine allure for which Karan is known. She most definitely changed directions since fall’s tailored and pinstriped collection that was borrowed from the boys, but this collection was entirely for us girls. Eggshell, blush and dusky hues strolled down the runway in handkerchief linen, draped silk and chiffon with pearls and sequins. It’s a soft approach and it’s something we need out there right now. We’ve been slammed into skinny jeans and hard shapes for so long. We need a break, fashion fans, room to breathe, and Donna’s given us exactly what we need.

A beautiful dress and easy flyaway jacket at Donna Karan Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Please do enjoy the snaps I was able to take from my vantage point, then watch the video of the collection in its entirety below so you can see it in all its beauty, completely unadulterated and lovely, the way it’s meant to be.

All photos in this post were taken with the Nikon D-3200 camera, which is featured as part of my New York Fashion Week partnership with Target. To learn more about this camera, head to Target.com or your local Target store for high-performance electronics at an incredible price.

Donna Karan Spring 2013 Collection. Image courtesy of Donna Karan Intl.

Ok, so here’s what happened.

Immediately after Fashion Week, I flew into a frenzy to get home to see my family, which means that I had very little time to edit video and/or photos from my beloved camera. This means I basically backed up my files, grabbed my computer and ran. This also means that, as prone to mistakes as humans are, I didn’t retrieve the file folder with the Donna Karan and/or DKNY files on them, which are sitting on my backup drive in my apartment in Manhattan. I, on the other hand, am sitting in Charleston with my mom, about 9 1/2 hours away.

And no, I obviously don’t have “the cloud” or this wouldn’t be happening.

SO, all of this is to say that you will have to wait until next week for my AMAZE shots of the runway from Donna Karan and DKNY, but in the interim, you SHOULD go ahead and check out what I saw from my seat. Here are videos of the runway so you can get a view from the best seat in your own house.

Check out the gorgeous, feminine creations from Donna Karan’s Spring 2013 Collection:

Then check out the graphic, bright urban warrior, sporty chic of the DKNY Spring 2013 Collection.

And I do solemly swear to get these over to you the second I get home Sunday night.

Vivienne Tam Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

I always love checking out Vivienne Tam’s collections and this one also featured her foray into fine jewelry with the launch of the Vivienne Tam and TSL Fine Jewellery Collection making its debut on the runway. This spring’s collection featured an elegant color mixture of red, nudes, black, jade and white in intriguing geometric shapes.

Vivienne Tam Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

All great silhouettes, all perfect for Vivienne’s audience of women who love feminine items with a dash of worldly edge. This collection was sharply designed and will make a great addition to spring wardrobes. I liked it so much I shot pretty much all of it, no great feat from where I was sitting.

Vivienne Tam Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Check out the collection below and see what I mean. Pretty and sharp, I quite like it.

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All photos in this post were taken with the Nikon D-3200 camera, which is featured as part of my New York Fashion Week partnership with Target. To learn more about this camera, head to Target.com or your local Target store for high-performance electronics at an incredible price.

Model Sessilee Lopez kicks off the Nanette Lepore Spring 2013 Collection show. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

As a longtime fan of Nanette Lepore’s amazing designs, I was really excited to check out the Spring 2013 collection from the designer. Nanette always has such beautiful, feminine creations and she always knows how to put on a show. This season, she did both again so well that I shot pretty much the entire collection so you could check it out.

Another look from the Nanette Lepore Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

This season’s collection was set to a soundtrack of The Brazilian Girls, who played as the models strutted down the runway in delightful prints and body-conscious silhouettes that made me want to run to the beach immediately. The dress featured all manner of swimwear, dresses, raffia dresses, tops and separates in vivid hues of pistachio, clover, coral, black, sky blue and white.

LOVE the pistachio green look on this model. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Versatile, pretty and made for a variety of bodies, enjoy snaps of this vibrant, oh-so-fun collection from Nanette.

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All photos in this post were taken with the Nikon D-3200 camera, which is featured as part of my New York Fashion Week partnership with Target. To learn more about this camera, head to Target.com or your local Target store for high-performance electronics at an incredible price.

A photo from the Naeem Khan Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker from Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Anyone who’s read this site knows that I have a particular affinity for designer Naeem Khan. I think it’s my eternal love of the 80′s soap, Dynasty, but it’s also for love of his amazing craftsmanship. Each piece from day to night is painstakingly crafted and beautifully designed. Every item the man puts down the runway that appears in stores (there’s a dress in the window at Bergdorf Goodman right this minute, actually) is nothing but sheer magic.

A stunning black gown from the Naeem Khan Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

This collection, inspired by Wallis Simpson, the American divorce with the amazing sense of style who almost toppled the British Royal Empire by snagging the heart of the Duke of Windsor, who had to abdicate the throne to marry her. The clothes were glorious and with Naeem’s love of bursting color in some instances, but each piece had that magical note of a loved clothing item that simply takes your breath away when you see it.

Another gorgeous dress from the amazing Naeem Khan for Spring 2013. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

It’s my sincere joy to have been able to snap photos of the collection this season after YEARS of talking about it. I had to sneak my way to the fourth row to do it, but I did it and I’m thrilled I could. Lovers of glamour and beautiful clothes, meet the man who will simply send you. Meet the Master of All Things Glamour, Naeem Khan.

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All photos in this post were taken with the Nikon D-3200 camera, which is featured as part of my New York Fashion Week partnership with Target. To learn more about this camera, head to Target.com or your local Target store for high-performance electronics at an incredible price.

Backstage at Naeem Khan before the show begins. The models are getting hair and makeup done. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

The backstage scene at Naeem Khan Spring 2013 Collection was relatively mellow, all things considering. Clean, organized, pretty quiet, not chaotic. Which is the antithesis of what backstage is normally.

Some of Ranjana Khan’s gorgeous accessories to accompany husband Naeem’s Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

The look at Naeem Khan called forth the collection’s inspiration, Wallis Simpson, the man who caused the Duke of Windsor to abdicate the British throne due to his love for her and a style icon for the ages. Let’s check out how the hair and makeup made the look:

NARS Global Director of Artistry James Boehmer works on a model backstage at Naeem Khan. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Makeup: NARS Cosmetics was responsible for the gorgeous look with glowing skin and minimal makeup, save a dramatic vampy-red lip. NARS Director of Global Artistry James Boehmer was responsible for crafting the look, who said, “The designer’s inspiration was Wallis Simpson,so to make the look more updated, we focused on a glossy, very vinyl-textured lip to contrast the matte texture of the skin.”

A model getting her makeup done backstage at Naeem Khan Spring 2013. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

The models received a facial massage to soothe their tired skin prior to makeup application so the skin would simply glow. Here’s what was used to get the look:

·         Jungle Red Lip Liner Pencil

·         Damned Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

·         Never Say Never Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

·         Place Vendôme Larger Than Life Lip Gloss

The finished makeup look:

The finished look by NARS Cosmetics at Naeem Khan. Photo courtesy of NARS Cosmetics.

Hair: The look was a sleek low bun with a sharp center part crafted at the back of the neck where the ponytail was twisted upon itself into a low look, then excess hair was used to wrap around the base so no elastic would be visible.

A finished twist from the back at Naeem Khan, crafted by Bumble & Bumble. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Bumble & Bumble Prep Spray and Bumble & Bumble Thickening Spray were used to prepare the style, then blown out with a flat bristle brush sprayed with Bumble & Bumble Does It All Styling Spray. A pony was created at the base of the neck, then looped around and underneath, then tied to the base of the pony underneath, with Bumble & Bumble Let It Shine On Finishing Spray used to secure the sleek, shiny style.

The red moon manicure at Naeem Khan, using Dashing Diva ColorFX nail transfer strips in Take a Bite, coming in Spring 2013. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

A gorgeous dress from the Mathieu Mirano Spring 2013 Collection. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

I first had a chance to check out designer Mathieu Mirano’s creations at the showroom at his PR firm, Paul Wilmot Communications, but I hadn’t had a chance to tell the world about what I’d seen. With an invitation to this, his first Fashion Week presentation, now I have the photos to explain the genius of this up-and-coming design talent.

Sequins crafted to look like beetle wings at Mathieu Mirano Spring 2013. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Since this is a rather young talent (a recent graduate, I believe), I just want to be one of the first to offer to support this wunderkind wherever he goes. The painstaking details on these clothes are a sight to behold, from printed leather to tuck-pleated shorts, silk mikado, to sequins crafted to look like beetle wings.

A vertebrae bracelet at Mathieu Mirano’s Spring 2013 Collection presentation. Photo: Kristin Booker for Fashion.Style.Beauty.

Sheer organza, belts and jewelry crafted to look like vertebrae – this is a designer with talent to spare and I can’t wait to see where he goes. Enjoy photos of the Next Big Thing, everyone.

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All photos in this post were taken with the Nikon D-3200 camera, which is featured as part of my New York Fashion Week partnership with Target. To learn more about this camera, head to Target.com or your local Target store for high-performance electronics at an incredible price.