Images via Vogue.com

It’s been a joy to watch Victoria Beckham’s transformation into a credible fashion maven, and even more so to see her take such a keen interset in accessories. After all, what celebrity would make a better accessories designer than the woman with one of the most impressive Birkin collections in the world? Intimate and functional familiarity with the minutiae of Hermes certainly makes Beckham a more qualified candidate than most of the stars who would like it be in her (very tall) shoes.

As with Beckham’s previous accessories outings, her color story was limited; neutrals were punctuated here and there with shots of brilliant orange, and those pieces were the clear standouts of the group. The shapes were a mix between previous hits and new ideas, but they were all somewhat traditional handbag ideas executed in luxurious ways. I’ll take the bright, citrusy tote, please.

This morning I had the absolute pleasure of attending the Ralph Lauren Spring 2012 show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York and I still have chills. If there were a way I could have stayed in the world that Ralph Lauren has created for spring, I would do it in a heartbeat. The word amazing does not do the collection justice; it was nothing short of magical.

Many people expect polo shirts and preppiness when we think of Ralph Lauren, but there is a completely different side to this mastermind. I, for one, not only fell in love with his clothing collection today but also his accessories. Yesterday I was able to view the accessories collection before it hit the runway, which gave me a good idea of what was to come.

Images via Vogue.com

You guys, this is clearly not Michael Kors’ first time at the rodeo, even if it was his first time on safari. Kors used a recent trip to a luxurious South African resort in the middle of a nature reserve to power the Michael Kors Spring 2012 show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York, and if you’re having a hard time seeing the theme in these photos, then you might want to get your eyes checked. From the prints to the proportions to the accessories, Kors’ clothes were steadfastly “Afriluxe,” as he called it in his show notes.

The tie-dye prints were the easy standout of the collection, and they were wearable and casual in a way that’s rarely elevated to luxuriousness on the runway. Kors pulled it off, though, and things got even better when those pieces were accented with tonal python. The best look? A full tan-orange python trench coat, which I dare you not to stare at for at least a solid 30 seconds.

Handbag world, we have a problem. I placed myself on a bag ban because of my recent Celine and Chanel bag hauls (reviews of all to come soon). I even stated out loud to myself and Vlad that I would not be buying another bag for quite some time. Then Proenza Schouler repeated what they did last season: They offered exclusive pre-orders on upcoming bags to coincide with their fashion show and the Proenza Schouler Spring 2012 Floral PS1 is calling my name so insanely.

Images via Vogue.com

If there’s one thing you don’t expect from Marc Jacobs, it’s minimalism. Whether it’s his signature collection or the more accessibly priced and younger-skewing Marc by Marc Jacobs line, Jacobs is known for his sense of detailed downtown quirk. It’s made him one of the most successful people in all of the fashion industry, and although his lines from season to season may differ widely, he almost never varies from that defining aesthetic.

Except that with Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2012, he totally does. The show was altogether leaner and more athletic than what we’ve come to expect from Jacobs’ diffusion line, particularly when it came to handbags. The cubed leather wristlets and bicolor handled clutches set a very specific tone for the accessories, and I can’t help but be excited to see how that sleek look will translate to the rest of the line come spring. A gallery of the bags, after the jump.

The gods and goddesses of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York were looking over me yesterday as I managed to bolt from the amazing Oscar de la Renta show (more to come this week) and make it in time to pop backstage at Tibi for a behind the scenes look before the show began. The majority of people never go to a fashion show, let alone get to see what goes on backstage, so let me set the mood for you with two words: crazy hectic.

This was my first season being backstage at multiple shows, and at first I felt like I was in the way. Then I learned that everyone backstage is used to functioning in an organized chaos, and adding one person with a camera phone is no big deal. I made my way through the area to find models in their first looks and was able to see finishing touches for hair and makeup.

From the hair and makeup to the clothing, simplicity was the overall theme. Hair was pulled back into low ponytails and tucked under, with wisps taken out to give a more free-flowing look. The makeup was intended to look everyday wearable, with brighter shadow and a classic, simple lip.