Brit wunderkind Jonathan Saunders wanted a “bit of playfulness, something uplifting in these trying times” for his Spring 2009 line. And he did just that…

He presented not only one of his more accessible collections, but one that was utterly beautiful and ebullient. His favored silhouette was a tailored or fitted top with floaty, multi-layered above-the-knee skirts shaped like bells.

Super-joyful, super-colorful and super-sophisticated!

Love this beautiful color-blocked floor-length dress. Simple and sleek,  they have a natural ease.

Jonathan Saunders will be serving up a very affordable collection for everyone’s favorite mass retailer, Target. The mini line consists of whimsical ombre dresses, body-hugging knits, and slew of funky cool tunics. All styles will be available at Target and online in October.

Photos: Style

Elie Saab Fall 2008 Couture Collection – Amazing.  Lovely, feminine and intricate.  His attention to detail is gorgeous. My only request would have been a bit more color in the collection.

Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Fall 2008 – A mixed bouquet of mind bending color and elaborate details. Excessive, but surprisingly delightful.

I’m speechless.

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After 15 years designing for big brother Tommy, Ginny Hilfiger launched her own women’s line in 2006.

Her 2008 Spring/Summer collection features embroidered silks and cottons, eyelet trims, and linen. Clean, simple and fresh.

Not a fan of the Tommy Hilfiger brand, it is nice to see that despite her years at the TH house, Ginny is able to bring the elegance, subtle detail and beauty that TC lacks.

Her collection is available online at GinnyH.com and at Bergdorf Goodman and select boutiques in New York, Florida, Arizona and Virginia.

I love her designs – very “tailored housewives” chic.

Left: Knee Length Printed Linen Skirt, $625.

Round Collar Mini Trench Jacket, $650.

Ginny’s mom, Susie owns the children’s boutique Best & Co. Purchased in 1997, the flagship Greenwich store has grown to include a boutique in BG. Cute traditional clothes, although I still prefer the likes of CrewCuts for Kids.

Sort Fitted Trench Coat, $1,140.

Rocker Gwen Stefani, pregnant with number two, seems to have an endless maternity collection of long flowing dresses. Always less conservative with her dress, Stefani tones down her edgy pre-pregnancy rocker style, opting for bold prints and patterns in lieu of the skin showing styles before.

Although NOT maternity dresses, these are some of the prettiest Gwen inspired frocks I have seen lately.

Diane von Furstenberg Maui Silk Patio Dress – Multicolor patchwork. Rope halter straps with beaded ends. Pleated skirt. Open back. Pure silk. Bergdorf Goodman $445.

Milly Tiki Print Halter Dress – Coral/brown/gold/white tiki print. Halter neckline; bead detail on straps. Empire waist. Pure silk.  Bergdorf Goodman $495.

Milly is a sexy and feminine collection by designer Michelle Smith. Smith went to FIT and interned at Hermes in Paris.

Kay Unger, Silk Halter Patio Dress – Black/white maze print. Halter straps; deep V neckline. Empire waist. Open back. Pure silk. $390 at NM.

My personal favorite.

Diane von Furstenberg Kamio Printed Silk Dress

Indochine (orange) palm leaf print. Detachable halter strap; draped sweetheart neckline. Empire waist. Side slash pockets. Polka-dot printed tier at hem. Cotton/silk. $345 at NM.

Diane is so talented at making a woman “feel like a woman” wearing a dress. Love this one. Did you know that Diane made her mark on the fashion world in the early 1970s with the “Wrap” dress.

Sandy Starkman, Ecot Printed Dress

Brown/beige/gold print. Camisole neckline, wide shoulder straps. Wood beaded detail at neckline. Empire waist. Side patch pockets. Pure cotton. $225

Sandy Starkman went to Parsons in NYC. The influence of South America and India on his designs is evident in this beautiful dress.

David Meister, Printed Patio Dress – multicolor print. Halter neckline. Empire waist. Viscose/spandex. Bold pattern. $370 at NM.