The tents at Bryant Park are a mere memory now. Yet the images of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2008 are surely emblazoned in the minds of the fashion forward. From Sept. 5th-12th, established and new collections made their way down the catwalks in Bryant Park or at various off-site locations throughout the fashion district. There was good. There was bad. There was ugly. I was impressed with some collections; quite disappointed in others. The collection of one of my favorite designers left me with my mouth ajar…and not in a good way. (All the more unexpected since her Fall ’07 collection had so many beautiful and timeless pieces!)

But, let’s get back to the “good.” The designers that were up on their game showed some fabulous pieces. Pieces that could clearly be worn right off the runway into the streets of NYC. Here are some of the best looks from the Spring 2008 collections. I would wear every single piece. (I’m a size 4, hint, hint.)

CARLOS MIELE (#1 & #2) Brazilian designer known for incredibly sexy pieces. If you like clingy, bias cut, sheer, form-fitting clothing with incredible drape to show all your womanly curves, give Miele’s line a go. (Make a note to check out his denim line, M Officer, if you are ever in Brazil.)

1. Trends: Off-shoulder/Bold Color.
Sexy! I love this dress.

2. Trends: Lingerie-inspired/Beading.
Elegant, yet cut to accentuate.
(This dress reminds me of my
favorite dress from the
2007 Golden Globes
(Eva Longoria’s).

Abaeté by LAURA PORETZKY (#3,#4) You know that new line of actually cute shoes that made you enter a Payless Shoes store for the first time since for-evah? Well, that shoe line which has made the pages of the top fashion mags is called “Abaeté” and is designed by Laura Poretzky. Lucky for us, Laura also designs clothing under the Abaeté moniker. Her line is very feminine, yet sensual. Not surprising considering her French & Brazilian heritage. Unlike some designers, Laura avoided bright colors in her Spring line. Black & white and pastels were her choices. It certainly works.

3. Trends: Pastels. Black & White.
A true jet-setter look.

4. Trends: Pastels. Black & White.
Conservatively, preppy-cute.
Perfect for a sorority event, perhaps?

CAROLINA HERRERA (#5, #6) Every sophisticate should be quite familiar with Carolina Herrera. If you only know her name because of the fragrances, my dear, it’s time for a Google search.

5. Trends: White…Stripes.
Don’t you just love this skirt?

6. Trends: Black. Bold Color.
Such a simple silhouette,
yet Liya Kebede rocks it.

J. MENDEL (#7, #8) This New York designer is known for beautiful dresses and of course, fur. Yet, Mendel can also apparently work his magic on separates. Many Spring 2008 collections featured white 2-piece suits — the only one I would actually wear is J. Mendel’s. While the others did their best, he is the only one who nailed it.

7. Trend: White suit.
This is what a white suit
should look like in 2008.

8. Trends: Metallic. Beading.
This is why J. Mendel is
known for evening gowns.
Gorgeous details.

All photos courtesy of Getty Images.