So now that Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is over and my life is somewhat back to Normal, I wanted to recap on some of my Favorites for Fall.

The passion that the clothing exuded for Autumn was nothing short of awe inspiring. The models, covered in rich colors, opulent textures and dramatic lines, seemed to just rove down the runway... leaving attendees speechless.

Designers once again embraced a multitude of leathers, furs and shearlings pairing them with extravagant knits. Actually, I was surprised not to see any PETA demonstrators picketing in front of Bryant this year.

Although I may not have bumped into protesters at the tents, I did rub elbows with: Matt Dillion, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, Michelle Trachtenberg, Whitney Port, Carmen Electra, Kate Bosworth, Whoopie Goldberg, Amanda Peat, Rosario Dawson, Kerry Washington, Hayden Panettiere, Ed Westwick, Molly Sims, Liv Tyler, Kelly Osbourne (who, btw, lost an insane amount of weight and looks fanfrickingtastic! I saw her at Nanette Lepore, and don't think that I didn't tell her how awesome she looks.) Um..... Oh, I also bumped in to Sarah Jessica Parker at Halston and introduced myself as the original Samantha Jones.

And now, without further ado and, in no particular order:

My Fall Faves:

Anna Sui

Rodarte

J. Mendel

Jason Wu

Dennis Basso

Proenza Schuler

Prabal Gurung

Burberry Prorsum

ADAM

Araks

Bibhu Mohapatra

Alice + Olivia

Chris Benz

Cushinie & Ochs

Phillip Lim 3.1

Thakoon

Rachel Roy

Haute Hippie

Rag & Bone

Alexander Wang

Elisa Palomino

Daniel Vosovic

Elise Overland

Katie Gallagher

Pamella Roland

Erro

I can't wait to get dressed!

xx
Sam Jones

*photo 1 by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images North America: Kelly Osbourne (R) at Nanette Lepore Fall 2010 Fashion Show, February 17, 2010 at The Promenade.

*all runway photos courtesy of Zimbio.com, except Haute Hippie, Thakoon and Rachel Roy

You name it, we'll be wearing it in Leather over the next few chilly months. Leather shirts, dresses, shorts, leggings... and more.... Think you can't pull it off....think again!

(Click the Pic to be directed to site)

Leather Dresses: Pair with opaque tights and suede platform heels to pull off a polished sophisticated look.

Leather Pants: Work it with an over-sized men inspired blazer and ankle boots for a chic edgy ensemble.

Leather Skirts: Ladies, the key to pulling this look off is HEIGHT- I'm talking 4-6 Inch skinny heels. Pair with any slouchy top (Think Kain White Muscle tee or over sized sweater)

Leather Shorts: You must be very careful to properly execute this look without appearing dumpy.... HEIGHT HEIGHT HEIGHT is once again key. Pair with sheer tights (unless you're going for short shorts then go for opaque tights), a cropped blazer or an elegant silk blouse. (Stilettos will elongate your legs so, if you don't have long skinny gams stay away from ankle boots instead opt for a pointy closed toe stiletto)

Leather Tops: Fitted leather tops should be paired with subtle loose fitting bottoms. If you're wearing a loose fitting leather tank/shirt pair with skinny pants/Jeans and ankle boots, over the knee boots or stilettos.

xo~ Samantha Jones, The Leather Queen

Onerock Moving Pictures documentary DRESSED premiered at the Big Apple Film Festival on November 3rd at the Tribeca Cinemas to a sold out theater and a star-studded event.

DRESSED was selected from 700 films that were submitted from the New York City independent film community, as well as, additional selections from across the country and around the world to be screened at the Big Apple Film Festival.

DRESSED is the much buzzed about documentary that tells the touching and inspirational story of Laotian-American fashion designer, Nary Manivong, who defies the odds of a broken childhood and homelessness to follow his dream of showing his collection at New York’s Fashion Week and launching his brand. The documentary was fluid, had a great soundtrack by Chris Orazi and Sink to See,  brought tears to your eyes, and made you laugh with Manivong's infectious smile.

The Big Apple Film Festival screening was an absolute smash hit with ticket goers. New York’s finest with fashionable attendees including; socialite Ally Hilfiger, Project Runway’s favorite fashion designer Malan Breton, and the ever so glamorous fashion designer Loris Diran (whose designs have been featured in A Devil Wear’s Prada). Top industry experts, who happen to be part of the cast, also attended; industry consultant George Furlan, Janet Mock of People.com, and Mickey Boardman of Paper Magazine, along with other castmates; director David Swajeski, executive producer Maryanne Grisz, and fashion designer Nary Manivong.

FYI: The cast of DRESSED includes industry experts from Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion; Ohio designer Nanette Lepore; Author Mary Gehlhar “Fashion Designer’s Survival Guide”; Simon Collins, Dean of Fashion for Parsons, The New School for Design; Simon Doonan, Creative Director of Barneys New York, author of four books and columnist for The New York Observer; Stylist Robert Verdi; Anastasia Griffith from the NBC show Trauma; Jason Napier of the band Sink to See; President of The Fashion Group International, Margaret Hayes and fashion writer Lynn Yaeger.

*photos courtesy of PMc by JP Pullos

*photo 1: Ally Hilfiger and Nary Manivong

*photo 2: Mickey Boardman and Loris Diran

*photo 3: Malan Breton

Tuesday night, SBS joined guest of honor Alex McCord on the Upper East Side, for the grand opening of the consignment boutique, Second Time Around. Her husband Simon van Kempen, along with Bravo TV's The Real Housewives of New York City, Bethenny Frankel, Kelly Killoren Bensimon and Ramona Singer, were right by Alex’s side to celebrate.

Among the stylists, shoppers, socialites, and camera crews, I quickly recognized several other A-list names in the room. The store was resplendent with like-new and new designer apparel, shoes and accessories by Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Moschino, Kate Spade, Escada, St. John, and Oscar de la Renta, to name a few. I am still kind of obsessing about a certain fuchsia Nanette Lepore shift dress…

However, I fared relatively well in the face of a trifecta of temptation. I resisted attractively priced designer duds (up to 75% off retail) and tiny but delectable treats from Cupcakes by Melissa (my trainer would be proud). Yet, I did indulge in a little sparkling wine by Voga...

I was also treated to a chat with Alex about her involvement with Second Time Around (aka: STA). She informed me that attendees and shoppers had the chance to feel twice as nice last night. Through joint efforts with STA, a portion of the proceeds from the evening’s sales would be donated to Bottomless Closet. Founded in 1991, Bottomless Closet is the first workforce development nonprofit organization of its kind to address the need for services that would increase the potential for low-income women or those on assistance to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Many of Bottomless Closet's clients are single women, forced to choose between providing necessities such as food and shelter for their children, or having the right clothes to wear for a job interview.

As Alex was giving me the scoop on the cause, we were joined by fellow supporter, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, who joked that it was her “second time around” joining Alex for a Second Time Around grand opening. (The Soho store at 262 Mott St. opened in June.)

Shortly after, Ramona made her grand, wide-eyed, entrance, with wrapped gift in hand. No, it was not a congratulatory gift for Alex. Ramona promptly handed the ribbon-adorned box to Bethenny. All smiles, Bethenny opened it to find a cute white and green onesie for her recently announced baby on board. Aww…

I was also delighted to meet Simon, who graciously introduced our own Scene B Seen Editor, Britten Heft, and I to Sophie Newman, Manager of the STA Soho store. Sophie gave us some insight on how the consignment process at STA works. Generally, prospective clients make an appointment to bring in garments and/or accessories for consignment. STA then carefully reviews all items, as the donor is asked to enjoy the neighborhood shops for a half an hour, to ensure they are in exceptional condition, in season, and in line with current trends.

Consigned merchandise remains on sale for ninety days (proceeds are split 60/40). Clients are able to track the status of their items through their STA online account. Any unsold items, are returned to the consignor. FYI: Unsold or ineligible items can also be donated by STA on behalf of the client  to various charities.

After another quick survey of the shop, and maneuvering my way through the cameras, the cameramen, and their conjoining cords, I made my way towards the exit. Just as I hit a bottleneck at the door, a tall woman called out, “Where are my interns?”… Enough said.

*all photos  courtesy of PMc by Ben Gabe

*photo 1: Alex McCord and Anisha Lakhani

*photo 2: Bethenny Frankel, Jennifer Gilbert, Jeff Casler, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, and Alex McCord

*photo 3: Michel Witmer, Edward Garou, and Simon van Kempen

Onerock Moving Pictures screened an intimate sneak peek of their documentary DRESSED to New York’s tastemakers and press at Soho House members’ club and hotel in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District on September 10th.

DRESSED is a heartfelt documentary that takes a look at Laotian-American fashion designer, Nary Manivong, who defies the odds of a broken childhood and homelessness to follow his dream of showing his collection at New York’s Fashion Week and launching his brand.

The film also features a cast of top fashion experts: Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion; Ohio designer Nanette Lepore; Mickey Boardman of Paper Magazine; Author Mary Gehlhar “Fashion Designer’s Survival Guide”; Simon Collins, Dean of Fashion for Parsons, The New School for Design; Industry Consultant George Furlan; Simon Doonan, Creative Director of Barneys New York, author of four books and columnist for The New York Observer; Stylist Robert Verdi; President of The Fashion Group International, Margaret Hayes; and fashion writer Lynn Yaeger.

Following the 15 minute sneak peek (which had a killer soundtrack, btw), Director David Swajeski, Executive Producer Maryanne Grisz, Nary Manivong, and a few of the cast members, gathered for a Q&A.

The decorous Mr. Manivong, who had his New York Fashion Week runway show earlier that evening, was all smiles and definitely ready to relax for the rest of Fashion Week. Mr. Manivong appeared grounded and was completely receptive to audience inquiries.

I spoke with Ms. Grisz about the moving documentary. I wondered how the direction of the film from the onset moved throughout the year of filming. "We always saw the central story/theme being about the strength of the human spirit. Working with Nary was very inspiring as he just kept moving forward in pursuit of his dream in spite of the tremendous odds against him."

I believe the essence of Mr. Manivong spoke beautifully within DRESSED to produce an absolutely inspiring documentary. I can't wait to see the full-length feature.

For additional information, visit www.dressed-themovie.com and www.narymanivong.com.

*photo 1: Still from DRESSED (model and Nary Manivong)

*photo 2: Still from DRESSED (Nary Manivong)

*photo 3: Nary Manivong at DRESSED Sneak Peek

*photo 4: Executive Producer Maryanne Grisz

*photo 5: Director David Swajeski and Nary Manivong at DRESSED Sneak Peek

DRESSED Director David Swajeski and Executive Producer Maryanne Grisz are offering an exclusive sneak peak of their documentary to selected New York’s tastemakers and press during New York Fashion Week.

DRESSED is the much talked about documentary about the inspiring story of Laotian-American fashion designer, Nary Manivong, who defies the odds of a broken childhood and homelessness to follow his dream of showing his collection at New York’s Fashion Week and launching his brand.

The film offers an insider’s look behind-the-scenes of the glamorous, chaotic world of fashion as well as insightful commentary from industry experts such as; Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion; Ohio designer Nanette Lepore; Mickey Boardman of Paper Magazine; Author Mary Gehlhar “Fashion Designer’s Survival Guide”; Simon Collins, Dean of Fashion for Parsons, The New School for Design; Industry Consultant George Furlan; Simon Doonan, Creative Director of Barneys New York, author of four books and columnist for The New York Observer; Stylist Robert Verdi; President of The Fashion Group International, Margaret Hayes and fashion writer Lynn Yaeger.

The DRESSED private invite-only special sneak peak screening will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at the Soho House members’ club and hotel in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District in New York City. There will be two screenings taking place at 9pm and 10pm and a Q & A after each screening with Director David Swajeski, Executive Producer Maryanne Grisz, Fashion Designer Nary Manivong and selected members of the cast.

On June 24th, New York City Opera and City Opera Thrift Shop held their 4th annual DIVAS Shop for Opera at City Opera’s Pop Up Shop on Madison Avenue.

Lydia Fenet, Gillian Miniter, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion Fern Mallis, Alex McCord, Simon van Kempen, Amy Fine Collins, Dame Lori Sutherland, and Designer Austin Scarlett, were among the guests enjoying cocktails and music, while skimming the racks of a “diverse selection of alluring merchandise from today’s most fashion forward designers- at jaw-dropping discounts.”

Merchandise included designs by Alice + Olivia, Carmen Marc Valvo, Twinkle by Wenlan, Tamsen Z by Ann Ziff, Oscar de la Renta, Nanette Lepore, Rubin Singer, Chado Ralph Rucci, Tuleh, DKNY, Luca Luca, Roberta Freymann, and many more.

This fab event, co-chaired by Patricia Field, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, Faith Hope Consolo, Rebecca Taylor, Elsa Klensch, and Lorry Newhouse, helps fund the design and creation of new costumes for New York City Opera.

*Photo 1 courtesy of PMc by Jonathan Zeigler: Lauren Estigarribia and Rubin Singer

*Photo 2 courtesy of PMc by Jonathan Zeigler: Lorry Newhouse, Lauren Bridgeman, and Amy Fine Collins