Well....Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is back, along with tired feet, early mornings and not enough time to spend with friends from out of town. I always wish that I could do more, see more and write more, but hopefully this is a season where I'll actually be able to do all of the above, thanks to being super selective about what I agree to attend. Sometimes less truly is more!

Today's look was shot by Meredith from Retro Diva's Beauty (and my Patricia Field tote was graciously held by Paula of Older Girl Beauty) on our way back from visiting the Glambulance. If you don't follow either of these ladies on Twitter, you're definitely missing out.

This season, I'm trying to keep it relatively easy and definitely a little more casual than seasons past. I've been buying a lot of great pieces (especially skirts) that I love and they work so effortlessly in this weird middle ground between summer and fall. Now for the outfit details:

Neon cardigan: Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart (no longer available)

Tank: Old Navy (no longer available)

Skirt Old Navy

Shoes: Kathryn Kerrigan

Handbag: DKNY (similar available here)

Whew - looking back at the whirlwind that was New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 honestly gives me a headache (really, I have one right now!). I had the opportunity to see so many amazing pieces, fantastic makeup and meet really special people. Being backstage really is an opportunity to see the best, brightest and newest in beauty and fashion. Here are a few of my favorite things that I saw:

• Incoco Dry Nail Appliques: A nail polish applique (think sticker, but actual polish) that has lasted 6 days (so far) with minimal chipping - and no peeling. So obsessed. A photo of my leopard print is here.
• Ricky's No Frizz Combs: I met THE Ricky of Ricky's NYC (really - he's a real person!) backstage and he introduced me to his innovative No Frizz Combs. These combs have olive oil infused into the product that helps to eliminate frizz and smooth the hair shaft. Really - it works!
• Speaking of Ricky's NYC, he also introduced me to new No-Crease Bow Clips that help to keep hair pulled back off your face, without adding the crease of normal clips. Usually the hair teams backstage use clips with tissues underneath to prevent clips, but lets be honest - who wants to see that?
• Son Jung Wan: Gorgeous, gorgeous dresses. Any designer who can get Kristi Yamaguchi front row is seriously okay with me.
• Starbucks Frappuccinos may  not be great for getting my motor going first thing in the morning, but when you mix them with liquor - not so bad!
• Side note: The cell reception at Lincoln Center? Truly abysmal. The newly revamped AOL Stylelist Press Lounge? A++!

A look at Jeremy Scott for Swatch & Longchamp. That digital pill printed bag will be mine!

Let's face it - Fashion Week can sometimes feel like a spinning wheel of brands paying an insane amount of money for seasonal media attention. However, getting up at 5am without coffee is generally impossible, so those of us making the hike to Lincoln Center have to rely on whichever coffee sponsor decides to sign on. Starbucks Frapuccinos have been with us for several seasons an while walking to the backstage entrances, I spied this massive palette of caffeine. America may run on Duncan, but for 14 days a year, fashion runs on Starbucks Frappuccinos.

MAC Senior Artist Luc Bouchard created a soft, diffused and angelic look for Tadashi Shoji Fall/Winter 2011. Using the new foundation (same as at Vena Cava), Luc used a combination of Mineralize Skin Finishes to create a semi-matte, sculpted face. One big surprise was that he confirmed that Lightscapade, a well loved limited edition color, will be making a comeback.

On the eyes, he used Moleskin eyeshadow with Mascara X.

Porter Grey Fall/Winter 2011 takes the hipster from Williamsburg to the office. Easy florals, military button details, wedge ankle boots and double breasted coats. Perfect for the Urban Outfitters set.

The photographer's pit: the most dedicated and diligent of us all.