New York (February 2012) – There’s no better way to wind down from New York Fashion Week than to stroll the booths of the fashion trade shows that take place immediately after the hustle and bustle of the runway shows. I spent all day on Monday scouring the trade shows to bring you the brightest emerging designers, the reigning fashion staples, and the trends that you can’t do without.

While going from one designer to the next at Designers&Agents, sparkly sequins and girlish giggles caught my eye from the lovely ladies of fashion label Unk&Wil. Designers Keri and Lindsay draw their inspiration for their fabulous collection from the psychedelic era of the 60′s, music from the 70′s, and vintage magazines. Did I mention that their collection started in their basement and this is the first year the designers have shown at the trade shows? Theses darling designers dare to create timeless patterns with new fabrics and I must say, mission accomplished. My editor’s pick are their Sergeant Pepper Jacket, Sparkle Tulle Dress, Chain Pants, Chain Fringe Dress, and Mod Dress in white leather.

Additional fashion finds were Love by Diego Benitti with an amazing white fur jacket. Maliparmi had sequined oxfords, mixed fabric leather oxfords, and brown suede tall boots. Sweet Blossom, a young and contemporary brand, holds up to its name with a collection that includes silk pieces in beige, red, black, blue, and gold. Pailletts had a beautiful black bauble dress while IL Design had the perfect pretty bracelets to pair with it.

For accessories, Seth Sobek has oversized rectangular bags in black, brown, color blocked, and with crocodile embellishments. Moss Mills, by far one of the friendliest designers I have had the pleasure of meeting has a highly sought-after accessories collection to match. The nature-inspired, vintage, and urban collection boasts arm cuffs, leather belts and bags with elephant, fox, snake, star, horse, lion, peacock feather, and dragon emblems.

Over at White, an ENK fashion trade show, Collection Privee had delicate ballet flats that ranged from sequins and fur. The collection also offers large leather bags that are perfect for long weekends and out-of-town trips. On-board with the 70′s are back trend, Attic and Barn had earthy, and long maxi dresses in patterns, prints, and solids with a whimsical feel. Otto Tredici was a super busy booth with long elegant scarves. Monocrom, a label that carries colored denim in reds, greens, blues, browns, and blacks, all muted, was strategically placed next to London Ink, a line that features comfy white tees with cute images and catch-phrases along with neon solid tanks and tees in yellow, green, pink, and orange. What fashionista doesn’t love the effortless chic look of a t-shirt and jeans?

If it ever decides to get cold again, head to Norwegian Rain for a winter coat and to Kevin Kramp for large, oversized sweaters in black, white, and grey with woven-in metallic threads. If you’re in the market for some new shoes then check out Semilla, a shoe line with a wide array of options from pumps, wedges, flats, and tall boots. I serendipitously stumbled upon Ter et Bantine, they had their own personal showroom with a screen streaming their runway show. They have amazing ballet flats, black jackets, tops and bottoms that incorporate leather, pony-hair, and fur.

Capsule claimed Cri De Coeur, an eco-friendly fashion line with some of the hottest black faux-leather wedges I have seen to-date. The line is made from only recycled materials, is cruelty-free and vegan, and sustainable wood. The label offers a high-end luxe brand to compliment its more accessible shoes, bags, and vests as well. One of Cri De Coeur’s best sellers is a pair a over-the-knee lack black fringe boots. Creatures of Comfort and Sloane&Tate have comfy basics for wine, pizza, and TV nights on the couch with your bestie or your gear for your yoga and pilates classes. My other favorite fashion brands where Wool and the Gang and Obesity&Speed.

By Candy Washington (also published on Fashion Edits)