Well, dear readers, the major fashion weeks have all wrapped up and we’re left with nothing but memories. And tons and tons of pictures. And a bunch of reviews. Oh, and a few blurry videos shot on cell phones. But that’s all. It was fun while it lasted – and we’ll do it all again in a few months for the Fall 2020 RTW and couture collections (and we’ll have resort to tide us over before that) – but let us reflect upon Spring 2020, no? Forthwith are the best looks from the DCGF’s current favorite lines. And guess what? Nearly all of these labels can be found at a regular old department store (Macy’s, Saks, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom) and many of their items are – gasp! – relatively affordable for the average fashionista. Here we go…

I love me some Chaiken. Not only does she (Julie Chaiken) make clothes for a real woman who might, say, have a job, but she does so with an impeccable selection of fabrics in a flattering array of colors. I think this green silk dress will be perfect for work come spring: a modest V-neck, short sleeves, slightly-below-the-knee length, flattering silhouette. What’s not to love? When I worked at a major department store off and on over the course of eight years, there was one brand that I always splurged on: Elie Tahari. I justified my purchases because of my employee discount, but even at retail, Tahari’s items are classics that never go out of style. His collections are innovative yet wearable, sexy yet conservative enough for the boardroom. I love her black skirt, which hides a multiplicity of sins yet manages to cinch the waist and lengthen the legs, and can be worn anywhere, from out and about with your Ray Ban sunglasses to a casual evening in with friends.

Catherine Malandrino always plays with prints and color in a way that’s feminine and fashion-forward. Her Spring 2008 looks are no exception. I’m a huge fan of cardigans and this cropped, structured version from Malandrino offers a fresh twist on the classic nautical palette. The skirt is sporty and lightweight and – like so many other items I’ve happily highlighted – in a length that grown women can appreciate.

Ohne Titel (“Untitled” or, literally, “Without Title”) is this very cool and very new German brand that I’ve had my eye on for a few seasons. While some of designers Flora Gill and Alexa Adams’ clothes still scream “I just graduated from Parsons,” they’re quickly making their mark in the realm of innovative patterns and color palettes. I’m a big fan of this washed-out, not-quite-pastel tribal print dress that owes as much to Picasso as it does to the Incas. This frock also owes a debt to another one of my favorites…

…Sonia Rykiel. Her knits are unparalleled in my book and this magnificent spring coat features a wind flap, collar, buttons, and belt woven directly into the fabric. Genius. I want to wear this right now! But Rykiel certainly is capable of more than knitwear. The majority of her Spring 2008 RTW collection was diaphanous dresses with enormous collars. While this might sound ridiculous, the whole show looked so fun (even the models were smiling – what?!) that one couldn’t help but be energized by these visions in ivory. Check out the smiling Sonia and daughter Nathalie with all of those happy models at the end of the show.

Finally, the little label that could: Vena Cava. I’ve had my eye on this design duo for over a year now and they just keep getting better. Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai’s clothes might still be a little hard to find, but it’s worth the search. While they’re best known for their dresses, it’s their take on narrow trousers that I love for Spring. Now normally I wouldn’t recommend pleated pants to anybody, but these are so well done what with the belt and the leg – not too tight, not too loose – that I can’t help but fall for them. Not to mention the details on the blouse – just the right mix of volume and contour – would spice up any boring skirt.