This season was the first time I had made it to the Directives West show (in case you hadn't noticed I was into trying all new things this fashion week, as well as keeping up with all my old haunts…perhaps that's why I'm so tired…!)

I was really impressed with the level of the designers – each collection had something to offer – and despite it not selling itself as a "fashion show" in the traditional meaning, it's a trend show primarily for buyers and showing contemporary, ready to wear lines, it stood out amongst other shows during fashion week and showed some really fantastic lines.

This time around the show embraced bloggers and had three local bloggers pick out an LA designer and style the collection for the runway. It was fun seeing the lovely Laurie Brucker of Laurie B Style and Erin Weinger of Style Section LA get to demonstrate their style skills!

Below are my favourites.

Whitney Eve

I was really very impressed with Whitney Ports collection, Whitney Eve. Being a fan, it was fun sitting across the way watching her enjoy watching her collection (see pics). I loved the bright colours and Peruvian style prints – I particularly loved the corset top with asymmetrical shoulder in the last picture. The print, colours and silhouettes worked to create this fantastic juxtaposition between street and glam.

YuYu

I have a hard time admiring knitted fashions, even when I lived in the UK, it would have to be really really cold to make me don something made of wool – my skin cannot stand it. It's definitely gotten more tolerable with age – but now I live in Los Angeles, it just doesn't get that cold (yes I know it gets cold – but I mean freezing)

All this is to say – if my skin didn't mind wool or LA was freezing, this sweater, complete with faux fur trim, would be the first thing I would grab. It's gorgeous, I love the colour and the shape.

Twinkle by Wenlan

This whole look from Twinkle by Wenlan was absolute perfection – the tea dress, the cardi, the booties, the oversize beads (I have always loved giant beads) I could have worn it right off the runway – and worn it for years. That's what I love about the eclectic, feminine aesthetic. It's always classic but is always fashion forward thanks to it's quirkiness. Gorgeous.

50 Dresses

I first discovered 50 Dresses in January at the Focus Tradeshow, I love her story (for those that missed it – she basically locked herself in her basement till she had made 50 dresses!) I love that everything is made and designed in Los Angeles – and of course, I love, love, love the dresses.

I'm so happy to see her grow in such a short period of time – I wish her so much success.

Dolan

Dolan was expertly styled by Laurie Brucker – I love their LA vibe, completely laid back luxe – you wouldn't know you're wearing jersey – as the glamour is there – except you're super comfy! Completely in love with this sweater with the faux fur sleeve – see, now that's a sweater I can actually wear!

Kolae

Kolae was my favourite of the night, styled by Erin Weinger, the collection had a vintage feel to it that wasn't literal. It featured the best fall palette, rich oranges and greens. The two pieces above were perfection, that loungey 30's inspired dress is to die for (a similar style was also featured made entirely from black sequins!) and could be dressed up or down – I swear I could rock it with my Chucks!

I need the orange dress… it might just have to happen!

All in all, I'm looking forward to next season's Directives West show and will be sure not to miss it!

Kelsi.