This post might be otherwise titled “How I Spent My Weekend.” You see, dear reader, on Friday, Saturday and even Sunday, I spent way too many precious hours going through images* of every single fashion show from New York Fashion Week. And you know what? I kind of loved it. (I am a masochist.)

This was the first NYFW in recent history that I didn’t keep up with daily glances at pictures, not to mention beloved re-caps from Lynn Yaeger. Henceforth, I conducted this exhaustive search. The takeaway? There was the usual mix of pieces to covet and pieces that frankly, left me puzzled, in the words of one lovely Tim Gunn. I was astounded by Peter Som, Behnaz Sarafpour and Derek Lam….and confounded by Alexander Wang (which pains me) and Charlotte Ronson.

Nanette Lepore, Chris Benz and Reem Acra impressed me with their saucy use of color, but my old friend Temperley London left me cold. Best rediscovery? Vera Wang. Her clothes hit a perfect note of downtown edgy and uptown sophisticate–all paired with heavy bib necklaces that sped up my heart rate a little.

Now that the dust has settled at Bryant Park–and the editors have moved on to London–the world (aka my three readers. Anyone out there?) could use one last look at what the designers had to offer for spring 2010. It was tough work: whittling an expansive list to 20 looks, making sure no one designer was repeated. My eyes are none too happy, but hey, it’s all in the name of fashion….

Herein, Part One:

1) Best Alternative to the LBD

Jason Wu landed on the nation’s radar after he designed Michelle Obama’s Inaugural Ball dress; his spring cocktail dresses in mustard, raspberry and more muted tones confirm his unbelievable talent.

2) Best Night-on-the-Town Ensemble

As much as I can appreciate the avant-garde, sometimes it’s nice to see something and think, “I would actually wear that.” Behnaz Sarafpour’s sleek look above was one of many from her line that I could imagine in my wardrobe (or my fantasy wardrobe, at least).

3) Best Pop Culture Reference

My first thought upon seeing this flirty, cinched-waist/full skirt get-up? Betty Draper. With a great shape, subtle sexiness and fabulous color, this frock from Tracy Reese is just swell.

4) Best Argument for Simplicity

Remember my outcry against black strapless dresses? I take it all back. In truth, this one from Brian Reyes is done expertly. The draping is beautiful, and the length offers some visual intrigue. In short, simple does not always translate to boring.

5) Best Uptown Attire

Vogue is right about this much: Costello Tagliapietra makes beautiful dresses. I remember falling just a teensy bit in love with this burly, flannel-shirt-wearing duo when they first hit the scene. This dress, like the ones before, is stunning—and desperately makes me want to be a lady who lunches.

Agree/disagree with my choices? I want to hear! And stay tuned for Part Two….

*Since I was not fortunate to sit in the front row, SLR camera in hand, all photos are from New York Magazine’s The Cut.

I’m not a fashion expert, but I’m testing my inner seer with this one: Christian Cota is going to pop. Fashion insiders and aficionados already know the young, Mexico City-born designer, who apprenticed with Angel Sanchez and has been compared to Oscar de la Renta. Soon, the rest of the world will, too.

Style.com named Cota one of “Ten Newcomers to Watch” for his debut collection in Spring 2008. His designs? Lovely and amazing: the perfect combination of artistically inspired fantasy and everyday accessibility. Lush color palettes and luxe materials lend sophistication; smart, wearable draping transitions the clothes to reality.

For fall 2009, the Parsons alum said he was inspired by nature and geology (crystals and lava, ooh, la la). The result is a collection with creamy, iridescent neutrals, interesting angles and embellishments that pump up the beyond-basic LBDs. Still, like the natural elements that inspired them, the pieces blend seamlessly into their environs.

So why hasn’t he garnered more attention? Blake Lively was recently photographed in one of his white, drapey frocks, but Cota is still far from a household name. When the regular consumers–those same shoppers that embraced Jason Wu in the aftermath of certain newsworthy mentions–get on board, Cota will get his due. (Michelle, are you listening?)

In the meantime, Chicagoans can nab his fall 09 pieces at Ultimo and Neapolitan.