Matthew Williamson, creative director of Pucci, is opening a second outpost for his namesake line in the Meatpacking District. In the past few years Williamson has garnered a strong American following as many a rock star and celeb have donned his colorful designs (while Net-a-Porter peddles it to the masses). Williamson's line was borne in 1997 and his first store opened in London in 2004. A spokeswoman for Williamson was quoted in saying that the next move for Williamson a la brick and mortar will be somewhere in the Middle East. Looks like Williamson, thanks to Pucci and famous people's affinity for bright clothing, is hitting his stride. If you fancy a colorful frock or tank, it's all on sale below. Frankly, we're partial to Williamson's aesthetic in Fall if only because it's more fun to wear bright colors and mixed prints at times when everyone really needs the visual optimism. Matthew Williamson's Fall 08 Fashion Show offered just that. Cobalt and lemon solids, rainbow print knits, and little vests with purple shearling trim made for a very busy collection that, in the end, was smart more than it was overwhelming.

Do you own a nice maxi dress? The thing is, the maxi dress 'thing' isn't really crystal clear until you wear one. Many women shy away from the silhouette, and truthfully, it's understandable. A maxi dress, if it isn't a high quality fabric and appropriately sized, can feel like a mumu. But, if you splurge on something really special, it will change your life. Not only is it flattering to almost any figure, it's a classy way to keep cool in the summer. Going out to dinner with your boss? Preparing for a picnic in the park? Accidently get a major sunburn on vacation? A maxi dress is the answer, we cannot stress this enough. The Matthew Williamson Leaf Print Maxi Dress is the perfect example. The initial reaction is 'Whoa, that's a lotta' dress!' but, take a deep breath, imagine it with thin gold sandals, a slick chignon, the most basic makeup, and you'll see the point. It puts all those mini skirts and babydoll dresses to shame, and we promise, you'll stand just a little bit taller as you glide across the room in this leaf print number. For more maxi dresses, see our spread below.

Whoever said fashion had a conscious must have been reading the post-Inconvenient Truth press release from A/W 07. For A/W 08, however, the act has been dropped and fur, the most sinful of fashion's fabrics, has taken over Manhattan. It's abundance signals a sense of luxury taking the mood for A/W 08 and we suspect this pill won't be an easy one to swallow for those who favor conscious garments to glamorous ones.