Yoana Baraschi held a presentation rather than an actual runway show, so I fought the crowd to check out her Spring/Summer 2011 collection. The looks ran the gamut from career-wear pieces—such as a mini trench with a rouched front, topping a white draped pencil skirt and printed crepe de chine blouse—to sundresses in colorful floral prints with a tropical, South Pacific look. Baraschi also presented pinup-style dresses and separates with navy and white polka dots and stripes, all with a flirty '40s feel.

Front Row Roll Call: There's no front row at a presentation, but singer JoJo was spotted milling around.

Venexiana by Kati Stern featured cocktail dresses and ball gowns that shimmered with gold iridescence. Short dresses with stiff, structured bodices looked a little uncomfortable to wear, while other leg-baring numbers, such as the orange dot chiffon strapless cocktail dress, with a layered skirt, were perfect for a night on the town.

With the longer looks, there were hits and misses. Stern definitely went for the dramatic with a red crinkled organza chiffon strapless gown, accented with a hint of black crinoline beneath. A red and black sequined gown dazzled.

But then there were pieces, such as a dress with powdered lace over beaded pink silk, that looked a bit pageant-y to me. And worse than pageant dresses were the gowns that looked like something one of my '80s Barbies wore--lots of poufy taffeta, and horror of horrors, a butt bow. A huge butt bow. I know '80s retro is in right now, but let's leave butt bows in the past, OK?

Front Row Roll Call: Alex McCord of "The Real Housewives of New York," Village Voice columnist/TV personality Michael Musto, model Beverly Johnson.

Check out all the looks in our New York Fashion Week gallery.