New York Fashion Week and Magic in Las Vegas have come to what I’d call a successful end. The impact of social media and digital technology couldn’t be more evident. While a bit fragmented, we managed to cover Magic, ENK, Pool, Project and MODA in 2.5 days.

Here are the brands that stood out to us with their Fall & Winter collections. Some are established, while others are just making their way into the trade show market. Our criteria was simple:

• Great product(s) for the brand’s target market
• Quality and craftsmanship
• Sustainable, conscious business model (though not necessarily green)
• Great people who took  a few minutes with us to discuss their lines & inspirations
• Cash + Carry – Just kidding! We wish the entire show was cash and carry, though.

Jessica DeCarlo

1. Early Jewelry – This Kansas based line made big impression on us at the Pool Tradeshow. We love her use of horse hair, cow bone, minerals and geodes mixed with recycled silver and gold. This jewelry line is going somewhere.

2. Jacey Chae – Jacey Chae creates beautiful handmade leather handbags. Chae’s unique color combinations and vintage influences would make it hard for a retailer to carry only one or two styles.

3. Billionaire Mafia – Billionaire Mafia’s fall line was impressive. Their mission is to inspire with all mediums of self-expression and to break the mold of conforming to a uniform standard. You can follow them on Twitter: @mafiabailout or onFacebook.

4. 101 Apparel – This Orange County based line takes design inspiration from musical styles all across the globe, from afro beat to disco, Brazilian samba, bossa nova, and Tropicalia. Follow them on twitter: @101Apparel or friend them on Facebook.

XCVI Countryside Dress

5. Ofina – Jewelry with a social conscious. Ofina’s simple designs are giving new meaning to Bohemian Chic. You can follow them on Twitter at @ofinajewelry or friend them on Facebook.

6. Jessica DeCarlo – I bought two pairs of hammered swirl hoops from this amazing designer (who made the smart choice of participating in Pool’s Cash & Carry). Jessica’s designs are affordable and extremely versatile.

7.  Harbinger Co. The Harbinger Company uses a mix of technology and old-school craft. Every design is hand drawn in conceptual phase, drafted on the computer, sent to the lasercutter, hand-assembled by designer Yvonne Hung. We love merging fashion + tech. You can follow them on Twitter: @theharbingerco or friend them on Facebook.

8. Queen of Heartz - The website doesn’t do this vintage and vintage inspired dress line justice. We were in love with the green dress (see photo below). Follow them on Twitter @Qohz or Facebook.

9. PRU by Sofia Bird – PRU is a vintage-inspired, romantic collection featuring lightweight, lace embroidered camisoles, billowing skirts and simple tees. Don’t be surprised if you find PRU in your local Anthropologie.

10. Kelly Lane – “Expression Through Color” is the motto that designer Kelly Lane lives by. Modern style meets vintage inspiration. We love Lane’s use of color and mixed prints. Our pick: The Dewey Day Dress. Friend them on Facebook.

11. RubyZaar - Rubyzaar is a fair trade business that works mainly with female artisans and crafts people from Southeast Asia. Our pick for fall: The Honeypot Top.

Queen Of Heartz Dress

12. Tawapa - Tribal is one of 2011’s largest trends; our pick for global chic are the coconut carved earrings. Follow them on Twitter: @Tawapa.

13. Lillian Crowe – Lillian Crowe is a Brooklyn-based designer creating unique jewelry out of metal and elements that she reclaims from old New York warehouses.

14. XCVI - We’ve been fans of XCVI for five years. Our favorite California brand has outdone themselves this year. Wash leather jackets and vests perfectly design with California flair we’ve come to expect from them. We also love the Crumpet Skirt, Countryside Black Dress, Thread Hoodie and All Star Top (just to name a few). You can follow them Twitter: @XCVI or friend them on Facebook.

15. Noon – We bought the three stand pearl necklace, we love the Noon collection and simple classic silhouettes of their pieces. Follow them on Twitter:@noondesigns.

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