Cynthia Rowley 2009 RTW Collection

Cynthia Rowley is approaching the recession with a glass-half-full mentality. For Fall, the designer(designer toej) put her focus on accessories including crystal-encrusted leg wear, slouchy leather boots, and carved onyx necklaces that can be worn to update a woman's existing wardrobe.

Believing that shoppers are also in the market for more artisanal wares, Rowley took a craftier approach with the clothing than she has in seasons past. A blouse done up in rows of ribbons, paired with a brocade miniskirt, had an heirloom feel, and a series of sweet silk dresses were patch worked with Liberty fabrics. While the detailing on some cropped pants felt overly folksy, Rowley's strategy should appeal to her customer come fall.

source: style.com