A Conceptual Spring

The gift bags that runneth over with Smashbox cosmetics are gone.

Ditto the saccharine cocktail concoctions sponsored by vodka spiced with caffeine.

But aside from that, we don't miss Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week as much as we thought we would. The let's-put-on-a-show nature of Concept LA Fashion Week over the weekend was instantly endearing, and we didn't have to trip over C-list celebrities from 90210 to have a good time.

On Saturday, Angel Johnon's runway show scored intermittent worthy looks -- those with metallic bodice details being our favorites -- while ISM Mode's vintage take on chic cotton basics made us want to plop down our gear and knit with the girls. Chanteuse, a lingerie line that's a mainstay of L.A. boutiques like Coco de Mer, featured a static installation of evocative, turn-of-the-century pieces. Though if you're going to do a lingerie presentation, go for real models. 

But the biggest draw at the downtown show was the verve of its attendees – proving to us that dynamic style is still very much alive.