Back in October when all the Spring/Summer 2009 shows presented us with their frilly, floral and frothy designs, I couldn't wait until March to get my hands on some of the spectacular designs (especially those crinkly, casual Bermuda shorts from Prada... if only!). Disappointingly, March and Spring are months away and I have found myself shopping for winter wear as the temperature continues to drop. Although I'm saving up for my Bermudas, I still managed to find some blow-the-bank worthy designer garments. Here's a few of my favourite designer winter-wear collections:

CHANEL:
Incorporating their iconic tweed suit, many of Chanel's outwear pieces boast the same tweed that made Ms. Coco so famous to begin with. Their updated shape, which is longer, waist cinching and features four square pockets, takes the jacket to 2008. The collection also included military yet feminine coats, chunky knit turtlenecks, chic sweater dresses and boxy wool covats to keep you both warm and stylish. The collvection stuck to classic winter neutrals like grey, navy, cream and black to maximize its use in your wardrobe and become a staple piece, just like Chanel's classic designs always do.

BALENCIAGA:
This Spanish based label is best known for its unconventional and ultra modern designs, and their Fall/Winter collection for this season was no let down. Super slick patent leather jackets look sleek on and off the runway and definitely made me drool. Their stark white and contrasting black-collared blazers looked ace when paired with their cocktail dresses, but can be realistically worn with denim for a more wearable, basic look. I also loved their new take on jackets; some designs featured a bracelet sleeve and mandarin collar and were futuristic looking with their boxy shape and severe contrast stitching. By far, the most outrageous and covetable outwear pieces were their leather jackets that were printed with what looked like armour. Good protection against that harsh wind, right?

FENDI:
Three words: volume, belts and fur. Although my friend Blake cringes every time I declare my love for rabbits and fox (around my neck as a scarf, not to pet or admire. Sorry, Blake.) Thankfully, Karl Lagerfeld, the man designing these lovely creations, shares my appreciation of a luxurious fur coat. Other lustful outerwear pieces were all of the top-heavy volume coats. They were all accessorized with thick, waist defining belts so the wearer doesn't drown in the garment. Another desirable cold weather design was their new take on ruffles, seen on coats, dresses and skirts with the latter paired with dark, opaque tights. The dark colours and heavier materials made these summer favourites suddenly year-round staples.

The list of fantastic luxury label garments that I lust after could go on forever, but these designers' creations topped my list. Common accessories between all shows were tights, berets, scarves of every pattern and slouchy, tall leather boots. The only downer: by the time I've saved up enough to purchase one of these pieces, it'll be time to covet summer sandals and new bronzer.