The adorable Erika Stanley of SNOB Style and SeenON! recently connected to chat about episode 4 of Bravo’s The Fashion Show, what it takes to make it in this cutthroat business, and, of course, shoes!

SO!: This week, the contestants finally broke out of their groups and competed as individual designers. Were you as impressed as the judges with the results?

ES: I was! We saw a lot of organic designs and it almost felt like a completely different show. I think the top two designs from this week’s challenge came from Reco and Angel - they were both very sellable.  I love that Angel put a completely new twist on the shirt dress and told a story.  Her design was pretty well-executed and showcased how to wear the white shirt many different ways. Hers was definitely my favorite.

SO!: While on the chopping block, Andrew defined his criteria for design success through “hanger appeal, fit and sellability.” Do you think he succeeded?

Yes, these are three really big components to consider when creating a garment, and considering his goals, I think he nailed it.

SO!: From last night’s episode, we perceive Isaac Mizrahi as a big proponent of “thinking outside the box” and “pushing the envelope.” In the end, it seems that these traits saved Lidia from elimination. In your expert opinion, what do you think is worse – playing it safe and having a finished garment or going too bold and sending something unfinished down the runway?

ES: If Lidia had more time, I think the dress was still going to be poorly designed and poorly executed. Her concept of a black and white color combination just wasn’t very sellable. It’s smart to push the envelope but her design and garment was lost cause. What’s interesting though is that Andrew played it safe last week and won the challenge! I think they just wanted to keep Lidia just to see what she would do next week.

SO!: In her critique of the bottom two designs, guest judge Fern Mallis, SVP of IMG Fashion, noted that this is a “season of color” and that neither of the designers delivered. How important do you think it is to play on the audience’s expectations and to “give them what they want”?

ES: I definitely feel that in fashion a designer has to play within the current trends. A runway show is like a business meeting - it’s the time and place to sell your concept and ideas. If they’re off the mark, no one is going to buy.

SO!: In this week’s reviews, the issue of sellability vs. fashion forward was prominent among the judges critiques. In your expert opinion, which quality takes priority?

ES: Designers can be so creative, and I think this is where they can have problems. This is a business and they need to understand that they have to compromise some ideas to sell a concept. Many designers see it as a time to display their art, but it’s just as important to have business mindset. I encourage budding designers to really to take the time to find their niche and conquer it. I believe there needs to be a happy balance of creativity and sellability.

SO!: Judge Fern Malice noted that when deciding what to wear in the morning according to what you’ll be doing that day, “it all starts with the shoes.”  What is the first article or accessory you consider when putting a look together?

ES: Personally, I don’t think it necessarily all starts with the shoe. It really depends on where I’m going and who I’m seeing that day. I think the shoe sets the tone, but inspiration definitely comes from whatever mood I’m in. When styling for a photo shoot, the look creates the story that you’re going to tell. It’s not uncommon for that story to revolve around the location as opposed to a single piece.

Check back this week for more exclusive interviews from our expert panel!