POLISHING IT OFF; NEW YORK SHOWS AND PRESENTATIONS ARE OFF AND RUNNING, OFFERING VARYING TAKES ON SOPHISTICATION - FROM ELEGANT JEWEL-TONED PIECES TO AN UPTOWN-TRIBAL MLANGE.

Vera Wang Lavender Label: Vera Wang channeled tony schoolgirls - of the sexy, glamorous variety - in her first Lavender Label runway show, though the collection was launched two-and-a-half years ago. A silver lam blouse got dressed down by a soft, striped boyfriend cardigan; tweed pencil skirts hitting just below the knee peeked out beneath colorful coats, from a voluminous blue number with fur-trimmed sleeves to a calf-dusting bright green topper. And Wang, who said she drew inspiration from the Chinese film "In the Mood for Love," once again proved herself adept at mixing jewel tones, working bold mustard- and russet-colored tops with metallic embroideries - and finishing it …