Fashion Week: Why should we care?

Each fall the major design houses congregate in New York, London, Paris, and Milan for "Fashion Week". Like guests a floating party, celebrities, designers, and press follow the circuit so they will be the first to witness these previews of the Spring 2010 fashion lines.

But why would a fashion frugal gal care? For ladies who want to stay fashion forward on a budget, Fashion Week can help!

Take note of the design trends that will emerge at Fashion Week. Is big chunky jewelry going to be en Vogue? What about color? Is teal the new aqua, or are bold reds emerging?

After learning the trends, start thinking how you can update your core wardrobe by accessorizing in-line with the trends.

Remember, the easiest accessory to work with is the shell or blouse underneath your suit! For example, Fall 2009 colors are softer and more muted than some of the classic fall colors. Instead of plum you will see a lot of lavender & purple this season, for example.

With careful planning you can watch retail sales and shop on eBay for very affordable shirts in the "correct" colors. Since Fashion Week is a preview of the SPRING fashions, you have all winter to hunt and gather what you need - on your timeline and on your budget.

Thrift shops are a great source for accessories such as jewelry and scarves. This dramatic necklace was found for $5.99 at our local GoodWill store, new with the tags still attached! Doesn't it completely update the look of this basic black Ralph Lauren travel skirt?

You don't need to jet off to Paris to see what Jean Paul Gautier's final collection for Hermès will look like this October. Each major city has it's own event website. After the shows, go on-line and look for the trends that emerged.

You have the time, and now you have the know-how. This Spring when your girlfriends are shopping till they drop you can sit back, smile to yourself, and know that you are as fashion forward as the best of them but you are also fashion frugal!