The Laylady's Guide to Fashion Week

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, February 13-20th, normally a welcome break from winter drear, but this year, it’s Fashion Week Light for fabric-fiending New Yorkers. Here in Gotham, we can look, but we can’t touch. Fall 2009 has been designated the “Make or Break” season, with buyers hesitant to commit to new talent and designers tightening their 20-inch waist belts by canceling afterparties, paying models in clothes and teaming up to delude show costs. What does it all mean, you ask? In layman’s terms, it means New Yorkers won’t be lining up to purchase Fall’s fab $4K trench. Even if you CAN afford it (and there are plenty) you’re bestie’s financial security was scalded by Madoff, your housekeeper’s son lost his job, was found asleep on a streetcorner and deported, and your husband laid off twenty-five twenty-five year-olds. So close your Birkin, sit tight and pretend to enjoy the show.

The good news: Fashion forecasters predict that this year we’ll be able to get our self-manicured little paws on items quicker than years past as they’ll be sample saled earlier and for less. Smiles for non-profiteers, actresses-in-waiting and Catholic school teachers; frowns for designers.

Should you care to join in recession-inappropriate activities, but lack the coveted press pass, here are some tips: 1) This is the year to just go. Say you’re friend was supposed to put your on the list, but you’re happy to watch standing room. Be friendly. Be patient. Once you get in, stay put. 2) While lying is kinda kosher, never, ever, ever try your hand at trickery. You will be removed, embarrassed and experience heaps of self-shame for having behaved in such poor taste. 3) Look young, pretty & effortlessly fashion-forward. If you act like you belong, others will assume you do as well. (Helpful hints: Skip freebies and avoid any visible signs of celebration.) 4) For the more practical fashion obsessed, email designers and offer to help out backstage, although this year you may be pressed for time what with your J-O-B and weeknight waitressing shifts at Bowlmor. 5) If all else fails, check Runway Daily, Nylon, Fashion Week Daily and Fashion Week News for the latest updates.

Wait! There’s more. For a FREE event you can go to: On Tuesday, February 17th, Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York will host a Fashion Week day party at Sephora on 5th Ave complete with gift bags, massages and more! But you must print the ticket to attend. Sephora 5th Avenue at 48th Street. Noon.

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Posted by Emma Dinzebach at 05:26 PM
bargain news , STYLE/BEAUTY |