Hello, it’s Sara. Remember me from last season? You couldn’t get rid of me that easily, especially now that Spring Fashion Week has arrived. Memories of popsicles and waves lapping at sandy shores may still be fresh in your mind, but it’s time to get ready for cooler temperatures. Yes, the days of falling leaves, apples and honey, and stealing your little sister’s trick-or-treat candy are not so far off (and don’t you dare think that I’ll stop taking advantage of my 4’10” stature and not dress up as Casper the Friendly Ghost for the twenty-fourth year in a row). In preparation, I took to the street interviewing a few heavy hitters (at least in my humble opinion) in the fashion industry, asking their opinions on some trends that you’re sure to see in the stores whether you want to or not. Among the chosen were Connie Wang of Refinery29, stylist Lauren Rae Levy, and Sylvia Lipeles, my grandmother and the most fashionable woman I know.

It's that (second) time of the year again -- New York Fashion Week is upon us, recession be damned. Though there's been significant scaling back of the "festivities," the diva-driven show must go on. Sadly, since not too many of us have $100 right now to plunk down for a press pass (and we're actually press), we've gathered a few foolproof tips on how to make your own recession-proof entrance (read: free) to the most fashionable week-long event of the season. If you're struggling to put the Easy Mac on the table, then it's got little to do with designer brands and far more to do with how to make your charismatic personality and closet work to your advantage. Besides, all you really need are nerves of steel (and/or enough Xanax to kill a Clydesdale).