Photo: Getty Images

It seems that financial predictions for the second quarter aren’t looking too good for our Kate Spade pocketbooks. A shortage of cotton, a rise in the cost of labor and manufacturing, an export ban in India, and a fast growing clothing retail market in Asia and India are causing the price of cotton to rise up to 10% more this spring. Designers in the past had merely turned to synthetics as a low-cost alternative when cotton prices rose, but now with the high demand for synthetic fibers and cost of rubber and oil, prices will increase up to 50%. So that means, those $70 cotton jeans? Now $77. That $50 polyester top? Now $75.

So what’s a fashionable girl to do? Because let’s be honest, being on a budget is no excuse for not looking fabulous. Throw a clothing swap. Have everyone bring clothing in good condition that they no longer want or wear, make some popcorn, turn on some music, and let the borrowing begin! That top that makes your face look pasty could look absolutely fantastic on your friend. Even if you are all different sizes, you can still swap accessories and jewelry to add something new to your look. Check out your local thrift store. You can find some real gems at the Salvation Army or your local consignment store if you live in a small town, some even sell clothing by the pound. But if you live in a big city you know how picked over thrift can be, so check out Ebay or Smashion. And don’t forget, you can also sell your own clothes online to make a little extra shopping money!

Make a list. If you are one of those girls that every time she drops by the mall picks up a little $5 hand lotion, a few $3 bangles, and a $10 tee, put a stop to it right now! All of those little purchases can add up. Instead, clean out your closet and get to know what you really need this season. Are you missing a pair of basic black pumps? Need a new maxi-skirt to update your look? Is your favorite denim jacket on it’s last legs? Write it down, and only buy what’s on your list. Get to know your tailor. It’s amazing what a tailor can do. Do you have any clothing that you would love if it just wasn’t too small, too big, too long….? Take it to your tailor and for a few bucks you can have a bunch of new clothes that are perfectly for you. Go independent.

My personal favorite, consider buying from an independent designer as opposed to fast fashion brands such as Forever 21 or H&M. Not only will you be getting a unique piece, but because they don’t have the same over-head as mass market brands they are cheaper. A few great sites are Etsy, Moxsie, and Indie Designer Labels.

Photo: Getty Images

Joanna Hillman has the trendy look down at New York Fashion week. Can you count all of the fall/winter 2010 trends? Fur, military, lace-up booties, full ankle length skirt, red lipstick…. Keeping all of the pieces in muted colors and classic shapes keep her from looking like a fashion victim, and we love how she manages to look warm and cozy but still chic. To get the look check out our picks:

Photo: Getty Images

Hermoine Granger, who? Emma Watson wears many hats. The British actress has proven that post-Harry Potter, she’s here to stay. The 20-year old is an actress, model, designer, and now beauty ambassador for Lancôme. Pretty soon you’ll see her grace the beauty brand’s commercials and ads. Emma told Dailymail.co.uk, ” It’s so exciting, I can’t wait to start shooting.” Something tells us she’s not done making a name for herself.

   
Photo: Courtney D'Alesio

The eager eyes of the world might be glued on the New York Fashion Week tents, but some of the most exciting style of the season happens off the runway. It’s hard not to be influenced by the risk-takers and glamazons swarming around the city. Follow us on Tumblr for exclusive Street Chic photos of models, editors, and more! Here are just a few of the inspiring highlights we’ve caught so far:

The borrowed-from-the-boys look is a classic. There is simply nothing so feminine as a woman in masculine clothing—and owning it. The contrast is a simple, stunning look that has designers resurrecting it season after season. This season there is a twist to the menswear style, with inspiration being taken from the tuxedo or the le smoking (if you ask Yves Saint Laurent) on the runways of The Row, Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung, Rebecca Minkoff, and Ruffian.

The Row, Imaxtree

If there is one thing that men and women can agree upon, it is a newfound shared love for Derby and Oxford shoes. We’ve seen our favorite female celebs taking a leaf out of the boys’ book and trading blister-inducing heels for a pair of these comfy and stylish shoes. This style of gender blender footwear can be worn with pants, shorts, dresses, or skirts and can be easily dressed up with a dainty pair of lacy socks.

Photo: Courtesy of Shopbop.com

For her fall 2011 RTW collection, entitled American Legends, Diane non Furstenberg has lassoed the style and power of three unquestionable female  icons of power and style: Millicent Rodgers, Diane Vreeland, and Gloria Vanderbilt. Mrs. Furstenberg and her right hand man Yvan Mispelaear may have arrived to the States from foreign shores, but this show displays a clear enthusiasm for their adopted turf, channeling a general American pioneering spirit. Complete with wide-brimmed hats, fringy suede, gaucho jumpsuits, a horse-shoe shaped runway, and the usual vivid DVF color palette, New York Fashion Week took a turn towards the Wild West.
Photo: Imaxtree

Jil Sander, Imaxtree

A bright lip is a huge trend this spring and summer, and every  girl should have a bright lipstick in her beauty arsenal for a polished, put-together look. Yet, if you happen to enjoy eating, drinking, talking, or are a habitual lip-licker and chewer, chances are that lipstick isn’t going to last through breakfast. Here are a few tips and tricks for helping lipstick last longer:

Rebecca Taylor, Getty Images

Crimping irons are the new flat irons for fall 2011. Designers Rebecca Taylor and Katie Gallagher sent their models done the runway with gorgeous crimped hair. These ’90s-style waves give edge to sophisticated straight locks. Read on to master the modern take on this hot look.