For those of you who are just joining us, this is Mercedes-Benz fashion week in NYC, and I have devoted this week's Pampered Posts to sharing the new trends on the runways. We've already covered hair and make-up. Now it's time to move onto the Fashion Week main event: The Clothes!

It seems when it comes to fashion; a simple sporty-chic is the look everyone is going for. A perfect match for our “Polished Pony”…

The look is being described by the designers as “Urban Sport” and/or “Athletic Chic”, and includes relaxed yet refined fabrics like silk. The idea is to create a wardrobe that can be worn in any facet of life. I think it’s a nod to the active lifestyle of working women, as well as the still struggling economy. Designers realize that you’re more likely to purchase a practical piece that can be worn to any of the million places you have to go in a day. I mean, as a working woman, I totally appreciate an item that’s appropriate for work, but comfortable enough to walk across the street for lunch in, ride the trolley without wrinkling, and then transition straight to happy hour w/the girls or dinner with my sweetie with a simple opening or removal of a jacket…

Don’t be mistaken, when I say sporty-chic, I DO NOT mean boring by any means! We’re talking about flowing textured trousers, as shown by Rebecca Minkoff, Yigal Azrouel, Tibi, and Charlotte Ronson paired with flirty blouses, and ruffled jackets. Karen Walker, Vera Wang, Rodarte and Badgley Mischka all showed Peplum waists (a flared ruffle attached to waist of dresses, jackets, and tops. While designers pulled influence from athletic wear, such as relaxed fabrics and looser fit, the overall theme is still very chic and put-together. So this new trend is NOT an excuse for you to wear yoga pants to work or pajamas to the grocery store…

How to do it on a budget:

I appreciate this old-fashioned idea of “A few solid basics to build a wardrobe around”. All you need is a few pairs of neutral dress pants, and a few jackets to really start a classic work-drobe that will last for years to come and extend into your social life as well. Go to TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or Burlington and stock up on inexpensive and trendy camis, tops, and blouses (look for ruffles, rosettes, and all things girly) to go with your designer staples. This way, when they go out of style next year, you won’t feel so guilty about putting them in the Goodwill bag!

Happy shopping!

Stop by tomorrow to find out about fashion week nail trends!

Thanks for reading,

Bethany!