I think I've lost my fashion mojo.

It's really difficult to feel inspired by a $1500 pair of khaki shorts, when there's so much going on in the world. It's even more difficult to feel inspired, when you over hear celebrities making truly stupid comments like "(Hurricane) Katrina has really impacted me. Like, I decided to wait to buy another Paddington bag (retail value: $1500 plus)." After a week of hearing comments like the one above, you now understand why my fashion mojo is as low as George Bush's post-Katrina approval ratings.

My wounded fashion mojo aside, I did learn two things during New York's Spring 2006 Fashion Week- 1. fashion editors can survive anything- merges, resignations, and falling lights and 2. a significant number of "celebrities" are sad, hungry people with no sense of self. I know it sounds judgmental, but it's true. I mean, Kelly Osbourne (yep, Ozzie and Sharon's little girl) kept a straight face, while calling herself a "designer". Nicole Richie, was getting tons of press for looking like an anorexic spoon. And the legendary Stevie Wonder's wife was getting tons of press for her so-so line because her husband is the legendary Stevie Wonder. It's enough to make Coco Chanel rise from the dead.

Yet, in spite of my celeb overdose, I was able to observe some interesting trends for Spring 2006...

1. Khaki "capshorts". I coined the term "capshorts" (slightly longer than Bermudas, but slightly shorter than capris) after seeing show after show of models wearing knee-length shorts with a slight flare. The best part about this trend is that the shorts/pants/dresses, etc were cuffed right at the knee - the most flattering length for most women.

2. Cherry Red. Cherry red is going to be everywhere next Spring. Folks will be wearing it with the knee-length khakis above.

3. Cream. Lots and lots of cream-colored clothing on the runways. It reminded me of the color of my college dorm room walls.

4. Jersey Girls. The figure-hugging fabric is back.
Those of us with a extra "junk-in-our-trunk" should look for a slightly heavier versions of the fabric.

5. Trench Coats. Trench coats continue to have a strong presence on the runways. A major reason why it's one of the ten items every women should have in her closet.

6. Muted colors. The colors for Spring 2006 are muted and safe, sort of like the quiet guy from the comedy team "Penn and Teller". Stock up on gray and steel blue.

7. Even Muted Metallics. Metallic are still "in" but not the bright golds and silvers of summer 2005. Think utensil steel and door knob bronze.

8. Silk and Chiffon. Lightweight materials are back.

9. Black is still around. Thank god.

10. Refined Girly. Well constructed, tailored looks are going to be key for next spring- a look not easily translated by stores like Forever 21, but a relative breeze for the Budget Fashionistas will be fighting with moneyed socialites for several must-have pieces from the Mizrahi line.

For more of my fashion musings and tips on how to be fabulous for less, visit me at The Budget Fashionista.
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