A Bigger View Article: From Runway to Real World

Every year, New York City's Bryant Park plays host to the glamour of Fashion Week. In February, the white tents fill with designers premiering their latest fall collections, top models and exclusive guests. Fashion Week is one of the most coveted tickets in town.  Luckily Sissy teamed up with Generra Creative Director Pina Ferlisi for your backstage pass and an exclusive peek at fashion's latest trends. Let's get A Bigger View of these and how they translate to Your Big Life.

Pina predicts that next fall wide-leg pants and other boxy shapes will be making a come back.  But the real trend according to Pina will be sleeve details. Balloon sleeves, lantern sleeves and decorative trims; adding any of these exaggerated sleeves to your wardrobe will dress up an entire outfit and make it seem super trendy.

It's fun to see what the world's most beautiful models are strutting down the runway wearing. But, how does that really translate to Your Big Life? It's time to move from the runway to the real world with some advice from "The Budget Fashionista" Kathy Finney. According to Kathy, it's all about making sure you find clothes that are best for you and your budget.

Kathy's first rule of shopping involves a reality check that should resonate with all of us: Shop and dress for who you are right now not who you were five or ten years ago. Make sure you are complimenting your current body shape and the type of person that you are at this particular time in your life. This will ensure that you look hip and fresh and that your clothes fit right.

Kathy's second rule of shopping will keep you from getting overwhelmed with bargain shopping: Have a plan. Know what you are looking for before you arrive at a department store like Daffy's. Having an idea of what you want will help you stay focused and prevent you from getting lost in the sea of great bargains.

Kathy's third rule will really help you manage your costs and stay within your budget: Look at the cost for wear. You take the cost of the item and divide it by the number of times you think you will wear it. This will help you decide if you are getting your money's worth..

One final fashion topic that everyone loves: jeans. Are you worried that jeans are too casual? Kathy says no. In fact, all the cool people attending Fashion Week wear jeans. Just be careful not to wear "Mommy Jeans" that are high-waisted and out of fashion. Wear your jeans that fit well and compliment your current body type. Also, wear them with a fitted top, a nice jacket, a thick belt and top the ensemble off with a great pair of shoes like a nice pair of platform shoes. Platform shoes are "in" right now so focus a shopping trip on picking up a pair, within your budget of course.

We'd like to thank Generra creative director Pina Ferlisi for giving A Big Life a look into her studio and for taking us inside Fashion Week. Thanks to Kathy Finney and the wonderful department store Daffy's. For more tips from Kathy be sure to check out her website: http://budgetfashionista.com/. For some great fashion buys visit http://www.daffys.com/.

Calling all fashionistas! Do you have some fashion tips or trends you want to share? Have some great fashion ideas for this spring? We want to know what's in your closet and what you are wearing. Email us at abiglife@nbcuni.com.

For more tips on looking fashionable on a budget, check out Sissy's Tips: From Runway to Real World.

Think spring!

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