Ever wonder what a fashion show is like? Here's your chance to see Betsey Johnson's Spring 2011 fashion show—as it takes place in New York.

It doesn't matter where you are—in Chicago, Los Angeles or Rome, if you have a computer, tune in. (And if you don't, head to your local library!)

Here's how: Just log onto BetseyJohnson.com at 6 p.m. EST and watch the behind-the-scenes footage, followed by the actual fashion show. Style expert Robert Verdi will also provide commentary.

It should be loads of fun—the iconic designer's shows are one of the most colorful of NY Fashion Week and she typically ends the show by doing a cartwheel.

 

Yes, even drugstore brands have a runway presence at New York Fashion Week.

Backstage at Vivienne Tam on Saturday, Maybelline New York Global Makeup Artist Charlotte Willer explained the look for the show.

The inspiration was "the girl who has traveled the Silk Road. So she is a little messy. She is someone who has traveled from city to city and brought pieces along the way. So it's a very natural look," Willer said.

 

Fashionistas looking to be wowed were not disappointed by Christian Siriano.

The ubertalented Project Runway star sent out a light and bright Spring 2011 collection at the kickoff of Fashion Week Thursday. The show was full of flouncy dresses and tops, wide-legged pants and shorts, and breathtaking gowns. Colors ranged from crisp whites and pale neutrals to vibrant oranges, reds, blues and browns.

His collection was inspired by earthy African, Indian and Chinese influences mixed with elegant glitz—for instance, a silky printed blouse teamed with leather shorts or a silk chiffon strapless printed gown worn with a heavy brown leather belt.

 

New York Fashion Week may sound like all fun and games, but a huge ton of work (from sketching and making the garments to selecting the space, hiring the models and more) went into producing the runway shows and presentations.

The shows, which will take place in Lincoln Center for the first time, kick off today and end Sept. 16. Designers are showing their Spring 2011 collections to industry retailers, stylists and editors. Retailers and editors will then influence what winds up in stores come spring.

Here's a glimpse at what inspired Rebecca Taylor, Tracy Reese, Yoana Baraschi and Kaelen for Spring '11.

For Taylor (see the green printed dress sketch), spring is a modern juxtaposition of her bohemian roots and the slick and urban. Expect distressed, belted trench coats in bright colors and silk printed dresses. Eyelet pieces are combined with scalloped-edge leather jackets to lend a downtown look that's still elegant.

 

Get set, Fashion's Night Out is Friday!

What does that mean? It's like the New Year's Eve of fashion. Retailers in practically every city will host some sort of celebration to get people excited about fashion and help stimulate sales.

How can you participate? Buy this cool T-shirt.

The limited-edition 100 percent cotton shirt features a cool graphic and 40 percent of the proceeds raised from the $30 shirt goes toward the NYC AIDS Fund. 

What are you waiting for? Buy one now at participating retailers like Macy's and Bloomingdale's or online at ToryBurch.com (where there's free shipping).

 

Happy Tuesday!

Did you shop, sun or possibly win the salary sweepstakes at Banana Republic this weekend?

I did a bunch of things. Went to charming Philadelphia to hang with friends and, of course, got some shopping in (and eating and drinking!).

A big fan of Old Navy, my friend and I headed to the clearance rack where I was looking for one thing: white jeans. To me, white jeans are like black pants; one can never have too many pairs. They just look stylish—even in the early days of fall. A 30 percent off sign loomed above the sale rack making everything seem more enticing (Bing Shopping: Shop for jeans)  

Sometimes, there's a fashion trend that seems so wrong but everyone is doing it so you suddenly start questioning whether you should try it too.

I'm talking about socks with sandals, shoes or heels—I mean socks on bare legs so you can see them, as shown here at the Marc Jacobs Fall 2010 fashion show in New York.

The model looks cool and chic. Now imagine someone twice her age wearing the same look. Not the same effect.

I realize this socks and shoes trend is everywhere (from J.Crew to Loft), so it might seem tempting. I mean, retailers and designers create clothes and outfits that are intended to make us look better? Right? Not always.

 

Who likes to shop?! Like Black Friday, Labor Day means major sales.

Summer is officially gone and retailers are celebrating by offering discounts on end-of-season merchandise as well as new fall clothes.

So if you need an excuse to shop, this weekend's sales may provide that rationale. Here are some sales taking place; but literally, every store is having some type of sale or promotion. So Happy Shopping!