Make sure you're not fashionably late

September 11, 2009

Not all of us have the liberty of calling Rachel Zoe when we can't decide whether to buy heeled or flat boots this fall, but keeping up with this season's latest fashions without a pricey celebrity stylist can be easier with the help of a few friends.

To narrow down the search for the best bargains, invite a few friends over for a fall shopping preparation party. Ask everyone to bring three fashion or shopping magazines, such as Lucky or InStyle, and rally a fashion army to scour the pages for the best deals on the hottest trends.

Pop in a garment-centered movie like The Devil Wears Prada or Confessions of a Shopaholic and hang pictures of your favorite fashionistas to provide an inspirational ambience. Keep your team focused by serving small snacks, such as sliders or mini quiches, to make sure no one gets hungry during dressing room dashes.

Nominate the documentation specialist in your group to record your findings and develop a spending-savvy roadmap to a new fall wardrobe. E-mail the list to all partygoers and arrange a group shopping trip.

Once you've planned your route, ensure you're conserving cash and the environment by decorating reusable tote bags tailored to your purchasing personality. You may end up creating your first low-cost fashion find.