Where I'm from, there's a Texas saying that shows you've got some miles on you: This ain't my first rodeo.  When it comes to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York, this is definitely true for me.

I started attending Fashion Week a decade ago, back before there were such things as bloggers, and definitely no Facebook or Twitter. Back then, it was a novelty that I wrote for the internet. I paid something crazy for my first digital camera like over $1000 so I could take runway photos and videos (believe it or not, it took floppy disks.)  I've seen designers come and go to the tents, met lots of fascinating people and seen some pretty great fashion. And I was on my way to a fashion show (Douglas Hannant, I believe) on September 11 when the tragedy struck.

So, no, this isn't my first rodeo when it comes to covering Fashion Week. But it is the first time that the main venue for the shows has changed from the ubiquitous white tents at Bryant Park to Lincoln Center. I'm actually excited for a change (I never understood how we were supposed to walk in heels on that crazy uneven cobblestone flooring anyway.) So I'm packing for the start of Fashion Week  and looking forward to another great decade at Fashion Week to share with you.

I just received my Old Navy faux fur vest (Buy Direct) in the mail, and I can tell you I'm going to love it (especially since it was under $30.)

The vest comes in black or brown (I bought black) and it's very short. I wasn't sure I'd go for the cropped style at first, but I think it's actually pretty flattering because it's less bulk than some of the longer faux fur vests I've seen. The material is lush, although no one is going to mistake it for the real thing.

On the downside, the sizing isn't too generous. I ordered the M/L and usually wear a 10 (OK, maybe a 12 on top) and it was just right. So if you are larger than a 12, you may want to think about buying the plus size version. (Photo Credit: Old Navy.com)

All of that red carpet fashion the other night got me in the mood for special occasion dressing.

The most versatile of all special occasion dresses -- the cocktail dress -- comes in variations from full-on beaded to low-key black jersey. Some of the most flattering and modern versions of the cocktail dress borrow heavily from the red carpet: black lace, one shoulder styling and back drama.

The black lace, one-shoulder style (left) is one of my favorite looks for upcoming parties. Find 6 more styles, all budget-friendly under $200. (Photo Credit:  Nordstrom.com)

Navy blue was the hottest color on the Emmy red carpet, but black, white, even nude tones made news. The one-shoulder gown continued to be a strong trend on actresses like Jane Lynch, while details like ruching and beading embellished many dresses.

I loved Tina Fey's beaded overlay gown and sleek ponytail (a big improvement over her usual red carpet looks), Dianna Argon's lace gown (young and cute and perfect) and Kyra Sedgwick's deep raspberry dress (that was an amazing color.) Who did you like? (Photo Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

When Rachel Zoe shows up to an event in head-to-toe black with her hair pulled back and minimal jewelry, it's newsworthy. After all, as the world's most famous celebrity stylist (she has her own fun show on Bravo, "The Rachel Zoe Project," which I love) she espouses an infatuation of all things glam.

Most of the time when you see her she's draped in fur, long curls and boho-inspired frocks. But here she is in Louis Vuitton which -- although it is all black -- has an extreme silhouette which classifies it as the new minimalism.

I think Rachel looks 10 years younger without all that hair and jewelry and in pared-down frocks. So much so that I'm considering borrowing a page from her style book and giving something similar a spin. Thoughts? (Photo Credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

Not all trends are created equal. Some actually seem like they are created with space creatures -- not real women -- in mind. But this fall, designers rolled out a multitude of great wearable looks.

For starters, designers are dropping down the hemlines of dresses and skirts to midcalf, which is a really comfortable length for most of us.

Then there are the furs (I choose faux), menswear and new neutrals (olive and camel) to choose from. Where will you start your fall shopping? (Photo Credit: Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images)

I know that army jackets have been a fun, young street trend, but olive/army green goes way beyond the casual jacket to take on a whole new life as the season's ultimate neutral (well, besides camel, but that's a whole 'nother blog post.)

Olive green happens to be one of my "colors" (I'm no color analysis expert but it seems to work best with skins with yellow undertones) so I've loved it for years.

There are so many new ways to try olive that you won't run out of new ways to wear it this season, from feminine to flirty to straight-on military. Have fun. Go green! (Photo Credit: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

So maybe I'm a bit prejudiced, since the first item I bought myself for the new season was an animal print cardigan. But I think this leopard-print cotton cardi from Banana Republic (Buy Direct) is an instant classic and will go with everything from jeans to cropped black pants.

Animal prints are huge this season -- especially leopard -- so you'll be seeing everything from ballet flats to handbags pop up in this fun print.  (Photo Credit: Banana Republic)

Every new season, I fall in love with something fresh and trendy. Last year it was sequins for daytime, this year it's over-the-knee boots. These fun, up-to-the-minute fashion items are like the icing on the wardrobe cake. And while I do enjoy something new each season, it's timeless classics that really fill a closet so that you always have something great to wear.

What do Jane Fonda, Ozzy Osbourne and Sarah Jessica Parker all have in common? They have all been spotted this year in fedoras.

This season's "It" hat, the fedora pops up in cheap straw versions, luxe felt and everything in between. SJP rocked a hot pink fedora, but it looks just as chic in neutral hues worn with everything from jeans to dresses. What about you? (Photo Credit: Dave Hogan/Getty Images)