For the fashion-obsessed, Fashion Week is like the Olympics. And, as any truly patriotic person will tell you, the Americans always have the best showing. Witness New York’s Fashion Week, where the best and brightest in the industry put their talent on display. From long-time household names like Oscar de la Renta, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Michael Kors, to newer standouts on the scene like Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, and Alice + Olivia, New York is where the all-stars came to play.
Sadly, whoever first conceived of Fashion Week must have had a cruel sense of humor. Once you’ve spent an entire week lusting over the gorgeous garments, you realize that they aren’t available in stores until summer. Well fashionable ladies of the Bay Area, we’re calling their bluff. Not only have we scoured the runway shows to compile a cheat sheet of the top trends at NYFW, but we’ve also identified a game plan for you to start wearing them right now: what to buy, where to buy it, how to wear it, and how much it’ll cost you. Here’s our shopping guide for the SF girl who, like us, thinks six months is way too long to wait.

Marc by Marc Jacobs A/W 2012; Photo by Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images
1. Bold Red
Red was the color of choice for many designers at last month’s Fashion Week. Styled in a number of ways from jumpsuits to accessories, and present in both day and night looks, designers made it clear that bright red pieces are a must-have for your wardrobe this season. While Marc Jacobs sent models down the runway head-to-toe in the hue, other designers like L’Wren Scott kept it subtle with pops of the color to brighten up subdued autumn apparel.

L’Wren Scott A/W 2012; Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images
How To Wear It
For a night out, don’t be afraid to sport a bold look with red separates, or a red dress with red heels. For the office, school, or more formal gatherings, keep it subtle with a red bag or plain red jeans.