New York fashion week started yesterday and it made me think about what I do on a daily basis to stay current in the fashion world. Running a clothing shop (even if it’s online), I need to stay up on “what’s hot” and what’s going on in the fashion world. This makes me able to offer the products that my customer’s desire, as well as staying informed in the world I love, even though I no longer live in a fashion metropolis such as New York. It’s not only about following all the top fashion show (which is great in it’s own way, if that’s what you are into) — it’s so much more. There is a massive world of fashion beyond top designers. Here are a few of my suggestions to Stay Current in the Fashion World.

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1. Blogs

Blogs are one of the main places I go to for inspiration, to see how people are interpreting fashion and style, and see other worlds beyond my own. I check Bloglovin’ pretty much every day — even if it is just a glance at a few posts.

It’s worth adventuring to all different blog types (fashion, food, beauty, crafting, etc.) and find what and who inspires you.

2. Shop – online and in store

When  I say “shop online and in store” I don’t mean you have to actually buy anything. I am a rather frugal person and rarely splurge unless I really need or want something. I am an avid “window shopper.” Most days I stop by some of my favorite online shops and see what they are offering. I also periodically shop other Etsy shops (fashion, vintage, art, home, etc.).  Now that I don’t live in New York, I’m not as big into brick-and-mortar shopping because that usually means venturing into a mall setting — and I loathe the mall.

Remember – fashion is not only what’s going on with clothes and accessories, but what is going on in all aspects of life and creativity.

3. Current Events

Staying “in the know,” even if it’s a minor amount, is a plus. Knowing what is going on in the fashion world and non fashion world is important.  You don’t need to know everything, but having an idea of what’s going on and how it is affecting people usually reflects in fashion in some form. As I’ve always heard in my fashion classes through the years — the fashionable skirt length reflects the mood of the times.

4. Social Media

Social media, especially Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook (in my personal opinion), is  an easy way to get snippets and updates of all of the above.  It’s fast paced and rapidly up-to-date.