Reader Brianna Nicole asks:

How are models chosen to participate in Fashion week?  I am very interested in participating.

Great question Brianna! Most model castings are done through the model's respective agency.  Either the house or the show production will contact the agency in regards to what type of model they're looking for, whether it be by attitude, hair color or overall "look". One of the best places to get a peek inside model castings is the Confessions of a Casting Director blog, also known as COACD. Models typically aren't paid for walking in shows, but can receive last season's goods from the designer.

Smaller houses might post an open call on Craigslist, so keep your eyes peeled!

Readers Catherine & Ashley ask: 

Where can I get my hands on New York Fashion Week tickets for this September? I would be so grateful if you could help.

I was wondering when the upcoming events for New York Fashion Week for Spring 2009 were and how I would be able to get a hold of tickets.

Thanks for writing in ladies!  New York Fashion Week Spring 2009 will take place September 5 -12.  The events of Fashion Week are not open to the public, and tickets are generally not for sale.  Exceptions to this rule include tickets for sale through American Express and scalped passes posted on Craigslist. Fashion Week is intended as a preview for press and buyers so they can plan their next season.

In all honesty, Fashion Week is not as glamorous or as fun as it's made out to be.  It is many long hours of hard work, both for the production crew, press and attendees of the shows. Imagine how much fun you'd have if you were in 4" heels all day long and on a diet consisting of caffeine? Amplify that times a tent full of women in the exact same situation, mix in some attitude ("Don't you know who I am?!") and you've got Fashion Week.

The best way to do Fashion Week is to let others do the work for you.  There are plenty of online resources available that post photos of the shows within hours of the showing.  The tents are hot, sweaty, and crowded all for 15 minutes of loud music and bright lights.  Why suffer when you can sit behind the safety and comfort of your computer?

Click here for past Ask Style ITs or to ask your own question!

Reader WB asks:

When is it permissible to wear madras?

Thanks for writing in WB! For this question, we turned to our favorite wardrobe guru, Allie of Wardrobe Oxygen for the answer.

From WiseGeek:

Madras fabric is a light, cotton fabric that is typically associated with summer clothing. The name is based on the initial inventors of the madras fabric style, the Eastern Indians and especially on the black and red check fabric that was exported from Madras, India. Madras fabric is now made in a variety of checked patterns, for example turquoise and pink checks were popular in the 1980s preppy style. It was enjoyed as a "preppy lock" much earlier, and is referenced in S.E. Hinton's novel, The Outsiders as preferred by the rich kids.

Madras is made from very lightweight (sometimes to the point of being sheer) cotton from cheery colors, usually on a white background. This fabric doesn't look right at any time of the year that isn't sunny and hot. To wear it in the cooler months is the equivalent of wearing a wool pencil skirt in July: it may work and you may feel comfortable, but you will not look comfortable or stylish. Madras is best left to the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day, along with your straw espadrilles, white linen sundresses and wicker purses.

Click here for past Ask Style ITs or to ask your own question!

Reader Allie M asks:

I was wondering how much longer Ugg boots (classic ones) will stay in fashion? I was thinking of buying classic short ones in sand but I didn't know if it would be worth the money if they will go out of fashion quickly?

Dearest Allie,

We hate to be the ones to break this to you, but Uggs haven't been in style for about 2 years now.  They've passed their 15 minutes of fame, just like seizure inducing bags with sequined pailletes, and initial necklaces.  You may find yourself drawn to these hideous furry creations because you see celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon, Pamela Anderson and Madonna traipsing around town in them.  What you might have failed to notice is that those celebrities dressed themselves in their sweatsuits and casual attire, and failed to pay any attention to their personal hygiene.

Uggs are winter's version of flip flops.  They're lazy, overly casual and show a general disregard for your appearance.  Extreme winter conditions are the only acceptable reason to purchase and wear Uggs.  If you're on the hunt for chic winter boots, they're out there, trust us.  You should see how fierce we look pushing through Buffalo snow.

Reader Emily asks:

What is one must have for a trip to Mexico?

Hi Emily,

Ironically, Style IT's mom just came back from a month long Mexican vacation.  Her suggestion?  A light sweater, as this time of year the evening temperatures can dip into the 50s and daytime highs top between 70 & 80 degrees.

We love this Hayden scoop neck cashmere sweater ($97).  It comes in a wide variety of soft colors and looks snuggly.

The rouching in this Design History cardigan ($95.20) keeps it from appearing plain and boring.

Reader Merrie Asks:

Where can I find a list of songs from The Hills Season 3?

Hi Merrie,

MTV provides a list of all the songs played during the episodes here.  Each episode is categorized individually, plus you can watch full episodes online.   The rumor is a few new episodes of The Hills will air this spring.

Reader Renee asks:

I know it may be early but I want to know the top must have gifts. My cousin is a fashionista and it is so hard to buy her gifts so I need some help.

Hi Renee,

We know how difficult it can be shopping for a fashionista. Even when shopping for ourselves, it can often be difficult to find an item with appropriate taste and quality levels that fits into our budget. We found Stefani Greenfield's Fashion Gift Guide at Gifts.com especially helpful, and we hope you will too!

Reader Violetta asks:

Hi there. Just wondering whether you can tell me what the January/February 2008 New York Fashion Week dates are? Thanks so much.

Hi Violetta,

New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2008-2009 will be held February 1-8, in Bryant Park. For more information New York Fashion Week, visit the official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week website.