I’ve wanted to visit Paris ever since I read my first copy of Vogue and discovered the words of Hemingway and Fitzgerald. Paris is the center of the fashion world, with a plethora of literary and art history. It is a place that both excites me and intimidates me. And I’m finally going to visit — this winter! December seems so far away right now, but I know that I need to start planning immediately. The most important question is, of course, what to wear! How can I possibly look chic when it’s freezing outside? Thankfully I have a good friend living in Paris who can give me advice. And I’m taking inspiration from street style blogs, like The Sartorialist. I will have to pack light, because I’ve heard I’ll be visiting during the winter sales. So exciting! It’s a good thing I’ve already purchased several new springy dresses, because I’m putting myself on immediate shopping probation. I need to save up for Parisian treasures.

Here in my neck of the woods, designer fashions are pretty scarce. A few boutiques in Milwaukee do carry the real goods, but for the most part I have to travel to find what I want or shop online. I also subscribe to most of the major fashion magazines and check out runway shows. I’m so glad that websites like Style.com show pictures of every look, so even those of us far from NYC can scout upcoming trends.

New York fashion week is under way, with designers presenting their fall ready-to-wear collections. Editors and buyers will travel around the world in the coming weeks, with shows taking place in London, Milan and Paris. I know I likely won’t be buying any of these clothes soon, but I still like to look for ideas. And the first few days are always interesting, as that’s when many of the up-and-coming designers show their stuff. I’d recommend checking out Creatures of the Wind, a brand that started in the Windy City — sweet home Chicago. See, good fashion really can come from the Midwest!