2007_08_arts_faran.jpgYou may or may not have noticed that it's Fashion Week -- either way, style is saturating the city right now more than ever, and we've asked Faran Krentcil to help us figure the whole thing out. She who holds down the fort at Fashionista.com fills us in on The Tents, the trends and the tricks.

Oh, and she also recently poked fun at the hipster-chic in her short parody film: I Wanna Be A Hipster.

Tell us a little about your website, Fashionista.com.
Fashionista.com is an eight month old blog that shows you fashion from a girl's eye view. We see style news, gossip, and trends like most people see their social lives, and we report it the way your best friends would text you with their latest news.

Fashion week has begun and we need an Idiots Guide to the tents...What do we need to know? Who do we need to know? Help.
Ah. Well I think the biggest thing people don't realize is that even though its September, the collections are actually for Spring and Summer of NEXT year! So don't be surprised to see sundresses and bathing suits on the runways.

You also need to know that a fashion show isn't like a party. You can't bring a plus one if you're invited, it doesn't work like that!

As far as who you need to know, well, knowing a celebrity or a model makes everything easier, doesn't it? But knowing the right publicists makes fashion week much easier and better, although at the end of the day, just know your friends - you'll need them to survive the week!

Are there any new New York designers you'd recommend checking out?
Pay close attention to Chris Benz, he's the future. I'm also a big fan of Vena Cava, and they have a CFDA nomination this year, which is huge for them.

If you had to give the American Apparel billboards on the corner of Houston and Allen a makeover, what would you do/how would you change them?
I'd recast the whole thing with the perfect model pinups, Cintia Dicker and Jessica Stam, and have them naked but holding up huge t-shirts over their bodies like "does this look good?" Then in huge letters underneath it should say YOU'RE SUCH A TEASE.

What Fall accessory should every New Yorker have this year?
A best friend that isn't toxic... Okay fine, and a beautiful hat, knit or round and tilted.

We're on a budget, where's the best place to spend our precious pennies in NYC?
Barneys Coop or Bergdorf 5F during a sale.

Please share your strangest "only in New York" story.
I was in a cab one and outside during a traffic light stop, a man stopped a woman in the middle of the street, had her light his cigarette, and then they kept walking in opposite direction.

Which New Yorker do you most admire?
Personally I admire my grandmother very much. Professionally, I think Cathy Horyn, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Jane Pratt are the best.

Given the opportunity, how would you change New York?
More dance parties, and more opportunities and respect for public school kids.

Under what circumstance have you thought about leaving New York?
When I fell in love with a guy in London.

Can you please recommend a good weekend hang-out that isn't unbearably mobbed?
My strategy is a great restaurant on Saturday night and then Sway on Sunday. The Annex on Friday nights can be amazing, but you have to be in the mood to act like a hipster frat boy.

Do you have a favorite New York celebrity sighting or encounter?
I had to interview Sean Combs last year in the middle of Bloomingdales and that was so funny.

What's your current soundtrack to the city?
Anything by My Morning Jacket is great on the subway.

What's the best subway line?
The L for the people watching, and the fact that it now tells you when the next train is arriving!

Favorite headlines: NY Post or Daily News?
Post.

Best cheap eat in the city.
Sammys Noodle shop on 6th ave.

Best venue to see music.
Sarah Lewitinn's living room.