Is 2009 a year for Window Shopping? What has the New Year in store for us, fashionistas?

Oh, well, darlin's how must we welcome 2009 with a bang with the current economic meltdown that has affected most businesses left and right? Definitely, it's wiser to tighten our belts and engage in practical shopping to be always ready for the rainy days. Would it be a "Don't buy" policy for us but salivate like hungry mongrels for that latest Fendi Spy bag or consider what Harper Bazaar calls "Shop your own Closet"?

We have checked latest forecasts on trends and have tracked down our fabulous finds. But before you do your last minute shopping for the much-awaited New Year's Eve get-together or a hot date, consider these few pointers on how to look fabulous without splurging much of your paycheck or depriving yourself too much either. After all, every glamorous woman deserves to indulge a little and enjoy this feastive season. Let's start the countdown.

1. Go for intelligent shopping. Avoid the spur at the moment shopping. If you have to buy a new pair of that gorgeous shoes, don't just think about how it would be perfect for your new. outfit Instead, consider how it will match your wardrobe. It's a waste to be spending much on something that would just remain in your closet for the rest of the year.

2. Go classic. If you must follow trends, consider trends that are not only fabulous on your body frame and personality, but check whether such trends will last for some time. Shop for more classic pieces and match them with some latest finds and edgy accessories. There, you'll never go wrong.

3. Reinvent your closet. "I have nothing else to wear." We can hear ourselves saying the same thing over and over while looking at a mound of clothes in our closet. Of course, we always want to update our look and wear something different for every occasion. Instead of hoarding more this year, check which of your clothes you can restructure and match with something else you have. The key for this coming year is to be inventive, creative, and imaginative.

4. Invest on your health and well-being. Who says you need to get botox to get rid of wrinkles while being stuck with the same expression like Nicole Kidman does? We may never get rid of becoming older, but we can be healthier and wiser in each year. Get old with grace by taking care of your well-being and by avoiding so much stress. By having a healthy and happy disposition, we retain that youthful glow. Remember an ounce of worry is equilavent to 3 hours of labour in the maternity wing. Watch your diet, drink as much water as you can, and be happy.

5. Believe that your are and will always be beautiful. When our self-conscious self strikes, we have the tendency to pamper ourselves with excessive shopping while our credit cards soar as high as Jupiter to our dismay. We may clothe ourselves with all that glamour but we'll never ever be satisfied. Dress and look fabulous if you must. But remember you are and will always be beautiful. You only have to believe that you are.