While posting on the economic woes of women across America, I shamelessly neglected a vital question: what does one do when her best party tiara clashes with the economic downturn of the masses?  It’s a conundrum.

Yes, that’s right, dear readers:  even richflation has begun to sag.  

Fear not.  

Unlike the unlucky gals who will muddle through with carpools and extra part-time jobs and coupon clipping discount bargain bins, you won’t have to worry your pretty little head with the misery index beyond perhaps cutting down to that next sized yacht party — it’s a buyer’s yacht market if you have the money to burn.  

Thankfully, posh gals, the designers are already planning your cash spree this season and will help you economize in style.

Expect to see more hats, signature necklaces and other accessories on the runway that can change the look of an outfit, allowing shoppers to still invest in new fashion but not necessarily have to buy into a whole new look.

"You can’t survive in this economy as a designer unless you know what’s happening in the marketplace," Mountford says. "At a time when people are losing their homes, even a fashion designer has to be aware of the importance of giving people what they want and what they are willing to pay for."…

And if you don’t want to economize, but don’t want to seem insensitively gauche in your excess? No fear, that’s been covered, too:

One sign that the fashion-hungry aren’t slowing down: American Express says its skybox tickets for runway shows at Bryant Park, with packages starting at $150, sold out within a day.

If you are one of the lucky few for which luxury is a daily plan, then you may apparently continue with your excess unabated.   Apparently, the failure of a few investment banks and economic difficulties for loads of people in this country should not deter your search for the next shiny conquest:

It is too early too see any impact yet. Still, over the coming months the lost jobs and shrinking bonuses in finance are likely to be felt by the army of companies and staffers that serve Wall Streeters: from black-car chauffeurs and Breguet dealers, to pricey restaurants, wine auctioneers, art galleries, household-staffing agencies, Lamborghini salesman, private-jet operators, African safari planners and interior designers. Most importantly, it could effect real-estate–though not immediately…. 

Ruediger “Rudy” Albers, President of Wempe, the super-pricey watch purveyor on Fifth Avenue, says his sales are up more than 15% from last year. “We were waiting for slower sales this year with all that’s going on,” he says. “But it hasn’t happened.”

The smart luxury shopper will steer toward accessories this season — subtle, yet still pricey enough to make hungry children gape on the way to the increasingly emptied local food bank.  Bonne chance, savvy shoppers! 

The rest of us will just have to settle for a new lipstick, which is apparently the harbinger of more economic troubles to come.  Who knew?

(Who doesn’t love a little Breakfast At Tiffany’s?)

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