Fashion Week has ended in New York. I scrambled around from show to show, read every review and watched every moment of the TV coverage. I wanted to see everything.

The clothes, the incredibly chic models and the celebrities that line the front rows of the shows make this one of New York's most glamorous weeks. For the first few days it all feels like one big decadent party. But as the week progresses, the seriousness of the shows becomes increasingly obvious. As mind boggling as it seems, the fashion and beauty trends for spring 2010 are being determined right now, more than a year in advance.

I know many of you are thinking that the fashion shows are irrelevant to your everyday life. You could not be more wrong. Perhaps you won't be buying the pricey designer numbers featured on the runways or wearing the perfect coifs and makeup of the models, but they will influence your visits to neighborhood shopping malls, beauty salons and drugstores. The shapes and colors of the clothes, hair and makeup for spring have all been determined by this week's shows.

Certainly there are differences in the quality of the goods, but on close observation, the look of fashion's and beauty's most expensive items are very similar to their more reasonably priced counterparts. You really don't have to spend a fortune to look your fashionable best.

Sometimes the designer clothes shown are outlandish. More than a few items will never be seen off the runway except on the most daring. There was one overwhelming trend this season, however: a return to femininity. Most women today don't have the funds to be frivolous with their clothing or beauty budget. At this point in time, looking feminine, beautiful and stylish makes sense for all women maintaining or pursuing a career--or for those just wanting to look incredibly chic. This doesn't have to cost a fortune, but it does take time and effort. Woman who don't take care of their appearance look like they don't care about themselves or their lives. I know this isn't always the case, but this is how it is often viewed by others. It is well worth the time it takes to look your best. Here are some easy tips suitable for every occasion.

1. Get up a half-hour earlier than usual. This will give you more time to get ready to face the day. Have your beauty potions out from the night before. Clean your face thoroughly and apply appropriate products to keep your skin looking bright and vibrant.

2. Make sure your hair is shampooed, conditioned and styled. Never walk out of your house with dirty or tangled hair. Nothing says "I don't care about my appearance, my self or my job" more than hair that is not well groomed.

3. Always put on makeup. At the very least, lipstick and mascara are a must to look alive.

4. Tweeze your brows or whatever else needs to be shaped or eliminated.

5. Check for roots if you color you hair. Dark hairs peeking through are more acceptable than grey roots. Grey coverage must be maintained because grey roots can create the illusion of thinning hair.

It's not easy to look good all the time. In fact, it's almost impossible. Looking good takes time and effort. I often think of one of my client's grandmothers who, upon bringing in her granddaughter for her first set of highlights, told her, "It's not easy to be a great beauty." Except for the lucky few, no truer words have been spoken.

Today's financial headlines are often bleak. Words like "recession" and "inflation" appear in nearly every article and reading them send chills up my spine. The most recent stories suggest that the economy has started to recover, and I sigh with relief reading that the worst was behind us. Anyone who talks the truth will have to admit they have been affected by this recession. As our 401k savings have gone down, we all have become hyper aware of our spending habits.

Whether consciously or not, we have all made lists of what we can cut from our budgets. Certainly, taking care of your hair can be an expensive proposition. Does this mean you should forsake your beauty and grooming routines? I think not! Maintaining your confidence and self-esteem has never been more important. It's a tough and competitive world out there. If you don't think looking good makes a difference in getting a job or the promotion of your dreams, you're making a big mistake. Contrary to what the old adage says, we often do judge a book by its cover. Your appearance can say as much about you as your resume. So, it is vital always to look your best.

I am not suggesting you spend your last dollar on a blow-out or a touch-up. There are many inexpensive and relatively easy ways to maintain your beauty routine.

Haircuts
A great haircut is a good investment. A good shape makes it easier for you to style your hair between trims. Remember that keeping your bangs trim will keep your haircut looking fresh for a very long time. Most hairdressers will be happy to cut their clients' bangs for no charge. If that's not the case, you can cut your own bangs or slither off the occasional split end to prolong your haircut. When cutting bangs, always follow the line your presently have. Do not try to make bangs thicker or wider; this takes a skilled professional. Cut your bangs long. They will pop up shorter than you expect after you've cut them. Trimming split ends is easy. Take a half-inch section of hair and twist it to its end. You will notice the split ends sticking out of the twist. Trim the damaged ends and move on to the next section.

Styling
This takes patience and the proper tools. Your hair texture and desired look will help determine the tools you need to style your hair. Closely watch your stylist blow dry your hair. Notice the products and styling tools used. Ask your stylist to show you how to blow dry your own hair. The stylist will be happy to show you the proper angles to hold your brush and hair dryer. If you are really having trouble styling your hair, request a formal class. There will be a charge for the class, but it will more than pay for itself in a very short time.

Coloring
You can do this at home, and doing it can lead to great savings. I know that the thought of at-home color can make many of us shudder. Home-coloring products have received a bad rap for years. Guess what? They work! The coloring products are terrific. It is most often the at-home colorist who is the culprit of any bad results. You must read the product guidelines and the directions to guarantee beautiful results. If you're a salon color client, you can extend the time between touch-ups by coloring the hair around your face and where your hair parts. This will add another two to three weeks to your touch-up schedule. There are many at-home hairline touch-up kits that are easy to use and will color your hair in only 10 minutes.

Conditioning
This is essential to keep hair looking healthy and vibrant. Conditioning your hair is easy to do at home. I suggest using store-bought conditioners. At-home remedies do not rinse out of the hair, and often leave it looking coated and limp. If you have fine hair, use a light conditioner; thick hair will require a heavier conditioner. Hair that is in peak condition always looks great. Hair color will look better and last longer when your hair is in good condition. Natural curls and waves will never look frizzy on healthy, moisturized hair.

I can't stress enough the importance of looking your best in today's world. Self confidence is a crucial commodity, one we all need. I guarantee that you will feel better about yourself when you make the effort to take these steps. They don't cost much, and they will keep your hair looking beautiful.

Not sure if you need to change up your look? Check out these 9 signts that you need a new hairdo!