Vintage look the rage during Fashion Week

Sometimes it's confusing to know when you are supposed to wear the clothes you see in newspapers, magazines and stores. That is because the media are now sharing the sneak previews that only fashion professionals used to be able to see eight months before you'll want to wear them.

In San Antonio, winter is here. But in stores, spring looks are already in full bloom.

But in New York, it's Fashion Week, and that means that it's already fall of '07. At last count, 221 designers are previewing their collections at the tents in Bryant Park and off-site at venues from art galleries to hotel lobbies, nightclubs to an ice-skating rink. Designers, of course, are vying for attention in hopes you'll remember their names when you finally get around to shopping for your fall wardrobe months from now.

Some antiques may just need a little TLC

THIS IS the perfect time for making two promises involving antiques: One concerns the proper care of antique furniture, while the second mixes antiques and American history.

Refinish right

Here is a way to help revitalize your antiques to make them look dazzlingly old, but never appearing as if freshly assembled from a cardboard box. Keep in mind that elbow grease can do wonders. Many times a piece through the years has earned nicks and water spots. All it may need is some tender loving care to remain alluring.

Remember, furniture originally varnished to showcase the wood's grain should remain that way. Never paint or "antique" an originally varnished object. It's a sin to hide grain and color originally intended to be visible. Pieces may just need a little effort and a magic concoction (to be revealed) for restoring former grandeur.