It’s that time of year again, FASHION WEEEK!!!! But before I hound the IMG and all the PR firms for my goddamned ticket, I’m going to VEGAS!!! Out of all the trade shows I’ve participated around the world, never have I experienced MAGIC from the city of lights. I’m about to pop my cherry, Sin City awaits in my first trip ever to the desert.

It’s about the Magic, Project, Slate and ENK shows. I’m scouring the market for special finds, pieces that will jump out at you, the consumer, who desperately needs a fix in this weak ass economy. Something of value, that will make your stomach do flip-flops if you don’t own it. I, the Latina Fashionista am on a hunt and I’ve already started searching.

For starters, it’s all about the jewelry. I’ve been watching the ultra chic jewelry collection Fetty by Greenpoint-based designer Justin Tratner. The front man to the garage glam band Semi Precious Weapons and accidental jewelry designer took his love for the rocky hard knock blocks of NYC and for diamond engagement rings to create this edgy, hard, sweet and semi precious collection. With rock diamond pendant, diamond encrusted guns and hearts, and brail diamond bracelets I’m thirsty to see what’s next for spring ‘09. You can find the collection at Barney’s or the lower priced, Fame line at karmaloop.com. Debuting at ENK Vegas at the Venetian Hotel.

I’m also checking out D.A.T.E., the new lifestyle shoe that debuted at NYC’s ENK Blue Show. Four friends from Italy reunited in London and created shoes that contour to their lifestyle. Most def for et setters, businessmen, and those that like to play hard. The updated boat shoe with tassels is definitely street-gone-sophisticated-stupid, but never forgot where he came from. Check it out at ENK Vegas, tell Mark the Latina Fashionista sent you.

But one of my stops has to be the Project Show. I was told it’s actually worth walking, unlike its New York step cousin. I’m happy to revisit Amivectio, the new love child of designer Hector Estrada, this collection is the grown man in Triko’s life. He’s sophisticated, almost completely made of organic Pima cotton, but with a swagger of international confidence, much of the way Estrada lives his life. “I’ve grown up, I’ve seen the world and that’s what this new collection is about” he tells me at his first trade show, NYC’s Cargo. And full of swagger it is with unstructured bomber cardigans, polos and fashion forward crissed-crossed swooping yoke. It’s the birth of another dream that will take the industry to the next level.