Tim Gunn understands that times are tight and that, for the vast majority of women, fashion is decidedly more luxury than necessity.

“We’re very cognizant of the economy,” says Gunn, one of the stars of Project Runway and chief creative officer of Liz Claiborne. “We’re very respectful of those issues. We’re not just out here saying ‘Buy something,’ although we would love it if that happened.”

For the last few months, Gunn has visited Kate Spade stores nationwide – including the Town Center at Boca Raton location – to show shoppers how to make a big impact with a small investment (if you consider a $325 handbag a small investment).

“You can still feel you’re part of the current fashion world with something as simple as an enamel cuff. It can make a big difference,” he says.

Random thoughts from the popular Gunn, who attracted a store full of fans recently:

On ‘Project Runway’: After a lengthy legal delay, the reality show will return to the airwaves – this season on Lifetime – on Aug. 20. And, Tim, Heidi, Michael and the gang are already working on the following season. “There’s a ton of incredible talent out there,” Gunn says.

On what he calls ‘the Michelle Obama fashion tidal wave’: “I’m so thrilled with her not only because she celebrates American fashion, but also because she looks so accessible. She looks like someone you can give a big hug to, and she’s not going to break.”

On shopping for something new: “Take stock of what you’re wearing a lot and ask yourself why. Look at what still has its price tags and ask yourself why. Ask yourself what you need and what you want, and think strategically about how new pieces will fit into your wardrobe – what will be an enhancement, not just something else in your closet.”

On the economy: “To be perfectly honest, (at Liz Claiborne) we’re just trying to survive. We’re just trying to stay afloat until mid-2010, when we hopefully start to pull out of this.”

On the SAT-level vocabulary in his 2007 book, ‘A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style’:

“My editors really pushed back at that – some of the vocabulary and some of the proper names (examples: Alaric, Agnes Gooch, Alain Delon) – and I said, ‘Let people sit with Google and MerriamWebster.com‘.”

On his writing career: Gunn just signed a contract for a follow-up to A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style – fans can expect it next spring.

On his own show: Bravo opted not to renew Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style, but Gunn says he hopes to repackage the series and pitch it to Lifetime.

Tim Gunn’s A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style is one of the few that dedicates a chapter to walking – ‘It’s how you navigate the world,’ he explains – but it underscores his from-the-inside-out approach to having style.

‘Confidence comes from within. It’s not something I can give you,’ Gunn says. ‘I didn’t feel comfortable just telling women what pieces they need to buy.

‘It’s about the individual. I always say I’m not a fashion Svengali or a fashion dictator. I’m a fashion therapist.’

Some of his advice, found in A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style:

‘If your goal when dressing is to feel as though you never got out of bed, then don’t. Get out of bed, that is. Pants that drag on the floor, tops that come down to your knees, a coat that hits your ankle, these are items that are entirely too big. Dissenters tell us that they “like the drape” that fuller clothes provide. Really? A top that looks like a pup tent is hardly what we call a flattering drape.’

‘Style is about the way you hold yourself and move through the world. It is about paying attention to the details of you, which means embracing and taking advantage of what you have to work with. Go forth, exfoliated and moisturized; be kind to your freckles; lose the ponytail; and position that pelvis. It will do far more for you than a new outfit.’

‘If you do find that you are constantly tempted to shop for emotional release, take a harder look at what is making you feel stressed. … Next time you feel the “must-spend money mania” coming on, invite someone you trust to do the shopping with you. Use the opportunity to talk about what is bothering you. Afterward, you may very well feel satisfied with going home and trying on the clothes – and lip glosses – you already own.’

- Staci Sturrock