Considering New York Fashion Week is currently in the midst of showing off the Fall 2014 designer trends, it only seems right that this week’s article pays tribute to all the glitz and the glamour that goes along with it.

While I love viewing videos of runway shows (the Chanel haute couture collection is worth every second of the 14-minute clip), I have to admit that my favorite source for style inspiration during this time of the year comes from the people walking the streets.

Although these people probably do not embody what you would think of as your average civilian walking the streets of New York, they are people that live and work in the fashion world and know a thing or two about style.

There is just something about street style compared to runway style. Yes, models are beautiful, perfect creatures that we love to look at, but that is just the thing. Not everyone is a model, and the authenticity of street style makes an outfit that much more inspiring, appreciative, and wearable.

Here are some notable consistencies that I have seen in street style:

Mixing sporty and chic—many people this season have been swapping their heels for sneakers when roaming the streets, adding a bit of tomboy edge. Gals are pairing skinny jeans and even skirts with a cute pair of Nikes, Adidas and Converse.

Textures: winter is perfect for incorporating different textures into your wardrobe because you can layer. While clicking through the online Vogue NYFW street style photos (a must do for any fashion lover, by the way) I found that one image that I was instantly drawn to was of a girl wearing a textured navy sweater, gray leggings, a knee length floral skirt, chunky loafers and a small leather handbag. Maybe I am crazy and this look is actually completely grandma, but there is something so admirable about putting all of these pieces together that come across as delicate, feminine and daring.

Plastics: if you read this and immediately thought of “Mean Girls,” I probably love you because so did I. Anyway, I have seen so much plastic incorporated into outfits it makes me feel like I need to whip out my 2001 inflatable chair. 

However, this is not the cheesy, cheap kind– it is incorporated into bags, heels and boots and sunglasses.