I had the unique pleasure to be styled by the fabled Sally Lyndley at my favorite store RARE vintage. I asked her what I should wear to fashion week if I want to be in with the in crowd (but not look like I’m trying too hard), be the next Anna Dello Russo—and get laid.

Things I learned from Sally

1. Crop-tops are good. But too much skin is bad.

2. 70′s and 80′s are overplayed.

3. Anna Dello Russo does several loops at Lincoln Center.

4. Open toe shoes are okay in the winter.

5. Male models are loose.

If you’re serious about fashion, vintage should account for at least 20 percent of your wardrobe.

But remember this: Vintage is not a style, it’s a tool. If someone says to you, “Your outfit looks vintage,” you’re not being complimented. Also, it’s important not to confuse vintage with thrift — or vintage couture with regular vintage, for that matter.

This past weekend, I headed to The Manhattan Vintage Show, my version of paradise, at Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea, where more than 90 vintage and textile dealers gathered. (The next Manhattan Vintage Show is April 19 and 20, and they host several more throughout the year.)

A show like this gives you an education. But the scope of vintage market can seem overwhelming, so here are some shopping techniques I’ve found to be quite helpful.

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Preparing for the mayhem with a little nail art.

NEW YORK CITY — I once knew a drippingly wealthy banker who would impose himself on any commodious household in the Hamptons that would have him as a guest.

He was unashamed of his serial impositions because, upon returning home, he would immediately send what he thought was an appropriate hostess gift — a StairMaster.

This, needless to say, was neither an elegant solution to the problem of what to give nor, for most of us, an affordable one.

Here, by way of contrast, are 15 price-conscious and infinitely more gracious choices for a range of situations when you need a thank-you present.

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