It's times like these that we develop a tinge of envy for the fashionable set that's converging on New York City for Fashion Week. They've got runway shows, swanky parties and a bustling city to run around in while mingling with some of the fashion world's most talented designers. But then we remind ourselves that this weekend marks the 20th anniversary of Boston's South End Open Studios, where one of our city's most stylish neighborhoods celebrates its local artists and designers (over 300 in total) and invites the public (that's you) to view their collections and visit their studio spaces, galleries and boutiques throughout the South End. Fashion Week, Smashion Week. Boston's got its own party!

So grab your girlfriends (or your guy), and make a plan that should no doubt include brunch, lunch, drinks, dinner or all of the above at one of the South End's ultra-cool restaurants such as Union, Stella, B&G Oyster, The Butcher Shop, Tremont 647 or Petit Robert.

"This is a big weekend for this area," said Megan Flynn, partner of M. Flynn Jewelry and Accessory Designs, who will be participating in the Open Studios for their third year. "In addition to the studios, there will be tons of stores open and the weather is supposed to be good. And it's very walkable... that's what makes this neighborhood so great."

There can be a misconception that this is an outdoor open market, explained Megan. But what's different about open studios is that painters, sculptors, photographers and jewelry designers like her, some of whom work odd hours during the week, are able to open their workspaces to the public to mix, mingle and sell some of their pieces.

M. Flynn, whose studio space is located at 46 Waltham Street, a charming location populated by dozens of other artists and designers, will be open on both Saturday and Sunday. "We'll be doing a sample sale with a lot of wholesale pricing and showing samples from our new collection," said Megan.

"It's great for networking," said Megan, adding, "It's usually creative people themselves... it's a very supportive community that roams through here."

Megan's studio mate, Lisa Mims, whose organic cotton fabrics and wallpapers, Mod Green Pod, are sold through Webster & Company at the Design Center, will also be at the Studio on Sunday to show off these whimsical, hand-printed creations. The fabrics, designed by Lisa's sister-in-law and partner Nancy Mims, are printed on organic cotton and contain no pesticides or finishing agents, and are great for kids' rooms, for people with allergies, or for those of us who simply enjoy fresh, clean, creative designs.

Other studio artists participating include Peggy Russell of Iro Design (450 Harrison Avenue), who makes wearable art and has participated in South End Open Studios for all 20 years; Lisa Houck (Albany Street), whose colorful patterned work features watercolors, oil on wood and ceramics; Ester Garcia Eder (46 Waltham Street) who works in oil as well as monoprints, etchings and drypoint fine art original prints; and Kenny Mac (Wareham Street) who has built a strong following for his extremely colorful paintings.

-Anna Gustavson Boardman

South End Open Studios, Saturday September 16 & Sunday, September 17; 11am to 6pm. For more information, go to www.useaboston.com

Transportation: Free parking at 460 Harrison Avenue; Metered parking on Tremont Street; On the T: Silver Line or Orange Line to Back Bay/South End Stop (free shuttle buses will run every 15-20 minutes to Clarendon & Columbus Ave.)