These tricks and tips are from the RUNAWAYS web page.

POPULARITY SKILLS
1. keep your popularity skills equal,except pet loyalty, this makes for a strong lady in all areas
2. always max out your pet loyalty for your specific pet, this will give you a quick and easy advantage in the fashion arena
3. build style and creativity last - this is a fashion game, most ladies will spend most of their money on clothes and decor, there will always be stronger ladies in these two skills, if all your other skills are higher you will win almost all fashion duels
4. most ladies will have their lowest skills in generosity and beauty, if these are high you will have a greater chance of winning in fashion arena
5. refrain from leveling up until your skills are equal and higher then most ladies at your level

TRICKS and TIPS
1.engagement parties will give you emeralds, experience, and money faster then anything else, simply send a nice note to the hostess, almost always an invitation will follow
2.Never leave money in your account, NEVER. Ladies will tire of dueling you if you give them nothing to win, increase beauty, give a vote or two or donate to the club. Every dollar helps the club
3.join the forum, there are weekly fashion contests. Winners receive emeralds, energy and popularity bonuses
4. work whenever you can and always when you are away from you computer
5. play fashion machine daily,there are great prizes to be had, spend emeralds for jokers
6. keep track of who gives you 1k or more in the fashion arena add them to you opponents list, duel these ladies.
7. if you are seeking a podium crown , tell us, we want to help. Vote for others with a nice note until your fingers fall off and then keep voting. 
8. Being kind and genuine in this game will get you everywhere, it cost nothing to be kind
9. always remember this is a game, do not take it too seriously, if you stop having fun those around you will not be having fun either