Guys very own Fashion's Night Out

Guys. Fashion Night Out has some great opportunities for you to get your shopping on as well.

Let’s start with things that are really important…liquid libations:
While I can appreciate beer, you can have it anytime. Why not try something that you may want to have served with your groomsmen or perhaps your new Father In Law:

Ralph Lauren downtown will have lots of shopping opportunities along with Champagne, and Jessica Alba will be helping guests pick out fabulous clothes.
Ralph Lauren – 379 West Broadway

Ben Sherman is known for (96 Spring St.; 212-680-0160) where Glenmorangie Scotch and Newcastle Kegs will quench your thirst
Ben Sherman - 96 Spring St

Don't let the otent pink Belvedere IX drink fool you and show your sensitive side. Molton Brown has some of the bath products that you will love. Try the Black Pepper bathwash.
Molton Brown -128 Spring St.

Andaz 5th Avenue and Downtown at Inven.tory owners Whitney Singer, Mike Townsend and Kat Berkery will serve whiskey from 400-year-old distillery Bushmills.
Andaz - 5th Avenue 485 Fifth Ave
Inven.tory - 232 Lafayette St

Billy Reid's store will host a night of Southern Hospitality with refreshments and spirits, and an exclusive band playing live in the store.
Billy Reid - 54 Bond Street

I’m really lovin’ the suits and great casual wear at Against Nature Atelier who are actually celebrating their one-year anniversary tonight. Guys, you really have to check them out and with Hendrick’s Gin as a sponsor, you’ll at the very least have a great cocktail.
Against Nature Atelier - 159 Chrystie St

Bloomingdale’s SoHo during Fashion’s Night Out. You’ll peruse chalk-striped suits, brogue shoes, club-collared dress shirts and everything else you’ll need for that daring moonlight liquor run you’ve been planning.
Bloomingdales Men’s Department - 504 Broadway

Guys, no matter where you and check out your favorite stores in NYC and Brooklyn. It’s a great night to have fun and give back to the economy.
Happy Fashion’s Night to all.

FNO: Last minute ideas for specific types of brides.

While there are tons of lists for Fashion’s Night Out, I think this is really targeted for the fashion forward bride.

I love American Express.  They are the only card that I trust and especially during Fashion Week.  However did you know, if you give…you will also get? What do I mean?  Who doesn’t love getting $100 back after spending $500 at their favorite shop? That’s exactly what you can do at hot spots
Tory Burch, Theory, DVF, Domenico Vacca, Helmut Lang, or
Intermix anytime now, through Fashion’s Night Out.  Enroll your American Express card at www.americanexpress.com/NYFashionWeekFNO starting today!  Any American Express card qualifies, but additional terms and conditions apply, so click here to learn more! A list of participating store locations can be found at americanexpress.com/entertainment.

This is so great especially since you know you’ll spend at least that much during FNO.

For the bride that loves the style and taste of Tim Gunn:

In honor of Tim Gunn's newly released book "Gunn's Golden Rules: Life's Little Lessons for Making It Work," Lifetime.com is giving away 18 signed copies, one for each of the essential "Make it work!" moments we must all follow!

Tim's book is filled with 18 tried-and-true principles, plus the scoop on fashion's greatest divas, behind-the-scenes glimpses of "Project Runway's" biggest drama queens and never-before-revealed insights into Tim's private life.

To enter, simply leave a comment here - http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/project-runway/blogs/project-runway-blog/tim-gunns-golden-rules-signed-book-giveaway - with your favorite Tim Gunn moment and you will be eligible to win!

For my Jewish brides:

L’Shanah Tovah. I know that if you are thinking about Fashion Week smack in the middle of the Holidays, how can you take part.  Well, it may not be perfect, but it’s an option.

Chabad of West 60’s, is offering High Holiday services to anyone in the Lincoln Center area.  Rumor has it; rabbi taking up the feel of fashion and the move to Lincoln center (re-birth/renew) and incorporating it in his sermon.  Like I said, it may not be a perfect solution, but there is one.  Who knows, maybe you’ll see DVF, Zac Posen and others attending services.

Chabad of the West 60’s – 145 West 67^th Street

Do you want to get a taste of Fashion Week today? In celebration of September Fashion Week and Fashion’s Night Out, a Pop-Up environment in Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal in New York City is being created.  The Hall will be transformed into “Fashion Central”, an interactive environment where you can experience the excitement of fashion week without an invitation!  Brands like Conair, Match.com, Amrita Singh and Silhouette Eyewear will be promoting their latest products and features and offering exciting promotional opportunities. Receive complimentary makeovers and beauty touch ups, mingle with VIP guests making special appearances including; America’s Next Top Model’s Nole` Marin.  Get your fashion party started Wednesday Sept 8^th.  I stopped by yesterday and it was fun!!

Grand Central Terminal – Entrance on 42^nd at Pershing Square.  Wed 9/8-Fri 8:30am-7:00pm; 9/10 8:30am-10:00pm

Pregnant Bride to be:

Can't get enough of supermodel Heidi Klum on Project Runway? Come meet her at Destination Maternity on FNO and get a peek at her new maternity line!

Destination Maternity - 28 East 57th Street

For the green/eco-friendly bride:

AuH2O is all about eco-friendly designs, creating one-of-a-kind pieces out of recycled clothing and materials. Join them for a fashion show with models, music, champagne, and treats.

AuH2o - 84 East 7^th Street

For the Philanthropic bride:

Go from New York Chic to Hollywood Glam! Olivia Palermo will be on hand to style guests in gorgeous gowns from Marchesa and jewelry by House of Lavande. To complete your look, get your tresses tamed by Frederic Fekkai. Proceeds from each $75 appointment will be donated to the New York City AIDS Fund in The New York Community Trust. 

Henri Bendel - 712 5th Avenue

For the economical but fashion-forward bride:

Payless ShoeSource on Lexington has a treat for you! All four Payless guest designers: Christian Siriano, Lela Rose, Patricia Field, and Isabel Toledo, will be there to host an FNO bash. The designers will be available for a meet-and-greet and photo opp from 8-10 p.m.!

Payless Shoes - 716 Lexington Avenue

For the bride that MUST see Naomi Campbell (maybe she’ll give you a quick lesson on waking in those Christian Siriano five-inch heels. Oh, and give to a great cause!!):

Naomi Campbell's silver anniversary and she will be celebrating Fashion's Night Out by signing limited edition Naomi t-shirts at Dolce & Gabbana from 6:30-9:45 pm. Proceeds will support Fashion for Relief, a charity founded by Ms. Campbell to raise funds in the fashion world in times and places in need.

Dolce & Gabbana - 825 Madison Avenue

For the bride that wants ballet slippers (read: truly comfy shoes) for her bridesmaids:

On FNO ONLY, step over to Chanel 15 E. 57th street tore, and be the first to color customize your own Ballerinas with NYC Ballet's Kathryn Morgan and Robert Fairchild!

Chanel - 15 E. 57th street

For the bride that is in love with Maybelline:

Maybelline New York,13th Street and 9th Avenue. Be among the first 50 to arrive and receive a limited edition Maybelline makeup bag by fashion designer Michael Angel. Get made- over by a top Maybelline artist and “strut your stuff”down a catwalk for a chance to win a year’s supply of Maybelline makeup. Spokesmodels Emily DiDonato, Jessica White & Lisalla Montenegro will be on hand to judge this “Sensational Strut.” Spokesmodel Charlotte Kemp Muhl & Sean Lennon will perform a DJ set from 8PM-10PM.

Maybelline - 13th Street and 9th Avenue

If you are midtown:

Get the scoop and tips on Fall Beauty & Fashion Trends & preview what will be hot for Spring 2011 from top fashion & beauty editors & representatives.  Receive personalized makeup consultations and touch ups with Maybelline New York Makeup Artists, who will be showcasing top fashion & runway beauty trends! Receive complimentary Maybelline New York products and CVS/pharmacy coupons, plus exclusive giveaways & a complimentary Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Hot Spots Map. For More Info: www.besensationalandwin.com

Maybelline New York & CVS/pharmacy Beauty & Fashion Retreat! 1701 Broadway, New York City (next to the Ed Sullivan Theater)

How about the bride that love Brooklyn:

Williamsburg seems to be your best bet for fun fashions and great bargains.

Just hop off the “L” train to Metropolitan Avenue and head to 9^th street for fun and bohemian styles.  Or, take the “G” train to Greenpoint ,which always hops and has some cutting edge designers and styles.

Post FNO:

Coinciding with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, Maybelline and CVS will offer a beauty and fashion retreat with weeklong public access to makeup artists and beauty industry experts. From Saturday, September 11 through Thursday, September 16, you can visit the Maybelline pop-up shop at 1701 Broadway, next to the Ed Sullivan Theater from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Choose from a slew of activities, including personalized makeup consultations and meet and greets with beauty pros and stylists like Charlotte Willer, Elle and Blair Fowler and Phillip Bloch. Editors from Elle Magazine, Oprah Magazine, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Teen Vogue and New York Magazine will be on hand to give presentations on the latest trends.

 I think this (along with all the hundreds of lists in the local paper) will give you some additional places to consider for tomorrow night.  OH, if there is a Fashion Forward Groom…I’ll have details for you tomorrow. There will be some great places for your consideration, with great fashions and smooth liquid libations.

Don’t forget to plan well, be safe and have fun!!

Bridal happenin' during fashion week that is all about bridal.

Just so you don't think that I'm totally forgetting all the great things that are happening in the wonderful world of bridal...This is an event you should put on your schedule for Tuesday September 14th from 6-8pm.  You will absolutely have a great time and have the opportunity to meet Darcy, David and Ron (whose cakes are beautiful to look at...yummy to eat!!)

FNO: Ways to be careful and still enjoy your Fashion's Night Out

Are you preparing for fashion’s night in NYC or anywhere in the world?  Here are some simple rules to help you maneuver and have fun.

While you want to be “haute”, as you move from shop to shop, be comfortable. If you must be ‘diva(o)’, do it from your ankles up & sensible-stylish shoes on  your feet. There is nothing less attractive than a person with achy feet.  Come on, you know exactly what I mean.

You will NOT be able to travel to every event there is.  Get over it; it’s not possible instead use the FNO map and map out your plan for your favorite shops (or events). I know I must be the only person on the planet who doesn’t have an iPhone, but it doesn’t stop me from finding you a GREAT FNO app.  Keep all your events in order and get the latest updates, super-sales and promos at your fingertips with this Lustra app.

Make your plan with friends to truly share in the energy and excitement that will engulf you during the five-hours of Friday night fun.  Last year, Madison Ave was on fire with shops music and traffic.  It was pretty hard to move from place to place (think crowded train station), but your fearless leader (uh, that’s me) managed.  This leads me to…

Be careful.  Traffic, free cocktails, lots of people – LOTS of people and the festive atmosphere can lead to ‘things happening’.  Watch your purse/wallet, and your physical person.  Be careful on the streets.  Just because there is a party on both sides of the street, doesn’t mean that the streets are closed.  Traffic will still flow.  Follow traffic lights and the rights of the road.

Finally do shop and have fun.  A lot of stores will have FNO t-shirts (40% goes to charity), others will have specialty items and super sales.  This isn’t just a night to see the celebs that will show up (which is totally cool), it’s also a night to give back to your city.  It’s a time to make a difference and yes if you’re really lucky, find a bargain or two.

Remember, no matter how much fun this is, it is just one night.  I’m sure you want to be around for a few million more.

See you there.

FNO: Bridal designers hosting events and hope you shop for the cause

Fashion Night out is just a few days away with tons of places to go, things to do and see. If you are wondering what bridal designers are up to, look no farther. To make things easier for you, you can truly “Plan Your Evening” print it out and take it with you.


Meet Michael Aram, NewlyWish, Belle Flur, Gabriella NY Bridal, Loulie Walker, NY Wedding Dance, and cocktails and desserts provided by Bottlerocket Wine & Spirits and Tawny Ong
Michael Aram Flagship Store – 136 West 18th St.

Bergdorf Goodman will have lots of going on, including a Karoke Party hosted by Cynthia RowleyMarchesea will also be on hand I’m sure showing this season latest looks and perhaps you’ll get a sneak peek at their new make-up line “Marchesa for Le Métier de Beauté”. I’ve been lucky so see some samples and there are lots of ‘frosts and shimmer' in the lipstick line. Their Palette collection is the perfect compact offering a complete signature look for your eye, cheek, lip and face to complete your own transformation. and many others. 
Bergdorf Goodman – 754 Fifth Ave

Vera Wang will be making appearances at both of her shops and have some special guests with her. See her at the flagship store on Madison Ave from 6-7pm. She’ll even sign copies of her bride stylebook if you make a purchase. At 7:30 head downtown (158 Mercer Street), where she will be there with Olympic skating gold medalist Evan Lysacek . Vera and Evan will give dancing lessons to customers a la "Dancing With the Stars"! Bring your honey and pick up some great wedding day dance moves.
Vera Wang Flagship Store – 991 Madison Ave; Vera Wang Downtown - 158 Mercer Street

Douglas Hannant will be hosting a concert by recording artist "Corrine Bailey Ray", 8PM in the Plaza Hotel courtyard. Join him between 6PM and 8PM prior to the concert performance in his Boutique for his famous Hannant margaritas. I’ve tried them and they are yummy.
Plaza Hotel – 1 W. 58th Street
Reem Acra will be having, what I think will be the ultimate in bridal beauty FNO nights. Come over and enjoy the Reem-tini cocktail and delectable sweet treats. Join Reem Acra, Preston Bailey, Sylvia Weinstock, and The Knot. This is my “MUST” for all brides in the NYC Area.
Reem Acra –14 East 60th Street

Kiki de Montparnasse is one of my favorites in luxury intimate apparel. Enjoy live music, champagne and aphrodisiac tasting, private romance salons, our Erotic Portrait Booth and preview our latest collections on our renowned Kiki Models.
Kiki de Montparnasse – 79 Greene Street

Oscar De La Renta and his Evening of Merengue at our Madison Avenue boutique hosted by Mikhail Baryshnikov. (Honestly both make my heart dance). While this is an invitation-only event (because of the size of the store), stop by and perhaps you can see Oscar himself doing the merengue.
Oscar De La Renta – 772 Madison Avenue

Carolina Herrera is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of her first freestanding boutique on Madison Avenue. A photo booth will be there to capture you and your friends. The photographs are available immediately and are yours to keep. Magician Mark Mitton will join Mrs. Herrera and there will be Music by Paul Sevigny. Classic American cocktails will be served.
Carolina Herrera – 954 Madison Avenue New York 10065


From 6-11 PM there is a massive block party downtown and you should stop by the Cynthia Rowley West Village. She will have a new look—a giant mirrored façade reflecting the crowds below on Bleecker Street. Catch a glimpse of yourself and your friends, pose for photo ops with Cynthia herself. Make sure you take a look at her bridesmaid’s collection while you’re there.
Cynthia Rowley – 376 Bleecker Street


This list will get you started and considering FNO2010 event. With so many shops participating, there is something for everyone. Before you head out, don't forget to enter my Fashion Week exclusive giveaway thanks to American Express and Tory Burch. Be apart of this backstage pass, meet and greet and a goodie bag you won't believe.