I definitely felt a little left out this year to be missing Fashion’s Night Out in NYC. The city where the whole idea originated ups the ante every year with bigger and better parties sponsored by stores big and small. Mira, a fabulous New Yorker, brings us some highlights of the best FNO in the world (and I can say that because I’ve experienced the second best in London which tried, but didn’t quite compare).

Mira reports that white and red was the favoured color for most designers. As usual, free champagne, delicious treats and and goodie bags attracted most traffic. Some noticeable events were put on by Sephora who had a DJ, free make-up and was giving everyone roses in the street. The lucky few who were able to get in got more goodies to take home. People definitely dressed to impress which was apparent even on the streets. Loud music from each store and all the dolled-up people outside on the streets made the whole city feel like a big party scene.

Tiffany’s Window at NYC FNO 2011.

Forever 21

Rockefeller Center FNO NYC 2011.

NYC FNO 2011 Ready to party!

A special thanks to Mira for contributing from New York City.

Fashion’s Night Out 2010…

… is finally here! After waiting for it for 1 year, it is back and bigger than ever. With so many venues and events added this year, there is almost too much going on. How do you decide which FNO events are worth checking out and which ones to pass on? Here is where I come in with The Stylester’s Guide to Fashions Night Out 2010.

I’ve only selected the best bets of two areas: SoHo & Meat Packing District because that’s where I’ll be going. Before I get started, here are a few tips and strategies:

• Stick to one neighborhood since traffic in the city might be out of control and you don’t want to waste your whole night in a cab.
• Pick a maximum of 3-5 venues to attend so you can actually enjoy each.
• If you are having a blast at an event, why not just stay there the whole night or till it dies down before moving on?
• Alcohol and shopping is a very dangerous mix and before you know it, you have already spent hundreds of dollars on items that are too fashion forward for you to get good use out of, so budget yourself.
• Print out this handy guide and have yourself a great time at FNO 2010!

SoHo

1. Check into the Billionaire Boys Club & Ice Cream to see the biggest hipster in the rap game – Pharrell Williams.
2. Be the first 50 guests in attendance at BCBGMAXAZRIA and receive a Runway Survival Kit, featuring BCBGMAXAZRIA accessories and beauty essentials.
3. Pop into Bloomingdale’s Soho to mingle with models serving drinks and see latest collections from many top brands. There may be ongoing contest where you can win free products too!
4. Elie Tahari will be hosting A NIGHT OUT IN OLD NEW YORK where you can sip a Manhattan, enjoy an old school performance and get your photo taken with an old-Fashioned Polaroid camera.
5. Cruise through G-Star to get a sip of G-STAR RAW cava, the champagne of Spain.
6. Have a cocktail with international blogger Garance Doré at Jill Sanders.
7. Hang out at Kirna Zabete to meet Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Thakoon, Jason Wu and few select high profile designers as they launch new products.
8. Meet the drop dead gorgeous singer Cassie at Nicole Miller.
9. Piperlime pop up store! Need I say more? Rachel Zoe will be on site to give our fashion advice, or just stand around looking mean behind her signature Chloe sunglasses.
10. Rest up at Reiss and get a makeover while sipping champagne. Don’t forget to snap pics of yourself at the in-store photo booth!

Meat Packing District

1. Go to Catherine Malandrino to receive an exclusive FNO Eco Tote and to enjoy cocktails.
2. DVF promises to put on a spectacular audio visual show that has been generating a lot of buzz in the media. It is definitely on my must-see list!
3. Swing by Helmut Lang for cocktails by Death & Co. Mmm.
4. Go to Hugo Boss for a live performance by my favorite Canadian producer Robin Thicke who has collaborated with Leighton Meester on her album and a champagne bar provided by Moet & Chandon.
5. Stop by Maybelline early on in the evening to pick up a limited edition makeup bag and get a free makeover.
6. Hit up Moschino for a glass of prosecco.
7. Visit POP Burger and be the first 100 guests to receive VIP gift bags, enjoy cocktails and munch on POP Burgers as you shop.
8. Walk by Scoop NYC and visit the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Truck which will be giving out free scoops to the first 200 Scoop shoppers!

Other Mentionable Spots

1. Trek uptown to Saks Fifth Avenue (611 Fifth Ave) to hang out with mega-designers such as Donna Karan, Victor & Rolf, Charlotte Ronson and Zac Posen.
2. Dolce & Gabbana (825 Madison Ave) will house Naomi Campbell in celebration of the 25^th anniversary of her career. I would go just to be in the presence of the larger than life Diva!

Leighton Meester, my favorite gossip girl starlet, wore this attention grabbing Versace Versus dress at Vogue’s Fashion’s Night Out runway show at Lincoln Center on September 7th, 2010. I love the shoes but can’t decide on the dress. It was especially odd in the midst of more subdued attire worn by most of the guests. Do you like it or hate it?

Read about the event here.

Date: Sept 10, 2010

Time: 8-10PM

Place: BCBG MAXAZRIA, 461 Fifth Ave, New York, NY

When: September 10th, 2010 in the evening.

Where: Betsey Johnson, 138 Wooster Street New York NY 10012.

Map: Click here.