NYFW: Winner announced for Amex, Tory Burch “Brides Love Fashion” giveaway

I want to thank you all for the interest, great tweets and feedback that I’ve received during this contest. I’m sure that my sponsors American Express Entertainment, Tory Burch as well as my friends at Dermalogica and Michael C. Fina want to express their gratitude and appreciation for your participation in the American Express Entertainment and Tory Burch exclusive, “Brides Love Fashion” giveaway. I am so honored and proud to say that this was a true partnership and we are all so excited to announce this winner.

To make things complete fair, we used a random selection process to pick the winner.

So…Emily A. I hope you and three of your friends are free on September 15, 2010 at 9:30 pm. You will be attending an exclusive, Tory Burch fashion show, private party, meet and greet and a goodie bag at the new home of fashion, Lincoln Center!!  My friends at Dermalogica will be providing you and your girls – personalized skin care products AND, my friends at Michael C. Fina have beautiful Champagne glasses for you and your future hubby, to toast your future happiness. Your girls…well, we have a ‘little something special’ for you as well.

I must say I’m thrilled that American Express has entrusted me with this opportunity. As a brand that expects and delivers the best that the world has to offer, I’m honored to be able to share in their dedication, service and brand message. So don’t leave home with out your American Express card…or me on Twitter.
Emily if you can contact me ASAP, I’ll send you all the details for you and your friends need for this special night.

A sincerest thanks to all my sponsors: American Express Entertainment, the lovely Ms. Tory Burch, Dermalogica and Michael C. Fina.

Men have your 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

Potent pink Belvedere IX drinks will be poured to wash down complimentary chocolate truffles at Molton Brown.

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 at 54 Bond Street for 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 first 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.

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 (Soho) – 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: Fun and safety go hand in hand

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.  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 help 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 designs strut their stuff

Fashion Night out will have a full choice 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 18^th St.

Bergdorf Goodman will have lots of going on, including a Karoke Party hosted by Cynthia Rowley and many others.

Marchesea 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.

Bergdorf Goodman – 754 Fifth Ave New

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. 58^th 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 60^th 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 sing).  While this is an invitation-only event, stop by and perhaps you can see Oscar himself doing the meringue.

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 on hand 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. Cocktails, Classic American of course.

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.