A NATTY NUGGET: Fashion's Night Out

Tonight is a big night for fashionistas in New York City as dozens of boutiques and businesses open their doors for late night hours and party hopping in an effort to celebrate fashion. For those who don't know, Fashion's Night Out is a worldwide initiative sponsored by Vogue and the CFDA to promote retail and consumer confidence. Participants are staying open until 11pm and are offering various delightful incentives to drive traffic and sales, while giving fashionphiles a head start on their favorite time of the year; Fashion Week. With so many places contributing to the event, it's hard to know which will be worth braving the well-dressed crowds in search of a good time. Here is a guide to some of the most happening, hot-spots to hit this evening:

Bergdorf Goodman 754 Fifth Ave., nr. 57th St. (212-753-7300) Why bother: Andre Leon Tally will host a Fashion Rules Game Show, MK and Ashley Olsen will tend bar, and Isaac Mizrahi will perform a cabaret act...seriously? This should be everyones first stop!

Barneys New York 660 Madison Ave., at 61st St. (212-826-8900) Why bother: Alexander Wang will be giving lessons to wanna-be catwalkers on how to work a runway, and what could be better entertainment for fashion week? Not convinced? Then try your hand at knitting with Wool and the gang, meet the designers behind Kiki de Montparnasse, and pick up some freebies at the beauty counters

Saks Fifth Avenue 611 Fifth Ave., at 50th St. (212-753-4000) Why bother: Get the chance to mingle with iconic designers like Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera and Peter Som. Plus the beauty department here is rumored to be offering a whole host of freebies (even more than Barneys!) Gucci 725 Fifth Ave., at 56th St. (212-826-2600) Why bother: Free Fashion's Night Out T-Shirts! (the kind everyone else is selling for $35)

Burberry 131 Spring St., nr. Greene St. (212-925-9300) Why bother: Enter to win a classic Burberry trench coat, and enjoy champagne and hors d'oeuvres while you cross your fingers...


Georgio Armani 760 Madison Ave., at 66th St. (212-988-9191) Why bother: Nora Ephron and Rosie O'Donnel will do a reading from the off-broadway play, Love, Loss, and What I Wore.

Kiki de Montparnasse 79 Greene St., between Spring and Broom (212.965.8070) Why bother: Champagne and aphrodisiacs to get you in the mood on while perusing their "Instruments of Pleasure" bar

Bumble and Bumble 146 E. 56th St., nr. Lexington Ave. (212-521-6500) Why bother: Free updoes and champagne!

C.O Bigelow 414 Sixth Ave., nr. 9th St.; (212-473-7324) Why bother: Free soda from a vintage soda fountain and freebie lip glosses!

Chanel 139 Spring St., at Wooster St. (212-334-0055) Why bother: Free manicures in Chanel's limited edition color: Jade.

Tracy Reese (641 Hudson St., nr. Gansevoort; 212-807-0505) Why bother: Darling drinks like the "Frocktail" and the "Plentini" - plus free manicures by Sally Hansen manicurists!

Space N.K 99 Greene St., nr. Spring St. (212-941-4200) Why bother: Free face masks and mini-facials, plus goodie bags stuffed with samples For more information, visit: http://fashionsnightout.com/

-Natty

CURRENTLY COVETING: Thigh-High Boots

Vogue Paris-September 2009

Boots: one of the most basic forms of footwear, and yet one with such considerable variety. Through the decades boots have gone in and out of popularity, morphing from functional to fashionable and back again. There were the tall and squared off Go-Go boots of the 60's and the lofted platforms of the 70's. Stomping the scene in the early 90's, Dr. Marten combat boots commanded the respect of just about every fashionphile. Later, unexpected UGGs took the US by storm with their Aussie appeal and everyone from celebs to housewives seemed to be wearing them with denim miniskirts and shorts. Soon after, western boots made a resurgence, peeking out under long prairie skirts and over jeans, beginning the major trend of boots worn over pants. Most recently and no doubt influenced by the popularity of leggings and skinny jeans, the look has evolved to various forms of tall boots. Be it a lace-up granny boot, or a simple round-toe style, the one similarity that they share is tall calves. Each season the shafts seem to creep up a couple of inches and finally this fall, we are introduced to a dramatic new style; the thigh-high boot. We had a sneak peek at Chanel's version in 2006, featured in The Devil Wears Prada, and the fashion forward were already sneaking them in last season...but this is the first chance most of us have to get our hands on a pair of our own. Stomping down the runways and into our closets - we welcome the thigh-high boot as one of 2009's most notable fashion statements.

Lacoste, Rodarte, Louis Vuitton, Isabel Marant

But tread lightly...if not properly styled, even the chicest pair will come across more street walker than street smart. If you wear them with a short skirt, keep your top layered and loose. If you wear them over jeans, a smart blazer will offer balance to your outfit.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Juicy Couture Boots - $500, Chloe Boots - $1095 Joie Boots - $525, Yves Saint Laurent Boots: $1855

SNEAK PEAK: This fall, Jimmy Choo will be the first shoe designer to do a capsule collection for H&M. The much anticipated line includes a more affordable version of their thigh-high boot. Unfortunately they appear to look even cheaper than their price tag:

Jimmy Choo for H&M Boots (available in November) - $345

-Natty

WORTH THE SPLURGE: Proenza Schouler PS1 Bag

Kirsten Dunst, Leighton Meester, Mary-Kate Olsen all carrying Large PS1 Bag

These days everyone is on a budget and it seems penny pinching has become a way of life. Gone are the days when discount shopping was taboo, and savvy saving has replaced conspicuous spending as means for bragging rights. It's rare that anyone opens their wallet without some sort of deal or incentive to convince them it's alright, and even adamant fashionphiles (myself included) are exercising retail restraint.

However, once in a while a piece comes along that is so delightful, it begs to be purchased despite a hefty price tag.

Proenza Schouler's PS1 bag is just such a piece: Available in 3 sizes as well as a clutch version, this utilitarian style is a unique combination of hip and classic. A top handle plus a long shoulder strap make it versatile and easy to carry, and the multitude of pockets are perfect for organizing essentials. Chic and logo-less in slouchy suede or lush leather, the PS1 bag embodies effortless luxury. This is one investment that promises a worthy return; to update your wardrobe, and last for seasons to come...the PS1 Bag is definitely Worth the Splurge!

Medium Leather PS1 Bag, Purple - $1595

Large Suede PS1 Bag, Mustard - $1995
 
Extra Large Leather PS1 Bag, Khaki - $2350

PS1 Leather Pouchette, Chartreuse - $895

WHERE TO BUY:
Net-a-Porter
Barneys

 -Natty

INSPIRATION STATION: Happy Hippies

In honor of the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock this week, I dedicate this post to the hippie movement: the original and the new wave, idealogical and fashionable, peace and LOVE.

HIPPIE THEN...

 

  HIPPIE NOW...

  HERMES S/S 2009
:

ERIN FETHERSTON S/S 2009:


DIANE VON FURSTENBERG S/S 2009:


ANNA SUI S/S 2009

  HOLLYWOOD HIPPIES:

TAYLOR MOMSEN, RACHEL ZOE, NICOLE RICHIE, NICOLE RICHIE

  SHOP THE LOOK:

(CLICK IMAGES FOR LINKS TO BUY)

WANT MORE? 
ADDITIONAL SOURCES FOR FAR OUT FASHION: 
 Elizabeth and James 
H&M 
Zara 
Haute Hippie 
Free People 
Joie 
Antik Batik 
Daughters of the Revolution 
Victorian Hippie 
Vintage: 
Ebay.com 
Chickdowntown.com/vintage 
http://marionmercer.com/index.php


-Natty