Fashion's Night Out: downtown NYC style

Last night was the first time I took part in Fashion's Night Out--probably one of the crazier things to take place in NYC! Starting at 6pm, girls in sky high stilettos and studded Jeffrey Campbell wedges began the Mecca-like trek to various department stores and boutiques (lest precious fashion-and-free-alcohol-filled moments be wasted stuck in a cab in the horrendously quick building traffic).

I tried to avoid the crowds by heading downtown to the Meatpacking District... but even though things were rumored to be much crazier up by Barneys, it felt like the whole city was out and alive on those cobblestone streets!

I had high hopes for the evening--and a list of 13 places to visit, including Opening Ceremony's flea market, the Black Carnival on Bowery and Bond, Tory Burch, Phillip Lim, and more. Needless to say I didn't get to every single one, but I did stand right next to Diane von Furstenberg at DVF, admired Catherine Malandrino's gorgeous grommeted leather jacket and jersey harem pants while taking photo after photo with a growing gaggle of fans, and snagged a few freebies while I was at it.

I didn't know what to expect then, but now I do. In case you didn't make it, take notes for next year:

At Catherine Malandrino, just before she arrived. A popular spot due to free totes!

1. Dress code is Bloomingdale's career + mega trend: It was like a massive army of all-black, all-the-time... and I missed that memo! (Not to mention the heels memo, but that's just my style; I wore my fashion hiking boots to prepare for the madness!). Lots of fur, tiny cross body chain strap bags (Chanel and posers alike), and TONS of fringe!

2. Don't wait in lines.... you aren't going to get anywhere. Go to the next stop and spy an Olsen from the street corner!

The famous staircase at DVF, right before she descended.

3. Don't expect food--eat beforehand! And don't eat the free cupcakes. Ick.

4. Not sure how alcoholic these drinks are, but stock up, anyway! And follow girls with free totes!

Did you guys go out for FNO? What was your favorite stop?

weekend roundup: eat drink love

I get jaded about living in NYC sometimes--like, why do I pay 2 or 3 or 4 times as much rent as my friends when it's so hard to do the littlest things like grocery shopping and laundry? But then one weekend will remind me why this is the greatest place to live. I wanted to take advantage of one of the last of August, and I think I succeeded!

I had a yummy, airy meal at Northern Spy in the East Village

[our appetizer, stuffed squash]

Shopped the Reiss sale and regular price sections--thanks to the boyfriend's generous birthday gift

Grabbed a delicious sandwich at Bonsignour (I had no idea it was a celeb-hot-spot 'til now!)

Made some new friends day-drinking at The Standard Hotel beer garden, er, biergarten

Relaxed at an evening showing of Eat Pray Love

And relaxed some more at Cafe Gitane in the Jane Hotel post-Sunday-morning-chores with my favorite lunch (smoked chicken on cranberry-nut bread... yum!)

The temperature dropped over 10-degrees this weekend, too, and I suddenly found myself excited for fall--breaking out my new polka dot scarf!

What'd you guys do this weekend?

weekend recap: museum hopping

This weekend, my college roommates and I met up in Brooklyn for a day of chatting, ice cream eating, and museum-wandering. There were two exhibits we were excited to see at the Brooklyn Museum--here are my favorite shots from the day:

American High Style: Fashioning a National Collection

Bathing suit and sundress by American designer Carolyn Schnurer

Trend-right chiffon evening dress by American designer James Galanos

Andy Warhol: The Last Decade

One of Warhol's interpretations of the Last Supper

Next weekend I want to head to the Metropolitan Museum to check out their American Woman exhibit. Has anyone been? It's too bad I don't get student discounts anymore, though :(

Today is Sunday Funday with the boy. The buzz from Twitterland is making us think we should head to the theaters to see Inception.... I'll let you know if it's any good if we go!

Hope you all have a fabulous Monday. Check back tomorrow for a fun interview!