My FNO (in photos)

Missoni pop up

I know this is a super blurry shot, but this was the first instance of the evening when I was frozen with awe. Because that man in blue walking away is a man I have looked up to, and admired his work for YEARS. That is none other than the one and only, Bill Cunningham.  

(He was taking pictures outside of the line to get into Missoni)

Selita Ebanks at DVF

After leaving DVF, I couldn't help but run up and check out The High Line.  It was my first time there and it was honestly breathtaking. I must go back immediately, if not sooner.

overlooking the MPD from The High Line

outside DVF

My FNO (the novel)

Having done FNO the last two years, my plan for this year was to head to the Missoni for Target pop up shop, to check out the collection. I really loved the way they did the pop up shop for the Alexander McQueen Target collection back in 2009, and I couldn't wait to check out the collection.

Clearly that was the shared sentiment of many, as the line stretched from Sixth Avenue, all the way down 42nd Street, wrapped around the corner to Broadway, and then continued down Broadway to who knows where.

the line along 42nd Street, between 6th avenue and Broadway

the line stretching down Broadway

As we all patiently waited for 6 o'clock to arrive (the time the shop would open) to see how quickly the line would move, I kept myself entertained with Twitter and Tumblr. DVF was having a FNO Twitter contest, for those that tweeted "Be the woman you want to be #DVFNO", with the prize being her new DIANE by Diane von Furstenberg fragrance. I figured, "why not?" and tweeted away.

Soon, 8 o'clock approached, and things were pretty much at a standstill. As I was deciding what my next move would be, my phone vibrated notifying me I had a direct message on Twitter. It was DVF and I had WON! I really don't remember much after that, because I was so shocked, that I was shaking.  I said goodbye with the friends I had made waiting on line, and booked it to Time Square to catch a train downtown to the Meatpacking District. 

When I arrived in the Meatpacking District, it was ALIVE! The whole city was totally electric last night, but MPD took the cake! It was amazing! I arrived at DVF, and was soon met at the door by Liz, not just with a hello, but with a hug! The same when she brought me around the back to where the party was, and introduced me to Kate! Seriously, how wonderful is the DVF family?

After a quick chat, and some pictures it was time to enjoy the end of Estelle's concert. Even though I only got a little bit of it, she was AMAZING! Her energy was INCREDIBLE, with the entire room  dancing and singing along to her songs. It was a feeling like no other, and I couldn't have been happier to have been there.

the amazing Estelle

Kate from DVF and I

dreamland

After chatting once more with Kate, and some mingling it was time for me to head home. Who else would I run into before leaving other than the one and only Kelly Cutrone. 

I couldn't have been happier with how the night went. Not only did I meet some incredibly phenomenal women, but I learned a very valuable lesson: to be the woman I want to be.

And who says fashion is superficial? 

Tips and tricks for Fashion's Night Out

I can't believe it! Fashion's Night Out (FNO) is just ONE week away! If your new to the party, here are some tips from my experiences in the last two years of FNO in NYC.

FNO 101

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN: The most important thing of all. Scout out the FNO website and pick the events you want to attend. Then narrow down your list, taking into consideration popularity/crowds of said event, scheduled times, and transportation (if necessary). 

Have a backup plan:  In case original plans fallout (IE a cancelled appearance, an events too crowded, friends bail, whatever may have you). Even if your initial plans don't pan out, doesn't mean the night has to be over!! Having an idea of other events ensures that the night will not be lost!

Wear comfortable shoes: I cant stress this one enough. Especially if your doing FNO in a place like NYC that requires lots of walking. Five inch stilettos are nice, but extremely impractical. Which leads me to my next tip...

Dress like you: Yes I know, its a fashion event, and brushing shoulders with designers warrants a to die for outfit. However, you can still do that while opting for a comfortable, chic, outfit that's fuss free. You want to enjoy the night, not spend it wishing you hadn't made a poor wardrobe choice.  

Eat something: Whether you plan on being out for the entire night, or enjoying the free champagne, do not attempt FNO on an empty stomach! Nothing would be worse than to miss Marc Jacobs because you are faint from low blood sugar!

Pack light: FNO is the ultimate party and shopping event, all rolled into one. So leave the suitcase at home (ladies, you know exactly what I mean), and opt for a cross body bag or light tote, with only the essentials: wallet, camera, phone, gloss. No being weighed down by a heavy handbag for you! 

Of course the last and most important tip of all is to HAVE FUN no matter where the night may take you! And fear not if there's no FNO in your city, you can enjoy it online!