12 things that seem wrong about Fashion's Night Out

Have you guys heard about Fashion's Night Out in New York City? Or seen the commercials for it? It's basically a kick-off to Fashion Week that's an attempt to reinvigorate the fashion industry with supposedly over 700 retailers, big and small, keeping their doors open late and hosting events so we can enjoy the shopping experience. It's a great sentiment, and we love that proceeds from the commemorative t-shirts will be donated to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. But the fact of the matter is many of us are struggling financially right now and can't afford a new Prada bag... or even a new Kohl's bag for that matter!

In covering this fashion extravaganza, we couldn't even figure out how, as we ran into a zillion questions and concerns. We didn't even quite understand the logistics of it. Or if anyone would actually show up.

Here are the 12 things that seem wrong about Fashion's Night Out.

1. The commercials are silly. Anna Wintour, Sarah Jessica Parker, Vera Wang, Donna Karan, Diddy, Diane von Furstenberg, Isaac Misrahi, Oscar de la Renta, Coco Rocha, Ashley Olsen, Proenza Schouler, Tory Burch, Zac Posen, and other industry types explain via PSA how big and important the fashion industry and how much they need our support to "make shopping fun again." Hey, we love to shop! You guys are rich--why not lend us a few bucks so we can make this happen!
2. The event touts over 700 participating retailers, but many of the shops on the list have nothing special going on and aren't even staying open late. If you show up wanting to party, the joke will be on you.
3. "It's a five borough celebration," yet there are no events being held in three of them.
4. We'd think an event organized by Vogue and the CFDA would have good taste, but with Ed Hardy participating there's hardly a discerning eye involved.
5. Many of the participating shops are "celebrating" with a special window display. Isn't that just called Christmastime?
6. People who cant afford to shop are not going to spend all their hard-earned cash at luxury boutiques like Gucci, Pucci, or Valentino, which make up the majority of the shops involved.
7. The appeal of high-end retail is it's unattainability. We're guessing these fancy stores don't even want us common folk invading their shops for freebies. (The free gift at Dior only comes with a $2400 purchase anyways. Shopping incentive? We don't think so.)
8. Mary-Kate Olsen is allegedly bartending at both Bergdorf Goodman and Barney's with her sister Ashley. Didn't she go to rehab?
9. How is Alexander Wang going to host runway lessons at Barney's uptown and attend the Opening Ceremony block party downtown? Scheduling conflicts already!
10. OMG. Free samples at La Mer! Just kidding. You will have the opportunity to talk to scientists from their lab though. Yay?
11. Most participating stores are offering free champagne cocktails. Everybody--let's get drunk! And then spend money irresponsibly. Wait, isn't that how we got into this whole recession?
12. Will a karaoke party at Kiehl's make you want to buy hand cream? Maybe if you test your pipes at Busta Rhymes, "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See," you'll send a subliminal message and win a prize.


The evening shouldn't be a total bust though. We've weeded through the events and picked out a few highlights:

* French inspired street fair at Catherine Malandrino
* free manicures at Chanel
* makeovers at Betsey Johnson
* big name designer meet and greets at Barney's
* blowouts and bang trims at Arrojo Studios
* free panties with purchase at both Victoria's Secret and La Perla
* eye candy... we mean... Hugh Jackman at Jeffrey
* block party BBQ at Tory Burch
* street performances and veggie foods at Stella McCartney
* 1,000 beauty giveaways at Saks
* Matisyahu performance at Kenneth Cole