Despite the unfortunate rain the northeast has been experiencing over the past week, Georgetown’s Fashion’s Night Out did not let the weather get in the way of a once-a-year event, and neither did I!
On Sept. 8, cities worldwide hosted what was described as a complete fashion party in order to celebrate style, enhance the fashion industry’s economy and give consumers a way to shop in a super fun atmosphere.
According to Georgetown’s Fashion’s Night Out official website, http://www.fashions nightoutgeorgetowndc.com/, the 2011 Fashion’s Night Out Host Committee and the Georgetown Business Improvement District brought this event to D.C. and helped make it possible. Fashion’s Night Out was meant to be an after-hours shopping experience, starting at 6 p.m. and ended at 11 p.m.
Many of the go-to events were at the Bright Young Things lounge at Dean and DeLuca. There was a wine tasting, signature cocktail, psychics, music, and even an FNO glam photo shoot wall with professional photographers.
The lounge area was under a large tent set up with information tables, a bar, seating, and chic white couches to just hang out. The dark blue lighting helped to set a stylish mood. Another tent was set up down the street with a line of people waiting to take a picture in the FotoD.C. FNO Fotobooth.
Julia Thompson, 22, a Christopher Newport University communications graduate and a first year intern for D.C. Fashion Week was working the FNO table under the tent. She said, “This is actually bigger than last year, we have a tent, lounges, it’s really cool.” She really enjoyed the lounge, DJ, and flash mob.
Maureen Coiro, 25, a Georgetown University business graduate student and a volunteer at this years Georgetown’s FNO also working the table, worked at New York City’s FNO in 2010. When asked why she was interested in volunteering she said, “I’m really into fashion and it’s cool to see the business side of it from the other end.”
Aside from the main tent, there were over 100 stores, restaurants, and saloons partaking in FNO making the experience endless. Almost every store participating was said to have irresistible deals, raffles and giveaways, quick nibbles and delicious drinks.
Vineyard Vines had complementary snacks, a variety of refreshments, and filled the streets of Georgetown with people in giveaway pink whale hats, not to mention an actual person dressed as the signature pink whale that I got to take a picture with! The whale attracted a lot of attention and laughs.
The FNO brochure named other stores participating such as Michael Kors with wine, treats, and music; Juicy Couture with 20% off full priced items; For Your Home with a jewelry trunk show and 50% off jewelry; hair styling and makeovers at Urban Chic by Easel Hair; a champagne and wine tasting at The Dandelion Patch with 20% off on regular priced items; a Candyland party at Betsey Johnson with live models; free cupcakes at Georgetown Cupcakes and Sprinkles Cupcakes, and so much more!
Hitched bridal couture had a bridal package prized competition called “Get Hitched in Georgetown” where one lucky couple won a dream wedding. Though I missed out on seeing this event, Coiro said, “Whoever won it is so lucky! They won a dress, tuxedo, everything! It must have been worth at least $15,000.”
Shopping up and down the streets of Georgetown can get extremely tiring, especially in designer heels, skinny jeans, or fashionable fall dresses—what seemed to be the outfit of choice amongst these fashionable shoppers and myself.
However, thanks to FNO, free pedicab rides around Georgetown were given to all customers! These rides came in handy for many and the drivers were very cool and friendly.
Robert Hart, a second year FNO pedicab driver seemed to very much enjoy his job. “The rain was fun!” Hart said, and when asked what seemed to most interest him about this event he responded with, “The free sushi at Intermix.” It is hard to disagree with that, who doesn’t love free sushi?
Curious as to what else brought shoppers out to FNO besides all the exciting events? Guest Kathleen Taffer, 25, seemed to be having a great time with friends in the lounge and came for the “samples and free alcohol,” she said. Kerrie Uthoff, 19, a sophomore at the University of Maryland studying business and philosophy, said “I wanted to go for the sales and I had heard of other Fashion Night Outs in L.A. and New York City being really big and hoppin’. I was also trying to take more advantage of D.C. nightlife since we live so close.”
While shopping and having fun, Georgetown’s FNO was also benefiting Labels for Love, a great association that raises funds and awareness for women and children’s organizations. Taking fashion to a whole new level, Georgetown’s FNO allowed us to shop for a cause, a memorable experience and an amazing time. Make sure you don’t miss out next year; you will surely regret it!