NYFW Day 2: Fashion’s Night Out

Having lived in NYC since it’s beginning, Fashion’s Night Out is a scary thing for me. It means over crowded streets, starry-eyed teenagers, and alcohol. And of course, the rare occasion you actually get close enough to a celebrity.

I personally rarely get star struck. I despise teenagers who act like teenagers, and I’m not into wall to wall crowds. I made it my mission to stick to VIP/guest list only events, but even so found it hard to attend everything I wanted. I began in the West Village, grabbing a quick bite at this little french bistro then heading to J Brand, where Nicky Hilton was showcasing some jewelry. I’d met her before, and also ran into some old friends from college. After about 15 minutes, though, my “manager” for the night was ushering me out the door to Seven for All Mankind for some wine and music.After that it was time to head in the opposite direction of Spring Street, which was closeed for the Kardashian’s and Pauly D’s party at Dash, which my friends said was INSANE with everybody trying to just snap a picture of one of the self-made celebrities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My friends and I headed to NARS to chat with Francisco NARS and play with the make up, though the heat was not the best situation. Afterwards was a quick stop in the meat packing district, hitting a dance party at Tracey Reese, gawking at the lines at DVF, and then heading to the Ace Hotel for Opening Ceremony’s carnival, and the Advanced Style party. Sadly, by the time we made our way over to the Ace everything was shutting down and ending. I got a delicious sandwich from the endings of the carnival, and a super soft Riviera Club teddy bear, before noticing a familiar face.

Now, I mentioned I don’t get star struck easily. In fact,it’s a rare form of success that affects me; photographers. It used to happen with party photographers a lot, being my dream to be photographed by them but I’ve since met everyone of my dreams. This night, though, I spotted a bespectacled face in flannel; none other than THE Terry Richardson. Of course, my fan girl self requested a photo with him and we chatted about his work and the sandwich I was still consuming, but were cut short by other gawkers coming for their photo ops.

Dream come true! Now, I just need to figure out how to get him to photograph me…

By this point, my night was pretty much over, so I hopped in a cab home, snapping some quick outfit/cab shots just for you guys !

BCBG Dress as a top

Vintage/thrifted maxi skirt (tucked into my vintage/thrifted sea shell belt)

Bakers pumps

Forever 21 ring

TopShop clutch

Forever 21 Times Square

My look for the Opening: Forever 21 dress, necklaces from TopShop and H&M

I was fortunate enough to be put on the guest list this past Thursday for the Forever 21 Grand Opening pre-party in Times Square. The night before the store opened to the public, a select few hundred people, including myself and my plus one, my good friend Rachel, were admitted into the three floored building. Red Carpet and champagne upon first walking in, with plenty of mingling and networking to be done!

At about 9pm there was a fashion show displayed. The models, in 4 characterized look sets, came down the elevator and onto a catwalk. The first set was very Manhattan Chic, with the models dressed in all black, studs, and spikes. Definitely my favorite look set.

The second was quite the opposite, in a new romantic style. The most interesting part of this set was the floral headpieces, reminiscent of what many more high end designers do for their runway shows.

image from DayLife.com

image from Picapp.com

Next up was my second favorite set, Geek Chic. The models were adorable and quirky, and definitely brought some attitude and fun to the catwalk. their hairstyles were tons of fun as well; tight off-sided buns, a trend I’m thinking of trying out once I’m back in school classes!

Hippie chic was the next set, as the models walked the runway barefoot and with feathers in their hair. Many of these outfits were not my favorites, as the faux fur vests were a little not my style.

The last set was full of vibrant, urban looks. Each of the female models wore a bright blue wig, and every model carried a taxi topper (the little things with the lights that tell you if it’s off duty or out of service). I particularly fell in love with a long sleeve sequined dress from this collection, but the look isn’t on the website or in stores yet.

image from Life.com

After the fashion show my friend and I mingled, saying hello to some friends whilst making new ones and doing some networking. The band The Virgins played an hour long set and before I knew it the night was over.

Gift bags were given out as the party dwindled, complete with two exclusive tanks, an umbrella, nail polishes, an exclusive lookbook, and a gift card.

Now, onto the store aesthetics. The new Forever 21 Flagship is a three floor, glittery and glam perfection. Every floor is white walled and glittery off white floors.  The ground level has tall ceilings and an almost vintage style to the walls. The middle floors were closed for the night, but they seemed pretty Forever 21 standard. The bottom floor seemed to be the defining floor, though, with an NYC spray painted taxi cab and blue wigged mannequins. Also, the bottom floor has the FIRST EVER Forever 21 shoe salon, which when I first noticed looked like heaven.

Images from Nitrolicious.com

To sum up, the 91,257 square feet megastore is bigger, better, and bolder than any other Forever 21. If you have the chance to go, GO. They seem to carry more exclusive styles, sizes, and colors than I have seen in any of the other stores, including their old flagship location. For more pictures taken by ME, check out my open to the public album on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=225736&id=585588744&saved