Fashion’s Night Out

Tonight is fashion’s biggest night. Tonight is Fashion’s Night Out, 6-9pm all across town. Hold onto your pocket books ladies, its going to be a long night of shoes, bags, clothing, beauty, fun and parties. If you have been eyeing that quilted handbag, four-inch heel, or perfect lipstick, tonight is the night to take that leap and add it to your closet.

In honor of this fabulous night, I thought I would share some of the items I have being keeping an eye on lately… be careful, if you end up purchasing any of these suggestions we very well might be twins!

The Guide To FNO:

NASHVILLE

Belk
Belk brings NYC’s Fashion’s Night Out party to Nashville’s Cool Springs Galleria Sept. 6 from 6-9. Tennessean fashion columnist Cathi Aycock will showcase the hottest looks for fall – ND New Directions Shop, at 6:30 and 7:30. 1st 100 guest receive free chic train case. Enjoy polish change at Estee Lauder along w/ free eye pencil w/ makeup consultation. Register to win a trip to Charleston Fashion Week 2013. Enjoy the sweetest treats straight from NYC w/ cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery and more!

Posh
Posh offers you a great gift with purchase tonight only…. I got a sneak peek yesterday afternoon, and you are going to want to check it out. Little clue….. it’s an accessory…..

Billy Reid
Bourbon, shopping and live music – these are a few of my favorite things. Billy Reid hosts Erin McCarley for an in-store performance beginning at 6pm in Green Hills. Bourbon and The Biscuit love truck will also be catering some tidbits, so be sure to stop by for a lovely evening.

Haven
Venture out to downtown Franklin to shop official FNO merchandise and the new collection from Chaser at Haven. Enjoy cocktails, food, dj and special prizes from 6-9pm.

H. Audrey
We all adore the amazing collections curated at H. Audrey, so can you imagine receiving a gift card for $200 to shop the store? Well, visit H. Audrey tonight for your chance to win that free money! While you are browsing, enjoy a sip of Prosecco and live music too.

Mall at Green Hills
So many stores, so little time! Visit the Mall at Green Hills website to see the full listing of events offered within the mall. Drinks, music, shopping, and a true red carpet courtesy of nFocus magazine!
Find the full directory and details here.

Don’s miss a single delicious cocktail, note of live music, or featured collection; create your own map for tonight’s events on the Fashion’s Night Out website.

Happy Shopping!

 

About Fashion’s Night Out

Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is an unprecedented global initiative originally created in 2009 to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the industry’s economy during the recession. In the United States, the program is a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York. For more information visitwww.fashionsnightout.com, or join us on Facebook and Twitter (@fnonyc, #FNO)

Bonnaroo

When I was asked to be a buzzSpotter for BuzzMG and Dell at Bonnaroo, I must admit, I was a little bit scared. From all the stories of camping outside, to not showering, to the mud and sun, I just didn’t know what to expect; but I must say, I had the best time at the festival on Sunday.

Johnica and Emily from BuzzMG, and myself, hopped in a jeep and ventured the hour distance to Manchester. As we pulled into the grassy field to park, we were greeted with the sight of a small, music filled town. With tents congregated all along the dirt roads, and vendors lined up side-by-side with little store fronts, it honestly felt like a village worlds away from my little home in Nashville.

We trekked about the dusty pathways maneuvering our way to the Dell Sound Invasion Lounge, and upon arrival, were ecstatic to find a chic white tent adorned with bright blue windows, and jams from a fantastic DJ trailing outside.

Once inside the tent, we said hello to our Dell friends and scoped out all the interesting tidbits the tent had to offer. Inside the Sound Invasion Lounge was a charging station that hosted tiny lockers equipped with various chargers for people to rejuvenate all of their devices, and beside the lockers was a large screen where people could watch the performances on the outside stages live via the DellLive stream.

Just beyond the DJ was a large-scale backdrop  that allowed visitors to snap pictures of themselves and their friends, not only to remember their times at Bonnaroo and share on their social networking accounts, but also to be entered to win some amazing prizes from Dell.

Also inside the lounge was a seating corner with a giant installation from Scullcandy; here, visitors could check out the new headphones as well as new, not even released, Dell computers.

Another favorite of the Bonnaroo dwellers was the gaming station. In the gaming station they could play video games while resting, and some may have been sleeping, on giant bean bags.

Along with all of the great extras throughout the tent, there was a table right in the middle that showcased a great display of Dell computers where tent guests could simply explore the new XPS Ultrabook and other Dell devices.

Though we didn’t stay overnight, I was told that the scene outside the Dell tent after close was incredible. As the sun went down and the official tent hours came to an end, the DJ transferred his beats from inside the tent to share with the people outside, and that began the Dell Dance Party.

After we tested all the products and explored the Dell Sound Invasion Lounge, we headed out to experience the true ‘roo. We grabbed some pizza, hot dogs, and fries at one of the fronts and headed to listen to some music.

We heard City and Colour finish up their set on The Other Tent, then stayed for some Kenny Rogers. We then moved to Which Stage to hear a bit of Ben Folds Five (truth be told we sat down at the Which Stage, thinking it was the What Stage and only caught Ben Folds by chance, but it was a perfect mistake). Following Ben Folds, we headed to the What Stage to listen to one of my favorites, Bon Iver. Listening to Blood Bank takes me back to a summer that I so enjoyed spending with some of my best friends, so being able to see him play was a dream come true. The crowd at Bon Iver was insane. People were packed all the way back to the edge of the grass, and many had some very interesting interpretive dance moves that thoroughly entertained me. We finished up our time at Bon Iver and headed back to The Other Tent to complete our day with the sound of The Civil Wars. I have been a longtime fan of The Civil Wars and every time I hear them it simply makes my heart happy.

As we left the town of Bonnaroo, we left with the sounds of some of our favorite artists in our heads, the joy of spending the day with friends in our hearts, the images of some very interesting ensembles in our sights, and the feeling of a layer of dust wrapped around our skin; the perfect ending to a perfect Bonnaroo experience.

Thank you so much to Dell and to BuzzMG for allowing me the opportunity to work at the Nashville/Bonnaroo BuzzSpotter. I am so appreciative of the amazing gift of the XPS and of the time I got to spend in the Dell Sound Invasion Lounge at Bonnaroo. I have made some amazing new friends and I cannot explain how grateful I am.

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The Trench Coat

It’s that time of year again… the leaves are falling, the cool nights are sneaking in and the need for extra blankets on your bed and extra layers added to your ensemble are a must. It is a common problem during this transitional season that you are either too hot or too cold in your perfect fall get-up, so what’s the answer? The trench coat. Classic, warm, sophisticated.

Thomas Burberry, the inventor of gabardine fabric, is said to be one of the original developers of the trench coat. Burberry submitted his designs to British soldiers to cover them during World War I in times of inclement weather, and now we have adapted this famous silhouette to a modern chic necessity.

The trench coat has made some very famous appearances, worn by a few of our favorite ladies.

Jackie Onasis is seen here with a very stunning look, strutting the popped collar and big sunglasses.

We are all familiar with this famous image of Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly swathed in her trench coat in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. What could possibly be more romantic than running through the rain, desperately searching for “Cat” all the while being chased by the very handsome “Fred, darling”?

So what is the best way to adopt this more-than-perfect style to your wardrobe?

The Guide to the perfect trench:

1. Length – The classic length is either just above or below the knees (have to find what fits your body best, if you are on the shorter side opt for slightly above the knee and vice versa). If you are wearing a trench with a skirt or a dress, be sure to cover the hem in order to keep the sleek line. A second option is the cropped jacket. This adjustment to the standard trench is perfect with jeans and boots or something a bit more casual.

(Example of a cropped trench)

2. Color – To be versatile and everlasting, opt for a khaki or black trench. Invest in a jacket that will last you forever, and this means choose the color that suits you best. If you are looking for a more modern look go for a navy or any color that matches the color palette dictated by your own wardrobe.

3. Style- There are so many different cuts of the trench nowadays, so be sure to choose the right fit for you. For example, don’t choose a ruffled bottom coat if your lower half is your area of insecurity. Seek out a slim cut that just falls away from the body slightly. This will ensure that you maintain a very polished, sophisticated presence.

(Example of a ruffled bottom)

4. Fabric- The true trench is made of a cotton blend, gabardine, or can be 100% cotton or polyester blend. You can also find the same trench coat style in a wool or heavier fabric which makes for a warmer option. Examine your closet to see what it is that you need and choose from there.

5. Fit – The greatest thing about the trench is that it is the perfect option for any attire you choose. It’s lightweight enough to be used fall, winter and into the spring. As you seek out your trench coat look at the fabric and the lining – is the lining removable? Can you make it heavier and lighter in weight? Make sure the fit isn’t too bulky that it eats you up and you are unable to show your shape. A great trench should highlight your waist with a cinched belt and sit close enough to your body that your shoulders and hips can be highlighted and not overwhelmed.

(Full trench cinched at the waist – Emma Watson for burberry)

There are very little pieces of clothing more necessary than a trench coat. Throw a trench over a dress for night or jeans and a button down for running errands – no matter the ocasion you will always be stylish.

Some of my favorite trench coats include:

J. Crew Icon Trench $298

 

Catherine Fulmer (more colors)

 

And the classic, Burberry $1,595

Here is one last image of my greatest inspiration, Audrey Hepburn, in her trench coat. This image is timeless and absolutely beautiful. Happy trench coat hunting, let me know what treasures you find.