In the Know: Fashion’s Night Out

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Fashion’s Night Out, the kick-off event for New York Fashion Week, is a global initiative sponsored by Vogue and the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America).

In 2009, Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour and Diane von Furstenburg, president of the CFDA came up with the idea for Fashion’s Night Out as a way to lure recession-weary consumers back into stores. During FNO, consumers are baited with limited-edition product, sales, celebrity appearances and performances.

Many of the stores involved will not only be hosting parties in lieu of celebrating fashion, but will also be supporting philanthropies. Retailers have partnered with certain charities and will be giving them a portion of the proceeds from that night’s sales.

The New York-based event has grown worldwide, with up to 5,000 events in the U.S. alone and 18 participating countries. The official hours are 6-9 p.m. on Sept. 6.

Fashion’s Night Out is a day to celebrate fashion and shopping… So get out there!

Summer Must-Have: Crochet

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Crochet is one of this summer’s hottest trends. Available in an array of eye-catching tops, dresses, bottoms, swimwear and accessories, the look reflects laid-back summer months and bohemian style.

No longer personified by sweaters knitted by grandmothers, the art of crochet has evolved to the runways. Used by many top designers, the fashion reflects a 1970’s revival with a modern aesthetic. One cannot discuss crochet and knitwear without mentioning Missoni (pants shown above). Missoni has elevated knitwear to an artform. One of the first to graduate from the heirloom to the use of technology, Missoni designs are not only universally recognizable but perennial.

To keep your crochet look fresh, find pieces that can be layered with modern favorites. Try pairing an adorable crochet mini dress with some ankle boots. Or add a distressed tee or tank to a pair of crochet shorts, skirt or pants. Or add a little edge by replacing the plain tee with a vintage rock band tee.

Crochet pieces can be extremely versatile. A loose-fitting crochet top or tunic can be layered over a camisole, bikini top, body-con dress or maxi. Instantly providing weeks of wear.

During the warm summer months we often seek-out effortless fashion. Become a crochet-convert with a few of my favorite pieces:

Free People ~ New Romantics Crochet Variety Dress: $69.95 (sale)

Nightcap Clothing ~ Tribal Fringe Tunic: $275.00

Missoni ~ Phyliss Crochet-Knit Wide-Leg Pants: $516.00 (sale)

Free People ~ Crochet Monokini: $168.00

Urban Outfitters ~ Tallow Crochet Tote Bag: $49.00

Girl. By Band of Outsiders ~ Cleo Crochet-Knit Shorts: $469.00 (sale)

Pucker Up! H&M Fashion Against Aids 2012

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H&M Fashion Against Aids (FAA) collection launches today in 300 stores and online. This is the company’s fifth collection raising funds and creating youth awareness about HIV and AIDS.

Just like all of H&M’s collaborated collections, the store went for on-trend bold prints in both clothing and accessories. H&M commissioned prints from artists and illustrators all over the world – Inuit designs from Greenland, tribal prints from Africa, and Maori graphics from New Zealand – and worked them into 50 pieces, ranging from leggings and dresses to jewelry and ponchos.

Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from all sales will benefit youth AIDS/HIV programs, including the United Nations Population Fund, YouthAIDS, and the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

Kiss For A Cause: For every kiss uploaded, H&M will donate $1.00 to HIV/AIDS prevention. Pucker Up!

Upload kisses here: http://campaign.hm.com/faa2012/

NYE Outfit Inspiration #3: Party Shorts

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NYE Inspirations end with Party Shorts. There are so many fun shorts available, leather/sequin/bright colors. Find a pair that works for you and make them the spotlight of the outfit. In this pairing the focal point are these adorable fringe houndstooth shorts. All items coupled with the shorts are simple and structured.

Wishing everyone a fun, exciting and safe New Years! See you in 2012!

Ashling

Alexander Wang ~ Tissue Skinnyracerback Tank: $59.00

Topshop ~ Crop Back Collarless Blazer: $130.00

Topshop ~ Fringed Boucle Shorts: $75.00

Neiman Marcus ~ Jimmy Choo Abel Point-Toe Patent Pump: $495.00

Forever 21 ~ Metallic Pearl Necklace (stores only): $9.80